186 - Murim Login

Chapter 186 Jin Wi-Gyeong and Wi-Paeng. As the conversation continued, their raw emotions became palpable. Shock, disbelief. And then shock once more. “Is… is that truly the truth?” After speaking for so long, I was at my wit’s end. Feeling the fatigue, I replied: “It’s the pure and absolute truth, trust me.” Wi-Paeng, who had been in a stupor, suddenly sprang forward. “Third Young Master, if all this is a lie, then both you and I might as well be dead!” “I told you, it’s the absolute truth!” "Still, even so..." “I swear, it’s an unadulterated truth! I’m not making this up!” With a slightly grim expression, I waved the sword and manual towards the hesitating Wi-Paeng. In moments like these, you shouldn’t give people time to dwell. “If you doubt me, see for yourself. It’s the Flame God’s secret manual and a sword forged from ten-thousand-year-old cold iron!” “Ah! Put those away immediately!” His reaction was akin to thrusting a cross in the face of a vampire. “Why are you acting like this?” Wi-Paeng answered with a horrified expression. “You’re asking me to inspect the Flame God’s manual? Are you trying to doom my family?” “Oh, right. Forgot about that.” Peeking at the exclusive martial arts of the Flame King was inviting inevitable peril—peril as scorching as one’s very body being consumed by flames. “Anyway, it’s all true. There are witnesses, right?” Hyeok Mu-Jin, who had been tucked away in a corner as if dead, raised his hand slightly. “With all due respect, it’s all true.” Cheong-Poong, whose mouth was stuffed with snacks of unknown kind, spoke earnestly with a full mouth. "Mm-hmm, it’s true!” Though that testimony seemed feeble, I couldn't help but wonder how much longer he was going to keep stuffing those snacks. Endlessly replenishing, it seemed? “Wi-Paeng, I believe what Tae-Kyeong says might indeed be the truth.” Jin Wi-Gyeong noted, prompting Wi-Paeng to nod in agreement, albeit with a complex expression. “Yes, it’s hard to believe…but we have no choice but to accept it.” “The Flame King, that very same Flame King, yes.” Jin Wi-Gyeong let out a deep sigh. His lingering hand picked up the [Nameless Sword] laid on the table. Srrrng. The sheath unveiled a gleaming white blade, emitting a chilling aura. Watching it, Jin Wi-Gyeong muttered softly. “I smell blood.” I momentarily forgot. Before being the young master of the Tae-Won Jin clan, Jin Wi-Gyeong is a swordsman. Without needing to see an item's description like me, he accurately read the weapon’s state and sheathed the sword once again. “Tae-Kyeong-ah.” “Yes.” I straightened my posture. When Jin Wi-Gyeong calls me by name instead of “youngest,” it means he’s being serious. “Do you know what these items are?” “Aren’t they precious artifacts? Almost impossible to obtain, even with a fortune.” An unparalleled supreme martial art and a legendary sword forged from eternal cold iron. Anyone in the martial world I know would risk their life for these. Jin Wi-Gyeong shook his head. “That’s wrong.” “What?” “These are bewitched objects (鬼物). They ensnare and drive people mad.” “Ah.” “Do you know the name of that ghost?” I whispered softly. “Greed.” “Yes, greed. A deeply embedded, persistent, and dangerous force within everyone.” I know. I couldn’t be unaware having experienced it firsthand. Years ago, on that day, greed took root in my heart, costing me dear ones. “I don’t know with what intention the Flame King entrusted you with these dangerous items, but keep everything related to them entirely under wraps. Understand?” Though his gaze and words were directed at me, it was a message intended for everyone in the room. Both Hyeok Mu-Jin, and Cheong-Poong lastly. We responded in unison, as if pre-arranged. “Yes.” “I will keep it in mind, Young Master.” “Mm-hmm!” ...I could almost throttle that mouth of his. * * * Jin Wi-Gyeong lifted a thick curtain. Through the lattice-like window, he watched the retreating figure of Jin Tae-Kyeong. The sunlight shattered upon the coarse sword sheath strapped to his back. “What blasted wonderful weather we’re having.” “Didn’t you just say earlier it was the best?” “That was then. They’re similar sentiments anyway.” “It feels a bit different this time though.” “Don’t quibble over words when you know everything. By the way, why are you still here when you said you’re leaving?” Wi-Paeng replied in an exhausted voice. “My lord, please don’t nitpick words either. My head’s already a jumble.” That sentiment applied to both of them. Jin Wi-Gyeong muttered as if he’d aged ten years. “What on earth is happening?” “I’m curious about that too.” Reflecting on the events that unfolded at the Tae-Won Jin Clan in the past year—or even six months—it wouldn’t be strange to suspect some demonic presence had attached itself. “Even the Flame King is involved now.” “I hear his temperament is far from mild; I fear for the safety of our clan.” “We must turn this crisis into an opportunity.” Jin Wi-Gyeong caressed his teacup. To others, he might have appeared lost in thought, but his lips barely moved. - How’s that matter proceeding? Noticing the silent transmission, Wi-Paeng acted naturally. “The tea’s gone cold. Shall I have it brought fresh?” - We haven’t discovered anything yet. “It’s fine. It’s still drinkable.” - How many of the surviving remnants are there? “It could affect your health.” - Most perished during the interrogation process. “You’re the only one who looks after my wellbeing.” - Then, how many are left? “Someone has to care for you, especially since the Lady is absent.” - Three of them. Jin Wi-Gyeong’s fingers halted abruptly. The unexpected news momentarily made him forget he had to respond. - Only three? Wi-Paeng sighed and nodded. - There was an exceptionally strong curse on them. I apologize for my limitations... it’s beyond my capabilities. - It’s not your fault. It’s our clan’s deficiency. - Please give me further instructions. Jin Wi-Gyeong felt parched all of a sudden. - Suspend any interrogation techniques without inflicting deadly harm. Use any means necessary to ensure their survival, as they are the only evidence we have now. - Understood. He clenched the cold, untouched teacup in his hand. On the surface of the slightly trembling tea, an indistinct, distorted face appeared, much like those creatures. 'Amcheon (暗天)……' He had no idea where, how, or for what reasons they engaged in such acts. Unable to uncover anything, they were grasping at the wind. However, a suspicion in Jin Wi-Gyeong's mind was solidifying into a certainty. 'They are exceedingly dangerous. Targeting Shanxi was just the beginning.' The Grand Elder waited patiently over the years for the right moment. Yet, the outcome almost seemed woefully insignificant for a plan decades in the making. Jin Wi-Gyeong only realized after the euphoria of victory had faded. This was…… too easy.' An ideal opportunity to seize an entire province. Yet, Amcheon never showed itself as if implying this was enough. 'What is their true aim?' At this point, he couldn’t guess. He could only hope that he overestimated them. "My lord?" "Ah." "You've been away for too long. The guests are waiting." "…Is that so." At Wi-Paeng's call, Jin Wi-Gyeong quickly downed the cup of tea and stood up. "Let’s go then." It was an occasion for the Tae-Won Jin Clan. It was time to fully enjoy the victor's joy. Winter days are fleeting. Not long after returning to the Tae-Won Jin Clan, the sunset had already begun. 'Come to think of it, apart from some brief meditation these past few days, I haven't properly trained.' While stretching my body and practicing martial arts in the annex training ground, an unexpected visitor arrived. "Benefactor!" "Benefactor!" "...? Echoes? I turned towards the direction of the sound. “I’m here!” Cheong-Poong was beaming, his mouth stained with some kind of sauce. And alongside him... "Benefactor! It's me, So-Cheon!" "It’s been a while, Jin So-Hyeop." “Huh?” The survivors from the Sakju branch, Gong Ya-Cheong and So-Cheon. The sight of familiar faces triggered a spontaneous wave of delight. 'Though it feels like something’s missing...?' At that moment, I heard a whimper from a young voice at the low wall in front of them. “I want to see Uncle too!" "Hold on a moment." Gong Ya-Cheong bent down, picking up and lifting a small girl, giving her a seat atop his shoulders. The little girl, So-Yul, waved with a bright smile. "Uncle!" “Oh, you've grown a lot.” “You’ve grown too, Uncle!” "Thanks for saying so. But I’m not your uncle." "But anyone can see you’re an uncle!" "...Oh, alright then." Uncle, or not, it didn’t matter. I laughed at the situation and approached them. “How have you all been?” Gong Ya-Cheong responded with a faint smile. “Of course.” Though a bit pale, his complexion was much healthier, markedly improved from when he hovered on the brink due to poisoning. 'The kids seem to be doing well too.' So-Cheon had shot up almost half a hand taller since we last met, and So-Yul’s cheeks were adorably chubby. Cheong-Poong seemed to have been eating well, sporting a pudgier belly. Yes, eat and grow well. Twenty’s when you’re still growing. “But what brings you all here?” So-Cheon was eager to answer. “Senior Hyeok asked us. A banquet will start soon, but he's on duty, so he asked us to relay the message to you, Benefactor.” 'Ah, the banquet.' I remember hearing about it earlier. There was supposed to be a grand feast tonight. Cheong-Poong, wiping sauce off his mouth, gasped in surprise. "What, really?" "…Didn’t you come knowing about it?" “Yes. Had I known, I would’ve eaten less!” So-Yul’s eyes widened in surprise, and she accidentally dropped her pastry. “No! But I’m already full!” From their reactions, I could guess where they’d met earlier. “So, when does it start?” “In less than a meal’s time, Benefactor.” “Benefactor, let’s hurry! It’s my first banquet!” “Where is it being held?” “It's in front of the new grand martial arts arena, Benefactor.” “They said it’s in front of the new grand martial arts arena, Benefactor!” “Oh, there.” I put down the practice spear I was holding and secured the bundle tightly onto my back. The bundle, of course, contained the sword entrusted by the Flame King. “Shall we go then?” Just as I was about to move, I paused. A thought from earlier came back to me. “Oh, by the way… “Yes, Benefactor?” “What is it, Benefactor?” I sighed deeply before continuing. “Just one person call me Benefactor. It's getting confusing.” Two parrots, no doubt about it. Without any hesitation, the two ‘Benefactor’ parrots nodded. “We’ll remember that, Benefactor.” “Alright, Benefactor.” "......" Really, they should think before answering. The Grand Martial Arts Arena truly lives up to its name as the largest in the clan, teeming with people. “What’s with all the people?” Wasn’t it supposed to be just invited guests? Cheong-Poong clarified my curiosity. “I overheard from the head cook earlier; the Young Master declared that on such a good day, everyone should be together, so he allowed everyone from outside in as well.” “All of them?” “Yes. The head cook was quite upset, muttering that the Young Master spoke rashly without considering that he wouldn’t be helping with the cooking.” So-Yul, still nibbling on her pastry with enthusiasm, added in agreement. “Right! The head cook gave me the pastry and said not to tell anyone!” “…But why are you telling me this?” “Oops!” I shook my head and proceeded to move on. Before I got far, a martial artist from the Tae-Won Jin Clan approached me. “We will escort only the two young lords separately, if you please.” “I don’t mind seeing from anywhere, but I guess that won’t work?” “Apologies, it’s the Young Master’s orders.” Given the occasion, it couldn’t be helped. I bid a light farewell to Gong Ya-Cheong and his party before heading to the designated spot. One of the few seats of honor set aside for distinguished guests was mine. Of course, this meant... "Cheong-Poong, Senior Jin, we meet again so soon," said Baek Mu-Seong, acknowledging us with a friendly nod. His two disciples sat beside him, indicating their recognition as part of the esteemed Plum Blossom Trio. “I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself earlier. I’m Eun-Hyang.” [Lv.75 Eun-Hyang] She seemed to be around the same age as my younger sibling, Ha-Yeon. Just as introductions concluded, an irritable voice cut through. “Damn. Are you the one sitting next to me?” The voice belonged to Cheol-Woo, whose hulking presence made the seating look cramped. “What, you don't like it?” “Would you?” “I don't like it either, seems we’re on the same page.” “Don’t say such horrifying things!” “Then swap seats.” “With whom?” “Anyone. There are plenty down there standing who would love to sit here.” “You son of a…!” “Are you insulting my parents now? Trying to get exiled from Tae-Won Jin Clan?” Cheol-Woo trembled with anger until Baek Mu-Seong rebuked him sternly. “You fool! What nonsense are you spouting?” “No, master. It’s just that…” “Enough! I apologize on behalf of my disciple, Jin So-Hyeop. Apologies to you as well, Cheong-Poong Sa-Su.” Cheong-Poong, who had been discreetly hiding behind me, poked his head out. “It’s alright, senior.” I offered a gentle smile as well. “I’m okay too. It’s just youthful vigor, isn’t it?” “What does a kid five years younger than me know?” “Baek So-Hyeop, would you mind swapping seats with me? It’s a bit intimidating to sit next to him…” “Second, behave!” “Hoo, hooo.” I plopped down beside the snorting Cheol-Woo. To my right, Cheong-Poong; to my left, Woo Cheol-Woo. What an intriguing seating arrangement. 'But where is Jin Wi-Gyeong?' Even after scanning the area, Jin Wi-Gyeong and Wi-Paeng were nowhere in sight. Boom! Suddenly, the martial artists of the Tae-Won Jin Clan surrounding the grand martial arts arena began pounding their weapons. Their synchronized and imposing aura swept through, numbering over three hundred warriors. Boom, boom, boom! The sound, akin to drums of the battlefield, crescendoed, consuming all other noise. And then... Boom!! With the loudest thunderclap, the curtain of people parted.