Chapter 70: Divine Doctor? Divine Loyalty! (4)

Human.

A person 人 and the space 間 between them. It means a living being that builds relationships by standing back-to-back with others.

Humans live with others.

They’ve always lived that way and will continue to do so. That’s how they’ve evolved.

Even in modern times, the twilight of human civilization, it’s the same. Even now, as the scent of humanity fades into the metallic tang, this society—this system—is designed so no one can survive alone.

Relationships with others.

In Lake City, where only faint traces of the word remain, they called it something different in the old Central Plains…

Guanxi (關係).

The romantic legacy of a bygone era, thought to be ancient history, had returned to Lake City.

By the hand of the Creator.

“After cross-checking, the information from that guy Kim Changsik matches the location of the subversive forces exactly.”

Slit-Eyes, his subordinate, reported. Even as he spoke, his knothole-like eyes widened slightly in astonishment.

Jin Sobang listened intently, propping his cheek on his fist. It might look like he was spacing out, but he wasn’t. He just felt so deflated that his posture had slumped.

What kept the Beggar Clan fed? Their information network, of course. Yet even their intelligence couldn’t pinpoint the rebels’ location easily.

“B-Branch Leader, if you’re still suspicious, should we investigate further? Or maybe postpone tomorrow’s meeting…”

“These are desperate times—we’ve got to grasp at straws. Stick to the plan. The longer we delay, the more Beggar Clan members die.”

“Understood.”

Jin Sobang called back Slit-Eyes as he turned to leave.

“Is Elder Punggae busy these days?”

“He’s been chasing the rebels hard… but if this info is legit, it should wrap up tomorrow. Want me to contact him separately?”

“No need, it’s late. I’ll handle it myself tomorrow. Get some rest. You’ve had a rough time with a boss like me.”

Slit-Eyes bowed his head and closed the door. Jin Sobang shoved the documents aside and gazed up at the full moon.

“What the hell is this feeling?”

he muttered.

Not at the forefront of the Tattered-Robes Faction’s intelligence elite, but as one of the family, Jin Sobang felt a mix of emptiness and unease. Half thrilled, half anxious, he stayed up all night. The dawn’s bluish hue felt endlessly long.

“Pleased to meet you.”

Finally, thanks to Lee Taebaek’s arrangements, the moment arrived to meet the young man—parasitic pretty boy, not quite as slick as that serpent, but no slouch himself. Kim Changsik greeted Jin Sobang right away.

“You look full of worry.”

“…Pardon?”

Kim Changsik flashed a beaming smile, emphasizing his harmlessness.

“No need to be so downhearted. This intel was just the kind that’s easy to spot from on high. We’re much slower at picking up ground-level details than the Beggar Clan. So don’t worry.”

“What do you mean by that?”

As Jin Sobang shot back, his gaze flicked sideways. Lee Taebaek lounged on the sofa, just nodding along. His eyes seemed to say, “It’s normal not to get what he’s saying.”

Even after the intro, what a guy. As Jin Sobang struggled for a response, Kim Changsik scratched near his eyebrow with his thumb.

“Sorry. It’s a habit from how we talk in my cult. Anyway… better to show you once than explain a hundred times.”

Kim Changsik rose quietly from his chair. Lee Taebaek stayed nonchalant as Kim suddenly hunched over, backing up five paces. Then he jabbed deeply into his chest with his fingertips.

“Th-That’s…!”

Jin Sobang’s jaw dropped. His pink uvula was fully visible. His lips stayed agape for a long moment until his mouth went dry, then he finally moved them.

“Wing Suit.”

“Correct.”

He adjusted the left wing, which had ruffled his collar. It moved like a living thing. Wing Suits were notoriously tricky to handle. Ordinary folks couldn’t even twitch the steel feathers, let alone fly.

Yet Kim Changsik controlled it like an extra limb. His mastery of the Wing Suit was exceptional. If he became an ally, the Beggar Clan would truly soar.

The man’s heart raced too. From his steel arm, it was clear Jin Sobang had a huge interest in cybernetic prosthetics. He couldn’t shut up about them honestly.

A Wing Suit, no less. The symbol of an era’s innovation, no need to sever flesh.

Gulp.

Envy flashed in Jin Sobang’s pupils. Kim Changsik, feeling smug, spread his wings wide and said,

“This is the source of our cult’s intelligence gathering. The higher you go, the broader the view—but you miss the small details.”

Even as he spoke modestly, Kim’s chin lifted higher. Lee Taebaek thought, He’s about to ascend. With his angelic crew, it’d make for a fun joke if he did.

Meanwhile, Jin Sobang couldn’t keep his eyes off it. He alternated glances between Kim Changsik and Lee Taebaek. He desperately wanted to ask where and how he’d met such a person. But.

Right now, something more important.

Jin Sobang licked his parched lower lip. He formed a crisp fist-palm salute. Like Kim’s Wing Suit, his clenched fist was steel, soldered with lead.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Young Hero Changsik. I am Jin Sobang, also known as Sangdeok.”

“Taebaek gave me a brief rundown yesterday. They say you’re a big deal even in the Beggar Clan.”

“…Did that punk really say that?”

“Sorry, I added the last part.”

Figures.

“You seem busy, so shall we get down to business?”

“Such bold spirit is rare. Very well.”

As the talk progressed, Jin Sobang nodded more and more. Once wary, now he enthusiastically chimed in louder than anyone.

He was just the right fit. Polite speech was a joy to hear, and he had the knack for highlighting key points.

Objectively not handsomer than the serpent, but his manners made him seem far more refined.

Jin Sobang naturally dove into Kim’s tossed topics. His steel fingers busied themselves reacting.

We click well.

Lee Taebaek chuckled watching them. Sensitive info, so face-to-face was mutually beneficial, he’d thought.

Both were on Lee Taebaek’s side. Kim by choice, Jin by circumstance—but still.

He wanted to connect these two he’d helped at least once.

Like setting up a blind date between guys.

Simple reason. He hoped the Lilith Order and Beggar Clan would team up to aid him.

Soon, his operations would expand to the upper districts. The more reliable intel sources as eyes and ears, the better.

And if they can communicate directly, even better.

Plus, two channels would merge into one today. With that in mind, he’d set up the Branch Leader and cult executive’s meeting.

Honestly, no high hopes. As long as they didn’t clash, fine. I’d have mediated if fists flew.

Overthinking, it seemed.

The two were already arm-in-arm. Despite meeting today, they bantered “brother” and “little bro,” sucking up shamelessly.

“That Wing Suit looks cooler the more I see it.”

“Haha, right? Come visit our cult sometime, Branch Leader. We’ve got a super skilled mechanic. I’ll demo the Wing Suit for you if you get the chance.”

Side note: Kim was the “big brother.” Jin fawned over the Wing Suit.

“R-Really?!”

“Of course.”

“Brother!”

“Little bro!”

Kim seemed pleased. Beggars can’t ditch their grit, and cultists have this fetish for lording over others. Staring more made him queasy.

As the mood ripened and talk neared its end, Lee Taebaek spoke up. Silence fell, eyes turning to him.

“Feels like the most important part’s left.”

Jin Sobang’s excitement deflated instantly. He sighed heavily.

“Damn mood-killer.”

“Better keep accounts clean.”

“…Yeah, figures you’d say that.”

Jin Sobang summoned Slit-Eyes. He gave his subordinate two orders.

One: Root out the traitors using the new intel. Two: Convert the Magnostrom base into a religious facility ASAP.

“Cover costs with the slush funds skimmed by Branch Leaders in Districts 32 to 39. That’ll build us a grand hall.”

“Yes, sir.”

Slit-Eyes jotted furiously and departed. Jin’s orders would spread like branching streams, down to the lowliest beggar.

Those who’ve weathered storms together bond tighter. Already cohesive, the Beggar Clan would emerge stronger.

Jin’s standing would rise too.

Knowing that, he’d accepted Lee Taebaek’s demands without protest. Blue-Robes Faction—quick with calculations.

“Oh, and.”

Just before parting, Lee Taebaek turned back, phone starting to ring as if on cue.

“Thinking of using a Hyeopjeon.”

“A Hyeopjeon? For what?”

Lee Taebaek spoke.

Thud.

Jin Sobang dropped the receiver. The shrill ring shattered into silence.

“Branch Leader.”

“…Yeah? You’re back?”

“Yes, sir. Thanks to that intel, we nabbed a third of them in three hours. Might wrap up the day after tomorrow! Elder Seo Punggae praised your功 too. Said you might earn another knot soon!”

“I see…”

“Something happen after I left?”

“Nah. Something’s about to.”

“…?”

“Imugi, that guy.”

“Yes.”

“Wants to see the secret formula. Even used a Hyeopjeon.”

“D-Dr-Dragon Head Ch-Chief—”

“Contact Elder Punggae.”

“What did you say…?”

Jin Sobang shed his silk robes for a beggar’s sackcloth.

“Sobang seeks audience with the Great Existence.”

Guanxi is repaid with guanxi.

An ancient Central Plains custom.

About an hour back at Eunko Bar. Dozing off when the doorbell rang—he flung open the door.

“Delivery.”

A Resistance member in courier garb handed over a palm-sized wooden box.

The member completed his duty and left. Ah, with a crisp salute of respect at the end.

Rumors spreading in the Resistance already, huh.

Lee Taebaek carried the box to the bed. He could guess what was inside.

An elixir, probably. Like the last one, in a similar wooden case.

But no light spilled when he opened it. A letter blanketed the pill like a quilt. Handwritten by the Commander-in-Chief.

Roughly: Purged the 0th Squad Team Leader for betraying the Resistance; passing his share of elixir to Lee Taebaek.

“Traitors everywhere, here or there.”

Plus, boosted the grade from merchant-grade Simyeolhwan to Daeyeonghwan using his personal achievement points. P.S.: From Shaolin Temple. Stolen, apparently…

Lee Taebaek set the letter aside and chewed the elixir. Crushed bits settled in his dantian, then rampaged like they’d been waiting. Blood boiled—he immediately assumed lotus position.

Shhh…

Suppressing the rampaging heat coursing through his body with cold energy. Fingertips, pale from clenched fists, flushed crimson.

Such serendipitous opportunities come unexpectedly. Hence “fateful ties,” perhaps.

And ties (因緣) mean relationships.

Not elixirs like this fit the word best. Nor profound martial theories or sword principles. Its essence was connection.

Even in this city, where neighbors are ATMs to fleece in need. No—especially in this dystopian world where that’s the baseline, relationships shone brightest.

Energy circulation lasted two days and nights. The elixir settled in his lower abdomen; the greater fortune seeped into his mind.