Chapter 369
Beggars' Sect Headquarters, Beggar Child Cave.
This was the office where Vice Sect Leader Hae-pung handled various affairs.
Sitting at the desk with his hands clasped, Hae-pung furrowed his brows.
He had been tracking and secretly diverting the artificial inner elixir that No Bong was creating. But even now, there were still limits to generating formidable combat power.
"I can't fathom which faction Sect Chief No is collaborating with."
He had known for a long time that No Bong was not truly bedridden.
That was why he had sought the Green Gourd—to drive No Bong out 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 effectively become someone who cooperated with a demonic sovereign who had slain a Supreme Elder.
If I can't take the position, why not have my disciple do it instead?
After much deliberation, he decided to elevate So-hwa, the most outstanding among his disciples, to the position of Sect Chief.
If that happened, it would be no different from him becoming Sect Chief himself.
But another problem arose.
To use the Green Gourd to oust No Bong from his position, unanimous approval from the Elders was required.
However, Jang Bong-gae and Mak Goeng—Elders of the Eight Routes—had raised objections.
"We agree to using the Green Gourd to remove the Sect Chief. But Hae-pung, the idea of your disciple leading the sect is nothing short of absurd."
Mak Goeng, having discerned Hae-pung's ulterior motives, had already rallied Elders loyal to him.
Even if So-hwa became Sect Chief, the Beggars' Sect's power would remain fractured.
Left with no choice, Hae-pung proposed a fair competition.
"Must we shed blood among fellow sect members? Instead, let us compare our respective factions, and the one with greater influence shall ascend to the position of Sect Chief."
Mak Goeng accepted Hae-pung's proposal.
After all, if they truly resorted to factional strife, blood would inevitably be spilled among their own.
And so, Hae-pung and Mak Goeng agreed that whoever amassed greater influence by the next Elders' Council would claim the position of Sect Chief.
"No. This isn't enough."
The Elders' Council was fast approaching.
Yet Mak Goeng's faction held the advantage. To overturn this, Hae-pung needed a powerful armed brigade.
"I must become Sect Chief this time."
Hae-pung had already shouldered the disgrace of being accused of killing the Supreme Elder to seize the position.
But what if even the Sect Chief's seat slipped from his grasp?
There would be no place left for him in the Beggars' Sect.
Swish.
Just then, a black shadow slipped into the office.
Sensing the presence, Hae-pung turned his head—and saw the face of a man as handsome as a celestial being.
But to Hae-pung's eyes, he looked like an evil ghost risen from hell.
Because standing before him was the demonic sovereign of the Demonic Path—Bu Eun-seol—the very man who had cast him into the abyss.
"How dare you set foot in here—!"
Hae-pung gathered his internal power, ready to strike.
Kwoong.
But an overwhelming surge of true qi erupted from Bu Eun-seol's body, pressing down on him like a mountain.
Instantly, Hae-pung's face turned deathly pale, unable to even breathe. The sheer magnitude of Bu Eun-seol's internal energy rendered resistance impossible.
"Don't be agitated. I've come to help."
"D-don't mock me."
"If things continue like this, Jang Bong-gae will take the Sect Chief's seat from you."
Hae-pung gritted his teeth.
"What does that have to do with you?"
"From my perspective, it's far better for you to become Sect Chief than someone like Jang Bong-gae."
"Of course, No Bong must die."
Whoosh.
Bu Eun-seol withdrew his true qi in an instant. The killing intent in Hae-pung's eyes had vanished as he listened.
"What are you saying?"
"You already know."
Bu Eun-seol spoke leisurely.
"You're aware that No Bong has formed a separate organization to maintain his hold on the Sect Chief's position. And that what sustains it is the power of an inner elixir that emits a bizarre energy."
Hae-pung clenched his jaw.
How the hell did this demonic fiend know about that?
"If this were to come to light... the Beggars' Sect would be branded enemies of Murim, facing annihilation—or at best, forced into permanent closure."
Hae-pung's chest trembled.
He had sacrificed everything to become Sect Chief. Yet if Bu Eun-seol played his hand, all of it would turn to nothing.
"So. What do you propose?"
Taking a deep breath, Hae-pung posed the question. Bu Eun-seol answered.
"I need the inner elixir Sect Chief No Bong possesses."
"What?"
"Being the Heir of the Demon Hall is no easy task. But with that inner elixir, even I could raise an army of comparable strength, don't you think?"
Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes slightly.
"But if the Beggars' Sect is annihilated, won't the Martial Alliance dispose of that Internal Core?"
"What are you trying to say?"
"I'll take the Internal Core."
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"You become the Sect Chief of the Beggars' Sect. I'll just retrieve the Internal Core that No Bong possesses."
Hae-pung furrowed his brow.
"What connection is there between you retrieving the Internal Core and this deputy sect master becoming Sect Chief?"
"I'll handle the Sect Chief for you."
Bu Eun-seol declared firmly.
"I can't possibly use the Beggars' Sect's stinking Armed Brigade anyway, so you may as well take them. Won't that be enough to secure victory in your power struggle against Jang Bong-gae?"
"Why the hell are you telling me all this?"
"Truthfully, it makes no difference to me who becomes the Beggars' Sect's leader."
Bu Eun-seol maintained an indifferent expression.
"But to properly solidify my position as successor, I need personal forces strong enough to resist interference from the Demonic Path Ten Gates."
Hae-pung gave a faint nod, as if finally understanding Bu Eun-seol's hidden intentions.
Through various intelligence networks, he'd long known about Bu Eun-seol's conflicts with the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
"So you want this deputy sect master to absorb Sect Chief No Bong's forces?"
"Exactly. If that happens, even if someone objects, you'll still be able to become the Beggars' Sect's leader."
For a moment, Hae-pung felt tempted.
Bu Eun-seol's plan only benefited him—it was an unprecedented offer with absolutely no downsides.
'But...'
What if this information were to leak again?
He might become known as a traitor who collaborated with a demonic spawn to seize power.
"So you want me to become a traitor who joins hands with the Demonic Path again?"
"That's not my concern."
Bu Eun-seol replied coldly.
"Will you do it or not?"
"I must refuse."
In truth, Hae-pung had no intention of rejecting Bu Eun-seol's offer.
He was only playing hard to get so he could negotiate better terms.
But an unexpected response came.
"Then I'll have to approach Jang Bong-gae instead."
"What did you say?"
"He's a pragmatic man. He would never refuse my proposal."
"He knows nothing about the Internal Core."
"What does that matter?"
Bu Eun-seol turned away with a laugh.
"After all, what happens to the Beggars' Sect is none of my concern."
Hae-pung clenched his fists tightly.
There was no more room for negotiation.
'I have no choice.'
Though Bu Eun-seol walked the demonic path, he was known to keep his promises.
Hadn't they been the ones who failed to cleanly finish him off and instead spread rumors calling him the Fortune King and whatnot?
"Fine."
He'd already resolved to do anything to become the Beggars' Sect's leader.
He would sell his soul to that demon without hesitation—such was the depth of his desperation.
"All you have to do is kill the Sect Chief and take the Internal Core?"
At this, Bu Eun-seol turned back mid-step.
"Naturally."
"What do you want from me?"
"If I kill the Sect Chief, all the warriors at Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa will come after me. That might expose my true identity."
Bu Eun-seol spoke with force.
"When I kill the Sect Chief, deploy the Heavenly Net Formation around the villa. Then pretend to pursue me while actually preventing their forces from giving chase."
"Because you can't bring Demon Hall troops into Kaifeng."
"Correct."
Hae-pung nodded.
Bu Eun-seol's plan was simple yet thorough. Most importantly, it caused him no harm.
'He must think I'll keep my promise like iron.'
A smile crept across Hae-pung's lips.
In truth, one of his lifelong regrets was having honestly fulfilled his promise to Bu Eun-seol.
If after receiving the Green Gourd, he had killed Bu Eun-seol alongside the Beggar King? Or used the troops he brought to finish him off?
He would already be reigning supreme as Sect Chief by now.
Hae-pung deliberately made a humiliated expression and bit his lip.
"In return, you must keep your promise."
"Of course."
"The timing?"
Bu Eun-seol replied flatly.
"The sooner the better."
"Then four days from now."
Hae-pung spoke in a low voice.
"Come around noon in four days. By then I'll have completely blocked all troop movements to and from Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa."
The Elders' Council convenes in fifteen days.
Hae-pung intends to settle No Bong's affairs and ascend to the Sect Chief position before then.
"Good. On that day, I'll kill No Bong and seize the Internal Core."
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
"However, you must bring as many troops as possible. The forces stationed at Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa rival more than half the combat power of the Beggars' Sect."
"Don't worry. I'll handle that myself."
But before the words even finished, Bu Eun-seol had already vanished.
"Heh heh heh."
Hae-pung grinned with unrestrained brightness.
"Now, everything is over."
Not only would he finally fulfill his lifelong ambition—
He had also gained the perfect opportunity to utterly erase that Demon Path Spawn who had humiliated him.
Mak Goeng couldn't comprehend what was happening.
Namgung Un, a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan, had suddenly appeared in his office.
And what followed was even more absurd.
Demanding an audience with Sect Chief No Bong and declaring he would put Mak Goeng on the throne?
"Sect Chief No is currently staying at Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa. The claim of his illness is a lie."
At Namgung Un's words, Mak Goeng's expression flickered with faint surprise.
'How did someone from the Namgung Clan learn about the Sect Chief's affairs?'
"Ahem."
Mak Goeng cleared his throat.
"It seems improper for the Namgung Clan to interfere in our sect's matters."
"It's not interference. In truth, this is a matter the Martial Alliance must step in for."
"What do you mean?"
Namgung Un retrieved a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Mak Goeng.
"What is this?"
"Evidence that Sect Chief No Bong has colluded with an external faction to create bizarre Internal Cores and disrupt the martial world."
Mak Goeng's face paled as he read the letter.
"This—"
His fingertips trembled.
If this were true, the Beggars' Sect would have to close its doors today.
"If you doubt its authenticity, verify it yourself. No—you must verify it."
Namgung Un sighed.
"Because Deputy Sect Chief Hae is also involved in this matter."
"Hae-pung? Him? Impossible!"
Mak Goeng shook his head.
"He's trying to overthrow Sect Chief No and take his place. How could he possibly conspire with the Sect Chief to do such a thing?"
"He didn't conspire with Sect Chief No—he uncovered the truth about him and is now playing a shallow trick to absorb both the Internal Cores and the troops for himself."
Mak Goeng gritted his teeth.
First, he conspired with a demonic figure to kill the Grand Elder, the Beggar King.
And now, he intends to swallow the entire Beggars' Sect by absorbing the troops No Bong raised through collusion with an outside force?
"As a member of the Namgung Clan, I have long admired the Beggars' Sect for upholding Chivalrous Righteousness."
Namgung Un's voice was tinged with regret.
"But can we allow the sect's honor to crumble because of Sect Chief No's greed?"
"What is it you want?"
"Our clan will resolve this matter ourselves."
Namgung Un's voice was smooth.
"All Elder Mak needs to do is open the path to Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa—just ensure Sect Chief No doesn't resort to force."
// ^ ^0, //
"We only ask that you allow us entry."
Namgung Un's expression was solemn.
"If you station your troops to allow our clan's Masters to enter, we will handle the rest. And of course, Elder Mak will naturally ascend as Sect Chief."
"How can you claim I will become Sect Chief?"
"To preemptively crush Sect Chief No's ambitions, you reluctantly joined forces with our clan. And did we not save the Beggars' Sect from the brink of destruction?"
Namgung Un added one final point.
"Having also exposed the Deputy Sect Chief's vile conspiracy, it's only right that you become the next Sect Chief."
"Hmm."
Mak Goeng swallowed hard.
Had anyone else made such claims, he would have dismissed them as nonsense.
But the Namgung Clan was the leading family of the Eight Great Clans, wielding influence on par with the Nine Great Sects and One Gang.
Moreover, if all they asked was to open the path to Heavenly Flower Villa in exchange for pushing him into the Sect Chief's seat—what reason did he have to refuse?
"Very well."
Mak Goeng nodded.
"I will trust in the Namgung Clan's honor and assist you."
But he demanded one final assurance.
"However, you must keep your promise."
Namgung Un smiled faintly and clasped his hands together.
"Of course."
Hae-pung had deployed every disciple he could muster at the foot of Heavenly Flower Mountain, where the villa stood.
No Bong might have already noticed the troop movements.
But it didn't matter.
Surrounding them alone wouldn't spark a fight. No Bong knew that well, so he would remain quiet, merely observing their reactions.
"But this makes no sense."
Hae-pung, who had been surveying Heavenly Flower Mountain, wore an expression of utter bewilderment.
"Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa is garrisoned with formidable troops. By what means does he plan to break through them and capture No Bong, who's holed up like a stubborn badger?"
Thud. Thud.
Something bizarre happened.
From afar, a beggar with a scraggly, unkempt beard covering his face was staggering toward them.
"Elder Mak...?"
Hae-pung's eyes widened in disbelief.
The beggar approaching Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa was none other than the staff-wielding beggar—Mak Goeng.
"What brings you here?"
At Hae-pung's question, Mak Goeng shot him a sharp glare.
"I've come to see Sect Chief No."
Though Hae-pung was fully aware of Sect Chief No Bong's conspiracy, he feigned ignorance—even intending to exploit it to expand his own faction.
Mak Goeng, knowing all of this, regarded Hae-pung with eyes brimming with loathing.
"Indeed."
In truth, the ones who were supposed to meet Sect Chief No were the Namgung Clan's bloodline—Namgung Un and their forces—with whom he had made a firm pact.
But Mak Goeng lied effortlessly.
"I have urgent matters to discuss with him."
"How strange."
Hae-pung's eyes flashed with suspicion.
"You suddenly decided to visit the Sect Chief now?"
Mak Goeng replied nonchalantly.
"Sect Chief No has been neglecting his duties under the pretext of illness, has he not? Today, I intend to meet him and personally advise him on these matters."
"Hmm."
As Hae-pung let out a thoughtful hum, Mak Goeng glanced at the troops stationed across the wide clearing and remarked,
"Vice Guild Master, what brings you here with so many disciples in tow?"
'Bu Eun-seol... How can I say I'm cooperating with that man?'
Hae-pung, too, cleared his throat and deflected.
"Sect Chief No's whereabouts have been exposed to outsiders."
"What did you say?"
"The Demonic Path's intelligence network uncovered his movements. Upon hearing this intelligence, I came to guard Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa."
Mak Goeng couldn't hide his incredulous expression.
"Vice Guild Master. Are you seriously asking this Elder to believe such nonsense?"
"Believe it or not, it makes no difference to me."
Hae-pung averted Mak Goeng's gaze.
The time he had promised Bu Eun-seol was until sunset—to surround Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa and prevent No Bong from coordinating with external forces.
If he could just hold out until then, he could absorb all of No Bong's faction and ascend to the position of Sect Chief.
"I see. Carry on, then."
As Mak Goeng nodded and turned to enter, Hae-pung shook his head.
"I told you—you may not enter."
Mak Goeng's face twisted in disbelief.
"You said you were blocking external forces. Are you implying this Elder is an external force?"
"We cannot rule out the possibility of collusion with outsiders. I ask for your understanding."
"Hahaha."
Mak Goeng laughed as if the idea were absurd.
"Colluding with outsiders is your specialty, isn't it?"
His voice dripped with mockery as he continued.
"Didn't you, Vice Guild Master, set the stage for the Supreme Elder to be killed by that Demonic Path figure?"
That incident remained—and would forever remain—Hae-pung's most fatal regret.
As Mak Goeng seized on it to taunt him, a murderous aura swirled in Hae-pung's eyes.
"Watch your tongue, Elder Mak."
Hae-pung spoke with the gravest expression.
"Do you truly believe you can retain your Elder position for life?"
"Hehehe. Save such threats for after you've ascended to Sect Chief."
Mak Goeng chuckled dryly.
"Though I doubt that day will ever come."
Hae-pung replied with icy solemnity.
"So you insist on entering?"
"Isn't it stranger for an Elder to be barred from meeting the Sect Chief?"
Left with no retort, Hae-pung clenched his fists.
If Mak Goeng forced his way in, it would mean breaking his promise to Bu Eun-seol—and in turn, Bu Eun-seol would no longer honor his end of their agreement.
"Elder Mak."
A chilling Killing Intent radiated from Hae-pung's eyes.
"Do you truly consider my words beneath your notice?"
"That's what I want to ask."
Mak Goeng narrowed his eyes.
"What scheme are you plotting that requires surrounding Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa and blocking this Elder's path?"
"I've already explained."
"Are you seriously asking this Elder to believe something even a three-year-old wouldn't fall for?"
"Elder Mak."
Just as an ominous light flickered in Hae-pung's eyes—
Thud. Thud.
At that moment, from the mountain path leading to Heavenly Flower Mountain Villa, a figure in blue robes staggered forward.
He was a young man of striking presence—noble bearing, handsome and clear-cut features that left a pure impression.
Yet his body was riddled with life-threatening wounds, both large and small, and his blue robes were drenched in blood.
It was Namgung Un.