Murim Login - Chapter 317
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I will re-publish the earlier chapters to fix those issues with the translation. I apologize in advance if it did not meet your standard. Please comment the chapters you find that is lacking in quality so I can fix them ASAP. Thanks for understanding!
Current re-published chapters (270 - 305)
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The sunlight glinted off her long eyelashes. Ju Hwa-Ran lay in bed for a while, staring at the ceiling.
Last night, she and the Yongbong Escort Agency finally reached Xian.
Heukseokchae, led by Cheonryeokbu, had been the last obstacle of this escort mission.
They passed through the bustling streets safely and settled in a secluded inn in Xian. The inn had warm beds, hot food, and bathing water waiting for them.
Ju Hwa-Ran had checked all the escort goods meticulously before collapsing into sleep.
“Finally, it’s almost over.”
This place is safe. No mountain bandits blocking the mountain paths, no raiders ambushing in groups. The main goal of this escort mission, delivering the Millennium Snow Ginseng to the Jongnam Sect, was almost complete.
The Yongbong Escort Agency would be duly rewarded for their efforts, and everyone would return home.
With thirty-three urns.
“Thirty-three…”
Ju Hwa-Ran’s eyes blinked weakly.
Thirty-three urns, thirty-three faces, memories of laughing and crying with them flashed before her eyes.
“This won’t do…”
Wiping her eyes with her sleeve, Ju Hwa-Ran slapped her cheeks hard. The sharp sound helped clear her mind a little.
“This is just the beginning. I need to stay sharp.”
The escort mission wasn’t over yet.
There were still three days until the deadline set by the Jongnam Sect, and within that time, she had to deliver the Millennium Snow Ginseng safely.
“And… it will mark a new beginning.”
Ju Hwa-Ran murmured softly, feeling around her chest. She pulled out a securely sealed wooden box, checked it, and put it back, fastening it with a strap.
Even from a distance, a refreshing fragrance wafted past her nose and disappeared.
The Millennium Snow Ginseng, a rare and coveted elixir in Murim, was inside the wooden box.
“Hold it together, Ju Hwa-Ran. Just one more step.”
Just as she was reassuring herself, she heard a familiar voice outside the door.
“Hwa-Ran, are you awake?”
Ju Hwa-Ran straightened her clothes and replied.
“Yes, Uncle Heo. You can come in.”
“Then, excuse me for a moment.”
A moment later, Chief Escort Heo Jun entered with a bright smile.
“We can return to the escort agency sooner than expected.”
“Does that mean…”
“The Jongnam Sect is waiting for us in Xian.”
“The Jongnam Sect?”
“Yes, and I heard that Taeulmu Jeonggeom came in person, haha.”
Unlike Heo Jun’s smiling face, Ju Hwa-Ran’s eyes darkened.
“The Jongnam Sect, and even Taeulmu Jeonggeom, personally in Xian?”
Ordinarily, she should be pleased that their return was expedited.
However, considering the arrogance and rudeness the Jongnam Sect had shown so far, a deep sense of unease crept up from within.
“Uncle Heo, doesn’t this seem strange to you?”
“Hm? Strange? What do you mean?”
“There are still three days left until the deadline.”
“Only three days left. Even at a leisurely pace, it only takes two days to get from Xian to the Jongnam Mountains.”
“Uncle often said that nothing in Murim happens by coincidence. Murim is a place where anything can happen.”
“Hwa-Ran, what are you trying to say?”
Seeing Heo Jun’s puzzled expression, Ju Hwa-Ran spoke heavily.
“So far, the Jongnam Sect has subtly been hostile towards our Yongbong Escort Agency. They probably wanted this escort mission to fail more than anyone. That’s why they set such difficult conditions.”
“But we accepted it and succeeded.”
The conditions set by the Jongnam Sect were harsh. So harsh that even other escort agency owners who were lured by the name of the Jongnam Sect gave up on the request.
Failure to deliver the Millennium Snow Ginseng within the stipulated time would result in the mission’s failure and an astronomical penalty.
But Ju Hwa-Ran decided to accept the request after much consideration.
For one reason only—to revive the Yongbong Escort Agency.
“And we paid a great price for it.”
Something that shouldn’t have happened did.
The information about the Millennium Snow Ginseng was leaked.
Ju Hwa-Ran was not a fool. She was just lacking experience, but she was a brilliant mind capable of considering all possibilities.
The doubts she had kept to herself were slowly taking shape. Ju Hwa-Ran spoke quietly.
“Maybe, just maybe, the Jongnam Sect…”
Heo Jun’s face hardened, cutting her off.
“That’s enough. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s too far-fetched. No, it’s dangerous.”
“But.”
“I know about the rumors regarding the Jongnam Sect. It’s true that they’ve been trying to suppress us to grow their own escort agency. But what you’re implying now… it’s dangerous speculation.”
“Uncle…”
“As your uncle and as the chief escort of Yongbong Escort Agency, I’m asking you. Don’t put yourself and the agency at risk.”
Even though they weren’t related by blood, Heo Jun had always treated her warmly since she was a child.
Seeing his determined face, Ju Hwa-Ran couldn’t continue her thoughts about the Jongnam Sect.
“Haa.”
With a small sigh, Heo Jun gently embraced her shoulders.
“Sorry if my words were harsh.”
“No, I think I was overreacting.”
“It’s understandable. The Jongnam Sect did something unexpected. Sending Taeulmu Jeonggeom instead of their sect leader or chief.”
One of the two senior brothers of the sect leader of the Jongnam Sect.
People remembered Taeulmu Jeonggeom because he was an unparalleled master, known as the best swordsman produced by the Jongnam Sect.
‘The Supreme Sword of Jongnam.’
An extraordinary swordsman, reputed to have mastered the ultimate sword art, the Thirty-Six Swords of Heaven.
Ju Hwa-Ran found it strange that such a figure had come in person.
“Why Taeulmu Jeonggeom specifically?”
“They must be in a hurry. The reason the Jongnam Sect spent a fortune to obtain the Millennium Snow Ginseng is to treat the internal injuries of the Furious Sword Saint. They must be desperate for their only senior brother.”
On the surface, it seemed reasonable.
But Ju Hwa-Ran clearly remembered what her father, Ju Ho-Gun, had said years ago.
“He’s a terrifying person.”
Her father, known as the Gentleman Sword, was a benevolent man. If he, who saw the good in people, said so, Taeulmu Jeonggeom must be as sharp as his sword skills.
“Let’s not let our guard down until the end.”
Gathering her thoughts, Ju Hwa-Ran asked Heo Jun.
“What about Song Pyo-Doo?”
“Well, about that…”
Heo Jun hesitated before answering.
“I had trustworthy escorts keep an eye on him day and night, but as you know, last night, everyone let their guard down…”
“He slipped away.”
“It’s my fault for not paying more attention.”
Seeing Heo Jun awkwardly avert his gaze, Ju Hwa-Ran sighed.
“Oh dear.”
Song Il-Som, whose origins were unclear and who had a poor reputation, was a key surveillance target.
Especially after meeting Jin Taekyung, suspicions about him had only grown.
I had emphasized the need to keep a close watch on him.
Heo Jun was a good person. He had been with Yongbong Escort Agency for over thirty years and was as close as a brother to Ju Ho-Gun.
But his occasional lapses led to both big and small mistakes.
“I can only hope this isn’t another one.”
What’s done is done. The Millennium Snow Ginseng was safely in her possession.
Ju Hwa-Ran hid her disappointment and asked.
“Where did the Jongnam Sect propose to meet?”
“They suggested meeting at Deungwang Pavilion on the western edge of Xian by noon.”
Deungwang Pavilion was a famous place that Ju Hwa-Ran occasionally visited.
It was a quiet place with many eyes around, making it perfect for concluding an escort mission.
“Prepare to leave in an hour.”
※
Baek Mu-Seong arrived at the Xian Inn just as we were packing.
“Are you really leaving right away?”
“I’d like to stay a few more days, but my schedule is tight.”
“That’s a pity. I wanted to invite you to our main sect.”
“I’ll visit on my way back. Show me around Hwasan then.”
“Ha-ha, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you have a proper tour.”
There it was again. The full-course comment.
I didn’t expect a full tour. I just hoped that next time we meet, we aren’t in the middle of a fight.
Then, as I watched Baek Mu-Seong laugh heartily, a thought crossed my mind.
‘Should I mention the Yongbong Escort Agency and the Jongnam Sect?’
I hesitated, and Baek Mu-Seong touched his face, asking.
“Is something on my face?”
“Jin Sohyeop?”
“No, it’s nothing. Just lost in thought for a moment.”
To hell with it.
Whether it’s the Jongnam Sect or the Yongbong Escort Agency, it’s none of my business.
Whatever disputes arise, they should resolve them among themselves.
My own problems are pressing enough without getting involved in theirs.
‘This is Murim.’
I muttered inwardly as I sat Jeok Cheon-Gang on the backpack. Then, I began placing furs one by one over him.
Even while doing this, I couldn’t stop thinking about Ju Hwa-Ran.
And that guy Song Il-Som, whom I only saw in passing.
‘He was a suspicious character. Reeked worse than Gung Gi-Bang.’
Knowing the relationship between the Yongbong Escort Agency and the Jongnam Sect made me curious about his true identity.
His level was 110. That’s strong enough to take down one of the Ten Dragons easily.
He looked like he was in his early to mid-thirties… Which sect could he be from?
‘Could he be an assassin sent by the Jongnam Sect? No, that’s too far-fetched.’
Was he just infatuated with Ju Hwa-Ran’s beauty and decided to stay?
If that were the case, he wouldn’t have a reason to hide his skills. Was it like a protagonist hiding his power to look cooler?
‘Ju Hwa-Ran. I didn’t talk to her much, but she seemed nice. Her speech was clear and straightforward.’
Her martial talent was remarkable, having mastered top-level martial arts at her age.
And also… also… yes. Her dimples when she smiled. Her eyes curved like crescent moons.
Thinking back, she had a cat-like appearance. I’ve always liked cats the most among animals.
“Hey, Captain?”
“Oh, yes?”
I turned to see Hyuk Mu-Jin looking at me with a strange expression.
Not just him, but Gung Gi-Bang, Cheong-Pung, and even Baek Mu-Seong were looking at me the same way.
“What’s with everyone staring at me?”
“Um. It’s just…”
Hyuk Mu-Jin pointed cautiously at the backpack.
“In my humble opinion, at this rate, Jeok Dae-Hyeop might suffocate.”
Shit.
I hurriedly threw off the pile of furs that had accumulated.
Jeok Cheon-Gang, who was barely breathing in his unconscious state, let out a faint breath.
“Oh, benefactor! Just like me!”
“You’re cursing at me, aren’t you?”
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean it that way…”
Ignoring Cheong-Pung’s quick change of tone, I carefully placed the furs back, making sure enough air could flow through.
“Alright, if we’re all set, let’s get going.”
We left the Xian Inn amidst their gracious hospitality.
Amid the bustling crowd in the busy streets of Xian, Baek Mu-Seong spoke up.
“I’d like to see you off, but I guess you wouldn’t allow it?”
“We’ll see each other again soon.”
“Ha-ha. I thought as much. Take care then. Farewell, Cheong-Pung Sasuk.”
“Goodbye, Baek Sajil!”
In a warm atmosphere, I felt a lingering discomfort as I turned to leave.
“Did you hear? The Taeulmu Jeonggeom from the Jongnam Sect is in Xian.”
“What? Taeulmu Jeonggeom? Why?”
“I don’t know. Someone saw him heading towards Deungwang Pavilion in the west. I heard he’s meeting with the Yongbong Escort Agency… but it’s not clear.”
The murmuring voices slowly faded away.
I asked Cheong-Pung.
“Cheong Sohyeop.”
“Yes, benefactor.”
“Have you ever drunk tea?”
“Yes! I have!”
“No, you haven’t.”
If I say so, it is so.