Chapter 3 – Deep in the Mountains
Two years ago.
After Master underwent Banrohwandong (Return to Childhood), regaining his youth but also developing dementia, Yujeong’s life became extremely eventful.
The biggest problem was money.
No matter how much one tries to be self-sufficient in the mountains, there are limits to what an individual can do.
Take rice, for example. How could one farm deep in Hoegyesan mountain?
Additionally, the young Master’s picky eating habits were an issue.
Unlike before when he fed Yujeong for her growth, Master used to avoid Cooking with Fire.
But that Master had changed.
He started craving Cooking with Fire, especially meat, and the young Master’s whining became a major concern for Yujeong.
Money was needed.
That’s where Yujeong’s questions began. How to earn money?
Since she was even smaller than the now-diminished Master, Yujeong had lived in Muo-gok (Mist-Weeping Valley).
Most of her life was spent training in martial arts, and during breaks she would listen to Master’s stories of the past or read heroic tales.
So Yujeong decided to act like the Murim (Martial World) heroes from those tales, in the only way she knew how.
Heading to the only inn in the village she had visited a few times holding Master’s hand,
Yujeong kicked open the door and shouted:
“I’m here to collect protection fees.”
“Oh? Ah, Yujeong has come.”
“Yes. This is what you mentioned last time.”
Yujeong set down the A-frame carrier on her back and looked at Mr. Jang.
It had already been a 2-year relationship.
Meeting at least once every seven days, his was the most familiar face after Master’s.
There is always something to learn from others.
If Yujeong’s martial arts master was the Sword Empress, Mr. Jang was the teacher who socialized the worldly-ignorant Yujeong.
“You’ve brought quite a haul. That Jangsam said he was in a hurry. If I let him know, he’ll come running right away.”
After forming that connection,
Yujeong realized her actions were wrong and started helping out in Jangga Village.
Mr. Jang, the owner of the village’s only inn.
He asked Yujeong to do tasks for the village and paid her in return.
Having grown up in the mountains, Yujeong was as adept at traversing them as any herb gatherer.
Her main jobs were hunting for medicinal herbs, mushrooms, or wild game.
The money earned was far from protection fees, but remembering their first encounter, the two still called it that even after 2 years.
“Should I take it over there if it’s not for use at the inn?”
“No, no. You must be busy enough as it is. Jangsam is probably just lounging at home now. No need to go out of your way. Let’s see here.”
It wasn’t yet a busy time at the inn.
The innkeeper’s wife must have gone out visiting, as the counter was empty.
There, Mr. Jang started taking out silver coins.
“Well now. Will you be taking some as food again this time?”
“Yes. Rice and… um…”
“We have some freshly steamed pork too.”
“I’ll take that please.”
“Alright. Wait here.”
Mr. Jang called for his son as he headed to the kitchen.
Yujeong watched his retreating back for a moment before turning her head.
There sat an old beggar.
He had been glaring at Yujeong since the moment she first stepped in.
Feeling the aura of a master emanating from him, she tried hard to ignore it.
She had no desire to get involved with Murim (Martial World) people.
‘That would only make me more suspicious.’
But it seemed that level of disregard wasn’t enough to shake off his interest.
So Yujeong confronted him directly.
“Please stop staring.”
At those blunt words, the old beggar scratched his ear.
“What does it matter to you where I look?”
Yujeong was struck speechless by his nonchalant reply.
What a shameless old man.
If she questioned him further, he would surely make some nonsensical excuse about looking elsewhere.
Seeing the old man’s sly grin, she sensed it.
“Tsk tsk. Young people these days have such bad attitudes, no respect for their elders.”
The beggar revealed his yellowed teeth as he picked at them.
But his eyes remained fixed on Yujeong.
Despite his sly smile and deliberately provocative tone reminiscent of a street thug, Yujeong didn’t take him lightly.
Because those bright eyes, half-hidden in wrinkles, were scrutinizing her like a hawk.
Yujeong made up her mind. She would leave immediately.
-Jeong-ah. Remember this. Gratitude and resentment are the fate of martial artists, impossible to sever completely.
When telling stories of her days roaming the Murim (Martial World) as the Sword Empress,
Master always added those words at the end.
Even with good intentions and doing good deeds, they may become someone’s resentment and return to you.
After Master developed dementia, this became Yujeong’s first principle:
-Do not get involved with Murim (Martial World) people.
Once decided, her actions were swift.
When Mr. Jang came out with a sack of rice and carefully wrapped food,
Yujeong sent a brief sound transmission:
-I’ll be heading back right away today.
Then she snatched the items and darted straight for the door.
Or rather, she tried to.
“Keheheh. Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?”
A black Bamboo Staff.
Though not Raven Bamboo, it was a 4-foot long staff with hints of its original green color showing through in places.
It was thrust in front of Yujeong’s chest, blocking her path.
Fast.
Yujeong realized her opponent was truly a master.
Even more skilled than she had judged from his aura.
Though he acted like a carefree old man picking his nose,
She didn’t let her guard down despite his casual demeanor.
“Oh my, elder. What are you doing?”
Behind her, a flustered Mr. Jang urged the beggar.
But the old man ignored him, instead tapping his staff as he spoke:
“Child, this old man has something he’d like to ask you.”
“…Isn’t this a threat?”
“What’s that? Keheheh. Child, what power does this old beggar have to threaten a young one like you?”
“If it’s not a threat, I have no interest in talking. Please move your staff.”
At those firm words, the old man’s grimy eyebrows twitched upwards.
“Just as it’s your freedom not to answer, it’s also your freedom to leave. Go ahead and try if you can.”
The old man raised his staff right in front of Yujeong’s face, waving it tauntingly.
Seeing he wouldn’t back down easily, Yujeong sighed.
“Fine, I will.”
As she made up her mind, her inner energy surged.
Before she could even consider how to proceed, her body moved first.
And so, for a moment.
Behind Yujeong as she turned her back on the inn, the beggar’s voice rang out in shock: “What the-!”
It had been 50 years since he gained the title Gwaegeolge (Strange Beggar).
By now, he was more accustomed to the name Gwaegeolge than the one his parents gave him.
But it wasn’t simply due to an eccentric personality that he was called “strange.”
Extraordinary talent.
From basic Physical Strength to innate martial arts ability.
Orphaned as a child, he drifted aimlessly before chance led him to join the Beggar Sect.
With his natural talent, he quickly became the disciple of the previous Dragon Head Chief.
He was about 20 years old at the time.
Though late to begin martial arts training, he showed such promise that his name was added to the list of Successor Beggar candidates.
However, he tossed aside that position, claiming lack of interest.
From his skills to his actions,
It was only natural that he came to be called Gwaegeolge.
But now.
He had encountered someone even stranger than himself.
“Ahem. Are you not even pretending to listen to this old man?”
He lost track of the movement for an instant.
It was quite an unfamiliar experience for Gwaegeolge.
In the world of masters where a single exchange could claim lives, the importance of perception and domain cannot be overstated.
Just moments ago when he blocked Yujeong at the inn door,
The distance to his Ferocious Dog Striking Staff was clearly within Gwaegeolge’s domain.
Yet he failed to keep up.
He had failed to react within his own domain.
‘If it were an assassin, this old beggar’s head would have gone flying.’
To think he nearly lost his life to a child who looked barely in their teens, let alone twenty.
Even if he told his companion Malko Do-sa, he’d surely be called a braggart.
‘Wait.’
“Could you perhaps be an ancient one?”
There is a martial art called Youthful Visage Art.
It’s a minor skill mainly learned by women or lechers, using inner energy to maintain a youthful appearance.
Of course, it’s highly inefficient in terms of energy use, so very few masters employ it.
Still, it’s more plausible that this is a master who’s learned Youthful Visage Art, rather than a 15-16 year old child rivaling Gwaegeolge himself, an elder of the Beggar Sect.
Thinking this, he tried to probe, but.
Glance-
Yujeong, walking ahead, only turned her head briefly to look once.
Then, ignoring Gwaegeolge as she had been doing, she quickened her pace.
“Well I’ll be damned. Cat got your tongue?”
Gwaegeolge’s temper flared at the continued disregard.
Unable to contain himself any longer, the old beggar began to move in earnest.
Whoosh-
He leapt quickly, flipping his body to block Yujeong’s path.
Then,
“I don’t know what great person taught you, but did they not teach you manners?”
Tapping the ground with his staff, Gwaegeolge’s words made Yujeong’s expression harden.
‘Ah, you react when I prod about your sect.’
Finally getting a response from Yujeong,
Gwaegeolge inwardly smiled with satisfaction.
“My fellow beggars call this old man Gwaegeolge. Now, whether you’re an ancient one or a child, where’s your sect from?”
“You seem to be from the Beggar Sect.”
Yujeong spoke, her face going from expressionless to cold.
“I’ve heard Beggar Sect martial artists are righteous. Are they usually this rude?”
“Keheheh. You think I’m called Gwaegeolge for nothing? With all the beggars in the world gathered, there’s bound to be an oddball like me.”
“…Why are you doing this?”
“Because I’m curious!”
His grin revealed yellowed teeth.
Seeing that, Yujeong heaved a deep sigh.
“I don’t want to get involved with Murim (Martial World) people. But if you keep this up.”
A faint murderous glint appeared in Yujeong’s previously calm eyes.
“I’ll have to use force.”
A quiet warning.
However, Gwaegeolge did not back down.
Rather, he took another step closer to Yujeong, more aggressively.
His face was full of a sly expression.
“That’s exactly what I’m hoping for!”
Keheheh.
Though he appeared relaxed, Gwaegeolge naturally didn’t let his guard down.
Even with his lapse in attention, he had lost track of his opponent in his own domain.
It was proof this was no ordinary opponent.
He firmed up his stance.
Gripping his staff tightly, ready to strike at any moment, he peered intently at his opponent with wrinkled eyes.
Despite the sudden situation,
Yujeong gazed at Gwaegeolge with calm eyes, showing no panic or agitation.
Killing intent began to swirl in those eyes.
‘Could this be a disciple of an evil sect?’
The thought flashed through his mind for a moment.
Refined killing intent. Judging by the speech and hands revealed when deflecting the Ferocious Dog Striking Staff, this appeared to be a youth of that age rather than a Youthful Visage Art master.
Yet emitting such controlled killing intent is only possible for those accustomed to taking lives.
However, there was no sense of demonic energy either.
Truly a peculiar opponent.
So, Gwaegeolge struck first.
“Let’s see about your origins!”
Taking a large step to close the distance, he swung his Ferocious Dog Striking Staff in a semicircle.
Generally, when people think of staff techniques, they imagine thrusting attacks.
Though lacking a blade, the shape is similar to a spear after all.
But because it has no edge, the power of staff thrusts is significantly less than a spear’s.
So striking is key.
While the Ferocious Dog Striking Staff may not compare to the Beggar Sect’s sacred Dog Beating Staff, it’s still a weapon only given to the Six-Knot Law Beggar and Seven-Knot Elder who lead the Dog Beating Staff Formation.
Clang-
The Ferocious Dog Striking Staff bent flexibly, adding power to the strike. A clean impact sound rang out across the open field beyond Jangga Village.
However, Gwaegeolge’s expression was not good.
Rather, it was full of shock.
‘What in the world.’
The Bamboo Staff in his hand shook violently.
Yujeong calmly deflected the swiftly descending attack with her hand.
The collision of hand and staff.
Yet an incredible repulsive force reverberated through his hand, as if he had struck an iron bell.
It was an unbelievable level of inner energy.
‘Judging by the exposed hand, this is no Youthful Visage Art master.’
An achievement impossible to believe even if one had trained from the womb.
Could they seriously have cultivated demonic arts? As Gwaegeolge pondered this,
Yujeong set down her luggage and moved.
“Hah!”
Gwaegeolge yelped and dodged using his footwork as a sword thrust at him like lightning.
His body swayed erratically like a drunkard.
It was the Drunken Eight Immortals Steps, always ranked at the top among the Beggar Sect’s famous Body Movement Techniques.
But Yujeong did not let him escape easily.
The sword came slashing in as if to behead Gwaegeolge at any moment.
That Geomro (sword path/trajectory) was…
Neither an Illusionary Sword that bewilders people,
Nor a Changeable Sword with countless variations.
A sword strike so simple it was almost linear.
However.
‘Fast.’
Despite being a sword style focused on cutting, its speed was reminiscent of the Shooting Sun Swordplay of Mount Emei.
Furthermore, with a fluid flow reminiscent of the Wudang’s Wisdom Sword, it was as dazzling and diverse as any Illusionary Sword or Changeable Sword.
He busily wielded the Ferocious Dog Striking Staff to deflect the sword, but the opponent kept closing in with each block, gradually making his hands feel overwhelmed.
‘I need to create some distance.’
He had conceded too much ground.
To reverse this disadvantageous situation, Gwaegeolge needed to secure a favorable distance.
Naturally, the opponent showed no intention of letting him off easily.
Therefore, even in his fluster, Gwaegeolge focused his strength in his abdomen and circulated his inner energy.
Inner energy passed through the Jade Hall and Flowery Canopy, reaching the Celestial Prominence.
That inner energy, along with a large, sudden inhalation, exploded outward.
-Huuuaaa!!!
The wave of internal energy struck the air and shook the surroundings.
Caught off guard by the unexpected sonic attack, Yujeong, who had been silently wielding his killing sword, contorted his face.
Unyielding to the Great Howl.
Not as famous as the Lion’s Roar of Shaolin or the Azure Dragon’s Cry of Kunlun, but it was a secret art of the Beggars’ Sect, a core element of the Dog Beating Staff Formation along with the Dog Beating Staff technique.
True to its name as a secret art, its power was outstanding even when deployed hastily.
Gwaegeolge did not miss the moment when his opponent faltered.
He quickly retreated and readjusted his stance.
However, his complexion was not good either.
The opponent’s skill exceeded his expectations, and the excessive use of inner energy…
The strain on his old body caused cold sweat to break out.
He wiped the grime flowing down from his eyes and scrutinized his opponent with a grave expression.
“Your sword and eyes are full of murderous intent, yet your sword style is full of mystery. Young man, who is the leader of your sect?”
Unlike his earlier flippancy, he asked with gravity.
But there was no reply, and Yujeong calmly prepared his next sword move.
The experienced old monster read the intention of killing and silencing from that stance and swallowed a groan.
There was no way he could just die like this.
He switched the staff from both hands to one, and lowered it towards the ground.
With his empty hand, he spread it wide towards his opponent.
Gwaegeolge had finished preparing to unleash his true signature techniques.
Thirty-Six Route Dog Beating Staff Technique, the first twelve routes.
The Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms.
The signature moves symbolizing the Beggars’ Sect.
It was an expression of Gwaegeolge’s will to unleash everything he had.
At that sight, Yujeong was also slowly adjusting his sword stance.
“Stop there. Young hero, and Gwaegeolge, you as well.”
A Taoist with a divine beard descended, blocking the two of them.
