Chapter 44
Chapter 44
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Beggars' Sect Network
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Beggars' Sect.
A group representing one of the Nine Great Sects.
In the case of the great sects, it was rare for their lineup to change even if a particular sect's house declined.
Like how the Qingcheng Sect, which had its experts massacred by Demonic Cultists long ago, yielded its seat to the Hwasan Sect.
But the Beggars' Sect was an exception.
Even if some sects failed to maintain their seats among the Nine Great Sects, the Beggars' Sect never lost its firm position. There were reasons for that.
First, unlike the Wudang Sect concentrated in a single main branch, the organization was meticulously spread across branches throughout the murim world.
And second, while the Beggars' Sect inherently carried the attributes of a sect, it had one key differentiator from the others. It was an organization that handled information.
There is no place in the world without beggars. Thus, the information gathered by Beggars' Sect disciples nationwide was vast enough to overlook the entire land as if peering into one's palm.
An intelligence capability unmatched by any other sect. The Beggars' Sect solidified its position based on that.
Even if other sects ignored a faction's troubles due to conflicting interests, the entire murim would unite to help the Beggars' Sect. That was why.
How do I know so much about the Beggars' Sect?
I almost joined as a novice beggar once.
‘Back then, I just wanted to cling to anything.’
Beggars are sensitive about territory.
To an outsider, it might seem like they wandered aimlessly begging, but they had their own system.
They never encroached on another beggar's turf.
That was the top priority. They divided areas as precisely as if measured with a ruler, treating begging in their zone as a challenge.
So, it was only a matter of time before I clashed with the Beggars' Sect disciples. Like bandits with their tolls, they were dead serious about begging.
They gave their all to evoke pity.
That was the beggar's way.
In truth, beggars didn't fare badly. If they wanted, they could wear fine clothes and sleep on soft beds anytime. But that wasn't the beggar's code.
The income from begging was a byproduct. A nice bonus, at least.
Their essence was feigning vulnerability.
Even the most suspicious person lets their guard down against someone they underestimate.
Not every Beggars' Sect disciple wanted to wear tattered sacks, go days without washing.
They did it for that reason.
“Where'd a punk like you roll in from?”
So, naturally, I rubbed them the wrong way.
It was bewildering from my perspective.
I hadn't even begged properly.
Women just brought me food when I sat there blankly. No need to extend a hand.
And that was the decisive reason for the trouble. Frankly, it was obnoxious.
They're begging like their hands are on fire, while next to them, I'm getting fed without lifting a finger.
“A punk like you already begging women?”
“I never begged like you lot.”
“Watch your tongue!”
“If it bugs you, come at me.”
Back then, I had no intention of dodging the incoming scuffle.
“Insolent brat!”
And I got thoroughly thrashed.
Even as an uninitiated fledgling beggar, he'd picked up moves from peeking over shoulders.
No way I could match that.
“From today, you're my underling!”
Luckily, it was just kids' squabbling in the end.
Kids make up after a fight. Though it required some smooth reconciliation.
“Why the hell do women bring you food?”
“This.”
“Just point at your face with a finger? You jinx!”
I seriously considered joining the Beggars' Sect after hearing I'd learn martial arts.
‘But this won't work.’
It was a matter of taste.
Beggars' Sect folk were rough around the edges but good-hearted. They grumbled but took care of me. So, staying with them wasn't too bad.
Except for the beggar garb.
As mentioned, beggars deliberately adopted wretched appearances to lower vigilance.
But I couldn't endure it.
No matter how I tried to adapt, my modern hygiene standards made the grime unbearable.
I rediscovered that not bathing for three days brings itching all over, something I hadn't felt since the army.
“No helping it. Though we part, we're brothers. May we meet again with smiles.”
“Yeah. I'll make it big. I'll treat you to so much food you won't need to beg.”
“What use is a beggar who stops begging!”
So we parted with smiles. Promising a reunion someday. That was years ago. Recalling how I ended up crashing at the Wudang Sect afterward brought a laugh.
Park Il-do.
Wonder how many knots he's tied now.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ “You're thinking of commissioning the Beggars' Sect?”
“Yeah. My master loves wandering. Honestly, only they could track her down.”
“But don't they forbid private commissions?”
“There's always a way.”
I headed to the market with Yeonhui. I told her she didn't need to come just for this, but she naturally hooked her arm in mine.
“The Beggars' Sect can be a bit rough. You okay?”
“Really? They all seemed nice.”
Ah, right.
My Yeonhui was Namgoong Hwan's youngest daughter.
‘The spot with the most knots... Ah, there.’
More knots mean prime spots.
So we went to the market center. Amid the dense crowd, we approached a Beggars' Sect disciple lounging, idly cleaning his ear.
“Greetings, senior.”
“Hm? And who might you be, addressing me?”
The man, around forty, eyed me warily. No wonder, suddenly honoring a beggar.
“I'm Yi Se-woong.”
“Yi Se-woong? The one who joined the White Lotus Squad recently?”
“Knots don't lie. You even recognize an unknown junior like me.”
“With that pretty-boy face, it figures. Bringing the Alliance Leader's precious daughter and expecting me not to notice?”
The Beggars' Sect disciple chuckled heartily. As he shifted, two knots on his waist sash swayed.
“So, what brings you to this market filth?”
“I seek the Beggars' Sect's aid.”
“Newbie, don't you know? Send commissions through the Alliance.”
“It's a personal favor.”
“Hm?”
The man's bright smile turned to a frown.
“Don't say that lightly elsewhere. We don't take private jobs.”
“I know.”
“Then?”
“Pickled in grime, but the heart stays green.”
“Hm?”
A code phrase among Beggars' Sect disciples.
Hearing it, the man rummaged in his bosom and pulled out a ledger. He flipped through the worn book for a while, then spoke as if confirming.
“Yi Se-woong. You're on the roster. Repaid a senior's favor?”
“Too long a story.”
“Whatever. I just do the job for pay.”
Il-do. Made good on his boasts, huh.
Scritch, scritch.
The man struck my name from the ledger with a brush from who-knows-where.
“Nothing more rewarding than repaying a brother's debt. So, what's the commission?”
“Find someone for me.”
“People, huh. That's our specialty.”
“A woman around twenty. Blue hair, blue eyes. Doesn't favor flashy clothes, so plainly dressed...”
I described my master's features. Even sketched her. Her uncommon looks should make it easy.
“I'll send word once confirmed.”
“Thank you, senior.”
“No need. It's paid work.”
Only after his firm assurance did I turn back. Quicker than expected. Maybe play around with Yeonhui before heading in.
“Gaga?”
“Wait long? Shall we grab a bite at an inn?”
“Your master... is a woman?”
“Yeah. Didn't I mention?”
“No, never.”
I thought she'd be thrilled to go out, but Yeonhui looked grave. Frowning thoughtfully at her fine eyes, she seemed full of questions.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Who said banditry was easy?
Jang Manduk, now a seasoned toll collector.
His day began just before dawn.
‘Need a youngest to take under my wing.’
His long-held wish.
His two elders slept like logs even if the sky split, leaving him to check the road alone.
But he couldn't slack. The noble one had earnestly instructed to keep the ground even. Routine now.
‘Business smooth today too.’
Hard-earned wisdom from countless trials.
If not for the noble's advice, he'd have been slain by some hot-tempered murim man. Grateful now for meat every four days.
“Hey, is this road under your watch?”
The first customer of the day arrived on the well-kept path.
A woman in a fluttering cloak.
Even through the head veil, her stunning beauty shone. Blue hair, blue eyes. Pale skin accentuating her youthful face. Voluptuous curves that even the loose cloak couldn't hide.
‘Jackpot.’
Eye candy at dawn. Glad to be the youngest.
“Yes, that's right.”
“So smoothly paved, one might mistake it for a proper path. Fine work.”
“Glad you notice.”
A chatty customer. Could squeeze three coins. As he began his usual collection,
‘Wait!’
The noble's words flashed in his mind.
After advice, as the noble departed, one final warning.
—If someone looking freshly twenty uses archaic speech, has exceptional looks, and acts leisurely? Let them pass free. Definitely a rejuvenated elder expert.
—What's rejuvenated elder?
—It happens. Don't tangle unless you want a nameless death.
The noble's words never failed.
Vivid blue hair impossible from dye, blue eyes. Speech not Western. Must be inner power altering appearance—an elder expert.
“How much?”
“N-No money needed!”
“Pardon?”
“Today's free passage day. Go on through!”
“Ho.”
Manduk's hasty excuse. But the woman ignored it, pulling a silver from her pouch.
“I said no need!”
“Can't leave without paying. Consider it thanks for your labor.”
“It's fine!”
“If you insist, point the way? Heading to An Hui Province, but lost.”
“Straight that way to a village. Ask there!”
“Thanks. This is gratitude.”
Ting!
The woman flicked the silver; Manduk leaped to catch it.
“Can't take such a large sum!”
“It's plenty. Thanks to you, I can meet my disciple sooner.”
Leaving the flustered Manduk, the woman hurried off.