Chapter 274. The World of Justice and Chivalry. Murim (3)

“Arghhhh!”

“Aaaargh!”

Desperate screams echoed throughout the training ground.

To those who had barely mastered third-rate martial arts, Chun Yoosung, unleashing sword energy in torrents, was nothing short of a natural disaster.

As the situation took a strange turn, the remaining people’s target shifted.

“That monster! Forget about him and attack the others!”

At someone’s shout, the focus moved from Chun Yoosung to Jinhyuk.

Vwoooong!

Swords and spears aimed directly at Jinhyuk’s body.

Or at least, they tried to.

Clang!

A clear metallic sound rang out, stopping the blades just 10cm from Jinhyuk’s face.

“How dare you point your weapon at the lord?”

It was Wolyoung.

Thanks to his reliable subordinate standing by, Jinhyuk didn’t have to lift a finger.

“Who is this dandy boy? Are you going to fight in his place like a loyal dog?”

“D-dandy… boy?”

Flames flared in Wolyoung’s eyes.

Murderous intent.

It was the kind that promised death.

He could barely tolerate the disrespect shown towards Jinhyuk, who was like heaven to him. And now, they had insulted him directly.

This crossed the line—by miles.

For Wolyoung, who felt self-conscious about his delicate build and fine features, the humiliation was beyond measure.

[Wolyoung activates ‘Shadow’s Swift Kill’!]

“What are you going to do if you get ang—AAAAH!”

Thud! Thud!

Teeth flew like popcorn, and a thick mist of blood sprayed.

The man couldn’t even finish his sentence before Wolyoung closed the distance at blinding speed.

Front, back, left, and right.

He struck at the direction that caused imbalance before they could fall, keeping them standing.

…This was beyond human ability.

“How does someone with that build have such monstrous strength…”

“Monsters. They’re monsters.”

There was no comparison.

Wolyoung, beating down adults a head taller than him, was pure terror.

“Which mouth said that? Or was it this one? Here? Here? Come on, say something. Ah, you can’t speak now?”

Thud! Crash! Bam!

Wolyoung laughed wickedly as he mercilessly swung his fists.

Hmm…

‘He was so composed and dignified when we first met. How did he end up like this?’

He must have been influenced badly. The culprit was likely Chun Yoosung.

They say, “If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” I’ll have to keep him close by from now on.

“Damn! It’s all over. Go after that kid!”

“Y-yeah. We can handle at least that kid.”

“She can’t be strong too, right?”

Their last option was Alice.

Jinhyuk quietly shook his head.

“No, it would be wiser to just fight among yourselves and leave us alone…”

I don’t get why they keep targeting us like mad horses.

Even hyenas steer clear of lions, so why are these people dumber than animals?

But it was too late for warnings.

Having uttered the forbidden words, no one could stop Alice now.

“Hehehehe. I am not a kid. I am… I am not a kid, you sea squirts! Hey! Seriously, what part of me looks like a kid to you!”

The ‘kid’ was enraged.

Rumble!

The sky turned crimson due to the ‘Blood Lord.’

One by one, all the weapons on the ground began to float.

“What the…?”

“Is this ‘Telekinesis’?”

“How deep is her internal energy?”

Seeing such mastery of internal energy and telekinesis was mind-blowing when sword energy alone could make them foam at the mouth.

Now, survival took precedence over identity tokens.

“Run for your lives!”

“Help!”

“Eeek!”

The place turned into a hellish scene.

Everyone threw their coins and crawled out of the training ground.

“This sunset looks quite beautiful at this time.”

Jinhyuk nonchalantly moved to the edge of the training ground.

While he discreetly opened his subspace inventory and a black object slipped out, no one paid any attention.

“This can’t be. Taesonggwan. Am I seeing this right? Is this a dream?”

“I can’t believe it either, but… it’s no dream.”

Flies buzzed around the open mouths of Jongmuryang and Taesonggwan, but they couldn’t think of swatting them away.

Of course, they couldn’t.

What was happening in the training ground was far removed from reality.

Boom!

“Aaaargh!”

Martial artists being crushed with a single blow.

That much was expected.

It’s natural for some to fail the test.

The issue was that all this carnage was caused by just three people.

When the tall, sharp-looking man swung his sword, the terrain and objects were torn apart.

Sword energy.

And it was of a very high level.

The young man moving through shadows was no less impressive.

His high-speed movement reminded one of an elite assassin, difficult even for Jongmuryang to follow with his eyes.

To top it off, there was even a masked individual whose depth of internal energy was immeasurable.

‘Could I defeat any one of them if I fought?’

Jongmuryang swallowed hard.

Probably not.

Honestly, his chances of winning a life-or-death duel seemed less than 40%.

Especially, the masked individual was on another level.

But what truly terrified him wasn’t those three.

‘That guy…’

Jongmuryang’s gaze fixed on Jinhyuk, who stood calmly with his arms crossed.

‘He wasn’t weak.’

He seemed foolish with his yawning and careless laughing, but it was a mistake to underestimate him.

He was no mere escort or side character.

He wasn’t weak or lacking in internal energy.

Simply…

‘His level… was beyond sight.’

An area even he, the master of Unmukwan and a top expert of Kunlun, couldn’t discern.

How strong must he be, to command those three so effortlessly?

‘Transcendent… No, perhaps he’s broken through that wall.’

The thought made his whole body shiver and his scalp prickle.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

His heart raced like mad.

No matter the cost, they had to recruit him.

If they could bring in someone of his caliber, not only would the Kunlun sect leaders, but the entire Martial Alliance would remember his name and praise his contribution.

The decision didn’t take long.

“Stop!”

Jongmuryang jumped up from his seat.

“There’s no need to continue the test.”

“Indeed, you’re right, Master. What are you all doing? Escort our distinguished guests.”

Taesonggwan quickly gave the order.

“What about the injured?”

“Do we look like we care about whether they crawl away or not? Chase them out. We have important guests to attend to.”

“Yes, sir!”

The martial artists belonging to the academy followed orders immediately.

Given that Kunlun’s influence in resisting the Heavenly Demon Cult was stronger than even the imperial family’s, no one dared to object.

“Hurry up and get out. Don’t whine or you’ll get beaten up again.”

The martial artists nudged the injured with their staffs.

Ready to beat them senseless if necessary.

“W-wait a minute. I hurt my leg when I fell, I can’t walk properly…”

“Weren’t you supposed to be learning the Invincible Divine Fist?”

“Well, sometimes it’s invincible and sometimes it’s not…”

“Alright. Then I’ll beat you until it works. Push them all out!”

“Argh!”

“We’re going, we’re going!”

After several pitiful screams, the previously bustling training ground was completely empty.

Unmukwan’s hospitality turned 180 degrees.

In the inner quarters, they prepared Iron Goddess tea and various snacks with exquisite aromas.

Well, after demonstrating their skills, it was natural to be treated well.

“…”

“…”

As usual, Chun Yoosung and Wolyoung didn’t touch their tea.

“You’re not going to eat?”

“I don’t particularly like sweets.”

“I’m not so desperate as to eat what the righteous faction gives.”

“Really? These are quite good, you know. Pretty high-quality snacks.”

Jinhyuk shrugged and put a yakgwa in his mouth.

Anyone not eating this was missing out.

On the other hand, Alice devoured all the snacks and honey treats in the porcelain bowl, constantly exclaiming in delight.

“Mmm… this is delicious… this sweet taste… is to my liking. Prepare more in the future…”

She puffed her cheeks like a hamster.

“No one’s going to steal it, eat slowly.”

Doesn’t she realize that stuffing her mouth like that makes it hard to taste the food?

“And maintain some dignity while eating. You’re supposed to be a noble.”

“Huh?”

“Look, you’ve got sugar all over your mouth.”

Jinhyuk wiped the white sugar off Alice’s mouth.

“W-what are you…?”

Just as Alice’s voice began to sharpen.

Clunk!

Jongmuryang entered the room, holding yellow identity tokens.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. It took a while to find the higher-grade tokens as they’re not often used. Here, take one each.”

Jongmuryang handed out the four yellow tokens.

[You have acquired a yellow identity token!]

Type: First-Class

Description: This token proves your identity during your stay in Murim. It allows you to use local inns and restaurants at discounted rates and purchase weapons, herbs, and rare quests.

Duration: Valid for your stay in Murim (up to 90 days).

However.

Jinhyuk, holding the token, wore a peculiar smile.

Jongmuryang had handed out first-class tokens.

Not the special-class tokens.

“I believe there’s a higher grade of token above this, isn’t there?”

“Ah, you mean the special-class token. Actually, there’s something I need to discuss regarding that. According to the rules, to issue a special-class token, we need your consent. Haha.”

A sheepish laugh escaped as if caught in his scheme.

Jinhyuk sipped his tea, feigning ignorance.

Jongmuryang continued.

“It appears you’re unaffiliated. How about joining Kunlun? We’ll give you the special-class token and ensure you receive treatment befitting your skills.”

“Oh? Joining Kunlun?”

“Yes. This offer isn’t given to just anyone. Only those with proper lineage can join the Five Great Families and Nine Great Clans.”

“Wow. I never expected such an offer. I’m honored.”

“Haha, it’s all for the greater good. If we can expel the vile Demonic Cult, I’m willing to bend the rules.”

A sly smile crept onto Jongmuryang’s face.

“Understood. I’ll consider it positively. I do need a reliable backing.”

“Oho! A wise choice.”

Jongmuryang immediately produced another token from his sleeve.

A platinum ‘special-class’ token.

With the transaction complete, the atmosphere relaxed.

However, the warm mood didn’t last long.

Bang!

“Master!”

The door flew open with a loud bang, and a man rushed in, out of breath.

“What’s the commotion? I told you not to disturb us during this important meeting!”

“Sorry, but I have urgent news…”

Catching his breath, the man urgently reported.

“There’s been a theft in the treasure vault! All the pills and other items have been stolen…”

“What? The treasure vault? Surely… not that item too?”

“I’m afraid… that secret manuscript is also gone.”

“No way.”

Jongmuryang leaped to his feet in shock.

Even the seasoned master of Unmukwan couldn’t help but be astonished this time.

“Wow. A theft at such a time. Quite unfortunate.”

Jinhyuk clicked his tongue.

It was indeed unfortunate timing with the test and the distraction of recruiting new talents.

Whoever it was, they were thorough and ruthless.

Look at that. Smoke is even rising in the distance, indicating they set a fire too.

They’ll surely be struck by lightning.

“Yes, about joining Kunlun… I’m afraid that’s off the table. We were looking for a reliable backer, but a group whose headquarters gets robbed isn’t trustworthy.”

Jinhyuk firmly declined.

Of course, he didn’t forget to pocket the special-class token.

“Damn it! Who could it be? Is it the Heavenly Demon Cult?”

“Well…”

The reporting martial artist hesitantly added a clue.

“It looked like a young imugi that failed to become a dragon, screaming ‘Tweat’… but I couldn’t make sense of it…”

Hmm.

Time to make a swift exit.