The tale of Do-Hyun's victory over Jang Ho-Baek spread rapidly throughout the martial world. Among those who took the greatest interest in the rumors was the Beggar's Sect, an organization infamous for gathering and controlling information.

"So, something like that happened in Pungwolru? Some strange man appeared and took down Jang Ho-Baek? Now this is interesting."

During an internal meeting of the Beggar's Sect, several of its members nodded as they listened to the rumors.

The Beggar's Sect thrived on collecting information and using it to maintain their influence, but there was one significant blind spot in their network—Pungwolru and other high-end pleasure houses.

"Pungwolru has always been a difficult place to infiltrate. Their information network is tighter than we expected. As for the higher-end establishments, gaining access is even harder."

Pungwolru was a haven for the outcasts of the martial world, and as such, even the Beggar's Sect found it difficult to plant their spies within its ranks. Recently, the place had become even more fortified, as the courtesans had begun rallying around Do-Hyun, making it even harder for outsiders to penetrate their circle.

"One way or another, Pungwolru will need to be dealt with," one of the Beggar's Sect leaders muttered, setting down his wine cup.

"But for now, we wait. That man… Do-Hyun, was it? Something tells me he's not just an ordinary hired guard."

The higher-ups of the Beggar's Sect decided to investigate Do-Hyun's origins and combat prowess.

"Find out everything about him. If we let such an intriguing figure slip by, it would be a shame."

They dispatched agents to discreetly monitor Pungwolru and gather information about Do-Hyun's past.

However, Pungwolru's courtesans were already aware of the Beggar's Sect's movements.

"The Beggar's Sect is keeping an eye on us," Chun-Hyang informed Do-Hyun and the others.

"They may be excellent at gathering information, but we're no slouches when it comes to intelligence either."

The courtesans of Pungwolru had long mastered the art of extracting valuable information from drunken tongues, piecing together martial world affairs simply by listening to their guests.

"We have their attention," Chun-Hyang continued. "Now, the question is—how do we turn this to our advantage?"

Do-Hyun, aware that he had now become a target, asked,

"So they've set their sights on me. What's the best way to respond?"

Chun-Hyang smiled.

"You don't have to do anything. Just act as usual. The more unpredictable you are, the more confused they'll be."

Do-Hyun nodded.

"In that case, I'll remain here. If they try to provoke me, I'll stand my ground and protect Pungwolru."

The tension between Pungwolru and the Beggar's Sect began to escalate.

The Beggar's Sect saw Pungwolru as nothing more than a gathering place for the weak—easily controlled and even more easily dismantled.

But they were beginning to realize that Pungwolru was far more than a mere pleasure house; it was an intelligence hub, a powerful force in the shadows of the martial world.

Chun-Hyang gathered her allies and declared,

"We may not be the strongest in terms of martial prowess, but we have information, and knowledge is power. It's time to show them exactly what we're capable of."

Do-Hyun tightened his grip around the Ego Blade and murmured,

"If this sword isn't just meant for battle, maybe it can help me see through their intentions as well…"

As both sides prepared for a subtle yet deadly game of intelligence warfare, it became clear—the battle between Pungwolru and the Beggar's Sect would not be decided by strength alone.

*****************

Using Information to Shake the Beggar's Sect

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Having uncovered the Beggar's Sect's intentions, Pungwolru decided to go on the offensive, launching their own intelligence campaign.

Chun-Hyang assembled Do-Hyun and the courtesans, explaining her plan.

"The Beggar's Sect thinks they can break us easily. But do you know their biggest weakness? They struggle to differentiate between truth and deception. Let's exploit that flaw."

Do-Hyun nodded.

"So what kind of rumors do we spread?"

Chun-Hyang smirked.

"We'll fabricate just enough truth to make the lie believable. Half of it will be real, and the other half will be pure fiction. We'll make them second-guess every piece of information they receive."

The courtesans worked quickly, using their vast network of informants to spread exaggerated rumors about Do-Hyun and his sword.

Rumors about the Sword

"Do-Hyun's sword is no ordinary weapon. Some say it's a legendary blade from an ancient era."

"The sword chooses its own master. It's not something just anyone can wield."

"Whoever commands that blade has the power to shake the martial world."

Rumors about Do-Hyun

"He may be a noble from a foreign land."

"Or perhaps a hidden descendant of royalty? No one really knows his origins."

"Some even claim he was sent to dismantle the martial world's hierarchy."

These rumors spread like wildfire among the martial world's sects, particularly among those who frequented Pungwolru.

At first, the Beggar's Sect dismissed the rumors as nonsense.

But as time passed and the details became increasingly vivid, doubt began to creep in.

"Do-Hyun? Chosen by a legendary blade? That's absurd."

"But… wasn't there an old legend about a sword like that?"

"It's too specific to be entirely false."

The Beggar's Sect began a deep investigation into Do-Hyun's origins.

However, they found nothing.

"Who is this man? How does someone with no past suddenly appear in the martial world and defeat Jang Ho-Baek?"

Do-Hyun's true origins were beyond the scope of the martial world's knowledge—a fact that left the Beggar's Sect utterly baffled.

Chun-Hyang, watching their confusion unfold, smiled.

"They won't make a move against us now. They're too busy trying to verify stories that don't lead anywhere."

Do-Hyun, however, remained cautious.

"But what happens when they find out the truth?"

Chun-Hyang shook her head.

"The truth doesn't matter. Right now, they have no choice but to believe the rumors. After all, they know nothing about you."

The Beggar's Sect was at a crossroads.

"If he really is a noble from a foreign power, we can't move against him recklessly."

"But if he's a threat to the martial world, shouldn't we eliminate him before it's too late?"

Indecision and paranoia began to paralyze their actions.

They could not afford to strike Do-Hyun without certainty—a hesitation that played right into Pungwolru's hands.

Chun-Hyang, pleased with the outcome, turned to Do-Hyun.

"Do-Hyun, you've done more than just fight. Whether you realize it or not, you've already become a pillar of strength for Pungwolru."

Do-Hyun considered her words carefully before nodding.

"I understand now. This place isn't just a hideout. It may very well become the foundation of my existence in this world."

Pungwolru had transformed from a mere pleasure house into a major player in the martial world.

And Do-Hyun and his sword had become symbols of a growing force—one that would shake the very foundation of the martial arts world.

The Beggar's Sect still sought a way to bring down Pungwolru.

But as long as Do-Hyun remained an enigma, their hands were tied.