The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 116

Chapter 116
Chapter 116. The Black Flame Dragon Dressed in Gold

The Elder Hall of the Murim Alliance was by no means a lenient environment.

Gaining entry required over two decades of dedicated service within the Murim Alliance, or holding direct leadership over an individual sect or an alliance of multiple factions.

Examining the individuals who successfully cleared such rigorous scrutiny to secure an Elder seat revealed that nearly all of them were either uncompromising zealots who utterly loathed the Black Path, or natural-born political maneuverers.

Consequently, the recent actions involving the Black Path Murim and Jin So-un completely fractured the Elder Hall into opposing factions.

The figures harboring deep resentments against Jin So-un witnessed these developments and felt their tempers flare to the boiling point.

“Allowing a person who conspired alongside the Black Path to cross the threshold of the Murim Academy! Is that meant to be a valid point? Or absolute nonsense?”

“Calm your passions. Such crude language has no place within the Elder Hall. Furthermore, do you possess absolute proof that he truly acted in league with them?”

“They utilized threats, coercion, and physically blockaded the perimeter to ensure no other test-takers could approach! If such behavior does not constitute conspiracy, then how else would you define it!”

Conversely, representatives from the Five Great Clans who maintained relations with Jin So-un launched a fierce counter-argument.

“Indeed. For what reason did you deploy students who had already completed their evaluations to journey across the land to Henan Province?”

“W-What! Do you possess any concrete evidence of this!”

“Evidence is obvious. Do you genuinely believe we are blind to the fact that an examinee from Jiangnan traveled all the way up to Henan Province specifically to sabotage Jin So-un, the top scorer?”

“T-They merely desired to improve their standing. Ahem.”

Observing the sour expressions clouding the faces of the Righteous Path Association, the representatives of the Orthodox Path Association scoffed.

In reality, the core disagreement did not hinge on whether Jin So-un had actually allied himself with the Black Path.

Throughout this specific examination, the pupils originating from the Nine Sects and One Gang had secured every rank from second down to fifth.

Had Jin So-un been absent, one of their own would have claimed the top spot, but his singular presence forced every subsequent candidate down by a position.

Because the mindsets of the Murim Alliance Elders operated on the philosophy of ‘I can tolerate missing out on a benefit as long as you suffer a detriment,’ the opportunity to strike at the interests of the Righteous Path Association was a chance the Orthodox Path Association refused to squander.

“Arguing for the disqualification of Jin So-un implies that every single person who accompanied him must be disqualified too. Are you prepared to declare that the descendants of the Murong Clan and the Namgung Clan should also fail?”

Furthermore, Jin So-un’s inner circle included scions from the Murong Clan and the Namgung Clan, both staunch pillars of the Orthodox Path Association.

This rendered the situation a critical battleground where the Orthodox Path Association simply could not afford to yield an inch.

“…Reports indicate that Jin So-un was the mastermind who organized the entire affair, so we should limit the disqualification strictly to him.”

“By that logic, how will you handle Jin So-un’s Junior Brothers? Those three siblings currently enjoy immense public adoration. Disqualifying them would inevitably expose the Murim Alliance to severe public backlash for demonstrating blatant favoritism toward noble lineages.”

“…They simply followed the directives issued by Jin So-un, their Eldest Senior Brother, did they not? We shall allow them to receive passing marks as well.”

“On what grounds, then, do you justify failing Jin So-un?”

Standard political maneuvering dictated a mutual compromise when one party relented, but the Orthodox Path Association, having successfully gripped the vulnerability of the Righteous Path Association, maintained its aggressive stance.

Their moral high ground was solid as well.

They argued that nothing must compromise the integrity of the Murim Regular Exam, an event universally celebrated for its transparency and equity.

Consequently, abandoning their primary responsibility of forming Alliance Laws, the Elder Hall engaged in relentless arguments before ultimately deciding to move their venerable assembly directly to the Murim Academy to personally investigate Jin So-un’s alleged misconduct and uncover the absolute reality of the matter.

As luck would have it, I wasn’t immediately disqualified.

Rather, the official word was that my performance required closer scrutiny.

Given that the Murim Regular Exam traditionally determined success strictly based on the tally of Entry Tokens collected, this anomaly was unprecedented. The official’s phrasing of the verdict nearly ignited a catastrophic situation.

“…Seon-hwa, even under these circumstances, you shouldn’t react so impulsively.”

“Forgive me, Elder Sister. However, I completely lost my capacity for rational thought in that moment.”

Upon hearing the initial declaration of my failure, Namgung Seon-hwa had come dangerously close to executing the proctor right then and there.

The poor official, who intended to clarify the terms right after delivering the shocking news, almost lost his head to multiple razor-sharp beams of Sword Qi manifested via the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.

Only the frantic interventions of Kang Seo-pyo, Seong Mo-ran, and Cho Mu-bin preserved the official’s life, though the proctor’s desk was obliterated into splinters. As a result, subsequent candidates entering the Academy had to retrieve their soiled credentials from a makeshift table set up directly on the soil.

“Regardless… if Young Master Jin is ultimately denied entry, I refuse to enroll in this Academy as well.”

“…You absolute…”

Toying with the Entry Token I had handed him, Murong Jae-hwa chimed in to express his thoughts.

“I intend to accompany Brother back to the Taeul Sect instead.”

Wait, what?

Refusing the Academy was one thing, but what business did he have coming with me to the Taeul Sect?

Unaware of my inner bewilderment, even the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers bore expressions that suggested they were preparing to pledge a similar vow, prompting me to intervene immediately.

“Cut it out. The final decision hasn’t been finalized. Do you honestly believe I’ll just sit back and let them fail me?”

To begin with, had I doubted my ability to succeed, I never would have taken the risk of infiltrating Four Emperors Peak.

If they sought to bar my entry on the grounds of associating with Black Path scoundrels while bearing the title of Black Flame Dragon, I was fully prepared to drag them down with me.

“Focus! Form your ranks correctly! The official induction has not commenced.”

“Hey you, close the gap to your flank. There is no reason to be positioned so distantly!”

Although the Instructors shouted their commands to organize, the crowd remained stubbornly motionless.

Aside from our immediate perimeter, the rest of the incoming pupils clustered far away from us, treating our group as though we carried a contagious disease.

The overseers amplified their shouting, yet true to their high-born lineages, the youth displayed absolute indifference to such superficial displays of power.

Ultimately, the ranks remained chaotic as the opening proceedings commenced, causing the arrivals accompanying the Academy Head to grimace at the unruly state of the courtyard.

“What is the meaning of this blatant disorder?”

“Regrettably, sir, the final enrollment roster remains unresolved.”

The time for the formal induction had arrived, yet who was actually accepted remained a question mark.

Witnessing this bizarre turn of events, the guardians and spectators gathered in the viewing stands began whispering anxiously among themselves.

‘My word… what an incredible display…’

Right in the middle of the spectator section sat a particular group that everyone else deliberately avoided, mirroring our own isolation.

They were none other than the prominent masters of the Black Path Murim.

‘What on earth possessed you lot to show up here?’

The somber entourage that I expected to proceed toward the headquarters of the Murim Alliance had halted entirely the exact instant my status was placed in jeopardy.

Given these circumstances, any attempt to distance myself from the factions of the Black Path would be completely futile.

Behaving in typical malicious fashion, they were actively casting a shadow over what should have been a glorious milestone for an Orthodox Path cultivator.

“Quiet down, everyone. Prior to beginning the ceremony, we must resolve a serious dispute concerning the test outcomes, which we shall address immediately.”

Instantly, every pair of eyes in the area locked onto my position.

Their expressions made it clear that even without an explicit explanation, they instinctively knew I was at the center of the storm.

“Given the immense friction surrounding this matter, we have requested the presence of esteemed representatives from the leadership to pass judgment on these scores.”

The figures receiving an exceptionally respectful introduction from the Murim Academy Head were the very individuals who controlled the Elder Hall of the Murim Alliance.

As they entered, the entire gathering—both the prospective students and the audience members—stood up out of respect.

Naturally, the powerful leaders of the Black Path stayed firmly in their seats, snickering quietly as they recognized a familiar face among the arrivals.

“……”

An assembly of roughly thirty high-ranking Elders had arrived simultaneously.

The fact that they had mobilized such a massive delegation just to ensure my downfall underscored their profound hatred for anything related to the Black Path.

Simultaneously, a peculiar detail caught my attention.

The faction representing the Righteous Path Association under Daoist Master Myeonghyeon and the group from the Orthodox Path Association under Murong Cheong were intentionally maintaining a distinct space between their ranks.

“Examinee Jin So-un, come to the front!”

Stepping past the quiet words of solidarity from Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran, I advanced with an unbothered demeanor.

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon, an individual I knew all too well from my past life, glared at me with the exact same look of profound disdain that I remembered from that bygone era.

“It has come to our attention that Candidate Jin So-un flagrantly used force to disrupt the sacred regulations of the Murim Regular Exam, reducing the testing grounds to total chaos.”

“……”

Though, strictly speaking, it was Namgung Seon-hwa who had actually attempted to decapitate the proctor…

“The Murim Academy exists as a sanctuary to forge champions who will spearhead the crusade of Purging Demons and Destroying Evil for the Murim Alliance. Yet, you had the audacity to cooperate with the wicked forces of the Black Path, perverting the integrity of this evaluation and robbing your peers of their rightful achievements.”

Beyond Daoist Master Myeonghyeon, who delivered his speech with spit flying in fury, the surrounding test-takers and school representatives cast deeply antagonistic glares in our direction.

“Therefore, regardless of your exceptional performance metrics, we formally declare you unfit for enrollment.”

Crack. Crack.

To my rear, Namgung Seon-hwa was actively rolling her shoulders and preparing for a fight.

Had it completely slipped her mind that a relative from the side branches of the Namgung Clan was currently presiding over this as an Elder?

“Does this represent the official stance of the Murim Alliance?”

“What—are you implying that I—”

“Or is it merely the consensus of the full Elder Hall?”

“……”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon shifted his gaze toward the ranks of the Orthodox Path Association.

He had likely secured the upper hand in the debate over righteousness against his rivals.

Yet, a true political operative never simply abandons their agenda just because they lost an initial skirmish.

“As you so eloquently put it, the purpose of the Murim Academy is to nurture future generations imbued with the noble spirit required for Purging Demons and Destroying Evil.”

Taking a step closer, I channeled my internal energy directly into my vocal cords.

“Operating under that very standard, I, Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect, assert that my conduct throughout this test was flawless and entirely above board! Consequently, this attempt to disqualify me appears to be nothing more than a scheme by Daoist Master Myeonghyeon and the Righteous Path Association to protect the Nine Sects and One Gang after their chosen prodigies failed to secure the crown.”

“!!”

“Our group cleared the First Trial without employing external mercenaries, conquered the Second Trial without expending a single copper piece, and triumphed over the Third Trial through sheer merit. By what logical standard should someone with my record be barred from entering the Murim Academy?”

“Do you not realize that your bizarre method is exactly the issue! What normal person approaches an evaluation in such an absurd fashion!”

True to form, just like in my past existence, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon completely lost his composure and committed a major tactical blunder the moment his emotions got the better of him.

“Oh… so you are admitting that the Murim Regular Exam was structured from the beginning to favor only the wealthy and influential? Is that the corrupt test I managed to clear?”

“Y-You insolent…”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s features contorted with pure rage.

Prompted by subtle nudges from the Elders standing behind him, he forced his face back into a controlled mask and spoke once more.

“Even so, how do you explain completing the final stage of the evaluation through blatant collaboration with syndicates of the Black Path?”

“I have never once conspired with any faction of the Black Path!”

“What preposterous lies…”

I extended my arm toward the notorious leaders of the Black Path, whom the crowd was shunning like lepers, and projected my voice.

“Since they happen to be in attendance today by sheer chance, why not seek the truth from them directly? Hear me, scoundrels of the Black Path! Did this righteous warrior of the Orthodox Path, Jin So-un, ever engage in a conspiracy with your kind?”

Upon hearing my declaration, the countenances of the Black Path masters twisted in irritation, and they immediately began hurling profanities.

“Look at that arrogant bastard. Shall I flay him alive?”

“You miserable Orthodox Path whelp! Are you begging to be crushed into dust with a single strike?!”

Amidst the shouting, the Four Emperors Peak Lord let out a low laugh and responded.

“You absolute lunatic, what kind of garbage are you rambling about? You hold no rank like the Murim Alliance Leader, so why would our forces waste time conspiring with an insignificant student from the Taeul Sect?”

I pivoted back to face Daoist Master Myeonghyeon.

“You heard it yourself, did you not? The accusation regarding cooperation with the Black Path is completely baseless. What valid grounds do you have left to deny my admission?”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s complexion burned a deep crimson.

The surrounding Elders of the Righteous Path Association could only look back and forth between us and the Black Path leaders with completely dumbfounded expressions.

I focused an even greater concentration of internal energy into my delivery.

Ensuring that my words reverberated across the entirety of the courtyard and reached the furthest edges of the spectator stands.

“When all is said and done… is the real issue simply that a pupil from the Nine Sects and One Gang failed to claim the ultimate victory?! Is that the ugly truth!”

The absolute foundation that governed the operations of the Murim Alliance was neither physical power nor political leverage.

‘Chivalrous justification.’

The entire structure relied on the appearance of righteousness, and I held an arsenal of arguments perfectly tailored to exploit the very concept they prized so highly.

Refusing to wield such flawless leverage against an adversary would be the height of stupidity.

And I was no idiot.

“If that is the reality! If the Murim Academy and the overarching Murim Alliance have entirely abandoned equity to become an organization focused solely on preserving its own privileges!”

Indiscriminately tying the neutral parties to the specific sins of an opponent was a classic rhetorical strategy that career politicians thoroughly enjoyed using.

Sure enough, the countenances of the targeted Elder Council members darkened instantly.

It was time to deliver the decisive blow.

“I shall withdraw my candidacy to satisfy your desires. In fact, even if you begged me to join, I would refuse.”

Having made my statement, I cast the accumulated Entry Tokens straight onto the dirt.

These tokens, each representing a value greater than a grand estate, scattered across the courtyard like worthless pebbles.

Right then, Namgung Seon-hwa stepped up from behind and pulled her own tokens from her garments, tossing them directly onto my pile.

“I concur that an institution defined by such bias has nothing of value to teach me. I reject my admission as well.”

Clatter.

Her collection was modest in comparison to my massive haul.

However, her action caused a significantly greater uproar among the spectators than my own display had.

As Seong Mo-ran, the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers, and Murong Jae-hwa systematically dumped their tokens into the pile, the accumulated items lay scattered on the earth like common gravel along a riverbank.

“Y-You ungrateful…!”

Staring directly at the flushed, furious countenance of Daoist Master Myeonghyeon, I maintained an unyielding expression of righteous indignation.

“Never before have I questioned the structure of the Murim Regular Exam! I never doubted why our fellow Orthodox Path practitioners are forced to bleed against one another, or why families must bankrupt themselves to the point of ruining their households just to fund this endeavor. I accepted it blindly!”

The golden rule of manipulation was to evoke intense emotional resonance.

I thudded my fist against my sternum with dramatic force and bellowed.

“And why did I do so? Because I held a firm belief that these trials served the greater harmony and security of the Murim, viewing it as a necessary sacrifice. However! If this entire process is nothing but a staged hierarchy designed for your amusement! If our blood and sweat exist merely as decoration to validate your authority! Then I reject every piece of status you offer!”

Historically, the upper echelons of the passing roster were almost exclusively dominated by the Nine Sects and One Gang.

While candidates from the Five Great Clans sometimes broke through, the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Nine Sects and One Gang usually guaranteed them the monopoly on top honors.

Yet, the metaphorical pebble I had tossed into the water was currently generating massive waves across the entire assembly.

Deep down, the other examinees had always harbored a lingering sense of unease regarding the system.

They had simply accepted it as an unchangeable law of reality until now.

“You! You absolute scoundrel, how dare you utter such…”

Choking on the profound public humiliation, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s face darkened with pure fury.

His robes billowed violently from the release of internal force, signaling an urge to lunge forward and snap my spine on the spot.

Anticipating a strike, I quietly began to mobilize my own internal reserves.

“My, my, my… look at these seniors, traveling all this way just to humiliate themselves in public…”

At the sound of this blatant mockery directed squarely at the Elder Hall, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon and his fellow councilors whipped their heads around instantly.

Completely indifferent to the murderous glares of the gathered leadership, the speaker stepped forward into the middle of the grounds with casual strides.

“Move out of the way. And more importantly, have you completely overlooked the fact that ultimate jurisdiction over enrollment does not belong to you?”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

“W-What is the meaning of this… Strategist Jegal, do you intend to shield Jin So-un from accountability?”

Ignoring the complaints of the elder, the entire courtyard grew visibly tense at the presence of this formidable newcomer.

Paying zero mind to the anxious onlookers, he casually claimed the Academy Head’s chair—which had been quickly vacated out of respect—and began to lazily operate his paper fan.

“You truly possess a unique talent for stirring up chaos wherever you step.”

The Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance.

Jegal So-myeong had arrived on the scene.