66 - Murim Login

Episode 66 Step. Step. With each step the young man took, the crowd parted with murmurs. It wasn’t just his chiselled handsome face that caught their attention; it was the overpowering aura that emanated from him. Even from a distance, he was unmistakably noticeable. “Wow, he’s so handsome.” At the silly remark of a maid who joined last year, an old servant chuckled. “Wake up from your dreams.” “Who’s dreaming? It’s just that I’m seeing his face for the first time.” “Didn’t you see earlier? When the pavilion of the Third Young Master collapsed.” “Was there anyone who didn’t see that chaos? Still, that man seems unforgettable even after seeing him in the midst of warfare, hehe.” “Well, back then, he wasn’t dressed as he is now.” The maid recalled and widened her eyes in realization. “Oh, no way?” “Yes. That’s the Second Young Master himself.” “So stop dreaming and get back to work.” Jin Mu-Gyeong ignored the buzzing whispers surrounding him and continued on his path with an indifferent expression. Upon reaching the ancient pavilion, the guards at the entrance opened the doors for him. Their gazes were filled with awe. “The Young Master is waiting for you.” “Thank you.” As he entered the Junior Family Head’s office, he was greeted by the smell of rich tea and the pounding footsteps of his brother, Jin Wi-Gyeong. “Brother!” With arms wide open, Jin Wi-Gyeong gave Jin Mu-Gyeong a tight embrace. For a moment, Jin Mu-Gyeong contemplated escaping, but doing so would mean seeing that big man whine like a child. “You’re suffocating me.” His tone was stiff, like a wooden doll. “Is that what you say to a brother you’re meeting after three years?” Jin Mu-Gyeong replied firmly. “It would be the same even after thirty years.” “You’ve grown so cold. You’ve changed a lot.” “Yes, I’m a cold-blooded man with neither blood nor tears.” “It’s fine. I’m naturally warm-blooded.” “…Let go.” After a brief moment, the two sat down and began their conversation. “I don’t see Master Wi around.” The presence of Wi Peng, who should be a constant shadow next to the Junior Family Head, was missing. Jin Wi-Gyeong took a sip of tea before replying. “I sent him on a pursuit mission. It’ll take at least a fortnight to reach Sammun Gorge and return.” “That far?” If the Jin family is at the heart of Shanxi, Sammun Gorge is both its entrance and perimeter. Being a pathway to Shaanxi and Henan, even a fortnight seemed tight. “Isn’t it too hard for a mere formality?” “Why, do you feel sorry?” “I didn’t expect the matter to escalate like this.” “Neither did I. I didn’t expect you to cause such an incident as soon as you arrived.” “That!” “Mu-Gyeong.” Unlike before, there was a light rebuke in Jin Wi-Gyeong’s gaze, making Jin Mu-Gyeong sigh. “I wasn’t planning to go that far. I originally intended just to spar a little.” “And then?” “They were quite formidable. I lost my temper and overdid it.” “Indeed. It wouldn’t have been the youngest you knew.” Jin Mu-Gyeong nodded reluctantly. Just a few hours ago, he had personally tested the youngest, so now he couldn’t deny it. “Speaking of which, what exactly happened?” “The youngest?” “Everything. The letter I received only stated that the Hangsankeom clan was attacking.” Since Hangsankeom announced their war declaration shortly before, he had no way of knowing the details. All he had was the gossip he heard on his way to the Jin family in Taiyuan. “Is it true that the Great Elder betrayed us?” “Yes. It’s a long story.” “How long is it?” “It goes back forty years to the Great War of Zhengma.” The moment Jin Wi-Gyeong opened his mouth with a stern look, Jin Mu-Gyeong interrupted. “That’s enough.” “What did you say?” “Both the betrayal and death of the Great Elder, and the defeat of Hangsankeom, you say. The Jin family emerged as the final victor. Did I misunderstand something?” “No, that’s correct… But now I’m confused as to who’s being absurd. Then he recalled one thing. “You demanded a full account!” “Oh, I'd like to withdraw that. If I listen to tales from before I was born, I’ll grow old and die here. I'd rather practice my sword an additional time.” “Then I'll be going.” “You’re leaving? Where to?” “Of course, to train.” “Training? Now?” “I came intending to spar with Master Wi, but since he’s not here, I must practice alone.” Jin Wi-Gyeong was rendered speechless. This was the attitude of a younger brother meeting his older brother after three years. His chest ached with betrayal. “Mu-Gyeong!” To his earnest call, Jin Mu-Gyeong replied coldly. “Thank you for the tea.” Without a backward glance, he left the office, leaving Jin Wi-Gyeong in shock. ‘How I’ve raised you…’ Both the second and the youngest had grown too quickly. While he was proud of his splendidly matured siblings, he occasionally felt a sense of melancholy. ‘Right, it’s the natural order.’ Jin Wi-Gyeong sighed deeply and sat in front of his desk. And with utmost care, he began piecing together the earlier torn masterpiece, ‘The Birth of a Hero’. “There’s no trace to be found.” “Neither witnesses nor tracks. It’s an elusive foe.” At the subordinate’s report, Wi Peng swallowed a bitter smile. From the start, there was no assassin, so it was only natural no trace was found. ‘To be performing a role not suited for me.’ The memory of an exchange he had an hour ago with Jin Wi-Gyeong flashed in his mind. ‘An assassin? Didn’t you blow the issue out of proportion?’ ‘Seize the opportunity when it comes.’ ‘It’s not an opportunity to rebuild the Third Young Master’s pavilion more splendidly, is it?’ ‘Oh, that’s a good idea. You should consider it.’ ‘Lord!’ ‘Just kidding.’ ‘Then what opportunity are you referring to?’ The jest faded from his master’s face at that moment. ‘The opportunity for the family to encompass the entire region of Shanxi.’ "Over the past five days, I've scoured all the family records. There was a name I needed to find. Surely, you know what it is." "Amcheon (Dark Sky)." "Aren’t you curious about the result?" "You couldn't find it." "A storm is gathering. A cloud that’s never shown itself before. We must be prepared for it." "Give the order." "I’ll provide thirty elite men. Head south immediately. The official mission is to capture or eliminate the assassin, but there’s another true objective." Unconsciously, Wi Peng touched his chest, feeling the thick stack of papers handed to him by Jin Wi-Gyeong. "What is this?" "I plan to convene all the martial sects of Shanxi at the main house at the start of the new year." It wasn’t an invitation or a request; it was a summons. Wi Peng was smart enough to understand what this meant. "Are you aiming to become the Alliance Leader?" "If necessary." Until recently, the martial arts scene of Shanxi was seen by the public as divided between the two peaks of the Jin family in Taiyuan and the Hangsankeom clan. But reality was different. The martial arts world of Shanxi was like a tripod cauldron. "The Jin family in Taiyuan, the Hangsankeom clan, and the smaller sects." The Jin family dominated the central region, Hangsankeom the north, and the south was the domain of over twenty smaller sects. The Shanxi Five Sects, which disappeared in the recent war, were merely a title given to the strongest five among them. "They have strong ties. They might not comply." "That would have been the case before the war." The three-legged cauldron had begun to tilt. The Jin family had both the power and justification to support the Shanxi martial arts scene alone. "Can you do it?" The answer was predetermined. Wi Peng softly murmured. "I will comply." At that time, as Jin Wi-Gyeong pieced together "The Birth of a Hero," he was quietly cursing Wi Peng. * * * [Level 50 Jin Tae-Gyeong] Occupation: First-Class Martial Artist Fame: 1180 Titles: 3 (Title effects applied) Strength: 135 (+15) Stamina: 142 (+15) Agility: 180 (+15) Intelligence: 25 (+15) Charisma: 25 (+15) Internal Energy: 15 years Remaining points: 50 - Please distribute the remaining points. - Hidden Dragon of Shanxi (All stats +10, Fame +100) - Scion of a Renowned Family (All stats +5, Fame +50) - Gambler (Battle-related stats +10% in one-on-one combat) Looking at the status window, I regretted it. "Damn it. I used too many points." Facing Jin Mu-Gyeong, I arrogantly poured 50 points into agility. The balance of my carefully maintained stats had been disrupted, leaving me feeling bitter. "I thought 20 or 30 points would be enough." The barrier of the ultimate martial artist was formidable. Perhaps Jin Mu-Gyeong was stronger than expected. After all, the label of genius is not just given to anyone. "When I endured fifty exchanges, even the assassin looked flustered. Until recently, I was an unknown master devoted solely to training…” Whack! “Ow!” Hyuk Mu-Jin cried out as he was smacked in the back of the head. “What was that for?” “Stop spouting nonsense to the kids. Unless you want to die.” Seo Cheon, however, waited with glittering eyes for more stories. “I think it’s fine.” “What does it mean to die? Do you want to die too, So-Yul?” “...You’ve still got a long way to go.” I patted the head of So-Yul, who was tugging at my sleeve and whining. My association with these young siblings has grown quite deep. As I watched them, someone came to mind. “How is Master Gong doing these days?” Gong Ya-Cheong. Even though the martial arts terms are still unfamiliar to me, I always attach 'Master' when addressing Gong Ya-Cheong because he deserves it. “He’s recovering smoothly. Though he still has difficulty moving.” “Really? That's good to hear.” “He mentioned he’d like to see you before you leave.” I nodded almost distractedly, then paused. “Leave?” “Yes, he’s been appointed head of the newly reconstructed Sakju branch.” “Then…” “We’re going to follow him.” War takes away many things. Seo Cheon and So-Yul lost both their home and parents to the raid of the Hangsankeom clan. Although the past cannot be undone, everything is settled now, and they will return to a place full of cherished memories. “Thank you, benefactor.” Their heartfelt gratitude tickled a corner of my heart. The harsh reality left for these young siblings was beyond what they should bear. Moreover, So-Yul still doesn't know about their parents' deaths. "Five years old…” It's an age too tender to comprehend and accept the present. Suddenly, a memory from 22 years ago flashed in my mind. It’s blurry. “...It would be nice if you could.” So-Yul smiled innocently, though unaware of the meaning behind my words. I turned my gaze to Seo Cheon. “Can I come visit now and then?” Seo Cheon beamed as if he had been waiting for me to ask. “A benefactor is always welcome.” Breaking the warm atmosphere between us, Hyuk Mu-Jin interjected. “So, when are you leaving?” “In half a year.” My sentiment, I should have saved it.