181 - Murim Login

**Chapter 181** "You really get into trouble the moment I take my eyes off you." With a gentle reproach aimed at the disciple, Baek Moosung bowed his head toward Woo Hwangtae. "It seems there was a minor misunderstanding between us. I hope you'll forgive us with your gracious tolerance." His voice was as gentle as his expression. Woo Hwangtae was closer to a tradesman than a martial artist. His martial arts were top-notch, but his keen eye, honed by running a security bureau, was unparalleled. On any other day, he might have thought this upon seeing Baek Moosung: 'A remarkable man hidden in plain sight.' Unfortunately for Woo Hwangtae, he was not in his right mind at the moment. The intrusion of Baek Moosung's clean appearance seemed conceited, and although his voice was polite, the confidence of a strong man came across as arrogant. "What? Forgive with tolerance?" He muttered in a simmering voice, eyebrows raised. "Who do you think you are to order me around?" "That wasn't my intention, but if my words have upset you, I apologize." "An apology? Huh, this pup dares?" Crack. Once seized by anger, one's judgment is often clouded. As Woo Hwangtae clenched his fist and advanced, the other clan leaders hurriedly intervened. "Woo Lord, it's best to leave it at this." "Lord Song speaks wisely. Causing commotion won't do any good." "You expect me to just bear it when these nobodies are being insolent? Are you all underestimating me too?" "No, that’s not what we mean." "Then what are you implying?" His tone now bordered on outright disrespect. The clan leaders from Shanxi frowned but knew any conflict needed to be avoided. "We’re just saying that the time and place are wrong. Have you forgotten our situation?" "If you must, we won't stop you, but there's no need to stir up trouble with the Taiyuan Jin clan having ill-feelings against us." "We understand your anger, but please consider our situation as well. We all need to stay united." Again, with that Taiyuan Jin Clan! Woo Hwangtae barely suppressed the curse ready to burst forth. Were it not for the many eyes and ears around, he might have unleashed his wrath on everything in sight. But, his last shred of rationality held him back. "Grrr." Barely managing to calm himself, Woo Hwangtae glared at Baek Moosung. The latter stood poised, his expression unchanging. "As much as I'd like nothing more than to beat you to a pulp right now... I'll let this mistake of yours slide, considering it an error of a country bumpkin. Leave before I change my mind." Baek Moosung, who had been watching him coolly, bowed his head. "Thank you for your leniency." "Humph, lucky bastards." In truth, it was Woo Hwangtae who was fortunate. Had Baek Moosung not quietly sent a telepathic message beforehand, Woo Hwangtae would likely be on the verge of death by now. - Stop, Second. The barely launched figure of Cheolwoo, the second of the Plum Blossom Trio and master of the Defeated Plum Fist, halted abruptly. A voice that no one else could hear slipped through his gritted teeth. - He even dared mess with Senior Brother. - It doesn't matter. - It does to me. Can’t I just hit him once, just once? - Sounds like you want to kill him. - ...I'll go easy. Just one gentle hit. - That sounds like you want to gently kill him. Have you forgotten Master’s order to avoid drawing unnecessary attention? Conflicted, Cheolwoo finally relaxed his clenched fists. "Man, this is driving me nuts." Baek Moosung patted his shoulder approvingly. "Well done holding back. This too is part of your training." "How is this training? Learning martial arts and not using them when needed is pointless." "Reckless violence will only ruin you. Martial arts hone your mind, body, and spirit; it's not about killing others." "Every time I see you, I get confused whether I’m a disciple of Huashan or a monk from Shaolin." “With your personality, how could you be a monk? The only thing you’d break is the ceremonial drum.” Watching Baek Moosung chuckle, Cheolwoo sighed. Though he deeply respected his senior, sometimes he was too kind for his own good. "People like that need a good punch in the face..." "Hey! Watch your mouth!" "Fine, fine." Cheolwoo clicked his tongue, watching Woo Hwangtae's retreating figure. ‘I’ve memorized his face. Just you wait.’ Baek Moosung, knowing full well what his disciple was thinking, shook his head. “Instead of dwelling on useless thoughts, go find the youngest.” “Is Eunhyang missing again?” “Yes, much like you.” Cheolwoo flinched. “I just went to answer nature’s call.” “Right. But then why did you get into trouble with so many people around on the way back?” “Well, on the way back... I mean, do you not believe me? I haven't even washed my hands yet. Want to smell them?” “...Forget it.” Baek Moosung rubbed his temples. While he cherished his disciples dearly, handling them was no easy task. At least Cheolwoo was large enough to be found quickly, but spotting the youngest disciple, Eunhyang, amongst the crowd was a different story. "Do you see anything?" Cheolwoo, towering over most people, scanned the surroundings. “Not really. There are so many people.” In the endless sea of bustling people, even an expert's eyes struggled to spot a petite young girl. The crowd was so dense that even vendors could be seen setting up stalls in every direction. "Did the Taiyuan Jin Clan grow to this extent? I hadn't heard of them until recently." “Those in the know have always been aware. The current leader, the Shanxi Hero, and Jincheon Sword are quite renowned, aren’t they?” “I’m not sure about the Shanxi Hero, but Jincheon Sword is the one called the Dragon of Ten Peaks or something, right?” “Watch your mouth. Speak respectfully.” “He’s just an academic, isn't he? I’d bet Senior Brother is far more impressive…” “Stop judging people you haven’t met yet. He is undoubtedly a remarkable talent.” “Well, being that accomplished in Shanxi is like a dragon born out of a stream, isn’t it?” As Cheolwoo answered dismissively, he suddenly frowned. "Aside from Jincheon Sword, isn't there another figure they're talking about? Something about a dragon or eel?" "A dragon? Are you referring to the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi?" "Ah, yes, the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi." "I've heard he's quite talented, though not quite as renowned as Jincheon Sword." "Whether it's a dragon or an eel, I've heard so much about them that I think we should at least see what they look like." Seeing Cheolwoo clench his fists, Baek Moosung's lips twitched upward into a slight smile. "Do you want to test your skills?" Cheolwoo scratched the back of his head and replied, "Not necessarily, since I'm sure I would win anyway." "Your competitive spirit is admirable, but avoid causing unnecessary commotion." "What commotion could there be? If I'm already here, I might as well see what they're made of." Baek Moosung gazed steadily at his second disciple. Despite his words, he was evidently curious. Cheolwoo, cooped up in the Huashan sect for years sparring with the same people, was understandably eager for a change. "You'll see soon enough. But first, we must find the youngest." The addendum to his sentence was almost sighed out. The gates of the Taiyuan Jin clan had already opened, with throngs of invitees pouring in like clouds. Just as he contemplated climbing a tree for a better view, Cheolwoo spoke up. "Senior Brother, a little noise wouldn't be too bad, right?" "What?" With a sly grin, Cheolwoo took a deep breath. The next moment, his voice exploded like thunder. "Eun-hyang-ah!!!" There was no time to stop him. Cheolwoo's voice was as overwhelming as his stature. People nearby covered their ears and stumbled back, while laughter and chatter ceased as if doused with cold water. In the silence, a voice answered, "Brothers! I'm here!" From a distance, they saw a small girl jumping up and down to get their attention. Cheolwoo beamed triumphantly. "Haha! Senior Brother, I found her!" "...Yes, well done. Very well done." Just as Baek Moosung rubbed his temple, a wave of murmuring swept through the gathered crowd, who parted like reeds in the wind. At the end of the parted crowd stood a man like an iron tower. Cheolwoo unconsciously muttered, "Is he a man or a bear?" "He's a man. Without him, the Taiyuan Jin clan wouldn't be what it is today." Baek Moosung respectfully clasped his hands toward the bear-like man, Jin Wi-gyeong. The landscape rushed past in a blur. Riding next to him, Hyuk Moo-jin shouted out, "It sure was slow on the way there, but we're speeding back. Maybe we took it easy a couple of days ago?" "Everything happens for a reason." "What reason, you think?" "As long as someone doesn't try to eat while riding, it'll be faster." "Ah." Cheongpung wore a consistently gloomy expression because I'd stopped him from packing a ridiculous amount of food before our departure. "I'm hungry." I replied coldly, "Bear with it." Even as a master martial artist capable of fine-tuned digestion, Cheongpung ate and excreted in equal measures, making frequent trips inevitable. Ugh, I should stop there before it gets unpleasant. "How far have we traveled?" "If we just passed the ninth village... we should be there within a half-shichen, or at most one." The sun was harsh; its rays pierced my eyes. I squinted up at it slowly climbing toward midday. "We'll probably arrive by noon." "More than likely." "We're late, aren't we?" "Of course we're late. We're running as fast as we can to be a little less late." Fair point. Rather than respond, I spurred my horse onward. With every gallop, the long bundle strapped to my back slapped against the saddle. 'This is really bothersome.' The bundle contained the [Nameless Sword], something originally meant to be returned to Jeok Cheon-gang. But in the chaotic world of martial arts where the law is distant, and fists are immediate, I had no choice but to keep it. 'Not like I can stash it in my inventory...' I could explain away the presence of the Flame God's scroll secured in my clothing. However, a sword suddenly conjured from a pocket would be inexcusable and dangerously reminiscent of demonic practices. 'Darn it, what a mess I got myself into.' It's not merely the burden of inconveniently lugging around a problematic item. What irks me is the prospect of having to face that terrifying old man, Jeok Cheon-gang, again. 'See you soon?' What nonsense. Every time I recall those words from a few hours ago, my stomach churns. Noticing my subtle grimace, Hyuk Moo-jin asked, "Why the face?" "Thinking about the Fiery King." "Ugh. Isn't it better to think happy thoughts? Why dwell on something terrifying?" "Wouldn't you? He said he's visiting again soon." "By the way, can I get some leave? All of a sudden, I really miss my family." "You’re just trying to save your own skin." "You can't predict life. Should at least see my parents once before I die, right?" "This from someone who's been a negligent son for years without even a visit?" "I'm hoping to become a devoted son this time." "Nah. Denied." I promptly dismissed Hyuk Moo-jin's prattling and lamented while looking skyward. "Isn't it just ironic? Why did that old man entrust me with this thing?" "He said it was cumbersome to carry." "That's all?" "Seems a reasonable guess, considering his character." It’s oddly convincing. "I might lose it or run off with it, though." "You? As if." Hyuk Moo-jin laughed as if he had heard a great joke. "What would you have done if not faced with imminent danger? You'd still have held onto that Flame God's Dignity." "True..." "Maybe you should just hide it where no one will find it. Who knows? The formidable Fiery King might teach you a skill as a token of appreciation." "As if he would. Not after what happened to his disciples." I snickered at the absurdity of the idea. The Yeolhwa Sect is renowned for being highly selective and secretive. For them to casually pass on martial arts to an outsider like me, regardless of personal feelings, was unthinkable. "Don't overdo the nonsense unless you want to be truly amusing, kid." As if suddenly revived from his earlier state of starvation, Cheongpung spoke up, "Isn't it possible he's planning to make his benefactor his disciple?" "...?" "...?" "Isn't it? That's what I think. From what I saw, Grandpa Jeok seems to be watching you closely." "Me?" "Yes, you, Captain." Hyuk Moo-jin and I exchanged glances in mid-air, both wearing expressions of bewilderment. I likely shared the same incredulous look. We chuckled in unison at the absurdity. "Well, congratulations in advance, Captain." "Oh, uh, thanks." Me, a disciple? After just a day or two since meeting him? Such an utterly preposterous notion didn't even qualify as a joke. "Or is it? Maybe it is?" While Cheongpung tilted his head, pondering his own suggestion, Hyuk Moo-jin pointed ahead with his finger. "Do you see that?" I saw it—people walking along the cleared path, leading to a vast expanse surrounded by a bustling crowd. 'The Taiyuan Jin clan.' We had returned after three days.