The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 105

Chapter 105
## Chapter 105. Great Journey of Avici Screams (4)

“You look…… incredibly worn out.”

Hearing Wang Geum-san’s remark, Jin Tae-san involuntarily winced and ran a hand over his face. Was his fatigue truly that visible?

“You look precisely like a giant panda.”

“…….”

Now that he mentioned it, the dark smudges under his eyes had been growing heavier by the day.

While he rejoiced that the commercial enterprise was finally taking shape and generating higher revenues, the sheer physical and mental toll it extracted from him made him feel utterly depleted whenever he dwelled on it.

“Though…… Estate Master, you do not look particularly…… either.”

Jin Tae-san shifted his focus to Wang Geum-san’s appearance. Although dressed in fine silk robes and a gilded sash, the man had dwindled to mere skin and bones.

“……Quite true. It appears both of us are being thoroughly worn down by our remarkably talented offspring.”

A self-deprecating grin touched the corners of Wang Geum-san’s mouth.

Had Wang So-so’s commercial acumen really proven to be that exceptional?

According to the accounts circulating, the Wang Estate’s reach across Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and adjacent regions had expanded twofold.

Word had it that fresh mercantile alliances had recently been forged with the Western Regions, vastly increasing the volume of commodities sent up to Beijing, supposedly yielding enough wealth to construct a palace of pure gold.

“Did I happen to catch you at an inopportune moment?”

Jin Tae-san inclined his head at Wang Geum-san’s hesitant inquiry.

Wang Geum-san was a figure sought after by anyone of consequence, whether in the jianghu or within government circles. It was puzzling to hear such a prominent man speak so delicately, as if treading carefully around the Outer Hall Master of a minor organization.

“Not at all. I have actually been wishing to consult you myself, Estate Master, but assuming you were swamped with affairs, I kept delaying the matter day after day.”

“Haha, then it is a relief to find that our intentions were aligned.”

“Indeed. Should you require anything in the future, please do not exhaust yourself by traveling all this way. Simply send word, and I shall gladly visit your residence at any time.”

He was the very benefactor who had provided a massive financial endowment without ever demanding recognition.

They had received immense backing in launching the Iron Ore Mine, and the prosperity of the trading company was entirely credited to him.

Furthermore, he had recently hosted a quiet feast to honor the Taeul Sect disciples for clearing the Third Trial. From Jin Tae-san’s viewpoint, Wang Geum-san was a patron deserving of the utmost reverence.

“I have come regarding So-so.”

“Oh? Is she encountering difficulties within the Taeul Sect?”

From what he gathered, Wang So-so already held the Taeul Sect youngsters in the palm of her hand. He remained uncertain of how she achieved it, but unlike her past friction with Gye Cheol-yeong, every single youth followed her implicitly.

Even Jegal Cheon-gi, who had recently joined as a Lay Disciple, and Yu-seong, who had traveled to the Murong Clan as an exchange student, deferred to Wang So-so as though she were a reigning Hall Master.

“No, that is not the issue. I observed certain patterns in the child’s posture that indicate she has begun practicing martial cultivation.”

“Ah……!”

“Are you aware of the details?”

“It is most likely due to the Taeul True Scripture.”

“If it is the Taeul True Scripture…… do you mean the authentic legacy of the Taeul Sword Emperor that was recently unearthed?”

“Yes.”

“Is that safe for her?”

Owing to her underlying condition, Wang So-so was restricted from practicing any martial disciplines outside of the Taeul Heart Method. Should her internal energy become contaminated, the dangerous symptoms of her Solar Body would manifest once more.

“There is no cause for alarm. The Taeul True Scripture can be viewed as an advanced extension of the Taeul Heart Method. Because its foundational concepts are so refined, the energy within her dantians will only grow purer.”

“Aha…….”

Wang Geum-san’s countenance turned ambivalent.

It was a look that wavered between deep relief and lingering apprehension.

Jin Tae-san offered a contrite expression as he spoke.

“My apologies. I ought to have informed you sooner to spare you any anxiety, but the matter slipped by unnoticed within the sect.”

“No, think nothing of it. Does that not simply prove it caused no disruption whatsoever, to the point that it escaped your mind? On another note, does that specific discipline include a movement technique capable of creating afterimages?”

“An afterimage…… you say……?”

“When the girl stepped forward, her phantom shapes lingered in her wake.”

He was undoubtedly referring to the Taeul Eighty-Thousand Divine Steps, but had her proficiency already advanced to the stage of projecting illusions?

“Good grief…….”

“W-Why do you react in such a manner?”

Noticing Wang Geum-san’s alarmed expression, Jin Tae-san swiftly masked his astonishment.

“Your daughter possesses far more than just a gift for commerce.”

Supposedly, only Kang Chae-seok, the leader of the Great Radiance Hall, could generate afterimages while utilizing the Taeul Eighty-Thousand Divine Steps. Given that Hong Mun-gi, the Sect Leader himself, still could not manifest such phantoms through the technique, it meant Wang So-so’s mastery had eclipsed Hong Mun-gi’s.

“Blessings are in order. You possess a truly marvelous daughter.”

“Haha…… Well, this is…….”

Wang Geum-san could not suppress the proud twitch of his lips.

“It must be entirely due to the superb guidance of the Taeul Sect.”

Jin Tae-san forced down the urge to admit, *’In truth, even the rest of us have not fully cracked its secrets yet.’*

“What was it you wished to discuss with me, Outer Hall Master?”

“Ah! Quite so. Now that we are launching the merchant company in full force, I have been fretting over how to assemble a transport caravan. The Taeul Sect is presently under sealed gates, meaning we cannot supply our own security forces.”

“Hmm…… For the time being, why not hire an external security agency, but assign a couple of your own martial artists to accompany them, raising a banner to signify that it belongs to the Taeul Sect’s caravan?”

“I agree with establishing the Taeul Sect’s involvement eventually, but would it not be a bit premature to unfurl the banner just yet?”

Wang Geum-san stared at him blankly, as if struggling to comprehend his hesitation.

“Why delay the revelation? If you hoist the banner immediately, the security agency will likely slash their protection fees.”

“Pardon?”

What sort of reputation did the Taeul Sect supposedly command for a security firm to discount their prices?

“Did Jin So-un not successfully clear the Third Trial alongside his martial brothers?”

“Th-That is correct.”

To be frank, even upon hearing the widespread accounts, Jin Tae-san had questioned their validity. When he had sent them off to undergo the assessment, they had voiced great declarations, but he assumed it was merely youthful bravado.

After all, how could disciples from an obscure, struggling lineage like the Taeul Sect hope to challenge the official Jianghu Examination without any institutional backing?

Regardless, word had reached him that they survived the Third Trial and had only the final trek remaining.

Still, what did clearing the Third Trial have to do with reducing transport expenses?

“Surely…… you were not left in the dark?”

“In the dark about what?”

“That…… because your boy leaves a trail of carnage and devastation wherever he steps, the martial world has dubbed him the Black Flame Dragon of the Mountain of Corpses and Sea of Blood.”

“…….”

Mountain of Corpses and Sea of Blood?

The Blaccack Flame Dragon of the Mouuuntain of Corpses and Sea of Blooood?

It was all over.

To any outside observer, that title sounded exactly like an infamous moniker for a bloodthirsty unorthodox killer. Just as they were finally making strides to elevate the sect and secure its honorable reputation, it seemed their lineage would be branded as villains before they could even establish themselves.

“Ah, naturally, the gossiping rabble who love a good story threw in their own exaggerations. Even so, given that the figures of the martial world tremble at the mention of the Taeul Sect due to the Wudang Sect being nearly leveled, I believe raising your banner would be highly advantageous.”

“…….”

Wang Geum-san found it peculiar that Jin Tae-san’s complexion had turned so grim.

In truth, for a martial faction, was it not far better to strike terror into rivals rather than appear weak?

Or perhaps he was plagued by the thought that the entire reputation of the Taeul Sect was resting solely on the shoulders of Jin So-un, his flesh and blood? Reflecting on it, Jin So-un had indeed carried an immense burden for the sake of the Taeul Sect.

“Only four individuals from your sect participated, did they not? Consequently, the Gold-Silver-Copper siblings have also acquired the title of the Black-Blood Three Dragons.”

“Urgh! Cough!”

He had spoken in an attempt to offer comfort, but Jin Tae-san’s face was turning increasingly ashen.

He looked ready to collapse on the spot if Wang Geum-san uttered another syllable.

Sensing that he had touched a sensitive nerve, Wang Geum-san hastily shifted the conversation.

“A-At any rate, is it not an excellent outcome that you will minimize transport expenditures?”

“…….”

For some reason, the warmth that had previously filled Jin Tae-san’s eyes seemed to completely freeze over.

*’I cannot possibly broach the subject under these circumstances.’*

Wang Geum-san had journeyed all the way to Hefei with the underlying intent of gauging Jin Tae-san’s thoughts on a matrilocal marriage alliance, but he was forced to retreat without gaining a single shred of ground.

—

“You must be the Great Hero Black Flame Dragon, the eldest senior brother of the Black-Blood Three Dragons. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

“…….”

In contrast to his amiable grin, the title felt laced with mockery, causing me to tilt my head in irritation.

Black-Blood Three Dragons?

What sort of ridiculously ominous title was that?

If you simply swapped the word ‘dragon’ for ‘hound,’ it would immediately sound like a pack of deranged unorthodox executioners.

“Ah, they say that is the moniker bestowed upon the Gold-Silver-Copper brothers.”

Following the quiet clarification whispered by Namgung Seon-hwa, my expression automatically soured.

‘Black-Blood’ for kids who hadn’t even crossed into their twenties? Were these people out of their minds? Which degenerate was intentionally pinning these sinister titles exclusively onto the disciples of the Taeul Sect?

“Hahaha, Great Hero Black Flame Dragon, you must have been so engrossed in the trials that you remained oblivious to the tales circulating through the realm.”

“Hahahaha.”

“Hohohoho.”

Spurred by the laughter of the handsome, regal youth clad in gilded attire, the seven men and women of various lineages seated around him joined in chorus.

The Twelve Peak Citadels.

Disciples representing eight factions from that alliance had converged on the Azure Sky Merchant Guild specifically to locate me.

“…….”

As I watched them indifferently while they chuckled, completely blind to my annoyance, they gradually composed themselves.

“My introduction was unpardonably late……”

“Cheol Sun-jik of the Bamboo String Gang.”

“!”

The moment I dropped the name, a peculiar glint flickered in his eyes.

My gaze shifted down the line, starting with the towering figure stationed behind him.

“Nam Hwa-seong of the Three Origins Sect, Ha Yeong-yeong of the Heavenly Sword Gang, Sang Mu-hon of the Western Heaven Sect…….”

As I systematically identified all eight individuals, every person in the chamber failed to mask their shock.

“Uh…… How are you familiar with all of our identities……?”

Despite being the premier disciples of the Twelve Peak Citadels, they had kept a low profile in the wider jianghu until now, leaving them utterly baffled as to how I recognized them.

“So you all banded together from this exact juncture…….”

“Pardon?”

“It is nothing. For what reason did you request this meeting?”

Cheol Sun-jik, Namgung Seon-hwa, and Seong Mo-ran all looked as though they were burning with questions. Of course, even if I spelled it out for them, they wouldn’t comprehend the truth.

“Ahem…… Regardless, along with those present, the representatives from the Flying Wind Sect and the Ghost Bow Sect are scheduled to converge with our group as we make our way toward Wuhan.”

“Understood.”

If ten premier disciples from the Twelve Peak Citadels united, the resulting force would number no fewer than eight hundred martial artists.

It was a contingent that no rational traveler would dare provoke.

From our viewpoint, with our own faction currently frayed and depleted, it was an incredibly favorable arrangement.

Given that they had essentially secured their passage through the exams already, if they had merely come to flaunt their connections, I wouldn’t be wrong to crack their skulls open, right?

Cheol Sun-jik glanced toward Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran before speaking:

“My apologies to the two young ladies, but could we perhaps grant us a few moments to speak in private?”

It appeared my pessimistic inkling was right on the mark.

If his intentions regarded the examination itself, there would be absolutely no reason to dismiss Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran.

“……Excuse me? Ah…….”

“…….”

Just as Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran prepared to vacate their chairs with bewildered expressions, I intervened.

“These two have journeyed alongside me, and they shall continue to do so. Unless this is a strictly private matter and instead concerns the examination, there is no reason they cannot remain to hear it.”

“…….”

“Young Master Jin, we truly do not mind.”

“We can wait outside the chamber.”

Departing from my usual demeanor, I dismissed their protests. In this instance, standing firm was paramount.

“Please remain seated. He undoubtedly came to discuss the trial.”

If he hadn’t, I genuinely intended to shatter his skull.

I had managed fewer than ten hours of sleep over the past week.

“……Why do you suppose the Nine Sects and One Gang, along with the Five Great Clans of the Martial Alliance, evaluate martial artists using the framework of the One Hundred Eight Peaks?”

The topic he raised was bound to strike a discordant note with Namgung Seon-hwa, if not Seong Mo-ran.

“To reinforce and secure the authority of the Martial Alliance’s hierarchy.”

I answered bluntly.

“As anticipated, you are far from an ordinary martial artist.”

“Is that not common knowledge? It is precisely the catalyst that birthed the Twelve Peak Citadels.”

The Twelve Peak Citadels comprised a coalition formed by twelve factions from the One Hundred Eight Peaks that stood in opposition to the established order dominated by the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Clans.

Because they possessed no allegiance to the primary ruling houses, many dismissed them as minor entities, yet they represented a collective that held considerable power within the jianghu, ensuring the major powers could not simply brush them aside.

“Grasping a concept and speaking it openly are entirely separate matters.”

“…….”

“Just as Great Hero Jin observed, the One Hundred Eight Peaks framework, the Academy Examination, and the entire infrastructure of the Martial Alliance were engineered solely to benefit a privileged minority. The rest of us are expected to fall in line and survive on whatever remnants they toss aside.”

While Cheol Sun-jik spoke, his gaze drifted toward Namgung Seon-hwa repeatedly.

He was overtly mocking the reality that despite her status as an offspring of the Five Great Clans, she was on the precipice of failing the trial.

“…….”

Namgung Seon-hwa’s cheeks flushed crimson, and Cheol Sun-jik quickly redirected his attention to me, as though she were no longer worth his notice.

“We are mobilizing to dismantle that archaic infrastructure. Our purpose is to rectify the corruption the Martial Alliance has perpetuated and forge a thriving, equitable jianghu.”

“I see.”

Certain elements of his declaration mirrored my own long-standing sentiments, prompting me to nod. Emboldened by my gesture, Cheol Sun-jik pressed on with growing fervor.

“In that regard, the milestones the Taeul Sect has reached in such a brief window are truly staggering. Naturally, I am well aware that the journey must have been fraught with immense adversity.”

Cheol Sun-jik nodded sagely to himself before offering his proposition.

“Which brings us to why we have sought you out; we wish to extend our support to you at this juncture. Join our ranks as we journey toward the Martial Academy.”

“!!”

“!!!”

The premier talents of the Twelve Peak Citadels alongside an army of roughly eight hundred warriors. No matter how desperately someone craved the Taeul Sect’s Trial Tokens, no ordinary group would dare provoke such a massive contingent. For us, this represented the perfect chance to coast through the remainder of the evaluation without further conflict.

Yet, rather than showing interest, I simply locked eyes with him.

“Is there an issue?”

“A generous proposal invariably carries strings, does it not?”

The Cheol Sun-jik from my memory was never an individual to display charity or act out of pure camaraderie simply because of shared political sentiments.

“Haha, it appears the title of Black Flame Dragon was well-earned. It is an absolute pleasure to engage with someone who cuts straight to the heart of the matter.”

Did he truly believe that?

In my past life, he harbored a deep loathing for me because I systematically dismantled every single strategy he attempted to deploy.

“Naturally, there are parameters, though they are hardly demanding. You merely need to sever ties with your current companions and proceed along a separate path with us.”

“…….”

“…….”

The expressions of Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran instantly turned frigid.

“They were never individuals intended to complete this journey alongside the Taeul Sect to begin with. Furthermore, due to their respective limitations, they offer very little practical benefit to your cause. Is that not factual?”

He was clearly pointing out that the rest of the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Clans had amassed massive coalitions to advance together.

Because a secondary branch had seized control within the Namgung Clan, even mobilizing a hundred guards had proven impossible for Namgung Seon-hwa. As for the Iron Sword Sect, with Seong Mo-hyeon confined to the cells, there remained no one capable of rendering aid.

“I am aware that Great Hero Jin possesses far more Entry Tokens than any other candidate. Great Hero Jin ought to enter the Martial Academy at the absolute pinnacle of the roster, demonstrating to the world that the prestige of the One Hundred Eight Peaks rivals that of the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Five Great Clans.”

Cheol Sun-jik’s eyes gleamed with ambition, as if he were already visualizing himself standing at the grand induction ceremony.

-Young Master Jin.

In that precise moment, Namgung Seon-hwa’s voice echoed directly in my mind via Sound Transmission.

-……We will manage. Truly, I believe aligning with their group is the most logical path for you right now.

Seong Mo-ran offered a subtle nod of agreement as well.

Cheol Sun-jik caught the slight movement of Namgung Seon-hwa’s lips but chose to look away, maintaining his pitch.

“Our departure is set for the moment the Flying Wind Sect and the Ghost Bow Sect reach Zhengzhou in two days. Why not relocate your accommodations to our camp immediately? We can hammer out the finer details there.”

I shifted my gaze back to Cheol Sun-jik.

“I decline.”

“Then for the moment…… wait, what?”

“!!!”

“Young Master Jin!”

“Young Master!”

Cheol Sun-jik’s composure shattered. Witnessing that arrogant face from my previous life twist in utter confusion felt immensely satisfying.

“I said I refuse. Do you have an issue with that?”

“But…… why on earth?”

“Am I required to justify my refusal to you?”

There was no reason to entertain his curiosity, as I already knew exactly how these hypocrites would operate moving forward.

There were certain sects that skipped the main trials entirely due to the specialized nature of their martial arts.

Prime examples included the Flying Wind Sect and the Ghost Bow Sect, whom he had just mentioned.

Because their core masteries revolved around Flying Sword Arts and Archery, they traditionally avoided the standard Martial Examination, as the close-quarters format placed them at a severe disadvantage.

They simply loitered on the fringes until the Third Trial concluded, putting everything on the line during the final Great Journey.

Once integrated into the group, they would undoubtedly deploy sweet words to coax us into sharing our Entry Tokens, framing it as a sacrifice for the greater good of the alliance.

I knew this tactic intimately because,

‘They utilized that exact scheme when they funneled the Sojeong Squad to the slaughter on the front lines.’

Weaving political narratives to force people into compliance was Cheol Sun-jik’s ultimate talent. Four individuals against eight hundred? I would hold my ground, but the Gold-Silver-Copper brothers would likely pull the Entry Tokens from their robes and surrender them willingly out of a misplaced sense of duty.

Regardless, since fate had crossed my path with Cheol Sun-jik once more, I had zero intention of making things easy for him. At the very least, I wanted to leave a foul taste in his mouth.

What pretext could I manufacture to completely derail him?

Something entirely absurd and petty……

“Would it not be far more pleasant to travel alongside these two ladies rather than a bleak crowd of grim faces?”

“…….”

For the first time, Cheol Sun-jik’s gaze wavered with sheer disbelief.

“Are you…… being serious right now?”

“Completely. I happen to possess a profound appreciation for beautiful things. Can these two accompany us into your alliance?”

“…….”

“They cannot, correct?”

Cheol Sun-jik clamped his jaws shut, utterly speechless.

It was a shame I couldn’t physically take a swing at him, but watching him look as though he had been struck dumb by a handful of words was enough to satisfy me for the day.