Murim Login - Chapter 200

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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 200
“Why can’t I be your master?”
“Pardon?”
What in the world was he saying? If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was straight out of a romance drama.
I covered my vital areas and slowly backed away.
“What do you mean?”
“Ah, no, sir. What are you talking about?”
“Never mind. Forget you heard that.”
Jeok Cheon-gang’s expression was enigmatic—a mixture of subtle anticipation, irritation, and disappointment as he gazed at me before suddenly speaking again.
“You possess the Heavenly Martial Constitution.”
“Heavenly Martial, what?”
At my response, Jeok Cheon-gang’s brow furrowed.
“You don’t know of the Heavenly Martial Constitution? Are you mocking me?”
“I’ve never heard of it in my life.”
“Heaven shows no mercy. How could it bestow such a thing upon someone like you?”
He looked like he genuinely wanted to strike me.
Jeok Cheon-gang, trembling as he gripped the wine bottle, let out a sigh.
“Then do you know anything of the Nine Yin Severed Meridians?”
“Ah, the Nine Yin Severed Meridians. Yes, I know of it.”
I’d read about it before. Was this the right one?
I dredged up old memories and pulled out a few keywords about the Nine Yin Severed Meridians.
“Unique constitution. Painful. Brilliant mind. But short-lived.”
“….”
“Am I wrong?”
“…You grasp the essence. A congenital abundance of yin energy obstructs the meridians, leading inevitably to death—a form of severed meridian syndrome.”
“Then what about the Heavenly Martial Constitution?”
Suddenly, unease bloomed in my chest. Especially since he’d used the Nine Yin Severed Meridians as an example.
If it meant I could master martial arts quickly but had some fatal flaw that would cut my life short, that would be a disaster.
Jeok Cheon-gang opened his mouth with a grave expression.
“The Heavenly Martial Constitution appears perhaps once every few centuries—a true martial bone bestowed by heaven itself.”
A martial bone from heaven? It sounded incredible just hearing it.
Which made me even more anxious. The Nine Yin Severed Meridians was a double-edged sword, trading genius intellect for a shortened lifespan.
I stared at Jeok Cheon-gang with tense eyes.
“And?”
“And what?”
“When do I die?”
“Why would you die?”
“Actually, my head’s been aching lately and I’ve felt nauseous. Even now my bones are aching.”
Upon hearing my words, Doctor Choi Tae—no, Jeok Cheon-gang—delivered a brief and concise diagnosis.
“That’s because I hit you.”
“Ah.”
“You’re not harboring some ridiculous notion that the Heavenly Martial Constitution would wither away like the Nine Yin Meridians, are you?”
“…*ahem*.”
“I’ve never seen someone so out of their mind.”
Jeok Cheon-gang shook his head with an expression of utter disbelief.
“The Heavenly Martial Constitution is as different from meridian defects like the Nine Yin Meridians as heaven is from earth. Why do you think it’s called a gift from heaven? You were born with that body already blessed by celestial fortune.”
“Me?”
“According to what I heard from the Sect Leader, you’ve only been seriously cultivating martial arts for three months. Do you truly believe everything you’ve accomplished so far was possible through effort alone?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“The reason you exist as you do now is because you possess bones and muscles that allow you to master any martial technique faster than anyone else.”
Jeok Cheon-gang’s words were only half correct.
The reason I didn’t elaborate was that what supplemented my effort wasn’t innate talent—it was the System.
‘If this body truly possessed the Heavenly Martial Constitution, the original Jin Tae-kyung would never have remained third-rate until his twenties.’
A tree destined to flourish shows promise from its very sprout.
If the previous owner of this body, the real Jin Tae-kyung, had been blessed with such celestial fortune, he would have surely distinguished himself long ago.
‘This body isn’t the Heavenly Martial Constitution.’
I gazed down at my hands. The size and length of my arms and fingers, the shape of my muscles and the power concealed within them.
Everything was distributed with perfect, flawless uniformity.
‘The System.’
Points gained from leveling up and cultivation are converted into attributes. And the System distributes those attributes evenly.
Each tiny gear within my body meshes together with absolute precision.
‘Since it’s not innate, it’s not exactly the Heavenly Martial Constitution… but at this rate, wouldn’t I qualify as an acquired Heavenly Martial Constitution?’
It was hardly surprising that Jeok Cheon-gang, who had seen my body firsthand, would be mistaken.
And from my perspective, it was better to let him remain under this misunderstanding.
A third-rate drunkard who spent his time drinking had become a supreme master in merely three months.
If it wasn’t the Heavenly Martial Constitution, I’d be accused of practicing demonic arts without question.
‘Well, this works out perfectly.’
The fact that even Jeok Cheon-gang, a supreme master himself, mistook me for possessing the Heavenly Martial Constitution left no doubt that my bones and muscles were exceptionally superior.
And without side effects like the Nine Yin Meridians, it was truly a blessing.
‘Finally, a path of flowers.’
Thinking of all the hardship I’d endured until now, tears blurred my vision.
Lost in sentiment, I suddenly felt a gaze and turned my head.
Jeok Cheon-gang flinched as our eyes met, then gazed vaguely up at the sky.
“The… the moon is bright tonight.”
Following his gaze upward, I muttered under my breath.
“It’s completely overcast with clouds.”
“….”
“Is there something you wanted to say?”
“*Ahem*.”
Jeok Cheon-gang, who had been clearing his throat repeatedly, finally opened his mouth hesitantly.
“As you know, I have a debt to repay to you.”
“And?”
“Before I leave this place, I want to settle that matter clearly. Is there anything you desire from me?”
Truthfully, there isn’t anything in particular.
If I had to choose something, it would be to retract what he said earlier?
But realistically, there’s no chance Jeok Cheon-gang would do that. I need to present a request that he’d reasonably agree to….
I scratched my head.
“Well, I haven’t thought about it specifically, so I’m not sure.”
“Then think about it specifically.”
“Ah, I’ll tell you later when I think of something. You’ll be staying a few more days before you leave anyway.”
But Jeok Cheon-gang was resolute.
“Right now.”
“Pardon?”
“Tell me right now. There’s not much to deliberate about, is there?”
Jeok Cheon-gang, who had been urging me, added in a muttering voice.
“For example, you might want to learn martial arts from me. Or learn martial arts from me. Or learn martial arts from me. Something like that, perhaps?”
“….”
“Those are merely examples. Don’t mind them.”
“….”
“Ahem. I have something caught in my throat. Cough, cough!”
As I watched him quietly, I opened my mouth.
“Jeok Dae-hyup. I’m asking just to be sure.”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
“Do you want to take me as your disciple?”
In that instant, Jeok Cheon-gang’s body, which had been coughing loudly, went rigid. Simultaneously, his pupils trembled as if an earthquake had struck.
“W-what are you saying!”
“You heard me correctly.”
“Psh, preposterous. Does this old man want to take you as a disciple?”
“….”
Yes. That’s exactly how it looks.
At first I thought it might be a misunderstanding, but at this point, not seeing it would be foolish.
As I simply stared at him without speaking, it was Jeok Cheon-gang who became flustered instead.
“Y-you! What is that disrespectful look in your eyes!”
“I’m just looking. Don’t mind it.”
“You seem to be under a grave misunderstanding, but you’re entirely wrong.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Would I decide the successor to the Main Sect, which carries such a long history, so easily?”
“But you decided so easily before. You said it in front of all those people, so you can’t take it back now.”
“Th-that is. I can simply take a new disciple.”
“You said ‘one person inherits, not two,’ didn’t you? Regardless, everyone in the world will think I’m the successor to the Yeolhwa Sect.”
Jeok Cheon-gang cried out, struck right where it hurt.
“There’s not a single reason for me to take you as my disciple!”
“But I have the Heavenly Martial Constitution.”
“Gasp.”
“Three months from third-rate to peak—how much longer until supreme peak?”
“Y-you fool. Do you think supreme peak is so easily attained? What kind of nonsense is that?”
“It seemed easy to me.”
“….”
I had crossed the threshold of death more than once.
It had been damnably difficult and exhausting, but from now on, everything would be easy without exception.
I muttered to the speechless Jeok Cheon-gang as if speaking to myself.
“No, actually, supreme peak would be difficult.”
“O-of course it would.”
“Perhaps by the time I’m thirty?”
Jeok Cheon-gang’s mouth fell open.
“T-thirty? Supreme peak by thirty?”
“Ah, did I aim too high? I set it that way because it seemed so difficult.”
I sighed while glancing sideways at Jeok Cheon-gang.
“Then again, since the Great Cooperator Jeok is skilled enough to enter the Ten Kings, you must have progressed far faster than I ever could. And with the martial techniques of the Yeolhwa Sect on top of that. Wow, I’m envious. If I could learn such ascending martial arts, I’d become strong in no time.”
“…!”
Jeok Cheon-gang stared at me with trembling eyes. I could easily imagine what visions were unfolding in his mind.
What would happen if the Heavenly Martial Constitution and the supreme techniques of the Yeolhwa Sect were to combine?
In merely three months, I had demonstrated achievements beyond belief. A monster unprecedented throughout history might be born.
‘It’s almost finished.’
I drove the final wedge into him as he hesitated, unable to speak due to his pride.
“Well, I can’t help it. I was thinking of visiting the Huashan Sect once this gathering ends.”
“H-Huashan Sect? Why there?”
“Because of the Sword Saint Mae Jong-hak. I heard the two of you are quite close? If I explain my situation well, I think I could enter as a disciple without word spreading….”
“That won’t do!”
An outburst that escaped before he could stop himself. Jeok Cheon-gang flinched and swallowed hard.
“W-well, if you’re willing to consider it….”
“Pardon? Your voice was too quiet for me to hear.”
“Ahem.”
After collecting himself, Jeok Cheon-gang spoke again.
“If you’re willing to consider it, I could also observe your martial arts from the side.”
I opened my eyes wide as if genuinely surprised.
“Do you truly mean it?”
“Of course. One must repay their debts, mustn’t they?”
His voice had become stern and dignified, as if he’d only now remembered he needed to maintain his authority.
‘Too late for that now, old man.’
I barely suppressed a smile as I answered.
“What you’ve already done for me is more than enough.”
“It is my principle to repay debts tenfold, twentyfold.”
“I see.”
“Indeed.”
“But won’t you be leaving in a few days anyway? You seemed quite busy.”
“I can postpone it. Once you achieve a certain level of progress, that’s when I plan to depart.”
“Ah, so you’re the type who sees things through to the end once you start.”
“It’s my nature.”
“What if I fail to reach the level of achievement you desire?”
Jeok Cheon-gang deliberately hardened his expression.
“Bah! How can you already assume failure!”
“My apologies. It might take several years.”
“Did you forget what I just told you about my character?”
“That you see things through to the end once you start?”
“When a martial artist draws their blade, they must cut through mountains.”
“Impressive! Truly worthy of your reputation, Jeok Cheon-gang!”
I raised my thumb in admiration and asked in a subtle tone.
“Doesn’t this make us master and disciple?”
“…!”
After a brief silence, Jeok Cheon-gang shook his head vigorously.
“Master and disciple? Nonsense! I’m merely repaying a debt.”
“Ah, I see. I misunderstood your intentions. Please forgive my rudeness.”
“…Ahem.”
Jeok Cheon-gang let out an awkward cough and spoke.
“However, we should change how you address me.”
“How I address you?”
“Though we may not be true master and disciple, people have eyes. We should at least maintain appearances, shouldn’t we?”
“That’s true.”
A form of address. What would be appropriate?
After brief consideration, a word came to mind.
“Then would it be acceptable to call you Master from now on?”
“….”
“Master?”
“Uh, yes?”
Jeok Cheon-gang, as if just waking from sleep, regained his composure and gazed at me with a complex expression.
“Yes, that sounds good.”
“Then when we’re alone together….”
“Call me Noya. That is how you shall address me.”
“Understood. Noya.”
I bowed deeply to him.
Jeok Cheon-gang, the Fire King—a supreme master whose reputation echoed across the realm.
This was the moment our subtle relationship began.
* * *
After sending Jin Tae-kyung away, Jeok Cheon-gang leaned his back against the weathered stone wall.
The voice he had just heard echoed endlessly through his mind.
‘Master,’ it had said.
Ten years had passed.
It had been a decade since anyone had called him master.
Though Jin Tae-kyung’s build, face, and temperament differed greatly, Jeok Cheon-gang found himself remembering his dead disciple in the young man’s form.
A faint smile gradually appeared at the corners of the old master’s weathered lips as he fell into thought.
‘Not bad at all.’
He had never imagined things would unfold this way, yet his mood was not unpleasant.
Rather, he felt anticipation for what lay ahead—and an inexplicable joy.
“Not bad. Truly not bad.”
Jeok Cheon-gang chuckled softly and gazed up at the sky.
The dark clouds had parted, and a brilliant moon now revealed itself.

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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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