179 - Murim Login

**Chapter 179** Genuinely exquisite fabric. I had completely forgotten the earnest advice from Wi Paeng, which I had received just two days ago before setting off from the Taeweon Jin family. With a gulp of disbelief, Hyuk Moo-jin spoke. “Well, what should we do now?” “What else can we do? Even if we remembered, it’s not like we could have made it on time.” This was no ordinary person we were dealing with, after all; it was the Hua Wang. Given yesterday’s mood, if I had mentioned needing to leave for family matters, they might have cheerfully let me go. Of course, not to my home, but to the netherworld. “Wi Daehyup will kill me.” I patted Hyuk Moo-jin's shoulder, which had noticeably darkened. “It’s alright. I don’t think he’ll kill me.” “Oh, me too!” This is the sorrow of having no one to back you up. But that doesn’t mean I plan to deliberately delay. On the day when Taeweon Jin is set to stand as the ruler of Shanxi, it wouldn’t do for the youngest of the family to be late. “Pack up. We’re leaving right away.” Not that there’s much to pack, just a small bundle. In no time, we were ready and headed down to the first floor. Despite the early morning, the inn, decorated in red to match the occasion, was bustling with people. And among them, two people stood out conspicuously. “Oh, just waking up?” “Tsk, youngsters these days sleep so much.” “Indeed. In my youth, there were days I wouldn’t even sleep for an hour.” “An hour? Let me tell you, back in my days…?” One of them waved to acknowledge us, then returned to sharing drinks with his companion, both their faces flushed, evidence of their early morning indulgence. Hyuk Moo-jin, following behind, whispered softly. “What kind of combination is that?” “I have no idea.” One of them was an old man, much larger than most warriors, while the other looked so frail he might blow away with a puff of wind. Hua Wang aside, ‘Zhang Tae-bo, when did that man get here?’ Was it because of a commission? Regardless, the two old men who had each made names for themselves in their respective fields seemed to have become quite friendly of late. “The atmosphere’s a bit chaotic. Shouldn’t we just sneak out?” “Yeah, right. Don’t you remember getting knocked out with a duck bone yesterday?” “It was a duck bone? Damn, no wonder my head’s been throbbing.” “If you sneak out, your skull might crack open.” “That’s a bit…” “So, want to try running?” Hyuk Moo-jin sighed with a dejected face. “Ugh, what a way to start the New Year.” I completely agree. There’s probably no one who'd wish to meet Hua Wang Jeok Cheon-gang on the morning of New Year's Day. “Elders, don’t you have any dumplings?” “There’s plenty of meat as well. Eat up.” “Wow!” ……Except for that guy. Hyuk Moo-jin and I moved forward with the heavy hearts of cattle being led to slaughter. Cheongpung, who was shoving food into his mouth at lightning speed, handed us dishes with a bright smile. “Ugh! Migeru Mums!?n Buss!” “…Feel free to have it yourself.” “Je Miglesmunsd!” That such a person is a master at the peak is just outrageous. I can’t help but lament this unfair reality. As I was worrying about the future of the martial world, Zhang Tae-bo approached me. “So, what are your plans now?” “We’ll be heading back to our main family first. There's some business to attend to.” “Ah, I see. You mentioned there’s a gathering at the Taeweon Jin family?” Lately, every move concerning the Taeweon Jin family in Shanxi has been hotly discussed. The Taeweon Jin, who had been treated as an aging tiger, was finally reclaiming the throne of the Shanxi martial world after many years, so the interest and expectations were naturally high. Even Zhang Tae-bo, who led a reclusive life in a small village like Zhangjia, was aware. “Whenever people gather, that’s all they talk about. Even commoners with no connection to the martial world are flocking just to gawk, so that says it all.” “Do you think it will really draw that much attention?” “A grand feast attracts all sorts of things. Even though Shanxi is somewhat remote, the position of being the ruler of the renowned martial family is significant. Although I’m not a martial artist, I’ve seen enough to be intrigued. Oh, and…” Zhang Tae-bo added in a lower voice. “Don’t worry about the commission.” The commission. His words reminded me of something. At the time, I hadn’t had the chance to ask. “By the way, is there anything you specifically need?” “What do you mean?” “There could be various things.” Even at a local laundromat, they charge a repair fee, yet Zhang Tae-bo is a master craftsman renowned throughout the world. While not as active as during his prime, I doubt his skills evaporated over ten years. So surely, it’s worth something……. Understanding the drift of my words, Zhang Tae-bo stroked his white beard. “You mean compensation?” “To be honest, I can’t meet expectations as high as yours.” “Then just give me ten thousand nyang.” Ten thousand nyang is equivalent to a hundred silver nyang. A considerable sum indeed, but considering his fame, it felt like a special discounted price. I nodded enthusiastically. It’s not like it’s my own money anyway. “I’ll prepare it and have it sent to your home.” “Ten thousand silver nyang? I’ll have to uproot the very foundation of the Taeweon Jin family.” “…You mean ten thousand in silver?” “Of course. Do I look so cheap to you?” “That’s a hefty one million nyang.” “It’s merely a paltry million. But the chance to possess the finest weapon in the world outweighs any wealth.” Naturally, it matters. In reality, how much is a million nyang worth? Hundreds of billions? Or perhaps even trillions? Seeing the expression on my face, Zhang Tae-bo chuckled. “It’s not necessary.” “I’m sorry, but how about a straightforward deal for ten thousand…… Pardon?” “I said, it’s unnecessary. What would I do with it? I wouldn’t even be able to spend it all before I die. The mere opportunity is enough for me.” Is this true craftsmanship? Truly a shiny beacon, Tae-bo. The world's blacksmiths should emulate him. Lost in admiration, I quivered with emotion when Hyuk Moo-jin interjected, looking on with respect. “In that case, could you just receive the ten thousand and give it to me?” That guy could write a memoir titled *"100 Ways to Get Yourself Killed."* I gently struck the back of his head and then respectfully bowed to Zhang Tae-bo. "Then, please take care of it." "I should be the one asking a favor. While it’s hard to say how long it will take, rest assured something remarkable that will shake the world will result. So please, ensure you have the strength and qualification worthy of it by then." “I'll do my best.” "Very well, that's all there is to it. I’ll just have to trust you." As Zhang Tae-bo nodded, he paused. “Oh. And could I ask for one more favor?” "...?" "Could you rebuild my house? It all burned down, and now I have nowhere to sleep." The house he had acquired after retirement, his cherished place for a peaceful life, had been lost overnight. Hearing the sorrow in Zhang Tae-bo’s voice made me instinctively glance to the side. Jeok Cheon-gang, who had been quietly drinking as we conversed, raised his eyes. “What are you looking at?” The emotional and earnest Jeok Cheon-gang of last night was nowhere to be found. I quickly looked away. “…Nothing.” “If you’ve got something to say, spit it out. I’m not a petty man.” “Can I really say it?” “Go ahead.” As soon as he said that, the area under the table grew unbearably hot. It wasn’t as if the innkeeper, who might have had modern heating appliances, set up an electric heater. 'Damn Fire Palm.' I choked back tears and replied. “I was just thinking how you look about ten years younger today.” Jeok Cheon-gang furrowed his brows. “What, ten years?” Damn, when I think about it, taking ten years off a hundred is still ninety. I hurriedly corrected myself. “Twenty years…” “Twenty years?” “Thirty years…” In just a mere three seconds, Jeok Cheon-gang, who had seemingly rejuvenated by thirty years, nodded approvingly. “I thought you were just a fool with nothing but dung in your head, but it seems you can actually think sensibly.” Hyuk Moo-jin seemed to have something to say, but kept his mouth shut. He probably didn’t want to create a posthumous work titled *"100 Ways to Get Beaten to Death.”* Instead, he nudged me repeatedly with his elbow, eager to leave the place immediately. ‘I feel the same way.’ To do so, there’s just one more thing I need to wrap up. I spoke as politely as possible. “I have a few items in my possession.” Jeok Cheon-gang, his face flushed from drinking, chuckled. “And you were thinking of returning them?” “Of course, I should return them.” “That’s right. Failure to return them would result in some dire consequences.” Old man, he could see right through a person like a ghost. I managed a forced smile as I placed the items I had prepared on the table. The secret manual for the [Fire Palm], which I got from Jok Pil. And the [Nameless Sword] crafted from ten-thousand-year-old cold iron. “As you might already know, Yeol Hwa Shin Dan is…” “You devoured it.” “Yes. That’s correct.” “But…” His wrinkled fingers tapped on the table. Jeok Cheon-gang continued in a dry voice. “Where is the Treasure Jewel?” “Pardon?” “The Treasure Jewel. The Treasure Jewel.” By "Treasure Jewel," he must mean some treasure or gem? Since Jeok Cheon-gang isn’t the sort to obsess over ordinary jewels, it certainly sounded significant. But not knowing it even existed had me at a loss. “These are all I received.” “Received? You mean you didn’t personally gather them?” “Yes. Due to certain circumstances, I received them after regaining consciousness.” “And there is no one you’re suspicious of?” The ones who handed over Jok Pil's belongings were Gong Ya-chang and So Cheon. Neither of them are the type to slyly sneak something away. The reconnaissance team involved that day was trustworthy, and my confidence in them remains unchanged. “I’m sure. No, I’m absolutely certain.” Studying my confident answer, Jeok Cheon-gang spoke. “It’s one of two things. Either someone deceived you or that child lost it.” “Troublesome. Indeed, a nuisance.” While partly in search of his disciple, Jeok Cheon-gang might have also returned to retrieve the treasures of the Yeolhwa sect that had been scattered. The Treasure Jewel he mentioned seemed to be among them. Not just anything; a treasure that even the Hua Wang considers necessary enough to endure troubles to recover. 'Damn it. I haven't even laid eyes on it.' I was more overwhelmed by the sense of impending trouble than intrigued by what the Treasure Jewel could be, when— “Well, can’t be helped. For now, you hold onto them.” Hearing that nonchalant comment made my mind freeze for a moment. So then... “You want me to keep these?” “Yes.” “Both of them?” “All three. Don’t forget what’s inside your stomach. Anything derived from the original must be returned. One way or another.” "...!" "...!" “It’s a joke.” Phew. “Tsk tsk. A young guy, and his courage is the size of a bean already.” Whether it’s a bean or a cannonball, I don’t care. I firmly reject any further dealings with this terrifying old man. I took a deep breath and spoke. “I'm sorry, but I must refuse…” “Refusal will mean I take all three back immediately.” “Now I’m serious.” Once again, the space under the table was ablaze. Needless to say, it was the Fire Palm. 'No way.' Trying to return things to their original owner and I’m not even allowed to do that freely? In frustration and injustice, I asked. “Why are you doing this to me?” “Why would an old man like me carry such things around? I don’t have the strength for that.” “What if someone steals it?” “Then you'd die by my hand.” “I could master them!” “Then you’d die more painfully.” What kind of absurd reasoning is this?? Leaving me in bewilderment, the Hua Wang rose from his seat. Cheongpung, diligently shoveling food into his mouth, looked up. “Granpa-hyeong, are you leaving?” “…You’re worse than my grandfather. Take your time eating.” Exchanging farewell glances with Zhang Tae-bo, he threw a meaningful remark before turning away. “We’ll meet again soon.” I’d rather never see him again. Not now, not ever.