Murim Login - Chapter 452

Unlike the initial entry, the exit was not as difficult as expected.

This was partly due to the swirling currents of Cheonryeong Falls mainly flowing outward, but also thanks to the seasoned veterans within the Water Dragon Stronghold, who skillfully demonstrated their expertise in handling the ship.

“Turn to port!”

“Starboard side, hold your oars until the signal!”

“More, more, more… now!”

“Push!”

*Crash! Splash!*

“The ship is tipping!”

“We’re going under!”

“Help us!”

“…Ha, these lunatics.”

In retrospect, it was a challenging ordeal.

However, it wasn’t anything too problematic. Even without the powerful allies of Jeok Cheon-Gang and Moon Kyung, Cheongpung and I could handle most crises ourselves.

“The first time is hard, but the second time isn’t.”

It wasn’t just the sailors who had grown accustomed to Cheonryeong Falls’ fierce currents. I had prepared well in advance, delivering a forceful double palm strike.

*Boom!*

The swaying speedboat regained its balance. Now it was time to pick up speed and escape this treacherous whirlpool.

For this situation, I called out the name of the person stationed at the rear.

“Cheong Sohyeop, now’s your time!”

“Yeehaw!”

“Hey, you crazy fool! Stop hanging there and messing around!”

“Ah, sorry, Benefactor. I didn’t realize…”

“Just do it already!”

“Yes, sir!”

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

Although far from normal, Cheongpung’s skills were undeniable.

As dozens of palm shadows imbued with immense power tore through the air and slammed against the water’s surface, the increased thrust propelled the speedboat over Cheonryeong Falls’ whirlpool and safely landed it.

*Thud! Splash!*

A towering spray of water engulfed the ship. Drenched from head to toe, Gong Gi-bang and Hyeok Mu-jin muttered under their breath.

“Damn it, first it was debris, now it’s a deluge. What next?”

“I swear, once this is over, I’ll never set foot on the Yangtze River again. It’s like torture, every single day.”

“…Are you picking a fight with me?”

“No, I mean, honestly, it’s hell.”

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s hellish, but still annoying to hear.”

“Ugh, it’s just unbearable.”

“…Fine, stop it already.”

These guys never missed a chance to bicker.

Ignoring the squabble between the “dipping sauce” and “pouring sauce” faction of the sweet-and-sour pork debate, our ship successfully crossed Cheonryeong Falls and swiftly sailed across the Yangtze River.

Roughly three hours later, around midday, the speedboat docked at the pier in Zao Yang, having set out at dawn.

“The waterways don’t reach Longzhong Mountain, where the Zhuge Family is located, so you’ll need to proceed by land from here,” said the Water Dragon Stronghold’s deputy leader in place of Mu Song.

I nodded in agreement.

Although Hubei Province boasts highly developed water and land transportation, the tributaries of the Yangtze River don’t connect everywhere. After all, ships can’t travel where there’s no water.

“They’re not Vikings or something.”

Fortunately, wide and well-maintained official roads were available. Using carriages or martial movement techniques would get us there in no time.

Zao Yang and Longzhong Mountain were relatively close, so it wouldn’t take long.

The Zhuge Family’s servants, assigned to accompany us on Zhuge Pung’s orders, were also quick to act.

“I’ll send a message to the Zao Yang branch to prepare carriages immediately. There are relay stations along the official roads, so we can switch carriages and reach the main house quickly.”

“Sounds good.”

The Zhuge Family is a prominent sect in Hubei Province, rivaling the Wudang Sect.

Like how the Jin Family in Shanxi Province establishes branches to consolidate their territory, the Zhuge Family does the same, if not more.

It’s akin to a major brand setting up chain stores.

“At this rate, we’ll arrive within half a day.”

As I calculated the approximate travel time in my head, we stepped off the boat.

*Rustle.*

A disciplined group of individuals emerged, surrounding the pier.

Frowning, I fixed my gaze on the unwelcome visitors.

“And what’s this about?”

Around thirty martial artists appeared.

Each was equipped with premium Qinggang swords hanging from their waists and donned glossy blue silk uniforms that shimmered in the light. At the sight of them, Hyeok Mu-jin’s eyes widened.

“Those are…”

“What? Do you recognize them?”

“No, I’m just surprised by the silk uniforms.”

“What?”

“That’s Shu Brocade from Sichuan, renowned as the finest silk in the world. My father’s dream was to fill a warehouse with Shu Brocade. That’s how expensive and rare it is… and they’re wearing it as uniforms. Whoever hired them must be loaded.”

This guy is analyzing fabric quality instead of their identity.

As I stared at him incredulously, Gong Gi-bang clicked his tongue and chimed in.

“That guy’s more of a merchant than a martial artist. Don’t bother asking him; ask me instead.”

“I don’t need an elder; I can turn you into a cripple if you don’t spill quickly.”

“…They’re martial artists from the Blue Hero Hall. Now let go of your fist.”

“Blue Hero Hall? And what do they do?”

Gong Gi-bang, glancing nervously at my still-clenched fist, replied.

“They’re not an official sect but wield considerable influence in Hubei Province.”

“For such big shots, they look unimpressive.”

I glanced at the group lined up in the distance.

Despite their expensive silk uniforms and quality swords, that was about it.

Most of them didn’t even qualify as first-rate fighters, being second or third-rate swordsmen at best. Judging by their appearances, they seemed more focused on looks than martial skills.

“They’ve even got makeup on.”

At this point, they seemed less like martial artists and more like idols.

Was the global K-pop craze so influential that it even reached the Murim?

“Did you say their group name, or rather organization name, is Blue Hero Hall? And they’re popular in Hubei Province?”

“I heard they’re somewhat prominent.”

When it comes to actual combat, they look like they’d wet their pants immediately…

Could it be that martial sect rankings in Hubei Province are decided through popularity contests?

As I pondered this absurdity, a Zhuge Family servant spoke up.

“Blue Hero Hall is more like a social club.”

“A social club?”

“Yes, it’s a group formed by the offspring of influential figures from various parts of Hubei Province. They often roam around causing all sorts of trouble, but their powerful connections usually let them off the hook.”

“Ah, so it’s a rich kids’ club.”

“What did you say…?”

“Nothing important. So, we can just go on our way then.”

So, that’s all they were—a noisy, empty wagon dressed up in fancy trappings.

These types of pathetic groups exist everywhere. Losing all interest in Blue Hero Hall, I led the way forward.

“Which way to the Zao Yang branch?”

“From here, it’s less than a quarter of an hour. Just head to that main road you see over…”

The servant trailed off.

The reason was clear—a procession more luxurious than anything I’d ever seen was approaching from the main road.

“Make way for the heroes of Blue Hero Hall!” shouted a middle-aged man with a weasel-like mustache in a thin voice.

On either side of the procession, musicians played instruments, and beautiful women scattered flower petals into the air.

The main road was instantly enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

The commoners passing by watched the spectacle with a mixture of discontent and anticipation.

At the end of their countless gazes were ten men and women seated atop an opulent sedan chair engraved with dragons and phoenixes.

Radiating an air of privilege and leisure, they smiled condescendingly at the plainly dressed commoners below, tossing something from their hands.

*Clink, clink!*

It wasn’t concealed weapons—it was money. Shiny silver coins, each worth a hundred copper coins, glittered as they rained down.

It was then that I understood the source of the commoners’ anticipation.

“Wow!”

“Silver coins! It’s silver coins!”

“Jangpal, you damn bastard, how dare you try to snatch my coin! Take your hands off it this instant!”

“Are you blind? I touched it first!”

“You filthy dog…!”

Amidst the falling petals and silver coins, cheers and curses filled the air.

Women bit down on the coins in delight, while men fought tooth and nail over ownership, raising their voices before breaking into brawls.

Meanwhile, the young men and women on the sedan chair watched the scene and burst into laughter.

“Unbelievable chaos.”

It was a scene that made me shake my head in dismay.

The rich kids, throwing money and treating the people like a circus show, were pathetic. The commoners, fighting desperately over a single coin, were pitiful yet heartbreaking.

Not that it had anything to do with me.

“Forget about them. Let’s just get to…”

I stopped mid-sentence, blinking in surprise. What the…?

They were gone.

The people who had been beside me just moments ago were nowhere to be seen. Only the Zhuge Family servant stood awkwardly nearby.

“Hey, where did everyone go?”

The servant hesitated, then pointed in a direction.

“They’re over there.”

Turning my head, I was left speechless.

*Whoosh, whoosh!*

“Ah! No, stop!”

“My silver coin!”

Darting like a ghost through the crowd, snatching silver coins midair, was none other than… a beggar.

*Wanli Chasing Wind Technique?*

This crazy idiot is using a secret Beggar Sect technique for something like this?

Even more surprising was that he moved faster and more nimbly than I’d ever seen. This was the same person who used to complain about being stuck at five stars, yet his current performance was at least seven stars or higher.

*He’s bringing shame to the entire Beggar Sect.*

It’s one thing to be a beggar, but to embody it this completely…

But if we’re talking about people bringing shame to their groups, our own Jin Family’s dark horse wasn’t far behind.

“Haap!”

*Swish! Clang!*

Hyeok Mu-jin leapt into the air, slicing through the chaos with his sword. The silver coins caught in the arc of his powerful and graceful strike floated briefly in the air before landing neatly on the blade.

Beaming, he inspected his loot.

“Wow! Ten silver coins!”

This guy just signed himself up for ten slaps.

Swallowing the curse rising in my throat, I turned to find the last of our group.

“Where’s Cheongpung, that idiot?”

Unlike Gong Gi-bang and Hyeok Mu-jin, who were fully engrossed in grabbing silver coins, Cheongpung was nowhere to be seen.

However, knowing his tendencies, it didn’t take long to find him.

“I’ll take ten of those candies, please. Oh, oh! I’ll also have some of those pancakes. No, not the ones I just picked up—those bigger ones over there. Wow, thank you! By the way, do you know where the dumpling shop is?”

*Snap.*

I felt something snap in my mind as my eyes rolled back, and I bellowed.

“You bastards! What the hell are you doing?!”Chapter 452