Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 62
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#062
Ja-gang-cheon learned one law about how the world works.
“This is very unfair.”
“That’s right. That’s the true nature of those righteous sect hypocrites.”
About two hundred beggars began begging throughout Jinan.
“Some formidable people have come.”
Ja-gang-cheon recalled what his parents had said.
-True heroes who never own even a single sword in their lifetime and leave behind only their names.
-They’re utterly wretched. Stay away from them because they’re wretched.
The fact that Mother spoke to this extent meant she acknowledged them to some degree. If she truly disliked them, she would have said ‘crazy bastards who believe they get stronger the more filth accumulates on them.’
“It seems our position has been discovered.”
A figure appeared watching them from their observation point on the high roof.
Until now, none of the Hwangbo Clan warriors had been able to detect them, but the old beggar found them without difficulty.
When their eyes met, the old beggar immediately deployed his lightness skill and descended before them.
Just from that movement technique alone, one could tell he was no ordinary person.
With his shabby appearance and wrinkled eyes, he looked like just an old beggar.
But his deep gaze and broad shoulders proved he was no simple beggar.
Most of all, he had the nerve to smile leisurely even when facing the culprits who had turned Jinan into hell.
“Spare a coin.”
The beggar who had leaped up to the 3-story roof politely clasped his hands together and held out his palms.
Song Ja-in was about to say something at this absurd sight, but Ja-gang-cheon was faster.
“I’ll have to refuse.”
“Isn’t that too heartless? From what I can see, you seem to have plenty.”
His display of disappointment was quite exaggerated.
“The reason for giving alms to beggars is because I have plenty and the beggar has nothing. But now it seems reversed. If anyone should receive alms, it should be me.”
“Oh ho. In all my life, this is the first time I’ve been refused like this. Now, I’ll accept that I have plenty, but isn’t saying you have nothing a bit much? You’ve taken so many lives, yet you’re still not satisfied?”
This time he wore a seriously reproachful expression.
“You seem to know me well, but I don’t know you, sir. Gae-bang is full of nothing but unfairness.”
“Oh my. To call us Gaebangdo, who live with nothing but fairness and justice in our heads, unfair! Fine. I’m called Ho-bang-gae. I’m a rather famous beggar whom people call O-ui-gwon.”
“You’re the Gaebang Bangju.”
“Though humble, I hold that position.”
O-ui-gwon Ho-bang-gae.
He was evaluated as having not only martial arts but also the greatest leadership ability in history for leading Bangdo.
Cheon-ha-o-jeol.
Gang-ho-sam-hyeop.
He was a figure who belonged to all these titles.
A true absolute master who commanded the Martial Arts World stood before Ja-gang-cheon.
‘I can’t feel his presence at all.’
Instead of the domineering aura that overwhelming masters emit, Ho-bang-gae felt like nothing, like an ordinary person.
It felt like facing the realm of Ban-bak-gwi-jin that he had only heard about in words.
Though he was such a master that even Song Ja-in would have to show respect, Ja-gang-cheon was rather confident.
“Is Gae-bang trying to interfere with what I’m doing?”
“Too many people have died. How about stopping the killing and having a conversation?”
Ja-gang-cheon stared at Ho-bang-gae’s face. But that gaze made Ho-bang-gae uncomfortable.
‘I expected him to be a murderous demon.’
It was a very honest and innocent expression. Usually murderous demons have very dark or childlike faces.
But Ja-gang-cheon was a little different.
‘He has emotions and thoughts. And he knows how to restrain himself.’
He was assessing Ja-gang-cheon while conversing with exaggerated actions.
Even now, Ja-gang-cheon was carefully choosing his next words. This kind of personality was far from those who enjoy killing.
But before Ja-gang-cheon could open his mouth, an unexpected voice was heard.
“Isn’t it too late to interfere?”
Everyone’s gaze focused behind Ja-gang-cheon. There stood a young Jinrin whose hair and robes were completely soaked with sweat as if he had run with all his might.
“Brother Jinmyeong.”
“I’m glad you’re safe. May I take over the conversation for a moment?”
Before Ja-gang-cheon could give permission, Jinmyeong stood before the Gaebang Bangju.
“Jinmyeong of the Wudang’s greets the Gaebang Bangju.”
“We seemed to get along quite well last time, but today you have eyes that want to devour me.”
“You’re oppressing my younger brother, so I have no choice but to confront you.”
“Your younger brother?”
“Yes. We’re as close as real brothers.”
“I didn’t know you had such a relationship. However, I can’t just overlook this matter because I have a friendship with you.”
“As I already said, it’s too late for Gae-bang to interfere.”
“What do you mean?”
“Where were you when the Hwangbo Clan was oppressing Deungmyeong Manor?”
“I didn’t hear the news at that time.”
“If the people of Deungmyeong Manor had been killed by the Hwangbo Clan, would Gae-bang have held the Hwangbo Clan responsible?”
“If I had learned of unjust deaths, I wouldn’t have just overlooked it.”
“Then you would take as many lives from the Hwangbo Clan as died at Deungmyeong Manor.”
Ho-bang-gae couldn’t bring himself to say yes.
In reality, even if such a thing happened, it would have ended with a few people taking responsibility.
Even that was only possible because it was Gae-bang.
Jinmyeong pressed Ho-bang-gae, who couldn’t answer.
“And no matter how ignorant I may be, I cannot accept lies.”
“Are you saying I lied?”
“There were Gaebangdo in Jiao-nan too. According to Hao-mun’s confirmation, they had been in that position for a very long time.”
Wherever Hao-mun’s power is strong, there are always Gaebangdo. It’s common knowledge that any martial artist would know.
“He surely would have reported about the Hwangbo Clan and Deungmyeong Manor incident. This means Gae-bang knew about this case from the beginning. But interfering only now is never fair and just.”
After finishing his explanation, Jinmyeong asked Ho-bang-gae.
“Will Gae-bang become hypocrites who speak for the Hwangbo Clan?”
“How dare you call Gae-bang hypocrites!”
When he burst into angry shouts, Song Ja-in stepped forward.
“Is there a problem with calling hypocrites hypocrites?”
“Dok-ja-mo should watch your words.”
“The beggar king should be the one to be careful. Soon you won’t be able to sleep from shame.”
Ho-bang-gae observed Jinmyeong and Song Ja-in who were defying him.
‘These aren’t people who would act like this without reason.’
Even if Ja-gang-cheon was an unreadable figure, Jinmyeong and Song Ja-in were different. Facing their confidence, Ho-bang-gae lost his own confidence.
The fastest way to reduce the weight of regret is always now. Ho-bang-gae decided to be cautious.
“We don’t close our ears and take sides. We’ll carefully examine this matter, so don’t worry.”
At those words, Ja-gang-cheon, who had only been listening until now, stepped forward.
“There’s no need for that. There are people who extended their hands to us the moment Gae-bang turned away. I’ll finish this matter with my own hands.”
Who Ja-gang-cheon was referring to was clear.
‘Hao-mun.’
Gae-bang had known of Hao-mun’s existence from the beginning.
“Don’t trust them too much.”
“Then should I trust Gae-bang, who says such things to me?”
Ja-gang-cheon’s retort settled their relationship.
***
It was a back alley near Gyeonam Market.
A beggar hurriedly entered an abandoned house site.
“Bangju-nim!”
The beggar’s alms bowl contained a steaming hot chicken.
Ho-bang-gae’s nose twitched involuntarily at the savory smell of the well-cooked chicken.
“As expected, begging should be done in big towns. Look how generous the people are – they gave me this precious thing whole.”
The one smiling brightly while offering the bowl was a beggar in his early forties.
“Begging my ass. Didn’t I tell you not to beg with that build?”
“What else should a beggar do if not beg?”
“When you beg with that face, it’s robbery.”
Not only was he nearly six feet tall, but his muscular frame was so bulky that his rags seemed ready to burst.
Moreover, his fame was no less than Bangju Ho-bang-gae’s.
His nickname was actually Geumgang-gae (Diamond Beggar), and now he was called by that name.
The name Ssanggu (Double Nine), given because he was found on September 9th, had long been abandoned.
“Who would see that body and think you’re a beggar?”
“Master, you’re contradicting yourself. Didn’t you once say I’d become Gae-bang’s greatest beggar?”
“That was only looking at your martial arts talent. Don’t go begging anywhere.”
“If you won’t let me beg, why did you entice young me to become a beggar? I would have lived well following a traveling troupe.”
“Just quietly learn martial arts and become Gae-bang’s enforcer. That’s your destiny.”
“Understood. Then since this was robbery, I’ll eat it alone.”
“Hey! You rascal! Are you planning to take back what was given to a beggar?”
“You said you wouldn’t eat it!”
“How dare you raise your voice to your master?”
“My voice is naturally loud!”
“What? Then I need to educate that voice first!”
“Since it’s time for education, you won’t need alcohol.”
“What?”
“Did you think I only brought back chicken? Jinan isn’t only famous for Longjing tea.”
Ho-bang-gae’s excited face suddenly became remarkably gentle.
The dramatic change was absurd even to his direct disciple Geumgang-gae.
“Sigh. Here it is. I’ll give you everything, so at least brighten your expression. If you have so many worries, why be a beggar?”
“What?”
“What did you say when you brought me? That being hungry and having nothing would keep my heart at peace for life?”
“That was bullshit.”
“What?”
“You fool! If no one had worries, how would an organization function? Someone has to use their brain.”
“Someone with no talent for thinking.”
“What?”
“What exactly are you worrying about so much?”
Geumgang-gae tore off a large chicken leg and placed it in his master’s hand.
“Have a drink.”
When he also placed a bottle of alcohol in the other hand, Ho-bang-gae let out a long sigh.
The worries that had filled his mind just moments ago resurfaced.
“It still feels unsettling.”
“About Deungmyeong Manor? Even if they shine briefly, won’t the Hwangbo Clan ultimately win? They’re gaining momentum now, but when all forces concentrate, Deungmyeong Manor won’t be able to hold out. The Donghai Merchant Guild that fled Gyeonam can’t hide forever either.”
“That’s true.”
“Ultimately, you came because Deungmyeong Manor’s Jangju and Song Ja-in showed rougher moves than expected, right? You were uncomfortable with Song Ja-in joining hands with Hao-mun.”
They had appeared here to check Dok-ja-mo Song Ja-in rather than Deungmyeong Jangju.
As the greatest poison master in Gangho and someone classified as Demonic Sect, she was a person of interest for Gae-bang.
“Since you met them directly, judge by your feelings. Isn’t your intuition the best in Gangho?”
“My character and martial arts are also the best in the world. Did you forget?”
“Ahem!”
“You little…?”
Ho-bang-gae, who had clenched his fist, sighed and relaxed.
‘This kid isn’t wrong either.’
Actually, what he was worried about wasn’t Song Ja-in and Ja-gang-cheon.
“What’s most unsettling is the truth the Hwangbo Clan is hiding.”
Gae-bang had long known that the Hwangbo Clan’s actions were excessive.
However, lacking decisive evidence and believing they would maintain boundaries as one of the Five Great Clans representing the martial world.
“If Deungmyeong Manor’s cause is certain, what do you think should be done?”
“What’s there to do? If Deungmyeong Manor’s cause is right, we should acknowledge them.”
“Even while working with Hao-mun?”
Geumgang-gae answered while tearing into the whole chicken, now missing one leg.
“Could Hao-mun handle someone who fought the Hwangbo Clan with just one cause?”
“Huh?”
“They’re facing a martial clan belonging to the Five Great Clans with just two people. How could Hao-mun control such people?”
Ho-bang-gae pondered his disciple’s prediction.
“Were you always this smart?”
“Even someone not smart would naturally think that much.”
“Then are you saying my head is bad?”
“I never said that.”
Geumgang-gae threw out a question before his master could argue further.
“But Master, about Deungmyeong Manor’s Jangju. Can we trust Bangdo’s report as is? How was he when you met him directly?”
“Honestly, it’s hard to gauge. But that confidence didn’t seem like bluffing.”
“If Master says so, then a genius has appeared.”
“I can’t be certain, but there’s a high possibility.”
Ho-bang-gae recalled Bangdo’s report after witnessing the Hwangbo Clan disaster.
-Deungmyeong Jangju’s swordsmanship would rank within the top ten in Gangho. Though he faced weaker opponents than Dok-ja-mo, considering his age, his skill is shocking.
Though he added the condition of judging swordsmanship alone, no one in martial arts history had received such evaluation at his late teens age.
However, there was also unfavorable assessment.
-The internal energy used in his swordsmanship was pure, but his techniques were domineering and rough.
So they thought it might be Demonic Sect martial arts. There had been various suspicions since his origins were unclear from the start.
‘This matter needs to be investigated from the beginning.’
Through experience, he judged that now was the time to be cautious.
“Ugh. You eat this.”
Having made his decision, he stood up.
“If you’re just leaving, leave the bottle too.”
“How could I completely ignore my disciple’s sincerity? I’ll take half.”
It was when Ho-bang-gae, with the bottle at his waist, was about to leave the place.
“There’s no need to trouble yourself.”
Though there was distance, someone had shown stealth skills that even the Gae-bang Bangju couldn’t detect.
However, since they revealed themselves from quite far away, no immediate violent situation occurred.
“Does the Hao-mun Shandong Branch chief have something to say to a beggar?”
The Hao-mun Shandong Branch chief.
Yeon-hee’s direct superior cupped his fists toward the Gae-bang Bangju.
“I greet the Gae-bang Bangju.”
It was a greeting so polite that no fault could be found.
“You’re probably not coveting my alcohol, so what’s the matter?”
“I intend to ease the Lord’s concerns.”
“How do you mean?”
“What if I show you the true nature of the Hwangbo Clan?”
He pulled out a book from his robes.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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