Murim Login - Chapter 205

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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 205
How long had I been unconscious?
My body felt light as a feather, and my mind was crystal clear. It seemed I’d only slept for a brief moment, yet the world had transformed considerably in that time.
‘What is this?’
Sparse furniture and a few decorative items. The newly constructed room carried the subtle scent of fresh timber.
A familiar sight I’d witnessed countless times. Yet never had it felt so foreign.
‘This is….’
I gazed around with trembling eyes.
The air thrummed with abundant energy, and the surroundings blazed with light as though someone had implanted night-vision lenses in my eyes.
The moon visible through the latticed window seemed strangely vivid.
With such brightness, why does that moon hang in the sky? Could it actually be the sun?
I stood dazed in thought like a man possessed by spirits before the realization struck me.
“Ah.”
The Murim, this world, remained exactly as it existed in my memory. What had changed was not a single thing about it—only I myself had transformed.
A soft whisper escaped my lips unbidden.
“The Ren Dou and Yang Meridians….”
When a sealed tunnel opens, light pours forth in torrents.
One accustomed to darkness within that tunnel cannot help but find light strange and unfamiliar. That is precisely my condition now.
Once I cleared away the massive obstruction that was the Ren Dou and Yang Meridians, I finally beheld the light I had never known until this moment.
“You’ve awakened.”
The owner of that sudden voice leaned diagonally against the doorframe.
In a room without a single lamp, every age spot and wrinkle upon his face came into sharp focus.
“You’ve aged considerably, old man.”
The Fire King, Jeok Cheon-gang, answered as though he’d been waiting for this.
“Indeed.”
“You’ve aged quite a bit.”
As his words caught in his throat, I added one more remark.
“And you are formidable. Stronger than anyone I’ve ever encountered.”
This was no mere damage control for my earlier comment, nor simple flattery—it was one hundred percent genuine truth.
Now that I had opened the Ren Dou and Yang Meridians, I could finally glimpse the terrifying martial prowess concealed within that diminutive frame.
“Ahem. How commonplace.”
Jeok Cheon-gang cleared his throat awkwardly and changed the subject.
“So then, how is your physical condition?”
“Optimal.”
There was no need to check the System Message, no reason to circulate my inner force to examine my body. I felt it the moment my eyes opened.
At my unhesitating response, the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
“Of course it should be. The effort this old man expended…well, I handled it quite easily, but it’s certainly not something anyone could accomplish. Indeed.”
….
“I’m being serious!”
“I haven’t said anything.”
“Your expression is disrespectful! Your very expression!”
That’s only because your intentions are so transparent.
Unlike your martial arts, which defy comprehension, your nature is laid bare for all to see.
Violent and stubborn beyond measure, yet surprisingly easy to read—that was the image Jeok Cheon-gang had always held in my mind.
“I’m afraid my expressionless face often invites such misunderstandings.”
I steeled my features and delivered the excuse with perfect composure. Jeok Cheon-gang snorted in response.
“Why does everyone here behave the same way? This so-called Patriarch abandons matters of family importance just to visit you constantly, and these so-called physicians are all quacks, doing nothing but prattle endlessly about death and dying.”
“Wait, death? Has someone been gravely injured?”
“Who else would it be?”
At Jeok Cheon-gang’s meaningful gaze, I asked with a sinking feeling.
“You don’t mean… me?”
“Indeed. For seven days and nights straight, everything was in complete chaos. Had I known this disaster would unfold, I should have buried you under a boulder until you regained consciousness.”
I didn’t catch the rest of his words. My face went blank as I blinked in bewilderment.
“I was unconscious for seven days and nights?”
“Seven days and nights—not ‘as long as,’ but merely seven days and nights. I expected you’d be bedridden for at least a month. Your Heavenly Martial Constitution truly is remarkable.”
“…This isn’t some kind of side effect, is it?”
“Listen to the audacity of this brat. I went through all the trouble of opening your Conception and Governing Vessels, and you dare ask about side effects?”
“But you said earlier it was handled quite easily.”
Jeok Cheon-gang sputtered indignantly.
“That’s one thing! Just as one must wipe after defecating, the turbid qi that had accumulated in layers within your body needed to be expelled—your new form requires time to adapt!”
“…”
His analogy was crude given his agitated state, but I understood the meaning well enough.
‘A sort of optimization process, then?’
True, it would be absurd for someone on death’s door to spring up the moment their Conception and Governing Vessels were opened. Even after leveling up, mental exhaustion can cause one to collapse.
Still, an entire week seemed excessive.
“Then the gathering must have concluded by now.”
“The gathering—or whatever you wish to call it—ended three days ago.”
Jeok Cheon-gang continued, still visibly sulking.
“There was someone called Ak Bul-gun. He remains here.”
At the unexpected name, I tilted my head in confusion.
Ak Bul-gun, the Patriarch of Cheon-mu Academy, had come to Taewon Jin Family precisely to take Jin Moo-kyung away.
Surely he wasn’t waiting for Jin Moo-kyung to complete his closed-door training?
“Why would the Grand Master Ak remain?”
“Ask him yourself.”
“Come now, I’ve already admitted my fault. Please stop being angry and tell me.”
Jeok Cheon-gang answered curtly.
“Do I appear so petty to you? He’s arriving now—hear it directly from him.”
“Ah.”
Indeed, his words proved true. Moments later, footsteps approached and two figures emerged into view.
“Youngest!”
Upon discovering me awake after seven days and nights, Ak Bul-gun’s gruff voice emerged from behind Jin Wi-kyung, whose eyes were glistening with tears.
“It seems the Red Sky River Master is also present. I have an urgent matter to discuss—would that be acceptable?”
Jeok Cheon-gang answered curtly.
“No. Get out.”
“It concerns the whereabouts of Young Master Jin.”
“…Damn it.”
After muttering a soft curse, Jeok Cheon-gang settled into a chair.
* * *
Ak Bul-gun was not nearly as eloquent as his appearance suggested. After hearing his dry explanation in full, I opened my mouth.
“So you’re inviting us. To that city, Seongnae….”
What was it called again? His explanation had been so tedious that I’d already forgotten what I’d heard.
In that moment of confusion, Jeok Cheon-gang continued for me.
“Seongnae Daeyeon.”
“Ah, yes. Seongnae Daeyeon.”
“A grand gathering where martial artists from across the realm converge to test their prowess and strengthen their bonds. It’s held once every two or three years, and this Seongnae Daeyeon is being hosted in Hanan.”
At Ak Bul-gun’s supplementary explanation, Jeok Cheon-gang let out a scoff.
“Bonds among the martial world? Nonsense. It’s where the powerful gather to flaunt themselves, build connections, and expand their influence.”
A brutally honest assessment.
Seeing Ak Bul-gun nod slightly without offering any real objection, it seemed his words held truth.
Jeok Cheon-gang continued with a caustic tone.
“It was the same forty years ago. Not long after we drove out the Demon Cult, and already they’re squabbling over interests… I witnessed nothing but shameful spectacles.”
I could almost visualize what kind of situation it had been.
Chaos breeds opportunity. Those with ambition and strength never miss their chances.
It might have been partly connected to why Jeok Cheon-gang had eventually secluded himself on Jiuhua Mountain.
‘Yet the scale must be absolutely massive?’
At my curious gaze, Jeok Cheon-gang’s brow furrowed.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Nothing in particular. I was just wondering why someone who despises crowds and tedious affairs would attend such a place.”
“I was asked.”
“…?”
Was Jeok Cheon-gang really the type to readily comply with requests?
My momentary doubt was instantly dispelled by a single epithet that followed.
“Mu-shin.”
“Ah.”
The Mu-shin I’d only heard spoken of.
On earth, there are ten kings; in the heavens, three stars; and above them all, one god.
With a request from that very Mu-shin, Jeok Cheon-gang could hardly refuse.
“He created Seongnae Daeyeon and asked the old master to attend. That was the first and last time the One God, Three Stars, and Ten Kings gathered in one place.”
As if recalling those distant days, Jeok Cheon-gang tapped the armrest of his chair with a distant gaze, then suddenly fixed his eyes on Ak Bul-gun.
“How is he faring?”
“He has not shown himself for a very long time. There are even unfavorable rumors circulating….”
“Are they worried Mu-shin might be dead? Hah. There are far too many fools with nothing but dung in their heads.”
Jeok Cheon-gang let out a hollow laugh and turned his gaze toward me.
“So then, what are your thoughts on this?”
“Hmm.”
“Though it may be called a gathering of the powerful, one cannot deny that Seongnae Daeyeon is an assembly of all the martial artists under heaven. Regardless of one’s origins, it is a place where one can fully display their abilities.”
“I suppose so.”
I could not answer readily, merely scratching the back of my head.
Seongnae Daeyeon. A gathering where martial artists from across the realm assembled to strengthen their bonds and test their prowess against one another.
It was an opportunity to face formidable masters and carve my name across the entire Central Plains.
And yet….
‘Is that truly so important?’
Ever since arriving in the Murim, such thoughts had visited me unbidden.
Why did I cultivate martial arts? Why did I continue my training even after becoming strong enough to protect those dear to me and my own life?
After pondering this for some time, I had finally discovered the answer not long ago.
‘Because it is enjoyable.’
Just as I had told Chung Poong, I loved martial arts. I found them exhilarating.
Even if I possessed unimaginable wealth and renown, I would never cease my training.
I had already become addicted to martial arts. I had come to understand just how thrilling and profoundly satisfying it was to grow stronger.
“Jin Sohyup.”
Ak Bul-gun’s quiet voice shattered my reverie. It was time to answer. I drew a deep breath and opened my mouth.
“I….”
The expressions of the three men shifted subtly as they heard my response.
* * *
The three departed. Left alone in the chamber, I recalled the conversation I had just shared with Jeok Cheon-gang.
‘I wish to grow stronger. Was that your answer?’
‘Yes.’
‘Does that mean you will participate in Seongnae Daeyeon?’
‘It matters not where. If I can become stronger than I am now.’
‘You are still young and already sufficiently strong. Should you compete in Seongnae Daeyeon, you could etch your name into the hearts of all martial artists under heaven and claim wealth and glory. Do such things not tempt you?’
‘They do. I covet martial arts. I covet higher realms.’
‘…!’
Jeok Cheon-gang gazed at me with trembling eyes for a long moment before departing with a single utterance.
‘When dawn breaks, come to this old man’s quarters.’
Recalling his parting words, I settled onto the bed.
My vision was as bright as midday, and the distant footsteps and breathing of someone outside the pavilion sounded as vivid as if they were beside me.
‘Sufficiently strong.’
Those were the words Jeok Cheon-gang himself had spoken before departing. The Fire King himself had acknowledged me.
Yet there was something else I wished to hear.
‘Stronger than anyone.’
Back when I was an F-rank Hunter, my wish was to become an E-rank Hunter. When I first set foot in the Murim, my goal was to surpass Hyuk Moo-jin.
As time passed, I grew stronger, and my dreams became more ambitious.
Some might call this greed. But greed and dreams are different things.
Now, I hold a dream. The Fire King, Jeok Cheon-gang, is the guide who will help me advance toward that dream.
‘I’m looking forward to morning.’
Roughly three hours remained until daybreak.
This night would be long—for both me and Jeok Cheon-gang.
‘Especially for me, it will be a night beyond imagination.’
I lay flat on the bed.
Now it was time to leave behind the many events that had unfolded in the Murim and return.
‘Logout.’
Ding.
My eyes closed smoothly with a cheerful system notification.

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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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