203 - Murim Login

Chapter 203 I perused the system message displayed before me. It was a message regarding the quest rewards, which I had missed due to my sudden deep slumber. - Quest, [One Step Back], has been successfully completed! - A large amount of experience points gained! - Level up! - Level up! - Bonus points of 20 acquired! ‘Quite generous.’ With two level-ups and bonus points, it felt like the quest had the effect of leveling up four times in one go. Perhaps because the opponent was formidable, the rewards were unexpectedly large. 'Close window.' Swish. As the translucent hologram window vanished, I saw Jeok Cheon-Gang approaching me. He was carrying a prepared satchel. “Have you regained your senses?” “Oh, yes. I just woke up.” “And how’s your body feeling?” “I’m feeling great.” Jeok Cheon-Gang nodded after giving me a thorough once-over. “Must be because you’re young; you recover quickly. We can proceed to the next step right away.” “Oh, the next step. Sounds good to me.” “I thought so. I’ve prepared something just for you. Hmm...” “Senior.” “Yes?” “Well, everything sounds good, but...” I continued, awkwardly smiling at Jeok Cheon-Gang. “Could you release the acupuncture points before we start?” It was literal. Though I wasn't sure how it happened, my entire body had been stiff since I first woke up. Jeok Cheon-Gang had applied the numbing points while I was asleep. In my current state, I could barely manage to speak. “I’m sure you meant well, but we need to move on to the next training… Hehe.” “Of course, we should. Training is essential.” Jeok Cheon-Gang rummaged through his satchel, adding, “This is the next training.” “Is getting acupuncture training?” Or is releasing the acupuncture training? Just as I was getting confused, Jeok Cheon-Gang pulled something out of his satchel. “Ah, here it is. I had forgotten I stashed it at the bottom.” “…Isn't that a rope?” “Yes, it is.” Jeok Cheon-Gang, with a sturdy rope slung over his shoulder, approached me briskly and lifted me up. “What... What are you doing?” “You'll find out soon.” He headed toward a large rock. So entrenched it was in the ground, and so massive that even several grown men couldn’t wrap their arms around it. “Hmm. This spot should do just fine.” Mumbling softly, Jeok Cheon-Gang karate-chopped the rock. Slice, slice. The red aura surrounding his hand sliced through and carved the rock like a cheese cake. Within a few maneuvers, the rock transformed into a five-star stone slab. “This should be just right.” “H-Hold on, you’re not planning to tie me to this, are you?” “Not tie, secure.” What’s the difference between saying feces and calling it by another name? By now, I was indeed beginning to feel nervous. The whole situation with the acupuncture points had been suspicious from the start. Not to mention the mysterious satchel he kept rummaging through. ‘I hope it doesn't end up being a whip and mask.’ While my pupils were in turmoil, Jeok Cheon-Gang began securing me to the rock with the rope. He carefully wrapped the rope around my body, tying it securely, and then smiled in satisfaction. “This should hold you nicely.” Phew. “What’s with the sigh of relief?” “I’m relieved it wasn't a tortoise-shell knot.” “A tortoise-shell knot? What might that be?” “It’s... a type of binding technique.” “A binding technique, huh. Must be something used in military camps.” Mostly, it’s used by the Japanese. Especially in the trendy parts of Tokyo. ‘Well, anyhow.’ I was bound in essentially a large X position. Both wrists, ankles, chest, abdomen, and legs were tied. It seemed more for stabilization than actual restraint. ‘Well, considering the application of acupuncture, there's no need for excessive bindings.’ But seriously, what's he planning to do? As my eyes whirred around, Jeok Cheon-Gang finally opened the satchel. And as he did, whoosh— ‘Oh.’ An indescribable aroma wafted out. It was so refreshing and invigorating that it felt like even someone with chronic sinusitis would be instantly cured. I stared wide-eyed at the contents inside the satchel. “This is...” Jeok Cheon-Gang picked up three neatly laid roots, tinged with a reddish hue, and placed them on his palm. “It is an elixir.” “Whoa, such a rare item, where did you find it?” “I rummaged through the storage. It was a filthy nuisance, stacked with useless junk.” To him, even a pile of silk or treasures of gold and silver were worthless clutter. However, when it came to medicinal pills that boost martial prowess, his perspective changed entirely. “Actually, these aren't particularly effective as spiritual pills go. For energy enhancement, a hundred-year-old he shou wu or ginseng is much better.” “Then why... “You wonder why I brought these?” “Because only these can cultivate pure thermal energy. Swallowing anything good can increase energy reserves, but reduce strength.” “Oh.” I seemed to grasp the meaning behind Jeok Cheon-Gang's words. It was analogous to fuel. No matter how much wood you throw in, it's the oil that ignites the flames. In his hands, it wasn’t just wood; it was oil that would nurture the thermal energy within me. ‘I'm genuinely touched.’ I hadn't anticipated Jeok Cheon-Gang would go so far for me. For someone with his irascible temperament to personally sort and bring these rare elixirs, imbued with thermal energy, signified his genuine intent for me to acquire the martial arts of Yeolhwamun. ‘And I’m not even officially his disciple yet.’ A man with warmth in his heart and power. That was Hwa Wang Jeok Cheon-Gang. Facing my admiring gaze, he took a step back, awkwardly. “What... What’s with that look?” “Oh, it’s just that I think you’re truly an amazing person, sir.” “......!” “You did bring all this for me, right?” Jeok Cheon-Gang hesitated before replying. “…I just took them because they caught my eye.” “I see.” “I kept the better ones for myself, mind you.” “Yes, sir. Haha.” “Don’t laugh!” Jeok Cheon-Gang snapped, then hurriedly changed the subject. “Anyway, with this elixir, I will open your energy channels.” I thought about teasing him a bit more, but the words coming from his mouth were serious. My ears perked up instinctively. “Open my energy channels?” “As you heard. When I examined your body earlier, despite your Heavenly Martial Physique being impressive, there was quite a bit of stagnant energy.” ‘Ah.’ “I heard you indulged in debauchery until recently. Even a legendary sword dulls with neglect. No matter how great the Heavenly Martial Physique is, it’s no different.” I couldn’t argue. The Jin-Ga Technique is known for its incredible stability, but it lacks power and efficiency in circulating energy. Even if I practice whenever I can, traces of the leisure taken over the last twenty years remain. “So then…” “With the elixir and my energy, we will burn away all the stagnation inside you. For you, it should have a much better effect than even arduous meditation would.” “That’s the best news I’ve heard.” “Well, it might not be that pleasant.” “Pardon?” “You’ll understand soon enough.” Before I could even ask, his hand sealed my mute point. My tongue stiffened, and a soundless scream echoed within my mouth. ‘What is this?’ Now, I was practically a helpless body with eyes wide open. Jeok Cheon-Gang, observing me in my petrified state, grinned. “Let’s start with the elixir.” His wrinkled fingers pried open my jaw and popped three roots into my mouth. The earthy scent that filled my mouth was soon overtaken by a refreshing sensation. The hard solids melted as soon as they touched my tongue, sliding down into my stomach. Then, suddenly... Ding. -[Fire Spirit Herb] has been consumed! -[Red Flower Herb] has been consumed! -[Flame Essence Herb] has been consumed! - A new quest, [Opening the Channels], has been generated! - You cannot refuse this quest. It will proceed automatically! ‘What the—!’ As continuous system alerts chimed, an overwhelming heat surged through my body. It was then I truly understood the implications of Jeok Cheon-Gang’s warnings. ‘It hurts unbearably!’ Sealed at several points, I couldn’t scream nor thrash, only widen my eyes. Just as I tried to channel energy, Jeok Cheon-Gang rolled up his worn sleeves. “Alright, let’s begin in earnest.” “Endure the pain. While pain is fleeting, martial abilities will last.” Tap, tap-tap-tap! His fingers became a blur as they jabbed and struck my entire body. The impact jolted my energy, the foreign essence from the elixirs coursing through me. I let out a silent scream at the boiling heat. 'Aaaaah!' * * * Despite Jin Tae-Kyung’s bloodshot eyes from the unbearable pain, Jeok Cheon-Gang’s eyes gleamed with warmth. ‘It’s going smoothly, no, explosively.’ Was it his Heavenly Martial Physique? The speed at which the energy was transmitted was phenomenal. The thirty-year essence housed in the elixirs surged freely, racing through all his channels. Jin Tae-Kyung attempted to suppress the swirling energy with his own force, but it wasn’t what Jeok Cheon-Gang intended. ‘Taming comes later. For now, let it rampage freely.’ Even a well-trained bull forgets how to charge. The newly injected thirty-year energy needed to break through any obstruction without restraint. This was an immensely risky endeavor, with the potential for a Qi deviation. Even for an extraordinarily skilled master like Jeok Cheon-Gang, anxiety lingered as he continued. ‘Shoulders, throat, eyes, abdomen…’ Tap, tat-tat! Following his guidance, hundreds of acupuncture points opened and closed in sequence. Soon, Jin Tae-Kyung's body began to release black sweat accompanied by a pungent odor. Even someone with a strong stomach might find the stench nauseating, yet Jeok Cheon-Gang’s expression twitched with joy. ‘It worked!’ This phenomenon was testament to the expulsion of a vast amount of stagnant energy. As if to corroborate the assumption, the sweat's color lightened, and the odor slowly dissipated. Before long, the sweat turned clear, emitting a fresh fragrance. Awe shone in Jeok Cheon-Gang’s eyes. ‘Already?’ It was swift, exceedingly swift. The process he expected to last at least a few hours was nearing completion in less than an hour. Even more surprising was that the essence of the elixirs had barely diminished. Normally, a significant amount of energy would be lost during the purging and circulating process, but Jin Tae-Kyung was different. ‘Truly, the Heavenly Martial Physique… Lives up to its name.’ At this rate, he could not only eliminate all stagnation but also retain the full thirty-year energy. However, Jeok Cheon-Gang's eyes held ambition and conflict instead of satisfaction. ‘What if we push further?’ Attempting to open the Ren and Du meridians, commonly referred to as the Conception and Governing Vessels. A realm untouchable to most martial artists even with a lifetime of dedication. This requires immense energy and enlightenment, yet it seemed achievable now. ‘With the Heavenly Martial Physique, and my help.’ Still, it was dangerous to pierce the Ren and Du meridians right away. Before anything else, what worried Jeok Cheon-Gang most was whether Jin Tae-Kyung could withstand the pain. ‘What should I do?’ As he contemplated deeply, Jeok Cheon-Gang finally spoke. “It looks like we can open the Ren and Du meridians.” Jin Tae-Kyung’s eyes trembled as they turned bloodshot from enduring the pain. Jeok Cheon-Gang continued, knowing Jin Tae-Kyung couldn’t respond. “However, you need to take on the ensuing risk. The pain will far exceed anything thus far, and one mistake could cost your life.” “Make your choice. If you’re willing to trust and entrust it to me, blink twice.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Jin Tae-Kyung blinked. Two blinks with not a trace of doubt. Feeling the solid trust in his eyes, Jeok Cheon-Gang’s heart warmed. ‘He trusts me this much?’ Suppressing a wave of emotion, he forced a smile. "Alright, let's give it a try." Simultaneously, an immense surge of energy flowed from Jeok Cheon-Gang’s fingertips into Jin Tae-Kyung's body. Ding. - Quest information for [Opening the Channels] has been updated! - New quest, [Conception and Governing Vessels], has been created! Difficulty and rewards have been adjusted with the updated information! As I listened to the system alerts, a thought crossed my mind. 'Wait, what the hell…' I was sure I only blinked once.