Murim Login - Chapter 460

The weather was not ideal in many ways.

The waters of Dongting Lake, which had swallowed dozens of ships and lives the previous night, were turbulent, and the wind blowing from afar was fierce and unruly.

Even the seasoned boatman, who claimed to know Dongting Lake like the back of his hand, admitted that launching a boat in such conditions was a poor choice.

“I-I can’t do it.”

That was the first thing the boatman said, his reluctance evident from the start. His face was filled with unease as he continued.

“The places you noble ones wish to go are among the narrowest and most treacherous parts of Dongting Lake. In weather like this, it’s simply impossible.”

“That’s exactly why we’re asking you, Boatman. Large ships and military vessels can’t navigate there, but with a skilled boatman like you and a sturdy skiff, it should be possible.”

“No matter what you say, I…”

“Boatman?”

“Y-yes?”

“Please.”

A man, no matter his age, remains a man.

Hong Ran’s soft-spoken request, coupled with her radiant beauty, left the old boatman utterly dazed. It wasn’t until he boarded the skiff that he seemed to regain his senses.

“Ah, I must’ve gone mad. Taking the boat out after what happened last night… What if I run into the *Hidden Shadow Ghost*…”

Hidden Shadow Ghost?

The unfamiliar term caught my attention. Turning toward the boatman, I found him staring nervously at the rippling waters of Dongting Lake. His gaze met mine, trembling slightly.

He swallowed hard before explaining.

“That’s what we call it—a ghost-like being. Many boatmen have fallen victim to it recently. Even an old friend of mine, who went out at night hoping to earn a little extra money, never returned…”

The old boatman’s eyes, filled with dread, gazed into the dark waters.

“They say you die without ever seeing its shadow. That’s why we call it the Hidden Shadow Ghost. If you ask me, all the recent incidents must be its doing. It’s the work of that malicious spirit.”

Gong Gi-bang clicked his tongue, cutting in.

“A ghost, you say? Boatman, do you think I haven’t heard stories like this before? If every one of them were true, half the fish in the rivers would have human faces, and the mountains would be crawling with ancient white tigers and dragons.”

“This is no mere story! Such heinous events have angered the spirits of Dongting Lake. I’m telling you, it’s the truth!”

“Spirits now, on top of ghosts? Forget it. Let’s drop the subject.”

“Every boatman in Hubei knows about it…”

“Do I look like a boatman to you?”

“Well… no. You look more like the poorest of the poor.”

“…You’re not wrong, but somehow that stings.”

“P-please forgive me, noble one. This old man is only repeating what he’s heard.”

The boatman’s tone was filled with genuine remorse.

Having spent his entire life as a boatman in a world where folklore and superstition were often taken as fact, it wasn’t surprising that he firmly believed in the existence of the so-called Hidden Shadow Ghost.

‘It’s not entirely baseless, though.’

Hong Ran and Cheongpung seemed to have reached a similar conclusion, judging by their expressions.

Before I could say anything, both of them spoke simultaneously.

“Benefactor, do you think…”
“Benefactor, could the Hidden Shadow Ghost…”

“Stop. I know what you’re both about to say, so there’s no need to finish. And if you insist on calling me Benefactor, at least take turns. It’s confusing.”

Having more than one “Benefactor” parrot was exhausting.

Sometimes, moments like these made me feel like an extraordinary person.

But then again, Hong Ran had a valid reason to address me this way, given that I saved her life. As for Cheongpung? Was he planning to revere me for life just because I gave him a few sweets when he was hungry?

I sighed and said,

“Yes, the Hidden Shadow Ghost is likely Dongting Fisherman. Or it could be opportunistic bandits exploiting the chaos.”

“That’s exactly what I was going to say, Benefactor.”

Not wanting to be outdone, Hong Ran also nodded.

“Indeed, I share the same thoughts, Benefactor.”

“I said take turns!”

Regardless, the possibility of this being a natural accident seemed slim.

Listening to the boatman’s account, it was clear that the number of dead boatmen wasn’t insignificant. His next remark only added to the credibility of his claim.

“Now that I think about it, the areas where the boatmen disappeared are all in the same vicinity. Wait… isn’t that where you noble ones are heading?”

The boatman froze for a moment, then slowly lifted his head.

After glancing at each of us in turn, he placed the oar he’d been gripping onto the boat and stood up.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

The boatman gave an awkward smile.

“Uh… I just realized I need to relieve myself.”

“Mu-jin.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“The boatman needs to relieve himself.”

“Does he now?”

Hyeok Mu-jin, who towered over the boatman, stepped forward. The boatman’s eyes grew watery, like a calf being led to slaughter.

“Still need to go?”

At Hyeok Mu-jin’s deep voice, the boatman shook his head.

“…On second thought, I’m fine.”

“That’s good. Don’t worry too much. We’ll make sure you’re safe.”

I felt a pang of guilt for forcing an old man into such a situation, but having a skilled guide was essential for reaching Dongting Fisherman’s hideout.

The narrow waterways we needed to navigate were impossible for large ships, making our skiff the only viable option.

If Dongting Fisherman decided to engage us in combat, involving the authorities would only lead to needless sacrifices.

The best strategy was for the officials to block the escape routes along Dongting Lake and the Yangtze River while I, along with a small elite team, pursued and either captured or eliminated Dongting Fisherman.

Preventing further loss of life was equally crucial.

Having resolved my thoughts, I spoke abruptly,

“Mu-jin, Gi-bang, Lady Hong, you three…”

“No.”

“Who’s barking like a dog now?”

“I will add what little strength I have.”

Their swift retorts left me momentarily speechless. Hyeok Mu-jin and Gong Gi-bang both clicked their tongues, as if they had anticipated my reaction.

“It’s obvious.”
“We can see exactly where this is going.”

“How could we possibly turn back after coming this far? We’re men, after all.”

“I’m the same. As a proud member of the Beggars’ Sect, I refuse to let fear get the better of me.”

“Captain always tells us to retreat whenever there’s the slightest hint of danger. Honestly, it’s just so predictable—Captain’s quirk.”

“He’s surprisingly soft-hearted.”

“But, Gong So-hyeop, why do you keep repeating everything I say? It’s getting on my nerves.”

“This damned beggar… Are you trying to pick a fight after being fine a second ago? Is your courage swelling beyond reason?”

“Beggar’s quirk. Not only does he scavenge for food in inns, but he also steals lines from others.”

“…Seriously, I’ve never seen a dog worse than this.”

“Anyway, no matter what Captain says, I’m going with you. A fortune teller once told me that I’d live to a hundred and enjoy wealth and prosperity. I’m not dying today.”

As I looked at Hyeok Mu-jin’s confident expression in disbelief, Gong Gi-bang shook his head and sighed.

“Fine. Let’s leave it at that. And just so you know, I feel the same way. Don’t even think about leaving me behind. I carry the pride of the Beggars’ Sect. While I may not match you or Cheong So-hyeop, I can handle myself just fine.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat.

To be fair, neither of them were amateurs.

Hyeok Mu-jin, despite starting his martial training late, had grown rapidly while surviving numerous crises by my side. Gong Gi-bang, on the other hand, was an exceptional talent who had reached an advanced level of mastery befitting his role as a Beggars’ Sect enforcer.

‘But I’m still scared.’

The fear of losing someone close to me… It felt like that day from the past might repeat itself.

As I hesitated, Cheongpung broke the silence.

“Benefactor, if you’re going, I’ll follow you to the ends of hell.”

“Cheong So-hyeop…”

“Don’t tell me not to go. I’m a man and a martial artist, too.”

“Cheong So-hyeop…”

Cheongpung gave me a faint smile and shook his head.

“Benefactor, you don’t have to say anything. Just trust us as much as we trust you.”

“That’s not what I was going to say. You’re coming along regardless, so why bother…”

“Ah, well…”

“Just sit down and stop talking nonsense. Don’t ruin the mood.”

“…Understood, Benefactor.”

Watching his dejected expression, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Turning to Hyeok Mu-jin and Gong Gi-bang, I gave a firm nod.

“Remember one thing: no matter the situation, follow my orders. Even if I tell you to abandon me and flee.”

“Captain, that’s…”

Before Hyeok Mu-jin could finish, Gong Gi-bang jabbed him in the ribs.

“Of course, we’ll follow. Isn’t that right, Hyeok?”

“Yes? Ah, yes.”

It was a transparent pretense, but I let it slide.

I resolved to do everything in my power to ensure such a situation never arose and to get them out of harm’s way if danger came too close.

But the last person to address was the most complicated.

“You already know what I’m going to say, don’t you?”

Hong Ran’s crimson lips curved into a faint smile.

“You’ll need someone to guide you precisely.”

“We’ll manage. With the boatman’s skill and knowledge, we won’t lose our way.”

“What if an unexpected situation arises?”

“We’ll handle it.”

“Even though I may not match you or the others, I’ve reached the level of an expert…”

“I know. I also know that this so-called expert was submerged in the lake for hours, clinging to a man’s body, and only regained consciousness half an hour ago.”

Her face tightened as she bit her lip.

No one understood better than she did the difference between simply moving about and fighting for one’s life in a deadly battle.

“So I’ll watch once again. As always.”

“Once again?”

“Yes. Long ago, last night, and now…”

Reading the questions in my eyes, Hong Ran offered a faint, bittersweet smile—the most melancholic I had ever seen.

“A girl who lost her family and home in a single day… It took a long time and many struggles to become the person standing here today.”

“I see…”

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. Then, without warning, she extended a hand.

Her slender fingers brushed against my disheveled hair and grazed my neck. I flinched instinctively at her touch.

“Hong Ran, what are you…”

“All done. Much better now. Take a look.”

Following her fingers, I glanced at the surface of the clear lake.

Reflected in the water was my own image, my hair neatly arranged and held in place with a beautiful silver hairpin.

When I looked up, I saw Hong Ran smiling softly.

“Benefactor, or should I say, Jin Dae-hyeop…”

Her untied hair fluttered in the breeze, shimmering like flowing silk. It swayed, danced, and sparkled in the light.

“May fortune be with you.”

Her gentle voice drifted away as she turned and walked off.

As the boatman’s oar pushed against the water, the skiff moved steadily forward.