Chapter 382 Human Jinmujin

Chapter 382: Human Jinmujin

Slurp.

The Emperor of the Northern Sea took a deep sip of the steaming tea.

Following his lead, the North Sea Heavenly Lord suddenly threw down his teacup.

“Ouch, hot! Hey, isn’t this hot for you?”

“……Didn’t you say you hated the cold and wanted to go to the Central Plains?”

“That doesn’t mean I like hot things. I just prefer cool weather.”

“You’re quite the picky one.”

“That’s me.”

After grabbing a handful of sweets from the tea table, the North Sea Heavenly Lord asked.

“By the way, what’s your impression of fighting the Lion Clan leader?”

“He wasn’t human.”

“See? I told you. Beyond human…”

“No, it truly means it wasn’t human. How could it be called human when its severed neck can regenerate?”

“……How did you defeat it?”

“I only assisted. Gu Hal accomplished it as the newly entrusted Gu Ryongseongju.”

“I thought you won with a combined attack?”

“Not at all.”

The gaze of the North Sea Heavenly Lord deepened.

“……A true number one under heaven has been born. Did you say he was just over thirty?”

“Yes.”

“The next hundred years will be the era of the Nine Dragons Fortress.”

“Why do you think so?”

“A formidable force, martial prowess that could be called godlike. A man possessing outstanding strategic acumen as well. If he set his mind to it, unifying the realm would be possible, wouldn’t it?”

“Wouldn’t that require his own will?”

“Hm?”

The North Sea Heavenly Lord stared at the Martial Emperor with a look of utter bewilderment.

“He declared it when he forced the Lion Clan to surrender. That he would devote the rest of his life to separating the common people from the martial world.”

“……He’s mad. Does he intend to establish his own dynasty?”

“I wouldn’t know. But I’m hopeful. Somehow, if he sets his mind to it, I feel like he’ll make it happen.”

“That’s strange. Separating the government and the martial world—isn’t that bad for you lot? So why are you looking forward to it?”

The Lord of Wuhuang City chuckled softly.

“Because that’s how the world will be set right.”

“Hmm…?”

“We who’ve held swords our entire lives—how could we possibly understand the common folk? It’s a hundred times better for a true sage to govern the people. Therefore, we and the Zhengdemao have decided to follow the opinion of the new Nine Dragons City Lord.”

“But won’t the power of Muwangseong weaken?”

“So what if it weakens? The new nation that rises will defend the Great Wall in place of the Muwang Fortress.”

“That may be true, but… what do you plan to do when the truce ends? Do you really think you can stop us from advancing south?”

“If you can handle the Nine Dragons Lord, then go ahead and try.”

“Hmph, relying on someone else’s strength… How cowardly.”

“That’s what makes us a proper faction.”

“But you know what?”

The North Sea Heavenly Lord said with a smug look.

“My nephew, the next Heavenly Lord, has become the Dragon Lord’s son-in-law during this trip to the Central Plains. I hear he saved the lives of the Dragon Lord’s wives?”

“…Our youngest daughter is betrothed to his right-hand man.”

“What kind of connection is that, just one step removed….”

“I’m someone who fought alongside the Lord of the Fortress himself, risking my life.”

“I didn’t intend to go this far, but the man who will become my sister’s husband is the successor to the Nine Dragons Lord.”

“Hmph, do you think I’m ignorant of the culture of the Northern Sea? Isn’t it just about receiving the seed, not establishing a family?”

“That’s why we changed things this time. We’ll live under one roof and raise children according to Central Plains customs.”

“……Without my help, the Nine Dragons Lord would never have defeated the Lion Clan Chief.”

“Didn’t Gu Hal say he did it earlier? You were just messing around beside him.”

“It was humility.”

The war of words between the two absolute rulers dominating the North continued unabated.

* * *

“Forty-eighth disciple of Huashan, Jingong. I receive the divine artifact!”

Kneeling, Jin Gong received the Plum Blossom Divine Sword from the Sword Sage, who smiled benevolently.

“Do not forget that you must care for your disciples near and watch over the people far.”

“Yes.”

“Very well. I trust you will do well.”

The Sword Sage called out, looking down upon the disciples of Huashan.

Today, I bestow the title of Master of Destiny upon the true master of the ship, and appoint him as the new Grand Master of Huashan. Disciples, strive with one heart and one mind to follow the new Grand Master and restore the righteous spirit of Huashan.

Yes!

After the simple inauguration ceremony concluded, Jingu followed his master inside.

This was the Sangcheong Palace where he would reside from now on.

“So, what do you wish to do from now on?”

“I wish to continue just as before.”

“Even though the Nine Dragons Lord has made his intentions clear?”

“I believe someone must step forward until the realm is stabilized. And I believe we must help bring that day about.”

“Must help…”

“Yes, for the world must be set right.”

“Heh heh. A wise choice.”

“And I have personal desires.”

“Desire? You?”

“Yes.”

Jin-gung spoke while gazing at the children beyond the window.

They were the four disciples who had recently entered the sect at Huashan.

“I wish to cultivate martial deities using Huashan’s martial arts. So that even without the Nine Dragons Sect Master, the world can be protected.”

“That is an even better idea.”

The Sword Saint gazed at Jin-gong with a benevolent smile.

* * *

“Are you truly certain you wish to stay behind?”

“I intend to remain at the Dragon Hall to carry on my master’s legacy.”

“Returning home was your dream, wasn’t it?”

Jonggeuk-rin smiled faintly and looked around.

“This place is my home now.”

“Hmm, I suppose there’s no helping it. I understand. In that case, we’ll take our leave now.”

“Take care, sir.”

“Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva…”

“Take care, sir.”

Behind Manpung, Seoincheong, Deoksan, and Lee Geum bowed their heads.

“Very well. Take care of yourselves too. If you encounter any difficulties, be sure to contact us.”

Those who meet must part; those who leave must return.

As the saying goes, where there is meeting, there is parting. After a long time together, they left Jeonryongdang and headed for their hometown.

Dangyanggang watched the departing figures with an envious gaze before asking Dangjinhyeong and Dangpal.

“Should we go too?”

“Where?”

“……Where?”

“In search of freedom.”

“Good heavens, stop talking nonsense. If your sister-in-law finds out, all hell will break loose. And why would you give up your steady monthly allowance? Raising and educating children costs more than a few pennies, you know?”

Nod nod.

“Ahem, that’s just talk. Just talk.”

Now that he was a married man, he was stuck in reality, unable to escape.

* * *

“……Father.”

Namgung Yuryong gazed down at the long sword his father had left him with a troubled expression.

Not Namgoong Muyeong’s, but the true father who had been drained of life and died—his keepsake.

Had he not heard the explanation from Mujeon, he would never have found even this.

Whoosh.

He surveyed the once-glorious headquarters of the Lion Clan.

The countless warriors who had filled the headquarters were nowhere to be seen, and the storerooms, once overflowing with treasures, had been completely looted and were now utterly empty.

“The Dark Sect…”

Namgung Yuryong let out a hollow laugh at the utterly desolate sight.

He had lost much in this war.

His steadfast brothers, his family’s blood kin, the warriors of the Alliance’s ruling house.

A single thought surfaced in his mind, plunged into emptiness.

‘Should I die?’

As he walked in a daze, he caught sight of a woman precariously perched atop the city wall, her body suddenly launching forward.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Namgung Yuryong activated his Body Shift technique and caught the falling woman.

“Commander?”

He gasped in shock upon recognizing her face.

It was none other than Yi Yeoryeong.

“…Young Master Yi.”

“Why on earth did you do this?”

Lee Yeo-ryeong gave a bitter laugh.

“Because it’s all over. Look. The Lion’s Oath I devoted my life to is gone. The Lord I served loyally my entire life is gone.”

A lump rose in his throat.

Namgung Yuryong saw his own weak self from moments ago reflected in Yi Yeoryeong’s appearance.

“So you tried to die? How could you!”

“Wherever I go in this world, I’ll be pointed at and scorned. I’ve lost everything I had. My fate is such that it wouldn’t be strange if I died alone somewhere, anytime. What’s the point of living now?”

“…Instead, how about you come with me?”

“……Where to?”

“The world is vast. Surely there’s a place for us to lay our heads. If we keep walking, we’ll find somewhere to settle.”

Under his intense gaze, Yi Yeo-ryeong found herself nodding without thinking.

“…Alright. Anywhere would be better than here.”

“Then let’s go.”

It was the moment their long journey began.

* * *

Former King Beokgung Sip and Shin Baek climbed the mountain leisurely.

Though they were father and son who had only recently come to know each other’s existence, they had spent quite a lot of time together.

“Father.”

“Why are you calling me?”

“I suddenly got curious. Why did you give me the inner strength you cultivated your entire life using the Gyeokche Jeonryeok technique last time?”

“That’s right.”

“But why are you so perfectly fine? No, actually, the more I look at you, the healthier you seem to be getting?”

“Well…”

Bukgung Sip was at a loss for words and closed his mouth for a moment.

He himself didn’t know why he was acting this way.

“It’s because the blood of the North Palace is a gift from heaven.”

It was hastily concocted, but it was based on some truth.

Just look at his son, Baek of the North Palace—he might not be a heavenly body, but he was certainly a heavenly spirit.

“Then I suppose I’m the same?”

“It might even be better. You’d inherit the Bukgung family’s sturdy physique and the Shin family’s innate talent.”

“Wow… So if I work hard, could I become like Brother Muwon?”

“That might be a bit difficult.”

“No, why? You said I have talent too.”

“That’s not a matter of talent, you see.”

The father and son, who had been chatting away, stopped in front of a large, ornate tomb.

“Wow…”

It resembled a royal tomb.

Unlike Shin Baek, who looked around here and there, Bukgung Sip only stroked the tombstone.

“You’ve been through a lot.”

‘Since when did you start acting like my father? It’s bothersome, so please don’t bother.’

Bukgung Baek gave a bitter smile. It felt as if Bukgung Baek’s voice was echoing in his ears.

* * *

After relocating Hao Gate to Wuhan, Anhui Province, Yongmasan lived a hectic life with no time to spare.

As soon as he opened his eyes at dawn, he checked the messages that had piled up overnight. He barely ate lunch, instead issuing orders to each branch office.

Yet there was only one reason he could endure.

“You’re here.”

Because he was with Maeran, the attendant assigned to Myohyang.

“Was everything all right?”

“How could there be? The maid handles everything, and all I do is prepare meals. You must be hungry. Sit down. I’ll serve you right away.”

“I’m always grateful.”

“It’s only natural. No need to thank me.”

“By the way, your hair has grown so long. It’s hard to even compare to when I first met you.”

“I haven’t cut it once since the day you told me to grow it out.”

“Oh my.”

“Ahem.”

Perhaps because they were still newlyweds, even such a trivial remark caused an unusual current to flow between them.

“Um…”

“Um…”

“Ahem, you speak first.”

“Ah, no, Your Excellency should speak first.”

Mae-ran flushed and lowered her eyes.

Yongmasan cleared his throat and placed a hand on Maeran’s shoulder.

“I’m getting on in years, so I suppose it’s time I had a child…”

“Oh?”

“Ahem. Hmph!”

Yongmasan grabbed Maeran’s hand, dragging her off to burn with the heat of their honeymoon.

* * *

Nine Dragons Castle Inner Courtyard, Castle Lord’s Hall.

Yu So-pyeong, his eyes ringed with dark circles from lack of sleep, entered carrying a stack of documents as tall as his own torso.

“Lord Castle Master, these are the matters requiring your attention this month. The roads in Yunnan need immediate repair, but the budget…”

“Yu Wenshang will handle it.”

“Even if I handle it, you should at least review it.”

“Oh! You’re paid a monthly salary to work. If anyone sees this, they’ll think you’re being exploited for free labor!”

“No, it’s not that I won’t do it…”

“I’m heading home now, so call me if anything comes up. Oh! The stamp is in that drawer over there, so just stamp it yourself.”

“But there are procedures… Mr. Sung-joo! Stop right there!”

The radio, leaving Yoo So-pyeong behind, dashed off, stepping through the air with a sharp click.

“Look over there! It’s the Lord!”

“Flying through the sky again today, I see.”

“Lord Seongju, may you live forever!”

“You fool, he’s already like a god of heaven himself. How could illness come for him?”

“Please, please.”

The citizens of the city, recognizing him, bowed their heads in reverence.

Some even caressed pieces of wood resembling Mujeon while making wishes.

This was because Mujeon was revered as a deity within Seocheon.

Recently, rumors even spread that the number of shrines dedicated to Mujeon as a deity had surpassed those for Gwanje.

But our Mujeon paid no attention whatsoever to such things.

Simply.

“Dad’s here!”

“Pa-!”

All he saw was the son born to Myaohyang.

“Oh dear, what did our San play with today?”

“Your Excellency, you have your dignity…”

“What’s wrong with a father doting on his son? Ebe-be peek-a-boo!”

Myohyang shook her head with an expression that said she couldn’t bear it.

“Hmph, I guess we’re invisible now.”

“You’re really pushing it. This is killing me…”

With the mountain crossing approaching, the pregnant Cheongso-so and the distracted Cheonghwa-ran both pouted.

Mujeon hastily tried to change the subject.

“Hmph, as if that could be true? All we think about, day and night, is our ladies.”

“If you can’t even say that…”

“Even if my husband drowned, he’d only open his mouth.”

“Come on, let’s go eat. You know we need to eat well especially at times like this, right?”

“How could anyone not know that the finest physician in Cheongga is right here?”

After dining with everyone, Mujeon entered Myohyang’s bedroom.

As usual, while sleeping, he felt something strange.

‘Hmm…?’

It felt like his body was floating.

Opening his eyes to this unusual sensation, he found himself surrounded by bright light.

‘What is this?’

His confusion didn’t last long. More accurately, he couldn’t afford to think about it.

‘This feels amazing…!’

Because I felt as if I possessed every ounce of peace in the world, leaving me utterly speechless.

‘Ah….’

If only this moment could last forever.

With that, Muwon closed his eyes and savored the moment.

When he came to his senses and opened his eyes, he found himself in a mountain valley he had never seen before.

“Is this a dream…?”

“It’s not a dream.”

“Huh?”

A presence he hadn’t sensed at all, even though it was right beside him.

The moment he saw him, Muwon knew.

‘He’s not human.’

A power beyond comparison to Namgung Muyeong.

“……Who are you, sir?”

“A god.”

“Don’t bullshit me.”

“I’m the one who reincarnated you, after all.”

“……It’s true.”

“Sit down.”

As I sat down, he poured me some liquor.

“It’s a reward.”

“A gift? It looks like just a cup of wine…”

“It’s liquor made from sencha tea.”

“…What happens if I drink it?”

“You become a god.”

“Then I won’t drink it.”

“Why not?”

“Because I want to live as a human.”

“I don’t give second chances.”

“Even if you gave me ten chances, my decision wouldn’t change.”

“I can’t understand it. You refused the chance to become a god, even though I offered it to you.”

“Well, some people are born this way, and others are born that way, aren’t they?”

“……I understand. I respect your choice.”

The one who called himself a god waved his hand, and the wine cup vanished in an instant.

He looked at the radio and asked.

“So, was this world livable?”

“Everything was fine, but I nearly died early on. If you were going to reincarnate me anyway, why send me to a rich family? Why make me be born a beggar… Anyway, the way you handle things… Tsk tsk.”

“……”

When the radio shook its head, the god asked again.

“Your contribution to stabilizing the causal order of the summer season is no small feat; we could offer you another reward.”

“It’s fine. I’ve already received more than I deserve.”

“Hm?”

“They say the gods are all-knowing and all-powerful, but apparently not.”

“……”

“Didn’t you grant me fox-like wives and rabbit-like children?”

“Those are connections you made yourself.”

“…….”

“God cannot interfere in the lives of humans in the mortal realm. That is precisely why I chose you, who can master divine martial arts, and reincarnated you here.”

“……Still, what? Since you brought a dead man back to life here, doesn’t that mean you own 50% of the rights?”

“I suppose that’s how it is.”

“By the way, how are you getting back home? Our wives are going to be shocked when they find out I’m not there.”

As Shin waved his hand once more, a black hole appeared.

“If you go down there, you should be able to return to where you were.”

“Nice meeting you.”

Moo-jeon dusted off his butt and asked.

“But before you go, may I ask one more thing?”

“Go ahead.”

“What is your name?”

“……”

“At first glance, you don’t seem like a creator god… It feels like you attained enlightenment in the lower realms and became a god. Surely you had a name back then?”

“……”

“If it’s difficult, you don’t have to tell me.”

The god, who had remained silent for a long while, murmured softly.

“Chiu.”

“I had a feeling it might be you.”

Muwon smiled brightly and leapt forward.

To live as the human Jin Mujeon.

― The End

Postscript

Hmm… Writing an afterword is harder than writing the main story.

(I wrote and deleted it three times…)

A lot happened while serializing this work. I closed the shop I was running, and my health took a turn for the worse, so I went to the countryside to recuperate. Heh heh.

As for the story itself, it all began with a critique.

Having just finished my previous work, “Third Reincarnation of the Chaebol Villain,” I had martial arts fiction in mind for my next project. I was a huge fan, owning over five hundred martial arts novels, and figured I could write it easily since I’d read so much.

But what do you know? I wrote up to Chapter 10 and showed it to people, only to hear it was cliché and predictable. Honestly, I was devastated. I was so full of myself.

So, to find my own style, I pulled books off my shelf and read them again, adding a bit of humor. Personally, while I enjoy cool martial arts stories, I prefer funny ones. (I really enjoyed Moon Young-shin’s The Second Best Under Heaven.)

Then I started serializing, and it received more love than I ever imagined. (I love you all, readers.)

After that… well, it was one brain freeze after another. There were definitely enjoyable parts, and parts that weren’t so enjoyable. If I were to explain using my TMI tendencies, the most fun part was the World’s Greatest Noodle King Tournament, and the most painful part was the Lion War. I guess I just prefer lighter content over heavier stuff. Heh.

Looking back now, it’s full of regrets. I focused on making characters feel empty and wrapping up episodes poorly, while slacking off when I should’ve put in more effort.

Still, there were moments when I felt I wrote well. The problem is, those moments were truly rare.

Well, to sum it up…

It was wonderful. Even ten years from now, I don’t think I’ll ever forget this very moment as I write this review.

Thank you for being with me. Because of you, I spent a happy year.

Sincerely, Kinaeavi, an imperfect writer.