Chapter 369
Chapter 369
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 369
Chapter Title: Converging Schemes
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Beggars' Sect Headquarters, Beggar's Grotto,
It was the office where Vice-Chief Hae Pung handled various matters.
Sitting at his desk with his hands clasped, Hae Pung frowned.
He had been tracking and siphoning off the artificial inner cores that No Bong was creating. But there were still limits to generating overwhelming military power.
“I wonder what power Sect Chief No is collaborating with.”
He had known for a long time that No Bong was not actually bedridden.
That was why he had obtained the Green Jade Brazier to oust No Bong and take the position of Sect Chief for himself.
But after Gu Hong-cheong was killed by Bu Eun-seol, he could no longer become the Beggars' Sect Chief.
After all, he had become someone who collaborated with the demonic fiend who had killed the Grand Elder.
*If I can't do it, why not have my disciple do it?*
After much deliberation, he planned to elevate So-hwa, the most outstanding of his disciples, to the position of Sect Chief.
That way, it would be as good as him becoming the Sect Chief himself.
But another problem arose.
To use the Green Jade Brazier to depose No Bong from the Sect Chief position, a unanimous vote from the elders was required.
However, Jang Bong-gae and Mak Gwaeng, elders of the Eight Routes, began to raise objections.
*“We agree to using the Green Jade Brazier to remove the Sect Chief. But Hae Pung, for your disciple to lead the sect is absurd.”*
Having seen through Hae Pung's scheme, Mak Gwaeng had already gathered the elders who followed him.
If that happened, even if So-hwa became the Sect Chief, the Beggars' Sect's power would be fractured.
Hae Pung had no choice but to propose a fair competition.
*“Should we shed the blood of our own members? Instead, let's compare our factions, and the one with the superior strength will take the Sect Chief's seat.”*
Mak Gwaeng also accepted Hae Pung's proposal.
If they were to truly fight for power, they would have to see the blood of their own members.
And so, Hae Pung and Mak Gwaeng promised that whoever had the larger faction by the next elders' meeting would ascend to the position of Sect Chief.
“This isn't enough.”
The elders' meeting was just around the corner.
But Mak Gwaeng's faction was actually larger. To turn the tables, he needed a powerful armed contingent.
“I must become the Sect Chief this time.”
Hae Pung had already been branded with the disgrace of having killed the Grand Elder just to become the Sect Chief.
So if he failed to secure the position now? There would be no place left for him in the Beggars' Sect.
*Ssk.*
Just then, a black shadow slipped into the office.
When Hae Pung sensed the presence and turned his head, he saw the face of a man as handsome as a celestial god.
But to Hae Pung's eyes, he looked like a demon that had risen from hell.
For it was Bu Eun-seol, the demonic fiend who had cast him into the abyss.
“How dare you come here!”
Hae Pung raised his internal energy, about to strike.
*Kuuung.*
But a powerful true energy flowed from Bu Eun-seol's body and began to crush him.
Hae Pung's face grew pale, unable to even breathe. It was a level of internal energy so immense that he couldn't even think of resisting.
“Don't get excited. I came to help.”
“D-Don't be ridiculous.”
“At this rate, you'll lose the Sect Chief position to Jang Bong-gae.”
Hae Pung gritted his teeth.
“What does that have to do with you?”
“From my perspective, it's better for you to become the Sect Chief than someone like Jang Bong-gae.”
“...”
“Of course, No Bong will have to die.”
*Woooong.*
Bu Eun-seol instantly withdrew his true energy. The killing intent in Hae Pung's eyes had vanished as he listened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“You should know full well.”
Bu Eun-seol said leisurely.
“That No Bong has created and stationed a separate organization to hold on to his position. And that it's maintained by the power of inner cores that exhibit a bizarre strength.”
Hae Pung gritted his teeth.
How did this devilish bastard find that out?
“If this fact becomes known... the Beggars' Sect will become a public enemy of the martial world and be annihilated, or at best, be forced to close its doors.”
Hae Pung's heart trembled.
He had dedicated everything to becoming the Sect Chief. But with one move from Bu Eun-seol, all of it could turn to dust.
“So. What are you proposing?”
Hae Pung asked, steadying his breath, and Bu Eun-seol replied.
“I need the inner cores that Sect Chief No Bong possesses.”
“What?”
“Being the heir to the Demonic Hall isn't easy. But with those inner cores, couldn't I also create a similar force?”
Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes.
“But if the Beggars' Sect is annihilated, won't the Martial Alliance just destroy those inner cores?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I will take the inner cores.”
Bu Eun-seol said flatly.
“You become the Beggars' Sect Chief. I will only retrieve the inner cores No Bong has.”
Hae Pung furrowed his brow.
“What does you retrieving the inner cores have to do with me becoming the Sect Chief?”
“I'll take care of the Sect Chief for you.”
Bu Eun-seol said decisively.
“I have no use for the Beggars' Sect's stinking armed contingent, so you can have it. Then, won't you have more than enough to win the power struggle against Jang Bong-gae?”
“Why on earth are you telling me this?”
“Frankly, I don't care who becomes the chief of a place like the Beggars' Sect.”
Bu Eun-seol wore an indifferent expression.
“But to properly solidify my position as heir, I need a personal force that won't be subject to the interference of the Ten Demonic Sects' masters.”
Hae Pung, seeming to finally grasp Bu Eun-seol's true intentions, gave a faint nod.
He was well aware, through various intelligence organizations, that Bu Eun-seol was having friction with the Ten Demonic Sects.
“Are you telling me to absorb Sect Chief No Bong's forces?”
“Correct. If you do, then even if someone opposes you, you will be able to become the Beggars' Sect Chief.”
For a moment, Hae Pung was swayed.
Bu Eun-seol's plan had only benefits for him. It was an extraordinary offer with no downside.
‘But.’
What if this fact were to be revealed to the outside world again?
He could become a traitor who collaborated with a demonic scion for the sake of the Sect Chief position.
“Am I to become a traitor who joins hands with the demonic path once again?”
“That is not my concern.”
Bu Eun-seol said coldly.
“Are you in, or are you out?”
“I refuse.”
In truth, Hae Pung had no intention of refusing Bu Eun-seol's offer.
He was just playing hard to get, thinking a refusal would allow him to negotiate better terms.
But an unexpected reaction came.
“Then I suppose I'll have to go to Jang Bong-gae.”
“What?”
“He's a man who pursues practical benefits, so he would never refuse my offer.”
“But he doesn't know about the inner cores.”
“What does it matter?”
Bu Eun-seol smiled and turned away.
“It doesn't concern me what happens to the Beggars' Sect anyway.”
Hae Pung clenched his fists.
There was no more room for negotiation.
‘I have no choice.’
Bu Eun-seol might walk the demonic path, but he was a man who kept his promises.
Weren't they the ones who failed to end things cleanly and spread rumors about him being the 'Fortune King' or whatnot?
“Fine.”
He had already resolved to do whatever it took to become the Beggars' Sect Chief.
He was that desperate, desperate enough not to hesitate selling his soul to that demon.
“Are you really just going to kill the Sect Chief and take the inner cores?”
At that, Bu Eun-seol, who had been walking away, turned back.
“Of course.”
“What do you want from me?”
“If I kill the Sect Chief, all the sect members at Cheonhwa Mountain Villa will pursue me. If that happens, my identity might be exposed.”
Bu Eun-seol said forcefully.
“At the time I kill the Sect Chief, cast an inescapable net around Cheonhwa Mountain Villa. And while pretending to chase me, block the forces at the villa from being able to pursue me.”
“It's because you can't bring the Demonic Hall's forces into Kaifeng.”
“Correct.”
“Hmm.”
Hae Pung nodded.
Bu Eun-seol's plan was simple and clean. Most importantly, there was no harm to him.
‘That bastard seems to think I'll keep my promise to the letter.’
A smile crept onto Hae Pung's lips.
In fact, one of the things he regretted most in his life was having honestly fulfilled his promise to Bu Eun-seol.
If he had struck and killed him with King Geol after receiving the Green Jade Brazier? Or if he had killed him with the forces he brought?
He would already be the Sect Chief, commanding the world.
“Fine.”
Hae Pung deliberately made a humiliated expression and bit his lip.
“But you must keep your promise.”
“Of course.”
“When?”
Bu Eun-seol said nonchalantly.
“The sooner, the better.”
“Then in four days.”
Hae Pung said in a low voice.
“Come around noon in four days. I will completely block any forces from coming or going from Cheonhwa Mountain Villa at that time.”
The elders' meeting was in half a month.
Hae Pung intended to finish with No Bong before then and ascend to the Sect Chief's position.
“Good. On that day, I will kill No Bong and seize the inner cores.”
Bu Eun-seol said in a low voice.
“However, you'll need to bring as many forces as possible. The troops stationed at Cheonhwa Mountain Villa are equivalent to more than half the Beggars' Sect's total strength.”
“Don't worry. I'll take care of it.”
But before he could finish speaking, Bu Eun-seol had already vanished.
“Hehehe.”
Hae Pung broke into an exceptionally bright smile.
“It's all over now.”
Not only could he now achieve his lifelong ambition,
but he also had the chance to completely eliminate the demonic scion who had humiliated him.
***
Mak Gwaeng couldn't understand.
Namgung Un, a direct blood relative of the Namgung Family, had suddenly appeared in his office.
And his subsequent words were even more absurd.
To suddenly claim he would negotiate with Sect Chief No Bong and put him in the Sect Chief's seat?
“Sect Chief No is staying at Cheonhwa Mountain Villa. Under the false pretense of being bedridden.”
At Namgung Un's words, Mak Gwaeng showed a hint of surprise.
‘How did the Namgung Family find out about our sect's internal affairs?’
“Ahem.”
Mak Gwaeng said after clearing his throat.
“It doesn't seem right for the Namgung Family to interfere in our sect's business.”
“This isn't interference. In fact, it's a matter the Martial Alliance should be involved in.”
“What do you mean?”
Namgung Un took a letter from his robes and handed it to Mak Gwaeng.
“What is this?”
“It's proof that Sect Chief No Bong joined hands with an external power to create strange inner cores and throw the martial world into chaos.”
Mak Gwaeng read the letter with a bewildered expression.
“This is...”
His fingertips were trembling.
If this was true, the Beggars' Sect would have to close its doors today.
“If you have doubts, verify its authenticity. No, it would be best if you absolutely verify it.”
Namgung Un sighed and said.
“Because Vice-Chief Hae is also involved in this.”
“Hae Pung, you say? That can't be.”
Mak Gwaeng shook his head.
“He's trying to overthrow Sect Chief No Bong to become the chief himself. How could he be colluding with Sect Chief No to do such a thing?”
“It's not that he's colluding with Sect Chief No. It's that even after uncovering the truth about him, he's using cheap tricks to absorb the inner cores and forces for himself.”
For a moment, Mak Gwaeng gritted his teeth.
First, he conspired with a figure from the demonic path to kill the Grand Elder, King Geol.
And now he's trying to absorb the forces raised by No Bong in collaboration with an external power, to swallow the Beggars' Sect whole?
“As a member of the Namgung Family, I too have long admired the Beggars' Sect for its generations of devotion to justice.”
Namgung Un said in a regretful tone.
“But we can't let the honor of the Beggars' Sect be destroyed by something born from Sect Chief No Bong's aged greed, can we?”
“What is it you want?”
“My family will resolve this matter.”
Namgung Un said in a suggestive tone.
“Elder Mak, you just need to open the way to Cheonhwa Mountain Villa. So that Sect Chief No Bong doesn't resort to force.”
“Umm.”
“I'm just asking you to let us get inside.”
Namgung Un said with a serious expression.
“If you just station your troops to allow my family's masters to enter, we will handle the rest. And of course, it goes without saying that you, Elder Mak, will become the Sect Chief.”
“How could I become the Sect Chief?”
“You tearfully joined forces with my family to crush Sect Chief No Bong's ambitions beforehand. And didn't you save the Beggars' Sect from the crisis of being forced to close its doors?”
Namgung Un added one more thing.
“Since you also exposed the wicked Vice-Chief's plot, it is only natural that you, Elder Mak, will become the next Sect Chief.”
“Umm.”
Mak Gwaeng swallowed a groan once more.
If anyone else had told him such a story, he would have thought it preposterous.
But the Namgung Family was the head of the Eight Great Families, wielding influence comparable to the Nine Sects and One Union.
Moreover, they were offering to make him the Sect Chief just for opening the way to Cheonhwa Villa so they could meet No Bong. He had no reason to refuse.
“Very well.”
Mak Gwaeng nodded.
“I will trust the honor of the Namgung Family and help you.”
And he sought confirmation once more.
“In return, I expect you to keep your promise without fail.”
Namgung Un smiled brightly and clasped his hands.
“Of course.”
***
Hae Pung deployed all the disciples he could mobilize at the base of Cheonhwa Mountain, where Cheonhwa Mountain Villa was located.
No Bong might notice that he had moved his forces.
But it didn't matter.
A fight wouldn't break out just from being surrounded. No Bong knew this well, so he would just quietly observe the reaction.
“But I don't understand.”
Hae Pung looked up at Cheonhwa Mountain with a baffled expression.
“Cheonhwa Mountain Villa has a formidable force stationed there. How does he plan to break through them and capture No Bong, who's holed up like a serpent?”
*Jeobeok, jeobeok.*
A strange thing happened.
From a distance, a beggar whose face was covered in a scraggly beard was walking this way.
“Elder Mak?”
Hae Pung couldn't believe his eyes.
The beggar who came up to Cheonhwa Mountain Villa was none other than Mak Gwaeng.
“What brings you here?”
At Hae Pung's words, Mak Gwaeng's eyes sharpened.
“I've come to see Sect Chief No.”
Hae Pung knew of Sect Chief No Bong's conspiracy but was pretending not to, instead trying to use it to expand his own power.
Knowing all this, Mak Gwaeng was looking at Hae Pung with eyes full of hatred.
“Sect Chief No?”
“That's right.”
In truth, the ones who were supposed to see Sect Chief No Bong were those who had made a firm promise with him.
The blood relative of the Namgung Family, Namgung Un, and his forces, who would be arriving soon.
But Mak Gwaeng was lying with a straight face.
“I have something urgent to discuss with him.”
“That's strange.”
Sensing something was off, Hae Pung's eyes glinted sharply.
“You've suddenly come to see the Sect Chief?”
Mak Gwaeng said flatly.
“Sect Chief No has neglected the sect's affairs for a long time under the excuse of being ill, hasn't he? Today, I will see him and consult with him directly on such matters.”
“Hmm.”
As Hae Pung grunted, Mak Gwaeng also glanced over Hae Pung's forces stationed in the wide, open area and spoke.
“Vice-Chief, what brings you here with so many disciples?”
‘Bu Eun-seol. How can I say I'm coordinating with him?’
Hae Pung also cleared his throat and made an excuse.
“Sect Chief No's activities have been exposed to the outside.”
“What?”
“His activities were uncovered by a demonic path intelligence organization. I heard the report and came to protect Cheonhwa Mountain Villa.”
Mak Gwaeng couldn't hide his dumbfounded expression.
“Vice-Chief. Are you telling me to believe such a ridiculous story?”
“It doesn't matter whether you believe it or not.”
Hae Pung averted his gaze from Mak Gwaeng.
His promise with Bu Eun-seol was to surround Cheonhwa Mountain Villa until sunset to prevent No Bong from coordinating with outside forces.
If he kept that promise, he could absorb all of No Bong's forces and take the Sect Chief's seat.
“I see. Good work, then.”
As Mak Gwaeng nodded and tried to go inside, Hae Pung shook his head.
“I told you, you can't enter.”
Mak Gwaeng looked dumbfounded.
“Didn't you say you were blocking outside forces? Are you saying I am an outside force?”
“I cannot rule out the possibility that you might coordinate with outside forces. I ask for your understanding.”
“Hahaha.”
Mak Gwaeng laughed as if it were absurd.
“Isn't coordinating with outside forces the Vice-Chief's specialty?”
He continued, a sneer on his face.
“Didn't you set the stage for the Grand Elder to be killed by that figure from the demonic path?”
That incident was a fatal mistake that Hae Pung regretted now and would regret for the rest of his life.
As Mak Gwaeng latched onto it and mocked him, killing intent swirled in Hae Pung's eyes.
“Watch your mouth, Elder Mak.”
Hae Pung said with an incredibly solemn expression.
“Do you think you can maintain your position as an elder for your entire life?”
“Hahaha. You can say that after you've become the Sect Chief.”
Mak Gwaeng said with a smirk.
“Not that it will ever happen.”
Hae Pung said with a grave expression.
“So you're determined to enter?”
“It seems rather strange to stop an elder from meeting the Sect Chief.”
Left speechless, Hae Pung clenched his fist.
If Mak Gwaeng entered, it would mean breaking his promise with Bu Eun-seol. And then Bu Eun-seol wouldn't keep his promise either.
“Elder Mak.”
A pure white killing intent rose in Hae Pung's eyes.
“Do my words truly mean nothing to you?”
“That's what I'd like to ask you.”
Mak Gwaeng said, narrowing his eyes.
“What are you plotting, surrounding Cheonhwa Mountain Villa and blocking my path?”
“Didn't I explain earlier?”
“Are you telling me to believe something a three-year-old wouldn't?”
“Elder Mak.”
Just as a solemn light began to emanate from Hae Pung's eyes,
*Jeobeok, jeobeok.*
Just then, on the path to Cheonhwa Mountain Villa, a figure in blue robes was staggering forward.
He was a young man with a fine build and a dignified bearing, his features kind and distinct, giving him a clear and noble impression.
But his entire body was covered in fatal stab wounds, large and small, and his blue robes were soaked in blood.
It was Namgung Un.