In the alleys of Chengdu.

A common beggar, wearing worn-out clothes, was running through the crowds of people.

He ran for a while before turning and stopping in front of two more beggars who had the same greasy look as him, having an old wooden cup in front of them as they sat on a blanket.

"Pal! Two brats entered our turf with a sack of food!"

At this, the two men sneered. They didn't ask for the details as if it had been a daily task for them, no, more like a habit. They stood up and grabbed their cups, each having a coin.

"Come on, we'll miss out on some food."

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, Yeong-jeon and Dong-rae sat on the ground, their backs against an old stone wall. They sighed. A few hours prior, they had just run away from the beggars, and they had been moving without rest since.

The cluster of mountains that houses the Thunderous Sky Sect is in sight but for the better of them, Yeong-jeon decided that they rest a few meters away from the entrance of the mountain.

"Food, gimme," Yeong-jeon requested, no, ordered, stretching his hand toward Dong-rae.

"Not even a please?"

Dong-rae frowned. He had been dragged by this man. Although, he can't say that it's not entirely his fault...

Anyhow, Yeong-jeon was acting like a brat.

"Pft."

Yeong-jeon scoffed slightly and clicked his tongue.

"Please...?"

A forced tone came out.

"Uh..."

Dong-rae sighed, rolling his eyes as he reluctantly handed over a small bundle of food from the sack. "There, satisfied?" he grumbled, watching as Yeong-jeon snatched it eagerly. Despite their recent troubles, Yeong-jeon was still acting as if he were the master, his pride making him unbearable at times.

Yeong-jeon took a bite and chewed thoughtfully, his eyes still focused on the looming mountains in the distance, where the Thunderous Sky Sect was nestled. The sight stirred something deep within him—a mixture of resentment and nostalgia.

There's still more to uncover. If the sect is in ruins, he will simply carry it to the top of the world. And if it is still carrying the same power as 200 years ago, he will carry it to the heavens.

His deep thoughts and gaze toward the mountain were interrupted by a cluster of steps that sounded like 3 people were closing in on them.

The three beggars were sneering as they neared. And it made Yeong-jeon glance at them, understanding what was to come.

'These lower beggars.'

The Beggar Sect was a part of the great 10 sects not just because of their control over the exchange of information but because of its sheer size. That's why there is almost one branch near a sect.

But the drawback of this massive size is that of discipline. Firstly, they don't follow a strict set of beliefs and traditions. Secondly, those who join the sect are commonly desperate people who have nothing. Thirdly, almost all of the lower-class beggars lived in the slums and would grab any scraps thrown at them.

Yeong-jeon detested this behavior but also understood why. If you found out that one of your sect brothers, who is of the same rank as you, was living luxuriously, or at least able to eat 3 times a day, would you not feel jealousy?

Pal banged his chest and spoke in an arrogant tone as he stepped forward.

"I heard you two are resting under our roof."

"Uh—"

Before Dong-rae could explain, Yeong-jeon stood up and shot a glare towards Dong-rae, silencing him. After that, he slowly approached Pal, his expression unwavering.

"We are."

Pal almost flinched at this cold reply. Judging from what he could see, the kid in front of him was no more than 10 years old. But he stood his ground in front of him, glaring him up from below.

'Where did this brat get his arrogance from?'

His eyes twitched. A few moments had passed but Yeong-jeon never budged. Irritably, he cracked his neck and knuckles.

"I ought to teach you a lesson."

He had done this multiple times in the past. That's why he was regarded as the boss of beggars in these alleys. Yeong-jeon was smaller than him. Of course, he was confident that he could beat such a young man. It was as if a younger brother was flicked on the forehead by his older brother.

"...You ought to teach me what?"

Pal would regret that way of thinking.

Pak!

Yeong-jeon hit Pal's head with his palm, smirking as he did.

Pal groaned heavily.

"Stop that..."

"Stop what?"

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"..."

Pal and his goons had been beaten and stacked upon each other by this madman. He didn't understand how. How can this kid that came to their turf beat them to a pulp?

Surprisingly, Yeong-jeon stood over the heap of beggars with an air of nonchalance, brushing the dirt off his tattered clothes as if nothing had happened. His smirk hadn't faded, and his eyes were as cold as ever.

Dong-rae, watching from the side, was wide-eyed, his heart pounding in disbelief. He knew Yeong-jeon was different, but witnessing him dismantle three

men with such ease left him speechless.

Pal groaned at the bottom of the pile, barely able to move. His face twisted in pain and confusion as he struggled to grasp what had just occurred. He had never imagined a mere boy could possess such ruthless strength.

Yeong-jeon crouched down, meeting Pal's gaze. "You ought to teach me what, again?" he asked, voice low and menacing.

It seems as if a demon had personally climbed up to the lands to punish them three.

Pal stayed silent, his lips quivering slightly as he mustered the strength to speak. But inside, he is screaming.

'You jerk! You just had a string of luck!'

He didn't want to admit the truth.

The smug expression on Yeong-jeon's face didn't change one bit as he walked back and pointed at the mountains.

"Every time I descend from those mountains, I want you three to bow down and greet me with respect."

Dong-rae's jaw remained wide; he couldn't even make a single sound as he watched the exchange, which was more like a one-sided massacre.

"Understood?" Yeong-jeon added, his voice carrying an unspoken threat.

Pal barely nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line, unable to even voice his submission.

Satisfied, Yeong-jeon turned away, and Dong-rae, who had been frozen in shock, finally found his voice.

"Are you serious?!"

"Why not? They need to know their place. I'm not here to play by their rules."

Yeong-jeon glanced at the mountains and smiled widely. He wanted to see it. Its beauty and grace. And now, he was able to see it after 200 years. But he also felt discouraged. If what Dong-rae said was true, that the sect is close to being unknown, what will come to meet him?

He feared it but he needed to step forward to face it.

"I hate sitting and doing nothing here. Let's go now, Dong-rae."

Dong-rae, still reeling from the events with the beggars, struggled to keep up with Yeong-jeon's relentless pace as they made their way toward the mountain path. Everything that this eccentric man did is unexplainable and unexpected.

He wanted to see what Yeong-jeon was yearning to see. His curiosity crawled at him, grabbing him by the throat. If such a great sect was in Chengdu, why was it unknown to him?

He can't come up with an answer. And he can only follow the man in front of him.

After a while, they met the stairs leading to the peak of the mountain, circling the mountains around it before truly reaching the tip.

As they walked, Dong-rae's breathing slowed. It hasn't even been a quarter of the way there and he was already huffing. Maybe this was the reason as to why this sect is practically unknown as no one wanted to climb such long stairs.

Hearing the ragged breathing behind him, Yeong-jeon stopped and glanced back.

"Are you tired?"

"Yah..."

"Already?! How weak can you be?"

"I don't even know how you are normal after those steps! We've already climbed a mountain like stairs and you're not even fazed! What did you eat growing up?!"

Instead of retaliating, Yeong-jeon grabbed his chin.

'I could run the remaining steps and reach the summit at sunset but... it would leave a bad taste in my mouth if I just left this brat... I'm not as low as that.'

"Hey! Stop staying quiet! You're creeping me out!"

Yeong-jeon glanced at the main mountain that the sect was placed on. It was just beside them. He glanced toward Dong-rae, his smile glinting with malice.

'Let's take some risk.'

He chuckled.

Dong-rae, who saw Yeong-jeon's weird smile and chuckle, flinched. "Don't get any funny ideas!"

Looking back at what he had said, he complained; which the beggars earlier were afraid to do.

'What will he do to me? Pluck my teeth out? Break my nose? Grab my diaphragm and hand it to me?"

Dong-rae's thoughts were racing along with his heart. And cold sweat began to drip down his neck.

But what Yeong-jeon spoke surprised him more than made him more afraid.

"We'll climb this mountain," he said running his hand on the mountain beside him.

"Climb... What?!"

Dong-rae blinked, staring at Yeong-jeon in disbelief. "Climb the mountain? Like... not the stairs? The actual mountain?!"

Yeong-jeon's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Why not? The stairs are boring, and you're already tired. This way, we skip all that tedious walking."

Dong-rae's mouth fell open. "You're insane! We'll fall! There's no way I can—"

Yeong-jeon interrupted, his tone growing sharper. "Stop whining. You can either follow me or stay here. But I'm not waiting."

Dong-rae glanced behind him.

He was already tired because they hadn't rested one bit since yesterday and now he is climbing a mountain? The thought of going back down appeared in his mind. But quickly dismisses it.

He might already die of exhaustion by the time he descended or even worse, the beggars earlier might surround him and get their get back.

Without even giving Dong-rae time to arrange his thoughts, Yeong-jeon leaped up, his hands gripping the rough rock of the mountain's surface as he began climbing with ease, his movements quick and fluid, as if this wasn't the first time he had done such a thing.

Dong-rae, staring in disbelief, felt his legs shake as he watched Yeong-jeon ascend. "I can't believe this..." he muttered under his breath. "You think I can do this?"

"Yah! Anything is possible if you do it hard enough!"

"And what if I fall?"

"Then simply climb again!"

Yeong-jeon's logic didn't sound a tad bit rational.

Dong-rae grumbled under his breath, eyeing the steep surface of the mountain with dread. "Easy for you to say," he muttered, glancing back up at Yeong-jeon who was already a few meters ahead, climbing with the confidence of a seasoned mountaineer.

'How the hell are you climbing so fast?!'

Swallowing his fear, Dong-rae took a hesitant step toward the mountain and reached out, grabbing hold of the nearest rock. His heart pounded in his chest as he hoisted himself up, trying to mimic Yeong-jeon's movements. Each pull felt like an eternity, his arms already aching from the effort.

Meanwhile, Yeong-jeon climbed without looking back, his mind laser-focused on the summit. Despite his outward confidence, there was a deep restlessness gnawing at him. After two centuries of being away, of missing everything he once knew, he feared what lay ahead. What if the sect had truly fallen into obscurity, just like Dong-rae had said?

A sudden crack in the rock beneath him jolted him out of his thoughts, but he quickly shifted his weight, steadying himself. "Stay focused," he muttered to himself. "There's no going back now."

Down below, Dong-rae was struggling with every step, beads of sweat rolling down his face as he tried to maintain his grip. "I hate you for this..." he grunted, inching his way upward. His muscles were already burning, but the fear of falling—or worse, being left behind—kept him moving.

"Yeong-jeon, wait!" Dong-are called out breathlessly. "How are you so fast at this?!"

It was a mystery. How can a kid his age be able to climb this steep mountain? He has heard of talented martial artists, but this is the first time he has seen something like this. He was curious.

"Focus more on yourself rather than others! If you fall, I won't be able to bring you back!"

"Don't say that! You mountain goat!"

By the time they had reached a flatter section, Dong-rae collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. "I think... I'm dead," he gasped, clutching his chest. He glanced at his side and saw a set of stairs that lowered down and connected to the stairs they were on earlier.

"You! You're going to kill me!"

This might be harder than begging for scraps on the streets.

'I'd rather go back! No... That's a bad idea.'

"Y—"

But as he glanced at Yeong-jeon, he saw the eccentric man's jaw widen.

"What're you..."

He followed where Yeong-jeon was glancing at. And as he did so, his jaw widened as well.

"This is not a martial arts sect!"

They both shouted.

"The hell! There's no signboard!"

"A martial arts sect must have a signboard to be hailed official! Thunderous Sky Sect, my ass!"

Yeong-jeon was too focused on his thoughts that he dismissed Dong-rae's words.

'The Thunderous Sky Sect signboard, the very name of the sect! It's gone!'

"Ackk!!! Where the fuck did it go?! I'm gonna lose my mind!"

"You scammer!"

Yeong-jeon stood frozen, staring at the spot where the Thunderous Sky Sect's signboard once proudly hung. His fists clenched, and his entire body trembled with disbelief and frustration. The once grand sect, his home, the beacon of his pride, seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

Dong-rae, still panting and glaring, shook his head. "You said this was some great sect! And there's not even a signboard! What kind of scam did you drag me into?"

Creak.

The sect gates began to open and a man came out with a robe, having a lightning crest on his chest.

"Who are—"

"Two kids?"

The man had a confused expression on his face. How can two children climb the harsh stairs? He was dumbfounded to find two kids in there.

Yeong-jeon, who saw the crest on the man's chest, smiled, his previous frustration melting away into a sense of recognition and hope.

"The Thunderous Sky Sect," Yeong-jeon whispered, staring intently at the crest. The absence of the signboard no longer mattered—this was the confirmation he needed.

The man eyed Yeong-jeon and Dong-rae suspiciously, but before he could say anything further, Yeong-jeon stepped forward. His demeanor shifted from the playful arrogance he'd shown with the beggars to something far more serious and determined.

"I'm Yeong-jeon, I wish to join the Thunderous Sky Sect accompanied by this brat beside me!"

"Yah! Don't call me a brat!... I'm Dong-rae and I wish to join..."

The man opened the gate slightly for them to enter. "Please, come in before the sun sets."

Yeong-jeon nodded, grabbed Dong-rae's collar, and pulled him along as they stepped through the gates of the Thunderous Sky Sect.

But not even a second after stepping in, both of their jaws widened once more. The ground was nothing more than dirt and pebbles with a small podium. In the past, this spot had a large marble floor and a large podium engraved with fabulous designs.

The buildings seemed as if they would crumble at a gust of wind, and the stone floor of the entrance was cracked.

'This is no sect! What kind bullshit have I been dragged to?!'

'What the hell happened?! There are so many things missing!'

The man turned around and saw the childs' surprised faces.

"Hm?"

Yeong-jeon pointed at where the marble stone floor should've been.

"Aren't we missing a bit...?"

'They're not missing a bit! They're missing a lot!'

The man chuckled softly as if reminiscing the past.

"The sect leader once told me that this sect was one of the most powerful sects."

'Not one of the most. It is the most powerful!'

The man continued speaking with a calming tone.

"I guess it is a scar of glory or some sort."

'Scar of glory, my ass.'

'Scar of glory, my foot. This is no better than a beggar's den!'

After a while and some sightseeing that brought nothing more than frowns to their faces, the man led them to a large temple, in Dong-rae's terms, a shabby shack.

The man tried peeking through the thin paper window and spoke.

"Sect leader, I wish to bring you two guests who wish to join our sect."

A voice that resembled a gentle but raspy old man came out from the room.

"Let them in."