Murim Login - Chapter 490

“Did you finish your conversation?”

The Taoists of the Wudang Sect returned precisely after one meal’s time, just as they had said earlier. I still had many questions I wanted to ask, and I wanted to move to another spot to continue the discussion, but Moon Kyung had a different opinion.

“The conversation is over. You can leave now.”

“…Pardon? It’s over? Without even telling me what kind of training this is?”

“You’ll naturally find out tomorrow.”

“Midnight is approaching; can’t you just tell me directly to clear things up?”

“The night is deep. Do not forget, everything begins tomorrow.”

“Wait a second, excuse me—”

“Excuse me?”

‘Swish.’

I glanced alternately at the small sword peeking from Moon Kyung’s sleeve and the man himself, then pointed into the darkness with a stiff expression.

“Excuse me. You need to head that way.”

“Just keep walking straight and then take a right turn.”

“…I feel like that’s not what you meant to say.”

“I thought you might not know, so I mentioned it just in case. Hehe.”

“I know already, so shut up and get lost.”

“Yes, sir. Then, have a peaceful night.”

After confirming that Moon Kyung’s figure had completely disappeared from sight, I muttered softly to myself.

“Damn it… Just when I thought I was getting used to the way things work in Shanxi under Jeok Cheon-Gang, now I have to start worrying about Moon Kyung’s temper as well.”

The thought of the hardships that lay ahead made my vision go dark.

‘Honestly, I’d rather deal with Jeok Cheon-Gang.’

At least when it came to training, Jeok Cheon-Gang clearly explained what kind of practice we were going to do. Despite his fiery temperament, there was at least some kind of curriculum.

“But what’s with this training that they won’t even tell me about?”

The reason I was so curious was simple: there was no information provided for the quest I had accepted impulsively.

‘Open Quest Window.’

‘Ding!’

[Fake Martial Artist]
Moon Kyung, who senses the approaching storm of war that will soon engulf the world, has decided after much deliberation to personally train you.
However, as with all things, preparation is key. Before teaching you his unique martial arts, Moon Kyung will test you in various ways.
The duration of this first test depends entirely on you.

Restriction: Jin Taekyung
Objective: Gain [Moon Kyung]’s approval
Reward: ???
Failure: ???

Even after checking the quest window multiple times, the information remained the same.

Compared to the training quests I had during my time at Guwha Mountain, where the tasks were clearly outlined, this felt like chasing clouds.

“Gaining Moon Kyung’s approval, huh.”

At this rate, I’d rather run around with iron weights tied all over my body. At least there’d be a set goal and progress indicators.

But this? It’s like being sentenced to some vague punishment akin to offending someone’s sensibilities. It basically meant rolling around until the other party felt satisfied.

‘I have a feeling this will take a long time.’

Though I didn’t know what kind of training Moon Kyung had in mind, it was obvious that gaining his approval wouldn’t be easy.

Looking at it objectively, it’d be strange if it were easy.

‘It’s going to be tough, but I’ll endure it.’

After all, the person I was dealing with wasn’t just any martial artist but one of the most renowned peak-level masters in the world, the Killing Star himself.

Being personally taught his unique martial arts was a miraculous opportunity in itself.

Come to think of it, I had already stumbled upon two such rare opportunities.

The first, of course, was the system. The second…

Jeok Cheon-Gang.

‘You can’t leave him out of the picture.’

Had I not met Jeok Cheon-Gang and learned the secret martial arts passed down through the generations of the Yeolhwa Sect, I wouldn’t have reached my current strength and position, even with the system.

As my thoughts spiraled into a chain of reflections, Jeok Cheon-Gang’s face suddenly came to mind.

‘I should probably go see him.’

Of course, Jeok Cheon-Gang and I weren’t formally bound as master and disciple.

But just because we didn’t call each other that didn’t mean our relationship was purely utilitarian.

A bond that didn’t need words.

Jeok Cheon-Gang and I were like a pair who privately acknowledged the terms “master” and “disciple” in our hearts.

Or maybe not. Now that I think about it, I’m not so sure anymore.

Perhaps Jeok Cheon-Gang had a different view, but either way, that’s how I saw it.

I could already guess how conflicted Jeok Cheon-Gang must have felt, lowering his pride to request this favor from Moon Kyung on my behalf.

‘He’s probably sulking somewhere on his own right about now.’

People might whisper about Jeok Cheon-Gang, calling him a cantankerous and temperamental old man, but the Jeok Cheon-Gang I knew had a soft heart.

Even when he grumbled or scolded, deep down, his care and concern for those he cherished were undeniable.

I glanced up at the bright moon and took a step forward.

‘I should find him quickly. There are plenty of people around, so it shouldn’t be too hard.’

But such naive optimism evaporated after barely one meal’s time.

“You haven’t seen him?”

“No, sir. I haven’t seen him at all.”

“If you’re lying…”

“Why would I lie to you, boss? I’d rather make something up than risk getting beaten to death.”

“How about Cheongpung? Have you seen him?”

“No. What’s going on? Is something wrong?”

“…It’s nothing. Just keep doing what you were doing.”

“Wait, if it’s nothing, do you want to check out Mimi? She ate ten blood fish and her belly is huge now!”

“Ah, right. That’s… impressive.”

Despite searching everywhere in this not-so-large area, I couldn’t figure out where Jeok Cheon-Gang had disappeared to.

I asked every person I met, but none of the answers were satisfactory.

“Hey, you over there. Come here.”

“No.”

“Looks like you haven’t been hit enough lately.”

“Damn it. I have my dignity too, you know. No matter how much of a master you are, if you call me over like a stray dog, what will the others think of me?”

“Two silvers.”

“You really think I’m some kind of beggar—”

“Ten silvers.”

‘Pop!’

“Ah, a friend’s call is something one cannot ignore. What’s the matter?”

“Our old… I mean, my master. Do you know where he is?”

“Jeok Cheon-Gang? No idea. I haven’t seen him even once since we got here.”

“Can you ask the other beggars for me?”

“Well, we’re all busy with our assigned tasks, but I’ll take a round and see if anyone knows anything.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Anything for a friend.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you.”

“…But what about the silver?”

“It’s postpaid. However, if you find the master’s location, I’ll double it.”

“Twelve, twenty silver! You miser!”

Despite his excitement, the beggar Gong Gi-bang, enslaved by capitalism, failed to locate Jeok Cheon-Gang.

After tossing him five silver coins, I wandered around to various locations, but the responses were always the same.

“Zhuge Gyun, have you seen my master?”

“Oh, you came at the perfect time. I’m testing my family’s formation techniques. If I make a few more adjustments, I think I can suppress the energy leaking from this gap—”

“Good for you. Best of luck.”

—

“Jin Daehyup! I’ve seen him!”

“Really? Where?”

“About two shichen [1] ago, near the waterfront, he was beating someone up like crazy.”

“…That someone was me.”

“Oh.”

—

“Jin Daehyup! Jin Daehyup!”

“You, the one raising your hand over there—where did you see him?”

“If you’re asking about Jeok Daehyup, I haven’t seen him.”

“…Then why?”

“Could you sign this for me? My child’s dream is to become a great martial artist like you, Jin Daehyup. If I could get your signature, I’d die happy…”

“…What’s your child’s name?”

“Zhuge So-pyeong. Please tell him to train hard in martial arts and not to be picky with food—especially green onions.”

“Wait, then can I get a signature too?”

“I was here first. Get in line!”

“You there, stop lining up! Everyone, step back! Don’t form a queue! Ugh, this is driving me nuts.”

—

After what felt like half a shichen of signing autographs for future martial artists like Zhuge So-pyeong, Chang-woo, Myo-ryeong, and Jin-soo, I finally returned to the temporary barracks. Midnight had already passed.

Drained from all the “inspirational” messages I’d written, I muttered to myself.

“…So, where on earth is Jeok Cheon-Gang?”

This wasn’t some vast plain in Liaodong. How could he disappear so suddenly?

It was clear he’d gone to great lengths to hide. Most likely, he’d anticipated my search and deliberately concealed himself.

‘Even though I’ll see him soon enough, the fact that he’s avoiding me this much means… he’s probably more troubled than I imagined.’

Sighing softly, I picked up the water jug on the wooden table in the corner of the barracks and drank deeply.

After talking all day, my throat felt parched.

‘But what’s with this water? Did they scoop it straight from the river? It’s kind of salty.’

Even though this was the Murim world, where environmental pollution didn’t exist, I couldn’t shake off the unease.

As I frowned and smacked my lips, a system notification suddenly popped up.

‘Beep!’

– [You have been poisoned with Strong Paralysis Acid.]
– [Strong Paralysis Acid] is a type of anesthetic that clouds the mind and immobilizes the body.
– You feel your consciousness fading!
– Your [Scorching Yang Energy] resists the poison!
– Take immediate action, or the abnormal status [Full Paralysis] will be activated!

‘What the hell?’

Ignoring my slowly paralyzing body, I stared blankly at the system window. A short memory flashed through my mind like lightning.

– “You’ll naturally find out tomorrow.”
– “It’s already close to midnight. Can’t you just tell me now?”
– “The night is deep. Remember, everything starts tomorrow.”

‘Moon Kyung, you bastard!’

Rage boiled inside me, my blood feeling like it was flowing backward. At the same time, the paralyzing poison coursing through my veins made my vision blur.

Gasping for breath, I quickly gathered my inner energy and shouted the command in my mind.

‘Open inventory! Summon!’

As soon as I thought it, a ring appeared on my finger. It was the [Mandokji Ring], which I usually kept in my inventory to avoid others’ attention. The ring shimmered faintly, scattering an unusual light.

‘Ding!’

– [You meet the usage conditions for the Mandokji Ring.]
– The special skill [Toxin Absorption] has been activated!
– [Strong Paralysis Acid] resists absorption!

I could feel it. Deep within my body, two opposing forces clashed with different intents.

But the [Mandokji Ring] was a sacred relic of the Sichuan Tang Clan, capable of even absorbing the shapeless poison that tormented Jeok Cheon-Gang before. Combined with the poison-countering energy of [Scorching Yang Energy], the venom quickly lost its strength.

‘Ding!’

– [Detoxification complete!]
– The poison [Strong Paralysis Acid] has been completely removed from your system!
– All abnormal statuses have been resolved!

“…Damn crazy old man.”

Letting out a long-held breath, I cursed softly.

To think he’d set such a trap the moment midnight struck. I hadn’t expected “everything starts tomorrow” to mean this.

‘Damn it. As expected of an assassin.’

At first, I’d thought it might be an ambush from the Dark Heaven.

Could this really be what Moon Kyung meant by making me a proper martial artist? Already drained from the day, my heart raced, and my legs felt weak. I sat heavily on the bed, letting out a deep sigh.

‘Thump!’

‘Beep!’

– [You have been poisoned with Strong Bewilderment Acid!]

“…Moon Kyung, you son of a—”

***
Footnote:

[1] A shichen (时辰) is a traditional Chinese unit of time. It represents a period of two hours in modern terms. The day is divided into 12 shichen, with each corresponding to a specific animal in the Chinese zodiac.