The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 113

Chapter 113
Chapter 113. Black Path Night March (3)

“Pardon?”

Yong So-ah’s eyebrows arched high in surprise.

The inner circle of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, who stood alongside So Je-ho as he delivered the dispatch, found themselves far more startled by the rare look on Yong So-ah’s face than by the actual news being delivered.

For the comrades within the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly who had accompanied Yong So-ah since their days at the Academy, they viewed Yong So-ah as someone completely devoid of emotional display.

“Jin So-un has pulled his entire group straight into Four Emperors Peak. The man has lost his mind,” So Je-ho stated, offering his briefing while sporting a severely bruised and puffy eye for reasons unknown.

“…”

“He appears to harbor a deep resentment toward you.”

Furthermore, Dang Seo-hui, a person typically just as silent and reserved as Yong So-ah, chimed in quite freely, uncharacteristically talkative.

“…This makes little sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“Venturing to Four Emperors Peak was an alternative he should have disregarded entirely. In fact, taking that path will only aggravate his predicament.”

Yong So-ah gave a slow nod of agreement.

There were definitely superior paths available to him.

-Gain solo admission into the Murim Academy by achieving outstanding marks.

-Accept disqualification alongside his companions.

Yet, the path he ultimately selected guaranteed not only their failure in the evaluation but also placed his very survival in extreme jeopardy.

“The Black Flame Dragon must be scheming something,” she remarked.

“…”

Yong So-ah directed a piercing stare right at Dang Seo-hui.

Both So Je-ho and the remaining gatherers of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly were intensely aware of the suffocating weight behind Yong So-ah’s glare, causing them to gulp nervously in unison.

“No, that is out of the question.”

“Whispers suggest that the Black Flame Dragon still holds the nameplate acquired during the events at the Demon Spirit Plateau. Furthermore, it was an item he secured as a consequence of Yong So-ah’s actions.”

“…”

A chilling breeze seemed to pass through the chamber.

An unfamiliar, overwhelming aura descended upon the room, prompting the disciples of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly to immediately circulate their Internal Qi to safeguard their inner Mental Strength.

“Are you aware of the reason the Black Path keeps its distance from the functions hosted by the Murim Alliance?”

“Because the agreement to overlook occurrences during the Regular Exam is a privilege granted solely to the Orthodox Path.”

“Precisely. The restriction against seeking vengeance or retribution for events within the Regular Exam is unique to the Orthodox Path. …On the flip side, any Black Path organizations attempting to exploit the Regular Exam merely transform into scapegoats for the Orthodox Path’s wrath.”

A succession of unrighteous factions wiped out during past iterations of the Regular Exam, including the Yellow Sand Sect, the Demon Fragrance Gang, the Jo Geuk Gang, and the Hanho Sect, were enumerated one by one.

“While Four Emperors Peak stands as a premier titan within the Black Path, its true might falls short when compared to any individual entity among the Nine Sects and One Gang. Furthermore, when an Orthodox Path faction possesses a righteous cause, they receive a lawful mandate to chastise those of the Black Path. Therefore, Four Emperors Peak is entirely paralyzed from taking action.”

Hearing Yong So-ah’s analysis, Dang Seo-hui signaled her assent with a nod.

“In that case, we have no reason to afford them any further scrutiny.”

“…Indeed.”

“Then what detains you here?”

Yong So-ah’s eyes flickered slightly.

Undeterred, Dang Seo-hui pressed on.

“The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly has numerous obligations to fulfill.”

Watching Dang Seo-hui balance on such a treacherous edge, So Je-ho felt a lump form in his throat.

“…Very well. What task demands our immediate attention?”

So Je-ho promptly stepped forward to offer a parchment document.

“Intelligence indicates that Song Baek from the Huayang Escort Agency called upon the fighters belonging to the training halls he previously funded to interfere in this Regular Exam. Although Song Baek has perished, the mandate from the Alliance requires us to conduct an inquiry into the Huayang Escort Agency.”

“Considering the peculiar maneuvers observed from the Wang Estate, losing the cooperation of the Huayang Escort Agency as well would leave a massive vulnerability. Nevertheless, verification must be our priority.”

In another location, Jin So-un hobbled with a heavily battered frame toward the Great Desert Pavilion situated inside Four Emperors Peak.

Because his physical trauma severely restricted his movement, Namgung Seon-hwa acted as his physical pillar.

Under normal circumstances, this would escape criticism, but here at Four Emperors Peak, she arrived as the emissary for her lineage, prompting Kang Seo-pyo to hurriedly intervene.

“My Lady, considering your status as the head delegate of the Namgung Clan, you shouldn’t…”

“Leader Kang, save your breath. I am fully aware of the implications.”

Confronted by her resolute gaze, Kang Seo-pyo could only retreat.

Ultimately, Jin So-un had incurred these grievous wounds specifically to protect Namgung Seon-hwa from harm.

Furthermore, the closer their footsteps brought them to the Great Desert Pavilion, the more oppressive the surroundings became, leaving no room for petty squabbling.

“Their coordination and order are remarkable.”

Observing the Black Path combatants stationed flanking the path to the Great Desert Pavilion, Cho Mu-bin voiced his thoughts, prompting Kang Seo-pyo to readily agree.

“They deviate entirely from the common misconceptions we held.”

Whenever ordinary folks discussed the Black Path, they typically envisioned bloodthirsty lunatics governed strictly by the law of the jungle.

Yet, witnessing their actual demeanor firsthand, every single warrior resembled a highly disciplined predator.

Additionally, as they neared the Great Desert Pavilion—the central architectural hub of Four Emperors Peak—the caliber of the guards escalated dramatically.

“Forgetting about the test for a moment… we ought to pray that we simply survive this encounter.”

“…”

Initially, upon learning of Jin So-un’s strategy, they had gone along with his proposal believing they possessed the means to break away if things turned dire, but that conviction was rapidly turning into remorse.

Stepping inside the Great Desert Pavilion, they were greeted by a stupendously grand chamber that complemented the colossal scale of the structure.

Flanking the room, individuals who seemed to be the supreme martial artists of Four Emperors Peak radiated a savage aura, while atop an elevated dais, a towering figure clad in highly decorated silver plate armor commanded the room with absolute authority.

“Presenting Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect alongside his companions,” Hwang Bu-sik announced succinctly before taking a deferential position to the left of the Peak Lord.

“Rumors claim that the moniker of the Black Flame Dragon causes the entire world to tremble, yet observing your current pathetic condition, that title is thoroughly unmerited.”

The speaker was none other than Four Emperors Peak Lord Cha Seok-du.

Proving that his reputation as the supreme ruler of the Black Path was well-earned, his booming words reverberated through the massive chamber.

“…”

Jin So-un gently detached his arm from Namgung Seon-hwa’s support and staggered forward a couple of paces.

“…”

The visible quivering of his limbs laid bare the extent of his physical trauma. With a thoroughly solemn countenance, Jin So-un spoke.

“Are you aware of the sheer amount of grief that atrocious title has caused me?”

“…”

Instantly, a single collective realization struck the minds of Kang Seo-pyo, Cho Mu-bin, and Baek Won-gak: *We are completely doomed.*

An icy wave of murderous intent flooded the chamber. The figures stationed along the walls were all renowned figures who considered themselves the pinnacle of the Black Path’s martial world.

Because Jin So-un had dared to insult Cha Seok-du, the master they revered above all else, his words were equivalent to scheduling his own funeral for that very afternoon.

“…Gah.”

Crushed by the sheer weight of the hostile aura, Jin So-un abruptly spit out a mouthful of crimson fluid. As Namgung Seon-hwa lost all color in her face and prepared to dash to his side, Jin So-un extended a palm to hold her back.

“I ask that you disperse this malice. Have the martial artists of the Black Path lost their sight? Directing such hostility toward a wounded man is unseemly.”

“…”

A bizarre stillness enveloped the grand hall. Jin So-un’s entourage watched him with trembling trepidation, whereas the combatants of Four Emperors Peak glowered at him with irritation.

“Heh… heh.”

“…”

“Bwahahaha!”

As Cha Seok-du’s deep chuckles erupted, the martial artists lining the hall gradually reined in their murderous auras and joined in the amusement.

Stunned by this abrupt shift in mood, Kang Seo-pyo, Cho Mu-bin, and Baek Won-gak rapidly matched the energy, bellowing with laughter even louder than the rest in a desperate bid to defuse the tension.

“You remain as entertaining as ever. Regardless, I maintain that I bestowed an excellent title upon you. Because of it, whenever your reputation echoes across Jianghu, my own name rides along on its coat-tails.”

“What sort of Orthodox Path prodigy carries a name like the Black Flame Dragon? It’s absurd.”

“In all fairness, does the Taeul Sect even qualify as a proper, upstanding Orthodox Path institution?”

“Ha. You speak with great audacity simply because we stand within your own domain, Peak Lord.”

“Chuckle. Is that so? Shall we test that theory with a duel?”

“Given that my current health is in shambles, I shall decline your offer on this occasion.”

The bewildering banter between the two left more than just Jin So-un’s companions scratching their heads.

The resident fighters of Four Emperors Peak were constantly casting furtive glances at one another, utterly shocked to see Cha Seok-du—a ruler typically renowned for his terrifying gravity—acting as though he were merely bantering with a beloved grandchild.

“In any case, I am told you encountered significant tribulations during your participation in the Regular Exam.”

“It stands to reason that a fellow of humble origins must endure a grueling path to elevate his status.”

“If that is the case, why not seize this moment to defect to a Black Path organization? We haven’t decayed into rigid, corrupt structures like the Nine Sects and One Gang or the One Hundred Eight Peaks belonging to the Murim Alliance.”

“Should I take that path, wouldn’t all the misery I have subjected myself to up to this point be completely squandered?”

Faced with Jin So-un’s counter, Cha Seok-du inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“This unexpected arrival of mine is driven by a request I wish to make. I beg your indulgence if my manner has been disrespectful.”

The moment Jin So-un uttered these words, the jovial expression gradually faded from Cha Seok-du’s features.

“Allow me to halt you before you voice your plea. Either abandon your pursuit of the Regular Exam entirely, or negotiate a suitable compromise with the factions waiting beyond these walls.”

“…”

“Word has reached me that you possess an astonishing tally of Entry Tokens. By utilizing them as leverage, you should easily secure passage into the Academy for yourself or perhaps a couple of your associates. I am willing to serve as your go-between if you desire.”

Realizing that the master had already anticipated Jin So-un’s intentions, the companions felt a wave of exhaustion wash over them. If their negotiations in this hall fell through, they would be completely out of options.

“Does that condition remain unchanged even if I intend to invoke the nameplate?”

“…”

Following Jin So-un’s remark, Cha Seok-du’s expression turned rigid, and a heavy tension expanded throughout the grand hall.

“That token serves only as a promise that I will put forth an honest attempt. You must realize it carries insufficient weight to settle a matter of such magnitude that it endangers both my order and my survival.”

“…”

“Allowing Four Emperors Peak to meddle in the Regular Exam of the Murim Academy introduces a catastrophic risk to my entire domain. No matter how much you implore me, I cannot assent to this. Retain that nameplate with care; a time will surely come when you require its power.”

The countenance of Cha Seok-du, who had previously treated Jin So-un with the warmth reserved for kin, now showed profound letdown.

“If your ultimate choice is to withdraw from the evaluation, you are welcome to remain under my roof. I shall provide fine quarters and attendants to ensure your absolute comfort.”

Behaving as though their interaction had reached its conclusion, Cha Seok-du abruptly stood up from his throne. Just then, Jin So-un, who had remained taciturn, spoke up.

“Such an arrangement is not what I am seeking.”

When the master turned back around, his eyes flickered with a mixture of resentment and disillusionment.

“Are you attempting to make a fool out of me?”

“I have yet to explicitly state the nature of my petition.”

“…”

Adopting a stern demeanor, Cha Seok-du returned to his seat upon the raised stage.

“I pray this meeting does not leave me thoroughly vexed with you. My estimation of you had already diminished upon learning that you sought refuge within Four Emperors Peak merely to evade the clutches of the Nine Sects and One Gang.”

Though his tone remained completely level, the bystanders in the hall trembled under the crushing weight of his immense authority.

“The favor I am asking is for Four Emperors Peak to establish itself as the central pillar of the entire Black Path Murim.”

“…?”

Hearing this unexpected declaration, the surrounding crowd collectively cocked their heads in bewilderment.

“Historically, the Black Path Murim has lacked a unifying governing body equivalent to the Murim Alliance. This chaotic state persists to this day. Consequently, whenever a catastrophic crisis manifests, we possess no organized method to mount a defense.”

This reality was a perpetual topic of discussion among the dark factions. Every group recognized the necessity of a central core, yet none had ever managed to construct it.

“The events at the Demon Spirit Plateau illustrated this perfectly. Although the Black Path factions bore the brunt of the casualties, it was ultimately the Murim Alliance that directed the masses, leaving the Black Path Murim to pace back and forth in sheer helplessness and bide their time.”

“Hold on, let us pause for a second. I am lost. Why are you bringing up past history right now? Furthermore, even if we wished to assume the role of this central pillar, by what means could we possibly achieve it?”

“The process is actually quite simple.”

“Simple, you say?”

Over the generations, numerous dark clans had endeavored to forge a unified coalition, yet every attempt had ended in absolute failure. They lacked both a grand catalyst like those available to the Murim Alliance and a stronghold backed by undeniable, absolute martial dominance.

“Organize a peaceful, silent progression to honor the fallen souls of the Demon Spirit Plateau. Let it stretch from our current position here at Mount Dabie all the way to Wuhan, the very seat of the Murim Alliance. Utilize this public demonstration to galvanize public sentiment, and ultimately, construct your own Alliance.”

“…”

Cha Seok-du’s jaw dropped in sheer disbelief.

The mouths of the elite martial artists assembled throughout the chamber fell open in equal measure, as did those of Jin So-un’s own companions.

An initiate belonging to a righteous Orthodox Path order was proposing to build the governing core of the Black Path Murim?

Amidst the profound quiet that gripped the massive hall, a single word began to echo in hushed murmurs from every corner: “Lunatic.”