Chapter 5
Resolution (2)
Hong Rugae’s true intentions were all too clear.
What a sly old fox. Just look at him drooling over one of our people!
Why else would he have rushed here?
He already considered Kang Yong-un as a disciple of the Hao Sect.
“As thanks for saving our child, my celestial daughter will treat you to—”
“My name is Kang Yong-un, elder,” Kang Yong-un cut in, bowing with both hands clasped respectfully. He lowered his head deeply, conveying sincere gratitude.
Yong-un, you don’t need to be so polite, thought the Master of Cheonhwa Pavilion, her heart burning with anxiety.
Can’t you sense that wily beggar elder is eyeing you like a hawk?
If only she could, she would have spirited Kang Yong-un away to the Hao Sect’s headquarters right then and there.
“Heh heh heh. The more I see of this boy, the more I like him,” Hong Rugae chuckled.
“I’ve heard your name is Hong Rugae. I will one day repay today’s debt without fail,” Yong-un replied firmly.
A flash lit up Hong Rugae’s eyes.
Good. I’ve decided.
I’ll make him my disciple.
“Grandfather, you must be hungry. Please, have some.”
About a month ago, while napping leisurely in the sunny corner behind the kitchen, someone had woken him.
“It’s just dumplings. Sorry I don’t have much, but it’s my own meal I’m sharing. At least it’ll fill your stomach.”
That voice had been Kang Yong-un’s.
I had an eye on him from that day on…
Now he was certain.
This pearl hidden in the mud would belong to the Beggars’ Sect.
Hong Rugae casually tossed out a suggestion Yong-un never would have expected.
“Repay that debt now.”
“…Now, elder?”
“Yes. By becoming my disciple.”
The proposal was so abrupt, Yong-un could only blink in confusion. But the Master of Cheonhwa Pavilion reacted at once.
“That won’t do! The boy is already a disciple of my sect—”
“Do you not know who I am?” Hong Rugae’s voice cut coldly through hers.
“Lies won’t work on me, Cheonhwa Pavilion Master. He’s no disciple of yours—just an errand boy, isn’t that so?”
“Th-that’s…”
Her words caught in her throat.
Damn it!
Had it been anyone else, her lie might have held. But against Hong Rugae of the Beggars’ Sect? Impossible.
Of all people, why did this boy have to catch his eye?!
That merciless old viper who never let his enemies rest easy.
This is all that idiot Kwon Jung-hyeon’s fault… If not for that brat, I wouldn’t be on the verge of losing Yong-un to the Beggars’ Sect.
She hadn’t even had a chance to tell him about the Hao Sect yet. And now, Hong Rugae was brazenly trying to recruit him right in front of her.
“I-I don’t quite understand, elder,” Yong-un interjected before things escalated.
“My knowledge is shallow, so I don’t know which sect you mean by ‘main sect.’ Nor do I know which school you belong to. But I—”
“Heh heh. It’s the Beggars’ Sect. A brotherhood of spirited beggars who devote themselves to protecting peace in the martial world.”
Hong Rugae squared his shoulders proudly, his face brimming with pride.
“You needn’t take offense at the word ‘beggar.’ If it bothers you, I’ll recommend you myself as an external disciple to our headquarters. Do you understand what I mean?”
It was an astounding offer. The Beggars’ Sect almost never took external disciples. For Hong Rugae to make such a promise was nothing short of shocking.
“If you nod your head here and now, those petty scoundrels won’t dare to trouble you again.”
His gaze slid toward Sonwi and his disciples slipping out of Cheonhwa Pavilion.
Yong-un’s head moved slowly in a nod.
So the Beggars’ Sect truly is a place of power and honor…
It was new knowledge to him, yet it didn’t stir his heart.
After all, though he knew little of the martial world, he was already in communion with the Celestial Vault.
No matter how great a sect may be, can it compare to the Vault of Heaven?
Of that, he was certain—absolutely not.
“I’m grateful, elder, but I must decline.”
“What—what did you say?”
“Yong-un!”
Shock and joy crossed Hong Rugae’s and the Pavilion Master’s faces in turn.
“You mean you’d rather be a beggar than join us?”
“Yong-un, if you do this, then we…”
Before the misunderstanding could deepen, Yong-un cut in firmly, shaking his head.
“That isn’t my situation.”
A disciple of the Beggars’ Sect? He had no leisure for that.
I must find Grandfather as soon as possible.
Only then could he reclaim the latter half of the Great Heaven Divine Art and rebuild his clan.
“My small shoulders already bear a heavy weight.”
With that, he turned his gaze toward the Pavilion Master.
I’m sorry, but it can’t be helped.
Her sudden affection for him had already felt burdensome—this was the perfect chance to slip away.
“Thank you for everything, Pavilion Master.”
“Yong-un…”
“Forgive me for causing such a disturbance. But it’s time I go my own way.”
His voice was steady, his eyes unwavering. The Pavilion Master could see his resolve was absolute.
Very well. Perhaps this is for the best.
She didn’t know the full story, but she knew at least he was searching for someone—Jin Yeong-hwi, he had said.
She had no idea who that person was, only that he had been a close friend of Yong-un’s grandfather.
If I ask around about a boy from the fallen old empire searching for Jin Yeong-hwi, someone connected to his grandfather will surely respond.
And when the time comes that Yong-un needs money again on his travels, I can lead him to the Hao Sect through that debt of gratitude.
Meanwhile, that detestable Hong Rugae, who didn’t even know the name Jin Yeong-hwi, would be left barking at shadows.
The Pavilion Master nodded slowly.
“If that is your decision, I can only respect it. I don’t know your full story, but I wish you success in your quest.”
She pulled out a hefty pouch and held it out.
“Take this.”
“…This is too much, Pavilion Master,” Yong-un said, startled by its weight.
She only smiled gently. “Keep it. It’s my heart.”
And with that, she turned away, heading upstairs to her chambers.
“Thank you, Pavilion Master. I will never forget this!”
As she climbed the stairs, her lips curved into a faint smile.
Yes. This is better. Cleaner.
Yong-un turned back to Hong Rugae, bowed deeply once again, and said,
“Thank you, elder. As I said, I will one day repay this debt without fail.”
Then he turned and left, greeting his fellow workers one last time before gathering his belongings and sword. Without hesitation, he departed.
“That boy…”
Watching his figure recede into the distance, Hong Rugae’s lips curved into an odd smile.
That night, not far from Chengdu, on the slope of a nameless hill, Yong-un camped beneath the stars.
“Phew. I’d better set my plans straight.”
Leaving Cheonhwa Pavilion had been a bit impulsive, but if he didn’t organize his path forward, he would only waste time.
“My first goal remains the same: to find Grandfather and recover the latter half of the Great Heaven Divine Art.”
That was his highest priority. Jin Yeong-hwi too, he sought only for that purpose.
“My plan had been to gather funds, then travel from county to county in search of Grandfather and his friend. But…”
Now the situation had changed—because of the upcoming Heroes’ Tournament to be held by the Martial Alliance.
“Countless people will gather there…”
His heart pounded at the thought. Somehow, he felt certain his grandfather would appear at that tournament.
“The chances are high. Which means I must go.”
To the Martial Alliance.
“There, I’ll ask everyone I can about Jin Yeong-hwi. A man of Grandfather’s caliber must have been someone of great martial prowess or high status. This may be my best opportunity.”
With all the great figures of the realm gathered, it would be like searching the whole world in one place.
“Good. Next…”
He sat cross-legged, calming his breath and reaffirming his resolve.
I must master martial arts.
He had barely escaped death today. His ignorance of the martial world had nearly cost him his head to a nobody like Kwon Jung-hyeon.
Better to be prepared.
He had to complete either the second half of the Great Heaven Divine Art or the supreme technique he was developing, the “Ultimate Art.”
At the very least, he needed something strong enough to replace the Three Talents Sword.
Who knows when such dangers may strike again?
But he couldn’t tie himself down to any sect. That would only hinder his search for Grandfather.
Then the answer is clear—the Celestial Vault.
It was the only thing he could truly rely on.
First, I must call upon them.
Yong-un roused the Great Heaven Divine Art.
But—
Huh?!
His eyes snapped open.
Why?
Though he had circulated the art fully, there was no response.
What—?!
It was maddening. Surely his soul resonance couldn’t have vanished in half a day?
There must be a reason… but what?
Fear surged in him.
What if I’ve been cut off from them forever?
“Phew… Could this too be Heaven’s will?”
At that thought, the mantra of the Great Heaven Divine Art naturally rose to his lips.
“Follow Heaven, obey Heaven, fulfill Heaven’s will…”
The incantation said to be the beginning and end of the art.
Bzzz!
As he chanted, something deep within him vibrated—an upper dantian that didn’t even exist before.
Ah! The mantra must become one with the art!
With that small realization, a familiar voice rang joyously in his mind.
[Heh heh! You blockhead. How’s it feel, roaming the world on your own? Fun, is it?]
It was the elder who always scolded him.
Though it had been only half a day since they last spoke, he felt overwhelming joy.
Elder! Have you been well?
Unknowingly, he greeted him like a long-lost grandfather.
[Been well? Hah! Sounds like you’ve had some trouble, eh?]
The warm, affectionate tone made his heart ache with relief.
Without meaning to, he began recounting everything that had happened that day at Cheonhwa Pavilion—like a child running to his grandfather after a long day.
Yes, elder. I nearly… while observing another’s dantian through my half-opened sight…
He told every detail.
[What?! You almost had your head chopped off?!]
The elder roared with fury, as if the disgrace had been done to his own blood.
[What worthless wretch dared that?!]
Perhaps his anger was too great, for soon the other voices of the Vault stirred as well.
[Oh! The resonance shines once more!]
[Yong-un has returned?]
[Wahaha! Boy, what kept you so long?!]
They were all the beings he had once communed with.
Though only half a day had passed since their connection faltered, they welcomed him back as if he had been gone for years.
Elders—!
It was like being welcomed home by a whole household of family. And Yong-un’s heart swelled with strength.
