Murim Login - Chapter 140

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 140
Zhongnan Three Hands Gong Il-hyuk regarded the young man before him with a displeased expression.
‘What is this guy?’
Shanxi Sleeping Dragon Jin Tae-kyung. In mere months, he had become the central figure of a whirlwind, his name quietly spreading even to Shaanxi Province.
Gong Il-hyuk turned over Jin Tae-kyung’s words in his mind.
‘Reign… what did he say?’
It seemed he had started to say something but stopped himself.
Unlike the enthusiastic reaction he’d shown when first hearing the name Zhongnan Sect, the young man now sat with all the wind knocked out of his sails, exhaling heavy sighs.
“Sigh.”
“…What’s with the sighing?”
“It’s nothing. Really, it’s nothing.”
“Nothing? Don’t be like that. Finish what you were saying.”
Gong Il-hyuk’s mood began to sour. His sect was none other than the renowned Zhongnan Sect.
Built upon centuries of history and deep-rooted martial legacy, it proudly held its place among the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance—one of the great pillars of Murim.
And yet….
‘Not grateful for the recognition, but sighing instead?’
No matter how well the Taewon Jin Family fared, they remained merely a provincial clan.
Compared to the Zhongnan Sect of the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance, they were like fireflies before the sun. A mere stripling, insignificant in both background and personal renown.
‘Presumptuous brat.’
He had lived his entire life with the pride of being a Zhongnan Sect disciple. His displeasure was justified.
The other two members of the Zhongnan Three Hands, who accompanied Gong Il-hyuk, regarded Jin Tae-kyung with equally cold eyes.
“Ahem.”
“The young friend seems to have a habit of leaving his sentences unfinished.”
As the atmosphere grew stale, Jin Tae-kyung waved his hand.
“No, that’s not it. I was simply mistaken about something.”
Gong Il-hyuk made an effort to speak in a more generous tone.
“Mistaken about what? Speak. I’ll answer whatever you ask.”
“It’s really nothing much….”
“Come on, just tell me!”
“Why are you raising your voice like that?”
Gong Il-hyuk steadied his breathing.
In a day or two, he would reach forty. Yet here he was, growing flustered by a mere youth barely past his twenties.
For some reason, looking at that handsome face made his blood boil.
“That’s not it… anyway, just tell me.”
“Well.”
Jin Tae-kyung opened his mouth as if he had no choice.
“May I ask you one thing?”
“Anything.”
“What is the name of the current Sect Leader of the Zhongnan Sect?”
“Hmm? You’re asking the sect leader’s name?”
“Yes.”
What an odd question out of nowhere. Gong Il-hyuk answered with bewilderment.
“You write Gong with the character for ‘one’ and ‘middle,’ don’t you?”
“Ah, yes.”
His response was so indifferent, as if asking who that was. Veins bulged on the foreheads of Gong Il-hyuk and the two others.
“You’ve never heard the name of the Sect Leader?”
Jin Tae-kyung scratched the back of his head.
“Well, I think I might have heard it. Or maybe I haven’t…”
“…Then, what about the epithet Wind Cloud Sword Lord?”
“Wind Cloud Sword Lord Gong Il-joong, Wind Cloud Sword Lord Gong Il-joong… Hmm, I’m not sure.”
This was infuriating. The sect leaders of the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance and the patriarchs of the Five Great Families were all renowned masters whose names echoed across the realm. No one in Murim could be ignorant of their existence.
And yet this young master of the Taewon Jin Family, no mere novice, claimed not to know the Sect Leader of the Zhongnan Sect.
He even called him by name as if they were close friends.
‘Is this fool mocking the Zhongnan Sect right now?’
Gong Il-hyuk’s head was reeling from the shock when Jin Tae-kyung suddenly lifted his gaze to look at him.
“Oh? Now that I think about it, your names are quite similar. Gong Il-joong, Gong Il-hyuk.”
At least the fool had some minimal sense. Gong Il-hyuk’s irritation eased slightly.
“You’re an elder of the family.”
“Oh, an elder of the family! Then perhaps you’re related…”
“I’m your fifth-degree uncle.”
“Fifth-degree uncle!”
Seeing Jin Tae-kyung’s eyes widen, Gong Il-hyuk’s shoulders straightened with pride.
This was no ordinary person—it was the Wind Cloud Sword Lord. Being family with the Sect Leader of the Zhongnan Sect was an immense honor, was it not?
“Ahem, please don’t spread this around too much. If word of this gets out, people’s attitudes toward me will surely change.”
In truth, Gong Il-hyuk desperately wanted this fact to become known to everyone.
He had leveraged the Wind Cloud Sword Lord’s name to gain countless benefits. Outstanding martial prowess, rare elixirs, and even the epithet Zhongnan Three Hands.
If he continued his ascent at this pace, securing a key position within the Zhongnan Sect was merely a matter of time.
“You understand what I’m saying, yes? If you must tell anyone, only a few close friends…”
Jin Tae-kyung waved his hand dismissively.
“No, no, I absolutely won’t tell. It’s obvious it would damage your reputation. A man who climbed this high on connections alone—oh dear, my apologies. Anyway, if it spreads like that, it would be troublesome for you.”
Gong Il-hyuk let out an awkward cough. He couldn’t entirely disagree with what the boy had said.
“Ahem. It’s not that it would damage anything. What I mean is, there might be people curious about me…”
“Curious about you? I don’t even have one friend here, so there’s really no one to tell.”
“…Surely your elder brother, the Young Patriarch, or perhaps Jin Cheon Sword might be curious about me, no?”
“Ah, you don’t know much about our family’s situation. My elder brother is incredibly busy right now. My second brother has no interest in anything but martial arts.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes.”
With nothing more to say, Gong Il-hyuk could only emit uncomfortable coughs repeatedly, while Jin Tae-kyung laughed brightly.
“Besides, what’s the point of telling them? A fifth-degree uncle is practically a stranger. I thought you were like a father figure or something.”
“…!”
* * *
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as watching someone’s face crumble while you smile.
Especially with arrogant bastards—the satisfaction doubles when you feed them a proper dose of humility.
‘I think I’m getting addicted to this.’
Zhongnan Three Hands, was it?
I’d disliked them from the start. That condescending gaze, as if looking down from on high. The pompous attitude they carried like some grand sect emblem.
‘Yeah, reality’s nothing like the novels.’
Back in high school, becoming a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect was my dream. But reality? It’s a cesspool.
I watched Gong Il-hyuk’s fists trembling and barely suppressed my laughter.
‘Cute bastard. Teasing him is surprisingly satisfying.’
I’d love to keep going, but I should stop here. The Taewon Jin Family might dominate this region, but they control the entire nation. No point stirring up trouble.
Fortunately, an abrupt voice cut through the tension.
“Aren’t you focusing a bit too much on just those gentlemen? The others must be feeling quite lonely. And we haven’t even finished the introductions yet.”
The nasal, affected tone made me shudder once.
Seeing the middle-aged man grin at me with that smug expression made me shudder twice.
“I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? I’m Hong Jin, the Military Commander of Shanxi Province.”
“Military Commander… what?”
“Military Commander. Ah, being a martial artist, I suppose you’ve never heard of such an official title?”
“No.”
I’d heard of “Comrade Chairman,” but never “Comrade Military Commander.”
Hong Jin burst into laughter at my blank expression. A middle-aged man actually giggling like that.
“Why that expression? Something troubling you?”
“…No. I’m just… so happy.”
“Happy? Hohoho, how adorable you are. Don’t you think so, Inspector?”
Adorable, my ass. This bastard just called me adorable.
I was barely holding back my nausea when the man I’d glimpsed earlier—Lee Poong—offered a gruff greeting.
“I’m Lee Poong, Military Commander Inspector of Shanxi Province. I oversee the training of the provincial military forces.”
“And my direct subordinate, isn’t that right, Inspector?”
Lee Poong’s thick eyebrows twitched momentarily. Though we’d only met minutes ago, one thing was crystal clear.
Lee Poong despised Hong Jin.
That alone made him worth treating with respect. I clasped my fist in a proper salute.
“I am Jin Tae-kyung of the Taewon Jin Family.”
“Your reputation precedes you. Word is a great prodigy has risen in Shanxi’s martial world.”
“You’re too kind. I’m hardly deserving of such praise.”
Lee Poong shook his head with a serious expression.
“Not at all. Rumors tend to be exaggerated, but having met you today, I can confirm they speak the truth.”
Kind words deserve kind words in return.
I brought up the soldiers I’d observed on the way here.
“I was quite impressed by the caliber of your troops. I was curious who trained them so well… but now I see it was you, as expected.”
I gave him a thumbs up, and a faint smile crossed Lee Poong’s lips.
It had been so long since I’d heard such a normal, heartwarming conversation. The sentiment was overwhelming.
“If it’s not too much trouble, would you introduce the others as well?”
“Of course! This person here is….”
“Greetings! We deeply respect you senior masters of Murim, and we admire your tireless efforts for the nation….”
“….”
This was like a corporate job interview.
The rising talents of the Sanseo Five Gates, who had been watching for any opportunity, rushed forward one after another, pouring out exaggerated self-introductions and flattery. All eyes then turned to the remaining person.
“So, junior, where are you from and what’s your name?”
At Gong Il-hyuk’s question, intoxicated with the thrill of being called senior, Chung Poong blinked.
“Me?”
“Well, who else would it be?”
“One, two, three, four… there are many others besides me.”
Veins bulged on Gong Il-hyuk’s forehead.
“Not that! You’re the only one who hasn’t introduced yourself yet!”
“Ah, I see. Since you said junior, I thought you weren’t referring to me.”
“Tch, everyone in Murim is connected as seniors and juniors! How do you not know that?”
If it were me, I would have been dripping with sarcasm, but Chung Poong was true to form.
His class was different from ordinary people.
“Wow, this is my first time being called junior! Thank you so much!”
“…What kind of person is this?”
Sometimes, pure-hearted children are far more difficult to deal with than adults who are somewhat worn by the world. Chung Poong opened his mouth with a bright smile.
“I’m Chung Poong, and I live in Shanxi.”
Gong Il-hyuk, who had been at a loss for words, finally came to his senses and stammered out a question.
“C-cough. So you must be a rising talent of the Sanseo Five Gates.”
“No, I’m not.”
“You’re not?”
“No. I came from Hanan.”
“But you just said you’re from Shanxi?”
“Since I live in Shanxi, I’m a Shanxi person. Hehe.”
“That… sigh.”
A deep crease formed on Gong Il-hyuk’s forehead. He clearly wanted to throw a punch right then and there, but he held back, aware of the setting.
“Fine, so which sect are you from in Hanan? The Iron Blood Sect? The Five Tiger Sword Sect?”
“Where is that?”
“You claim to be from Hanan but don’t know the Iron Blood Sect or the Five Tiger Sword Sect? Huh? Or are you saying you’re from the Shaolin Temple?”
“Ah, I only stayed in Hanan for about two weeks before coming to Shanxi, so I’m not very familiar with it.”
“But you said you’re from Hanan?”
“I did come from Hanan, but before that I was in Shaanxi….”
“You bastard! Just say the whole world is your hometown!”
Gong Il-hyuk finally exploded, shouting as he grabbed Chung Poong by the collar. Or rather, he was about to.
Snap.
My wrist was seized with disarming simplicity. Gong Il-hyuk let out a hollow laugh.
“Ha, look at this one. You’ve got some skill, don’t you?”
“Ah, ah, stop on instinct. I apologize, Senior.”
“On instinct? You apologize?”
Watching Chung Poong apologize with a contrite expression, Gong Il-hyuk chuckled softly.
“No. There’s nothing to release. Nothing to apologize for.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Instead, you’ll pay a proper price for your recklessness, won’t you?”
“Pardon? What do you mean—”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
That was the moment I intervened. I threw myself forward to shield Chung Poong, and Gong Il-hyuk fixed me with a cold, measured gaze.
“Step aside, Junior.”
“Forgive my intrusion, Senior.”
“Intrusion… Should I interpret that as the Taewon Jin Family opposing this event?”
I answered with composure.
“Not at all. I simply wish to prevent this matter from escalating.”
“Escalating? What matter?”
“Won’t His Highness arrive soon? There are many eyes watching here.”
“Many eyes, you say. Military Commander, what do you think?”
Behind Gong Il-hyuk, I caught sight of Hong Jin’s grinning face. His honeyed voice continued.
“Well, I don’t think there’s any real problem?”
Lee Poong immediately objected.
“This is the Great Hall. Even minor disturbances cannot be tolerated.”
“This inspector, the word ‘tolerate’ grates on my ears. Anyone listening might think you’re my superior.”
“Military Commander!”
“What is it, Military Inspector?”
Before Hong Jin’s words had even finished, two other members of the Zhongnan Three Hands subtly moved to block Lee Poong’s path.
True to the Zhongnan Sect’s reputation, each was at least a first-rate master. Lee Poong bit his lip hard and muttered toward me.
“My apologies.”
Gong Il-hyuk laughed with undisguised satisfaction.
“So, what will you do now?”
What was there to do? I shrugged my shoulders and stepped back. Gong Il-hyuk’s laughter deepened.
“A wise choice.”
“I simply wanted to prevent this from becoming a larger problem. You understand?”
“I understand. Everyone here will remember it clearly.”
“I hope so.”
Chung Poong stared at me blankly.
“Benefactor, did I… do something wrong?”
Gong Il-hyuk answered before I could.
“What? Wrong?”
A gaze fierce enough to tear him apart was directed at Chung Poong.
“Are you mocking me and the Zhongnan Sect right now?”
“That’s not it. I was just….”
“Shut that mouth of yours!”
Complex, subtle emotions flickered across Chung Poong’s face. And then came a remark more than sufficient to make Gong Il-hyuk lose his reason.
“Wow, this is the first time I’ve ever been cursed at. How fascinating.”
“You little…!”
Whoosh!
A heavy sound of air splitting. Gong Il-hyuk’s fist shot toward Chung Poong’s ribs at a dazzling speed, and in the next instant——
Crack, crunch.
“…!”
“…!”
In silent shock, one man’s mouth fell open in agony.
Gong Il-hyuk, his fist crushed and his forearm’s flesh torn open with bone jutting out, covered in blood, asked in a trembling voice.
“W-what is this? What kind of martial technique…?”
If it weren’t for him, I would have asked the same. Though I’d already anticipated the outcome, I never expected it to be this severe.
With just a single block, Chung Poong had rendered Gong Il-hyuk, who was over level 70, completely helpless.
And….
“It wasn’t a fist technique.”
At my murmur, Chung Poong answered with a face as if he might vomit at any moment.
“You’re right, sir. It wasn’t a fist technique but a palm technique called the Taiyi Mirage Palm. But senior, I’m bleeding so much. The smell of blood is making my stomach churn. Ugh!”
This crazy bastard.
It was as I watched him abandon Gong Il-hyuk and begin retching that I let out a hollow laugh.
“T-Taiyi Mirage Palm!”
Lee Poong asked with wide eyes.
“Did you just say Taiyi Mirage Palm? Are you absolutely certain?”
“Ugh, yes. My grandfather taught it to me.”
“Ah, might I inquire as to that person’s name?”
“Ugh, Mae Jong-hak, bleeegh!”
Splooosh!
I was startled by the fact that Chung Poong had just vomited in the very spot where the king would soon arrive, but Lee Poong seemed otherwise.
Trembling as if struck by lightning, he wrung out his voice.
“The Sword Sage…!”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————