Murim Login - Chapter 164

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 164
Status Window
[Lv.71 Jin Tae-kyung]
Occupation
: Peak Master
Renown
: 2400 (+250)
Titles
: 5 (Title effects applied)
– Returner (All stats +10)
– Shanxi Sleeping Dragon (All stats +15, Renown +200)
– Noble’s Heir (All stats +5, Renown +50)
– Gambler (One-on-one combat: combat-related stats +10%)
– Intermediate Cultivator (Training speed +20%)
Strength
: 255 (+30)
Stamina
: 207 (+30)
Agility
: 250 (+30)
Intellect
: 40 (+30)
Charm
: 40 (+30)
Cultivation
: 45 years
Resilience
: 200 (+30)
Remaining Points
: 70
– Please allocate remaining points.
I see this status window more than ten times a day, yet every time I look at it, my face splits into a grin.
Peak Master—those four words alone fill me with such joy.
‘They call me a master. A peak master.’
Just hours ago, my occupation slot read [First-Rate Martial Artist]. Now it says Peak Master. Not a martial artist—a master.
The system itself recognizes me as a true master.
‘My level has already surpassed 71.’
The rewards were extraordinary.
Seven level-ups, my Jin Family’s inner technique and energy perception both advanced a stage…
‘And I obtained treasures that money cannot buy.’
Inventory open.
As I mentally inputted the command, a familiar system notification chimed, and a translucent holographic window materialized before me.
It was crammed with all manner of miscellaneous items I’d collected throughout the Murim, but my gaze fixed unwavering on a single object.
‘Summon the Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron.’
Whoosh.
In an instant, a weighty sphere materialized from the void with a soft thud. Roughly the size of a bowling ball, its unrefined surface jutted out in jagged, irregular protrusions.
At first glance, it resembled nothing more than a worthless lump of metal or stone, but with careful attention, one could discern the true value of this object.
‘Check item details.’
Ding.
Item Window
[Unrefined Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron]
Type
: Material
Grade
: Supreme
Restriction
: Master Craftsman
Description
: The Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron, aged for millennia, surpasses any mineral in existence in hardness, sharpness, and rarity. Only a master craftsman of the highest caliber could possibly work with such a precious material.
“Hah, this is the real deal.”
Personally, obtaining the Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron brings me far more joy than leveling up. I’m both a hunter and a martial artist, after all. Anyone in this world harbors dreams of legendary equipment.
Until now, I simply lacked the circumstances to turn that dream into reality.
‘In reality, I had no money. In the Murim, I had no decent spear.’
The Taewon Jin Family’s foundation rested not on spear techniques, but on sword techniques.
Supply follows demand. Since most martial artists, from the lowest ranks to the family’s leadership, wielded swords, both the martial techniques and the quality of weapons in the armory far surpassed those available for spears.
Had Jin Wi-kyung not taken an interest in me, I might have been forced to fight with cheap wooden or bamboo spears.
Every time I wielded an iron spear, how much it grated on me to see others with the [Nameless Sword] forged from Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron.
‘But those days of frustration are finally over.’
The Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron. Now that I possessed the finest mineral under heaven, I could forge my own beloved weapon. Of course, certain prerequisites were necessary.
The Quest I’d just received was connected to this very matter.
‘Check Quest.’
Ding.
Quest
[Find the Master Craftsman]
To refine the Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron requires tremendous experience and skill. Only an exceptionally talented master craftsman could unlock the full potential of such a precious material.
Grade
: Supreme
Restriction
: Jin Tae-kyung
Objective
: Request to commission a weapon from a Master Craftsman (Incomplete)
Reward
: ???
Failure
: ???
I closed the Quest window with a satisfied smile.
‘Right. I can’t entrust something as precious as ten-thousand-year cold iron to just anyone.’
Even without the Quest, this was something I would have investigated personally.
Just as a legendary blade only shines in the hands of a master, rare materials like ten-thousand-year cold iron are no different.
Though the Quest rank was peak difficulty, the task itself didn’t feel particularly challenging.
‘Finding one shouldn’t take long.’
Surely there’s at least one Master Craftsman in this vast land.
The Taewon Jin Family has branches spread throughout Shanxi Province. If I ask Jin Wi-kyung to send word, I should be able to locate one quickly.
‘If all else fails, I can always ask the Haowen Sect.’
Besides, I have Wol-hwa as a reliable connection. For someone who has eyes and ears scattered throughout Shanxi Province, this is as easy as eating rice cakes while lying down.
‘I’ll complete this Quest no matter what.’
One month in the Murim is equivalent to merely three hours in the modern world.
I still have plenty of time.
“Hehehehe, a spear made of ten-thousand-year cold iron. A spear made of ten-thousand-year cold iron…”
I was grinning from ear to ear when it happened.
Crash!
The door exploded inward with a thunderous boom, and a figure rushed toward me with both arms spread wide.
“Youngest!”
Yeah, I knew it would be you.
I let out a deep sigh and asked Jin Wi-kyung.
“What brings you here?”
“What brings me? I heard the joyous news that you broke through a wall and came running at once!”
“…How did you even know about that?”
It happened only an hour or two ago, yet the speed of information is ridiculous. Did this man seriously attach some kind of familiar to me?
As I stared at him in bewilderment, I noticed Hyuk Moo-jin standing in front of the gaping doorway with a satisfied smile. He rubbed beneath his nose and spoke.
“Such auspicious news should be conveyed to the closest confidants first, should it not?”
“…”
So it wasn’t a familiar—it was a Hyuk-miliar.
That bastard definitely sold my name to Jin Wi-kyung to earn some points.
“Hahahaha! My youngest breaking through a wall! Reaching the peak realm!”
As expected, Hyuk Moo-jin quickly interjected.
“Young Master. I stood guard as your protector!”
“Thank you, truly thank you. Your contribution is immense!”
“Not at all. I merely did what was proper as your right arm, with not a shred of selfish intent. However, the position of Gate Master is still vacant…”
“It’s yours without question! No, you shall be the next Family Head of the Taewon Jin Family!”
“H-huh! Is that… truly the case?”
“….”
Of course not, you fool.
Does becoming a Dharma Protector really entitle someone to become the Family Head? Besides, all that bastard has accomplished is snoring.
But the two men, blinded by joy and power, had already lost their minds.
“Hyuk Moo-jin, that’s what you said, right?”
“Yes, Young Family Head!”
“Let our Moo-jin do whatever he wants! Become the Head of Taewon Jin Family! Crush the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance! Crush the entire world!”
“Crush it!”
“…What are you crushing? You lunatics.”
The future of Taewon Jin Family looks bleak.
* * *
After the commotion subsided, Jin Wi-kyung, who had finally composed himself, gazed at me with glistening eyes.
“Elder Brother is proud of you.”
“I am also proud of the Elder Brother. But if I hadn’t become a Dharma Protector….”
“Moo-jin, hold your tongue. Unless you want your head cracked. By the way, your head is what I call a pot.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hyuk Moo-jin, who now had a lump on his forehead, answered promptly. As expected, he only listens when struck.
“Your inadequate Elder Brother couldn’t properly look after you, yet you’ve grown so splendidly on your own, sniff.”
“….”
Behold the sensitivity of a human weapon.
Every time Jin Wi-kyung gets like this, I’m grateful this world has no social media. If it did, there would be posts tagging every member of the Taewon Jin Family household.
Complete with tearful selfies and hashtags.
#TaewonJinFamily #InadequateElder #OurYoungestIsAlsoAPeakMaster #HangInThere
Wol-hwa
: Oh my! Young Master Jin? Congratulations!
Chung Poong
: Wow, I like this! First time I’ve pressed it!
Wi Paeng
: Don’t tell lies.
Hyuk Moo-jin
: I became a Dharma Protector.
Jin Moo-kyung
: Is this a country?
Ju Pyo
: Sign here.
Imagining the reactions of countless celebrities from Shanxi Province, my vision spun.
I hastily shook off the horrifying thought and comforted Jin Wi-kyung.
“Please stop crying. How old are you?”
“Sniff. How did that foolish little brother grow so splendidly?”
Jin Wi-kyung gazed at me with eyes that mingled admiration and pride, then wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve.
“No, I shouldn’t be doing this right now, I need to—”
“You’re not planning to write on some huge cloth that I’ve become a Master of the Pinnacle again, are you?”
“Huh.”
“….”
I knew it. Based on everything I’ve seen from Jin Wi-kyung so far, he’s not the type to let this slide. I need to put my foot down firmly right now.
“Please don’t do that. It’s embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing? What does that mean?”
“It means shameful.”
Jin Wi-kyung asked with a shocked expression.
“Your older brother, am I shameful?”
“No, that’s not what I meant—”
This is driving me crazy.
But before I could even respond, Hyuk Moo-jin, who had been quietly sitting back, suddenly interjected with a confused look on his face.
“Huh? Doesn’t the squad leader usually like getting attention?”
“Hey, when did I ever—”
“No? From what I remember, you seemed to really enjoy it. When we came back from the Hangsan Inspection Bureau, you were waving your hands around so much at the front.”
“…Ahem.”
If that bastard were making things up, I’d have given him a good punch, but since it’s the truth, I have nothing to say.
I quietly avoided Hyuk Moo-jin’s gaze and replied.
“That was different, there were circumstances back then.”
“What kind of circumstances?”
“There were some. You don’t need to know.”
“Geez, there you go again.”
Ignoring Hyuk Moo-jin’s grumbling, I turned my attention back to Jin Wi-kyung.
“Anyway, let’s not do things like that. The attention I have now is sufficient.”
“Hmm. If that’s truly your wish.”
Jin Wi-kyung couldn’t hide his disappointment, but since I spoke so firmly, he reluctantly nodded. I let out a sigh of relief at that.
‘What’s the point of advertising that I’ve become a Master of the Pinnacle? It’ll just attract a swarm of flies.’
There was a time when I staked my life on fame, but not anymore.
No, if anything, it feels ominous.
‘Why does it feel like the higher my reputation grows, the stronger the troublemakers that get drawn to me?’
My life’s motto is to live long and quietly. Of course, if I could live long and prominently, that would be ideal, but I’ve rarely seen people like that enjoy a peaceful life.
And having fought battles where life and death hung in the balance every time, my body and mind had grown weary as well.
‘I should at least make some minimal preparations.’
I was thinking of forging a spear that would serve as my eternal trump card, and also refining my martial arts. For that, I absolutely needed Jin Wi-kyung’s help.
“Could you do me one favor?”
Jin Wi-kyung is not one to refuse. He nodded confidently.
“Just tell me anything.”
“I need information.”
“Information? What exactly is it about?”
“I have two pieces. The first concerns materials—ones so exceptional that even a master craftsman of legendary skill could work with eternal cold iron. The second is news regarding the Fire King.”
“The first is one thing, but the Fire King… surely you’re not thinking of mastering ‘that’?”
That. He was referring to the Flame Divine Form.
I had never spoken of it directly to Jin Wi-kyung, yet he already knew everything.
Well, the Flame Divine Form was the Fire King’s exclusive martial art—a powder keg that could endanger the entire family if mishandled. It was only natural that Jin Moo-kyung, as the family’s second-in-command, would have informed him long ago.
“Tae-kyung.”
At the concern in his voice, I waved my hand dismissively.
“I have no intention of mastering it immediately. I simply want to confirm the Fire King’s life or death first, and then decide.”
“Hmm.”
After a moment of silence, Jin Wi-kyung spoke.
“Will you promise me one thing? That you will consult with me before taking any action.”
“Of course.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Jin Wi-kyung nodded decisively and rose from his seat.
“The matter regarding the Fire King will take time, but I can tell you about the first piece of information right now.”
Already? This is what it means to be part of the Taewon Jin Family. They seemed to have grasped nearly everything.
At this faster-than-expected progress, I could barely contain my eagerness to seek them out immediately.
“Is this person nearby?”
“Yes. They’ve been living in seclusion without anyone knowing. Even the Main Residence only recently learned of their existence.”
“What about their skill level…?”
“I can assure you they would rank within the top ten even if we searched the entire realm.”
For Jin Wi-kyung to speak with such confidence, their martial prowess must be beyond question.
A master craftsman capable of working eternal cold iron. I had found them far sooner than expected.
“I shall return and verify once more, then send word through the proper channels. Rest now. Hehe, breaking through a wall at such a young age. Reaching perfection in your prime!”
As Jin Wi-kyung disappeared with a satisfied smile, Hyuk Moo-jin opened his mouth with barely contained curiosity.
“What was that about?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“What exactly is ‘that’ related to the Fire King?”
“Oh, that? The Flame Divine Form.”
“The Flame Divine Form?”
His expression was utterly bewildered. Well, unlike Jin Moo-kyung, he wasn’t a martial arts scholar, so it was natural he wouldn’t know.
“Yes. The Flame Divine Form. It’s the Fire King’s exclusive martial art.”
“…Pardon?”
“Why are you so shocked?”
“H-how did you even obtain such a thing? And before that, should you really be telling me something this significant?”
To the man asking with a mixture of shock and confusion, I answered kindly.
“Yes. You’ve even seen it directly.”
“Pardon?”
“What do you mean ‘pardon’? You’ve seen the Flame Divine Form’s secret manual. Actually, you went beyond seeing it—you nearly possessed it.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. Don’t you remember? Before the Eight Thousand Swordsmen battle, you stayed behind with our rear guard. You were with those Samdo Gate kids, Gwak Jun and the others.”
Hyuk Moo-jin’s mouth slowly fell open as the memory surfaced.
“Don’t tell me that was…?”
“That’s the one. When I told you to take it, you refused.”
“…!”
“Phew, if I’d given it to you then, it would’ve been a disaster.”
Hyuk Moo-jin’s face twisted in anguish.

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