Murim Login - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Translation Note: All mentions of the “Jin Family” have been changed to the “Jin Sect”. Mainly because I feel like this makes more sense, since people can become part of the Sect, without being directly blood related to the family (i.e. Hyuk Mujin). Previous mentions will be edited to match.

Was it 10 years ago? When I was in high school, there was an incident where dozens of ordinary citizens were able to enter the gate through government approval.

‘I’m pretty sure it was China.’

Even hunters who entered the gate struggled, it was a miracle to think an ordinary citizen could even think about entering.

On the day of that crazy departure, I found out who they were through an interview with a child.

The Chinese Martial Arts Federation.

In modern terms, it was the same as Murim-ins. They, who were awakened, declared in front of dozens of cameras.

“Today, through our technique1 we will splendidly resurrect.”

It really was splendid. In only half a day, they decorated the front page of every news.

— The Chinese Martial Arts Federation consists of 25 people. Exterminated by a F rank gate. And it was found that over half died as a result of poison needles by goblins…

I didn’t know how incredible their technique was but through that incident, China was totally humiliated and all that was left of the Chinese Martial Arts Federation was their sign.

‘They were completely destroyed.’

Considered the best martial artists on the continent, they died from the goblin’s poison needles, and the Tai Chi masters got beat up by the boxers.

That was reality. In novels, or in scenes that appear in movies, mysterious stories in media broadcasts seemed like fiction.

“But…”

Now I didn’t know. The movements that Hyuk Mujin showed me were ‘real’.

It changed into conviction as I slowly become more and more familiar with Mugong. In reality, there wasn’t a Mugong that was weak and limp.

In this place, Mugong was systematic and included dozens of movements. It couldn’t be compared to the Mugong or even boxing in reality.

‘How is something like this possible? Is it because this is a game?’

Suuuup. Huuuu.

Through my breathing, I was able to sense the energies outside of my body. And I drew it back in.

Following my meridians, the rotating 10 year Qi could be compared to a speck of dust and even though it was small and weak, even that was a regretful situation.

‘One round, two rounds…’

Following the internal energy through the Jin Sect Qi Technique, I continued onto Qi Circulation. It was as natural as if I had been training since I was young.

‘Gyeon Jeong2, Ah Moon3, Bong An4, Ip Dong5…’

Pressure points that I hadn’t even heard of appeared and disappeared in my head. I reached the hundreds of pressure points that were in my head. How much was the system capable of?

‘It’s to the point that it’s extraordinary.’

The human brain wasn’t a computer. But the system, like a computer making copies, entered the information into my brain. And it was the same for other Mugong too.

Was a phenomenon like this possible? And simply because it was a game?

‘No. For now, let’s concentrate on Qi Cultivation.’

I breathed in and out and guided my qi. Taking my 10 years worth of qi, I followed my internal energy through the Jin Sect Cultivation Technqiue twelve times and then opened my eyes.

Ring.

– You have finished [Qi Cultivation]

– The [Jin Sect Cultivation Technique]’s proficiency has risen weakly.

– Impurities have been discharged.

“Huuu.”

Stage 3 of the Jin Sect Cultivation Technique was right in front of me. Maybe it was because I started from the bottom, but I felt like I was going at a fast pace.

‘Or it could also be because of the item.’

I looked at the ring that was on the middle finger of my right hand.

It was the reward I received through my achievement of obtaining [Awareness of Oneself].

[Cheongsimhwan]6

Type: Ring

Rank: None (無)

Restrictions: None

Description: A ring that is very firm, quality is unknown. The wearer is able to help the user be calm and to focus.

Cheongsimhwan. Even though the shape was different from what I was used to, the effect was the same.7

After I wore the ring, the time I went into Qi Cultivation was shorter, and the proficiency I gained was greater too.

‘It really is great…’

It was an uncomfortable feeling. Logging out, let’s just say it was the workers, that I didn’t know, field. But the internal energy or this ring, I felt uneasy about using cheongsimhwan.

‘I would say it feels like I’ve been forcibly injected?’

Even though it was helpful for my survival, it didn’t feel good. In more ways than one, it was a crappy game.

“Sung Jinho, what is he doing. That goshiwon manager yangban.”

If he was awake, he should have woken me up to have hangover soup.8

But if until now there hasn’t been any changes…

‘No. It can’t be.’

At the very least, I was still alive in reality. That was why I was still a player in this game.

In real life and in this game I was still alive. That was why I needed to survive. If I died a crappy death then I would feel like my life was a waste and the burden was too heavy.

‘I can’t die here.’

I clenched my teeth and sat in the lotus feet position. Maybe it was the cheongsimhwan’s effect but my heart calmed and my breathing evened out.

Starting from moving my qi from my dantian, I started doing Qi Cultivation for who knows how long.

—

Two days passed since I last entered the training facility.

Without resting, I continued to train. Like crazy I practiced the Spear Technique and my Footwork, and as soon as my qi was exhausted, I practiced cultivating my qi.

Ring.

– [Jin Sect Cultivation Technique] has risen to Stage 3.

– Qi has become more refined, while Qi Cultivation has become more efficient.

3rd Stage Jin Sect Cultivation Technique. Even though I was going at a slow pace, it wasn’t bad. No, I wanted to think that way, which was why I was trying my best.

‘Even like this I need to keep going.’

At least when I was doing Mugong training I was able to get rid of any negative thoughts.

Swiik, swi-swiik.

I went through the different forms of the Jin Sect Spear Technique. After discovering the connection with the Footwork Technique, the Spear Technique became sophisticated and sharp.

In my mind I was fighting against a person no one could see but me.

‘Hyuk Mujin.’

In this game, he was the first real Murim-in I met. My level 20 opponent who played around with me like I was a child.

‘Would I be able to beat him in my current state?’

It was when I asked myself that question.

Ring.

– New function, [Training Mode] has been activated.

– You will be able to face previous opponents. You will only be able to face opponents with a difference of 10 levels or less.

– Currently Available Opponents: [Lv. 20 Hyuk Mujin], [Lv. 10 Jang Sam]

“Huh?”

Training Mode? I’m able to face my previous opponents? Even though I felt at a loss for a moment, in the end I decided to try out the new function.

“Summon Hyuk Mujin.”

Summoning [Lv. 20 Hyuk Mujin].

The system alarm rang and scarily, a transparent body appeared. He wore the dark blue robes of the Jin Sect and had the caterpillar-like eyebrows. With his eyes closed, it was an exact replica of Hyuk Mujin.

“Hul9, it’s real.”

I carefully approached and grabbed Hyuk Mujin’s body. But maybe it was because he was transparent, my hand passed through his body.

Good, with this it passed the safety test.

You are able to partially change your opponent’s level.

“First Hyuk Mujin at half.”

Inputting data from [Lv. 20 Hyuk Mujin]. Able to dispatch skill level at 50%.

At the same time, the Hyuk Mujin replica opened its eyes. Not only its skill level but it looked like it had a similar personality to the real Hyuk Mujin, as it stared at me.

Would you like to start the training?

“Of course!”

Ring.

The system alarm rang. Like lightning, I ran forward and raised my spear. Although it was a fight with just a replica, I didn’t waste in putting any of my qi to use.

‘1st Form.’

I started by piercing forward at the same time. It would have ended if he wasn’t able to avoid my first attack.

Swheeek.

But Hyuk Mujin moved like a loach and avoided my attack. My next movement became pointless.

‘Let’s see if you can avoid this too.’

I continued to use the Spear Technique. Even though I could hear the sound of the air ripping, Hyuk Mujin continued to dodge all my attacks.

At a glance, it seemed as if his transparent face was sneering at me.

‘Who told you to fight like an idiot. If you’re a Murim-in, you should fight using Mugong.’

It was the words he said to me, the last time I fought him. Even though I was just imagining it… it still made me angry.

‘If you’re that confident, then stop dodging and bring it on.’

As if he received my thoughts, Hyuk Mujin smoothly came at me. But it was a fight between a spear and fists. If I continued to attack like this, it would make it seem as if I had been only shoveling for the past 7 years.

“You dare!”

Hwoong—

The spear swung. If he wasn’t transparent, then it would have been a sound of hitting flesh. Even though he avoided it, it was also a failure when it came to shortening the distance between us.

‘Let’s see how long you can avoid me.’

I started the 2nd form. As he felt the attack coming, Hyuk Mujin didn’t bother approaching closer and instead stepped back.

The battle was also a flow. I rode on top of the flow and swept away Hyuk Mujin. With an exhausted expression, Hyuk Mujin fell to the ground and I thought.

‘It’s weak.’

I could see his movements. In this space, the transparent Hyuk Mujin was a martial artist who used his fists (拳士). If I looked at his feet, I could see and predict his movements. He wasn’t able to touch me with his fists.

Swi-Swi-Swiiik!

In one moment, in three consecutive movements, I thrusted. An attack that was impossible for the F rank hunter Jin Taekyung. But it was possible for the Murim-in Jin Taekyung.

— Kuuaak!

As I pierced his chest, it seemed like the transparent Hyuk Mujin was screaming.

Without pausing, I drove the spear deeper into his chest. I smashed into his chest with the spear and split open his heart. Hyuk Mujin fell and his body started to disappear.

“Ah. This was too easy.”

It hasn’t even been 5 minutes but I already won.

Not only that but I had the advantage and it ended so blandly.

‘Was half too weak?’

I thought of my attacks that were exhausted with Qi Cultivation.

Hyuk Mujin was a level 20 Murim-in who trained relentlessly for who knew how many years. He couldn’t be this weak.

‘Good, again.’

I stood up and grabbed my spear. A new Hyuk Mujin appeared.

A height of 180cm.10 Lean muscles and selfish eyes. He was infused with the movements I saw from before. He opened his eyes and in front of me stood another version of him.

But it wasn’t over yet. Hyuk Mujin was stronger than before.

‘Your physical capabilities are better than mine.’

I put in more conditions and Hyuk Mujin’s replica smiled at me. He became faster and his stamina improved.

“Right, it should be at this level.”

At those words it was the start. Like a ray of light, I raised my spear and thrusted it towards Hyuk Mujin.

Swi-Swi-Swiiik!

—

Woong. Pang!

The spear pierced the air. Alongside the sound of a swarm of bees, the spear created a breeze of air. The last straw of the Jin Sect Spear Technique. It was a heavenly day.

— Kuuuuh…

The Hyuk Mujin replica grabbed his chest. He had a gaze that was in disbelief. Kneeling, the image of Hyuk Mujin faded away.

“This isn’t it.”

I scratched my head as I heard the system message pop up that the proficiency of the Jin Sect Spear Technique went up.

‘Why do I keep winning?’

Maybe it was the system’s mistake, or…

‘Maybe I became stronger?

It was a sudden thought I had. As if. It’s not like I’m some extraordinary genius. It was only that I became familiar with two different Mugong.

‘If it’s like this, I won’t receive any benefits.’

If I kept winning in this kind of training simulation, then I wondered what meaning there was to the whole thing.

If only I knew what kind of Mugong Hyuk Mujin had, then I could have him use that… but, wait.

“There’s an easier way.”

The Jin Sect Footwork and the Jin Sect Spear Technique. What happens if level 20 Hyuk Mujin used two of those techniques?

As a third party, I would be able to see the advantages and disadvantages as well.

Right, this was better.

“You think that way too right?”

Hyuk Mujin’s replica smirked and nodded.

“Right, let’s try again.”

I raised my spear and took a step forward with my left foot. Like a mirror, the replica copied my movements.

— You’re going to regret this.

“You’re talking garbage.”

Now I was talking to the replica. If someone saw then people would probably call me a crazy bastard.

— Crazy bastard.

It was just my imagination but it still made me angry.

“You’re dead.”

Without hesitating, I raised my spear and aimed it at him. The same weight and the same Mugong. It looked like it would be an entertaining fight.

— Entertaining? You really are crazy.

Ah, really.

To think I would find this kind of situation fun. I find myself crazy too.