[Chapter 53]
With a hearty belch, he declared, "Ah, that was a good meal."
"Shall I bring more?" she offered tentatively.
"Hmm? No, I'm good. Overeating is bad for the health."
Iron Staff Beggar couldn't help but tear up at the sight of the mountain of chicken bones piled on the floor.
Though he lived the life of a beggar, the martial sects and the information syndicate's financial power were beyond imagination. Naturally, as a branch leader, he had considerable personal wealth.
Yet, Iron Staff Beggar had never indulged in luxury, despite often spending his own money for the people's welfare. That was true for all the beggars of his faction.
For the first time, he had splurged on three chickens, and not just any chickens, but hens.
And now, all those treasures had ended up in Huga's belly.
"Huh? Why the long face, boss? Something bothering you?"
"Eh? Oh, no! Why would there be?"
"Right? I thought maybe you regretted slaughtering those chickens."
Why would he regret the chickens? He only resented Huga for not leaving a single neck and gobbling them all up.
"But…"
"Yes?"
Iron Staff Beggar tilted his head curiously.
"Your face is all greasy. Did you catch a good sponsor?"
Gadeuksang flashed a sly grin, bits of chicken stuck between his neat teeth.
"I caught quite an interesting sponsor. A bit dangerous at times, though."
"It's not the clan leader of Yeon, is it?"
"Are you mad? That man is beyond dangerous; he's terrifying. I've never seen anyone like him, except for our master. His eyes… they were sparkling like jewels."
"Then…?"
"Not the clan leader, but his son."
"Gasp!"
Iron Staff Beggar inhaled sharply without realizing it.
"You don't mean the Mad Wind Lion?"
"Mad Wind what?"
"The Mad Wind Lion…"
"Who's that?"
"The eldest son of the Yeon family."
Gadeuksang cocked his head.
"Is that so? He's got a nickname now?"
"Yes. It's quite famous. Spread here to Jiangsu Province a couple of months ago."
"Really?"
It made sense.
The martial arts displayed by Yeon Hojeong at the last gathering of the junior masters were shocking. Not only was he the best among them, but the way he ruthlessly pursued Chu Seong was ferocious.
The martial world is sensitive to rumors, especially when spread by the junior masters of the seven great families.
Naturally, a fleshy nickname had stuck.
"Still, calling him the Mad Wind Lion is a bit much."
A lion that summons wild winds, or one that stirs up madness.
Depending on the interpretation, the name didn't sound too pleasant. It was too aggressive for the nickname of the eldest son of the noble Yeon family.
'Well.'
If you discount his background and upbringing, the nickname fits. He might not be a lion, but he's certainly half-mad.
"To think you've caught the Mad Wind Lion as a sponsor, Huga is impressive."
"Is he that famous?"
"The junior masters, known for their pride, have spread the rumor. By now, everyone probably knows."
Gadeuksang snorted.
"That's the problem with their pride. Look at the nine great sects. The disciples trained there are all humble."
"They carry on the legacy of the Immortal Families. But they're not all humble, are they?"
"Better than the seven great families, at least. You should have seen them at the gathering. All pride and so young."
"They are young, though."
"But they're descendants of noble houses."
"Frogs in a well."
"Nicely put."
"I am Iron Staff Beggar, after all."
Gadeuksang stretched lazily.
"Yawn! Anyway, I've eaten well. I should probably get going."
A hint of disappointment crossed Iron Staff Beggar's face, his eyes shining brighter than the sun.
"Leaving already?"
"Should I stay longer?"
"…"
"You make it hard for a person to leave. Ah, forget it! I'm busy too!"
"Hehehe."
Iron Staff Beggar chuckled and tilted his head again.
"Where are you headed?"
"Where else? Off to meet the Mad Lion. Looks like I'll be wandering without a destination for a while."
"It's not Mad Lion, it's Mad Wind Lion."
"What does it matter? Oh! And…"
Gadeuksang's eyes grew cold.
"I'll be helping out the Yeon clan leader for a while. Since Tongcheon Dan won't be able to fulfill its role, things will be tough."
* * *
The axe cleaved through the air with a sound so heavy it was oppressive.
"Huff."
A misstep could disrupt one's breathing. The strike was so powerful and extreme that even with enhanced stamina, martial arts were difficult to execute.
But it was okay.
The Wall-Crushing Energy was a rare internal energy technique. The stability of the Wall-Crushing Energy Formula wasn't limited to just the energy but affected the entire body.
Stronger, faster, more extreme.
It was an internal energy technique that stabilized the body even beyond its limits, preventing it from breaking down. And with the infinite potential of the Black Tortoise Energy, he would soon become accustomed to it.
Just as he was contemplating whether to pick up the axe, he received a gift. He was newly grateful to his father.
Whooom! Swish!
After swinging the giant weapon for a while, his joints felt like they were being pulled out.
'One last time.'
Determination shone on Yeon Hojeong's sweat-drenched face.
'The White Tiger.'
Thud!
The momentum changed.
The violent and explosive force suddenly transformed into a majestic and spirited one.
The axe in his hands stirred up a tremendous wind.
Ratatat! Boom!
The giant blade of the axe struck the ground. The broad axe blade dug halfway into the earth.
It was a tremendous force, but Yeon Hojeong's face was filled with nothing but regret.
"It's still not working."
Without generating the White Tiger Energy, it was difficult to draw out the true power of the White Tiger.
He could mimic the form, but it was hard to bring out its full power. Each form of the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts was complex and profound, and without the corresponding Directional Energy, the power was lost.
'Maybe I should be content with the Beast Spear for now.'
The Beast Spear Technique was a simplified martial art based on the form of the White Tiger. Thanks to that, it was compatible with any internal energy, but its level was far below that of the White Tiger's martial arts.
Of course, it was still a first-rate martial art in its own right.
Yeon Hojeong, having pulled the axe out of the ground, took a deep breath.
'Don't be anxious. It needs to be fast, but not hasty.'
He recalled his master's words.
'People say that only when you let go of greed can you gain something. That's just wordplay. Greed breeds ambition, and ambition fuels passion. Those who let go of greed can only regress. However, caution is needed against haste. Speed and haste are different. Knowing the difference is key to growth.'
He had not forgotten a single word of his master's teachings.
His master was a divine being. Not only did he possess the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts, but he also held countless lost techniques of the martial world, a true Martial God.
There was no doubt that the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts were the most outstanding among them. His master also considered them the most ideal from a martial perspective.
Yet, despite practicing them, his master was not fond of the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts.
'The Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts were created during a time of chaos and endless war, a hellish era. They were born from martial studies aimed at the destruction of enemies. They are nearly perfect as martial arts but do not pursue anything beyond human existence. That's why I cherish and at the same time despise the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts.'
His master was a successor of the Immortal Families. As someone who aimed to transcend human flesh and ascend to immortality, it was hard for him to view the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts favorably.
'Well, my master was an eccentric. He pursued the natural state of non-action but was also excessively human.'
It made him wonder.
'Where could my master be now?'
His master wandered the world, following the wind and clouds. Even if he went to the place where they had met in the past, his master would not be there.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes deepened.
'Will I be able to meet him again in this lifetime?'
He didn't know how he had returned to the past. But now that he was back, perhaps he could meet his master again?
'I wish to see him at least once more.'
His master, who had taught him the Red Heaven Energy and the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts for several years, had suddenly left one day. Without a word, without a letter.
It was fitting for such a person. Although he understood, the feeling of loss was inevitable.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"If fate allows, we will meet again."
Then, a playful voice rang out.
"Who's there? Have you hidden a pretty maiden somewhere?"
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Would a pretty maiden even spare me a glance?"
"Nonsense. Don't say such things anywhere. Are you teasing, or what?"
"A madman carrying an axe as big as a person. Would any sane woman throw herself at me?"
"Keke, well, that's true."
Gadeuksang whistled.
"Looking at it now, it's really monstrous. How much does that thing weigh?"
"About eighty catties."
"No different from swinging around a human body? You'll break your bones when you're old."
"That's none of my concern."
"By the way, what kind of martial arts are you practicing? It doesn't seem like anything from the Yeon family."
"There is such a thing."
"Huh! Why does a young man have so many secrets?"
"There are families that deceive others. What about it?"
Gadeuksang's eyes deepened.
Realizing they were speaking of the Mo Yong Clan, the conversation continued.
"Isn't it time for us to depart?"
"Indeed."
"I'm bored. Shall we travel together to our destination?"
"Aren't you busy?"
"Can you afford such pride? After all the help I've given you recently? A bow of gratitude wouldn't be enough."
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"I dislike formalities, but I am thankful."
"Ah, forget it! If I ever find myself in a dog's predicament, I'll call on you, so don't refuse."
"Of course."
Gadeuksang chuckled.
As the sunset approached, the forest behind Goyang Tower was already dim.
"Let's go."
"Let's."
That's when it happened.
Whizz!
In an instant, Gadeuksang's eyes flashed.
"Danger!"
Clang!
A sharp longsword collided with the broad axe blade.
Ting!
An enigmatic assailant retreated at a terrifying speed, only to approach again and swing their sword.
It was a fast and fierce sword technique. The internal energy wasn't abundant, but the resilience of the energy within the sword was admirable.
Yeon Hojeong swung his axe powerfully.
Clash!
The eighty-catty heavy weapon moved like a swift sword, parrying the sword strikes.
Yeon Hojeong, having deflected the onslaught of sword strikes, unleashed a strike like a tempest.
Boom!
With a loud explosion, the accumulated branches on the ground scattered in all directions.
Whoosh.
The sword-wielding assailant flew back, then gracefully regained their posture.
Gadeuksang's eyes widened.
"Eh? What? Young master?!"
The swordsman, Yeon Jipyeong, stood upright.
His eyes were clear and serene.
"As expected, you are remarkable, brother."
Yeon Hojeong stroked the spear shaft.
"You too were impressive. I hadn't seen your martial arts for a while, and I didn't expect you to have grown so much in such a short time."
"I had to hurry after someone. If the brother is too great, it tires the younger."
Swoosh.
Yeon Jipyeong, having sheathed his sword, bowed respectfully.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes, I am going."
There was no hint of regret or disappointment in Yeon Jipyeong's eyes. He must have already washed away those feelings.
Yeon Hojeong felt proud as he observed his younger brother's gaze.
"You could at least say a word before leaving."
"I'll be back soon, what for?"
"Typical of you, brother."
Yeon Jipyeong's eyes, which had been watching Yeon Hojeong with a smile, began to waver. He thought he had controlled his emotions, but apparently not.
Yeon Jipyeong bowed deeply with a proper salute.
"Please return safely, brother."
There was no reply.
After bowing his head for a long time, Yeon Jipyeong straightened up.
Yeon Hojeong and Gadeuksang were already gone.
"…It seems the eldest brother is just like the eldest brother should be. As cold as father."