180 - Murim Login

Episode 180 New Year's Day. Jin Wi-Gyeong's reaction to the sunlight of the first day of the New Year was brief and simple. "Simply incredible." Upon hearing his words, Wolhwa, who had been gracefully tilting a teacup, let out a small laugh. She had arrived at the Tae-Won Jin Clan last night. Considering the clan's guideline of prohibiting entry to non-family members, this was, in a way, a gesture of courtesy towards their alliance. “Do you like it that much?” “How could I not?” “Well, considering the work you’ve put in until now, it’s understandable. Just two years ago, I never thought a day like this would come.” “Those words are somewhat disheartening.” Wolhwa covered her mouth in an exaggerated manner. “Oh my, shouldn’t I be saying that instead? We’ve been waiting long enough.” “I intend to keep my word. Absolutely.” “I hope so. It would be troublesome if you changed your word twice.” “Let's stop here. It’s exhausting.” “We're equally tired.” The previous night had been long. After intense negotiations, they had finally found a mutually agreeable compromise. Ultimately, both parties needed each other’s assistance to exert influence over Shanxi’s martial world. Finally having achieved her desired outcome, Wolhwa smirked with satisfaction. “Still, we provided you with valuable information, didn’t we?” Jin Wi-Gyeong replied with a disgruntled expression. “Oh, that information? I heard the Daedong branch of the main family played a part in that as well.” “It was us who initially requested the information. We also promptly sent the messenger.” “That part... I acknowledge.” Wolhwa narrowed her eyes slightly. “Aren’t you at all worried?” “About what?” “The Cheonpungdan.” The news of the Cheonpungdan, which had been roaming near Daedong, being annihilated was undeniably good news, but it was also shocking. That someone could single-handedly wipe out hundreds of bandits, including peak-level martial artists? Such a feat seemed nearly impossible unless one was a supreme master. Wolhwa traced her slender fingers along the rim of the teacup. “Who could that person be?” “Well, we’ll have to find out gradually, don’t you think?” Jin Wi-Gyeong suppressed a smile internally. Even though the world is wide and there are many reclusive masters, supreme masters are never common. The word that first came to mind when he heard about the Cheonpungdan was none other than: Sword Saint Ma Jong-Hak. ‘There’s a high possibility it’s him.’ Considering their relationship, he should rightly inform Wolhwa. However, revealing such information to the Hao Clan’s chief of operations would be too significant a matter. “Don’t worry too much. The main family is keeping a close watch.” “For something being closely watched, you seem rather relaxed.” “Certainly not. Since that ruthless Cheonpungdan was annihilated, it’s unlikely to be a master from the demonic sect.” Wolhwa narrowed her eyes at his casual response. However, probing further seemed pointless. If the Tae-Won Jin Clan indeed had ties to such a supreme master, their progress until now would have been much smoother. “Well, in any case. Congratulations.” “Thank you.” “But it seems one of you has been quiet all this time?” Jin Wi-Gyeong, knowing exactly who Wolhwa was referring to, shook his head. “He’s always been a friend filled with discontent.” A stern voice interjected. “Are you talking about me?” “Who else would it be?” Wi-Paeng, who had been leaning against the office wall, spoke up. “I agree wholeheartedly with our lord. It's truly a fantastic day.” “What’s this? You usually fuss over decorum and whatnot whenever you say things like this.” “What can be said about something fantastic other than it’s fantastic?” Even his usually strict subordinate was, for today, going along with the mood, much to Jin Wi-Gyeong’s satisfaction. “Indeed. It’ll be quite an important event.” “Can you hear the distant buzz? Not only are the martial experts of Shanxi gathered, but even commoners who heard the news are flocking here.” “Oh, is that so?” “Indeed. Moreover, a congratulatory letter has arrived from the leader of the Mount Hua Sect, the Heavenly Sword Immortal.” “Wow!” “The Three Plum Blossom Masters should also be arriving soon.” Even though Jin Wi-Gyeong already knew of these details, it was pleasant to hear them reiterated. Even within the vast martial world, the Nine Great Clans wielded significant influence, and their acknowledgment, even from a part of the righteous martial world, certified the Tae-Won Jin Clan’s legitimacy. Of course, one couldn’t deny that the incident involving the Sword Saint and Qingfeng had quite an impact. “Is that all? Isn’t it true even a royal descendant, Prince Sangsan, is coming? This signifies that both the government and the martial world have recognized our main family as the dominant power of Shanxi.” “Indeed, so it seems!” Wi-Paeng smiled as he watched his lord enjoy the moment. “Would you like to hear an even more fantastic piece of news?” “You’ve really planned this today, haven’t you? What is it? Go ahead and tell me!” In the next instant, the smile that had lingered on Wi-Paeng’s lips vanished. “Despite such an assembly of numerous martial artists and commoners, esteemed guests of the Nine Great Clans, and even royal bloodlines, both of our young masters are absent.” “……Ah.” “I might understand Second Young Master. Enlightenment can arrive unexpectedly, and seclusion training is possible. I’m a warrior, after all. But still!” Wi-Paeng continued with a fierce gaze. “Third Young Master shouldn’t be let off so easily. Not only did he leave just like that during such a critical time, but all contact has stopped.” Jin Wi-Gyeong discreetly averted his eyes. Wolhwa, his sole lifeline, shrugged as if she didn’t know either and merely watched. “He’ll come.” “He’ll come, you say? It’s last year he left saying he’d be right back.” Jin Wi-Gyeong paused, realizing he didn’t have a solid retort. The words sounded peculiar, but they weren’t incorrect. Wi-Paeng gritted his teeth as he continued. “To think I temporarily believed in Third Young Master just because he said he was off to create weapons. I was a fool.” “Oh dear, you—” “Am I wrong?” “Oh dear!” “What?” Just then, when Jin Wi-Gyeong flinched at Wi-Paeng's glaring eyes, a voice of salvation came from beyond the office door. “Young Lord, everything is ready.” “……So they say?” Wi-Paeng, on the verge of saying something more, let out a deep sigh. This situation was not unprecedented. The immediate tasks needed to be addressed first. "This time, you must give the Third Young Master a stern talking-to," he said firmly. "I surely will." With a knowing smile, Jin Wi-Gyeong stepped out of the study. In front of the hall, fifty martial artists stood in a sharp and imposing line. Each was at least a first-rate expert, watching their lord with unwavering focus. Stalwart and towering at eight feet tall, the young lord of Tae-Won Jin Clan had led the family for the past two years in place of the absent family head, steadily securing its position atop a solid foundation. Jin Wi-Gyeong's tightly sealed lips finally parted. "Let's go." Wi-Paeng, Wolhwa, and fifty martial artists followed him. As they crossed the quiet grounds of the Tae-Won Jin Clan, their number grew. From fifty to one hundred, one hundred to two hundred, two hundred to three hundred... The Tae-Won Jin Clan had suffered deeply during the last war, losing limbs and enduring pain, but their recovery had been swift, and their growth steep. 'The main family has become stronger.' The structure of a pavilion, two parties, and three battalions advancing with him was proof of that strength. The people who had grown with the renewed strength of the Tae-Won Jin Clan served as its arms, legs, body, and backbone. As Jin Wi-Gyeong recalled the countless sacrifices and efforts made for this day, his heart swelled with emotion. "Young Lord." They had arrived at the Main Gate. The gatekeepers bowed with disciplined movements. Beyond the impeccably built stone walls, the cheers of countless people could be heard. "Wow, this is truly remarkable." An ever-smiling Wolhwa and Wi-Paeng, looking more solemn than ever. As Jin Wi-Gyeong absorbed the sight of them, he took a deep breath. In the next moment, a voice full of authority rang out. "Open the gates." This marked the beginning of a grand ceremony that would continue for four days and nights, and a signal fire announcing that Tae-Won Jin Clan had become the dominant power in Shanxi's martial domain. At the gate of the Tae-Won Jin Clan, a multitude of people had gathered. Martial artists with swords at their waists, merchants eager to seize opportunities, and commoners who belonged to neither side. Even though it was midday, fireworks occasionally burst into the sky to celebrate the first day of the New Year. Bang, bang! "Wow!" As hundreds upon hundreds of people laughed and chattered in a festive atmosphere, a few wore grim expressions. "Damn it." "What on earth is going on?" "Those brats..." Five middle-aged men, the heads of the so-called Shanxi Five Clans, couldn't shake off their scowls. Among them, Woo Hwang-Tae, the head of Seongun Escort Agency, was particularly anxious due to the troubles caused by his inept son. 'To think they won’t even grant us an audience.' He had arrived five days earlier, tirelessly requesting a meeting countless times. It was all to clean up the mess his son Woo Jin-Tae had made. Yet, the letters and gifts he meticulously prepared didn't even get to cross the threshold of the Tae-Won Jin Clan. His pride was wounded, but he resorted to extreme measures by visiting in person. 'I am Woo, the lord of Seongun Escort Agency.' The Seongun Escort Agency was a well-known establishment in Shanxi Province, famed for accumulating immense wealth by any means necessary. Yet, the gatekeepers remained indifferent. 'You cannot see them right now.' 'Hey, what are you saying? I told you I am the chief of Seongun Escort Agency!' 'I don't care whether you're the chief or a sect leader; I follow my orders.' '...Has he ever experienced such humiliation in his life?' Just like Woo Jin-Tae, Woo Hwang-Tae had lived a life sheltered by the family's influence. While he had faced failures and been ignored by those in higher positions, he could bear it up to a point. But to be treated like this by mere gatekeepers was an unbearable affront! Whenever he thought of the incident, a pain throbbed in the back of Woo Hwang-Tae's head. 'Those bastards. No matter how strong they've become, to treat people so poorly!' His son returned home beaten beyond recognition, to the point where one couldn't tell if he was a human or a bruised beast. Father and son had been publicly humiliated, an embarrassment too great to share with fellow clan leaders. "Huff, huff." His face flushed with anger, Woo Hwang-Tae breathed heavily, while the other heads of the Shanxi Five Clans gauged his mood. "Woo Chief, are you alright?" "If you feel unwell, perhaps we should return tomorrow..." Woo Hwang-Tae snapped with a sharp tone. "Would you be alright if it were your son who was beaten like a stray dog, and on top of that, had to apologize? Chief Tae, what would the Tae-Won Jin Clan think if we turned back now? Is that what you call advice?" The two heads he had just chastised flinched, and the other two sighed in relief. Yet, beneath their calm exteriors, all four harbored similar thoughts. 'To hell with this businessman...' They endured only because they still required support from the Seongun Escort Agency. They clearly remembered their children's words. 'The Dragon in Shanxi said Seongun Escort Agency would be the example.' 'Chief Woo isn't an ordinary man, but if it's the Nine Great Clans, they might just swallow it whole, right?' 'Considering the recent prestige of the Tae-Won Jin Clan, it seems possible.' 'Let's bide our time.' As soon as the scales tipped, they would switch sides. The four leaders were waiting for the right moment and could feign friendliness as long as they could ensure the survival of their clans. "Haha, Chief Woo. Calm yourself." "Indeed, Woo Chief, it isn't just you who feels wronged. We're in the same boat, are we not? I understand your sentiment." "Let’s just go inside now. We can’t just watch from here forever, can we?" "Here, these are pills from a renowned healer. They'll calm even the most fiery temper. Let's chew one each before we enter." Just as Woo Hwang-Tae sighed heavily and was about to toss the pill into his mouth, a deep voice interrupted. "Wow, look at all these people bustling about." Something nudged his arm, and the pill he had in hand fell and was crushed under someone's shoe. Woo Hwang-Tae's patience had reached its breaking point. Flames of anger flared in his eyes as he glared at the culprit. The man was towering, two heads taller than most. His rustic manner was evident as he stared with bovine-like eyes and casually picked his nose. “You lout! Stop right there!” The large figure halted abruptly. “Huh? You talking to me?” “Yes, you! When you bump into someone, shouldn’t you apologize immediately?” “Oh. Sorry about that. I didn’t notice with all these people around.” The man quickly bowed his head in apology and started to turn away, which only fueled Woo Hwang-Tae's rage even more. The humiliation his son suffered and the disrespect from the gatekeepers over the past few days came rushing back to him. This big oaf's casual attitude had set fire to his temper. “You brainless oaf! You stop right there!” At that moment, the giant man trembled slightly. “What did you just say?” “I called you a brainless oaf, you fool!” “That’s one of the things I hate being called the most.” “If you hate it, what will you do about it?” With a sharp snort, the giant opened his mouth again. “Can I hit him?” “You damn fool...!” Just as Woo Hwang-Tae was about to make his move, a clear voice rang out from behind him. “No, you can’t do that.” The voice belonged to a young man with a neat appearance. Baek Mu-Seong, known as the Crane of Mount Hua, was smiling gently at Woo Hwang-Tae, having intervened just before the confrontation could escalate.