Murim Login - Chapter 186

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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 186
Jin Wi-kyung and Wi Paeng.
As the story unfolded, the emotions of the two men became increasingly transparent.
Shock, disbelief. And shock again.
“Is… is that truly the case?”
I’d spoken at such length that I felt my energy draining away. I answered with visible exhaustion.
“It’s one hundred percent truth, so believe me.”
Wi Paeng, who had been in a daze until now, rushed at me with sudden urgency.
“Sam-gong-ja. If this is all a lie, I’m dead and you’re dead too.”
“One hundred percent, I said. One hundred percent!”
“But still….”
“No, it’s one hundred percent pure truth without a single grain of falsehood. This hundred percent!”
“….”
With a look of displeasure, I waved the sword and secret manual at Wi Paeng, who had hesitated.
In moments like these, you cannot afford to give them time to dwell on doubts.
“If you’re still skeptical, examine them yourself. The Fire King’s secret manual, a sword forged from ten-thousand-year-old cold iron!”
“Ugh! Put it away. Quickly!”
Even a vampire wouldn’t react this violently to a cross being thrust in their face.
“Why are you like this?”
Wi Paeng answered with a terrified expression.
“You’re asking me to examine the Fire King’s secret manual? Are you trying to annihilate the Main Residence?”
“Ah, right. That’s true.”
If I peeked at the Fire King’s forbidden martial arts, I’d experience a heat that would incinerate my entire body.
“In any case, it’s all true. There are witnesses here too. Isn’t that right?”
Hyuk Moo-jin, who had been sitting in the corner like a corpse, slowly raised his hand.
“Though presumptuous, it is all true.”
Chung Poong, who had been stuffing some unknown pastry into his mouth, also opened his mouth with a serious expression.
“Eowaeow!”
“….”
That testimony doesn’t seem very effective. More importantly, when will that bastard finish eating those pastries? Is it a cornucopia?
“Look here, Wi Paeng, it seems Tae-kyung’s words are indeed true.”
At Jin Wi-kyung’s words, Wi Paeng also nodded with a complicated expression.
“Yes. It’s hard to believe, but… I have no choice but to believe it.”
“The Fire King, that very Fire King.”
Jin Wi-kyung exhaled a long breath. His hesitant hand reached for the [Nameless Sword] resting on the table.
Sling.
A pure white blade emerged from its crude scabbard. Jin Wi-kyung gazed at it, emanating an aura sharp as frost, and murmured.
“It smells of blood.”
I had momentarily forgotten—that before Jin Wi-kyung was the Young Master of the Taewon Jin Family, he was a swordsman in his own right.
Without seeing an item description window like I did, he read the condition of the weapon with perfect accuracy and sheathed the sword once more.
“Tae-kyung.”
“Yes.”
I straightened my posture. The fact that Jin Wi-kyung had called me by name rather than “youngest” signaled that he was about to discuss something serious.
“Do you know what these things are?”
“Aren’t they precious treasures? The kind that’s difficult to obtain even if you spend a fortune.”
Supreme martial techniques capable of dominating the world, and legendary blades forged from eternal cold iron.
Every martial artist I knew would stake their life to obtain such things.
Jin Wi-kyung shook his head.
“Wrong.”
“Sir?”
“These are spectral treasures—things that strip away a person’s soul and drive them to madness.”
“Ah.”
“Do you know the name of that specter?”
I let out a small laugh.
“Greed.”
“Exactly. Greed—that tenacious and dangerous entity that dwells in every person’s heart.”
I knew. I had experienced it firsthand and could never forget.
Years ago on that day, greed had taken root in my heart, and because of it, I had to lose those close to me.
“I don’t know what the Fire King’s intentions were in entrusting you with such dangerous items, but everything related to this matter must be kept in absolute silence. Do you understand?”
Though his gaze and posture were directed solely at me, his words were meant for everyone in this room.
Hyuk Moo-jin, myself, and finally Chung Poong—we answered simultaneously as if we had made a pact.
“Yes.”
“I will keep it in mind, Patriarch So.”
“Aou ha hae ho, ma a ha hae o.”
…I really wanted to shut that bastard’s mouth.
* * *
Jin Wi-kyung lifted the thick cloth. Through the latticed window, I could see the receding figure of Jin Tae-kyung.
Sunlight scattered into fragments as it struck the crude sword sheath strapped to his back.
“The weather is damned fine today.”
“Didn’t you say it was excellent just a moment ago?”
“That was then. Either way, it’s much the same thing.”
“This time the feeling seems somewhat different.”
“Don’t nitpick my words when you know what I mean. Speaking of which, why is that person who said he was leaving still here?”
Wi Paeng replied in a deflated voice.
“My lord, you shouldn’t nitpick either. My head is already complicated enough as it is.”
That remark applied to both of them. Jin Wi-kyung muttered with a face that had aged ten years.
“What on earth is happening?”
“I’m curious about that too.”
Reflecting on everything that had unfolded at the Taewon Jin Family over the past year—or rather, half a year—I found myself wondering if some curse had taken hold.
“And now even the Fire King has appeared.”
“I hear he has quite the temperamental disposition. I worry whether his actions might bring calamity upon the Main Residence.”
“We must transform that crisis into opportunity.”
Jin Wi-kyung caressed his teacup. To any observer, he appeared lost in thought, yet his lips moved in barely perceptible whispers.
– How is that matter progressing?
Wi Paeng, recognizing the meaning behind the transmission, acted naturally.
“The tea has grown cold. Shall I have fresh tea brought?”
– We have yet to uncover anything.
“No matter. It’s still drinkable.”
– What of the surviving remnants?
“You mustn’t strain yourself.”
– Most perished during interrogation.
“You alone concern yourself with my wellbeing.”
– So then, how many remain?
“Someone must look after you. Especially with the Lady of the House absent.”
– Three.
Jin Wi-kyung’s fingers froze mid-motion. The unexpected news struck him so profoundly that he momentarily forgot to continue speaking.
– Merely three?
Wi Paeng exhaled heavily and nodded.
– The seal placed upon them proved far more formidable than anticipated. I apologize for bringing you such news, but my abilities fall short.
– This is not your failing. The Main Residence simply lacks sufficient capability.
– Please issue your command.
Jin Wi-kyung felt his throat constrict.
– Cease the interrogations. By whatever means necessary, keep them clinging to life. For now, they alone serve as our only physical evidence.
– I obey.
He seized the teacup, now cold and lifeless.
Upon the surface of the trembling liquid, a distorted visage without form reflected back at him—much like theirs.
‘Dark Heaven….’
I cannot fathom where they came from, how they acted, or what drove them to such deeds.
Grasping at nothing but empty air, unable to extract a single answer.
Yet within Jin Wi-kyung’s mind, one suspicion gradually crystallized into certainty.
‘They are exceedingly dangerous. Targeting Shanxi Province was merely the beginning.’
The Grand Elder had endured through long years, waiting for his moment. Yet for a grand scheme spanning decades, the results seemed far too meager.
Only after the exultation of victory faded did Jin Wi-kyung perceive the truth.
‘This is… far too easy.’
A golden opportunity to seize an entire province. Yet Dark Heaven never fully revealed itself, as though this much sufficed.
‘What exactly are they after?’
For now, it remained beyond comprehension.
He could only hope that he had not underestimated them.
“My lord?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve been away from your seat for far too long. The guests are waiting.”
“…I see.”
At Wi Paeng’s summons, Jin Wi-kyung drained his teacup in one gulp and rose to his feet.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
This gathering was for the Taewon Jin Family. Now was the time to savor the victor’s joy to the fullest.
* * *
Winter days are short. I had barely returned to the Taewon Jin Family Estate before the sun was already beginning to set.
‘Come to think of it, aside from my breathing exercises these past few days, I haven’t had a proper training session.’
It was around that time, while I was loosening up my body and practicing martial arts in the Training Ground attached to the Pavilion, that an unexpected visitor arrived.
“Benefactor!”
“Benefactor!”
“…?”
An echo? What was that? I turned my head toward the source of the sound.
“I’m here!”
Chung Poong, grinning widely with some unidentifiable sauce smeared all around his mouth. And….
“Benefactor! It’s So-cheon!”
“It’s been a while, Jin Cooperator.”
“Huh?”
The survivors from the Sak-ju Branch—Gong Ya-cheong and So-cheon. Seeing their faces after so long, warmth suddenly welled up inside me.
‘But something feels like it’s missing…’
Just as I was tilting my head in confusion, a whimpering sound came from beneath the stone wall blocking their path.
“Me too! So-yul wants to see mister too!”
“Wait just a moment.”
Gong Ya-cheong picked something up and lifted it high, giving the small girl a piggyback ride. So-yul, a petite young girl, giggled and waved her hands.
“Mister!”
“Oh, you’ve grown quite a bit.”
“You’ve grown a lot too, mister!”
“Well, thank you for that. But I’m not a mister.”
“You’re definitely a mister no matter how you look at it!”
“…Yeah, I suppose so.”
Mister or not, what did it matter? I chuckled softly and walked toward them.
“How have you all been?”
Gong Ya-cheong answered with a faint smile.
“Of course, well.”
Though still looking somewhat gaunt, his complexion was good. A far cry from the past when he was addicted and hovering at death’s door.
‘The children seem to be doing well too.’
So-cheon, in the midst of his growth spurt, had grown nearly half a foot taller in the time I hadn’t seen him, and So-yul’s cheeks were pleasantly plump.
And Chung Poong’s belly was puffed out nicely, evidence of good eating.
“….”
Yes. Eat well and grow strong.
Twenty years old is when one is still growing.
“But what brings everyone here?”
So-cheon opened his mouth as if he’d been waiting for the question.
“Hyuk Moo-jin asked us to come. A banquet is about to begin, and he needs to attend to his duties, so he asked us to relay a message to you on his behalf.”
“Ah, a banquet.”
I vaguely recalled hearing something about it earlier—there was supposed to be a grand banquet this evening.
Chung Poong, who had been licking the sauce from the corner of his mouth, suddenly looked startled.
“Wait, really?”
“…What? Didn’t you know when you came?”
“Yes. If I’d known, I would’ve eaten less!”
So-yul’s eyes widened in shock as well. The candied fruit she was holding dropped from her hand.
“No way! So-yul’s stomach is full too!”
“….”
From their reactions, I could roughly guess where the two of them had met.
“So when does it start?”
“Less than an hour remains, benefactor.”
“Benefactor, let’s go quickly. This is my first banquet!”
“Where is it?”
“In front of the newly prepared Grand Training Ground, benefactor.”
“It’s in front of the Grand Training Ground, benefactor!”
“Ah, there.”
I set down the practice spear I’d been holding and secured the bundle I’d left beside me firmly to my back.
Of course, the bundle contained the sword that the Fire King had entrusted to me.
“Let’s all go.”
I paused as I was about to step forward. Something I’d wanted to say came to mind.
“Ah, and one more thing….”
“Please speak, benefactor.”
“Why, benefactor?”
I let out a deep sigh and continued.
“Only one of you call me benefactor. It’s confusing.”
Like two parrots. The two benefactor-parrots nodded without a second thought.
“I will remember, benefactor.”
“Got it, benefactor.”
“….”
No, think about it before you answer.
* * *
The Grand Training Ground. Literally the largest training ground within the family, it was packed with people shoulder to shoulder.
“What? Why are there so many?”
I thought only invited guests were supposed to enter. Chung Poong answered my unspoken question.
“I heard from the head steward earlier that the family head said everyone should celebrate together on such a wonderful occasion, so he ordered them to accept all the people outside as well.”
“All of them?”
“Yes. That’s why Chef Uncle got really angry. He said the Young Master has no sense, that he speaks carelessly without even helping with the cooking.”
So-yul, who had been contentedly sucking on a sweet, nodded in agreement.
“That’s right! He even gave me a sweet and told me not to mention it to anyone!”
“…But why are you telling me that?”
“Oops!”
I shook my head with a wry smile and moved forward. Before I could take more than a few steps, a martial artist from the Taewon Jin Family approached.
“We shall escort the two Young Masters separately.”
“I don’t mind sitting anywhere. But I suppose that won’t work, will it?”
“Correct. It is the Young Master’s orders.”
Given the circumstances, there was no choice. I exchanged brief farewells with Gong Ya-cheong and his group, then moved to the designated seating.
One of the few seats of honor reserved for only the most distinguished guests—that was my place.
Of course, that meant….
“Chung Poong, my esteemed teacher. What a pleasant surprise to see you again so soon.”
The Three Plum Blossoms were among them as well.
Baek Moo-sung, who greeted me with considerable familiarity, had his disciples seated on either side of him.
“I didn’t properly introduce myself earlier. I’m Eun-hyang.”
[Lv.75 Eun-hyang]
She was perhaps around the same age as my Younger Sister Ha-yeon? The moment I finished greeting her, a gruff voice erupted.
“Damn it. You’re sitting next to me?”
A massive frame that made the seat seem cramped. It was Chul-woo.
“Why? Do you hate it?”
“Would you like it if you were me?”
“I don’t like it either, so I understand your feelings. We’re kindred spirits.”
“Don’t say such horrible things!”
“Then switch seats.”
“To where?”
“There are plenty of people who’d want to sit here instead of you. Swap with anyone standing down there.”
“You bastard!”
“Did you just curse my parents? Is that the Jin Family rule?”
Baek Moo-sung rebuked the trembling Chul-woo.
“You fool! What nonsense is this!”
“No, Elder Brother. It’s just….”
“Silence. Young Master Jin, I apologize on behalf of my disciple. I also offer my apologies to Chung Poong, my esteemed teacher.”
Chung Poong, who had been hiding behind me until now, peeked out his face.
“It’s fine. Master Baek.”
I smiled gently as well.
“I’m fine too. It’s the age when one’s blood runs hot. We should be understanding.”
“A brat five years younger than me—what’s your excuse?”
“Young Master Baek, if I may be so bold, could you perhaps switch seats? I’m a bit frightened sitting next to him….”
“Second Brother!”
“Huff, huff…”
I plopped down beside the creature heaving its breath. Right Chul-woo, Left Chung Poong.
The positioning was absolutely flawless.
‘But where are Jin Wi-kyung and Wi Paeng?’
Just as I scanned the surroundings without spotting either Jin Wi-kyung or Wi Paeng.
Boom!
The martial artists of the Taewon Jin Family surrounding the Grand Training Ground began striking their weapons. Over three hundred strong, they unleashed a blade-like momentum and a wave-like aura that crashed down like a tempest.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Resembling the war drums of a battlefield, the sound grew ever louder, consuming all other noise. And then…
Boom!!
With a thunderous roar unlike any before, the curtain of humanity split asunder.

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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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