Do you know who I am? (3)

Ilho Shin Gae took a short breath. The decision seemed to have been made already, and there were unlikely to be any more variables. Regardless, he was tense to the point where his muscles felt rigid.

The position of the Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect was just as crucial. He spoke with solemnity.

“Therefore, I, as the true successor, shall ascend to the position of the next Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect…”

He paused for a moment, scanning the faces of everyone before him with a gaze full of certainty.

“It is my firm belief that I should assume this role.”

Some of the elders flinched at his proclamation.

Ilho Shin Gae’s desire to ascend to the position of the Sect Leader was no secret to anyone. Even if they set aside their reactions, everyone knew what he wanted.

The reason some elders were so flustered, despite being aware of it, was because the process was overly explicit.

Chu Myeon Gae furrowed his brow.

‘He’s going to act like he’s being officially appointed.’

Already, the Beggars Sect was under the control of Ilho Shin Gae. They could have subtly maneuvered a few other elders to officially appoint him to the position, with Ilho Shin Gae reluctantly accepting their decision.

However, Ilho Shin Gae seemed to imply that even that simple process was unnecessary, openly discussing his ascension to the position as if there was no need to be discreet about it. It seemed like he was saying there was no one left within the Beggars Sect to challenge his authority.

Ilho Shin Gae’s sharp gaze swept across everyone once again.

“If anyone has objections, speak up now.”

A heavy silence settled in the large hall. It was a stillness that didn’t fit with the noisy atmosphere of the beggars outside.

A glint of satisfaction flickered in Ilho Shin Gae’s eyes.

Beggars, by nature, are talkative and often discontented. Giving them a chance to voice their opinions would only create further chaos.

In such situations, it’s best to assert dominance, even if it means suppressing dissatisfaction with force. As long as he could ascend to the position of the Sect Leader, he could handle any dissent later.

“Any objections?”

“I have none.”

“Other than Elder Ilho Gae, it seems there’s no one else fit to lead the sect.”

“Given the circumstances, that should be the natural course of action. If not Elder Ilho Gae, who else would lead the beggars in the upcoming war?”

Those who had long been by Ilho Shin Gae’s side didn’t miss the chance to voice their support.

Only now did some realize the situation and began to wear uneasy expressions. However, it was too late to change the atmosphere. Countless beggars nodded in agreement, defending Ilho Shin Gae’s legitimacy.

They were yet to see what would happen when someone with unchecked power, someone convinced of their own righteousness, seized control.

Ilho Shin Gae gently pressed the corners of his mouth, that were about to rise in a smile, and asked again in a serious voice.

“Is there anyone else?”

There was no response. Just as Ilho Shin Gae was about to nod, a blunt voice interrupted. 

“Can Sect Leader be elected in this way?”

It was Chu Myeon Gae who couldn’t hold back any longer. Ilho Shin Gae glanced at him briefly. The contrast between them was striking. Despite being in beggar’s garb, Ilho Shin Gae looked strangely neat, exuding an air of authority.

With a sidelong glance, Ilho Shin Gae replied.  

“Then what do you suggest?”

“According to the laws of the beggars, when Sect Leader fails to designate a successor and dies suddenly, the method for selecting the next Sect Leader is…”

“Of course, there is. However, such a process would take at least six months.”

Chu Myeon Gae bit his lip.

“Do the elders truly believe it’s right to leave the leader’s seat vacant for half a year in such circumstances? What if, in the absence of Sect Leader, Beggars Sect faces an attack? Can we handle that?” 

A sigh escaped Chu Myeon Gae’s lips.

The threat of Sapaeryeon was too powerful a reason, enough to shatter all established laws.

“I, too, do not wish to resort to such methods. I want to legitimately elect the Sect Leader. But who will take responsibility for the harm Beggars Sect might suffer while we cling to that legitimacy?” 

Anyone listening would assume that it was Ilho Shin Gae who was bearing the brunt of this situation.

“The method cannot be decided right now. What matters most is not the method but the people. So, do the elders have someone in mind to recommend as the Sect Leader’s successor?” 

This question was sharp as well. It was the reason why Chu Myeon Gae had remained silent until now.

While Ilho Shin Gae might not be suitable for the Sect Leader’s seat, there was simply no better candidate to be found. Hence, whatever Chu Myeon Gae said lacked power.

“…No, there isn’t.”

In the end, feeling the weight of that power, Chu Myeon Gae withdrew. Ilho Shin Gae nodded slowly.

“I too have many regrets. But considering the tasks ahead, we have no choice but to take this path. I trust the elders will understand my plight.”

A chilling gaze swept through everyone once again. Now, there was no one meeting his eyes. Despite minor disagreements, this assembly had ultimately fallen completely under his control.

‘Finally.’

Ilho Shin Gae clenched his hand hidden in his sleeve tightly. Finally, he was becoming the Sect Leader’s successor.

“If there are no further objections, and since the elders’ opinions are in agreement…”

Finally, those words flowed from Ilho Shin Gae’s lips. How long had he waited for this moment?

“Ilho Shin Gae, the Elder of the Beggars Sect, as the Sect Leader’s successor…”

But another variable obstructed him. As he stopped speaking, he suddenly exploded in frustration.

“What’s the disturbance?!”

The moment of the Sect Leader’s succession was upon them. No matter how informal the proceedings, this moment demanded reverence. However, the incessant noise from outside kept disturbing his sharp senses.

“What’s happening outside…?!”

At that moment, with a thud, the door leading into the hall swung wide open. A group confidently strode in. Ilho Shin Gae’s face hardened.

“Outsiders?”

Outsiders here? How could such a thing happen? What had the guards outside been doing to allow outsiders into such a crucial moment for determining the Sect Leader?

Rage surged within him, almost making him shout out in frustration, but Ilho Shin Gae managed to suppress his emotions. It was the patience he had cultivated through years of experience.

However, the moment he confirmed the identities of the outsiders, he couldn’t manage to smooth out his expression. The leader of the group of outsiders who had entered. More precisely, the pattern engraved on his chest looked familiar.

Why are those with that pattern engraved on their chests here?

Step by step. 

In the blink of an eye, the one who had entered the center of the hall glanced, slowly scanning the surroundings. His dignified and composed demeanor momentarily overwhelmed the crowd gathered here, spreading out.

“He is…”

Before the elders could recognize him, the man clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.

“Baek Cheon, Vice Sect Leader of the Great Hwasan Sect. I express my deep gratitude for inviting us to this important event of your esteemed sect.”

Ilho Shhin Gae’s insides twisted violently. Everything about his words and actions was irritating.

The statement that the Beggars Sect invited Hwasan. 

In fact, it wasn’t entirely wrong. Invitations had been sent to the heads of all the major sects under the assumption that they would not arrive in time. However, this person attended abruptly as the ‘Vice Sect Leader’ of Hwasan. Who could have anticipated this?

Baek Cheon’s actions were also problematic.

Despite clearly seeing Ilho Shin Gae standing on the podium, Baek Cheon saluted the elders standing on either side of him. Depending on the interpretation, this could be seen as a refusal to acknowledge the authority of Ilho Shin Gae standing on the podium. No, it was undoubtedly that.

But Ilho Shin Gae couldn’t get angry.

If this person, Baek Cheon, really visited here as the Vice Sect Leader of Hwasan, then publicly, he was like an envoy sent to congratulate the Beggars Sect on their event. He could not be treated carelessly.

Suppressing his anger, Ilho Shin Gae forced a smile and spoke.

“I never expected Hwasan to send someone like this. Given the tight schedule, I didn’t dare to hope for it, but on behalf of the Beggars Sect, I express my deepest gratitude for Hwasan’s sincerity.”

“Don’t mention it. It was the least we could do. Fortunately, we happened to be passing by and heard the news. On behalf of Hwasan’s Sect Leader, I extend our deepest condolences to the Beggars Sect.”

“…Thank you.”

There was nothing to fault in his speech or demeanor. Even though it scratched at his insides, Ilho Shin Gae forced himself to think calmly.

‘It’s unexpected, but it doesn’t matter.’

Of course, there was no plan to let outsiders in here, but in reality, it wasn’t a big deal. If they had arrived a bit earlier, it would have been quite uncomfortable. However, all agreements had already been finalized by now.

Depending on how you look at it, it might actually be a good thing. The scene where the elders unanimously recognize him as the Sect Leader would be certified by none other than ‘Hwasan Sect.’

‘The guests did not come with good intentions, but there’s nothing they can do.’

“Give our guests some space, quickly.”

“Yes, Elder!”

The senior disciples quickly made space and guided the people from Hwasan.

“This way is… huh? Jongnam?”

“Uh, well…”

One beggar was taken aback, and Lee Songbaek’s face turned bright red. The faces of the Beggars Sect’s members were filled with astonishment.

Hwasan’s disciples attending the Beggars Sect’s event, and among them, someone from Jongnam? Anyone familiar with Gangho would be surprised.

Baek Cheon smiled gently.

“They are companions who came with us. We thought it would be better to have more people to congratulate you.”

“Ah…”

“There are even Shaolin’s people among us, so isn’t it a bit late to be surprised?”

All eyes immediately turned behind Baek Cheon’s back. A shiny, bald head with a monk’s jieba was visible. It was a sight that naturally elicited nods.

“…This way, please.”

“Thank you.”

The place for Hwasan’s party was arranged near the elders and senior disciples. Since it was the Beggars Sect’s event, there weren’t any chairs or prepared refreshments, but just the positioning of Hwasan’s people couldn’t be seen as poor treatment.

Ilho Shin Gae took a short breath as he waited for Hwasan to settle.

Nothing would change.

He would now ascend to the position of the Sect Leader, with Hwasan’s Vice Sect Leader as a witness.

“There was a slight delay. Let’s conclude as agreed earlier.”

Some of the elders glanced at Hwasan’s side, but seeing no particular reaction from them, they soon closed their eyes as if resigned.

“As a result of the elders’ meeting, the new leader’s appointment will…”

“Wait.”

At that moment, Baek Cheon quietly interjected.

Ilho Shin Gae’s face hardened coldly.

“Does Vice Sect Leader have something to say? Just remember, this is the Beggars Sect’s event.”

The implication was clear: as mere attendees, they had no voting rights.

Baek Cheon nodded calmly, as if he understood.

“I just have one thing to confirm. Everything I do here represents the will of Hwasan. So, it’s best to be certain about everything.”

“What is it that you want to confirm?”

“Is the reason for electing a new Sect Leader of the Beggars Sect due to the sudden death of the previous Sect Leader?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, this isn’t proper etiquette.”

“Etiquette?”

Baek Cheon nodded calmly.

“I don’t wish to be particular at such a moment, but as a man of the Tao, I must follow the minimum procedures. If the previous Sect Leader passed away under tragic circumstances, it is only right, as a follwer of the Tao, to offer a simple memorial service.”

Baek Cheon looked Ilho Shin Gae straight in the eye as he spoke.

“Where is the resting place of the previous Sect Leader who passed away?”