Murim Login - Chapter 351
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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 wait was nerve-wracking, and time seemed to crawl.
If I were one of the many young people in 21st-century Korea, I might have become half-insane by now.
After all, I had to endure ten days in this dark, dreary underground prison without a smartphone or Wi-Fi.
But I had something those ordinary twenty-somethings didn’t have.
Martial arts.
*Ding.*
– You have successfully completed [Breathing Exercise]!
– Your [Inner Energy] has slightly increased!
“Whew.”
I slowly and deeply breathed, consolidating my internal energy.
While I was performing the breathing exercise, Cheongpung, who was supposed to be on guard, woke up from his sleep.
“Are you done?”
“Whew…”
“Benefactor?”
“…”
“Benefactor, are you sick?”
Why does this guy keep disrupting the flow?
If I didn’t answer, he’d keep asking, so I reluctantly replied.
“Don’t talk to me.”
“Why not?”
“You’ll cause energy loss.”
There’s a reason those muscle-heads keep talking about losing muscle gains. It’s not just about finishing the breathing exercise; you also need time to consolidate your energy and meditate to feel the lingering effects.
“Oh, sorry.”
“Why are you acting like you don’t know?”
Cheongpung scratched the back of his head as he answered.
“I didn’t know there was such a thing…”
“Wait, then what did you do until now?”
“I just got up and went out to play right after I finished.”
“From the beginning?”
“Yes.”
“…Didn’t Grandfather Maejonghak teach you?”
“Grandfather said that gathering a little at a time is still just a little. He said it’s more important to do what you want in that time because those things later lead to enlightenment.”
Is this some YOLO training method?
Hearing this, it’s clear that the Sword Saint Maejonghak is indeed an eccentric.
Wait a minute.
‘He has higher inner energy than me.’
Currently, my inner energy slightly exceeds a hundred years’ worth. This is exceptional even among my peers, and it’s at a level where you’d need significant support from a major sect to even come close. I only reached this level by surviving life-and-death situations and obtaining rare elixirs like the Fiery Divine Pill.
So how does he have more inner energy than me?
“You took some elixirs from the Hwasan Sect, didn’t you?”
Cheongpung’s official sponsor is none other than the Sword Saint and the Hwasan Sect. With their help, it wouldn’t be impossible.
But Cheongpung’s answer to my rational suspicion was simple.
“No. Grandfather dislikes it when people bring things.”
“Oh, right. Then how did you accumulate that much inner energy?”
After pondering, Cheongpung replied.
“It just accumulated.”
“Oh, I also often received Bone Washing and Marrow Cleansing when I was young. Hehe.” [1]
Why does he talk about Bone Washing and Marrow Cleansing like it’s washing his face?
I looked at Cheongpung, who was laughing sheepishly, in a daze.
‘This guy was born to be the protagonist.’
Born with genius and blessed with fortuitous encounters, everything comes naturally to him.
The phrase “it just happened” seems made for him.
“This dirty world.”
“Benefactor, what’s dirty?”
“Nothing, just something.”
“Okay.”
I already felt like a hundred sweet potatoes were weighing on my chest, and now I felt even more frustrated.
I was in a state that Murim people call “encountering a wall,” so I thought about asking Cheongpung for advice.
‘But it’s pointless to ask him.’
I sighed softly just then.
Rumbling.
“Huh?”
“Benefactor?”
A heavy scraping sound filled my ears. Seeing Cheongpung’s eyes widen as he looked over my shoulder, my heart sank, and my pulse quickened.
No way, it couldn’t be.
It’s only been ten days.
Turning my head slowly, I saw it.
The iron door at the far end of the hallway was opening slowly.
As two figures emerged, I asked in a trembling voice.
“How… did it go?”
There was no answer. But that was enough.
Shinyi and Mun-kyung, visibly exhausted, looked at me with bright smiles, enough to light up the dark underground prison.
* * *
“The treatment was successful. There were some tough moments, but we managed to get through them, and we finished the treatment faster than expected…”
Shinyi’s voice sounded distant. Only the first words, that the treatment was successful, echoed in my ears.
Yes, the treatment was successful. That was all I needed to hear.
‘Noya.’
Without realizing it, I squeezed Jeok Cheon-Gang’s hand tightly.
He still lay with his eyes closed, not yet conscious, but I could feel it.
‘His vitality has returned.’
Not only that, but during the ten days, Jeok Cheon-Gang’s appearance had changed significantly. The age spots had disappeared, his wrinkled skin was smooth, and his emaciated body had filled out.
He looked ten, no, twenty years younger.
“By any chance…”
Trailing off, I looked at Shinyi.
Understanding the question in my eyes, Shinyi smiled faintly.
“Unfortunately, it’s not a complete rejuvenation. However, the herbs and the thousand-year-old snow ginseng used in the treatment greatly benefited the Grandmaster.”
“I see.”
A mix of disappointment and joy washed over me.
It would have been great if he had taken this opportunity to reach an even higher state, but I realized I had momentarily harbored unrealistic expectations.
“You seem disappointed.”
“Oh, no.”
I quickly shook my head. These two had successfully completed a difficult treatment without complaint. It was rude to show disappointment.
“I just…”
“Haha, I wasn’t criticizing. How could I not understand your feelings for your master? Isn’t that right?”
“Of course. The Grandmaster is right.”
Mun-kyung, answering politely, turned to me.
“Grandmaster Jeok should regain consciousness within three days at most. The treatment just ended, so his energy needs time to settle. Don’t worry too much.”
“Within three days.”
“Yes. However, even after waking up, he should avoid strenuous activities for a while. Since he’s renowned in Murim, he’ll recover quickly.”
“Of course. He’s always been full of energy.”
I looked at Mun-kyung and cautiously asked.
“So, it’s really…”
Mun-kyung smiled and nodded.
“The balance of Yin and Yang is restored, and there is no trace of the invisible poison. The treatment is complete.”
“…Phew.”
I let out a breath I had been holding. The relief made me feel weightless, as if my entire body’s energy had drained away.
How long had I waited for this answer?
Collapsing weakly, Shinyi spoke teasingly.
“You must have really doubted this old quack, Jin Gongja.” [2]
“Oh, no, it’s not that I didn’t trust you. It’s just, you know, sometimes…”
“Cheong Sohyeop, do you know what I mean?” [3]
“I have no idea!”
“…Never mind. It’s my fault for asking you.”
Shinyi laughed heartily.
Looking at us with a fond expression as if watching his grandchildren play, he patted my shoulder.
“Everything is fine now. I’ll stay behind to monitor the patient’s recovery, so don’t worry anymore.”
“Huh?”
Seeing my face, Shinyi waved his hand hastily.
“No need to look so surprised. I’m just staying to make sure the patient wakes up smoothly.”
“Oh, thank goodness. You should have said that from the start.”
I thought there was more to worry about.
Smiling at the slightly embarrassed Shinyi, Mun-kyung spoke up.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I must leave now.”
“What? Already?”
“Yes. Lady Myeoryeong should be regaining consciousness around now, so I need to check on her.”
“But you must be tired. Why not rest a bit more?”
“No, I didn’t do much anyway. If I still have energy, it’s only right for someone younger to act. Don’t you think, Grandmaster?”
“You rascal!”
“Haha.”
Despite my concern, it seemed their discussion was already settled.
Watching Mun-kyung quickly pack up, I suddenly remembered something I had forgotten.
“Mun-kyung.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you. Truly.”
Mun-kyung, staring at me, smiled.
“That’s the highest compliment an acupuncturist can receive.”
* * *
“Master, the Sleeping Dragon of Shanxi seeks an audience.”
*Ssssssh.*
At the voice outside the door, a white snake retracted into a hidden pocket.
Disturbed during one of the few moments of peace he had during the day, Tang Sasuk frowned.
“Jin Taekyung, that kid?”
“Yes.”
“For what reason?”
“He says the treatment is complete. And…”
The guard’s voice trailed off in curiosity.
“He wants to borrow the item for a few more days.”
“Borrow the item?”
“Yes, he said so. He also requested to stay in the underground prison for a few more days.”
Tang Sasuk chuckled.
“What a daring fellow…”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing. Tell Jin Taekyung I grant his request and to keep monitoring him.”
“Yes, sir.”
Feeling the guard’s presence fade, Tang Sasuk drummed his fingers on the table.
He wasn’t a philanthropist or a hero who couldn’t overlook injustice. He lent the family treasure to Jin Taekyung through their deal, but kept a watchful eye on him.
‘I am the master of the great Tang Clan. I trust no one.’
An hour ago, even a young acupuncturist leaving the family grounds was thoroughly searched.
He was allowed to leave only because his identity was verified. A disciple of any lesser sect would not have been allowed a single step outside.
‘The Fire King’s treatment being complete is good news. Indeed, Shinyi lives up to his reputation.’
He knew from his late father that Jeok Cheon-Gang was an extremely prideful and eccentric old man. Such a strong-willed person would surely repay any debt or grudge.
‘You… you don’t have much time left.’
A green light flickered in Tang Sasuk’s eyes.
The criminal who killed his father and Gyeongcheonshinni was known to be a one-armed man. Such a feature was not common but not unheard of in Murim.
A crippled individual stood out everywhere.
‘Run. Run as far as you can. The Murim of Sichuan will hunt you down until the day your breath ceases.’
*Grit.*
Tang Sasuk quietly ground his teeth when—
“Uncle!”
A panicked shout opened the hall’s door wide. Tang Sasuk’s face twisted.
It wasn’t because of the sudden appearance of the guard leader but because of the martial artist standing next to him.
Covered in torn and bloodstained green robes, the words “Tang Clan” were embroidered on the chest.
“You…”
There was no mistake. It was a member of the Green Shadow Squad.
The Green Shadow Squad should not be here, looking like this.
Facing the rigid Tang Sasuk, the martial artist of the Green Shadow Squad shouted in a voice filled with blood.
“They’re coming! They’re coming!”
***
Footnotes:
[1] Bone Washing and Marrow Cleansing (벌모세수, 伐毛洗髓): These terms are common tropes in East Asian martial arts literature. “Bone Washing” and “Marrow Cleansing” refer to advanced, often mystical training techniques that purify the practitioner’s body, removing impurities and enhancing their martial arts abilities. These practices are typically reserved for highly talented individuals or those with special guidance from a master.
[2] Gongja (공자, 公子): This term translates to “Young Master” or “Noble Son.” It is a respectful way to address a young man of noble birth or high social standing. In this context, it is used to show respect towards Jin Taekyung.
[3] Sohyeop (소협, 少俠): This term translates to “Young Hero” or “Young Warrior.” It is a respectful title used in Korean martial arts literature to address a young, honorable martial artist who demonstrates bravery and skill. In this context, it is used to show respect towards Cheongpung.