200 - Murim Login

Chapter 200 "Would it be so bad if I became your mentor?" "What?" What on earth was he talking about? If taken out of context, it sounded like a line straight out of a romance drama. I instinctively stepped back, covering my vital parts. "What are you doing?" "Oh, nothing. But what are you talking about?" "Never mind. Pretend you didn't hear it." Jeok Cheon-Gang's expression was peculiar. With a mix of subtle expectation, irritation, and disappointment, he stared at me before speaking up again. "You have the Celestial Martial Physique." "Celestial what?" Jeok Cheon-Gang furrowed his brows at my reaction. "Are you mocking me by pretending not to know what the Celestial Martial Physique is?" "I swear, this is the first time I've heard of it." "Even the heavens can be indifferent, allowing someone like you to..." He looked like he wanted to smack me. Jeok Cheon-Gang, gripping his liquor bottle tightly, let out a sigh. "Then, do you know about the Nine Yin Severed Meridians?" "Oh, the Nine Yin Severed Meridians! I'm familiar with it." I vaguely remembered it from something I had read long ago. Was this the same concept? I sifted through old memories and brought up a few keywords related to the Nine Yin Severed Meridians. "Unique constitution. Painful. Highly intelligent. Dies young." "Is that correct?" "That is the essence of it. It's a type of terminal syndrome due to an innate powerful yin energy that blocks the meridian channels, leading to early death." "So, what about the Celestial Martial Physique?" A nervousness crept over me from the mention of the Nine Yin Severed Meridians as an example of a fatal circumstance. If it's one of those situations where you can quickly learn martial arts but have a physical flaw that leads to an early death, that would be a significant concern. Jeok Cheon-Gang spoke with a serious demeanor. "The Celestial Martial Physique appears only once in a hundred years, a true blessing from the heavens." A heavenly gift of physical prowess, just hearing about it sounds incredible. Which only makes me more anxious. The Nine Yin Severed Meridians are like a double-edged sword, trading genius intelligence for a short lifespan. I gazed intently at Jeok Cheon-Gang's mouth, tension building. "And then?" "And then what?" "When am I going to die?" "Why on earth would you die?" "Actually, I recently had headaches, felt nauseous, and even now my bones ache." Upon hearing my complaints, Jeok Cheon-Gang, or rather Doctor Choi Tae, gave a snappy diagnosis. "That's because I beat you up." "Oh." “You weren't foolish enough to think the Celestial Martial Physique was like the Nine Yin Severed Meridians, bringing early death, were you?” "…Ahem." "What a scatterbrained fool." Jeok Cheon-Gang shook his head in disbelief. "The Celestial Martial Physique is completely different from the terminal syndrome like the Nine Yin Severed Meridians." "Do you think they call it a gift from heaven for nothing? You were born with a blessed body by fortune." "Me?" "Nobu heard from the young master that you've been seriously studying martial arts for three months. Do you truly believe your achievements so far are due to mere effort?" "Not really." "Your current self is because you possess bones that allow you to master any martial art faster than anyone else." Jeok Cheon-Gang's words were only partially true. The reason I'm not saying more is because what boosts my efforts isn't natural talent but the system. 'If I were truly a Celestial Martial Physique, I wouldn't have stayed at a third-rate level until reaching adulthood.' A promising tree distinguishes itself from the seedling. Surely Jin Tae-Kyung, the original owner of this body with such fortune, would have stood out long before now. 'This body doesn’t have the Celestial Martial Physique.' I looked down at my hands. The size and length of my arms and hands, the shape of the muscles, the power hidden within. Everything about me is perfectly balanced without a single flaw. 'System.' The points gained from leveling up and training are converted into stats, which the system distributes evenly. Each tiny cog within the body interlocks perfectly. 'It's not innate, so it can’t be a Celestial Martial Physique... but could it be a postnatal Celestial Martial Physique?' It’s no wonder Jeok Cheon-Gang, who has seen my body in action, is mistaken. And from my perspective, it was beneficial to let him continue his misconception. It only took three months for a third-rate rascal who drank all day to become a master. If not mistaken for a Celestial Martial Physique, it'd surely be thought to be demonic cultivation. 'Well, this is good.' It's undeniable that my physique is exceptional, given that a supreme master like Jeok Cheon-Gang mistook it for the Celestial Martial Physique. And without side effects like those of the Nine Yin Severed Meridians, it's an absolute relief. 'Is this finally my path to success?' Thinking back on all my struggles, tears welled up in my eyes. Just as I was lost in sentiment, I felt a gaze on me and turned my head. Jeok Cheon-Gang, who had suddenly locked eyes with me, flinched and awkwardly looked up at the sky. "The moon is so bright tonight." I followed his gaze and muttered. "It's covered with clouds." "Is there something you wanted to say?" "Ahem." Jeok Cheon-Gang coughed and hesitantly spoke. "As you know, I owe you a debt." "And?" "Before leaving this place, I want to settle it properly. Is there anything you'd like from me?" Honestly, nothing specific comes to mind. If anything, I'd want him to take back what he said earlier. But knowing Jeok Cheon-Gang's pride, that's unlikely. I should come up with a reasonable request he might agree to... I scratched my head. "I'm not sure. I haven’t really thought about it." "Then think about it specifically." "If I think of something, I'll let you know later. After all, you'll still be here for a few more days." However, Jeok Cheon-Gang was resolute. "Right now." "Pardon?" "Decide right now. Surely, it’s not something you need to ponder over too deeply." Urging me on, Jeok Cheon-Gang added in a mumble, "For example, you might want to learn martial arts from me. Or learn martial arts from me. Or even learn martial arts from me." "..." "It’s just a suggestion. Pay it no mind." "..." "Ahem. I must have something in my throat. Ahem!" Watching him, I finally opened my mouth. “Expert Jeok, I have a quick question.” “Ahem, ahem!” “Do you wish to take me as your disciple?” At that moment, Jeok Cheon-Gang froze mid-cough, his eyes widening as if caught in an earthquake. "W-what are you talking about!" "Exactly what you heard." "Preposterous! Are you implying that I want to take you as my disciple?" Yes. It really seemed that way. At first, I thought it was a misunderstanding, but by now it was clear—even a fool could tell. When I remained silent and only looked at him, it was Jeok Cheon-Gang who seemed flustered. "You insolent brat! What is that presumptuous look in your eyes?" "I'm just looking. Don’t pay it any mind." "You must be severely mistaken. Everything is wrong." "Oh, sure." "Do you think I would easily decide on a successor for a sect with such a storied history?" "Earlier, you seemed to decide quite easily. And you can’t exactly take back what you said in front of all those people." "T-That’s... I could just take on a new disciple." "But you said it’s a one-to-one succession practice, didn't you? People will still think I’m the successor of the Blaze Sect." At hitting the nail on the head, Jeok Cheon-Gang shouted. "I have absolutely no reason to take you as my disciple!" "But I have the Celestial Martial Physique." "Gasp." "It took me around three months to go from third-rate to peak, so I wonder how long to reach supreme." "You... do you think that's easy? Is 'supreme' a dog's name in your neighborhood?" "It seemed easy to me." How many times was I on the brink of death? It was awfully difficult and exhausting, but from now on, it will be easier. Staring tongue-tied at me, Jeok Cheon-Gang listened as I muttered to myself. "Well, maybe reaching supreme will be hard." "Of course it will be." "By the time I'm thirty, perhaps?" Jeok Cheon-Gang's mouth dropped open. "T-Thirty? To reach supreme?" "Oh, did I set the timeframe too long? I did that intentionally since it seemed difficult." I sighed, glancing sideways at Jeok Cheon-Gang. "Of course, Expert Jeok is so skilled, you entered the Ten Kings. You’d be much faster than me, especially with the Blaze Sect's martial arts. How enviable. If I learned a supreme art like that, I’d grow strong quickly." Jeok Cheon-Gang looked at me with trembling eyes. I could easily imagine the thoughts running through his mind. What if the Celestial Martial Physique combined with the Blaze Sect’s ultimate skills? Based on the unbelievable achievements I made in just three months, it could create an unprecedented monster throughout history. ‘It’s almost complete.’ Unable to voice it due to pride, I drove in the final nail. "Ah, it's no use. After this meeting, I’m thinking of heading to the Mount Hua Sect." “M-Mount Hua? Why?” “Because of Sword Saint Mae Jong-Hak. I heard you two are quite close, aren’t you? If I explain my situation, I think I could become his disciple discreetly…” “No way!” The cry came out reflexively. Startled, Jeok Cheon-Gang swallowed hard. “If you have any thoughts…” “Pardon? I can’t hear you, your voice is too soft.” “Hoo.” Catching his breath, Jeok Cheon-Gang spoke again. “If you have any thoughts, I could supervise your martial progress.” Feigning surprise, I widened my eyes. “Are you serious?” “Of course. I must repay my debt, don’t I?” Now he spoke with a sternness, different from before, perhaps thinking he needed to preserve his dignity. ‘It’s already too late for that, old man.’ I barely held back my laughter and replied. “You’ve already done so much for me.” “It’s my principle to repay a debt tenfold or even twentyfold.” “I see.” “Indeed.” “But you were planning to leave in a few days, weren’t you? You seemed busy.” “I can delay it. I plan to leave once you’ve achieved a certain level of progress.” “Ah, you’re the type to see things through once you start.” “That’s my nature.” “What if I don’t reach the level you hope for?” Jeok Cheon-Gang pretended to be stern. “You rascal! Why expect failure already?” “Sorry. It might take years…” “Did you forget what I just said about my character?” “The kind to see things through once you start?” “When a warrior unsheathes their sword, they should be ready to slice through mountains.” “Wow, that’s impressive! As expected of Expert Jeok!” Praising him with a thumbs-up, I asked in a soft voice. “But at this point, aren’t we master and disciple?” Jeok Cheon-Gang hesitated briefly before shaking his head vigorously. “Master and disciple, nonsense! It’s merely repaying a debt.” “Ah, I see. I misunderstood your intentions. My apologies for the confusion.” “…Ahem.” Letting out an uncomfortable cough, Jeok Cheon-Gang spoke. “However, we might need to change how we address each other.” “How we address each other?” “Even if we aren’t truly master and disciple, we need to fit the roles in public, don’t we?” “That makes sense.” Address him, huh. What should I call him? After a brief contemplation, a word popped into my mind. “Then, shall I call you Master from now on?” “Master?” Jeok Cheon-Gang looked at me with a complex expression, as if he had just woken from a dream. “Yes, that would be fine.” “Understood. And when we’re alone…?” “Call me ‘Old Master.’” “Got it, Old Master.” I bowed deeply to him, marking the start of an intricate relationship with Jeok Cheon-Gang, the renowned supreme master and Flame King. After sending Jin Tae-Kyung off, Jeok Cheon-Gang leaned against an old wall. The word “Master” echoed ceaselessly in his mind. ‘Master, huh.’ It had been ten years since someone last called him that. Though different in physique, face, and personality, Jin Tae-Kyung reminded him of his deceased disciple. Deep in thought, a gentle smile unexpectedly appeared on Jeok Cheon-Gang's wrinkled face. 'Not bad.' He hadn’t intended for things to turn out this way, but he felt good about it. In fact, he felt hopeful about the future and an inexplicable joy. "Not bad at all. Truly." Jeok Cheon-Gang let out a quiet chuckle as he gazed up at the sky. At some point, the clouds had cleared, revealing the bright, radiant moon.