The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 110

Chapter 110
## Chapter 110. Great Journey of Avici Screams (9)

Every eye in the area locked onto me.

I kept my focus entirely on Il-myeong.

“Has the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly arrived?”

Il-myeong shifted his eyes toward Namgung Seon-hwa for a brief instant before looking back at me.

“……Well, perhaps not every member, but the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly has indeed mobilized.”

“And the individual requesting my presence is ‘Yong So-ah’?”

“That is accurate.”

The Nine Sects and One Gang were executing maneuvers that appeared completely detached from the evaluation, and the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly had gathered here for reasons beyond my comprehension.

Faced with such tangled pieces of data, my mind spun.

I lacked the stamina required to form a calm, calculated opinion.

A structured assessment was out of the question.

Therefore, I chose to rely entirely on my instincts and gut reaction.

“No thank you. If the goal is reconciliation, practically any other moment would be preferable to this one.”

When I brought up what had transpired at the Demon Spirit Plateau, Il-myeong offered a soft laugh.

“He is highly unlikely to extend an apology.”

He spoke with total certainty, as if stating an undeniable reality.

Recognizing that truth myself, I gave a nod.

“If that is the case, I have even less incentive to see him.”

Il-myeong scanned our surroundings. Despite the heavy shadows making it difficult to discern figures clearly, Il-myeong meticulously observed every individual in each corner without overlooking a soul.

“As things stand, failing the evaluation will be the least of your concerns. Benefactor, can you truly carry the weight of all that karma?”

“These two might have been barred from participating in the evaluation entirely if not for that individual.”

When I gestured toward Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran while speaking, Il-myeong nodded once more.

During my previous existence, I had harbored a fair amount of respect for Il-myeong, but for some reason, his current demeanor rubbed me the wrong way. Would he maintain that serene, Small Buddha expression even if I struck him across the face?

“Young Master Jin.”

Seong Mo-ran interjected.

“We are quite alright.”

As Seong Mo-ran turned her gaze toward Namgung Seon-hwa, the latter nodded in agreement.

“Well, I am not alright.”

“……What truly matters at this juncture is not the incident at the Demon Spirit Plateau. It is the Murim Regular Exam.”

The others nodded in involuntary agreement.

They were desperate to escape this predicament by any means necessary.

My gut was whispering an entirely different warning, but given the collective consensus, lingering any longer would be counterproductive.

I stood up.

“Lead the way.”

I walked alongside Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa. I had purposely chosen companions who possessed at least some degree of leverage over the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

Il-myeong reduced the velocity of his Diamond Immovable Movement Art, which usually glided like a specter, to match our slower steps.

Since Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa were already pushed to their physical limits, merely maintaining the Movement Art drained an immense amount of their Mental Strength.

After following his lead for roughly half an hour, a glow began to pierce the darkness ahead.

Flambeau were positioned at various points, and a massive fire pit in the center cast light over the clearing.

Suspended over the flames, a plump pig was roasting, filling the air with a rich, savory aroma.

It was a stark contrast to our own situation, having been hunted by thousands.

Irritated by the blatant difference, I remarked,

“Do they possess zero respect for Senior Small Buddha, who abstains from prepared meats?”

He replied with his characteristic, serene grin.

“This was not prepared for our sake. It was meant for yours.”

“…….”

“Given your lack of rest, it seemed that nutritional recovery should take priority.”

The familiar irritation from my past life resurfaced.

It felt entirely obvious that this situation revolved around us, yet we were left completely in the dark while the environment around us shifted.

I fell silent and walked behind the Small Buddha.

Past the main fire pit, a smaller hearth crackled further inside.

Positioned around it were seven male and female martial artists, split evenly on both sides.

I recognized some countenances from the Taeul Sect, and others from my earlier life.

And standing right in the center was that specific man.

“It has been quite some time.”

“…….”

Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa began to raise their hands in a respectful greeting, but after glancing at my posture, they lowered them back down.

Faced with my blatant lack of respect toward an elder, a few of the martial artists on either side scowled. However, Yong So-ah himself appeared entirely unfazed, his features remaining perfectly still.

“I understand you are enduring a difficult trial.”

His serene delivery irritated me.

“Before we get to that…….”

Every gaze shifted squarely onto me.

“Offer an apology first.”

“……!”

“……!”

“……!”

Shock washed over their faces. A few individuals gaped openly, completely stunned by the demand.

Yong So-ah locked his eyes onto mine.

In my past life, I hadn’t even possessed the courage to look directly into those eyes, which always seemed capable of stripping away all secrets.

“My conduct was entirely justified. I have no reason to apologize.”

“Are you aware of how many lives were nearly lost due to your choices?”

“At that moment, the optimal path was for me to break away and secure reinforcements. The claim that you managed to escape that location by unraveling the barrier is merely judging by the final outcome.”

“Did it never cross your mind that the barrier grew warped because of your interference, making the salvation even more perilous?”

“Ultimately, you solved the puzzle of the barrier, and I executed the finest strategy available to me. Every person selected their optimal path, meaning no apologies are required from anyone.”

“You certainly possess a talent for weaving clever excuses.”

“I am aware that your allies are completely spent. Do you intend to waste valuable time with these empty arguments?”

As Yong So-ah directed his words toward Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa, I gave a firm nod.

“For what purpose did you summon me?”

“To provide assistance.”

“Ha!”

I was the one unable to contain my laughter at Yong So-ah’s statement.

To think I would witness the day where that man offered to aid me rather than vow to end my life.

“For what reason?”

“Because it represents my optimal path.”

That detached demeanor of his, acting as though our history meant absolutely nothing.

The realization that he genuinely meant it made his attitude even more infuriating.

“Be more specific.”

Yong So-ah tilted his head, feigning confusion.

“Does the motivation truly matter?”

“A proper cause is the ultimate catalyst that propels the Orthodox Path. Would Yong So-ah, the celebrated champion of the Orthodox Path, travel all this way without a proper cause?”

Yong So-ah fixed me with that peculiar, detached stare of his.

“The Righteous Path Association, centered around the Nine Sects and One Gang, is currently summoning all of their pupils to this location, excluding only the primary descendants of their core lineages.”

Namgung Seon-hwa’s fingers trembled.

She appeared entirely overwhelmed by the mere thought. I silently reached out and grasped her hand.

“Merely to apprehend us?”

“Not your group. You.”

“That is precisely what puzzles me. Why are they so intent on capturing ‘me’? Simply because I am favored to secure the position of top graduate?”

“To the contemporary Righteous Path Association, that motive is more than sufficient.”

“And your intention is to assist me in order to rectify that injustice?”

A martial artist standing near him stepped forward.

“I have remained silent and observed, but you exhibited this exact behavior back at the Taeul Sect. Your insolence knows no limits.”

So Je-ho of Qingcheng.

He was an individual who had been present at the Taeul Sect.

I cast a brief look in his direction, then dismissed him entirely to keep my focus on Yong So-ah.

So Je-ho’s face flushed with anger, but I paid him no mind.

“Very well. In what manner do you intend to assist? I presume you do not mean to personally guide us to the Murim Academy.”

“That is precisely what we intend to do.”

“Pardon?”

“Do you doubt our capability?”

The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly comprised the absolute elite among the recent graduates of the Murim Academy. Furthermore, both Yong So-ah and Il-myeong were present right here.

“Is this not an issue of propriety rather than capability?”

It was an action they were strictly forbidden from taking.

“The rules of the evaluation clearly dictate that any participant who accepts aid from their home sect, alliance, or associated figures faces immediate disqualification.”

“Do you honestly believe everyone adheres strictly to the evaluation rules?”

“…….”

“The choice rests with you. Will you accept, or will you decline?”

“Very well. Given our current straits, rejection is a luxury I lack. What is the catch?”

“The catch?”

“There must be a premium for this service.”

“There is no premium.”

Upon hearing Yong So-ah’s response, not just myself, but Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa widened our eyes in disbelief.

“Your sole task is to enter the Murim Academy with the highest marks and claim the title of top initiate.”

Yong So-ah slowly lifted his arm, gesturing toward the two companions by my side.

“However, neither of those two, nor any other member of your entourage, may accompany you.”

A heavy, unsettling quiet enveloped the clearing.

“…….”

“…….”

Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa looked entirely hollowed out, resembling individuals watching sand slip hopelessly through their fingers.

“Hehehehe.”

Conversely, because I had anticipated such a twist, a chuckle escaped my lips.

“Predictably, your petty nature remains entirely unchanged.”

“You insolent wretch! Your disrespect goes too far.”

So Je-ho’s angry outburst failed to register with me.

“I decline.”

“For what reason?”

Yong So-ah appeared entirely baffled by my stance.

I offered the most precise justification available.

“Because that path lacks integrity.”

For the briefest moment, Yong So-ah’s stoic expression faltered.

“Be more specific.”

“More specific, you say…….”

He undoubtedly harbored resentment toward the current leadership of the Murim Alliance.

After all, a few years down the line, Yong So-ah would establish his own independent faction and systematically dismantle the Murim Alliance.

Disrupting the established order and exposing their flaws was a standard tactic for rising factions.

The emergence of a fresh savior could serve as the perfect pretext to oust the members of the Elder Hall, the Righteous Path Association included.

Furthermore, if that savior had been molded by his own design and could be manipulated effortlessly by his own hand, it would be an ideal arrangement.

An individual from an insignificant sect who could be easily discarded later once their utility expired without creating any backlash.

Numerous calculations flashed through my mind, though I chose not to voice them.

Instead, I focused on formulating a reply calculated to provoke him as much as possible.

“Because I refuse to align myself with the brand of righteousness you propagate.”

His version of righteousness ultimately served to preserve the lineage of the Orthodox Path.

Yet, in execution, his righteousness required the abandonment of every single one of my allies.

“We have squandered enough time. As a minor form of restitution, your group should delay our pursuers for roughly twenty-four hours. For the illustrious Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, that should be a simple task, shouldn’t it?”

As I turned my back to depart, So Je-ho stepped into my path once more.

“I have not granted you permission to leave.”

Dismissing his words entirely, I took a step forward.

“You scoundrel!”

So Je-ho of Qingcheng unleashed a fierce, suffocating wave of killing intent.

The oppressive aura, which under normal circumstances would have barely affected me, slammed into my fatigued body, feeling as though it was tearing through my very nervous system.

Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa, who stood directly beside me, gasped in agony and dropped to the earth.

The killing intent he had carelessly emitted had inflicted severe internal trauma upon them.

“Uwek.”

As Namgung Seon-hwa coughed up a dark pool of blood, So Je-ho’s face drained of color.

He looked completely caught off guard by the severity of the outcome.

White-Hand Divine Maiden Dang Seo-hui dashed forward instantly, checking Namgung Seon-hwa’s pulse. She quickly retrieved a medicinal pellet from her vestments and slipped it past Namgung Seon-hwa’s lips.

Once Namgung Seon-hwa’s breathing stabilized, Dang Seo-hui moved to evaluate Murong Jae-hwa. She prepared to step back to her position, but then fixed her gaze intently upon me.

“You, when was the last time you slept?”

“From what point are you measuring?”

“…….”

Dang Seo-hui, her face an unreadable mask, reached out to take my wrist, but I swiftly yanked my hand back.

“…….”

Dang Seo-hui glared at me with an irritated expression.

“Extend your hand.”

“I refuse.”

“Is this defiance due to So Je-ho?”

“Precisely.”

“If So Je-ho ceases to breathe, will you allow me to check your pulse?”

“Are you truly prepared to do that?”

So Je-ho’s complexion turned entirely white.

“I can ensure he suffers severe internal bleeding for a month. In return, let me check your pulse.”

“It is a deal.”

Upon analyzing my pulse, Dang Seo-hui’s habitually droopy eyes flew wide open.

“Do you possess a desire to perish?”

“Am I afflicted with something terminal?”

“Your condition is the most perilous among everyone gathered here. It would surprise no one if your heart stopped this very moment.”

Namgung Seon-hwa and Murong Jae-hwa, whose vital signs had stabilized, stared at me, utterly speechless.

“Kindly distract the hunters so I might finally secure some rest.”

“If you press onward in this state, it will be your demise.”

“Regardless, I have zero intention of abandoning the Murim Regular Exam.”

“In that case, your only option is to cooperate with Yong So-ah.”

“Senior Seo-hui.”

“What is it?”

“Does the composition of this gathering not strike you as peculiar?”

“?”

“Every individual here belongs to the Nine Sects and One Gang. You, Senior Seo-hui, are the sole representative of the Five Great Clans.”

“…….”

“The righteousness that Yong So-ah champions is, in reality, nothing more than segregating individuals into his chosen inner circle and everyone else.”

Dang Seo-hui directed her heavy-lidded gaze toward Yong So-ah.

Yong So-ah’s countenance remained perfectly unreadable, devoid of any emotion.

“I remain unaware of the arguments Yong So-ah used to sway you, Senior Seo-hui, but Yong So-ah is fundamentally identical to the corrupt framework of the contemporary Murim Alliance that he claims to loathe.”

“……!”

“……!”

“……!”