63 - Murim Login

Chapter 63 Creak. The man entered the inn just around the time of the horse hour (between 1 PM and 3 PM). The old wooden door groaned open, yet none of the patrons inside bothered to turn and look. Even the innkeeper and the server, who should have readily welcomed the guest, were no exception. "So, what happened next?" "Come on, don't keep us on edge! Tell us!" As the people eagerly pressed for more, the old storyteller tapped on his empty cup, prompting the innkeeper to fill it generously with bamboo-leaf wine. Only then did the elderly storyteller, the narrator of tales, continue his story. "A fierce battle unfolded. Bloody Wolf Sword Yi Cheon-baek had brought three thousand men. But the Jin family of Taiyuan only had an elite force of three hundred to stand against them." "Three thousand!" "By heavens, three thousand indeed!" "Isn't that a bit much? The Hangsan Sword Sect isn't some kind of prestigious martial arts sect..." The storyteller, interrupting himself, spat out the wine he was drinking. "Ugh, damn it. This wine tastes awful." "I'm leaving. If you still want the rest of the story, go ask that guy who mentioned the martial sects." "Hey, come now. What's the matter?" "Who just mentioned the martial sects?" As the mood turned ominous, a young man timidly stepped forward. Seeing this, the storyteller sat back down, his mood somewhat pacified but still emboldened by the interruption. He tapped the empty cup again, indicating it needed not wine, but silver. The room simmered with unease as people engaged in an unseen negotiation. Ping. "Huh?" The storyteller's half-closed eyes widened in surprise. A shiny silver coin had flown out of nowhere, landing before him. "Wow, who here is so generous?" "Who was it?" "Why are you looking at me? You trying to get me killed by my wife?" Then a voice came from behind the crowd. "I would like to hear more of the story." A calm but resonant voice. It was the man who had just entered the inn. His face was hidden by the deep brim of a bamboo hat, and his dust-covered cloak hinted at long travels. 'A martial artist.' Even without anyone voicing it, everyone in the tavern concluded the same about the man's identity. The storyteller gulped while glancing between the silver and the stranger. "Thank you, kind sir. Is there a particular story you wish to hear...?" In his experience, rogue bandits and martial artists could be two sides of the same coin. The storyteller was an old hand at survival and had no desire to die by the sword in a mere inn. Fortunately, the stranger fell into the latter category. "Briefly. Just the facts." From his voice, it was clear that he was a young one, yet a young one cultivated in martial arts. He could not be treated casually. The storyteller rubbed his hands together. "I'll share everything I know." "So, the battle you spoke of, when did it occur?" "Five days ago." "Who was victorious?" "The Jin family of Taiyuan triumphed brilliantly. I heard the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon played a significant role." "The Hemingshan Sword Sect... what did you just say?" "Excuse me?" "The Mountain and River what?" "Ah, the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon, you mean?" "Yes, that's the one. I've never heard such a moniker before." "If you're from outside, that could be. It's a title that's only recently gained recognition for Young Master Jin's achievements." "Do you mean Jin Wei-kyung, the young master?" "No, heavens no. While the young master is impressive, the standout this time was undoubtedly Young Master Jin." "So this Young Master Jin... wait, is the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon perhaps connected to Third Young Master Jin Tae-kyung?" "They are one and the same." The man, who had been silent for a while, flicked a finger. A second silver coin landed neatly in the storyteller's cup. "I thought I asked for brevity and just the facts." "I swear on my life." The storyteller's firm reply made the man sigh. "Let's say that's so. What happened to the Hangsan Sword Sect?" "They're on the verge of closing their gates. Young Master Yi So-gun died early on, and their leader, Bloody Wolf Sword Yi Cheon-baek, fell in battle. Two days later, the heir apparent also died fighting bandits." "Bandits?" "Yes, the audacious ones heard of Bloody Wolf's death and stormed the Hangsan Sword Sect. They were lurking nearby, waiting for such an opportunity." "A mess indeed." "A battlefield of words. Aren't they bandits after all?" Silence blanketed the tavern like a pall. The patrons half-expected the generous martial artist to plant a third silver coin on the storyteller's forehead, but instead, he silently rose to leave. "Thank you for the story." Even after the man departed, the storyteller's tale continued, fueled by endless rounds of drinks and snacks. The disputes for dominance among the martial world, tales of victory and defeat, the newly risen young hero—they kept the conversations flowing. "The Jin family of Taiyuan will soon rise and establish itself prominently in the central plains. Such a talented young master and a newly distinguished Mountain and River Hidden Dragon. And then... who else was there?" "The Sword of Heaven?" "Oh yes, Second Young Master Jin Mu-kyung!" "They say that young man is incredible too. A rare genius of martial arts born once a century!" "But what's he up to now?" "Who knows. At this hour, probably sleeping." While the tavern revelers continued their drinking, the man quietly urged his horse onward. Though his lips were sealed, his ears remained open. "Did you hear that tale?" "Another about the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon? My ears are bleeding from it." "True, but this one's top secret. Heard it from a guard at the Jin family's gate." "What's so urgent?" "Know the Heavenly Force?" "The Heavenly Force of the Eighteen Brigands of the Green Forest? The bandit known as an apex master?" "Exactly. That Heavenly Force was also taken down by the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon!" "Is that just a rumor? Why would such a big shot bandit bother raiding all the way to Shanxi?" "How would I know? The surprising part is that the Lord of Hell's Whip was there too." "The Lord of Hell's Whip, you say!" "They say he was disguised as a coachman at the Red Blossoms Inn. Be cautious if you ever find yourself there." Amid the unending chatter, two words repeatedly surfaced: the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon and Jin Tae-kyung. As the destination neared, the rumors grew and swelled like snowballs. "The greatest beauty of all time, blessed with a heavenly physique. A chivalrous hero who cannot ignore injustice." The man gave his horse a vigorous kick, urging it on. Just hearing the first syllable of "Mountain and River Hidden Dragon" made my insides churn, like I'd suffered an internal injury, and my head began to ache. By the time he reached his destination the next morning, the man, Jin Mu-gyeong, felt a sense of nostalgia. 'It's been a while.' Returning after several years, the place remained unchanged. If there was any change, it was this: "Halt! I am Hyeok Mu-jin, the gate captain of the great Jin family of Shanxi, right hand of the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon. State your identity and purpose..." Instead of answering, the travel-worn Jin Mu-gyeong sighed. "Shut up and open the gate." A stream of energy flowed smoothly and powerfully. The energy coursed from his dantian through hundreds of acupoints, finally returning to its rightful place. Ding. - Successfully completed [Energy Circulation]. - The level of [Jin Family Martial Arts] has risen to 8 stars. I opened my eyes to the system notification. 'Eight stars.' It's certainly good news, yet I can't help feeling a twinge of disappointment. Because the notification I'd been waiting for was different. 'Couldn't the internal energy increase a bit more?' It's been two months since I gained access to the system. Energy circulation has become a habit now, but my internal energy remains stagnant. 'At this rate, it'll take another ten years.' The greatest advantage of the Jin Family Martial Arts that I practice is its stability. Unlike common internal energy cultivation techniques, it can even be utilized while moving. The problem is... 'The accumulation of internal energy is frustratingly slow.' A lack of internal energy is a fatal flaw for a martial artist. Sure, I can handle first-rate and second-rate fighters with ease, but against a peak master, having multiple lives wouldn’t be enough. I realized this when facing the great elder's prowess firsthand. 'He was incredible, that old man.' Even five days later, I haven't forgotten. In fact, it was a sight I'd never forget, even fifty years from now. The sword energy that swept the battlefield, and the level 95 status that seemed absurd. 'How long could I have lasted one-on-one?' Even if I pushed myself to the brink, lasting one minute would have been questionable. But unexpected variables turned the tide, allowing me to drive a spear into his chest. And the system didn't forget to reward me. "Open status window." Ding. [Lv. 50 Jin Tae-gyeong] Occupation First-rate Martial Artist Fame 1180 (+150) Titles 3 (title effects in effect) Strength 135 (+15) Stamina 142 (+15) Agility 130 (+15) Intelligence 25 (+15) Charm 25 (+15) Internal Energy: 15 Years Remaining Points: 100 - Distribute remaining points. - Mountain and River Hidden Dragon (All Stats +10, Fame +100) - Scion of Reputable Family (All Stats +5, Fame +50) - Gambler (Battle-related ability in one-on-one battles ...%) "Aah." I've checked the status window dozens of times over the past few days, and it never gets old. The bubbling excitement in my veins is exhilarating. 'Facing the elder was worth the risk.' The gamble with my life brought significant rewards. I jumped 13 levels in one go, entered the triple digits in fame, and saw changes in my titles. "Check titles." Ding. [Mountain and River Hidden Dragon] Grade: Peak Effect: All Stats +10, Fame +100 Description: Your reputation now permeates throughout Shanxi. However, the world is vast, and there are many masters. Never be complacent! I might not yet be renowned nationwide, but in our stronghold of Shanxi, my name is well known. 'So that's why they call me the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon?' Like a mysterious figure in a wuxia novel, or a formidable nickname from an underground fighting ring. Regardless, it's a good thing for me. A great title like Mountain and River Hidden Dragon and the removal of the once burdensome [Disgrace of the Family] tag is refreshing. Once again, I've grown stronger. Suddenly, I recalled a conversation with Manager Choi before returning to the martial world. He had casually joked that we might need to revise our contract when we next met. He might have taken it as a bluff, but I intended to turn it into reality. 'I'll become as strong as possible before returning.' I will gain all the strength I can before going back. Internal energy, skills—whatever it takes. By the next logout, I'll be at least a B-rank, if not A-rank, hunter and return in glory... "Wait, hold on." I suddenly have the feeling I've forgotten something terribly important. 'What is it?' I halted everything and tried to make sense of the deja vu when suddenly: - Is this the place? - Yes, absolutely. I recognized one of the voices coming from outside the door as Hyeok Mu-jin’s. Bang! With a tremendous crash, the door was torn open. I am a person who values basic etiquette. Trash in the bin, smoking in designated areas, and watching adult films of Japanese origin. And knocking before entering someone else's room is a must. Particularly those who burst into a single man's room without knocking should be sentenced to life imprisonment. "In that sense, this guy deserves the death penalty." For wrecking the door, life imprisonment. For speaking informally upon first meeting, aggravated punishment. I responded politely. "Oh, I'm here." The man's eyes widened. He looked like he'd spent 20 years working in coal mines, his face grimy and blackened. Young but rugged appearance—his story seemed to fall into place. 'Wandering Warrior #1.' An extra character chasing after the Mountain and River Hidden Dragon's fame. I turned to Hyeok Mu-jin, who wore a similar expression, and asked: "Who is this guy?" Hyeok Mu-jin froze, a look like he'd seen a ghost. "Don’t you know?" "How would I know? You have to introduce him." I grumbled and unleashed [Spirit Sense]. A blue aura stretched out towards them. [Lv. ??? Jin Mu-gyeong] So, he's Jin Mu-gyeong. Must be quite a level. "Huh? Jin Mu-gyeong?" I checked the status window, looked at his face, repeated this a few times, and then approached him with a pounding heart. "Excuse me, just a moment." I scrubbed at his face. The stain-free sleeve of my robe turned black instantly. And then, a handsome face emerged. It was so familiar—I saw it in the mirror every morning. 'A complete doppelgänger.' Heh. I awkwardly smiled, while Wandering Warrior No. 1 glared at me with icy eyes. "It's been a while, brother."