ML Chapter 63

Creeeeak.

The man entered the inn around the hour of the Snake.

The old wooden door squeaked, but none of the patrons inside turned to look. Even the innkeeper and servers, who should have rushed to greet a customer, didn’t bother.

“So, so what happened next?”

“Stop keeping us in suspense and get on with it!”

Responding to the crowd’s enthusiastic reactions, the old man tapped his empty bowl.

Only after the innkeeper filled it to the brim with bamboo leaf wine did the old man—the storyteller—continue his tale.

“It was a fierce battle. Blood Wolf Sword Lee Cheon-baek brought something like thirty thousand men. Meanwhile, Taiyuan Jin Family only had three hundred elites.”

“Thirty thousand!”

“Good heavens, thirty thousand!”

“Is that even possible? The Hengshan Sword Sect isn’t one of the Nine Great Sects…”

The storyteller spat out his bamboo leaf wine mid-drink.

“Fuck this. This wine tastes like shit. I’m leaving—let that bastard talking about the Nine Great Sects finish the story.”

“Hey now. Why are you being like this?”

“Who said that just now!”

In the tense atmosphere, a young man was awkwardly pushed forward.

Only then did the storyteller lower his half-raised buttocks back down. Though his mood was soured, his boldness had increased proportionally. Everyone frowned as the storyteller continued tapping his empty bowl. Now they’d have to pay money, not just wine.

As people engaged in an invisible battle of avoiding eye contact, suddenly:

Ting.

“Huh?”

The storyteller’s drowsy eyes went wide. A silver tael had flown in from somewhere.

“Well, someone’s feeling generous.”

“Who was that?”

“Why are you looking at me? Want your wife to kill you?”

Then a voice spoke from behind the crowd.

“I’d like to hear more of the story.”

A quiet voice, but one carrying resonance.

It was the man who had entered the inn earlier. His face was hidden beneath a bamboo hat, and his windbreaker was covered in dust.

A martial artist.

Without anyone saying it aloud, everyone came to the same conclusion about the man’s identity.

The storyteller glanced between the silver tael and the man, swallowing hard.

“Thank you, great hero. If there’s anything specific you’d like to hear…”

In his experience, there was only a hair’s difference between thugs and martial artists. Though the storyteller had lived a long life, he didn’t want to die by the blade in a place like this.

Fortunately, the bamboo-hatted man fell into the latter category.

“Keep it simple. Just the facts.”

Though his voice revealed him to be a young punk, he was a young punk who’d learned martial arts. Not someone to treat carelessly.

The storyteller rubbed his palms together.

“I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“That battle you mentioned—was it from a few days ago?”

“Five days ago.”

“Who won?”

“The Taiyuan Jin Family wiped them out clean. I heard the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi played a huge part.”

“Then the Hengshan Sword Sect… wait, what did you just say?”

“Pardon?”

“Shanxi what?”

“Ah, you mean the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi?”

“Yes. That’s an alias I haven’t heard before.”

“That’s possible if you’re from out of town. Young Master Jin only recently rose to prominence.”

“You mean Young Master Jin Wi-gyeong, the Lesser Family Head?”

“Heavens, no! Though the Lesser Family Head is impressive, the one who showed the most outstanding performance this time was definitely Young Master Jin.”

“So this Young Master Jin… wait, is this Hidden Dragon of Shanxi somehow related to Third Young Master Jin Tae-kyung?”

“They’re the same person.”

The man who had been silent for a while snapped his fingers. A second silver tael landed perfectly in the storyteller’s bowl.

“I believe I asked for just the facts, simple and clear.”

“I swear on my balls it’s true.”

The man sighed at the storyteller’s resolute answer.

“Let’s say that’s true. What happened to the Hengshan Sword Sect?”

“They’re practically finished. Second Young Master Lee Sogun died long ago, and their leader Blood Wolf Sword Lee Cheon-baek fell in battle. Two days later, their heir, the First Young Master, died fighting bandits.”

“Bandits?”

“Those ballsy bastards invaded the Hengshan Sword Sect after hearing about Blood Wolf Sword’s death. Seems they’d been lurking nearby waiting for just that.”

“What a mess.”

“Total chaos. That’s bandits for you.”

The room fell dead silent.

People expected to see the generous martial artist embed a third silver tael in the storyteller’s forehead, but he simply stood up without a word.

“Thanks for the story.”

Even after the man left, the storyteller continued his tale. They drank endless rounds of wine, and the food kept coming.

They chattered endlessly about the power struggle between martial artists, victory and defeat, and the tale of a young hero who had risen like the morning star.

“It won’t be long before the Taiyuan Jin Family stands tall in the Central Plains, beyond Shanxi.”

“With their Lesser Family Head mastering both civil and martial arts, and now the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi making his mark. And… who else was there?”

“The Heavenly Jin Sword?”

“Ah right! Second Young Master Jin Mu-gyeong!”

“That young man is incredible too. They say he’s a martial arts genius that appears once every hundred years!”

“Where is he now? What’s he up to?”

“Who knows? Probably sleeping at this hour.”

Even as the drinking continued at the inn, the man quietly rode his horse.

Though his lips remained tightly sealed, his ears were wide open.

“Have you heard that story?”

“The Hidden Dragon of Shanxi again? My ears are bleeding, give it a rest.”

“But this is prime intel. I heard it from a guard at the Taiyuan Jin Family’s Watchtower.”

“What’s got you so worked up?”

“Ever heard of Thousand Strength?”

“The one from the Eighteen Green Forest Stronghold? That bandit who’s supposedly a master?”

“Yeah. Apparently, the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi took him down too!”

“Isn’t that just a rumor? Why would someone like Thousand Strength come all the way to Shanxi to play bandit?”

“Hell if I know. What’s even more shocking is that the King of Death’s Whip was there too.”

“Gasp! Even the King of Death’s Whip!”

“They say he was disguised as a coachman at the Crimson Flower Pavilion. Watch yourself if you’re heading there.”

Among the endless conversations, two terms kept coming up: Hidden Dragon of Shanxi and Jin Tae-kyung.

As he neared his destination, the rumors snowballed larger and larger.

The greatest beauty under heaven. A body blessed by the heavens. A righteous warrior who can’t stand injustice.

The bamboo-hatted man spurred his horse faster.

Just hearing “Hidden Dragon of Shanxi” made his stomach churn and head ache as if he’d suffered internal injuries.

He finally reached his destination the next morning.

It’s been a while.

The place he returned to after several years remained unchanged.

If anything had changed…

“Halt! I am Hyeok Mujin, Guard Captain of the great Taiyuan Jin Family of Shanxi, right-hand man to the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi! State your identity and purpose—”

It was that this apparently unwell fellow had become Guard Captain.

The bamboo-hatted man—Jin Mu-gyeong—let out a sigh.

“Shut up and open the gate.”

Whoosh.

The flow streams. Gently, yet unstoppably.

The internal energy flowing from his danjeon raced through hundreds of meridians before finally returning to its rightful place.

Ding.

-[Circulation] successfully completed.

-[Jin Family’s Cultivation Arts] has risen to 8 stars.

I opened my eyes at the system notification.

Eight stars, huh.

Though it’s certainly good news, I can’t help feeling slightly disappointed.

There was a different notification I’d been waiting for.

If only my internal energy would increase.

It’s been two months since I gained access to the system. Though circulation has become routine, my internal energy remains stagnant.

At this rate, it’ll take another 10 years.

The greatest advantage of the Jin Family’s Cultivation Arts I’ve learned is its stability. Unlike typical internal energy cultivation arts, it can be used even while moving.

The problem is…

The rate of energy accumulation is slow as fuck.

For a martial artist, lack of internal energy is a fatal weakness.

I might be able to handle First-Rate or Second-Rate opponents easily, but against a master, even two lives wouldn’t be enough.

I felt it clearly when experiencing the Grand Elder’s martial might this time.

That old man was incredible.

Even after five days, I can’t forget it.

No, it’s a sight I won’t forget even after 50 years.

The sword qi and sword energy that swept across the battlefield. And that impossible number: level 95.

How long could I have lasted one-on-one?

I doubt I could’ve lasted even a minute going all out.

But unexpected variables reversed the outcome, and I was able to drive my spear into his chest.

And the system didn’t forget to reward me.

“Status window open.”

Ding.

[Lv.50 Jin Tae-kyung]

• Class: First-Rate Martial Artist
• Fame: 1180 (+150)
• Titles: 3 (Title effects active)
• Strength: 135 (+15)
• Constitution: 142 (+15)
• Agility: 130 (+15)
• Intelligence: 25 (+15)
• Charm: 25 (+15)
• Inner Force: 15 years

Remaining Points: 100

• Distribute remaining points.
• Hidden Dragon of Shanxi (All abilities +10, Fame +100)
• Scion of a Noble House (All abilities +5, Fame +50)
• Duelist (Combat-related abilities +10% in one-on-one battles)

“Phew.”

Though I’ve checked my status window dozens of times over the past few days, it never gets old. This feeling of carbonation bubbling in my veins.

Fighting the Grand Elder was worth it.

The rewards matched the life-risking gamble.

I jumped up 13 levels at once, my fame entered triple digits, and my titles changed.

“Show titles.”

Ding.

[Hidden Dragon of Shanxi]

• Grade: Master
• Effect: All abilities +10, Fame +100
• Description: Your fame now spreads throughout Shanxi Province. However, the world is vast and masters are numerous. Never become complacent!

Though not yet national-level, it means I’m pretty hot shit in our local district of Shanxi Province…

So that’s why Hidden Dragon of Shanxi?

Like “Goyang City Sweet Fist” or “Incheon Blood Sea.” That kind of vibe.

Either way, it’s good for me. Along with the excellent Hidden Dragon of Shanxi title, the [Family’s Disgrace] that had been stuck to me like a tail until recently disappeared, making me feel as refreshed as pulling an aching tooth.

I’ve gotten stronger again.

Suddenly, I remembered my conversation with Team Leader Choi before returning to the martial world. He said we’d need to revise the contract next time he saw me.

He probably took it as empty boasting, but I made it reality.

I’ll return after becoming as strong as possible.

I’ll return after gaining all the power I can possibly obtain.

Internal energy, martial arts, abilities—whatever it is, I’ll take it all.

Next time I log out, I’ll make a triumphant return as at least a B-rank, no, an A-rank hunter…

“Huh?” Wait a minute.

I feel like I’m forgetting something really important right now.

What is it?

Just as I stopped everything to ponder this sense of déjà vu—

“Is it here?”

“Yes sir, without a doubt.”

Two voices murmuring outside the door. The moment I realized one belonged to Hyeok Mujin—

BANG!

The door was torn off with a thunderous crash.

I’m someone who values basic etiquette.

Trash goes in the trash can. Smoking in designated areas. Porn from Japan.

And knock before entering someone else’s room.

Especially those who barge into a man’s private room without knocking should be sentenced to life imprisonment.

“So you were here.”

In that sense, this bastard deserves the death penalty.

Life imprisonment for destroying the door. Additional punishment for speaking informally at first meeting.

I responded politely:

“Yeah, I’m here.”

He opened his eyes wide. His face was covered in grime as if he’d been working in the Aoji coal mines for 20 years.

Young age but shabby appearance. The story was becoming clear.

Wandering Warrior #1.

An extra who came searching after hearing about the Hidden Dragon of Shanxi’s fame.

I asked Hyeok Mujin, who wore a similar expression:

“Who’s this?”

Hyeok Mujin froze. His face looked like he’d seen a ghost.

“You don’t know?”

“How would I know without an introduction, idiot?”

Grumbling, I activated [Qi Sense]. A blue circle extended toward the two men.

[Lv.??? Jin Mu-gyeong]

Jin Mu-gyeong, huh. Must be pretty high level…

“Huh? Jin Mu-gyeong?”

Look at the level window. Look at the face.

After repeating this three or four times, I approached him with trembling heart.

“Um, just a moment.”

Rub rub.

My clean sleeve turned black. Then a handsome face emerged.

I thought it looked familiar—it was my face, the one I see every morning while washing up.

We’re complete mirror images.

Haha.

I laughed awkwardly. Wandering Warrior #1 was glaring at me with an icy stare.

“Long time no see, brother.”