Cracker Envers, who fell into an otherworld, had received prior education from a beggar, but inevitably, gaps in knowledge were common for those who had only encountered the world through second-hand information.Especially if the source of that knowledge was a former master who had been active 30 years ago. Naturally, he would have no idea about the trendy culture of Murim’s MZ generation.
"Daoist Cheonghwi, I hear that these days, it's more fashionable to tie tassels to the end of the sword hilt rather than engraving characters on the blade. The children in the marketplace play soldier games by tying red threads to the ends of tree branches--"
"Daoist Cheonghwi, your face looks so young, and you seem even younger than me, yet how is it that you know so little? As expected of a big-nosed cra- I mean, Westerner..."
"Noonim! No matter how long Daoist's nose is, it's not good to point it out!"
Moreover, with two immature children chattering away, Envers was being mercilessly pecked at from both sides.
In a way, it was a good thing. Wasn't this an opportunity to build connections with the Namgung Clan's children while also learning common sense?
And there was a reason he needed to stay at the Namgung Clan.
"I asked Father. When I told him that Daoist Cheonghwi saved my life, he was overjoyed and promised to give a reward at the banquet."
"The banquet... was in two days, correct?"
"That's right, Daoist Cheonghwi. That's enough time for at least three sparring matches!"The reward for saving a life.
Beyond Namgung Myeong's gratitude, the Clan Lord leading the great Namgung Clan had personally promised to bestow a reward. Wasn't it worth looking forward to?
So he was chatting and mingling with the Namgung siblings. He could learn about Murim knowledge, and it was quite enjoyable to interact with these lively children.
Come to think of it... he also needed to fulfill the beggar's request, and this was the perfect time to ask. Envers bluntly asked:
"I'm curious about something, do you know about the Heavenly Demon?"
"......"
Namgung Myeong and Namgung Seungah's expressions turned slightly pale.
"...Did I ask something I should not have?"
"No, Daoist Cheonghwi. It's just... the elders of our family have scared us so much about it. Since childhood, they have said 'If you misbehave, the wicked Heavenly Demon will come to get you…’"
"How could a dead old monster from 30 years ago come to get us! It's all adults' lies, stories made up just to scare us. We're already past the age to be frightened by such tales!"
It seemed that hearing it as a scary story since childhood made them shudder just at the mention of the Heavenly Demon's name. Envers burst into laughter and spoke.
"Our family had a similar story. There was a scary tale that said, 'If you don't hide your brilliance, a dragon will come and take you to its nest'... So my brother and I deliberately left pretty pebbles on the windowsill."
After all, they thought it would be better to be taken away by a dragon than to be raised and trained in the house of an illegitimate child.
"Isn't a dragon a divine spiritual creature?"
"It might be different from the Eastern dragons. And... I do not know the details either. It is a name that only appears in fairy tales or the nonsense of bards."
"The Heavenly Demon is similar. Of course, there are clear records of his actual existence... but I understand it's a painful memory for everyone, so it's rarely mentioned."
"Fortunately, our main family avoided harm in the bloodshed 30 years ago... but you know, Daoist Cheonghwi? Those who avoided harm need to be even more careful with their words."
The Great War Between Orthodox and Demonic that occurred 30 years ago.
Countless martial artists were killed by the Demonic Cult, and in the final battle against the last Heavenly Demon, the entire Orthodox Faction suffered damages that made them stagger. Some sects completely closed down, while others are barely surviving.
Afterwards, the sects that weren't swept away by the wave of the Heavenly Demon and preserved their strength gained power. Among them was the Namgung Clan.
At that time, the young Clan Lord Namgung Chaegong had decided to close the gates for secluded training just before the Great War Between Orthodox and Demonic broke out. The reason was to deeply study the 'Sword that Cuts the Sky' of the Namgung ancestors.
"You mean he closed off the entire clan to train in martial arts?"
"It might sound excessive... but there were circumstances."
It was said that the previous Clan Lord, Namgung Sohuil, on his deathbed, passed the position of Clan Lord to the young Namgung Chaegong, telling him not to think about surpassing the heavens and to focus on managing the clan.
For some reason he was concerned about, Namgung Sohuil passed away without revealing the location of the secret chamber where the ancestor's Sword Mark was said to have been left. This led Namgung Chaegong to fall into a state of Inner Demons, believing his father had disrespected him.
Is my talent really that meager? No, I cannot accept this! I will find the location of the secret chamber and recreate the ancestor's sword with my own hands!
Namgung Chaegong was famous in his youth for being a Sword Maniac who knew nothing but the sword. He was almost crazed, ordering the entire clan to be closed off and to search for the secret chamber.
It was autocratic, but the clan members eventually agreed, thinking that if Namgung Chaegong obtained the Sword of Heaven, the Namgung Clan would prosper as well. The existence of an Absolute Master was that important in Murim.
After stockpiling plenty of food, the entire clan locked their gates and focused on training and searching. But thanks to this, they coincidentally avoided disaster.
When they opened their gates and came out, half of Murim had burned, and the Namgung Clan, unscathed because they didn't fight, unexpectedly became the number one sword clan in Murim.
From the perspective of the sects that had lost both masters and disciples in the war, the Namgung Clan, who had just curled up and avoided harm, couldn't help but look despicable.
To reap sweet fruits without shedding any blood!
Thus, the Namgung Clan started receiving numerous suspicious glances and disadvantages. Exchanges with other sects were cut off, and they were secretly treated with contempt in the Murim Alliance as cowards.
Because of this, even now, 30 years later, the members of the Namgung Clan were still conscious of public opinion. It wouldn't be strange if the resentment of the Heavenly Demon, who died with nowhere to go, was directed at them.
"What happened to the secret chamber? Did they not find it?"
"Ah, about the secret chamber."
It was said that Namgung Chaegong eventually found the location of the secret chamber. However, he didn't master the Sword of Heaven, and from that day on, he became a changed man.
Whatever he saw there, after he came back up he focused on managing the clan as per his father's last words, and his fiery temperament that had been so intense cooled down to a moderate level.
However, Namgung Chaegong also told his children the same thing. Don't think about surpassing the heavens, just walk the path of humans.
"Even if we ask, he won't tell us the reason, so I'm still curious..."
"Even though he usually grants anything if we act cute, when it comes to the story of the secret chamber, he just shakes his head. So I gave up a long time ago. I just assume he has his reasons..."
It was a strange matter.
After listening to the story with interest, Envers casually asked:
"...Then, could I perhaps ask what happened to the Beggar's Union?"
"By the Beggar's Union, do you mean that sect of beggars? It's a name that's not well-known and difficult to hear about, so I'm very surprised that you, Daoist Cheonghwi, who came from the Western Regions, know about it!"
"I have business with them. I have something to deliver on behalf of an acquaintance... But what do you mean they are not well-known?"
The beggar from the Tower of Trials had said that the Beggar's Union was everywhere and knew everything. He said it was one of the top information organizations in the Central Plains. So, why were they saying it was an unknown name?
"Well..."
As Namgung Myeong, observing Envers' expression, hesitated with a troubled look, Namgung Seungah bluntly spoke the truth.
"Because they completely collapsed."
"...Noonim!"
"What's wrong with calling something that collapsed, collapsed?"
"Still, you could say it more gently..."
While Namgung Myeong was struggling to smooth over his sister's words, Namgung Seungah continued without hesitation. She said that the organization known as the Beggar's Union had become nominal in the current Murim.
"I heard that after the previous leader of the Beggar's Union, Gu Seunggae, went missing during the Great War Between Orthodox and Demonic, the whole-body martial art passed down through generations of Beggar's Union Leaders was lost. Martial arts are like roots, and plants without roots are bound to wither and die."
"...As such, to my understanding, the Beggar's Union was absorbed under the rising power of the Hao Sect, Daoist. They became the Beggar's Union, a branch of the Hao Sect."
"......"
Was martial arts really that weighty? To think that just forgetting how to move one's body could cause such a large faction to completely shrink?
For Envers, who had received nothing but brainwashing from his family, the concept of passing something down to future generations was very difficult to understand.
However, hearing that the organization his Beggar Master had been so concerned about had collapsed left a bitter taste in his mouth.
It seems they're barely surviving under another faction...
"...Perhaps, could I meet them?"
"You mean the Beggar's Union Branch of the Hao Sect?"
"Yes."
Namgung Seungah pondered deeply, then said with sparkling eyes:
"Hmm... You can't go alone! Daoist Cheonghwi, what if you get lost in the vast Anhui Province? Right, Myeong'er?"
"Huh? Noonim, even if he's a Daoist, surely he has the ability to find his way..."
"That's why we should go together! It wouldn't do to let our family's guest become a lost child."
"...Ah, I see! Noonim is right! Daoist Cheonghwi, if we go together, we can be of great help! We know the geography well and are familiar with the people of Anhui Province, so we can prevent any unfortunate incidents! Of course, we'll close our eyes to anything we shouldn't see!"
Sparkle Sparkle.
Namgung Myeong and Namgung Seungah's eyes shone brightly. They were eyes that said they were dying to go out and play. Seungah was openly shooting glances that said 'Take me with you,' while Myeong would do the same but then hesitate, wondering if it might be rude.
Their words made sense. It would be very difficult to search for the Hao Sect, and specifically the Beggar's Union Branch within it, in this vast city. If he had help from locals, it would be much easier.
But there was one problem.
"Are we allowed to go together?"
"......"
"......"
"...We need to ask Uncle. I'll go ask and come back, Daoist!"
"Myeong'er, me too! I'll quickly get permission and come back, so don't run away and wait!"
Pitter-patter.
The Namgung siblings ran off in a hurry to get permission for their outing. They successfully obtained permission, and Envers ended up exploring the streets of Anhui Province together with them.
===============================================================
The streets of Anhui Province were bustling and full of vitality. Thirty years after the major threat of the Demonic Cult had retreated, it was enough time for the sharp atmosphere of war to subside and for peace to settle.
Carriages pushing through pedestrians and vendors at stalls raising their voices to attract customers… There was no difference between the original world and Murim. However, there was one peculiar point.
"Hiyaap!"
"How would you even catch butterflies with that measly Grabbing Hand?"
Even the bickering of men drunk on alcohol was martial arts.
"You rascal! I told you not to walk on the roofs!"
"I had no choice, the delivery was urgent!"
Even the young man who seemed to make a living delivering goods, using a long pole to leap across building roofs, was practicing martial arts.
"He is performing acrobatics with an elastic pole!"
"...Daoist Cheonghwi, you really do love martial arts, don't you?"
"That's why you could dodge my attacks even with your eyes closed. It couldn't have been through reading Qi Sense, after all."
"You dodged Noonim's attacks with your eyes closed?!"
Namgung Myeong's mouth started running. Was that the mystical Immortal Power he had only heard about, or could he use Daoist Techniques to see through things? If it was martial arts, wasn't it difficult to combine martial arts and Daoist Techniques?
Before Myeong could continue, Envers revealed the correct answer.
"...It is a technique. A technique. A friend taught me this technique, it is called Gaze Insight."
"Reading gazes, how amazing!"
"...You can read people's gazes? Hmph, that's hard to believe."
"Then I shall close my eyes, so look anywhere you want. I shall guess. Left hand, right foot, calf, buttocks, buttocks, left ear, shoulder, that's enough?"
"...!!"
The Namgung siblings jumped up and down in excitement and surprise. How could someone read others' gazes so keenly and precisely without eyes sprouting all over their skin?
Seeing that they seemed very interested, Envers casually asked.
"Would you like to learn? I am not sure if you can learn it, but..."
"...A-Are you offering to teach us?! Of course, I would be extremely happy if you taught us, but before I've even repaid the life-saving grace, to receive more, I'm greatly concerned if I can pay the full price-"
"Yes, let's have it."
"Noonim!"
Envers had no reservations about teaching the secret of Gaze Insight. It didn't require any special ritual, it was just a sense that could be awakened through repeated practice of staring and guessing.
And this also varied from person to person. In Selvier's case, she practiced for about 3 hours before giving up in disgust. She was on the duller side when it came to senses.
Still, it felt a bit lacking to give it away for free, so Envers set a small condition.
"...Teach me martial arts in return."
"...!! So you were trying to steal Namgung Clan's martial arts after all...!!"
"No, that is not it. It can be martial arts that you are allowed to teach others. Even something that is circulating in the marketplace is fine, or something of low grade that is useless. I don't intend to ask for anything unreasonable."
"If it's something like that, there are various miscellaneous books in our family library! I'd have to ask, but I'm sure there are martial arts manuals we can share!"
The Namgung siblings and Envers made a simple informal contract.
The content was to teach each other the martial arts they possessed, to an extent that wouldn't be burdensome for either party.
===============================================================
If you turn into a relatively quiet alley slightly off the main road where many people pass by, you would come across a quiet street where colorful lanterns hang and sway.
A place where those who sell alcohol, songs, and dance gather. It was a Chinese-style entertainment district with various pleasure houses. As it was still midday, business hadn't officially started yet.
When night deepens and the alcohol takes effect, and those lanterns are lit, swaying in the wind, the sleeping street will awaken from its long dream and show an incredibly gorgeous and beautiful appearance.
The highest building on that street, a pleasure house with a signboard reading "Chwiheungru," was the destination of the group.
Namgung Myeong knocked on the closed door of the pleasure house with his small hand, raising his voice slightly.
"Ahem, ahem... Is anyone there?"
"Oh my, Young Master. We are not open for business yet... Ah, you are the Young Master from the Namgung Clan? What brings you here..."
The door opened slightly, and a female attendant appeared. She was about to shoo away the young boy who had come to the pleasure house in broad daylight, but upon realizing he was a direct descendant of the great Namgung Clan, she became twice as polite.
"We know this is a branch of the Hao Sect. Daoist Cheonghwi here has connections with the Beggar's Union and wishes to meet them. May we request this?"
"Oh my, of course! They happen to be idle with nothing to do, so you can meet them right away. Please come in!"
"......"
A faint sneer appeared on the attendant's face. Envers could keenly detect the contemptuous expression. She seemed to look down on the 'Beggar's Union' quite a bit.
He felt uneasy. Seeing his master's sect in such a poor state made him think he should return the Dog Beating Staff Technique as soon as possible.
They followed the female attendant through the luxurious interior of the building.
It seemed to be the first time the Namgung siblings had been to such a pleasure house as well, as the two were satisfying their curiosity by looking around. Originally, Envers would have joined them, but he didn't feel like sightseeing.
The attendant stopped in front of an uncleaned door in a corner of the building. She spoke through the door:
"Guests have arrived, so you shall need to entertain them."
"I've clearly stated that I won't do entertainment work. I'm a martial artist and an informant, not a mere prostitute."
A sharp, biting voice responded from beyond the door. It was a voice with a strange malice that made listeners flinch.
"Hmph, you should this time. The Young Master and Lady of the Namgung Clan have come on business!"
"Then the problem lies with your tongue that doesn't speak properly. To say that the esteemed members of the great Namgung Clan have come to be entertained by mere beggars. Know your place. Pick up a brush instead of applying makeup."
"...Eek!"
"That is enough. Step back. Thank you for guiding us."
Envers stepped forward and sent the attendant away. Then, through the tightly closed door, he delivered news that transcended dimensions.
"...I have brought news of the Beggar's Union Leader. And the Basic Movements of the lost Dog Beating Staff Technique."
"...What a funny game."
The door flung open.
And a woman, who looked almost like a drenched snake, appeared.
Her eyes were downcast, making her look very timid at first glance. But the viciousness shining beneath those eyelids was unsettling.
Though dressed to subtly reveal her figure like the women of the pleasure house, the posture she naturally assumed was more focused on coolness rather than allure. More than her slightly exposed shoulder, one's gaze was drawn to whether a dagger might be hidden under her sleeve.
Hands.
By closely observing which muscles in her hands were developed, one could gauge what kind of weapon she handled.
What had the Beggar's Union, having lost the great purpose of the Dog Beating Staff Technique, filled that huge void with? It was a heart of poison.
Judging by her hands, she was someone who had extensively trained in Hidden Weapon Techniques.
She looked at the stiffened Envers and spoke with bright red lips:
"As a branch of the Hao Sect, Beggar's Union Leader Hee Yeonghyeon greets you."
Hee Yeonghyeon.
In other words, it meant Espoir de Eternal Dark.