198 - Murim Login

Chapter 198 Inside the office, an awkward atmosphere lingered. Jin Wigyeong and Jeok Cheongang silently observed each other’s expressions as they sipped tea and alcohol. ‘For the renowned Jeok Cheongang to come and visit personally... What could this be about?’ ‘Have I been possessed by a ghost to have ended up here of all places?’ However, silence can only last for so long. Jeok Cheongang, having emptied his cup multiple times, finally broke the silence. Since things had come to this, he intended to resolve his lingering questions about Jin Taekyung. “I met that lad on my way here.” “Ah, you mean Taekyung.” Jin Wigyeong responded promptly, cautiously assessing the situation. He was already aware of the circumstances; how Jeok Cheongang had aided the Jin family out of guilt for a deceased disciple. However, he was worried that the agitation from the martial arts manual’s vandalism incident two days ago hadn’t yet dissipated. “Is this about the manual?” “I’ve already erased that from my memory. No matter how precious a manual is, isn’t a person more important? Don’t you agree?” “What’s with that expression?” “Oh, nothing at all.” After all that destruction, to suddenly talk about people now… Jin Wigyeong swallowed back the words lingering on the tip of his tongue. “In any case, I thought I’d come to ease my conscience by using Bŏlmose-su to treat him since I might have been too harsh.” “B-Bŏlmose-su, you say? The Bŏlmose-su I know?” Jeok Cheongang nodded to Jin Wigyeong, whose eyes were wide in disbelief. “Is there another Bŏlmose-su?” “Oh, no. I was just so surprised.” “Surprised?” “How could I not be surprised that someone as esteemed as you would treat my younger brother with Bŏlmose-su? It's a great fortune for our family.” As Jeok Cheongang watched Jin Wigyeong’s elated demeanor, he realized something. “I see. You may not know.” “Pardon?” Understanding comes with knowledge. Even Jeok Cheongang, a pinnacle martial artist, hadn't anticipated Jin Taekyung's potential. So, how could Jin Wigyeong? ‘Is it fortunate that I found out even now?’ Jeok Cheongang clicked his tongue slightly and spoke. “The effect of Bŏlmose-su is negligible.” “What do you mean it has no effect?” “I don’t mean that. It’s just that it seems Jin Taekyung doesn’t need Bŏlmose-su. It's still early to conclude, but...” Jeok Cheongang added in a low voice. “I suspect he might possess the Celestial Martial Body.” "...!" A brief moment of shock flashed across Jin Wigyeong’s face. However, when he soon nodded calmly, Jeok Cheongang asked, “Did you know?” “I did not. I just realized it now.” “Realized? What exactly?” “About Taekyung's inexplicably rapid progress in martial arts. But if he possesses the Celestial Martial Body, it makes perfect sense.” “Progress that fast?” Jeok Cheongang furrowed his brows and continued. “Although he has shown significant achievements for his age, it’s not quite extraordinary. Compared to the legendary potential of the Celestial Martial Body, he seems lacking.” His voice carried conviction. Even in his youth, Jeok Cheongang was at least comparable to, if not greater than, Jin Taekyung. The pinnacle martial artists currently famous in the martial world had shown extraordinary aptitude from a young age. Compared to them, Jin Taekyung's achievements seemed ordinary. “The Celestial Martial Body is, by definition, a gift from the heavens. A phenomenon rampant for centuries or even millennia, embodying divine power in a mere human. However, for now…” “He’s merely at the initial stage.” “Indeed. But the world is vast and filled with talent. Even the young Cheongpung, for example.” Every word of Jeok Cheongang was true. The world wasn't restricted to renowned sects and noble families. There are young talents yet to be recognized in the world, and many unknown practitioners training in solitude. If one were to scour the world from end to end, many pinnacle martial artists, comparable to the legendary Twelve Kings, could be found. “The reason I’m uncertain is exactly that. His talent is phenomenal but... it feels lacking for what the legend suggests. Perhaps his martial talent doesn’t match his innate potential.” “That’s rather intriguing.” “What do you mean?” “I was thinking quite the opposite.” Jin Wigyeong smiled at Jeok Cheongang’s puzzled expression. “My brother's martial talent is unmatched in the world. No, perhaps it’s unmatched in history.” “W-What?” Jeok Cheongang barely held back a curse. Even he, who could be considered a living legend, wouldn’t dare to proclaim himself unmatched in the world. Let alone throughout history. However, the confidence and conviction emanating from Jin Wigyeong prompted Jeok Cheongang to ask, “What leads you to think that?” Jin Wigyeong slowly raised three fingers. “Three months.” "......?" “That is the period Taekyung has been training in martial arts.” "......!" “It’s also the time taken for a third-rate wastrel to become a pinnacle martial artist.” For a moment, everything turned white before Jeok Cheongang’s eyes. Lightning crackled in his thoughts, and his heart began to pound violently. From a third-rate to a pinnacle in just three months? It's unthinkable—utterly impossible. Yet... ‘It’s possible if it’s the Celestial Martial Body.’ Jeok Cheongang was a pinnacle martial artist. However, even a legendary figure like him, capable of vanquishing a thousand men alone, was still just a mortal succumbing to age. In contrast, the Celestial Martial Body was an entity born of divine whimsy and selection. How could a mere human fathom the will of the heavens? ‘Is this the outside world (Heaven’s Realm)?’ Jeok Cheongang slowly rose from his seat and approached the window. As he opened the tightly shut window, an endless expanse of azure sky came into view. Facing the chilling wind that swept in, he pondered briefly. Why had heaven chosen Jin Taekyung, and for what reason had it allowed their paths to cross? ‘Who are you, really? Is there anyone there?’ But no answer came. Silent and pure, Jeok Cheongang silently gazed at the drifting clouds floating against the vivid sky before finally speaking. “I think we’ll need more drinks. What do you think?” Jin Taekyung replied with a smile. "That’s great. I was getting tired of tea anyway." The next day, Hyeok Moojin came with unexpected news. "They want you to attend the banquet." "Me?" "Who else would it be?" Without much thought, I replied, “I don’t want to.” Just sitting in one place makes me restless. People would stare at me like I'm some monkey in a zoo, and a diehard fan like the Prince of Sangsan would probably ask for my autograph. I’d rather stay in my room pondering martial arts or practicing breathing exercises. “Just tell them I can’t make it.” “But it’s an order from the Young Lord.” "Even better. My brother won't mind much. Honestly, people will find it odd if I completed my retreat in just a few days.” “We can always say you had an epiphany. If you claim it, who would contest it?” I had to admit he was right. As I watched Moojin become more reasonable, I squinted my eyes. “I'm still a patient, you know.” “But you've recovered, haven’t you? This morning, most of your bruises were gone.” Indeed, as Moojin pointed out, the bruises that were covering my upper body were mostly faded. It seems that Bŏlmose-su truly had some effect. Of course, for me, it would’ve been more beneficial if my stats increased further. Moojin scratched his head in exasperation. “Just attend, will you?” “Tell them I’m still in pain. No one can argue if I say I’m hurt.” "Jeok Dae-hyeop would." "What?" “He said you should have recovered by now, so don’t pretend. He mentioned if you don’t come, he’ll drag you there himself...” “Damn. That old man is still at the venue?” “He and the Young Lord were drinking all night and he just appeared heavily drunk.” I let out a deep sigh. Jeok Cheongang, who had planned to stay only until the end of the gathering, should have left yesterday as per the original schedule. However, as more people and bigwigs extended the assembly, his stay naturally lasted longer. “Damn it, fine, let’s go.” “Good choice. I'd be in trouble if you didn’t.” Following a smirking Moojin, I made my way to the banquet hall. The room was still jam-packed but it seemed that crowd management was finally in place as there were fewer people than on the first day. “More people have come each day, so we had no choice. They ate and drank all day, and aside from the expense, there simply wasn’t enough space.” “You should have cut down more. There still seems to be quite a lot.” “If we cut more, we’d earn their ire. The remaining people are at least the heads of small martial arts schools.” “So, maintaining pride, huh?” “Exactly. We also handed out gifts to those who left on the first day.” Aiming to manage even grassroots sentiment, whether from pure kindness or calculated strategy, I had to give it to Jin Wigyeong’s skillful management. Unlike martial artists who emphasize pride and prowess, he seemed more like an administrative elite counterbalance. Perhaps without such a competent CEO as Jin Wigyeong, the Jin family of Taewon wouldn’t have reached its current position. "Ah, my dear younger brother, you’re here!" Right, things like this ruin the perfection. Jin Wigyeong was already quite tipsy, bursting into shouts from the head table, sprawling a red face suggesting he had drank quite a bit. Laughter rippled through the venue. 'He’s really on a drinking mission today.' Jin Wigyeong, despite being a peak martial artist, seemed to have no intention of dissipating his intoxication with his internal energy. Next to him, Jeok Cheongang was in a similar state. “Why are you so late when I summoned you?” “..I came right away.” Jeok Cheongang scoffed at my response. "Right away, my foot. You hesitated until you heard I was here, then scurried over.” “You’re still within my grasp. Enough with the nonsense and sit.” He truly was an astute old man. I acknowledged familiar faces, including Baek Moosong and Lee Sowol, as I made my way over to Jeok Cheongang’s side. As soon as I sat next to him, a bowl-sized cup suddenly appeared in front of me. “A drink.” “Ah, yes.” I filled and drained it in one go. As I wiped my mouth with my sleeve, Jeok Cheongang again pushed the bottle towards me. “Another.” “Yes.” Down went another shot. “Again.” “...Again?” "What did you say?" “No, I just meant the taste is too good.” This was shaping up to be quite the evening. By the time I’d emptied what felt like an entire barrel on my own, Jeok Cheongang seemed contented, curling the corners of his mouth into a smile. “Yes, now that’s drinking properly.” Why did it remind me of those college freshmen welcome events I’d read about online? The only difference was that, instead of a senior from eons ago, it was a legend forcing drinks on me. 'This is intense from the get-go.' Still, I managed to survive the first round. When Jeok Cheongang, already drunk, temporarily stepped out to sober up, I finally caught my breath. “May I pour you a drink?” A solidly-built middle-aged man had approached out of nowhere. His firm gaze and tightly sealed lips gave nothing away as he continued to speak. “I am Ak Bulgun from the Shandong Ak family.” Shandong Ak family? The name had cropped up a few times both in novels and since I'd entered the martial world. Awkwardly, I bowed my head in acknowledgment. “Oh, I am…” “I already know. Shanxi’s Hidden Dragon, Jin Taekyung. When I first heard about you from the students last year, it wasn’t such a grandiose nickname.” “...Students?” Students? What on earth was this man talking about? He smiled faintly at my bewilderment. “Have you heard of the Celestial Martial Academy? I’m an instructor in spear techniques there.” “I see.” “Your second brother is quite well-known within the academy. Naturally, stories of you tend to follow.” A smirk crept onto my face. Just three months ago, I was considered a disgrace to the family; I could only imagine what kind of tales circulated about me. "They probably weren't nice stories." "The rumors of the martial world can hardly be trusted. Your presence alone debunks such tales.” "Well," I answered vaguely as I drank the drink he poured. "But what brings you here in the first place?" "I came to attend to some matters, but then the academy contacted me. They told me to fetch a student who went back to his family and hasn't returned." "That would be my second brother, Jin Moogeong." "Indeed. I hear he’s in closed-door training?" I nodded, and Ak Bulgun stroked his beard thoughtfully. “This is tricky. Even if delayed, he must depart within seven days. Did he leave any indication before starting his retreat?” “No, he’s the kind to finish only when he feels satisfied.” “I’m well aware. I’ve instructed him personally.” He sighed softly and then suddenly asked, “Then how about you?” “Pardon?” “How about becoming a student at the Celestial Martial Academy? Oh, if the rumors about you being apprenticed to the Flame King are true, consider this a fleeting comment.” Celestial Martial Academy out of the blue. I hadn’t anticipated this. The academy is considered a gateway to success, with brilliant talents from across the world, skilled instructors, and a multitude of opportunities. It’s said that one can learn advanced martial arts, like Jin Moogeong, if certain conditions are met. ‘Staying with the Jin family of Taewon will show limited growth.’ I realized this after the incident with the Rogue Swordmaster. The fact that if you don’t have the power to protect what you gain, you’ll eventually succumb. To become stronger than I am now, I needed a turning point, and the Celestial Martial Academy offered guaranteed safety and potential. ‘Unless I am truly a disciple of the Flame King, this is the best option at hand.’ Seeing my hesitation, Ak Bulgun continued, “Though the admission period has passed, I can arrange a special entry for you.” “A special entry?” “You’re an extraordinary talent, after all.” His calloused hand rested on my shoulder. “What do you say? If it’s you, the upper management will welcome you with open arms.” “I...” I started to answer when suddenly. “Hands off.” "......!" With a fiery surge, a wave of intoxication washed over me, making me dizzy. Yet, in Jeok Cheongang’s ensuing voice, there wasn’t the slightest trace of intoxication. “I said, hands off what's mine.” Welcome to the martial world.