201 - Murim Login

Chapter 201 “It’s hard to see your face these days.” “Indeed. Sometimes, I can't even tell if I’m a bodyguard or a general manager.” Jin Wi-Kyung chuckled at Wi Paeng’s lament. “Just bear with it for a few more days. Anyway, how’s that matter we discussed coming along?” “Everything is proceeding smoothly. The scholars we’ve recruited this time are compliant, and the government and the business sector are actively cooperating.” If the Jin family of Taewon was a ship with a good wind, Jin Wi-Kyung was the seasoned captain. From the first day of the assembly, he had methodically tackled the major issues, starting with gaining the allegiance of the smaller sects. In the martial arts world, the problem of Hua Wang and Jeok Cheon-Gang remained, but with Sangsan King, a royal family member, supporting them on the government side, everything was quiet. “The same goes for the business sector, no need to mention it.” No one was more sensitive to profit. With the scent of money, it was only natural for people to swarm in. Having quickly organized his thoughts, Jin Wi-Kyung asked Wi Paeng, “The budget? How’s it looking?” “We’re short.” “What?” Jin Wi-Kyung was startled, and Wi Paeng smirked. “I mean, we’re short of storage for all the wealth.” “...Phew.” “Two days ago, two warehouses were already full, so the incoming treasures are being stored in empty halls now.” Jin Wi-Kyung let out a sigh of relief and chuckled. “That’s quite a windfall.” “It was decisive that Jeok Dae-hyeop made an announcement yesterday. It gave certainty to those who were still unsure.” “They are the real big players.” “Precisely.” The wider your reach, the higher the chance of getting pricked by a thorn. Though the Jin family of Taewon was now undoubtedly a goose laying golden eggs, they still had uneasy ties with major sects or clans, including the Zhongnan Sect and those related to Hua Wang. “That’s probably why Seok Ga Jang suddenly requested a private meeting.” Seok Ga Jang was a giant in the global business circle. Their approach indicates they’re assured of the Jin family’s potential. “It’s typical for them to weigh their options. They’ll shower us with gifts for being late to the party.” “They should, indeed. Let them in.” “At once.” Shortly after Wi Paeng left, a plump middle-aged man waddled into the office. “Oh, esteemed young master! It’s been too long!” “It has been a while, Manager Ha.” The middle-aged man was Director Ha from Seok Ga Jang. Though he was one of the five directors, he wielded significant power. Jin Wi-Kyung greeted him with a gentle smile as the man wiped his sweat. “It’s been three years. How is the Master?” “He’s as vigorous as a young man. He was very keen to meet you, especially after hearing of your recent successes. As you know, last time he was unwell…” “Yes, I remember.” Jin Wi-Kyung vividly recalled that day three years ago. He waited for half a month for an audience but had to leave Seok Ga Jang without even seeing the Master’s face. Seeing a noble’s carriage at Seok Ga Jang’s gate was a coincidence. At least, that’s what he told himself. ‘That’s the world of martial arts for you.’ But now, the tables had turned. Though only three years had passed, it was a turbulent time, and the once arrogant Director Ha had become a humble merchant. ‘Who knew he could use honorifics? First time I’ve seen it.’ Caught in his musings, Jin Wi-Kyung listened intently to Director Ha’s proposal. Seok Ga Jang’s desire to actively venture into the Sanseo business circle with Taewon Jin’s cooperation was warmly accepted. While further details needed scrutiny, their offer was incredibly generous. “You're offering more than I imagined. It almost feels excessive.” Director Ha chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “I’m a businessman to the core. I never make trades that don’t profit me.” Even merchants have ranks. The third-rate trade goods, the second-rate buy goods that can turn a profit, and the first-rate buy the future. Seok Ga Jang is a top-tier merchant giant, aiming for profits multiplied in the future rather than immediate gains. ‘I won’t let you profit excessively. Our family won’t dance to your tune.’ Contrary to his thoughts, Jin Wi-Kyung beamed. Life isn’t easy, especially around cunning merchants. “I’ll have accommodations prepared for you. We can discuss more in depth later.” “Thank you, young master.” As Director Ha began to rise, he hesitated. “Um.” “Something else on your mind?” “I know it’s a difficult request, but would it be possible to meet Jeok Cheon-Gang?” Despite the substantial authority of a Seok Ga Jang director, even they had no exception with Hua Wang. Since Jeok Cheon-Gang started staying at Taewon Jin, he hadn’t granted a personal audience to anyone. Director Ha wiped his sweat and continued, “I’ve tried everything—visiting personally and discreetly sending my aides—but…” “Oh dear, I’m sure Jeok Dae-hyeop didn’t appreciate that.” “Yes, they came back almost half-dead. That’s why I’m pleading for your help, young master.” Jin Wi-Kyung chuckled and replied, “Well, perhaps after the assembly, but for the next few days, it might be difficult.” “He’s been out of sight since earlier. May I ask why?” “He’s likely training my younger brother.” “Ah, I see. I apologize for my rudeness.” After Director Ha uttered a brief sigh and left the office, Jin Wi-Kyung couldn’t suppress his laughter. The exhaustion from hosting the assembly for the past few days seemed to lift, leaving him feeling light-hearted. He called out in a cheerful voice to his loyal aide. “Wi Paeng. Who’s next?” * * * Before dawn had even broken, It wasn’t Hyuk Mu-jin or Cheong Pung who woke me. Splash! “Ugh!” The first thing I saw as I opened my eyes from the cold water poured over me was Jeok Cheon-Gang glaring down. “What… what is this?” “Sleeping until this hour? Are you in your right mind?” “I’ve only slept for two hours; what do you mean by ‘sleeping in’?” Jeok Cheon-Gang began to scold me as I expressed my disbelief. “If you say it’s two hours, brat, you could have swung your weapon a thousand times already. And where did you learn to neglect morning greetings to your master?” “...Master?” In that moment, Jeok Cheon-Gang seemed to flinch, stammering his words. “W-well, people need to see it that way, don’t they!” “......” “To avoid any suspicion, you must act genuinely like a master! Like a real disciple!” “Ah, yes.” Here stood the pioneer of martial arts method acting. My lukewarm response made Jeok Cheon-Gang’s face flush with embarrassment. “Regardless, I can’t stand idleness. Get moving.” “To where?” “There’s a place I’ve picked out for you.” I presumed he had chosen a secluded training ground, but Jeok Cheon-Gang led me not inside the Jin family grounds of Taewon, but to a nearby mountain. The area was dense with trees, each with trunks several meters in circumference, and the ground was solid. “This spot will do.” Jeok Cheon-Gang halted in a broad clearing and set down the pack he had been carrying on a tree stump. “What’s that?” “Never mind. It’s something to be used later.” “Later?” “Yes, something to make you writhe in delight.” "......" Why did images of whips, candlesticks, and masks come to mind? As I cast an anxious glance at the pack, Jeok Cheon-Gang spoke sternly. “Stop thinking about that and bring out your spear.” “Ah, yes.” I drove the spears I had brought into the ground. It was obvious why Jeok Cheon-Gang would come for me at such an early hour. Despite trying to act indifferent, Jeok Cheon-Gang wanted to take me as his disciple. He needed time to observe and decide because he still hadn’t fully convinced himself yet. ‘He’s made a painful mistake before.’ The emotional wound Jeok Cheon-Gang received from Jo Pil hadn’t healed yet. That’s why he kept watching to determine if I could be taken as his disciple. ‘Even if he doesn’t pass on the ultimate skills of his sect right away, he will teach me to the best of his ability.’ Guidance from an ultimate master is invaluable. A single word from someone who has conquered paths ahead of me is worth more than gold. I lifted a well-balanced iron spear and swallowed hard. “What should I do now?” “Attack.” “Pardon?” “I said, attack me with all your strength.” A smile played across the wrinkled lips of Jeok Cheon-Gang. “If you can make me take even one step back within a quarter-hour, you win.” Ding. - Quest, [Step Back] has been generated. [Step Back] Jeok Cheon-Gang wishes to see your true ability. Make him retreat within the given time to prove your worth. Grade: Supreme Limit: Jin Tae-Kyung Task: Make him step back (Incomplete) Reward: ??? Failure: ??? ‘Make him step back?’ It seemed straightforward, but its supreme ranking said otherwise. Especially if the opponent was Jeok Cheon-Gang. Upon closing the quest window, I saw an unfazed Jeok Cheon-Gang. “Now, begin.” Beep. [29 : 59] The moment the countdown appeared midair, I kicked off the ground and charged at him. Whoosh, whoosh! The spear blade sliced through the air. The compressed air burst, sweeping the old man’s white hair. Dodging the first thrust I shot, Jeok Cheon-Gang thought: 'What is this kid?' Quick. And held strength capable of pulverizing rocks. Even he, who had once assessed Jin Tae-Kyung, hadn’t anticipated this speed and power. Thrust, slash, and strike upward. As Jeok Cheon-Gang evaded the storm of spear strikes raining down like a torrential downpour, his astonishment grew like a snowball. ‘He’s seasoned. As if born on the battlefield.’ Barely twenty-one, yet the trajectories and movements of the spear were on par with eminent martial artists. No, they were even beyond that. Through encounters with countless martial artists during the Great Demon War, Jeok Cheon-Gang had learned a truth. ‘A true martial artist is perfected through vast real-world experience.’ Major sects and noble families. Though they claimed dominance, few had actually survived life-and-death situations. The demonic sect, which thrived on the principle of strength above all, had swallowed half of the martial world for that very reason. At the war's onset, how many disciples from reputable schools lost their lives? ‘But this kid is different.’ There was no emptiness nor hesitation in his form, unlike those hollow shells. Relentlessly targeting vital points with the spear’s edge, eyes cold and determined—the mark of one who has experienced countless battles and bloodshed. Whirr, whoosh! Thud! The spear spun, vibrating. Buzz, buzz, buzz. It sounded like the wings of hundreds of wasps, and the spear blade shot forth sharper than venomous stingers. ‘Has he only practiced martial arts for three months? This kid?’ Judged by his moves, it seemed like not three months, but three years. No, thirty years. Jeok Cheon-Gang didn’t know about Jin Tae-Kyung's battle-stained seven years. He could only marvel. ‘…A remarkable fellow.’ Jeok Cheon-Gang, who had chased martial arts his whole life. Even to him, the display Jin Tae-Kyung was now putting on was a mystery. ‘The greatest martial talent of the ages, he said?’ Jeok Cheon-Gang recalled Jin Wi-Kyung’s words, and his body trembled with excitement and awe. ‘Indeed, you were right.’ Unable to suppress lingering resonance, he closed his eyes. Whoosh! A beam shot toward his chest. At that moment, Jeok Cheon-Gang’s eyes narrowed slightly. At the same time, his wrinkled hand seized the spear blade. Crunch! The red flames engulfed his hands, shattering and melting the spear blade. Molten metal dripped onto the frozen ground. “…Wow, isn’t this cheating?” Muttering in disbelief, Jin Tae-Kyung saw Jeok Cheon-Gang grin. “It’s just the beginning.”