204 - Murim Login

Episode 204 Whoooosh! A massive force began to surge down the pathway. To unblock the Ren Meridian, one must traverse a path comprised of twenty-four acupoints, beginning at the Huiyin (Perineum Acupoint). The issue lies in the highly significant location of this Huiyin point. 'Oh, no!' Forced opening? There was no scream; the power, which had turned into an enraged bull, slammed into the Huiyin point. Thud! '......!' The feeling known only to those who've experienced it. A blinding whiteness consumed his vision, and all senses were dulled, as if he had entered heaven. Faces of cherished loved ones flashed before him. His mother, Hayeon, and even the unfamiliar face of a newborn. 'You, who are you?' Waaah, waaah! An infant's cry echoed like a hallucination. Only then did he realize the identity. 'Oh dear, my child!' It was Jin Taekyung Junior, whom he had not yet met—and maybe never would. The baby's innocent eyes seemed to ask him, - Dad, can’t I come out? At that moment, as the white haze cleared from his vision, an overwhelming pain surged from his lower body. 'Screeeeaaam!' As his soul cried out, an urgent voice slapped against his ears. “Get a grip! If you can't endure this pain, death awaits!” "......!" Death? Me? And in such a disgraceful manner? The realization hit him like a splash of cold water. The pain, as if a knife was tearing through his lower abdomen, lingered, yet he summoned superhuman endurance. 'I can't die like this!' I’ve survived countless battles. Even when my injuries brought me to the brink of death, I held on. This isn’t something, well, perhaps it is, but it’s not enough for me to end my life so prematurely. 'Hup!' As he gritted through the pain, the immense force breached through the twenty-four acupoints without hesitation. And finally... Thud! It crashed into the castle gate known as the Ren Meridian. With it, a similar wave of pain struck like a tide, much like when it had hammered the Huiyin point. The difference being, this impact did not cease after one collision. Thud! Thud! Thud! Once, twice, thrice—all resonating thunderously inside his body. Now he realized why Jeok Cheon-Gang had pressed the blocking and dispersing points and why he secured him with ropes. 'Grrrgh!' Even with the acupressure pinning him, his body trembled uncontrollably, instinctively reacting to the pain crossing his threshold. Snap The blood vessels in his wide eyes burst. Through the red-tinged vision, Jeok Cheon-Gang's roaring figure came into view. “Endure! This is the last!” The last one? Really? The truth or lack thereof mattered little. His words reinvigorated his strength. 'Just a little more, more!' He summoned his latent internal energy. Released of all obstructions, the 45 years of stored energy surged through the liberated pathways. It joined forces with the mystical energy already tapping on the Ren Meridian, and Jeok Cheon-Gang’s power. The combined forces, sharper and stronger than ever, hammered at the gate known as the Ren Meridian. Boom! Whooosh! That was the finale. Signaling the end of the extensive struggle, the long-blocked Ren Meridian crumbled, and the energies stormed in like conquering armies. In an instant, a surge of alarming pain, followed by pleasures and refreshing sensations far surpassing the pain, swept through his body. Ding. - Successfully unlocked [Ren Meridian]! - Energy circulation becomes notably freer! - The rate at which energy circulates and accumulates rises dramatically! - Achievement attained: [Ren Meridian Unlocked]! - Reward:...... 'Aah, ahhh.' Now trembling not from pain but from joy. This was different. Everything he had known felt inconsequential. The difference was staggering, akin to that between first-class and transcendence. 'I can't believe I could change so much.' Despite the immense pain endured, the achievement felt worth it. No, it must be borne. Jeok Cheon-Gang smiled brightly at the awe in his eyes. “Well done, truly!” The sincerity in his delight warmed his heart. To think he'd help so wholeheartedly. Had he not been under acupressure, he would have bowed deeply before Jeok Cheon-Gang. 'Jeok Cheon-Gang, just who are you?' His eyes were moistening when— “The same can be done to unlock the Du Meridian (Governor Vessel) as well.” Oh, damn it. He’d forgotten about that. 'You want me to do this again?' No, I can't. At least give me a break! Watching him desperately blink, Jeok Cheon-Gang chuckled merrily. “This fellow, eager to get started right away, huh? I was going to suggest a break... Alright. Let’s ride this momentum and unblock both the Ren and Du Meridians!” “Here we go!” And so the express train to hell departed once more, and an hour later, through his faint awareness, he heard faint system notifications. Ding. - Successfully unlocked [Du Meridian]! - Quest [Ren-Du Meridian Completion] accomplished! - Rare achievement unlocked! Reward:...... Doesn’t matter, damn it. Rare accomplishment or not, I can't take any more. Having exhausted all his mental fortitude, he fell headlong into an abyss of darkness. Slide As soon as the ropes were untied, Jin Taekyung’s collapsing figure was gently cradled by Jeok Cheon-Gang. The stench from the sweat, born of enduring such torment, and the impurities discharged earlier wafted, but it mattered not. These were marks of those who had strived for greater martial heights. The depth in Jeok Cheon-Gang's eyes as he gazed upon the unconscious Jin Taekyung was profound and gentle. ‘The more I know him, the more incredible he seems.’ Initially, such thoughts crossed his mind. Why, of all people, this fellow? To Jeok Cheon-Gang’s eyes, Jin Taekyung was neither black nor white but a grey that could be found anywhere in the world. Neither particularly driven by righteousness nor by malevolence. 'And not particularly zealous in martial training either.' Upon his arrival at Taewon Jin Clan, rumors about Jin Taekyung were unavoidable. He didn’t need to ask; people always talked. In martial arts, he was third-rate, but in vices, he was first-class. Unlike his brothers who possessed exceptional talents, he was often called the disgrace of the family. Jeok Cheon-Gang, aware of this, momentarily found himself blaming the heavens. 'Why grant the Heavenly Martial Body to such a man?' A legendary sword should belong to a swordsman, not a farmer. Yet Jin Taekyung, as he was told, was akin to a farmer wielding a legendary sword. Without even the diligence of a farmer. The only thing he pursued earnestly was indulgence in vices; there was little more to be said. However... 'I was wrong.' Looking back, he realized all those judgments were narrow-minded stubbornness and contradictions of an old man. He wasn’t a deity, yet he had tried to judge Jin Taekyung, whom he had only recently met, in terms of black and white. What if he was gray? 'It suffices if one holds onto the heart of a human being.' Based solely on what he’d seen, Jin Taekyung was indeed a decent person. After all, humanity is inherently flawed, and dividing it into perfect black and white was downright foolish. Perhaps gray was another name for virtuous people. 'Moreover, he possesses exceptional mental fortitude.' Physical attributes are secondary if one has such resilience. The process of unblocking the Ren and Du Meridians is grueling, to say the least, both difficult and painful. Yet Jin Taekyung endured it, and with remarkable success. The ordeal must have been unbearable, both arduous and painful. But his sheer determination to become stronger saw him through it. Jin Taekyung had mental resilience as strong as his well-endowed physique. 'The Heavenly Martial Body made the right choice in choosing its master.' Jeok Cheon-Gang's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he murmured quietly, gazing at Jin Taekyung. “Perhaps… it may be much sooner than expected.” Finishing his words, Jeok Cheon-Gang's aged fingers trembled slightly. This endeavor had required a considerable amount of his power and mental energy. His aged body informed him of this weariness before his mind could process it. “Not yet, you rascal. Just hold on a few more years.” Jeok Cheon-Gang sighed bitterly as he carefully lifted Jin Taekyung's body. Having overcome a great mountain, it was time for rest—for both the young and the old. On the other side, Ak Bul-gun, head instructor of spear techniques at Cheonmuhakgwan, arrived at Jin Yugyeong's office just around noon. As he opened the door, Jin Yugyeong, who had been scribbling on a scroll, stood up with a pleased expression. “Master Ak, welcome. Thank you for accepting my invitation despite your busy schedule.” “It’s only proper for the idle to move for such matters; think nothing of it.” The Ak family of Shandong was a renowned martial family within the martial arts community. However, Ak Bul-gun, despite being a direct descendant of such a prestigious line, was straightforward and unpretentious. His forthright nature shone through as he cut straight to the chase, even before taking a sip of tea. “So, what brings you here? Might it be about...” Jin Yugyeong smiled knowingly. “Unfortunately, it’s not about martial arts.” “I see.” Nodding, Ak Bul-gun added bluntly. “Please remember that Cheonmuhakgwan has strict regulations.” Cheonmuhakgwan serves as both a repository and a gateway for brilliant talents. Talents of any background could join the academy, which resulted in a diverse mix—from small, remote sects to prestigious lineages. Despite the varied backgrounds, the reason there was little discord was due to the strict regulations applied to all students. “If students do not return by the designated date, they risk expulsion, regardless of stature, the Ten Dragons included.” “I did go in person to check, but... “Did he refuse?” “Yes.” With deep contemplation, Jin Yugyeong had gone to see him, but Jin Wu-kyung hadn’t shown himself. According to Chil-deuk, a martial artist sharing the same quarters, Jin Wu-kyung hadn’t set foot outside since entering. He resolved meals with barrier-breaking pills and allowed no one to approach him, yet he did return a short reply upon hearing of Jin Yugyeong's presence. 'I will not return until I achieve greatness.' After understanding Jin Yugyeong's explanation, Ak Bul-gun smiled slightly. He’d already had experience teaching Jin Wu-kyung and knew the young genius's personality well. “Sounds just like him.” “Regrettably, I seem incapable of swaying my brother’s stubbornness.” “The headmaster is likely as disappointed as you are.” Everyone follows their own path in life. Ak Bul-gun nodded peacefully and continued. “I haven’t yet heard the reason you wanted to see me.” “Ah, I needed to deliver a missive.” “A missive?” Instead of replying, Jin Yugyeong took out a small bamboo tube from his robes and handed it to him. Checking the engraved letters on the azure tube, Ak Bul-gun muttered. “Cheonmuhakgwan?” “It arrived just half an hour ago. I thought it best to deliver it directly.” “Excuse me for a moment.” Seeking permission, Ak Bul-gun silently read through the letter. Reading it two or three times, he then lifted his gaze to Jin Yugyeong. “Young master.” "......?" “I’ll need your assistance.”