189 - Murim Login

Chapter 189 [There is a man who loves you fiercely.] A man's passionate feelings for a woman manifested as jealousy and anger. He aims to win your love by defeating you. Grade: Pinnacle Restriction: Jin Taekyung Task: Win the Duel (Incomplete) Success: Experience and Fame Failure: Acquire the title [Weak Male] - Would you like to accept the quest? - If you decline the quest, the title [Weak Male] will be assigned. 'Wow, what a mess.' Of course, the penalty for refusing would probably be twice as bad. 'Can't be helped.' As I clicked my tongue and stood up, everyone's eyes turned to me. “Jin Gongja!” “Jin Gongja-nim.” “Jin Sohyup, you don't need to go.” “Yes, Brother Cheol seems to have lost his mind. What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?” Wolhwa, Lie Sowol, Baek Moo-seong, and even Eunyang, whom I hadn't spoken much with, were looking at me with eyes filled with concern. But I didn’t really think much of it. “It’s fine. Let’s have a good fight.” Wolhwa sighed. “Jin Gongja, do you know who your opponent is?” “Of course. It's Cheolwoo of the Fierce Flower Fist.” “I don’t think you understand yet. The title 'Three Blossoms of Plum' wasn’t given for nothing.” “It must mean he fights well, right?” “No, it’s not that… sigh, fine. Do what you want.” Wolhwa backed off, and Baek Moo-seong and Eunyang stepped in. “We don’t mean to underestimate Jin Sohyup, but my second disciple is, how should I put it…” “He’s insane. If Brother Cheol loses his cool, it’ll be a real mess.” “Eunyang!” “What? I’m not wrong.” In a nutshell, they believed I couldn’t hold my own against Cheolwoo. 'That's what you think.' I have a different opinion. Whether it’s arrogance or confidence, I’m not sure myself. It's just... 'I don’t think I’ll lose.' I feel certain that I can bring down that guy who’s shouting at me. “Get here now!” “I’m on my way, man.” Under the gaze of a thousand gathered in the grand arena, I walked towards Cheolwoo. “We must stop the duel.” At Baek Moo-seong's words, Jin Wi-kyung shook his head. “My brother has already accepted the proposal of Fierce Flower Fist. The duel ends only after that.” “Jin Daehyup.” “I don’t know the details, but it seems there's a grudge between them. Perhaps it's best to settle it here?” Baek Moo-seong sighed inwardly at Jin Wi-kyung’s seemingly carefree words. 'Does he really not understand the situation?' From what he saw, Cheolwoo was very angry. It seemed he wouldn't stop until he broke a few of Jin Taekyung's limbs. 'This isn't good.' It should be stopped around here. The rumors of the Hidden Dragon of Lanshi were overwhelming, but they couldn't be compared to his second disciple. The title Fierce Flower Fist, Three Blossoms of Plum was not simply gained from his master’s influence. “This could result in severe injury. Shouldn’t it be halted before it escalates?” “By whom, if I may ask?” “…Pardon?” “The duel hasn't even started yet. It’s the same for the outcome.” Baek Moo-seong realized he had misunderstood. Jin Wi-kyung understood the situation better than anyone. Only, their premises were different. “Jin Daehyup. Are you perhaps thinking…” “Yes.” Jin Wi-kyung chuckled quietly, fixing his gaze on his brother walking to the arena. “That boy will win. As he always does.” Baek Moo-seong was speechless. The Hidden Dragon of Lanshi was indeed a remarkable talent, but in terms of experience, martial arts, and power, Cheolwoo couldn’t be bested. Having watched over him since childhood, Baek Moo-seong could confidently say: ‘Jin So-gaju is wrong. The Hidden Dragon can’t overcome the second disciple.’ Baek Moo-seong shook his head, but the die was cast. If they backed down now, the prestige of both martial sects would fall to the ground. ‘I guess I’ll need to intervene at the right moment.’ As he watched the arena with sunken eyes, he missed one crucial fact. Munch munch. Slurp slurp. Seongpoong, who called Jin Taekyung his benefactor, was observing silently without a word. “Waaaaah!” “Hidden Dragon of Lanshi! Hidden Dragon of Lanshi!” “Fierce Flower Fist! Fierce Flower Fist!” As soon as I stepped onto the arena, cheers erupted from all around. Compared to the response other challengers previously received, it was on a different level. "Ah, so everyone knows the Hidden Dragon of Lanshi. Just so you know, I’m. Frighteningly. Strong.” “Waaaah!” Cheolwoo glared at me as I waved enthusiastically at the crowd. “You should wave too. No star without fans, didn’t you know?” “Wave all you want. Soon, you’ll only be staring at the ceiling of the medical ward for three months.” “Just tell me why. Why are you so angry at me?” “Are you asking because you don’t know?” I shrugged my shoulders. “Is it because you got rejected before confessing?” “Who said I got rejected!” Cheolwoo shouted with a flustered face. “If it hadn’t been for your interference, we’d already have three kids and live happily!” “…That’s way too fast, don’t you think?” That’s over-accelerating. You’ve just met, haven’t spent even half a day together, and you're talking about marriage and three kids? 'Is this a command center? You’ll hit the population cap of 200 soon.' As Cheongpoong mentioned, even if geese delivered them via rocket delivery, it would take at least half a day. And considering, this is a set of three kids, it’s bulk delivery. “Dream all you want, but leave me out of it. There’s nothing between me and that lady. It’s unfair.” “Nonsense! I clearly saw the way she looked at you!” “Her gaze? What about it?” “It was, it was… ugh.” Unable to finish his sentence, Cheolwoo groaned and glared. “Mark my words. You won't walk out of here on your own two feet.” “I’m a nice guy, so I’ll let you crawl out on all fours.” “I’ll crush that unruly mouth of yours!” Cheolwoo charged with a roar. I swung my spear at the incoming fist, filled with fierce power. Whoosh! Boom! With a violent impact, my body slid backward. The force was unbelievable for flesh clashing with steel. Before I knew it, a dark and stained gauntlet was strapped to his hand. "Hey, that seems like a nice item. Mind if I check it out for a moment?" "You fool!" The sound of a sharp, slicing wind followed his words. He truly was like a mad bull. The difference being, instead of horns, he used his fists, which didn't attack in a straightforward manner. "Hup!" I held my breath and swung my spear. The trajectory of my spear met with his gauntlet, and sparks flew. Clang! Clang! We exchanged pressure, me utilizing the range advantage of my spear, and Cheolwoo using his natural reflexes and strength. Whoosh! His legs, like steel, swung toward my waist like a whip. Flexible and quick movements that didn’t match his size. I retreated and thrust my spear towards his neck. Crash! Crackle! His foot sliced through the air, and the spear's blade was blocked by his gauntlet. Cheolwoo grinned as he gripped my spear. "Gotcha." Screech! Simultaneously, an enormous force began pulling the spear. It's likely that this had been his plan all along. A spearman without a spear is no more than a defenseless scarecrow. Of course... 'I expected as much.' I released my grip and lunged at Cheolwoo. Shock painted his face as he realized what was happening. Both his hands, overpowered by their own strength, were caught in the air, holding the spear high. "You... "Give me the spear." Crack! "Gah!" There was a sound of something breaking. Hit in the face by my knee, Cheolwoo staggered. Next, I aimed for his solar plexus. Thud! "Ugh!" Hit in his vital spot, he dropped the spear and stumbled backward. Meanwhile, I leisurely retrieved the spear. "You brat!" Seeing Cheolwoo barely recover from the pain and straighten his back, I couldn't help but chuckle. "You're... laughing?" "Your nose is bleeding." "You’re dead... What? Nosebleed?" As he hastily brushed the back of his hand across his nose, his face crumpled. "You dared to scar my face?" "It's fine. You're so ugly it doesn't even show." "And that's the problem! It'll get even worse!" What's with this guy? He's unexpectedly aware of how he looks. "Grahhh!" Cheolwoo's eyes flashed as he yelled in anguish. "I was thinking of ending this at an appropriate point out of respect for the seniors, but... it's over." "Go ahead. That's why I’m here." "Fine. I’ll face you seriously." His gauntlet began to emit a faint glow, as if to prove his intentions. "Qi Infusion?" Though not fully developed, it was indeed Qi Infusion. A ferocious grin spread across his lips. "It’s too late for regrets." Slice! Slash! With a blaze, the spear's blade was effortlessly cut off. His fist, fueled by all his power, moved with blinding speed. Swish! Swish swish swish! Sharp gusts whipped around. With each swing of my spear towards the wind generated by his fists, its length diminished by a hand’s breadth. Though incomplete, the cutting power of his tangible Qi was tremendous. Slice! Slice! Slice! In a moment so brief it couldn't be measured. The iron spear in my hand was reduced to nothing more than a sharp iron rod the length of my forearm. "Damn. Just when I was getting the hang of it." This isn't a spear anymore; it’s a flute. I grumbled and swung the iron flute in the air. "Ah, it feels odd suddenly becoming lighter." Cheolwoo laughed heartily at how amusing I must have seemed. "Haha! Pathetic! What are you planning to do with that?" "Mind your own business." "Are you admitting defeat already?" "What defeat? Who's losing?" "What kind of confidence is this from someone who's lost their weapon? If you think your master or your brother will save you, you're mistaken." I snorted in derision. "You're the one who might regret this later. If you suggested a draw now, I might consider it." "What? A draw?" "Yeah. On the condition that you stop bothering the lady." "You're insane." "Then negotiations end here." I walked toward him casually, tapping the now not-really-a-spear iron flute. “Come on. Let’s fight.” A spearman approaches a fist martial artist without fear. And without a proper weapon, no less. The crowd surrounding the grand arena murmured at such a sight. Cheolwoo looked confused, squinting as if looking at a strange creature. “What are you... even doing?” "I'm Jin Taekyung, the Hidden Dragon of Lanshi. You know." “Are you relying on some secret move?” “Who knows.” “Won’t you resort to underhanded tactics?” Underhanded tactics. In some ways, you could say so. A method only visible and accessible to me alone. 'Open Status Window.' Only thirty steps away from Cheolwoo, the system responded. Ding. [Lv.71 Jin Taekyung] Job Pinnacle Master Fame Title Strength Agility Charm 2900 (+250) 5 titles (title effects active) 286 Stamina : 231 275 Intelligence : 40 40 Energy : 46 years. Toughness 253 Remaining Points: 70 - All stats increase by +30 due to title effects. -The [Duelist] effect temporarily raises specific stats. -Distribute the remaining points. The Duelist effect. And the 70 points I gained by breaking through the pinnacle. I stepped forward without hesitation. Just twenty steps away now, I could see his surprised face. “Madman!” “I’ve heard that a lot.” Fifteen steps. I pressed on, muttering internally. 'Assign 20 points to Strength.' Swoosh. An unseen force infused new strength into me. My temporarily over-300 Strength simmered like a volcano. '50 points to Agility.' The second surge hit. Suddenly my next step felt alien, as though it belonged to someone else. 'Was it always this light?' It felt like stepping into a new world. I took a deep breath. It wasn’t me who closed the last 10 steps—it was Cheolwoo. “You fool, I told you to surrender! If you end up like this, don’t blame me!” Whoosh! I recognized the martial move. It's called 'Subduing the Tiger Fist' for a reason. As the fierce blow of Subduing the Tiger Fist aimed for my chest. Swoosh. The third surge coursed through me. It started from my feet and ended at my fingertips. "Hey, Level 95." Without a sound, I jabbed Cheolwoo in the back of the neck with the sharp iron flute. In an instant, I was sitting on his shoulder. "It seems I've gotten a lot stronger."