Jo Seong-Won is one of the supporting minor characters in Absolute Sword Sense novel and manhwa series. He is first official disciple of the Beggar Sect leader.
Background[]
Jo Seong-Won was officially dispatched by the Beggar Sect as a spy to infiltrate the Blood Cult. This mission was meant to prove his worth and secure his formal appointment as the sect's next leader. Unbeknownst to him, however, the entire operation was a ruse designed to eliminate him through a scheme known as 'kill him with a borrowed knife'—a plot orchestrated by Hong Gu-ga. Seeking to conceal his nepotism, Hong had arranged for his far less talented grandson, Hong Geol-gae, to succeed him as leader instead of the more deserving Jo Seong-Won.
As a result, in the original timeline, Jo Seong-Won died less than a year after leaving Sixth Blood Valley. Hong Gu-ga leaked information revealing him as a spy who had infiltrated the Blood Cult, leading to his tragic demise and the successful execution of his former master's scheme.
In Woonhwi's second life, he successfully intervened to prevent Jo Seong-Won's foreseen tragic demise. Following this intervention, Jo Seong-Won became one of Woonhwi's most trusted allies, alongside Sima Young.
Upon learning how his master had betrayed him, Jo Seong-Won resolved to exact vengeance at any cost - targeting both his former master Hong Gu-ga and his grandson Hong Geol-gae.
Plot[]
Thanks to Jin Woon-hwi's intervention, Jo Seong-Won gained the opportunity to fully master the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palm technique and challenge Hong Geol-gae to a one-on-one duel. Before the assembled Elders, he defeated his rival, substantiated his claims, and was ultimately anointed as the rightful successor to the Beggar Sect leadership.
Shortly thereafter, Hong Gu-ga and Hong Geol-gae deserted their post during a battle against Yangtze River Lord Jang Mun-ryang. While attempting to flee, they were captured by river pirates. Jin Woon-hwi, operating under his alternate identity as the 'Blood Demon', subsequently executed both deserters before the assembled pirates during their interrogation.
These events precipitated the premature appointment of Jo Seong-Won as the new leader of the Beggar Sect. The sudden power transition occurred amidst ongoing conflicts with the Yangtze River pirates and internal sect instability following Hong Gu-ga's desertion.
Martial Arts[]
Initially sent on a mission tantamount to a death sentence, Jo Seong-Won was taught only a fragment of the Beggar Union's greatest legacy—the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palm. It was only after clearing his name with the help of Jin Woon-Hwi that he finally gained access to the complete martial arts manual of his sect.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- In the promotion to advanced level warrior he defeated his opponent with the sixteenth blow.