72 - Murim Login

Chapter 72 “You’ve died once today.” A chilling voice followed. “Your limbs were severed, your bones crushed, your neck sliced. The degree and type of pain might have differed, but you were dead. For certain.” The relief from having survived vanished, replaced by a swelling anger. With trembling legs, I stood up. Swallowing down the metallic taste of blood pooling in my mouth, I glared at Jin Mugyung. 'This crazy bastard.' I was tempted to land a fist squarely on that proud face of his, but I held back. It wasn’t because I was weaker than Jin Mugyung. It was because I knew he wasn't wrong. “……so, what’s your point?” As if waiting, the answer came swiftly. “It means your lifeline is almost at its end.” “What?” “You’re a half-baked one. Neither a martial artist nor a ronin. Someone like you stepping into the martial world is just bound to die.” Half-baked. Perhaps that was the most precise way to describe my current state. Because I am both a Hunter and a martial artist. “Sanseo Dragon? A top-rate master? A wandering dog would laugh. You’re simply a brawler. Unrefined as a martial artist, and not pragmatic enough to fight like a ronin. Don’t mistake surviving by luck as a testament to your skills.” I finally managed to open my mouth. “Then what about Cho Pil? Was that luck, as you claim?” “Cho Pil, the one-strike killer? He was probably foolish enough to drop his guard in front of an enemy. You happened to have one last move to flip the situation.” “……" “Why? Too on point even though I haven’t seen it myself?” Jin Mugyung clicked his tongue. “Even a deaf elder knows that the third son of the Taewon Jin family is a rogue. You think Cho Pil didn’t know? He let his guard down and got finished.” Is this guy a stalker, or what? I felt like Sun Wukong in Buddha’s palm. His guesses were that accurate. “Let me be clear.” Jin Mugyung looked at me with steady eyes. “The luck you’ve had ends here.” “The martial world is teeming with monsters. And they won’t drop their guards like Cho Pil. You’re no longer the rogue third son, but the Sanseo Dragon.” Every word pierced through me, targeting my core. Everything Jin Mugyung said was true, and now was the time to accept reality. “Damn it.” Indeed. I am half-baked. I’ve managed to survive thanks to a stroke of luck from the system, but it seems that’s as far as it gets. But……. 'I’m still fortunate.' Not only did I identify the problem early, but there’s a remarkable solver in front of me, ready to help. “Help me.” Jin Mugyung. Already a consummate martial arts genius. And also. “……Hyung.” [Hyung: older brother in Korean] Ding. - [Time Limit: 9 days 20 hours 23 minutes]. Martial artists are known for their pride. Even third-rate ronin with rusty swords and cheap drinks hold pride, so it’s no surprise that successors of prestigious sects bear an arrogance that reaches the skies. “Help me, Hyung.” In that sense, this guy has become someone worthy. Three years ago, he would’ve run crying to Hyung-nim for help…… He’s grown. More than expected. ‘A peculiar guy.’ His personality and martial arts are unpredictable. It’s both an advantage and a disadvantage. One thing is certain, though: 'Nothing works against a true master.' 'But the talent is real.' Jin Mugyung has met countless prodigies in the Heavenly Martial Pavilion over the past three years, but the growth speed of Jin Taekyung was unprecedented. 'He has strengths they lack.' The ability to grasp martial arts at a glance. An instinct for real combat and ears open to others’ advice. 'Though he’s still a jumbled half-baked mix.' With time, his weaknesses will be filled and the protrusions smoothed. Then Jin Taekyung’s martial prowess will be complete. Like the harmony of Tai Chi, 'Tai Chi, huh, maybe that's too grand?' This is starting to feel overwhelming. But the curiosity is unbearable. To see how he’ll evolve. To what heights he’ll rise. ‘He must be busy going forward.’ Within a fortnight at the latest, I should set off and return to the Heavenly Martial Pavilion. Finally, Jin Mugyung spoke. “What are you doing? Pick up your spear.” “Hyung!” Seeing Jin Taekyung’s face brighten up, a thought crossed my mind. 'When did this rascal start talking down to me?' The moment the training stepped up a notch. Bang. Jin Wigyung stamped the last document with bloodshot eyes. Though freed from nearly ten hours of labor, there wasn’t any joy. By morning, new tasks would undoubtedly pile up. ‘Are they multiplying like rats behind my back?’ At least the end seems to be in sight, which is a small consolation. After his final review, Jin Wigyung rang a small bell. Before the clear sound faded, two sturdy men appeared. “Did you call, young master?” “Take these away.” The servants started meticulously piling the documents on a cart before they were about to leave. “Oh, you stay.” The servant singled out widened his eyes. “Me?” “Yes, you.” Left alone with the servant, Jin Wigyung spoke in a grave tone. “So, how’s the work lately?” “Thanks to the young master’s grace, it’s going well.” “Nothing troubled?” “Oh no, nothing at all.” The servant, Childuk, nodded repeatedly. Though he could not read a single character, his ears could hear and his eyes see. Having emerged victorious in the recent war, the Taewon Jin family now stood as the best in Sanseo, and the young master Jin Wigyung had come to be known as the Honorable Sword of swift recovery and fair dealing. ‘Why is such an esteemed person…?’ Nerves made his heart race. Did I make a mistake? Or did they see a talent for martial arts in me by chance? If it’s the former, it's trouble, but the latter could mean an opportunity to turn his life around. ‘I have sturdy bones and muscles. I’ve never even had a stomach ache since I was young.’ Already envisioning himself wielding a sword and earning fame, Childuk’s eyes started to dream. Meanwhile, seeing Childuk's eyes glaze over, Jin Wigyung flinched. 'What’s with this guy.' Eyes pleading desperately, as if staking his soul. The way he looked at me was not one that a man should direct at another man. 'Could it be?' The whispered tales of male affection... No, no. Jumping to conclusions is dangerous. He's a member of the Taewon Jin family, a loyal retainer that deserves trust and care. Jin Wigyung pushed away the doubt and spoke. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” “A- About me, sir?” “Of course. I’ve had my eye on you for quite a while.” Well, not from long ago, but since the battle at Sohol. Jin Wigyung was searching for a trustworthy servant for a very important task, and Childuk was the handpicked ideal candidate. “A talent possessing benevolence, integrity, propriety, and wisdom. That’s you.” “This can’t be...” Childuk, a first-rate servant unbeknownst to the meanings of benevolence, integrity, or propriety, still grasped the compliment about being a ‘talent.’ 'Me? A talent?' He had heard praise about his strength and diligence, but being called a talent was a first. And from none other than the illustrious young master. Am I dreaming or awake? Childuk was overtaken with excitement so intense that even his speech faltered. “I too! I have always watched over the young master!” Jin Wigyung shuddered at that moment. What did I just hear? “...What do you mean by that?” “I’ve dreamed of this moment for a long time. To someday stand behind the young master!” “Hold on. Isn’t there something off with how you’re saying this? Why behind me?” “Ah.” Childuk swallowed his breath. Not behind. Clearly, he’s meant to lead the way and achieve glory. “Then I’ll stand at the front!” “No! That’s weird too!” But Childuk’s wild enthusiasm was relentless. “I will willingly devote my entire being to you!” Jin Wigyung’s mind went blank. “No, don’t! Don’t devote anything!” “Young master!” Huff, huff. Childuk panted heavily while Jin Wigyung gathered his energy. ‘Who would’ve thought I’d find myself in such a situation.’ As open-minded as he was, this was beyond him. Personal preferences aside, he wasn’t willing to be anyone’s target. Jin Wigyung swallowed hard. “Are you really suggesting...” Childuk’s eyes lit up. Imagining himself clad in the deep blue martial robes worn by the Taewon Jin family’s warriors. “Yes! Just give me the command!” “To think you’d target me, how presumptuous of you-!” Slap! The strike from a master was intense. Looking down at Childuk, who had collapsed as if his strings had been cut, Jin Wigyung hurriedly rang the bell. Ding. Ding. “Young master, you called… Gosh. Childuk!” Jin Wigyung addressed the startled servant. “Take him out immediately!” “What in the world happened?” “That scoundrel was trying to... never mind.” It was beyond him to explain this to a family member. Tears of indignation and anger threatened to spill for the first time in his life. “I’ll handle it.” As the quick-witted servant hoisted Childuk up, Jin Wigyung added one last critical directive. "And make sure..." “Yes?” “...he’s relieved of his duties.” “Ah.” The servant suddenly recalled the duties Childuk was entrusted with. Delivering meals. Childuk’s most important role was bringing meals to Jin Mugyung and Jin Taekyung. “Don’t let him even come near my brothers! Understand?” “Yes, sir!” [Day 1 of Training] I’ve decided to start daily journaling. To ensure I remember what I learn from this training. Under Jin Mugyung's guidance, I swung the spear all day. Each day starts and ends with sparring. I get beaten up terribly, but it's bearable. For the first time, I tried grinding ink. Surprisingly, it’s kind of fun. [Day 2 of Training] Today, I swung the spear tirelessly again. Thanks to that, my strength and stamina stats increased, and my family spear technique reached the 9-star level. It’s progressing much faster than when I trained alone, but I find myself wondering if I should be focusing on mastering other supreme martial arts instead. But I’m sure Jin Mugyung has his reasons. Grinding ink is getting a bit tiresome. I’m exhausted. [Day 3 of Training] More family spear techniques. I asked to learn other martial arts and got beaten up badly. He said my mindset was rotten. While desperately dodging, my family’s footwork reached 8-star. Damn, this is more effective than I thought. [Day 4 of Training] Since training began, I haven’t slept more than two hours a night. Mainly, it’s a loop of training with Jin Mugyung, sparring, then more training. Since yesterday, I started using wall-qi pills to save eating time. Even with the system’s help, I’m reaching my physical limit. [Day 5 of Training] My arms ached, so I ground only a little ink. Everything looks yellow. I'm going to sleep. [Day 6 of Training] I don’t get why the system doesn’t have a memo feature. I got frustrated grinding ink and broke the inkstone. Jin Mugyung hit me. [Day 7 of Training] My family’s footwork reached 9-star. I leveled up simultaneously. I’ve drilled it so endlessly that even when I walk normally, I find myself using the footwork. It’s eerie. [Day 8 of Training] My coordination was off today. It feels like the martial art I know isn't the same. Despite practicing it thousands, even tens of thousands of times, the moves seem foreign. Jin Mugyung said it’s a normal phenomenon. What kind of nonsense is that? For looking disrespectful, I got hit. [Day 9 of Training] I think I get it now. Boom. The compressed air burst out of the tip of my spear. Jin Mugyung glanced at his broken sword and clicked his tongue. “Barely made it.” I didn’t answer. Just stood there holding my spear in a daze. So this is what it was. I thought I understood all the martial arts I’d learned. But I was wrong. It was like mistaking a mountain midway point for the peak. Each ascent in martial arts reveals new vistas. 'Just like now.' Ding. Ding. Ding. -[You’ve mastered the Jin Family’s Spear Technique]! -[You’ve mastered the Jin Family’s Footwork]! - Achievement, [Mastered a Top-Class Martial Art] achieved! - As a reward, a new skill, [Secret Skill Creation] is unlocked! - All stats significantly improved! - Level up! - Level up! The system’s surge inundated me.