Murim Login - Chapter 334
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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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Time flows like a river.
It may be a common and old metaphor, but for me, the three days on the swift ship felt exactly like that.
“Thanks to it, we’ve saved a lot of time.”
As the name suggested, the members of the Jianggang Shuiro Alliance, including Wusong and the Shui Long Cai’s water bandits, were all excellent sailors. They knew the lower reaches of the Yangtze River like the back of their hands.
“We’re almost there, elder.”
I murmured while looking at Jeok Cheon-Gang’s wrinkled face. Although it had only been a few weeks, his already frail and thin body was gradually weakening. Each time I used the True Energy Technique to boost his energy, it became more apparent.
“Recovery is impossible. At this point, the best we can do is delay the inevitable.”
The only reason he could hold on was due to his profound martial arts skills. And the only hope lay in a person with divine-level medical skills.
‘The Divine Healer.’
A mysterious figure whose face, name, age, and even gender were uncertain. The first mention of this person was about forty years ago, so they must be at least over sixty now.
‘I will find and awaken you.’
So please wait a little longer. As I added this in a voice so low that no one could hear, I noticed a light presence approaching, followed by murmuring conversations drifting through the cabin door.
“Stop, stop, stop. If you move, I’ll cut you.”
“Ugh, don’t cut me! You know who I am.”
“I do. But I can’t let even a mouse past me. You could be an assassin.”
“Calling a physician an assassin, how absurd!”
“Then why are you here?”
“Wusong asked me to deliver a message.”
“Impossible. No one can pass beyond Jeong Ryongdae Deputy Leader Hyeok Moojin without his permission…”
Bang! Thud!
Moojin’s body fell with a thud against the door, making Mun Kyung gape in astonishment.
“He’s dead.”
“No, he’s not.”
“But still, that kind of impact on his head…”
“Enough. What message did Wusong send?”
The frightened boy, looking back and forth between me and Moojin, opened his mouth.
“He said we’re almost there and to be prepared.”
“Oh, got it. Pack up your things.”
“I’m already packed.”
Mun Kyung’s belongings were simple. He pulled out acupuncture needles from his small bundle and, after checking Moojin’s condition, let out a sigh of relief.
“Fortunately, there’s no tear.”
“Hard-headed, I guess.”
“Martial artists, indeed…”
“Hey, watch your mouth.”
“Ah, my mistake!”
Seeing Mun Kyung flinch as I made a gesture as if to flick his forehead, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Just kidding.”
“You scared me.”
Traveling non-stop on the swift ship was unexpectedly quite a hardship. Whenever I finished meditating on my martial arts, I would wander the deck to get some fresh air, and every time I did, I saw Mun Kyung.
‘He was always checking on the others’ conditions.’
A good kid. And apparently quite skilled, as even the initially skeptical bandits approached him shyly for treatment.
‘From our few conversations, he seems to have a bright personality too.’
Despite his composed first impression, Mun Kyung had a lively, boyish side. He became interested in the martial world after hearing about our group and often asked questions.
‘You are the disciple of Fire King Jeok Cheon-Gang? Wow!’
‘I’ve heard of Sword Saint Ma Jeonghak’s fame. Young Lord Cheong is amazing too.’
‘Wow! The Beggars’ Sect!’
‘The Deputy Leader of the Jeong Ryongdae? Oh, I see…’
In those three short days, Mun Kyung naturally integrated into our group.
‘This will be the last time we’ll talk like this.’
Once we arrive at Chengdu, our paths will naturally diverge. I grabbed Mun Kyung’s shoulder, who was peeking over my shoulder.
“Ouch, that hurts!”
“What are you so curious about?”
“Nothing, I just thought I saw someone’s foot through the crack in the door.”
This kid’s eyesight is sharp. I quickly covered it with leather, but he managed to catch a glimpse.
However, I replied casually without showing any surprise.
“You’re mistaken.”
“No, I don’t think so…”
“Mun Kyung.”
“Yes?”
“Do you really want to see what’s inside?”
Startled by my ominous tone, the boy stepped back.
“Why, why are you doing this?”
“I asked if you want to see it.”
“No, no! I don’t want to see it.”
“Why not? Come in and take a look. It will be fun.”
“Eek!”
Stumbling back, Mun Kyung stepped on Moojin and fell. Moojin, who had been stepped on, also woke up groggily.
“Huh? I was just talking to Mun Kyung a moment ago…”
Looking around in confusion, his face stiffened with shock.
“To not even see the attack coming, it must be an assassin at the peak of their skill!”
Smack!
“Ow! Why are you hitting me!”
“Stop spouting nonsense and pack your things. We’re almost there.”
After giving Moojin a good smack on the back of his head, I went back to the cabin, carried Jeok Cheon-Gang on my back, and came out on deck. The swift ship, gradually slowing down, was being navigated by a giant man at the stern.
“Hey, junior.”
“Yes, senior.”
“…It feels like your way of speaking has gotten shorter. Must be my imagination.”
“It’s entirely your imagination. I naturally have a soft voice.”
Looking at me with a puzzled expression, Wusong called out to his subordinate nearby.
“Lower the blue flag and raise the white flag.”
“Yes, boss.”
It might seem like a game of flag signals, but it’s actually a signal method used by the Shui Long Cai. It means they won’t cause any trouble.
“It might be a rude question, but is it really okay for water bandits to approach a busy area like this?”
“It is a rude question, but I’ll answer it. Yes, it is.”
“How so?”
“Do you see that?”
Wusong pointed to the approaching dock. Wooden buildings stood tall and close together, and the common people, either glancing at the approaching swift ship or looking on with curiosity, were passing by.
Although it’s quite far on the outskirts, Chengdu is the capital and central city of Sichuan Province. Yet, the people’s reactions were just that.
“What do you think? Doesn’t everyone look used to it?”
“Indeed, they don’t seem to care much.”
“It wasn’t always like this. Thanks to that bastard Hwang Taegu and his misdeeds before I took over.”
Grinding his teeth, he continued.
“I had to work hard to change that perception. Now, even the officials turn a blind eye to some extent.”
“The officials? You mean the imperial officials?”
“Yes. They must have found it difficult to deal with us too. Formally requesting a fleet from the court is a burden, and constantly being on edge would be tiring for both sides. So, we reached a compromise.”
“A compromise…”
“I’m different from Hwang Taegu. Killing powerless commoners every time is a fool’s act. It would be like killing our own customers.”
“Oh, of course, not because you hesitate to kill, but for the money.”
Not very convincing.
No matter how you look at it, Wusong’s reason for not killing people seems entirely financial.
‘A bandit obsessed with money.’
It’s undeniable that Wusong has a knack for extortion.
In any case, unlike Hwang Taegu, who would rob and kill indiscriminately, Wusong, a moderate, negotiated with the authorities and showed considerable skill.
“We’ve expanded our range of activities, and the officials have fewer complaints about people being killed by bandits. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Still, did they really allow you to come this far?”
“Not officially, of course. Ah, here they come.”
At the end of his gaze, a massive warship equipped with cannons was approaching. As we got closer, a middle-aged man in armor popped his head out from the stern.
“Who’s there?”
“General, it’s me! I’ve come to drop off a few people.”
“People? Who are they?”
“My juniors. I personally vouch for their identities.”
A bandit leader’s guarantee? Sure, that will work.
Just then, the official shouted energetically.
“Very well!”
…It works.
At that moment, Wusong suddenly took something out of his pocket and threw it with all his might.
“Catch!”
The official, catching the bundle flying in a long arc, grinned.
“You don’t have to do this every time. Thank you. I’ll buy you a drink next time.”
“Sure, let’s do that. How’s the lord doing?”
“He had a son nine days ago.”
“Oh, what a happy event. I’ll definitely be there for the first birthday.”
“Of course. The lord will be pleased.”
“Then take care.”
“Safe travels, chieftain!”
…Damn, this country is a mess.
After wrapping up their warm conversation, the warship turned back, and the swift ship slowly moved to the dock.
“No need to drop the anchor, right?”
“Huh? Oh, yes.”
“Are you shocked? That’s how the world works. Anyway, now you look like your age.”
Well, considering that worse things happen in reality, what’s the problem?
I bowed my head and cupped my fists toward the heartily laughing Wusong.
“Thank you for your help. Thanks to you, we arrived comfortably
.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m Wusong, the fire-eater of the ship!”
“Oh, indeed, the best senior! You’ve turned the Yangtze upside down!”
“Hahaha!”
I smiled as I followed Wusong’s hearty laughter.
“Then, I’ll ask for your help when we return too.”
“Wha…?”
With a trembling gaze, Wusong looked at me and opened his mouth.
“I’ll send my subordinates…”
“Thank you!”
Yangtze taxi, sweet deal.
* * *
Does the swift ship look faster than usual, or is it just my imagination?
I looked at the ship cutting through the water as if escaping from a sea monster and then turned around. There stood the Bermuda Triangle and the smiling young physician.
“Thanks to you, we got here quickly. Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me. The ones who rowed and steered the ship were others. I don’t know where you’re headed or why, but stay healthy.”
Although it was only a few days, wasn’t this a pretty good connection?
Usually innocent yet deep inside, the boy had endured the pain of losing his parents at a young age. I admired his resilience.
I sincerely hoped he would become a great physician.
“I don’t have much to give. Take this as travel money.”
When I handed him a few silver coins, Mun Kyung looked at me with a surprised face.
“Y-Young Lord. This is…”
“Think of it as pocket money from an older brother.”
“But the amount is too large.”
“Then pay me back later. When you become a physician that rivals even Hua Tuo or the Divine Healer, come find me at the Taewon family.”
“The Divine Healer…?”
“Yes, aim to be the best.”
With eyes blinking, Mun Kyung looked at the silver coins in his hand and then at me, a faint smile forming on his lips.
“Yes. I will definitely do that.”
“Good. Farewell. Stay well.”
After exchanging farewells, the Bermuda Triangle and I turned around. The still sea-sick Hyeok Moojin quietly followed me and spoke up.
“Leader, I’m tired. Can we rest for half a day before moving on?”
“No, we can’t. Just half a day’s journey left. Rest when we arrive.”
“It takes using a light step technique to travel that far in half a day. And the Sichuan Tang Clan is said to be very intimidating… Even breathing will be difficult.”
“Then don’t rest. Die.”
“Is that something you should say to your right-hand man?”
“What did you say? I couldn’t hear clearly, it’s like my left pinky finger is talking.”
Just then, Mun Kyung, who had been looking at us with starry eyes, cautiously spoke up.
“Um, are you heading to the Sichuan Tang Clan?”
Turning my head slowly, I saw Mun Kyung standing there, eyes sparkling like stars.
“Actually, I was on my way to the Sichuan Tang Clan too. If I could accompany you, I would be eternally grateful and never forget this grace even in life and death…”
“Enough. Just follow us quietly.”
Damn, it’s the Bermuda Square now.