193 - Murim Login

Chapter 193 The Sacred Artifact of the Fiery Sect. At the moment when the Fire Monarch uttered that unfamiliar term, the Wrathful Swordsman's eyes widened as if they were about to tear apart. "W-what do you mean by that?" "Are your ears clogged already at your young age? I'll say it again, so listen carefully." With a frustrated look, Cheok Cheon-Gang gestured towards me with a nod. "I entrusted the sect's sacred artifact to him. Is that clear?" Clear as mud. I glanced around in disbelief. Everyone, including Jin Wi-Gyeong and Baek Mu-Seong, was looking back and forth between me and Cheok Cheon-Gang in shock. Amidst this whirlwind of confusion, a single unaffected person spoke up. "Benefactor, what is the sacred artifact of the Fiery Sect? Can I see it too?" I couldn't answer Cheong-Pung’s question. 'I have no idea, you little...' The Fiery Sect's sacred artifact? What even is that? I swear I've neither seen nor heard of such an item. All I'd received from Cheok Cheon-Gang were the secret techniques of the Fire Spirit and a single sword... Oh, wait a minute. "Could it be...?" Cheok Cheon-Gang clicked his tongue at my incredulous gaze. "Holding it on your back and you still don't know? Foolish brat." It felt like I'd been hit on the back of the head with a hammer. I frantically undid the tightly secured knots. As I unwrapped the cloth, a worn and rustic scabbard revealed itself. The Nameless Sword. The very item Jo Pil had stolen from his master and I had taken from him. I grasped the hilt and drew it. With a soft ‘shink’, a sound that made my hair stand on end, the pure white blade emerged. In the looming darkness, it shone brilliantly like a legendary holy sword, drawing gasps from the onlookers. 'So this is truly... the sacred artifact of the Fiery Sect?' Never once had I doubted it. Why Jo Pil had stolen this from Cheok Cheon-Gang, why it had a bizarre description of 'Nameless Sword', unlike the Fire Spirit or the Fiery Talisman. As I stood there, dumbfounded, staring at the blade, it happened. "This is preposterous!" It was the Wrathful Swordsman. Whereas confusion and agitation overtook him, Cheok Cheon-Gang remained a picture of calmness. "What are you babbling about?" "T-that is..." "I have entrusted the sacred artifact of the Fiery Sect to that boy. No matter how dense your skull might be, surely you understand what that means." Suddenly, clarity returned. For a moment, I'd been so fixated on the sword that I'd forgotten. A sect's sacred artifact—especially one passed down in singular succession for centuries within the Fiery Sect—held significant meaning. Cheong-Pung’s earlier words came rushing back: 'Isn't he trying to make you his disciple?' At the time, I'd dismissed it as nonsensical rambling, laughing it off. But now... 'Damn it, I really have no clue.' I swallowed hard, feeling the Wrathful Swordsman’s accusatory finger point at me. But before I could even speak, Cheok Cheon-Gang’s fearsome gaze locked him in place. "I said I entrusted the sect's sacred artifact." That was all. But then again, we were dealing with the Fire Monarch. The Wrathful Swordsman lacked the courage to refute. He gnawed at his lips before suddenly glaring at me. "You're lucky." Why is this old man mad at me now? Cheok Cheon-Gang offered no further comment. Was he expecting me to resolve this on my own? I shrugged at the Wrathful Swordsman. "You're mistaken. I'm really unlucky." If I were lucky, would I have ended up facing someone like him? Whether the presence of Cheok Cheon-Gang was a great misfortune or fortune remains unknown. "Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you. Please travel safely." "You cunning brat. Why not act as you did earlier?" "Earlier? Oh, you mean when I said you were a pain?" Before the Wrathful Swordsman could retort, I bowed slightly. "I apologize for that. I tend to not tolerate injustice well. Please consider it a rookie’s slip of the tongue, dear revered one." The Wrathful Swordsman's body trembled. Blood dripped from his tightly clenched fist. Seeing him reminded me of myself just minutes ago. The difference was that I hadn't yielded to the Wrathful Swordsman, whereas he had to the Fire Monarch. Those who rely on power bow before greater power. Though it reaffirmed the nature of this world, it wasn’t entirely satisfying. In fact, it left a bitter taste. 'This feels awful.' If not for Cheok Cheon-Gang, I would bear this shame and anger instead of him alongside the Tae Won family. Defeating the Wrathful Swordsman alone would have been manageable with a few allies here. Yet, behind him stood the formidable Jongnam faction. I loathe to admit it, but... the gulf between them and us is vast. One that can't be bridged, for now. ‘For now, that is.’ Once an F-rank hunter, look where I am today. Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps, one day, the Tae Won family might stand shoulder to shoulder with the Nine Demonic Sects and the Five Great Clans. 'Maybe I’m dreaming too big?' It's like a rural mayor running for president. As I mused with a chuckle, the Wrathful Swordsman ground his teeth. "Are you mocking me?" "That's just my usual expression." "Shut your mouth!" Just as his angry shout echoed, Cheok Cheon-Gang’s foot lashed out like lightning, striking the Wrathful Swordsman's shin. It was a joint kick from a supreme master. Thud! "Urgh!" "You shut it. Do you dare raise your voice to your seniors?" "What do you think you're doing?" "Look at him. I tried to conclude this peacefully, and this is the thanks I get?" "Ugh!" Wow, that must have hurt. With a more solid thud than before, the Wrathful Swordsman clutched his shin and collapsed. 'Even a grand elder from the Jongnam sect is no exception.' Though he held a high social status and age, the opponent was simply insurmountable. Age, martial prowess, status—none could match the Fire Monarch Cheok Cheon-Gang. "Such antics are a disease. You’ve done enough; now be gone." "...Very well." The Wrathful Swordsman, fixing me with a frosty gaze filled with resentment, slowly picked himself up from the dirt when a chilling voice broke the silence. "Furthermore, today's incident will not be discussed or mentioned henceforth. Do you understand?" Perhaps I should start a fan club for him. Though driven by impulse in the moment, a part of me had been worried. If the Wrathful Swordsman decided to retaliate using the Jongnam faction, the Tae Won family would have no means to defend itself. But with Cheok Cheon-Gang's intervention, the situation took a turn for the better. 'Whether it's mediation or intimidation is unclear.' There may still be lingering tensions, but at least no official pressure will be put on us. Even if there were attempts, with the Fire Monarch acting as a solid shield, the burden would be significantly less. "Why are you not answering?" Caught in his own mischief, the Wrathful Swordsman's face was twisted with defeat. Of course, Cheok Cheon-Gang paid no heed. "Speak with your own lips. Right now." "...I understand. I promise in my name." "What name do you have to stake? Make that promise with the name of the Jongnam faction." "Argh, understood." Only then did a satisfied smile spread across Cheok Cheon-Gang's face. He let out a hearty laugh, patting the Wrathful Swordsman on the shoulder. "Where'd you learn to grit your teeth like a pup? Should I just pull out every last one?" "Hahaha, I'm old too, I can't be doing such things in front of people. Hahaha!" I had no idea a laugh from an elderly man with white hair could be so terrifying. Not only the Wrathful Swordsman, but everyone listening shivered at the sound. The demonically laughing Cheok Cheon-Gang then turned to me. "You haven't done any better. No matter the circumstances, to hurl such words at an elder? Are you in your right mind?" I quickly bowed my head. After all, truth is truth, and I realized it was best to conclude things amicably with the Jongnam faction's elder, the Wrathful Swordsman. "I'm sorry." "No matter how you live your years, at sixty, it's not unusual to have a grandchild your age." "...Yes, sir." "No matter how beastly they are, he's still an elder and a venerable senior in martial arts. No matter how disgusting or petty, show proper respect from now on." "Senior Song, I sincerely apologize." Bowing deeply, I straightened my back to meet the flustered gaze of the Wrathful Swordsman. Even with an apology, it didn’t seem he felt appeased. Meanwhile, I felt unexpectedly refreshed, as if I had cleared my meridians, despite having to apologize to someone I detested. 'This must be what maturity feels like.' The eloquence honed over a century was truly remarkable. It wasn’t just his martial prowess that was exceptional. He might as well be renamed from Fire Monarch to Tongue Monarch. Having wrapped up all agreements in his presence, the Tongue Monarch declared authoritatively. "Now, those uninvited, get lost. If you’re hungry, have a meal on your way out." Now they were basically being treated like beggars. Shaking with indignation, the Wrathful Swordsman finally spoke. "Then, I'll take my leave." "Don't go far." "Let's go!" Waiting for the cue, the Wrathful Swordsman turned sharply. Geong Il-Hyeok and the other two from the Jongnam Three Warriors followed him, their expressions twisted with disdain. The departing quartet felt eyes boring into their backs. Just before passing through the main gate, the Wrathful Swordsman turned to stare at me. A fleeting telepathic threat carried with it a sinister air—conveying that, while that old man lives, I and the Tae Won family will not be pardoned. It happened as swiftly as a flicker of light. Cheok Cheon-Gang watched the retreating back of the Wrathful Swordsman silently melting into the darkness, then spoke bluntly. "I’ll be out for a bit." "Excuse me? Where are you headed?" "Do I need to report when going for a pee at my age?" With a brusque retort, he vanished with his casual stride. Far from the Tae Won family grounds, the Wrathful Swordsman suddenly drew his sword and swung. Swoosh! Crash! Dozens of sword energies cleaved through trees and shattered rocks. His rage continued for some time until finally turning towards Geong Il-Hyeok and the remaining Jongnam Three. "You fools..." "Elder, please." "Do you even realize the humiliation I've suffered because of you fools!" "We're sorry. Please forgive your unworthy disciples." The Jongnam Three were frozen with terror. The most frightened of them all was Geong Il-Hyeok. If he hadn't instigated the Wrathful Swordsman to go to Tae Won’s place, none of this would have happened. "Elder, please calm down and listen to me." "I let things slide a few times because you have connections to the chief disciple, but you’ve clearly lost all sense." Clasp The thin hands of the Wrathful Swordsman seized Geong's throat. "Argh, but I'm loyal to the sect master..." "Do you really think punishing the likes of you would make the chief disciple bat an eye? What a pitiful worm." At that moment, Geong's face turned ghostly pale. Thunk. Thud. Slump. His body went limp, and his head lolled over to one side. The two other Jongnam Three withered under the pressure and collapsed beside him. "Why the sudden limpness?" Momentarily caught by surprise, the Wrathful Swordsman looked up in realization. In the shadows, he saw someone standing there. "Is your business not yet finished?" "Would I have come if it were?" With a calm voice, the small elderly figure, Fire Monarch Cheok Cheon-Gang, emerged from the darkness. He clicked his tongue, observing the fallen Jongnam Three. "Tsk tsk. Seems I unintentionally saved them. Should’ve come a bit later." "What brings you back?" "It’s been so long; I couldn’t bear to leave without a better farewell." The Fire Monarch added with a playful grin. "And there’s something I forgot." "What could you have forgotten..." In an instant, Cheok Cheon-Gang's figure vanished like an illusion. Simultaneously, the Wrathful Swordsman, caught off guard, suddenly felt a surge of sword energy resonate at his waist. Swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh! A fine net of interwoven sword energies expanded in a radius of several paces. A lethal trap that would rend flesh and bone upon contact. But the prey had already slipped away upstream. "I already told you not to lay a finger on him." Crack! The Wrathful Swordsman's grip on his sword faltered as it dropped. Clutching his fractured wrist, he let out a cry and buckled to his knees. "Argh! You damned old man!" "When will you ever learn?" Simultaneously, a palm engulfed in blinding white flames pressed against the Wrathful Swordsman's chest. Boom! "Cough...!" An unstoppable blow. His protective energy shattered, and his flesh and bone sizzled. With a cough of blood, the Wrathful Swordsman fell to his knees, his eyelids quivering. "The... the Flame Master..." "Look up at me." The old man's voice was icy, a contrast to the moniker of Fire Monarch. Barely managing to lift his head, the Wrathful Swordsman met a pair of eyes, swirling with brilliant blue flame. "The Fire... Monarch." "Yes, I am the Fire Monarch." For a brief moment, he had forgotten just what kind of monster Cheok Cheon-Gang was. His presence in the martial world lasted only a year. Yet, with a single battle, he had become a legend, leaving his mark in the annals of martial history. An opponent he could never hope to resist. A heavy despair settled over the Wrathful Swordsman's face. "Are you here to kill me?" "If killing you would end everything, you’d be long dead by now." "Then..." "Remember this one thing." The Fire Monarch spoke slowly, deliberately. "Jin Tae-Kyung. You may kill him if you wish. Destroy his entire family if you must, and I shall watch. But should such an event occur, I will come to Jongnam." "......!" "I will smash the Jongnam sect's plaque, set their mountain ablaze. If they abandon their main site and flee, I’ll chase them to the ends and slaughter every last one, until my dying breath." The fearsome intent in his words made the Wrathful Swordsman tremble uncontrollably. Every word Cheok Cheon-Gang spoke was the unadulterated truth. He was declaring war on Jongnam by himself. Imagining the cost in lives if that were to happen was beyond comprehension. "W-what should I do?" "The choice is yours. The consequences are mine to bear." Leaving only those words, Cheok Cheon-Gang vanished abruptly. It was some time later that the Jongnam Three Warriors awoke to find the Wrathful Swordsman sitting in a daze, and they were taken aback. "E-elder!" "What happened here?" "Who did this?" It took a long time for the Wrathful Swordsman to speak. "Return. To Jongnam." His voice was laced with terror and dread, leaving the Jongnam Three Warriors speechless.