Instinct and Theory
Martial artists usually thought of the Beggars' Sect as a group fueled by righteous blood and an unparalleled information network.
By becoming beggars, they cast aside all worldly desires and dedicated their lives to justice. Scattered across the land, they gathered vast amounts of information and used it solely for righteous causes without hesitation.
Yu Jeong-pung, the Righteous Dragon, was one of the sect's hundreds of thousands of members, predestined to be the next sect leader—a supreme status. Yet the current situation baffled him completely.
"Why won't you take it? Is it too little?"
"……."
"Ah, should I give it in goods instead? Come on over. Let's grab a meal together. Huh? Don't go! Don't be shy, come on."
Caught off guard, Yu Jeong-pung found himself led into the inn by Jeong Gwang.
The onlookers could only stare in stunned silence.
Once inside, Jeong Gwang sat at a table and called for the waiter.
"Hey, bring out something this gentleman would like. He's a beggar, so make it plenty."
"……Yes, understood."
The Lianhua Inn was a high-class establishment where such a request would normally be unthinkable.
But this was an order from the divine Jeong Gwang.
With Yu Jeong-pung's imposing presence adding weight, the waiter withdrew without protest.
"Why so quiet?"
"……It's just that no one's ever treated me like a beggar before. I'm a bit shocked."
"How else do you treat a beggar if not like a beggar?"
"Hmm, fair point. Then should I treat you like a Taoist?"
"I'm Taoist in name only. Do whatever you want."
After a moment of silence, Yu Jeong-pung flashed his signature bold smile.
"Alright! Thanks to you, I can finally fill my belly. I eat a ton, so brace yourself."
"As much as you want."
In his previous life, Jeong Gwang had always provided his subordinates with ample food. He knew well that a full stomach bred strength, and eating was one of life's great joys.
But.
What the hell? How does a person eat this much?
True to his title as the sect's successor, he was no ordinary beggar. As if to prove his status as second-in-command among countless beggars, he devoured enormous quantities.
"Hey, chew and swallow properly."
"Gulp gulp. Don't worry. My stomach's like the Iron Robe Garment—an outer sect miracle technique."
The Jeong and Baek disciples, having finished their outer duties, sat at nearby tables. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Yu Jeong-pung, having polished off every dish on the table, looked regretful.
"Guess that's it for now. Truth is, I didn't come just to beg."
"You sure ate enough for someone who didn't."
"What can I say, kill two birds with one stone. Got a quieter spot? We can chat over drinks."
The watching Jeong disciples chuckled.
Jeong Gwang smirked too.
He was a beggar with a pleasantly brazen charm.
"Sure."
Jeong Gwang and Yu Jeong-pung moved to the rear garden, a pavilion overlooking a pond blooming with countless lotuses.
The waiter set down tea and liquor before vanishing.
Jeong Gwang downed the tea from his cup, then poured liquor into the empty one.
And drank that too.
"Spill it. What's up?"
Yu Jeong-pung's eyes widened slightly.
"What did you just do?"
"Drank some booze."
"A Taoist?"
"I said I'm Taoist in name only."
"Hahaha! Right, I forgot."
Yu Jeong-pung tilted the bottle straight into his mouth.
"Ah, gross. What's with the bad manners?"
"Just order another bottle."
"Oh, right."
Jeong Gwang ordered several bottles outright. Of course, he piled them all in front of Yu Jeong-pung.
"Kuhhh. Songha Ryeongyeol? Top-notch stuff. I had some at Elder Yang's seventieth banquet five years back."
"Not bad."
"Right? Lucky you're loaded. Hahaha."
His boisterous laughter faded as he casually probed.
"Mind granting me one favor?"
"Let's hear it first."
"Hmm, a bit cold. Fine, I'll tell you. No, need more booze first."
Yu Jeong-pung downed the rest. Jeong Gwang watched in disbelief.
"Whew. Alright, now."
His flushed face exhaled hot breath as he glared at Jeong Gwang.
"How... how can you do that?"
"Do what?"
"……How can you talk like that?"
"Oh, my speech? I've gotten chewed out plenty for being rude, but it's just how I am."
"No! That's not it!"
Yu Jeong-pung squeezed his eyes shut and shouted.
"How can you so casually toss words at a beauty like Eon Sojeo without batting an eye?!"
"Pardon?"
Yu Jeong-pung's tale was quite long.
Jeong Gwang grew more baffled as it went on.
"So, talking to women is hard for you?"
"……Yeah."
"Especially beauties—you can't even get a word out?"
"……Why kill me twice?"
Jeong Gwang tore into him mercilessly, tongue like a blade.
"You've dated, right?"
"……."
"Kissed at least?"
"……."
"Not even held hands...?"
"……."
"Wow. A virgin at your age? Harder than ascending to immortality."
"Arrrgh!"
Yu Jeong-pung clutched his head and wailed.
"I just don't get it. You beg for a living—what's there to fear?"
"Different things. Totally different. I've been a beggar since birth."
"Huh? Me too."
A bond deepened between them.
"Anyway, no dice. I'd sooner leap into a forest of blades than force my mouth open."
Jeong Gwang recalled his past life.
Even in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, full of all sorts, there were no blockheads like this.
"Eon Sojeo took an interest from when you wielded that polearm. Not because you're handsome—just your vibe. And you talked plenty, right?"
"You investigated everything."
"It's my job. Anyway, you've got some charm. My conclusion: it's tied to your speech. Teach me."
"You're barking up the wrong tree. I just talk."
"People never see themselves clearly. I've heard plenty about you. Makes me trust you more."
"From who?"
Yu Jeong-pung grinned.
"Know Paeng Gang-hwi? Sings your praises. Help me like you helped him."
"Huh? You two close?"
"Damn right!"
"Just live like that."
"Chivalry's hit the dirt! Brother! Save this big bro!"
"You've survived fine so far."
Yu Jeong-pung's face turned serious.
"Until recently, I didn't care. No interest in women. But now... I've fallen for someone."
"Eon Sojeo?"
"Nah, someone else."
His face grew dreamy.
"Ahh, just thinking of her makes me happy. Save me, yeah?"
Jeong Gwang eyed him steadily.
Bold, righteous-looking... but what to use him for?
This type never betrayed once bonded. Worth keeping around—no harm, at least.
Use? He's just a beggar... Ah!
A Beggars' Sect beggar had uses.
"I'll teach you what I know, but you help me too."
"For real? Deal! But nothing against righteousness."
"I'm righteous too. You seem drunk—want me to teach you to sober up?"
Yu Jeong-pung replied boldly.
"Nah. Wasted good booze if I purge it now. Spill it—what do I do?"
Yu Jeong-pung sobered up instantly.
"……You want me to do that?"
"Yeah. Not against righteousness."
"……True, but it doesn't fit either."
"Not bad, anyway. Hate it? Fine."
Jeong Gwang was right. And Yu Jeong-pung had no other path.
"Deal! But you keep your promise too."
"Obviously."
Jeong Gwang summoned the elderly waiter from his arrival.
"Sorry for the delay. Any inconvenience...? Gasp!"
He trembled at the gold ingot Jeong Gwang handed him.
"Gather Nanyang's top brokers. Now."
Yu Jeong-pung named a few.
"Y-yes! Right away!"
The brokers assembled.
Jeong Gwang pulled out more gold ingots.
"I want undervalued scrap land in Nanyang. Make the deals."
Yu Jeong-pung listed locations.
Jeong Gwang menaced the stunned brokers.
"You know what happens if prices are outrageous?"
The ingots in his hand glowed red-hot, melted, and he molded them into one lump.
"Eh, no biggie. I'll recoup multiples later."
"……!"
Carrot after stick.
"What'll I do with scrap land? As the Alliance grows and trade booms, sell or buy more to merge. I'll hire you all again—think it over."
He pressed ingots into their hands.
They bowed deeply.
"Just leave it to us, my lord!"
The brokers vanished.
Yu Jeong-pung sighed and rose.
"I'll head out."
"Good luck."
Jeong Gwang wasn't naive enough to trust brokers blindly. Hence Yu Jeong-pung's verification.
Expert on Henan and Nanyang intel, he could handle it leading his beggars.
But it didn't end there. Jeong Gwang called Baek Seung-mu, gave locations, and tasked him with scouting prices.
"……Urk. I'm in too much pain to walk."
"Your seniors treated you."
"That's why I barely made it here."
Jeong Gwang jabbed pressure points and slathered golden sore medicine.
"Better now?"
Not really, but improved.
"……When do I get the Lesser Pure Qi Art training method...?"
"Oh, haven't taught it yet? Right after this."
Pain couldn't beat martial desire.
Things progressed smoothly.
Brokers secured fair deals swiftly; Yu Jeong-pung confirmed; Baek Seung-mu reported no issues. Jeong Gwang issued receipts.
In half a day, he'd acquired vast land—from the inn's comfort.
"Brother, your turn."
"First, intros. Junior brother, say hi. This is Yu Jeong-pung, Beggars' Sect successor."
A hasty greeting exchanged.
"How to explain...? Ah, martial arts. Some masters act on instinct; others systematize theory."
Yu Jeong-pung and Baek Seung-mu nodded.
"If I'm the guy women naturally like, junior brother's the guy who knows how to get liked. Right, junior brother?"
"M-me?"
"Yep. With Eon Sojeo—calluses, remember."
Jeong Gwang relayed Baek Seung-mu's post-Eon words to Yu Jeong-pung.
The skeptical listener let out a low gasp.
"Ah! Compliment face, then hands! Beautiful, yet sacrificed for martial arts—a true warrior! Yes, that's proper praise. Baek Seung-mu, right? Impressive."
"Haha, flattered."
"Nah. How many women you met? Can't count, huh?"
Baek Seung-mu nearly grimaced but met Jeong Gwang's gaze.
Junior brother, can't count is true. Own it.
……Fair.
Baek Seung-mu forced a stiff smile.
"Hahaha. Of course."
Yu Jeong-pung wasn't dumb.
No, sharp enough for sect successor.
Suspicious. Very. Better probe.
He clapped Baek Seung-mu's shoulder amiably.
"Not doubting—just relax. Who else to trust if not you? Haha. Oh, one thing: what's my biggest flaw?"
Baek Seung-mu let go.
Screw it. Whatever.
Mind clear, he stared straight.
"You're a beggar—that's your biggest problem."
A beggar, his beggarhood the issue?
As Yu Jeong-pung gaped to retort, Un Hak arrived with Un-ja and Heo-ja brothers.
"Jeong Gwang, you rascal. What have you done now?"
Busted on the land buys?
No way.
Un Hak, just back from the Alliance, couldn't know.
I can guess.
Sensing crowds gathering earlier.
Unlike pale Baek Seung-mu, Jeong Gwang asked calmly.
"Guests arrived?"
Un Hak sighed, pointing beyond the wall.
"Go see for yourself. How many lined up to spar with you."