182 - Murim Login

**Chapter 182** Step. Step. Amidst the gazes of countless people, two individuals moved towards each other. Finally standing face to face, they performed the martial salute. "I am Jin Wi-kyung of the Taewon Jin Family." "I am Baek Mu-seong of the Mount Hua Sect." Mount Hua Sect. And Baek Mu-seong. The impact of these two names was colossal. An exclamation burst forth from all sides, instantly dispelling the quiet. "Mount Hua Sect!" "Baek Mu-seong, the White Crane of Mount Hua!" Although there were commoners among the crowd, a significant number of martial artists were also present today. The weight carried by the name of the Mount Hua Sect, and the title White Crane of Mount Hua, was immense. "Why in the world is the White Crane of Mount Hua here?" "Is the influence of the Taewon Jin Family that vast?" "Wait, if the White Crane of Mount Hua is here..." The chaotic chatter halted, as the crowd swept their eyes over their surroundings. It didn't take long for them to spot the young man and woman beside Baek Mu-seong, causing another wave of astonishment. “That young man must be the Defeated Flower Fist. His build is extraordinary, just as I heard.” "There's also the Flower Sword Phoenix! And she's beautiful!" "Wow! It's the Three Plum Blossom Perfection!" Jin Cheol-woo and Eun-hyang appeared bewildered by the unexpected amount of attention. Both had accompanied their teacher, the Celestial Sword Master, out into the martial world a few times but had never received such enthusiasm. “What’s this, am I that famous? They even know my nickname.” "Brother Cheol, did you hear? Someone just called me pretty." Cheol-woo replied with a serious tone. "They misheard. Don't pay any mind to it." "…That’s frustrating." The two grew up like siblings studying under the same masters. At their playful exchange, Jin Wi-kyung softly chuckled. "You seem close." “They lack maturity and constantly get into trouble. They’re far from perfect.” “Haha, with the Defeated Flower Fist and the Flower Sword Phoenix, they are remarkable juniors in training.” “Your words are too kind.” Baek Mu-seong also let a gentle smile linger at the corners of his lips. Although it was their first meeting, he found Jin Wi-kyung likable. Maybe it was due to his unique atmosphere that put people at ease, or perhaps his large frame that reminded Baek Mu-seong of Cheol-woo. “Shall we proceed inside? This place seems ill-suited for an important discussion.” “I agree.” They unintentionally drew attention. If a word about the swordmaster slipped out in the presence of so many onlookers, it would undoubtedly cause a stir. "Let’s go." Jin Wi-kyung nodded lightly and began to lead the way. In the midst of the pouring gazes and cheers, as Baek Mu-seong moved to follow, he suddenly hesitated. He didn't sense the presence of his disciples following behind. 'What is this?' When Baek Mu-seong glanced back, he saw Cheol-woo standing like a tower, staring intently at something in the distance. "Cheol-woo." At Baek Mu-seong’s call, Cheol-woo's head slowly turned. "Yes, senior brother." "Is something the matter?" “No, nothing.” Eun-hyang, who was next to Cheol-woo, interjected abruptly. "But he was just looking at someone." “Is it someone you know?” Cheol-woo immediately shook his head. His broad frame slightly obscured Eun-hyang. "Would I know anyone? I’ve rarely left our base except for a couple of times with our master." “That’s true, I guess.” "I just had a sudden stomachache and was looking for the restroom." "Really?" “Yes. So, on that note, may I quickly visit the restroom?” “How long has it been since you relieved yourself?” Cheol-woo put on a stern face. "Taking care of the big needs often resolves the smaller ones, but solving the small needs doesn’t handle the big ones." "…Ah, right." Baek Mu-seong felt uneasy. Perhaps it was the smooth, unusually coherent response from his second disciple, who usually spoke in a chaotic, mismatched manner. “Cheol-woo, are you…?” His sentence was interrupted by Jin Wi-kyung, who had stopped and was looking curiously back. "Is there a problem, Baek So-hyup?" "No, it’s nothing. My disciple just has an urgent matter to attend to." “What kind of matter?” “Well… nature is calling him.” “Oh." Those who had been listening intently to the conversation couldn't help but chuckle. Cheol-woo scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. “Apologies.” “No need to apologize. You've traveled far; you should rest well.” Baek Mu-seong hesitated for a moment before nodding. Anyway, the crucial conversation was between the two. Having Cheol-woo yawn or fidget beside him wasn’t ideal. "Jin Daehyup has granted permission, so go ahead." “Senior Brother… Can I go too?” “Yes. Unless you’re opposed?” “No. I’d rather stay by your side.” Jin Wi-kyung laughed gently at Eun-hyang's vehement nodding. "Then it’s settled. Baek So-hyup?" "Ah, yes. Let’s proceed." Baek Mu-seong continued walking, suppressing his uncertain expression. But he quickly brushed it off. 'What could possibly happen in that short amount of time?' As the party moved further away, a martial artist from the Taewon Jin Family approached Cheol-woo. “I’ll guide you to the restroom.” “Restroom? What for?” "Pardon?" “We’re surrounded by mountains. Why not just do it by the roadside?” The surrounding crowd burst into laughter. There was a stereotype that those from renowned sects would be arrogant and rude, but Cheol-woo’s candid demeanor brought refreshing amusement to everyone. "Indeed, that's right." "Even though this is the outskirts, the area boasts beautiful landscapes, so enjoy the view as you go about your business!" “This is a chance encounter, Defeated Flower Fist. Shall I recommend you a prime spot?” Cheol-woo roared with laughter. “Haha! A prime spot, sounds great! But I’d rather not go where you’ve been.” Instead, let’s see... Scanning the crowd, Cheol-woo pointed directly at one person. “How about that gentleman over there show me the way?” The middle-aged man who had been staring blankly at Cheol-woo suddenly jolted with surprise. "Y-You mean me?" "Yes, you." The man's face, Um Hwang-tae, turned an ashen hue. "Slow down a bit. Let's go slowly from here." "Why?" "Can't you see the horse foaming at the mouth? And if we arrive in a hurry, everyone will think, 'Ah, those guys are late.'" "That oddly makes sense." We slowed our horses’ reins. At the foot of the descending hill, the full view of the Taewon Jin family estate began to unfold. "My, there's quite a crowd." "Indeed. From what I heard, they weren't supposed to invite that many people." Even a rough estimate showed hundreds gathered in front of the Taewon Jin family's main gate. Despite the considerable distance, faint cheers could be heard. 'Did an idol show up or something?' I drew upon my internal energy, focusing my hearing. My ears, now several times sharper, caught the enthusiastic shouts without missing a beat. As I silently observed, Hyeok Mu-jin asked, "What’s happening? Did someone important show up?" "They're talking about the Hua Mountain White Crane and the Plum Blossom Trio or something." "...Those are their titles?" "I don't know. That's what it sounded like." The distance made it hard to catch everything clearly. But still, those nicknames... did the Plum Blossom Trio have some vendetta against the Mount Hua Sect or something? At that moment, Cheong Pung, who had been lying quietly on the horse's neck, spoke up. "Savior, it's the White Crane of Hua Mountain, and the Three Plum Blossoms." "Oh, really?" “Yes, I heard it clearly.” From this distance? Given that Cheong Pung, the high-ranking martial artist amongst us, said so, it was likely accurate. "All right then." While I nodded without much emotion, Hyeok Mu-jin almost fell off his horse in surprise. "The White Crane of Hua Mountain and the Three Plum Blossoms!" "Are they famous?" "More than just famous! They are direct disciples of the Celestial Sword Master, head of the Mount Hua Sect!" "So it's practically common knowledge?" "If you're a martial artist, you can't not know!" "Is that so?" I casually gestured behind me. Cheong Pung, eyes wide, was clapping with delight. "Wow, those are some cool nicknames. Where are they from?" "By any chance, the Shaolin Temple?" Is he nuts? This is coming from the supposed youngest disciple of the Mount Hua Sect's leader. After a moment of silence, Hyeok Mu-jin spoke up again. "The White Crane of Hua Mountain and the Three Plum Blossoms. Haven’t you heard of them?" "I like Mount Hua, and love plum blossoms even more." "…Ah, okay." Indeed, form is temporary, class is permanent. 'Why does this sound like a child choosing between their favorite parent?' I was pondering Cheong Pung's train of thought when Hyeok Mu-jin, having gathered himself, came to a conclusion. "Anyway, they're incredibly famous." "I see." "Indeed." "...Wait, that’s all the reaction you're giving?" "What reaction are you expecting?" "Usually, it would be a reaction like mine." "Are you supposed to be so startled that you fall off your horse?" Hyeok Mu-jin mounted his horse again, speaking passionately. "Yes, that's the level of surprise we're talking about. They’re the disciples of the Celestial Sword Master! The future of the Mount Hua Sect!" "Impressive then." I turned to Cheong Pung. "By the way, your grandfather's name is?" "He uses the characters for plum tree and crane. Mae Jong-hak." "And his nickname?" "Sword Sage." "Did you hear that, Mu-jin?" "Yes." Hyeok Mu-jin, who nodded with a dazed expression, seemed hell-bent on imparting the grandeur of the White Crane and the Plum Blossom Trio. "Obviously, we should exclude Sword Sage Mae Jong-hak from this. Honestly, it would be like an adult interrupting a children's scuffle." "So, your conclusion?" "The White Crane of Hua Mountain has already surpassed the younger generation’s top tier. At this rate, being the next sect leader is no problem. The two others in the Plum Blossom Trio are admired among young martial artists." It’s definitely impressive. Given their age, the evaluation by society indicates they’re at least world-class. "Yet why do I feel unmoved?" "That, well..." While Hyeok Mu-jin pondered deeply, his expression suddenly wilted. "Now that I think about it, even I am not all that thrilled." "Really?" "Yes. The White Crane was once my idol." Cheong Pung chimed in unexpectedly. "Could it be because of your formidable ancestors?" "What?" "What?!" "They're incredibly strong. I mean, they planned to take you on as a disciple." The latter part was nonsense, but the first part was dead on. If the Sword Sage Mae Jong-hak was an obscure, celestial figure, the Fiery King Jeok Cheon-gang was a tangible beast. Facing a creature the size of a hundred-story building, only to be told about something four stories tall; no wonder I wasn’t thrilled. "And..." As Cheong Pung looked straight at me, he continued slowly. "Savior, you're strong enough already." "...Oh?" "I'm serious." His words left a ticklish warmth in my chest, but they were true. It wasn’t that I was confident in a fight against the White Crane. 'It's just I’m certain that in the not-too-distant future, I'll catch up.' From martial arts novice to peak expert in mere months. Imagining how much I've grown in a year or two is unfathomable. For someone like me, the White Crane of Hua Mountain is just one checkpoint along the way, not an insurmountable wall. “Thanks for saying such nice things.” Cheong Pung replied with a bright smile. "It’s nothing. Grandfather always said we need to focus on encouraging those who aren't steadfast." Oh, seems I was getting a little mental care session here. Just as I found myself caught in inner conflict, contemplating whether to divide Cheong Pung's scalp, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "G-Excuse me. Young master Cheol!" "You, an old man, calling me 'young master Cheol'? Weren't you just calling me a stupid cow?" "No, no! Grandmaster Cheol! I’ve made a grave mistake earlier!" "You made a mistake? Mistake? Stake? Steak? Did you just call me a cow again?" "Eeeek! This is too much! I mean, at my age... Yes, sir. Let's go inside and talk for a bit." A young man, whose massive build reminded me of Jin Wi-kyung, was dragging a middle-aged man as they made their way towards the hillside next to the hill. As they spotted us, the young man halted. "Hey there, sir, do you have some business here?" Is he talking to me?