Nosanggae, who had been staring intently with a frown, let out a sigh.

"Look here. No matter how I think about it, this isn't right. You might end up erasing the name of the Tang Family's estate."

At those words, Cheonyeong let out a small laugh.

Acting like a cat worrying about a mouse...

How could Cheonyeong not understand the meaning behind Nosanggae's words?

He had lived as a martial artist for twenty years.

In some aspects, his ability to judge information was far superior to that of the Beggars' Sect.

Because that was his life.

From the perspective of the Beggars' Sect and the Blue Serpent Sect, the current fight was nothing more than a squabble between neighborhood kids.

Compared to the Beggars' Sect, which operated on a national stage, or the Blue Serpent Sect, a medium-sized sect, that was the position of the Tang Family's estate and the Yin Hand Chamber.

That was why the Orthodox Factions below Cheongseong and Emei, which dominated the west of Sichuan, showed no interest at all.

They probably didn't even know the Tang Family's estate had been founded.

But for the Beggars' Sect, which stood shoulder to shoulder with them, to mediate a fight between local minor sects?

And for the Blue Serpent Sect to even dispatch a renowned elder?

This was like mothers joining in their children's fight.

The inside story was obvious.

The reason the Blue Serpent Sect dispatched a renowned elder was to pretend to help on the surface, but to take over the Yin Hand Chamber and occupy Ganyang if the opportunity arose.

No, perhaps it had been planned that way from the beginning.

From the time they let the Yin Hand Chamber Master, Lee Ilpyeong, act as the master of Ganyang by carving out the Mandeok Estate.

For the expansion of their power.

There was no way the Beggars' Sect, knowing their intentions, would stand still.

The Ganyang Beggars' Sect branch.

What reason could there be for placing Nosanggae, who was as high as a Five-Knot, there?

A place located in the west of Sichuan, occupied by the Unorthodox Faction.

The Beggars' Sect did not want to lose the place they had struggled to occupy.

It might have been different when the Yin Hand Chamber was there, but if a sizable sect like the Blue Serpent Sect came in, the Beggars' Sect's standing in Ganyang would be significantly reduced.

Well, for the Beggars' Sect, which had its feet stretched out across the nation, the disappearance of one Ganyang branch wouldn't be a problem.

But is greed ever like that?

An empty seat is more noticeable than a filled one.

Since the branch might have to clear out at any moment, they were probably trying to prevent the Blue Serpent Sect from interfering by talking about mediation.

Having roughly predicted the situation, Cheonyeong smirked and said.

"If we're to disappear without a trace at the hands of a Blue Serpent Sect elder, then I guess that's just the fate of our Tang Family's estate."

"What?"

"Let's be a little more honest, shall we?"

"..."

"From the Beggars' Sect's perspective, wouldn't the Yin Hand Chamber be better than the Blue Serpent Sect? At least you can keep the house you're renting."

"L-look here, there's some misunderstanding."

"The Beggars' Sect might be like that, but I am not."

"Uh-huh?"

"I don't know what this Ganyang is to the Beggars' Sect, but to me, it's my hometown."

A hometown he had returned to after many twists and turns.

A place he had tried so hard to return to in his past life but couldn't, he was now trying to raise a family under a new name.

"I will definitely establish my family here."

"That's what I'm saying. Is there a law that says only your family should be in Ganyang? Accept the mediation proposal. The people of Ganyang are already praising the Tang Family's estate. This is enough."

"Is it enough?"

"..."

"You want me to share Ganyang with the Yin Hand Chamber, who are as good as my family's enemies?"

"There's also the word 'coexistence'."

At Nosanggae's words, Cheonyeong sneered and said.

"Keuk, coexistence? That sounds wonderful."

"What?"

"Then, the Beggars' Sect should do that. Just in time, an elder from the Blue Serpent Sect is coming."

"That's..."

"You can't do it yourself... so how can you tell me to accept mediation?"

"My good man! That is a completely different problem."

"It's the same problem."

"..."

"Whether the sect is large or small, whether there are masters or not. Against those who try to take by force, I, no, our Tang Family's estate will never yield."

"Family Head Tang!"

"Please leave now."

"..."

"The path of the Tang Family's estate depends solely on my choice as the Family Head. Whether it fails or prospers is a matter I must take responsibility for. It is not a matter for the Beggars' Sect to interfere in."

It was a firm order to leave.

"You stubborn fool! I told you it's not that simple a problem!"

Finally, Nosanggae's voice, unable to hold back, echoed thunderously through the forest.

The force that spread out in all directions bent the leaves in one direction.

It was indeed a formidable internal energy, befitting a branch leader of the Beggars' Sect and a disciple of the Five-Knots.

Tsk tsk, when you have nothing to say, your voice just gets louder.

The startled Tang siblings stared with wide eyes, but there was no expression on Cheonyeong's face.

He was indifferent.

He looked at Nosanggae as if he were facing a gentle breeze that rustled his hair.

"Did we do something wrong?"

"What?"

"We are trying to avenge the harm done to our family members. And if there is anyone who stands in our way, we will fight them. That is the decision I have made as the master of the Tang Family's estate. If the Beggars' Sect has a justification to stop this, then try to stop us. The Tang Family's estate will not fear even the Beggars' Sect."

Cheonyeong asked, and Nosanggae could not answer.

Every word was right.

But he couldn't just leave it be.

First, because of the order he had received from the Sangbang, and second... although he didn't distinguish between Orthodox and Unorthodox, it was a wish that a promising young man would not be sacrificed by acting recklessly.

Nosanggae gritted his teeth hard and said, looking at Cheonyeong.

"Yongcheon's injury isn't even that serious, is it?"

"Why does the Beggars' Sect get to judge that?"

There was nothing more to say.

This stubborn fool would never listen.

In the end.

"Hah, it can't be helped."

"...?"

"Please, do not blame me. This is a lesson from one who has experienced the world first. Even if you curse me... I will gladly accept it!"

With those words, Nosanggae stood up from his seat and distanced himself. Cheonyeong stared at him blankly.

"Hoh? Are you thinking of enforcing your will by force?"

"It's a lesson! To break your stubbornness, this seems to be the only way."

"I see. Very much like a martial artist. You should have done that from the beginning. Though divided into Orthodox and Unorthodox, in the end, it's the martial world. Isn't strength justice?"

"Think as you please. I will teach you that sometimes you need to be flexible rather than resisting and breaking."

As Nosanggae slowly took his stance, the members of the Tang family, with tense expressions, tried to step forward.

But Cheonyeong immediately shook his head at them.

"Family Head!"

"This... is a fight with the Family Head's honor on the line. Whether I lose or win, it is not a matter for you to interfere in."

Cheonyeong smiled at them and looked at Nosanggae.

"Aren't you going to draw it?"

Nosanggae shook his head at Cheonyeong's words.

"Do not overestimate yourself. You are not yet skilled enough to make me draw my Dog Beating Staff."

At those words, Cheonyeong looked at the green bamboo staff stuck in Nosanggae's back and sneered.

"Then do as you please. I am ready."

"As a senior, I will give you a three-move handicap."

"Three moves? Will you be alright?"

"I told you not to overestimate yourself!"

Nosanggae frowned and said at Cheonyeong's words, which were full of taunts.

He's the one who's so against it.

It can't be helped.

He had no choice but to show him what a big mistake this handicap was.

Cheonyeong looked intently at the stance Nosanggae had taken.

The representative martial art of the Beggars' Sect, the Twelve Dragon's Roar Hands.

Having fought the Beggars' Sect countless times, there was no way Cheonyeong wouldn't recognize it.

"Then, shall we begin?"

"Come!"

Cheonyeong unleashed his Samyang True Energy, took a light step, and shot forward in a straight line.

Nosanggae showed a look of displeasure at the sight of him closing the distance in an instant and extending his fist.

Still a child?

The attack is too orthodox.

Also, too much power is put into the fist.

With just this level of skill, how did he expect to face the Blue Serpent Sect's Ghost Hand?

Just as he thought, it was the irresponsible recklessness of a young punk.

Because of his decision, all of the Tang Family's estate might lose their lives.

He had to make him realize.

To the young Family Head who didn't know where or what martial arts he had learned, but thought that was all there was.

He had to show him how terrifying the martial world was.

For now, since he said he would give a three-move handicap...

Nosanggae momentarily staggered like a drunkard, trying to get out of Cheonyeong's attack range.

Keuk, Drunken Eight Immortals Footwork?

At that sight, Cheonyeong, with a sneer, opened his extended fist and changed the direction of his attack.

Hwirik, teok!

"...!"

Nosanggae's eyes widened.

He grabbed his chest?

Tta-ak!

"Keuk!"

Then, a throbbing impact was felt on the startled Nosanggae's heel.

"Huh? Uh, uh?"

Having lost his balance, Nosanggae ended up falling on his butt.

What the hell...

Nosanggae, sitting blankly on the ground, looked at Cheonyeong with a dumbfounded expression.

"What's wrong? Should I give you a hand?"

"..."

"You've given one move, now there are two and three left. Right?"

As Cheonyeong provoked him with a bright smile, Nosanggae's face turned red.

What the hell was this situation?

He changed his attack so suddenly?

No, he fell for a brat's trick? And even fell on his butt?

Tak!

Nosanggae slapped Cheonyeong's hand away and shot to his feet.

"How heartless. But are you okay after falling?"

"...Th-the stone."

"Keuk."

He had to laugh.

Trying to save his pride.

Where on earth was a stone?

As Cheonyeong grinned, Nosanggae's face turned bright red after a dry cough.

"My, my, you must have overestimated yourself, haven't you? To trip over a mere stone?"

Nosanggae's eyes twitched at Cheonyeong's words.

He probably knew better himself.

It was obvious to anyone that the stone was just an excuse.

"Keum! I knew your skills were not ordinary, but I didn't know they were this much."

"I'm glad you know now."

"The three moves... let's pretend it didn't happen."

"Heeh? Why are you changing your words so quickly?"

"Because I didn't know you were hiding your skills!"

"Hah, the martial world's code of honor is really writhing on the ground. Well, let's do that. I don't like receiving handicaps either. Shall we start again?"

As Cheonyeong smiled and took his stance, Nosanggae's gaze turned sharp.

"I'm going to be serious! Don't curse me for being ruthless! This is all for your own good! Ha-hap!"

Unlike before, Nosanggae extended his hand first.

Hoo-oong!

With a clearly different level of internal energy, his palm pushed through the air and approached.

This man... isn't he in a mood to kill someone?

Smiling faintly, Cheonyeong stepped back and leisurely dodged Nosanggae's hand.

Indeed, the Twelve Dragon's Roar Hands.

Why would it be called the ultimate art of the Beggars' Sect for no reason?

The internal energy contained in his palm burst the air, creating a loud roar.

Moreover, with the addition of the Beggars' Sect's unique footwork, the Drunken Eight Immortals Footwork, which was like a drunkard's walk, the power felt as if it had been multiplied several dozen times.

But he had chosen the wrong opponent, and by a long shot.

About twenty years from now.

The one who had brought down Jang Myeongseon, who was called the Drunken Immortal after mastering the Twelve Dragon's Roar Hands and the Drunken Eight Immortals Footwork, was... me, you bastard!

Although he wasn't using hidden weapons like back then, he wasn't Jang Myeongseon, nor was he an elder under him, nor was he at a level to be defeated by a nobody who had learned from that elder.

Furthermore, the past four years.

What did he think I did in the mountains?

Did I just train the kids, pull weeds, and skin beasts?

Nonsense.

He had trained for much longer than the kids.

Earlier and longer.

Thanks to that, he had regained more than half of the skills he had when he was once called the strongest assassin.

Was that all?

The power of the Samyang Divine Art, a divine skill that everyone had been chasing, was added, and his body had become younger.

The reason he hadn't revealed his strength until now was because there was no need to use it, and he thought he should act befitting his age of seventeen.

He thought it was not good to be rumored about yet.

But a mere Five-Knot?

What now?

Give a three-move handicap?

Not even the Beggars' Sect headquarters, but a mere Ganyang branch leader, are you skilled enough to mediate?

I acted weak, and you don't know your place and are running wild?

Did you think I established the Tang Family's estate and fought the Yin Hand Chamber without any thought?

"Q-quite something! To dodge my palm technique that contains ten-tenths of my internal energy!"

Nosanggae, who had been extending his hand diligently but couldn't land a single proper hit, exclaimed in admiration.

His hands were getting faster and faster.

Now they were almost invisible, and only a hazy trajectory flickered before his eyes.

Alright, then... seal release.

Tung!

As Cheonyeong momentarily moved his body left and right as if trembling to dodge, Nosanggae missed and was flustered.

"Huh? Uh, uh?"

He had to continue with the next attack, but it was natural since he had lost track of his movement.

Kung!

Suddenly, the sound of Cheonyeong's footsteps was heard from behind.

"Th-this is!"

Having his back taken, Nosanggae hurriedly twisted his body and extended his palm energy with all his might.

Hoo-oong!

"Ah!"

Nosanggae's hand cut through the empty air.

Cheonyeong's foot stomped the ground hard, gathering power.

Ten-tenths? Even if you mobilized a hundred-tenths, you can't beat me.

"Branch Leader."

"..."

"Please do not curse me for being ruthless. This is all for your own good."

Cheonyeong returned the words Nosanggae had said.

And at the fist that was soaring towards his side, a hollow smile appeared on Nosanggae's lips.

This is fucking... I'm screwed.

(End of Chapter)