Murim Troubleshooter Dan Mujin

Chapter 52: Small Scalpel Blade

Beijing Wanderers’ Guild, Chairman’s Office.

Chairman Gam Un of the Giant-Slaying Blade gazed down at a painting his subordinate had brought with a rather grave expression.

“Secretary Bang, what on earth is this...?”

On a piece of expensive silk paper, a doe was flaunting a seductive gait.

He had told them to find a painting worth investing in while making rounds at the art studios so he could hang it in the Chairman’s office and show it off. And yet, they came back with this bizarre piece featuring a beast.

“This is the current trend among the wealthy circles in Beijing.”

Had all the rich folk in Beijing collectively lost their minds?

“This really sells for money?”

“Yes, I’m telling you, Chairman.”

Apparently, this trend, called Teori, had been sweeping through Beijing recently.

While it didn’t appeal to the masses, a small group with the right taste was enjoying the culture without sparing any expense.

Thus, it had become a common sight at auctions for such pieces to constantly break price records.

“I’ve brought a painting by Neung Jin-sam, the most renowned artist in this field. It was no easy task.”

Secretary Bang offered the beast painting while wearing an expression that said, “I did well, didn’t I?”

“I can’t understand the minds of these brush-wielding types. Is it because I’ve spent my life swinging a blade?”

To paint a beast like a person—and what was with this indescribable lewdness?

“You said the artist’s name was Neung Jin-sam?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Looking at the margins of the painting, a seal with the name Neung Jin-sam was indeed stamped.

Come to think of it, there had been a request a while back asking to see a wild beast up close, and the client’s name had sounded somewhat similar.

“Well, in any case... Leave it here.”

Gam Un shuddered as if he had seen something grotesque.

As Secretary Bang finished the report and was about to step out the door, he seemed to remember something and turned back.

“Oh right, Chairman. A request just came in from the Jo Family. It’s a guard mission heading to the Shaanxi Murim Alliance.”

Gam Un scratched his scar, puzzled, and asked again.

“The Jo Family? Are you saying Sect Leader Jo himself made the request?”

“Yes, the same Sect Leader Jo who drank and visited the brothel with you last time.”

Heading to the Murim Alliance at this time of year... Could he be going to watch the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly that happens every three years?

That gathering where all the most promising prodigies of the Central Plains come together to compete.

“Sect Leader Jo sure lives an easy life. Meanwhile, I’m stuck running the Wanderers’ Guild every single day.”

Still, it was a favor from a close acquaintance and a patron. He had to assign a decent wanderer.

If that man ended up disappointed and started bad-mouthing him, his reputation could take a serious hit.

“He asked for one capable wanderer and one or two more he could order around.”

Clearly not the type to move with a large group, Gam Un already had a suitable wanderer in mind.

“Has Small Scalpel Blade returned?”

Small Scalpel Blade. Though not big in stature, the nickname came from the way he swung his sword like a tiger.

Said to have already reached the level of a First Rate Martial Artist at a young age, and with an ambition to make a name for himself, he took on all kinds of requests. He was a rising talent many had their eyes on.

No one knew where this kind of prodigy had suddenly popped out from, but at this pace, he might become another top-tier wanderer within ten years.

“Yes, he recently returned from a request and should be resting now.”

That worked out well. He’d assign him as the capable one.

As for the wanderers to be ordered around...

“Hmm, what’s that Dan Mujin kid been up to lately?”

Gam Un scratched at the scar that had been itching ever since he heard about the request.

Even if it felt ominous, things tended to go well whenever that guy was involved—for some unknown reason.

That was the case with the overdue payment job, the missing person search, and even the herb gathering mission.

Granted, he always came back furious, hurling arrogant insults like “crappy luck.”

But considering he pulled off requests that others would have failed, and factoring in the Trading Lord behind his rising reputation, Gam Un could let it slide.

“If you mean that Basic Grade wanderer, he recently made a name for himself by taking down that wanted criminal, the Poison-Hoarding Fiend.”

“What? The Poison-Hoarding Fiend? That guy?”

Gam Un flinched in surprise, as he too had heard of that infamous assassin known for his poison.

“Yes, it happened at an inn. He supposedly took him down with the help of nearby martial artists.”

That guy always seemed to attract trouble. Every time Gam Un saw him, he was caught up in something.

And if he caught a wanted criminal of the Murim Alliance, he’d probably have to go to Shaanxi to claim the bounty anyway.

“Wasn’t there a rumor that he was also the one who finished off the Soul-Stealing Demon Lord?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The Evil-Slaying Demoness gave him the credit, but gossip had it that he only delivered the final blow after everything was done.”

Though it was actually him who fought from the beginning, got injured by the trap, and landed the poisoned needle.

Still, in the public’s mind, only someone like the Evil-Slaying Demoness could match the Soul-Stealing Demon Lord.

“And this time too, he mistook an internal injury remedy for a poison bottle and pushed hard—only to discover someone else was wearing a Human-skin Mask, which led to identifying the real culprit.”

“Huh, is that so? Lucky guy.”

Who knew what really happened, but from the rumors alone, it sounded like he kept bumbling through things yet always got lucky.

Like a cow stepping backward and crushing a rat.

“So now they’ve even given him a nickname, Chairman.”

For a Basic Grade wanderer to earn a nickname already.

Surprised, Gam Un couldn’t help but burst into hearty laughter at the nickname Secretary Bang relayed.

“Gahahaha!”

It was said that traveling to Shaanxi would take at least several months.

So, preparations for the long journey kept everyone busy for several days.

Perhaps due to the boredom, Heaven-Slaying Star poked at the tightly bound Poison-Hoarding Fiend while tracing the character ‘kill’ in the air with crimson qi.

“This is getting dull. Knock it off, Salsunga.”

I addressed the squirming red energy like that.

By the way, Salsung(Killer Star) was a name I gave him.

After he helped me expose a killer last time, I figured the name might come in handy for future troubleshooting work.

Before that, I used to just call him “that thing,” “weird thing,” “red mist,” or “that damn red one.”

“So, do you like your new name?”

The guy responded by writing something on the ground.

‘傻逼’ (idiot)

...You little—!

Just as I was foolishly scuffling with a formless mist—

“Boss, Chairman Gam Un is looking for you.”

Ilhong, who had been out visiting Black Spot, brought news from outside.

“Me? Why?”

I had a long trip ahead. Why now?

“He must’ve heard you caught the Poison-Hoarding Fiend. Turns out there’s a guard request heading to the Murim Alliance, and he’s suggesting you tag along.”

A guard request. That was one type of mission I’d never taken before.

“Also, there’s a cart to transport that guy. Might as well accept and go comfortably, Boss.”

Originally, I had planned to carry the Poison-Hoarding Fiend on my back myself.

There was always the option to borrow a horse or a cart, but that wasn't exactly cheap.

I was thinking of relying on my strength and enduring some hardship with my body.

“Hmm, tagging along with a guard procession doesn’t sound bad.”

If I could sneak in and ride the freight cart, that would be absurdly convenient.

No matter how much one trains in Whirlwind Steps or Body Movement Technique, humans naturally seek comfort.

“Alright, let’s pack up, stop by the Wanderers’ Guild, and set off right away.”

They always dumped the worst requests on me, yet this time, it’s a request where I get both the benefits and the money. Efficient.

Just as I was about to step out of the manor with a light heart.

“You punk, did you forget this?”

Hwang Geolgae handed me the Dog-Beating Staff, which had slipped out of my travel bag in my haste.

“Thank you, Hwang… no, Master.”

A title that never quite rolls off the tongue no matter how often I say it.

“Heading to the Murim Alliance?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a long journey, and you’ll be away for quite some time, so let me say one thing out of concern.”

It made sense that he’d be worried—after all, to him, it was like sending off a ticking time bomb on a long-distance trip alone.

“If someone appears bearing a similar star’s energy as yours, suppress your energy and distance yourself. Especially if someone wielding a Nangabong shows up—run without hesitation. There’s a chance your identity might be exposed.”

“...Did something happen when you were chasing the Nangabong Monster?”

“Just remember what I said, damn it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

So that’s why he didn’t return for so long back then. Something must’ve happened after all.

“And also...”

Still, we were master and disciple.

With a long journey ahead, he apparently had more concerns and advice.

“On your way back, buy me a good bottle of wine. If possible, Seobong Liquor would be best.”

Damn, here I thought he came to see me off, but it turns out he just wanted booze.

Seobong Liquor was a specialty of Shaanxi Province and one of the Four Great Famous Liquors of China, if I recalled correctly.

“That stuff’s expensive.”

“You’ve got plenty of money. Isn’t that dagger of yours worth twenty silver coins?”

This old beggar—he couldn’t be generous to his disciple but sure could extort his hard-earned cash?

“This is money I earned. I bled and fought to get it.”

“And who taught you the martial arts that earned you that money?”

“...”

Damn it, I had no comeback.

I could only raise both hands and feet in surrender before the ever-serious face of Hwang Geolgae when it came to alcohol.

“Alright, alright. I’ll get it.”

Truly a beggar to the core.

As I thought to myself that he truly lived up to the name of Beggar King, I made my way to the manor gate.

“Oh, you’re here, Luck Nine, One Hero.”

As soon as I entered the Chairman’s Office, Chairman Gam Un greeted me with that displeasing nickname.

That was the first nickname I’d earned after taking down the Poison-Hoarding Fiend in front of everyone.

Even the idle wanderers sipping midday booze on my way here were gossiping about it.

I didn’t know who came up with it, but they were a real bastard.

They could’ve called me Luck Seven, Skill Three, or something. But Luck Nine, One Hero? What kind of nonsense was that?

It just meant I was a guy with absurdly good luck instead of skill.

“Could you just call me by my name?”

“A newly minted nickname like that? Not a chance. Don’t worry, Luck Nine, One Hero.”

“Come on, seriously.”

My plan was to use the nickname as a stepping stone to fame, bringing in loads of requests on its own.

Apparently, that dream was still far off. The road to independence was long.

“But what’s that painting over there?”

I couldn’t help but ask, my eyes drawn to the grotesque painting displayed prominently in the office.

And Chairman Gam Un, not even knowing what it was, puffed up as he explained proudly.

“You need to cultivate your taste. That’s the kind of painting trending among Beijing’s wealthy these days.”

“Ah, I see...”

A painting trending among the wealthy, he says.

So he finally made it, Painter Neung Jin-sam.

Something welled up inside me.

At the same time, I also felt a twinge of fear. Had something too early been spread too quickly in this world?

“So, who is this Small Scalpel something wanderer that I’m supposed to be going with?”

“Oh? That face looks full of discontent.”

“If there’s more people, that means the pay gets split. Of course I’m unhappy.”

Ilhong was an investment that would return all my money anyway, so I didn’t mind.

But I had no reason to be nice to some random wanderer I didn’t even know.

“You’ve got some nerve. I’m the one who should be annoyed, you know?”

Suddenly, a clear voice came from behind me, and a woman carrying a large blade walked in.