196 - Murim Login

Chapter 196 "W-What is going on here?" A middle-aged merchant, who was running a family-owned fabric shop in the heart of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, was left speechless. "The... the silk." The silk that should have filled the shelves was missing without a trace, various items lay broken, and the shopkeeper – who should have been busy welcoming customers – was collapsed in a sweaty heap. "Thief! There's been a robbery!" His vision darkened, and his legs gave way beneath him. Though he managed several fabric shops, this was the main branch – the largest and most significant, handed down from his grandfather. And now a thief dared to break into such a place. All that silk, completely gone! "I had a feeling my luck was too good to be true." For the past four months, he had traveled across various provinces, inspecting his stores and securing major contracts. But upon returning home after such a long journey, he found it in shambles. Just as he collapsed, unable to bear the shock... "Clicking his tongue with disapproval, a middle-aged man looking over the shop's wreckage widened his eyes as he noticed the fallen merchant. "Oh? When did you arrive? I heard you had a large contract, but you came back sooner than expected." But the semi-conscious merchant didn't register those words. Only one phrase echoed in his ears. "Here too?" "Pardon?" Suddenly grabbing the man's collar, the merchant shook him vigorously. "You clearly said so! Here too, you said!" "Yes, yes, I did. But must we speak with you gripping my collar?" "What happened here? Bandits? Thieves? Or has war broken out, and the authorities requisitioned everything? What’s all this about martial artists?" "Could you please let go so we can talk?" The middle-aged man finally freed himself from the merchant's grip and grumbled while checking his clothes. "These were new." "If you don't start explaining right now, it's either you or me." "Alright, alright." "So, what exactly happened?" The middle-aged man's reply was simple. "Everything’s been sold." "......? "It's not a robbery; everything sold out, my friend. Get a grip." The merchant, staring blankly at the man, managed to find his voice. "Are you mad? How is that possible? Who bought over a thousand rolls of silk?" "Government officials, merchants, martial artists—it was a frenzy; they all surged in and cleaned us out." "……Why?" "Why else? Everyone's trying to curry favor with the Taiyuan Jin family." "The Taiyuan Jin family? The one I know?" "Of course, the Taiyuan Jin family. Would it be Hangsang Sword Clan otherwise?" "What's the Hangsang Sword Clan got to do with this? Has something happened?" "……Haven’t you heard?" "I’ve been on the road for four months. I haven't even seen my wife's face yet!" "Wait, wait! Calm down. I'll tell you everything." Not wanting to ruin his new clothes further, the middle-aged man quickly summarized the events of the past few months. After listening to the story involving the war with the Hangsang Sword Clan and the subsequent developments, the merchant, looking bewildered, murmured to himself. "So that’s what happened?" "Exactly. Now, with the appearance of the Fire King, the entire region is in an uproar. Shanxi is swarming with people from all over trying to meet him." The middle-aged man continued with an excited look. "I've been in business in Taiyuan for over twenty years, and I’ve never seen such prosperity." "That said, the number of people on the streets doesn't seem much different from usual..." "The sun's been up for quite a while; who would still be loitering about? They all rushed off to the Taiyuan Jin family first thing." "Unbelievable." "I've cleared out our inventory too." "A-Already?" "Why are you so surprised? It’s nothing compared to your situation. And here’s some information from a reliable source..." The middle-aged man whispered in a conspiratorial tone. "It seems the meeting planned for three days will be extended. There's a buzz, and real big shots are starting to make moves." "Real big shots?" "The renowned sects of the martial world are stirring. Even Lord Sangshanwang from the prestigious Shijiazhuang moved early this morning to visit the Taiyuan Jin family." "Even Lord Sangshanwang?" "Yes, so even the usually sluggish officials are now in a frenzy. With royalty coming, they need to put in an appearance and show respect, right?" "Indeed. And they must arrive before anyone else." "What kind of place is Taiyuan? It might not be as grand as central China, but it’s undoubtedly the premier commercial city of Shanxi. You can find almost anything here." "Local procurement. Of course!" "The more people are looking, the scarcer goods become, so prices will inevitably rise." The merchant's eyes sparkled. He realized that this wasn't going to end in just a day or two. The initial panic and despair had vanished, replaced by visions of mountains of silver looming before him. 'This is an opportunity.' He could make connections with influential figures from the martial world, business, and government, and if done well, he could close a significant deal. With his plans formulated, the merchant turned to the middle-aged man. "I’ve stocked some warehouses just in case. I’ll let you have some at a fair price if you give me the right advice. Who should I approach?" The middle-aged man, who saw his chance to profit, answered with a broad smile. "Just remember three names: the Fire King, the young master of the Taiyuan Jin family, Jin Weikyeong, and Shanxi’s Hidden Dragon, Jin Taekyung." "……The Fire King and the young master, I understand, but why Jin Taekyung, that rogue?" "Not a rogue anymore, hence Shanxi’s Hidden Dragon. He’s poised to become an extraordinary master that will influence the world." "What do you mean by that?" "Clicking his tongue in disbelief at the merchant’s ignorance, the middle-aged man enjoyed his puzzled expression. He finally revealed the fact he’d held back for this moment. "The Fire King took Shanxi’s Hidden Dragon as his disciple." "What?! Is that true?" "It is. Just two days ago, an elder from the Jongnam Sect caused trouble because he didn’t know, but he returned home shamefaced. They've even entrusted Shanxi’s Hidden Dragon with the insignia of their order." "Then, that means…" "Half of the people heading to the Taiyuan Jin family now are there to make an impression on Shanxi's Hidden Dragon, not just the Fire King." The Fire King, while undoubtedly one of the top martial artists in the world, was old and without much power or influence. But Jin Taekyung was different. At the young age of twenty-one, he had exceptional martial prowess and the solid backing of the Taiyuan Jin family. 'Or rather, it's the other way around now.' The Taiyuan Jin family had gained an incredible asset: not only the renowned Fire King but also Jin Taekyung, who had the potential to become a supreme master comparable to his mentor one day. The merchant’s face flushed with excitement. "It's like giving wings to a tiger." "So, better climb aboard before it takes off." Even if it meant spending all his savings, the opportunity was worth it. Having finally made up his mind, the merchant spoke. "I need to meet Shanxi's Hidden Dragon immediately." "Of course, that's the spirit. But even if you take a thousand pieces of gold, you might find it hard to meet him right now." "Why?" "I don't know. According to the Taiyuan Jin family, he's suddenly gone into seclusion." "Seclusion training? That thing martial artists do? Why now, of all times?" The middle-aged man sighed deeply. "Exactly. I heard something about him gaining insights into the Heavenly Sword, and now he won’t come out." "Is there no way?" "It's hard to say. This whole affair has expanded so quickly. The Taiyuan Jin family is overwhelmed and accepting people selectively." "Aren’t you well-acquainted with someone at the Taiyuan Jin family? And I heard you slipped them a little gift as well." "He died in the war last time." "Oh no." With big names moving, it wasn't easy for mere merchants like them to intervene. While the two men wracked their brains, the merchant suddenly spoke. "I do have one contact there." "Oh, someone you know well?" "Quite well. My son, born to my wife." The middle-aged man frowned, fully aware of the details of his friend’s family after years of knowing each other. "You mean your eldest son?" "Yes. The ungrateful fool who hasn't shown his face in years. My wife hasn't complained, so he must still be alive..." The middle-aged man nodded, looking drained of enthusiasm. "Well, why not try reaching out to him? Who knows? He might be thriving as a reputable martial artist." The merchant chuckled cynically. "A fabric merchant’s son, a martial artist? More likely, he's serving someone." "It wouldn't be bad if that someone was Shanxi's Hidden Dragon, right?" "Anyway, no. If he is, I'll change my family name from Hyuk to Gyeon today—a dog’s family." "Ah-choo!" With a sneeze, a refreshing breeze brushed my back. Lying face down on the bed, my upper half exposed, I spoke quietly. "Mujin-ah, do you have a death wish?" Hyuk Mujin, who was applying a cold cloth to my back, replied. "Oops, sorry about that. My nose just suddenly itched." "Try it again, and that will be the last sneeze of your life." "……Yes, sir." "Good. Keep going." Swish. Swish. Every time the cold cloth brushed my back, a throbbing pain surged up. My upper body was completely covered in dark bruises, so it was not surprising. 'Damn it. It's been two days, and I'm still in this state.' This was a first. Typically, I could heal quickly from most injuries with sleep and meditation. Every level-up I had invested in my [Bones] and [Muscles & Tendons] made me resilient to most impacts. But... against a supreme master... The Fire King was on a whole different level. He had come at me out of nowhere, striking with his bare fists rather than using his famed Fire God Palm, and it felt like my bones and flesh were tearing apart. When I regained my senses, I found myself in the Taiyuan Jin family's medical ward, and for two days, I hadn’t moved from my bed. "That damned old man." "Gasp." Hyuk Mujin sucked in a breath at my words. "Team Leader, are you insane? You could really die talking like that." "Let him kill me if he can. What's the word outside?" "Officially, we’re saying you’re in seclusion training. It wouldn't look good if rumors spread that the Fire King beat up Shanxi's Hidden Dragon, now would it?" "What about my elder brother?" "Even the young master couldn’t do much. When he first heard, he was furious and went to see Red Cleric, but..." "And?" "When he saw the burnt remains of the Fire God's Secret Art, he apologized several times before leaving." "Apologize for what? Did I set it on fire? He did, didn’t he? Over a singed book, he's beaten a person like this?" "When I glanced at it, it was more than just singed. Nearly half of the cover with the title was burnt, turning the Fire God's Palm into fire, quite literally." "In any case, it's better not to talk about this anymore. You might not care, but it gives me the chills. If Red Cleric walks in suddenly, we're both dead." "You're right." Hyuk Mujin's foresight proved remarkable. Just moments after he finished speaking, the door burst open. "Ah-!" "...What is with your reactions?" "Ah, uh, it's nothing." The small-framed old man, Jeok Cheon-Gang, squinted his eyes at us before softly snorting. "Very well. As it didn’t reach my ears, I will overlook it this time." With a surprisingly easy-going demeanor, he gestured toward Hyuk Mujin to leave. "You, out. You’re in the way." Though I didn't know what was about to happen, I felt it was better to have him stay. Hyuk Mujin, sensing my desperate glance, responded appropriately. "Yes, I'll take my leave then. Good luck!" "Alright." ...Bastard. As Hyuk Mujin scurried out, I was left engulfed in unease. Jeok Cheon-Gang’s gaze on my bare upper body was distinctly unsettling. "W-What is it?" Surely, it couldn’t be... Yet, his eyes glimmered with an inscrutable fervor. "Take off your pants." "Gasp. W-What are you saying?" "Remove every scrap of cloth." Desperately, I clutched my chest, my voice trembling with shame and fear. "I-I have someone I care about." "......And why would that matter?" Western mindset much! I was wrong. There's no way out of this. As I froze in place, unable to move, Jeok Cheon-Gang shouted at me. "I'm going to perform the Purification Technique on you, so get undressed and lie down immediately!" Ah, you should've just said so from the start.