The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 10

Chapter 10
Chapter 10. A Third-Rate Warrior Who Protects His Sect’s Honor (4)

What exactly had altered the course of events?

In my past existence, Gye Cheol-yeong had practically forced me to accompany him to the feast even though I hadn’t made a single move myself.

His sole motivation, after all, had been to flaunt his superiority as a mere lay disciple over an official member of the Taeul Sect.

Why was it different this time? Was it a consequence of my thrashing Gye Cheol-yeong? Or perhaps because I had effectively silenced Seong Ju-tak?

If so, would the upcoming incidents shift in a similar fashion?

“What occupies your mind?”

As we exited our quarters, Jin Tae-san offered a brief remark with a look of concern.

“Pay no mind to any malicious remarks.”

He was advising me to simply ignore their insults and let them pass by. Yet, would a passive approach truly resolve the underlying problem?

“I was merely contemplating what sort of scheme the Iron Sword Sect has set up for us.”

The gentle demeanor Seong Mo-ran had maintained throughout the day instantly vanished, her expression hardening.

“Do you honestly believe the Iron Sword Sect would extend an invitation to guests only to ensnare them?”

“Are you genuinely oblivious, or has your talent for deception outgrown your cultivation in martial arts?”

“Ha. You spoke like this earlier, and here you are doing it once more. It appears you suffer from a severe inferiority complex regarding the Iron Sword Sect.”

“An inferiority complex, you say?”

Seong Mo-ran glared at me with evident animosity.

“Granted, the Iron Sword Sect views the Taeul Sect as a persistent nuisance. But wouldn’t the sentiment be identical if we swapped roles? Even with that rivalry, it doesn’t mean the Iron Sword Sect resorts to the tactics of common street thugs.”

“Can you absolutely guarantee that?”

“…You are pushing your luck.”

“Allow me to offer a forecast. Before this sixty-year celebration concludes, the Iron Sword Sect will humiliate the Taeul Sect publicly, dragging our name through the dirt before everyone.”

“The Iron Sword Sect does not stoop to such trivial malice.”

“I sincerely wish that were the case.”

“…”

After that exchange, Seong Mo-ran did not utter another word.

The grand pavilion Seong Mo-ran led us to was among the most spacious venues in the compound.

Upon entering, we noticed it was arranged quite differently from our afternoon dining hall; massive tables were arranged with ample space between them, and various guests sat leisurely, sipping their alcohol with sophisticated countenances.

“Ah, greetings, Young Lady Mo-ran!”

The male cultivators at the tables immediately stood up to offer her a place.

Seong Mo-ran observed them with an indifferent gaze before gesturing toward me.

“Allow me to present Young Master Jin So-un from the Taeul Sect.”

She gave a seamless introduction, and I extended a polite fist-and-palm salute, though nearly no one bothered to reciprocate.

A choice few who offered a simple nod showed a modicum of civility, while others outright ignored my presence, choosing instead to carry on their banter with Seong Mo-ran.

Although Seong Mo-ran directed her steps toward a vacant pair of chairs, I separated from her to take a spot next to Sa-ryeon, who was currently sitting beside Gye Cheol-yeong.

“What is the point of crowding over here when there are perfectly good seats across the room?”

“Someone needs to ensure Sa-ryeon remains safe from the intoxicated crowd.”

“Did the thought never cross your mind that my presence next to her serves that exact purpose?”

“If your goal was truly her protection, would you have dragged Sa-ryeon out into the open at such an ungodly hour?”

“You insolent rascal.”

Gye Cheol-yeong’s complexion shifted between flushed anger and pale resentment, while Sa-ryeon, whose expression had been incredibly tense, whispered to me under her breath.

“What brings you here?”

“And why are you present?”

“I took your spot because I feared that if you showed up… you’d stir up a mess. Hall Master Kang explicitly instructed you to keep a low profile.”

“Since when do I create problems?”

Hearing my casual dismissal, Sa-ryeon let out a soft, unexpected chuckle.

“It appears that members of the Taeul Sect lack any proper boundaries between seniors and juniors.”

A fellow clad in opulent, jade-toned silk garments remarked with a mocking grin.

It was Gong Chu-sim representing Longevity Manor, a figure I recollected from my past life.

“While we uphold proper etiquette diligently, we do not emphasize superficial hierarchies.”

“When standard decency erodes, individuals frequently confuse it with a lack of superficial boundaries.”

Gong Chu-sim made an effort to catch the glances of the nearby ladies as he delivered his barb, clearly hunting for confirmation, yet none of them默matched his gaze.

“A casual dialogue between a parent and child isn’t labeled as disrespectful. By that same logic, preaching about manners to an unfamiliar acquaintance doesn’t inherently make a person well-mannered, does it?”

“…”

On the contrary, my retort prompted several of the women to giggle quietly.

“Furthermore, I find myself questioning the validity of manners espoused by an individual who refuses to offer a standard martial greeting to a newcomer.”

Following my statement, the women who had been suppressing their amusement openly laughed out loud, causing Gong Chu-sim’s cheeks to burn bright red.

Instantly, the mood among the male cultivators shifted imperceptibly.

They traded knowing looks and slowly rested their liquor cups on the tables.

‘So, it has commenced.’

This identical sequence had unfolded during my past life.

Back then, though, my focus had been entirely fixed on Namgung San, leaving me utterly oblivious to the underlying scheme.

I paused to let them initiate their assault while shifting my gaze toward Namgung San.

The renowned Heaven-Opening Divine Dragon, Namgung San.

Being the firstborn heir of the prominent Namgung Clan and an esteemed participant in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, he was celebrated as a rising prodigy within Anhui Province.

Naturally, his influence carried the most weight at this banquet.

His status was obvious just by observing how that despicable Blood Wolf Iron Sword, who looked more like a common thug, tried to project an aura of elegance that completely clashed with his nature.

“Reflecting on it, it is quite bizarre. The Gyeryong Merchant Guild has historically been deeply allied with the Iron Sword Sect, so observing their sudden alignment with the Taeul Sect underscores just how influential the prestige of the One Hundred Eight Peaks remains.”

“…”

The speaker was the Bamboo Flame Young Master Gu Yang-sa hailing from Blue Bamboo Fortress, the very same individual we had crossed paths with earlier that day.

He cast a brief look toward Seong Mo-hyeon before proceeding with his remarks.

“In all honesty, many of us find ourselves in comparable circumstances, which makes one question the obscure standards utilized to choose the One Hundred Eight Peaks. A prominent righteous organization like the Iron Sword Sect flourishes right here in Hefei, yet the Taeul Sect manages to retain its position within the One Hundred Eight Peaks. It leads me to believe the Murim Alliance needs to reevaluate its methods.”

The moment Gu Yang-sa concluded, a chorus of agreement echoed from the surrounding men.

“Quite right. The Murim Alliance needs to open its eyes. Think of the undue influence wielded by undeserving sects simply because they hold a spot in the One Hundred Eight Peaks.”

“Precisely.”

With every critical remark, their eyes darted toward Seong Mo-hyeon, making it transparent that they were acting on his orders.

Meanwhile, Seong Mo-hyeon continued to sip his beverage calmly, acting entirely disconnected from the unfolding conversation.

“Representatives of the Taeul Sect are sitting right at this table. I ask that everyone show some decorum.”

Seong Mo-ran intervened with a chilling but unsettled tone, yet her words held no sway over the crowd.

They were well aware that they possessed the backing of Seong Mo-hyeon.

“Frankly, Young Lady Mo-ran, don’t you find this unjust? Throughout Anhui Province, the finest young prospects are concentrated within the Namgung Clan and the Iron Sword Sect. Despite this, it is the Taeul Sect that secures effortless entry into the Murim Academy. This state of affairs demands reform.”

“Agreed.”

“Countless young geniuses meet unfortunate ends during the grueling selection process for the Murim Academy while others get a free pass.”

As the gathering murmured their consent, Sa-ryeon’s face clouded over with anxiety.

“We ought to listen to what the Taeul Sect has to say on the matter.”

Pressed by Gu Yang-sa’s demand, Seong Mo-ran attempted to intercede once more.

“Cease this at once. They are formal invitees to our celebration.”

A sharp woman like her could easily perceive that the entire room was dancing to Seong Mo-hyeon’s tune.

Since Seong Mo-hyeon wouldn’t risk instigating such a public offense on his grandfather’s grand anniversary without backing, the plan had clearly been approved by higher-ups within his family.

Seong Mo-ran desperately tried to shield us, refusing to believe her own lineage could act so despicably.

Unfortunately, she was wrong; her organization had always harbored such malice.

“Mo-ran, stop interfering. Isn’t the purpose of our gathering to engage in this sort of productive dialogue?”

At that juncture, Seong Mo-hyeon, abandoning his silent posture, spoke up with a displeased scowl. Seong Mo-ran replied, her voice laced with disbelief.

“You consider this productive?”

Having been sidelined from the core decisions of her organization due to her gender, she remained completely blind to their true machinations.

“Let the Taeul Sect offer their perspective.”

Prompted by Seong Mo-hyeon’s remark, Sa-ryeon parted her lips to respond, but the words faltered.

Placing down the piece of poultry I was holding, I intervened on her behalf.

“I find myself in agreement with that sentiment. A body of water can only remain pristine if fresh currents are allowed to flow through it.”

Hearing this, even Namgung San paused mid-sip and rested his cup.

“Ah? So the Taeul Sect concurs that Hefei’s Iron Sword Sect deserves a place among the One Hundred Eight Peaks.”

Gu Yang-sa scoffed, prompting me to swiftly scan my memory for any files concerning Blue Bamboo Fortress.

The intelligence network of Mantongbu kept comprehensive records on various martial factions, and given the tumultuous history of Blue Bamboo Fortress, their data had been updated in recent years. Locating the relevant facts took mere moments.

“Naturally, that holds true provided the incoming current isn’t contaminated.”

“What do you mean?”

“For instance, let us consider Blue Bamboo Fortress. It has developed into a formidable entity within Anhui Province, possessing raw might that should easily guarantee its induction into the One Hundred Eight Peaks. What, then, is holding it back?”

“Undoubtedly, it is due to the current members of the One Hundred Eight Peaks currying favor with the Murim Alliance leadership.”

Gu Yang-sa’s reply triggered a wave of laughter across the room.

“I seriously doubt that. If the Murim Alliance operated on such incompetent principles, it would have collapsed decades ago.”

“Are you implying there is a specific justification for Blue Bamboo Fortress being excluded from the One Hundred Eight Peaks?”

“Look no further than the Blue Bamboo Blood Calamity that occurred six decades ago.”

“…”

The guests present looked at one another in confusion, entirely ignorant of the event.

It was only natural; the incident took place prior to their births, and Blue Bamboo Fortress had taken extreme measures to censor the details, leaving the younger generation in the dark.

“Is everyone here oblivious? The siblings of Blue Bamboo Fortress turned their weapons on each other in a desperate bid for leadership.”

The once-boisterous clamor of the hall vanished instantly, replaced by a chilling silence.

“To be specific, the second heir to the Fortress Master, skipped in the line of succession, let malice consume him, assassinated his older sibling, and usurped the leadership, correct? And during that bloody coup, nearly half of the martial artists serving Blue Bamboo Fortress were slaughtered.”

“You absolute scoundrel!”

A loud shattering sound echoed.

Gu Jeong-gi, who was Gu Yang-sa’s grandfather, had indeed murdered his own elder sibling to claim the title of Fortress Master.

To secure his rule, he systematically exterminated his brother’s descendants and every loyalist who stood by them.

Ironically, in the generations that followed, Blue Bamboo Fortress reverted right back to traditional inheritance through the firstborn son.

This dark chapter remained a closely guarded secret that the faction loathed to hear mentioned.

“Blue Bamboo Fortress certainly commands impressive strength. Yet, if I were required to trust them to watch my back in a skirmish against the Black Path… I would much rather face the enemy completely isolated. Why should the Murim Alliance tolerate bringing such untrustworthy figures into their alliance?”

“Step outside right now! Do you honestly expect to desecrate the name of Blue Bamboo Fortress and leave here drawing breath?”

“Observe his reaction. I simply offered an objective assessment, and his immediate instinct is to unsheathe his weapon.”

Gu Yang-sa’s skin was no longer just flushed; it appeared dangerously close to exploding with rage.

“The roster of the One Hundred Eight Peaks is never static, nor does the Murim Alliance allow declining factions to sit idle. If anyone takes issue with the current arrangement, perhaps the flaw lies not within the administration, but with their inability to acknowledge their own shortcomings.”

“I’ll tear you apart!”

As Gu Yang-sa lunged forward, Seong Mo-ran swiftly intervened, striking his paralyzing acupoint from the rear.

The sudden move threw the entire hall into absolute chaos.

“…What is the meaning of this? Gu Yang-sa from Blue Bamboo Fortress is an honored attendee present because of the Iron Sword Sect’s invitation. Do you intend to disrespect our entire organization?”

Regaining his composure, Seong Mo-hyeon questioned us sharply, to which I replied with an expression of sheer incredulity.

“Are we to assume that the representatives of the Taeul Sect are mere gatecrashers intent on sabotaging the Iron Sword Sect’s festival?”

“…”

“You utilized the Gyeryong Merchant Guild to compel the Taeul Sect into attending against our wishes, only to subject us to blatant disrespect. Is this the standard of hospitality practiced by the Iron Sword Sect?”

“How dare you…!”

Seong Mo-hyeon and his group of conspirators glared with raw fury, yet they found themselves entirely cornered.

To any neutral observer, responsibility for this confrontation lay squarely on the Iron Sword Sect and its cohorts. Furthermore, any attempt to resolve this through violence was constrained by the presence of Namgung San from the Namgung Clan, who served as a powerful deterrent.

“…Do you possess the audacity to defame the Iron Sword Sect within our own territory?”

“Ha!”

After struggling to find a response, the statement Seong Mo-hyeon managed to produce was so preposterous that I couldn’t restrain my amusement.

One only needed to look at Seong Mo-ran’s mortified face to see the truth.

“You insolent dog!”

His face burning like a ripe fruit, Seong Mo-hyeon slammed his palm onto the surface of the table, causing the dishes to jump high into the air.

“If your intentions were this underhanded from the start, you should have just proposed a standard martial exhibition. Why avoid it? That would have given you a direct avenue to demonstrate that the Iron Sword Sect surpasses the Taeul Sect.”

When logic fails, irrational fury inevitably takes over.

“Insolent wretch! Do you believe you can speak such blasphemy within our walls and walk away untouched?”

“Ah! Did you perhaps determine that a standard challenge wouldn’t suffice for your true objectives—namely, to degrade us, fabricate an excuse, inflict severe harm, and rob us of our position within the One Hundred Eight Peaks?”

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“…”

The environment had deteriorated into such an unmitigated disaster that salvage was impossible.

Seong Mo-hyeon sought a way to regain dominance over the narrative, yet the damage was done, and I had zero intention of cooperating with their script.

“…Regardless of the circumstances, the fact remains that you have brought dishonor upon the Iron Sword Sect. I demand a duel to settle this.”

“…”

Seong Mo-ran looked deeply troubled, realizing full well that Seong Mo-hyeon had played his hand terribly.

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

“…”

The surrounding audience, who had initially regarded us with mockery, now looked on with an underlying sense of dread. The shift in dynamics felt rather satisfying.

Ceasing my amusement, I focused my gaze onto Seong Mo-ran.

“When all is said and done, my prediction hit the mark, didn’t it?”

“…”

Seong Mo-ran kept her eyes averted, unable to look me in the face.

“Let us schedule it for tomorrow during the Hour of the Horse at the main courtyard. The celebration should be at its peak then, ensuring a massive audience.”

“…Gnash. So be it.”

As I stood up to depart, Sa-ryeon immediately followed suit. Gye Cheol-yeong remained firmly anchored to his spot, making a conscious effort to distance himself from our actions.

“Reflecting on the setup, despite the massive turnout, it is telling that the main courtyard was kept entirely clear of dining arrangements. It appears the Iron Sword Sect anticipated well in advance that a violent confrontation would mar this sixty-year celebration.”

“…”

A heavy silence blanketed the room as everyone turned their eyes toward Seong Mo-hyeon.

Namgung San remained completely detached.

He simply continued to sip his wine and observe the unfolding drama as an outsider.

To him, a dispute between factions of the One Hundred Eight Peaks amounted to nothing more than low-tier martial artists squabbling over scraps.

He likely viewed the entire affair as beneath his notice. Even so, his utter silence felt peculiar. For an individual who allegedly made an appearance on account of personal ties, his detachment seemed excessively cold.

“What possessed you to act that way?”

Sa-ryeon’s visage had turned entirely bloodless.

“Tell me… was I supposed to remain passive while they disparaged our Sect Leader and dragged the Taeul Sect through the mud?”

“That may be true, but…”

“Had we chosen compliance, it wouldn’t have concluded with tonight’s affair. Our stay requires us to remain for multiple days, meaning they would have persisted with their insults tomorrow and every day following.”

In my past timeline, I had held out until the third day before reaching my breaking point, proving that this confrontation was an inevitability. Regardless, I bore no responsibility for their malice, yet I sought to soothe Sa-ryeon’s anxieties.

“Rest easy. Once I take a few solid hits, the matter will be put to rest permanently.”

I reached out to gently pat Sa-ryeon’s head. Throughout her younger years, she had always found comfort in having her hair patted.

“…Stop that.”

“The outcome was predetermined regardless of my actions.”

“I told you, you’re ruining my hair…”

Upon closer inspection, her carefully styled locks had indeed become somewhat mussed by my fingers.

“Ah, my apologies. That was careless of me.”

Without warning, Sa-ryeon dropped her gaze, her frame beginning to shake slightly.

“Wait, are you weeping?”

I attempted to smooth down the stray strands, but she refused to look up at me.

“Please don’t weep. See? I’ve fixed it completely.”

“I specifically asked you… seriously…”

Ultimately, Sa-ryeon let out a soft cry and hid her face against my chest.

I soon felt the fabric on my shoulder grow wet.

“I really am sorry.”

Having transitioned into young adulthood, Sa-ryeon’s volatile temperaments had become far more challenging to anticipate than any of the underhanded plots hatched by the Iron Sword Sect.