Murim Login - Chapter 165

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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 165
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The information I had requested from Jin Wi-kyung arrived far sooner than I expected.
What caught me off guard was the identity of the messenger.
“Oh, what brings you here?”
“My lord said there was a letter that needed to be delivered to you, so I came.”
“In person?”
The one who had come to deliver Jin Wi-kyung’s letter was none other than Wi Paeng.
He stared at me in silence for a moment before dropping a single remark.
“So it was true. That you’ve crossed the threshold.”
From a low hillside, one cannot see what lies atop a distant peak. Yet one who stands upon that peak can see everything below.
Wi Paeng was no different.
As an exceptional master at the pinnacle of cultivation, he perceived the transformation that had occurred within me at a glance, regarding me with an expression mingling awe and disbelief.
“How is such a thing possible?”
“Well…”
How was I supposed to answer that?
Most people clung to baseless rumors about me, but Wi Paeng was not among them.
He was one of the precious few who knew the truth, along with the brothers of the Taewon Jin Family.
‘It is absurd, I’ll admit.’
A third-rate street thug becoming a pinnacle master in mere months.
Even for someone with an open mind, it dwelt in the realm of the incomprehensible—a mystery that perhaps explained why people so readily believed the rumors instead.
‘Because that, at least, seems more plausible.’
As I hesitated without answering, Wi Paeng waved his hand. He was likely mindful of Hyuk Moo-jin’s ears nearby as well.
“Perhaps we should postpone that discussion for another time.”
Wi Paeng, still wearing a troubled expression, withdrew a letter from his robes—the information I had requested from Jin Wi-kyung.
As I accepted and unfolded the letter, Wi Paeng began his explanation.
“His name is Jang Tae-bo. Until about a decade ago, he was affiliated with the Iron Technique House.”
“The Iron Technique House?”
“It’s a faction located in Hubei, and most of its members are skilled craftsmen rather than martial artists.”
In simpler terms, it was a blacksmith’s guild.
I asked the most important question.
“What of his skill?”
“He was the master of the Iron Technique House.”
“Ah.”
A brief utterance, yet it sufficed.
If he had risen to master of the Iron Technique House, where skilled craftsmen abounded, he was undoubtedly a renowned artisan.
I carefully read through the letter containing information about Jang Tae-bo.
“His residence is quite close from here?”
“It’s a village near Jeong-yang. Do you remember? The one where you received the invitation from the Sangshan King last time…”
“Ah, that place.”
Was it about two weeks ago? That place where I marched alongside the elite of the Taewon Jin Family like a triumphant general.
Hyuk Moo-jin, who had been listening quietly beside me, opened his mouth.
“If we don’t slacken the reins, it seems we’ll arrive around sunset?”
“That’s right?”
“Yes.”
“So what are you doing?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Go prepare for departure. Pick out two horses that are in good spirits, and set aside some provisions for the road.”
“Wait, what… Am I a servant?”
“There’s no shame in any profession. Are you looking down on servants? Should I summon all the servants of the Taewon Jin Family and have them teach you a lesson?”
“Goodness, I understand already, please stop!”
Unable to bear the pressure, Hyuk Moo-jin grumbled and left the room, and Wi Paeng clicked his tongue.
“Your subordinate’s attitude is rather disrespectful.”
“….”
Well, from my perspective, you’re not exactly easy on him either.
Every chance you get, you’re pestering him to work—it’s like slapping your mother-in-law’s kimchi across the face.
‘Do as I say, not as I do.’
Wi Paeng, unaware of my thoughts, spoke again.
“In any case, you must arrive by noon tomorrow at the latest. You haven’t forgotten that the First Day of the Year is in two days, have you?”
“Ah, yes.”
The entire Taewon Jin Family is in an uproar because of it. The sight of servants and maids running about frantically has become commonplace.
It was only natural, as this was a grand banquet lasting more than four days, not just one.
‘It’s certainly a significant event.’
It’s the occasion to confirm that the Taewon Jin Family is the ruler of Shanxi Province.
With so many distinguished guests arriving, the entire family was working day and night to ensure flawless arrangements.
Of course, excluding me.
“Surely I won’t be late? It’s at most half a day’s journey anyway.”
Wi Paeng’s eyes narrowed.
“Since this is an important matter, I trust you will conduct yourself appropriately.”
“Your eyes don’t seem to trust me at all.”
“A misunderstanding, merely a misunderstanding.”
“I’ll just take care of one errand and come right back, so don’t worry.”
“Based on Sam-gong-ja’s track record thus far, it’s impossible not to worry.”
“….”
Incidents and accidents follow wherever I go, so it’s not entirely wrong.
But now I’m a master of the Peak Realm in my own right. I’ve grown far too capable to be treated like a child left by the water’s edge.
“Even though I’m like this…”
“I trust you’re not about to say something like, ‘Now that I’m also a master of the Peak Realm, don’t treat me like a child left by the water’s edge.'”
He’s a mind reader or something. I hastily swallowed my words.
“…Of course not.”
“The Murim is a place where you cannot see even one step ahead. Jang Tae-bo, you must conduct yourself with proper courtesy toward the Iron Technique House Master as well. The Iron Technique House maintains considerable connections with the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance, and the current Iron Technique House Master is Jang Tae-bo’s disciple. It would be unwise to offend him.”
“My hobby is filial piety, and my specialty is revering the elderly.”
“I still vividly remember the sight of Sam-gong-ja hurling curses at the Grand Elder.”
“No, that’s a different matter entirely!”
“Well, that’s what I mean. Why are you getting so angry? Just because you’ve reached the peak realm now, do you think I’m easy prey?”
Look at that glint in his eyes. He’s itching for a sparring match.
Of course, if we actually fought, I’d be the one left in pieces. I deftly steered the conversation elsewhere.
“But aren’t you busy? I thought you had a mountain of work piling up.”
Wi Paeng furrowed his brow.
“I need to leave quickly regardless. The movements around Datong have been rather unusual.”
“Datong? You mean the Northern Plateau?”
“Apparently the Horse Bandits are prowling about again.”
“What? It’s only been a short while since the Red Wind Gang was destroyed.”
“Indeed.”
Wi Paeng rubbed his tired eyes and rose from his seat.
“Then I shall take my leave. We shall meet again tomorrow at noon.”
Wi Paeng, who had emphasized the words “tomorrow at noon” with unusual force until the very end, stopped as he was about to leave the room.
“And there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask since earlier…”
“Yes?”
Wi Paeng pointed at the door, which was grotesquely shattered, with a bewildered expression.
“Why is it in this condition? It should have only been completed a few days ago.”
“Who do you think did it?”
You, me, and everyone else suspects the same person, naturally.
Having guessed the culprit, Wi Paeng let out a heavy sigh and departed from the room. Judging by his ominous silhouette, he was certainly going to give Jin Wi-kyung a thorough scolding.
“Well, I suppose I should head out as well.”
I’m off to pick up my custom-made weapon. My steps feel light as air.
* * *
“Are you finished preparing?”
Hyuk Moo-jin, who had been inspecting the saddle in front of the stable, answered curtly.
“Not yet.”
“Still not?”
“No.”
Why is it taking so long?
Drawing closer, I saw the horse’s flanks laden with bundles of supplies. The aroma told me they were all food—still warm from recent preparation.
“What is all this?”
“What else? Food, of course.”
“Do I look like I don’t know that? I’m asking why you’ve packed so much food. Dried meat and water should be sufficient.”
Faced with my reproach, Hyuk Moo-jin answered with a sorrowful expression.
“I didn’t pack it.”
“If not you, then who?”
“Who else would it be?”
Hyuk Moo-jin pointed his finger behind me. A young man laden with heavy pouches came rushing over with thundering footsteps.
The youth, Chung Poong, spotted me and broke into a wide grin.
“Oh! Greetings, my benefactor!”
“…Ah, yes.”
Greetings indeed, but what in the world are you doing here?
I fixed Hyuk Moo-jin with a questioning gaze, and his mouth opened.
“I ran into him on the way to the stables. He insisted on following, and what was I supposed to do?”
Chung Poong cried out enthusiastically.
“My benefactor! Please take me along! I want to travel too!”
“This isn’t exactly a pleasure trip.”
“Really? I heard we’d go today and return tomorrow….”
So leaving today and returning tomorrow counts as travel?
When I explained that I was heading to Jeong-yang to meet with a blacksmith, Chung Poong’s eyes lit up brilliantly.
“Wow! A blacksmith!”
Both Hyuk Moo-jin and I opened our mouths simultaneously.
“…So you’ve never seen a blacksmith before?”
“It seems like I haven’t seen a blacksmith before.”
“Yes, that’s right! How did you know?”
“….”
“….”
It’s more surprising that he doesn’t know. Anyone who’s spent even a day with Chung Poong would understand my sentiment.
“Anyway, please take me with you.”
“Well, it’s not like I can’t let you follow….”
“Awesome!”
“Let me finish speaking, you fool.”
Ugh, this is draining. Is this what they call an extrovert’s energy?
I felt exhaustion creeping in already as I leaped onto the saddle. I made sure not to forget to set aside the bundle of provisions I’d packed securely.
Seeing the bundle fall, Chung Poong let out a shriek.
“Oh! That’s five-spice braised pork!”
“Why would you pack five-spice braised pork! I said we’d be back soon!”
“No way! That’s my five-spice braised pork!”
“…Damn it.”
It wasn’t even mine to begin with. Chung Poong, having gathered all the food, laughed cheerfully.
“Let’s go now!”
I really do want to leave. Just not with you.
I clicked my tongue inwardly and took hold of the reins. And I had to endure the sound of smacking and chewing from behind me until the sun set.
* * *
Winter days are short. As the sun vanished beyond the horizon of the highland plateau, a dry voice emerged from between Geo Han’s lips.
“The time has come.”
Before the words even finished, hundreds of shadows rippled through the darkness.
Clad in the hides of countless beasts, they mounted their steeds, armed with curved sabers, composite bows, and lances for the charge.
In the blink of an eye, four hundred cavalry materialized, their gaze fixed upon Geo Han. A dry voice cut through the air once more.
“Our task is simple.”
Geo Han’s eyes blazed with perilous intensity. The veins bulging across his forearms and the breath escaping his lips resembled that of a ravenous beast.
“Kill and trample.”
Low laughter erupted from all corners.
The chieftain had granted permission to rampage freely. Four hundred Horse Bandits of the Cheon Poong-dan trembled with exhilaration.
Geo Han smiled with satisfaction at the sight.
‘At last, I can do this properly.’
The strategy devised by Heuk-sa, my sworn brother, was nothing short of genius.
Of course, what pleased me most was that I need only kill and plunder the enemies before my eyes without hesitation.
My role was the most crucial and the simplest.
‘My blood is boiling.’
These were nothing like the rabble scraped together from various places calling themselves the Red Wind Gang and such.
Having shared the same pot and fought battles for over a decade, they were seasoned veterans of a hundred campaigns.
‘Heh heh, wait for it. I’ll trample the Taewon Jin Family and everything else.’
From the lips of Geo Han, Master of the Cheon Poong-dan, erupted a thunderous cry.
“Advance! Slaughter them all and seize everything! Butcher and burn all that lies before your eyes!”
“Waaaah!”
“Let’s go!”
It was the moment when four hundred exhilarated cavalry turned their horses southward.
“These damn bastards. Burn what exactly?”
A diminutive figure emerged alongside a sharp, metallic voice.
The hands of the mysterious old man gleamed with an icy, brilliant white light.

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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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