---

Chapter 566: Why is this Old Man Here?

If someone were to ask me what the most crucial thing in building power is, I would answer without hesitation: “Force.”

In the face of overwhelming strength, nothing else matters.

No matter how you cope.

No matter how desperately you try to stop it.

If you possess the power to crush and tear everything apart, then all the preceding processes are nothing but meaningless struggles.

I’ve felt this painfully in the past.

Thus, I can express my conviction confidently.

However.

The kind of force that can destroy everything is something that can’t be obtained under normal circumstances.

For the average person, while strength is important when creating power, there’s something they value even more.

Some might call it the flow of the world.

Others might say it’s something stronger than a sword.

Though it lacks form, it holds untold wealth.

That’s right.

It’s ‘information.’

Information!

No faction can dare to ignore it.

Even the mightiest of martial artists would never casually discard this precious treasure.

In the case of the Peng family, one of the Four Great Clans, it’s said that the amount invested in forming an intelligence unit far exceeds the sum they would pay to recruit a master of transformation.

This merely illustrates how highly they regard the value of information.

Indeed, not just the Peng family, but most noble houses and prominent clans operate this way.

Any clan or sect is likely running their own intelligence unit. It’s only natural to think of it as a sort of battle.

It’s common knowledge.

Since one cannot obtain the strength to smash everything apart, they must seize the upper hand through information to expand their domain.

The difference between those who know and those who don’t is as vast as heaven and earth.

And within that realm of information, the person who can be called the very best sits right before me.

“Heh heh.”

The old man before me sips tea with a chuckle.

A light and carefree laugh.

With a back bent like a bow and a face full of wrinkles.

His thin arms looked frail and pathetic for a martial artist.

Though he appears to be just an old man.

None of those seated around him could afford to disregard him.

Even the Sword Sovereign holds this old man in high regard.

How could anyone dare to overlook him? No one would even think of trying.

This old man is the source of intelligence for the martial alliance, known as the very definition of the righteous faction.

In terms of information volume, he is expected to be the greatest within the Central Plains, as the leader of the Gu Sect, the one who once served as the ear of the previous leader, the Sword Sovereign.

Most of the rumors flowing through the Central Plains are said to be managed by him.

Given the reach Gu Sect has, their standing is immensely broad.

Even though there exists the Hao Gate, a faction that partners with the demonic group, the Hao Gate seems to lag behind the Gu Sect in this era.

In contrast, during the time when the Sword Sovereign was the leader, when he swept through the battlefield with overwhelming force, Woo Bongqwigae acted as his eyes and ears, giving him the necessary wings.

Thanks to that, the martial alliance played a significant role in subduing the demonic faction and becoming the mainstay of the Central Plains.

That incredible old man now…

“Heh heh… it’s been a while, but So-i is still lovely. Especially that figure; it’s pure artistry!”

…was engaging in sexual harassment toward the Sword Demoness.

“What a beautiful girl. It must be hard for someone your age to still be without a partner… this old man’s heart truly aches for you, heh heh…”

“Ha ha…”

It was the first time I saw the Sword Demoness smile with such discomfort.

While Woo Bongqwigae kept close to her, saying various things, even this typically gentle and lovely Sword Demoness was overtly uncomfortable.

“If I could, I’d love to hook you up with a child or something… but alas, that’s not possible, and I can’t help but feel regret… So, what about this old man…”

“I’m sorry, but I have no intentions of getting married.”

“Heh heh… still as firm as ever.”

The old man’s ridiculous advances were firmly rejected by the Sword Demoness.

It felt oddly familiar watching this rejection unfold.

As if she had experienced this several times before.

In any case, it was quite the atmosphere.

Thanks to this, the others seated were left sipping tea, not knowing what to do.

Gu Ryeonghwa’s eyes were shaking madly, and Yeongpung’s flustered expression was quite apparent.

Seongyul seemed okay, but he was generally dazed, so he didn’t count.

I wondered about the current situation.

‘What’s going on?’

I discreetly shifted my sight.

We were in a building near the Sect Leader’s residence.

It appeared to be a place arranged to host extremely honored guests.

But here…

‘What’s going on?’

I pondered why we were all gathered.

It was a situation that was hard to understand.

‘This isn’t simple.’

The reason we had moved to this location was that the Wudang Sword Master had business to attend to and had left.

He must have had to deal with Ji Cheol’s suicide or Woo Baek’s death urgently.

With someone stirring trouble and making Wudang a mess, time was certainly tight.

Though intentionally planned for this, I never expected that old man would come here.

Looking straight at the hunchbacked old man made me swallow hard.

Though he looked like a bum with nothing to offer, under that shabby appearance lay a significant figure.

Rumor has it that even if he mixes with beggars, it’s said that the martial alliance wouldn’t run without Woo Bongqwigae.

His standing is substantial indeed.

“Heh heh.”

In the midst of the uneasy atmosphere, Woo Bongqwigae smiled.

That was the start.

“Looks like I’ve startled a lot of people.”

“Uh, no we didn’t…”

Gu Ryeonghwa hurriedly responded to Woo Bongqwigae’s words, showing quick reflexes.

Looks like she’s learning social skills from the Sword Demoness.

‘That’s good, I suppose.’

Social skills are something one can’t learn in the Gu clan, where everyone is rude; it’s better under the gentle guidance of the Sword Demoness.

Woo Bongqwigae slighted a grin at the anxious Gu Ryeonghwa before slowly continuing.

“Heh heh. I’m Do Bong, the beggar from Hanam.”

The most famous beggar in the Central Plains introduced himself.

As he spoke, he scanned each person with his eyes, which weren’t easy to see.

“Is that the Sword Dragon that Maehwa Seon has been bragging about lately?”

He said this looking at Yeongpung.

Yeongpung seemed slightly surprised and performed a bow.

“I am Yeongpung, the third disciple of Hwasan, meeting the leader of the Gu Clan.”

“This lovely girl must be our So-i’s disciple.”

“…I am Gu Ryeonghwa, the second disciple of Hwasan, meeting the leader of the Gu Clan.”

One by one, he recognized them without anyone introducing themselves.

A chill unexpectedly ran through me.

“And this one is…”

Woo Bongqwigae’s gaze turned toward Seongyul.

I sensed an air of him not knowing Seongyul properly.

In a moment of surprise, I was about to answer for Seongyul.

“…I am Lee Cheol.”

Seongyul introduced himself under a different name.

“I am the guard of the Young Master.”

“Hmm…”

Woo Bongqwigae nodded with a gaze directed at me.

Just as I thought we were getting past this without issue.

The old man’s eyes then turned toward me.

He showed a peculiar reaction. For a brief moment, he simply stared at my face without a word.

Then,

“Nice to meet you, Gu Gongja.”

“…Ah, yes. Gu Yang of the Gu Clan…”

“You look just like your father.”

He suddenly mentioned my father.

“Moreover…”

He scrutinized me up and down while sitting still.

“It seems my children made quite a mistake.”

“Pardon?”

I expressed confusion at his sudden words, but Woo Bongqwigae replied.

“It seems there’s a lot to revise about Gu Gongja. Heh heh, it appears you’re not just like the clan leader in looks.”

I had to awkwardly smile in response.

It seemed likely he was commenting on the level I had displayed.

‘My energy control is so poor that I’m more readable than usual.’

I had been trying to hide to an extent, but right now, it was impossible.

Hiding my condition and using the Body Transformation Technique was already pushing my limits.

Attempting anything further would clearly result in an issue.

I suppose for now, this is my limit.

“…Thank you for your favorable assessment.”

“Heh heh.”

Immediately after my words, Woo Bongqwigae chuckled, took a sip of tea, and continued speaking to everyone present.

“Well then, introductions seem sufficient… the reason I called you all here through my leader is that I have some questions.”

As he got to the point, those around him tensed up.

It was natural not to know why Woo Bongqwigae wanted to meet.

Of course.

‘This is troublesome.’

I was fully aware of why that old man called for this gathering.

It was quite obvious.

Instantly, Woo Bongqwigae’s atmosphere grew tense.

Although I couldn’t see his expression, I could certainly feel the change in the air.

“First… I heard you were ambushed recently… What do you remember about the situation?”

At his question, I secretly swallowed hard.

As expected.

Someone had attacked Wudang.

Even worse, it was an incident where the elders of Wudang were murdered.

It’s natural that someone from outside would want to gain intel from me about this incident, but the problem was:

‘That the branch leader came directly to ask me.’

I didn’t expect the highest beggar of the Gu Clan to show up personally.

Even though he was the leader of the clan, is this really necessary?

‘When the rumor of the Wind and Cloud Ghost came out, I thought he couldn’t move.’

I can’t stress how uncertain times we’re in.

With information flooding in, it wouldn’t be easy for the leader of the Gu Clan to act.

Originally, when I heard rumors of the Wind and Cloud Ghost, I was confident it was a hoax.

‘But coming all the way here personally?’

What an unexpected turn of events.

I had intended to have a brief exchange with the Wudang Sword Master and leave with my compensation as a victim of the incident.

But now, Woo Bongqwigae has shown up personally.

‘…Could it be.’

While observing the situation, a thought crossed my mind.

If the Wudang Sword Master had been coming here all along.

He could’ve relayed the information about the Wind and Cloud Ghost to the branch leader.

Perhaps conveying that a letter had been received, informing the Gu Clan of certain matters regarding Wudang.

Such rumors would increase interest in Wudang.

The issue is:

‘The Gu Clan leader is that beggar.’

If he heard talk about himself, he might come here directly due to the circumstances.

That’s why this matters.

Why does this have to happen now?

“…Ambushed?”

Gu Ryeonghwa looked puzzled at Woo Bongqwigae’s words.

Her expression was one of confusion. Yeongpung looked equally baffled.

And rightfully so.

I had deliberately made Nahi faint.

Seeing their confused faces, Woo Bongqwigae chuckled softly.

“Heh heh… it seems the memory isn’t clear.”

Now, his gaze turned toward me and Seongyul.

“You two are in the same boat, then?”

“Yes.”

I nodded and answered. I was sure of the situation; there were no traces left behind.

While I might be uncertain, if Nahi was sure, then it must be correct.

She was undoubtedly more capable in that regard than I.

Woo Bongqwigae looked at me for a moment after receiving my answer.

Despite feeling burdened under his gaze, I did not show it.

That old man…

‘Is he suspicious of me?’

I couldn’t say for sure, but if that’s the case, it would be better not to evade his gaze.

As we exchanged glances, just for a moment, Woo Bongqwigae nodded and withdrew his gaze.

Did I manage to slip by?

‘Uncertain.’

I had no confidence. I hadn’t really talked to that old man, so I had no clue what kind of person he was.

The only thing I knew was that his disciple would become the future King of the Sword.

‘Can’t let my guard down.’

Not having knowledge is the most terrifying thing in the world. That gentleman sitting before me is the personification of that very truth.

While I was elevating my tension, suddenly.

“Heh heh. Yes, yes.”

Woo Bongqwigae suddenly wore a smile as if trying to break the atmosphere.

“You could be oblivious. Heh.”

“…Leader?”

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter too much if you are unaware. Just wanted to check, that’s all. Heh!”

The Sword Demoness looked taken aback and asked, but Woo Bongqwigae continued to speak nonchalantly.

“Geez, it’s tough trying to pull this old man along. Tsk tsk… So they say the Wind and Cloud Ghost has appeared or something.”

“…”

I was inwardly hiding a sense of absurdity at Woo Bongqwigae’s words.

“Looks like he’s starting to lose it. The whole martial alliance is in disarray. Even the leader has lost his wits, tsk tsk!”

His words, though spoken with a grin, felt incredibly heavy.

None of those nearby could chime in with a response.

“Anyway, must be tough, so thanks for taking the time to meet with this old man. I don’t have any further questions, so you can consider the meeting over.”

At Woo Bongqwigae’s remark, I couldn’t help but raise my brows slightly.

‘That’s it?’

I had been worried he would dig deeper into matters.

To conclude it so easily was rather shocking.

However, contrary to my bewilderment, Woo Bongqwigae continued to speak.

“I’ll relay everything I’ve asked you to the leader, so no need to worry… and now I shall take my leave.”

With that said, he actually stood up.

As the most prominent elder, when Woo Bongqwigae rose to his feet, everyone had no choice but to rise as well.

Just as we were awkwardly about to take our leave.

“Let So-i stay behind for a moment to chat with this old man.”

Woo Bongqwigae stopped the Sword Demoness.

 

---