Murim Login - Chapter 193
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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 193
The Sacred Treasure of the Yeolhwa Sect.
The moment those unfamiliar words escaped the Fire King’s lips, the Angry Sword Immortal’s eyes bulged as if they might tear from their sockets.
“W-what do you mean by that?”
“Not even seventy years old and your ears are already clogged? I’ll say it one more time, so listen carefully.”
Jeok Cheon-gang turned toward me with an irritated expression and jerked his chin.
“I’ve entrusted the Main Sect’s Sacred Treasure to that bastard. Got it?”
“….”
“….”
Got what?
I looked around with a bewildered expression. Everyone present, including Jin Wi-kyung and Baek Moo-sung, stared at me and Jeok Cheon-gang in shock, their gazes alternating between us.
In this chaos, one person alone remained unaffected and opened his mouth.
“Benefactor, what is the Sacred Treasure of the Yeolhwa Sect? Show me too.”
I couldn’t answer Chung Poong’s question.
‘I don’t know either, you bastard.’
The Sacred Treasure of the Yeolhwa Sect? What even is that?
I swear I’d never heard of or seen such a thing.
The only items I’d received from Jeok Cheon-gang were the secret techniques of the Flame Divine Palm and a single sword…
Wait, hold on.
“Could it be?”
At my hesitant gaze, Jeok Cheon-gang clicked his tongue.
“Carrying it on your back and not even knowing. What a fool.”
It felt like I’d been struck on the back of the head with a hammer.
I hurriedly untied the knot that held it firmly in place. As I unwrapped the cloth wound tightly around it, a worn and crude scabbard came into view.
‘The Nameless Sword.’
The very blade Jo Pil had stolen from his master and then lost to me.
I gripped the hilt and drew it.
With a soft whisper like feathers standing on end, a pristine white blade emerged.
In the dim light above, it shone like a legendary holy sword, and gasps of admiration escaped from those watching.
‘So this really is… the Sacred Treasure of the Yeolhwa Sect?’
I had never once questioned it until now.
Why Jo Pil had stolen this from Jeok Cheon-gang. Why, unlike the Flame Divine Palm or the Yeolhwa Divine Elixir, it bore the strange description of [Nameless Sword].
It was then that I stared at the blade with a vacant expression.
“T-this is impossible!”
The Angry Sword Immortal. Unlike him, seized by extreme shock and excitement, Jeok Cheon-gang’s complexion remained perfectly serene.
“What is impossible?”
“Th-that thing…”
“I’ve entrusted the Sacred Treasure of the Yeolhwa Sect to that bastard. No matter how much shit fills your head, you should understand what that means.”
In that instant, my mind snapped into focus.
Distracted by the sword, I had momentarily forgotten. The significance of what the Sacred Treasure of the Yeolhwa Sect—a single sect’s treasure passed down through sole succession for centuries—truly meant.
At the same time, words Chung Poong had spoken mere hours ago flashed through my mind.
‘You’re not trying to take your benefactor as a disciple, are you?’
At the time, I had dismissed it as absurd nonsense and laughed it off.
But now….
‘Damn it, I don’t even know myself.’
As I stood there with nothing but dry swallows, the Angry Sword Immortal’s accusatory finger came flying at me.
But before I could even open my mouth, Jeok Cheon-gang’s terrifying gaze locked him down completely.
“I entrusted the Main Sect’s new blood to him.”
That was all. But the one speaking was none other than the Fire King.
The Angry Sword Immortal no longer possessed the courage to refute. His lips trembled as he suddenly glared at me.
“You. You’re lucky.”
Why is this old bastard picking on me again?
Jeok Cheon-gang said nothing more. Was he telling me to handle this myself? I gave the Angry Sword Immortal a shrug.
“I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m actually incredibly unlucky.”
If I were lucky, I wouldn’t have met a bastard like you.
The situation had been on the verge of explosion, but now that Jeok Cheon-gang had arrived, whether to call this great misfortune or great fortune was unclear.
“Anyway, it was nice meeting you. Please, head back carefully.”
“Cunning bastard. Why don’t you try what you did before?”
“What I did before? Oh, you mean when I said this sucks?”
Before the Angry Sword Immortal could respond, I bowed my head respectfully.
“I apologize for that part. I have a nature where I can’t tolerate injustice. Please forgive it as a slip of the tongue from a junior so far beneath you. Great. Master.”
“…!”
The Angry Sword Immortal’s body trembled violently. Blood dripped from his clenched fists.
In his figure, I saw myself from mere minutes ago. The difference between us was that I had not yielded to the Angry Sword Immortal, but he had submitted to the Fire King.
Those who rely on strength kneel before greater strength. Witnessing this fundamental truth of the world again, I felt exhilarated yet not entirely satisfied.
Rather, it left a bitter taste.
‘This leaves a foul taste.’
Had it not been for Jeok Cheon-gang, the humiliation and rage this man now felt would have fallen upon me and the Taewon Jin Family.
If only a few people here stepped forward, defeating the Angry Sword Immortal individually would not be difficult. But behind him stands the Zhongnan Sect.
Though I hate to admit it… the gap between them and us is vast. It is a distance we cannot close at this moment.
‘For now, that is.’
I, who was once a perpetual F-rank hunter, have come this far. One never knows what the world will bring.
Perhaps someday the Taewon Jin Family will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance and the Five Great Families.
‘Ah, isn’t that getting ahead of myself?’
It’s like a rural village chief challenging a presidential election.
As I chuckled at such thoughts, the Angry Sword Immortal gnashed his teeth.
“How dare you mock me?”
“It’s just my natural expression, sir.”
“Shut that mouth of yours!”
The moment his furious roar erupted, Jeok Cheon-gang’s right foot flashed like lightning, sweeping the Angry Sword Immortal’s shin.
It was a joint kick delivered by an absolute master of the highest caliber.
Thwack!
“Ugh!”
“Shut your mouth, you insolent brat. How dare you raise your voice before your elders?”
“What in blazes are you doing?!”
“Look at this fool. I was trying to end this gracefully, but you’re asking for a beating?”
Crack!
“Argh!”
Wow, that one landed clean.
With a duller impact than before, the Angry Sword Immortal collapsed, clutching his shin.
‘Tch, even an elder of the great Zhongnan Sect is powerless against this.’
Despite his high social standing and age past sixty, his opponent was simply in a different league entirely.
Age, martial prowess, status—there was no dimension by which one could catch up to the Fire King, Jeok Cheon-gang.
“If you’re going to act like a fool, at least do it properly. Now that you’ve had your chance, get out of my sight.”
“…Very well.”
Just as the Angry Sword Immortal rose to his feet, his body caked in dirt, his eyes burning with resentment toward me, a chilling voice continued.
“Furthermore, what transpired today shall remain unspoken. You will never mention this matter again. Do you understand?”
I really should start a fan club for this man.
I had acted on impulse, but truthfully, I harbored concerns. If the Angry Sword Immortal sought revenge through the Zhongnan Sect later, the Taewon Jin Family would have no means to stop them.
But with Jeok Cheon-gang’s intervention, everything changed.
‘Whether it’s mediation or coercion, I’m not sure.’
Resentment would linger over today’s events, but at least there would be no official pressure brought to bear.
Even if such a thing did occur, having the Fire King as a formidable shield greatly eased my burden.
“Why do you not answer?”
The Angry Sword Immortal’s face was twisted in despair. Of course, Jeok Cheon-gang paid it no mind.
“Speak with your own mouth. Right now.”
“…I understand. I swear it upon my name.”
“Your name? What use is that? Swear it upon the name of the Zhongnan Sect.”
“Grrgh… I understand.”
Only then did a satisfied smile bloom on Jeok Cheon-gang’s lips. He chuckled and patted the Angry Sword Immortal’s shoulder.
“Where did you learn to bare your teeth like that, you little brat? I’m half tempted to rip them all out.”
“…”
“Hehehehe, but I’m an old man now, and I can’t do such things in front of people. Kekekeke!”
I had never realized that an old man’s laughter could be so terrifying.
Not just the Angry Sword Immortal, but everyone listening shuddered simultaneously.
The Fire King, laughing like a demon, turned his gaze toward me.
“You’re no innocent either. Regardless of the circumstances, to hurl such abuse at an elder so far your senior—have you lost your mind?”
I quickly bowed my head. The facts were the facts, and I felt it was time to bring this matter to a close with the Angry Sword Immortal, an elder of the Zhongnan Sect.
“My apologies.”
“Even if someone has eaten away their years like a fool, at sixty, it wouldn’t be strange for them to have grandchildren as old as you.”
“…Yes, sir.”
“No matter how much of a cur he is, he’s still an elder and a senior of the Martial World. From now on, show proper respect, no matter how distasteful or underhanded he may be.”
“Song. I sincerely apologize.”
After bowing formally and straightening up, I could see the Angry Sword Immortal’s face flushed crimson. He wouldn’t feel satisfied by the apology at all.
Meanwhile, I felt refreshed after apologizing to someone I disliked—as if I’d just completed a breathing exercise.
‘So this is what they call experience.’
Look at that silver tongue honed over a hundred years.
His martial prowess isn’t the only thing at the pinnacle. At this rate, his title should be changed from Fire King to Tongue King.
Having concluded all the settlement procedures under his supervision, the Tongue King declared in a stern voice.
“Now then, all you uninvited guests—get out. If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of rice on your way.”
Now he was treating them like beggars. The Angry Sword Immortal, trembling with humiliation, finally spoke after a long silence.
“…Then I shall take my leave.”
“Don’t go far.”
“Let’s go!”
The Angry Sword Immortal turned sharply as if he’d been waiting for those words. Gong Il-hyuk and Zhongnan Three Hands, both wearing arrogant expressions, followed behind him.
Scorching gazes pursued the four figures as they left. Just as he was about to exit through the gate, he suddenly turned his head and stared at me.
Along with a strand of killing intent transmitted through sound.
– I don’t know what connection you have with that old man… but as long as breath remains in my body, I will punish you and the Taewon Jin Family.
It was an exchange that occurred in an instant so brief it could be called a flash.
The Fire King, watching the Angry Sword Immortal’s silhouette fade into the darkness with an unreadable expression, casually dropped a remark.
“I’m stepping out for a moment.”
“Pardon? Where are you going, sir?”
“At my age, do I need to report every little errand?”
With that curt dismissal, he vanished with a leisurely gait.
* * *
The Angry Sword Immortal, having distanced himself from the Taewon Jin Family, suddenly drew his blade and swung it.
Whoooosh! Crash!
Dozens of sword auras tore through trees and shattered boulders. His rage, which continued for some time, finally turned toward Zhongnan Three Hands, including Gong Il-hyuk.
“You foolish wretches….”
“Elder, please.”
“Do you have any idea what humiliation I suffered because of you incompetent fools?!”
“I-I’m sorry. Please forgive these inadequate disciples.”
Zhongnan Three Hands froze solid.
Among them, Gong Il-hyuk was particularly terrified. If he hadn’t goaded the Angry Sword Immortal into coming to the Taewon Jin Family, this would never have happened.
“Elder, please calm yourself and hear me out.”
“I’ve overlooked your insolence several times because you have the Sect Master as a relative, and this is how you repay me.”
Crack!
The Angry Sword Immortal’s skeletal hand seized Gong Il-hyuk’s throat.
“Gasp—I, I serve the Sect Master….”
“Do you think punishing a single bug like you would make the Sect Master even blink? Vermin.”
It was the moment when Gong Il-hyuk’s face drained of all color.
Thud. Crack. Collapse.
His body went limp, his head lolling to the side. The other two members of the Zhongnan Three Hands, trembling with fear, crumpled to the ground where they stood.
“W-what in the—why did they suddenly—”
The Angry Sword Immortal, momentarily bewildered, suddenly turned his head. His gaze pierced through the darkness as he spoke.
“Is there still business to attend to?”
“Why else would I have come?”
With a calm voice, a small-framed old man emerged from the shadows—the Fire King, Jeok Cheon-gang.
He clicked his tongue as he looked upon the fallen Zhongnan Three Hands.
“Tsk. It seems I’ve inadvertently saved those wretches. Perhaps I should have come later?”
“What brings you back, sir?”
“It’s been so long—I didn’t want to let you go without another visit.”
The Fire King smiled faintly and added,
“There’s also something I forgot.”
“Something you forgot? What could that be—”
In that instant, Jeok Cheon-gang’s form vanished like a phantom. Simultaneously, a blade aura erupted from the Angry Sword Immortal’s waist.
Shwiiiiing!
Within three paces, a dense web of sword energy unfurled, each strand capable of severing bone and flesh upon contact.
But the great fish had already swum upstream.
“I told you before. Don’t lay a single finger on that boy.”
Crack!
The blade aura shattered in the Angry Sword Immortal’s grip. His wrist broken, he screamed and drove his knee upward.
“Argh! You damned old bastard!”
“When will you ever learn to be human?”
Simultaneously, a palm wreathed in pure white flames pressed against the Angry Sword Immortal’s chest.
Boom!
“Guh—hack!”
An unstoppable strike.
His protective inner energy shattered, his bones and flesh seared. Coughing blood, the Angry Sword Immortal fell to his knees, his eyelids trembling.
“Cough… F-Flame Divine Palm…”
“Raise your head and look at me.”
The old man’s voice was as cold as ice, belying the epithet of Fire King.
With great effort, the Angry Sword Immortal lifted his gaze and met a pair of eyes shimmering with brilliant blue flames.
“F-Fire King…”
“Yes, I am the Fire King.”
I had momentarily forgotten. Just how monstrous the Fire King, Jeok Cheon-gang, truly was.
His time active in the Martial World spanned merely a single year. Yet in that one battle, he became legend and etched his mark upon martial history.
An opponent beyond all resistance. Despair settled heavily across the Angry Sword Immortal’s face.
“Will you… will you kill me?”
“If killing you could end everything, I would have done so long ago.”
“Then….”
“Remember one thing.”
The Fire King slowly parted his lips.
“Jin Tae-kyung. You may kill that boy. You may annihilate the Taewon Jin Family. I will watch and do nothing. But if such a thing comes to pass, I will come to the Zhongnan Sect.”
“…!”
“I will shatter the Zhongnan Sect’s signboard and burn Jongnam Mountain to ash. If you abandon the Main Sect Headquarters and flee, I will chase you to the ends of the earth and slaughter every last one of you. Until my final breath leaves my body.”
The Angry Sword Immortal’s entire frame trembled beneath the suffocating killing intent.
Every word Jeok Cheon-gang spoke now was absolute truth. He was declaring that he would stand alone against the Zhongnan Sect itself.
If such a thing were to occur, I could not even fathom the magnitude of sacrifice that would be demanded.
“W-what am I to do?”
“The choice is yours. The punishment for that choice is mine to deliver.”
Jeok Cheon-gang left those words hanging in the air and vanished without a trace.
It was only much later that the Jongnam Three Masters awakened and discovered the Angry Sword Immortal collapsed on the ground, his face utterly vacant with shock.
“E-Elder!”
“What in the world has happened?!”
“Who was it?!”
It was a very long time before the Angry Sword Immortal opened his mouth again.
“We return. To Zhongnan.”
In his voice, dread and terror dripped like poison, and the Jongnam Three Masters found themselves unable to speak.
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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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