Murim Login - Chapter 374

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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 374
Dang Ho-ryong, the pavilion master of the Poison Dragon Pavilion, rose from his seat to greet the visitor.
An inexplicable pressure emanated from the imposing figure who had just stepped through the door.
“You must be weary from your long journey. I am grateful for your efforts.”
“Compared to the trials the Sichuan Tang Sect has endured, it is nothing. I offer my sincere condolences once more.”
Despite his rough features, the man’s voice was low and gentle, yet possessed a power that commanded the listener’s full attention.
Perhaps it was the bearing that only a true leader possessed—in the man’s serene yet profoundly settled gaze, Dang Ho-ryong suddenly recalled someone.
‘This feeling… it is as though I stand before another cousin of mine.’
This realization left Dang Ho-ryong considerably disconcerted.
He had heard that the man before him was not yet forty years of age.
His cousin, by contrast, was not only his senior in years but also wielded considerable standing in the Martial World.
He had accumulated countless military achievements during the Righteous Demon War and had rebuilt his fallen clan into an even stronger foundation as its iron-willed patriarch.
Man Dok-su the Poison Asura—Dang Sa-dok.
Dang Ho-ryong, acting patriarch of the Sichuan Tang Sect, sighed inwardly as he thought of his cousin, who had yet to regain consciousness.
‘Please awaken soon and lead us once more, patriarch.’
Dang Ho-ryong was born a warrior.
Though he took pride in his mastery of poison and assassination techniques, leading a clan was an entirely different matter.
Especially of late, he had been so overwhelmed by pressing matters from all directions that he scarcely had time to dwell upon his grief and rage over the loss of his kinsmen.
‘How much better it would have been had someone like this man occupied my position instead.’
In that sense, Dang Ho-ryong found himself envying the man before him.
It was not merely a judgment based on first impressions—he had heard considerable rumors about this man.
Even if only half of what was said proved true, the man possessed the capacity to lead a great clan.
“Master Dang, is there perhaps something on my face?”
“Ah, it is nothing. I have simply been so preoccupied that I have committed a rudeness.”
At Dang Ho-ryong’s flustered apology, the man nodded with a solemn expression.
“Not at all. It is quite understandable, given the tragic circumstances you have endured.”
In truth, the damage inflicted upon the Sichuan Tang Sect defied even the word “tragic.”
Hundreds of household members had perished, and most of the sect’s grounds had been destroyed.
That the clan’s lineage had been preserved was small consolation, yet it would require an extraordinarily long time to restore its former glory.
“The righteous sects of Sichuan have come forward to offer their aid, yet I remain deeply concerned about what lies ahead.”
Had Dang Sa-dok been the patriarch, he would never have shown such weakness under any circumstance, but Dang Ho-ryong was different.
At his candid words, the man caressed his teacup with long fingers.
“I believe you understand well why I have come here.”
“I understand you came to investigate the Three Sects Blood Massacre.”
“To be precise, when I departed Hanan initially, it was to apprehend the assassin Hyung Soo, who murdered the late patriarch Dok Wang Dang Sa-dok and Gyeong Cheon Shin-ni. However, circumstances changed greatly along the way.”
“Indeed. Dark Heaven—those accursed demons have revealed their true nature.”
“Though there was precedent in Hanan, the fact that they dared strike so boldly, simultaneously assaulting three renowned great sects of renown throughout the realm, is evidence that war draws near.”
Small chaos begets greater chaos.
Yet the existence of Dark Heaven could no longer be concealed, nor was there reason to conceal it.
Seven days and nights had passed since that terrible day of the Three Sects Blood Massacre.
By now, rumors without feet would have traveled a thousand leagues, and countless messenger birds would be flying to every corner of the realm.
And war, not mere chaos, had forged unity.
“I hear the Orthodox Martial Arts World is consolidating in Hanan following the Shaolin Blood Massacre. Could it be that….”
“It is still merely a preparation phase. However, it is now a foregone conclusion.”
The man continued in a weighty voice.
“For that reason, I suggest—would it not be wise to head to Hanan?”
“Hanan, you say.”
“Yes. What you are thinking will soon come to pass.”
After a brief silence, Dang Ho-ryong finally spoke.
“I am grateful for the invitation to such a glorious gathering, but I cannot leave my post now. As you know, as acting family head, I must look after the members of the Main Residence….”
“Dang Ho-ryong.”
“Speak.”
“As you just said, you are the acting family head of the Tang Sect. Naturally, you cannot abandon your people and leave.”
“…!”
Only then did Dang Ho-ryong grasp the true meaning hidden within the man’s proposal, his mouth falling open.
It was something he had never dared to even contemplate.
“Are you saying… to relocate the Main Residence now?”
“Perhaps.”
The man’s transparent gaze, as if seeing straight through the human heart, turned toward Dang Ho-ryong.
“The Sword Saint spoke to me of such matters. He said that soon a war far greater than the Righteous Demon Great Battle would erupt.”
“The Sword Saint….”
Dang Ho-ryong swallowed hard.
This could not be the opinion of the Sword Saint alone.
The Shaolin Blood Massacre had awakened the fury and vigilance of countless Orthodox Martial Arts World practitioners, and the new Martial Alliance had already completed its preparations for emergence.
The entire Orthodox Martial Arts World was now bracing for the war that would soon arrive.
‘Can the Main Residence survive in such circumstances?’
The question that flashed through his mind in that instant made his heart sink.
The Sichuan Tang Sect had already suffered a blow unprecedented in the family’s history.
Moreover, both the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect had lost considerable military strength.
If enemies struck again, there would be no way to defend against them.
“Ahhh.”
A soft voice reached Dang Ho-ryong’s ear as he exhaled a sigh with a lost expression.
“Do you know why the Sichuan Tang Sect has endured for centuries?”
“That is…”
“It is because of the Tang Sect alone. Even if you remove the first two characters, that truth does not change.”
“…!”
“If you make the decision, the Orthodox Martial Arts World will aid the Tang Sect.”
Dang Ho-ryong, trembling and unable to speak further, finally managed to open his mouth.
“We have made many enemies over the years. There are those in the Nine Major Sects and One Alliance and the Five Great Families who view the Main Residence with displeasure. Will there truly be no problem?”
“All matters will proceed with absolute fairness and righteousness. Set your mind at ease and establish your new nest. Hanan, Shaanxi, or perhaps….”
A soft smile played at the man’s lips.
“Shanxi would be quite suitable.”
“Shanxi?”
“Simply tell me what you wish. I have plenty of land to spare.”
Dang Ho-ryong suddenly recalled a fact he had momentarily forgotten.
That the man before him was the Alliance Master who had unified the Shanxi Martial World, the greatest landowner and magnate of Shanxi Province.
“Thank you. Truly, thank you, Jin Dae-hyup!”
“Think nothing of it.”
It was the moment when Jin Wi-kyung, the Young Master of the Taewon Jin Family, respectfully yet with dignified bearing, returned the fist salute of the Acting Head of the Sichuan Tang Sect.
The door creaked open.
“I heard you called for me.”
Upon spotting a young man peeking through the crack in the pavilion door, Jin Wi-kyung let out a lion’s roar.
“Youngest brother!”
Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud, crash!
It was a charge reminiscent of an enraged bull.
Witnessing the reunion of the two brothers—whether it was an embrace or a collision, none could say—Dang Ho-ryong recalled one of the rumors about Jin Wi-kyung.
‘They say he becomes putty when it comes to his younger brothers.’
The Alliance Master who had unified the Shanxi Martial World and the greatest magnate of Shanxi Province had vanished without a trace, leaving only some reckless fool in his place.
‘Indeed, he’s still young, so he lacks the seasoning of experience. He cannot compare to Elder Brother, who is composed and clear-headed in all circumstances. Yes, that must be it.’
Dang Ho-ryong had no way of knowing about Mi-mi’s existence.
* * *
“Youngest brother!”
Jin Wi-kyung rushed forward, scattering tears, and swept me into his embrace.
Even with two years of experience in the Martial World under my belt, I had fully anticipated this kind of reaction given what I’d endured.
Crack!
…But I hadn’t anticipated this.
No, what was that sound of bones grinding? I found myself gasping as his embrace tightened around my entire body like an anaconda in the Amazon jungle.
In any case, I yielded willingly to his joy, but his reaction was the most violent yet.
“Wait, Elder Brother. Let go first, then we can talk.”
“Elder Brother? Didn’t I tell you to call me just ‘Brother’ instead of such stiff formality? You’ve changed, you really have!”
“Alright, alright, just let me go now.”
“You used to speak casually when you were young, so why are you using formal speech now? You’ve changed, you really have!”
“Let go, damn it.”
“Gasp, you never even cursed when you were at your worst! You’ve changed—!”
“Wow, this is exhausting.”
I wondered if his primary occupation was being a martial artist and his side job was being a Dementor.
Feeling as though my very soul was being drained away, I reached out my hand in desperation.
Whoosh, thud!
As Jin Wi-kyung’s massive frame crashed backward into the ground, a heavy sound reverberated through the air.
The middle-aged man of the Sichuan Tang Sect who had been watching let out a gasp of shock.
“It’s fine, really. We’re just playing around amongst ourselves.”
“Ah, but still….”
“Look. He’s standing up just fine.”
True to my words, Jin Wi-kyung rose to his feet without a care, tears of emotion glistening in his eyes.
“You’ve grown even stronger in that time. Truly our youngest.”
At his unchanging manner, I let out a quiet chuckle.
“You haven’t changed at all.”
“Haven’t changed? Do you know how much I’ve worried these past two months? I couldn’t sleep at night, lost my appetite—I’ve wasted away to skin and bones.”
I glanced at his robust, muscular frame and muttered.
“Your bones look rather well-fed to me.”
In any case, two months had already passed. Time truly flies.
I suddenly realized that my departure was drawing near.
Considering that ten days spent in one world consumed roughly an hour in the other….
‘About six hours have elapsed. The plane might be landing soon.’
The timing worked out well. I had accumulated fatigue crossing the great mountain that is the Western Heavenly Demon Lord.
I saw no need for lengthy pleasantries and cut straight to the point.
“When do we depart?”
“Our youngest, what hardships you must have endured… eh?”
Jin Wi-kyung, who had been fidgeting and examining my condition, froze.
“What did you just say?”
“You came to take me with you. And Sam-gwe as well.”
Jin Wi-kyung’s eyes widened in shock.
“How did you know that?”
A middle-aged man who appeared to be an important figure of the Sichuan Tang Sect also spoke up in surprise.
“Great Hero Jin. You didn’t come to investigate the full circumstances of this matter?”
“That is correct, but several of us in the investigation team, myself included, will be returning to Hanan. Just before arriving in Sichuan, I received orders to escort Sam-gwe, one of the principal culprits behind the Three Sects Blood Massacre.”
“Then regarding the matter of the Main Residence….”
“Of course it remains valid. However, it will be difficult for the Tang Sect to manage at this very moment.”
“Indeed. The Sect Leader is still in no condition to travel far. We must also seek consent from the other household members.”
“Yes. And….”
Jin Wi-kyung, who had been conversing quietly with the middle-aged man, sent me a discreet transmission.
– But how did you know?
– It’s easy to deceive. I just had a hunch based on the circumstances.
– Ah, our youngest. What great trials you must have overcome to sharpen your mind so!
– ….
Something feels off.
The truth is, I didn’t deduce it from circumstances. A Quest regarding Sam-gwe’s escort appeared, so I knew.
“So when do we depart?”
Jin Wi-kyung, who had just finished his conversation, opened his mouth to my question.
“Since you already knew, this makes things easier. The sooner the better. Are you prepared?”
“All I brought was a pair of testicles anyway. Just my body is enough.”
On top of that, there were two bundled masses wrapped in bandages.
Jin Wi-kyung nodded and opened his mouth.
“Great Hero Dang. Where is Sam-gwe?”
The middle-aged man called Great Hero Dang answered.
“We’ve bound his limbs and confined him under strict surveillance. Ever since his testicles were ruptured, he keeps trying to take his own life whenever an opportunity arises, so we must remain vigilant.”
“…I see.”
Even I would want to die in such a state.
In any case, the conditions for swift movement had been established.
Jin Wi-kyung, who had been contemplating something for a moment, answered decisively.
“Then half a shichen. We depart within half a shichen. Is that acceptable?”
“No problem.”
The moment he answered without hesitation, urgent footsteps and someone’s cry came from outside the pavilion.
“The Patriarch! The Patriarch has awakened!”
Jin Wi-kyung corrected himself in a lukewarm tone.
“One shichen. Let’s make it one shichen.”
“…Yes. That would be better.”
What a shame. I could have eaten the Man Dok-su Restoration Pill for free.

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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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