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Chapter 174: It’s Just a Coincidence. (2)

“This hut looks deceptively good from the outside.”

It was built to appear somewhat respectable, but the cracks in the walls let the winter’s biting breeze seep in.

Winter was an especially tough season for beggars.

Countless souls were succumbing to the cold.

For Chu Yong, as a martial artist, he could bluff his way through, but the lower beggars had no such luxury.

That’s why Chu Yong detested winter.

It was a season when he felt powerless.

“Boss…”

A beggar in the hut called out to Chu Yong.

“What?”

“Isn’t it time to collect the tokens?”

Chu Yong glanced at the neck token sitting on the table.

It was the token he had intended to give to Jin Ryong.

“Hmm…”

The token the beggar was referring to must be the one in Jin Ryong’s possession.

“Why should I take that?”

“Still… I did ask a favor, so isn’t it right to take it with me?”

Typically, it would be the right thing to do.

While the neck token Chu Yong intended to give wasn’t particularly significant, Jin Ryong’s token was something special.

It was an item capable of gathering any information at the beggar level.

Moreover, if there wasn’t any information, it had to be fetched and returned.

That item was given only to the benefactor of the beggar clan leader.

Regardless of the situation, it had to be prioritized, and the clan leader could even act on it personally if needed.

‘Why does Jin Ryong have it?’

When Jin Ryong took the item from his bosom, Chu Yong was utterly astonished.

That was no object a mere Late-Stage Talent should possess.

‘Is it a fake?’

For a moment, such a thought crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

If it were Gu Clan, it wouldn’t be that they valued it less than a family of four.

Surely, someone from a dignified family wouldn’t be walking around with a fake.

Of course, verifying whether it was genuine or not would be necessary, but Chu Yong didn’t think it was fake.

“Boss?”

“Just hold on a minute. It’s a bit complicated.”

As he scratched his head in response to the urging voice, Chu Yong reminded himself that the token was a one-time use.

If he fulfilled the request, its worth would vanish, so bringing it back was indeed right, but…

‘That’s not for me to decide.’

No matter how much the token’s owner urged, it wasn’t Chu Yong’s place to take it back.

Jin Ryong likely understood this as well, making it probable he showed it to Chu Yong for that reason.

“…Sigh…”

Jin Ryong, they said. He was formidable and slick as a fox.

As he scratched his head, Chu Yong turned to the beggar, asking, “Do you remember what Jin Ryong said?”

At the question, the beggar quickly responded.

“He asked to find out about Huangbo Seon from the Huangbo Clan and about Toulong.”

The Huangbo Clan was the family of Huangbo Cheolwi, who had joined the banquet for the first time this season.

While they didn’t stand out among distinguished families, there was a glimmering promise in that Late-Stage Talent.

‘But who is Huangbo Seon?’

Since it was a name he’d never heard before, it didn’t seem to belong to a promising bloodline.

Why would Jin Ryong want that information?

As for Toulong…

Toulong was among the least known figures among those called dragons and phoenixes.

He had only appeared once.

Yet that singular appearance made him a significant being termed Toulong.

He never showed up again at the Dragon Meeting.

Without notable activities, he was a martial artist gradually fading into obscurity.

Chu Yong had tried to meet him a few times, but…

‘…There’s no need to dwell on it.’

It was a dark memory he preferred to push aside.

He was someone overshadowing even the sharpest sword.

For now, the thoughts of Jin Ryong, who tossed this request and vanished, and Gu Yangcheong emerged in his mind.

‘His intentions are unclear.’

Was it a sign he wanted to connect with Chu Yong?

It seemed tedious and reluctant for him to bring up this personal request without needing to.

Especially using a trivial item like a neck token, it felt like a test.

‘How could a Late-Stage Talent, not even half my age, dare to judge me?’

Chu Yong was just a human, after all, so the feeling of being judged wasn’t pleasant.

Oddly, though, he felt oddly at ease because of Jin Ryong.

There was a subtle pressure he didn’t feel from any other Late-Stage Talent.

Feeling judged by a mere snot-nosed boy was humbling, but he also felt a spark of curiosity.

‘What remaining pride do I have anyway?’

With a fleeting moment of self-deprecation, Chu Yong chuckled softly.

Beggars, stuck scavenging for scraps, had no place for pride.

To survive, they would do anything, even beg.

‘In a way, the name Jin Ryong suits him just perfectly.’

He might seem averse, but words spoke otherwise.

As the thoughts settled, Chu Yong reached a conclusion.

“Beggar.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“If it’s about the token Jin Ryong possessed, I’ll handle it, so keep quiet.”

“Uh? Don’t I report it to the Branch Leader?”

“I’ll handle it, just shut up. Even if I report it, I’ll be the one to do it.”

“Boss… last time, you got chewed out for being late in reporting about the Holy being and Jin Ryong.”

“…Do you want to experience that too?”

“I’ll keep quiet.”

Branch leader? Nonsense.

If this was the level of report needed, he should be seeking out the clan leader instead.

It was faster to ask that man directly.

‘Finding him is the real challenge.’

That old man was probably wasting his days drinking somewhere and would be the hardest to track down.

– Disciple.

– Yes.

– cough, Life is about balance.

– What do you mean, balance?

– Exactly, balance. If you ride that well… cough, life gets easier.

With the young disciple out begging, the man behind him was a nightmare to deal with.

The former clan leader, known as the “Ear of the Three Eminent Beings,” was a man born to be beaten.

“Boss, what about our request?”

“What do you mean, what about it? If we’ve decided to do it, we do it.”

“…Without compensation?”

Chu Yong grabbed the token on the table and tossed it to the beggar.

“Use that. That’ll do.”

“…D-doing it half-heartedly?”

“There’s no need to worry. Just put down my name if you can’t manage it.”

“Boss, if it’s under your name, we can make a token for the people of Hanam… ack!”

“Kid, if I say do it, then just do it! Quit overthinking!”

The beggar rubbed his head, shouting back.

“Are you saying that if I follow your orders, I’m going to get killed?!”

The beggar knew well that the man was not someone who would finish a job intact.

‘Giving away all the money to the local beggars, and what? You think he’ll become the clan leader?’

That was nonsense. How could he ever sit in a higher position, giving away all the money?

“I’ll take care of it. This will be the last time, I swear.”

“Why do you say that every time?”

“Ugh! I really mean it this time!”

Chu Yong grumbled, kicking the beggar out.

He appreciated the beggar’s concern but who was worrying about who here?

That guy should just focus on figuring out how to eat for the day; my worries are not for him.

‘Once you start worrying unnecessarily, your vision dims.’

Begging for scraps meant they couldn’t trust one another.

It keeps them alive, at least for another day.

As Chu Yong sat quietly, taking a deep breath, the parting words from Gu Yangcheong replayed in his mind.

– Let’s meet again.

Last time, he extended his hand first, but this time, it was the other way around.

‘How unclean.’

The boy, who gripped his streaked hand without flinching, had a peculiar impression on Chu Yong.

What about a mere handshake?

He had encountered countless figures from distinguished families, all of whom wore masks of decorum.

‘Damn it.’

What did that wretched boy’s gaze aim at when he looked at Chu Yong?

What was Jin Ryong hoping for from him?

“Still clueless at this age. No wonder a beggar remains a beggar.”

Finishing his thoughts, Chu Yong rose.

No resolutions had been made.

If he had made the right decisions, he wouldn’t be in this state now.

“Ugh, what a crummy life.”

With that, Chu Yong stormed out through the door.

He needed to send off information regarding the martial arts tournament.

But…

‘The Branch Leader will definitely throw a fit again.’

If he’s upset, so be it; he’d been lying around here for years.

He’d learn to survive whatever his master or anyone else said.

If things continued like this, he feared he’d end up with neither food nor security for himself.

“Hey.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Let the Branch Leader know I’ll be catching up with some business.”

“Huh?”

Chu Yong casually announced and then sprang into the air.

Heading west from Hanam, his destination was the location of Toulong Bi Yi-jin.

“Hope he’s doing well.”

As he carried the food in both hands, Gu Jeolyub naturally took his load and asked,

“What kind of business?”

If asked, it would obviously pertain to the task given to Chu Yong.

‘Not expecting much.’

If it were formally requested from the beggar clan, it would be one thing, but it became personal, so it’s fine if it doesn’t happen.

Because, in reality, it wasn’t a significant request.

‘Seeing he didn’t even take the token, perhaps it’ll work out.’

Honestly, there wouldn’t be major consequences even if he took it.

It would be a pity, but there was no reason to make a fuss or cause unnecessary worry.

Walking in silence, perhaps the awkwardness made Gu Jeolyub ask,

“…Um, dear Prince.”

“What?”

“Is it okay to talk to the beggars like that?”

At Gu Jeolyub’s words, I stopped my steps and looked at him.

Gu Jeolyub flinched as our eyes met.

“What do you mean?”

“I thought despite being on good terms, we should report to the clan separately.”

“I don’t have to.”

“Huh?”

“You will.”

Gu Jeolyub’s eyes widened at my nonchalant words.

His reaction was oddly surprising to me.

“You weren’t going to?”

“No… well…”

“Let’s skip the long-winded nonsense. Feel free to spill it all out.”

Gu Jeolyub seemed surprised I spoke so directly but, in truth, both Muyeon and Gu Jeolyub were my eyes and ears of the clan.

I could trust Wi Seol-Ah, but the others were tightly woven into the structure of the clan.

A slight difference was that Gu Jeolyub leaned more toward Elder Lee than the clan itself.

“You can tell your grandfather everything.”

“…”

“It’s not like anything significant will change.”

Watching Gu Jeolyub’s mouth clamp shut, I resumed walking.

He had decent thoughts and talent, so I’d want to nurture that.

Ultimately, however, Gu Jeolyub was still a minion of Elder Lee.

I didn’t have high expectations.

If I hoped for anything, it’d be that the sly old man wouldn’t overstep.

Elder Lee was like a moth drawn to a flame.

Knowing full well it would end in flames, it was a thought devoid of reasoning.

To be a bit more lenient, I’d hope it wouldn’t come to drenching him in flames by my hand.

Though, looking at it, that seemed rather unlikely.

‘…For a while, I’ll keep things about the Beggar Clan straightforward.’

Regarding the Beggar Clan, specifically Chu Yong, I planned to keep it concise.

There wasn’t much of a connection from my previous life, so keeping it superficial would work for me.

If a true relationship occurred, so be it.

If not, that’s also fine.

Honestly, it felt like I was just about ready to face him regardless, depending on Chu Yong’s circumstances.

It was clear he was exhibiting some interest.

Having bought a few skewers, I tossed them to Gu Jeolyub and spoke to Muyeon.

“Muyeon.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“I might have something to take care of.”

Upon hearing my words, Muyeon nodded.

He didn’t ask what it was, a trait he had shown consistently.

Seeing this made me smile as I addressed both Muyeon and Gu Jeolyub.

“Then just tell them to hold on a moment.”

“Huh?”

As soon as I finished my sentence, I filled my body with energy and kicked off the ground.

Moving rapidly enough that the two could barely keep up.

Muyeon immediately raised his spirit and attempted to chase after me.

However, upon seeing my speed, he came to a halt, bewildered.

This was also why I had slipped away amidst the kids.

When I returned, I knew I would be subject to a tongue-lashing.

‘…Sigh.’

But there were no other options.

Muyeon wouldn’t let me go easily if I said I’d be leaving alone.

‘If I just tell him to stay behind since he’s weaker, it would be way easier.’

It was a bit disheartening to have to say something so easy to Gu Jeolyub to Muyeon.

He knew I was aware of his capability with a sword.

‘Sorry, but I’ll be back soon. Give me a little leeway.’

It wouldn’t take long.

It was barely past noon, after all.

I figured I’d return before sunset.

That’s how I felt.

“…What are you doing here?”

Unless a beautiful lady was standing below the staircase that led to Shaolin Temple, it wasn’t where I planned to be.

A charming woman radiated a strange chill as she looked at me with an alluring smile.

Seolbong Moyong Hi-ah grinned at me.

“What a coincidence. Meeting here.”

Anyone could see it was anything but a coincidence.

 

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