The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 118

Chapter 118
## Chapter 118. The Black Flame Dragon Dressed in Gold (3)

Once the outcomes of the Murim Regular Exam became public knowledge, the entire area of Hefei within Anhui Province erupted in frantic chatter regarding the specific identity featured at the peak of the list.

“The Taeul Sect? Did a school by that name even exist?”

“Could they be referring to the Taeul Martial Hall?”

“You fool, it’s the Taeul Martial Hall! How can you be ignorant of the righteous Taeul Sect?”

“You absolute idiot! As if I don’t recall how you used to constantly mock the title of the Taeul Sword Emperor and everything associated with it!”

Though public fascination spiked overnight, the curiosity of the masses remained unquenched because the Taeul Sect had already lowered its public banner and bolted its entryways shut.

Even so, the lack of outside access did not mean the event went uncelebrated by those residing within the walls of the Taeul Sect.

On the contrary, a massive celebration, grand enough to rival any major festival, was underway within the compounds of the Taeul Sect.

“Haha, our very own So-un managed to secure the absolute highest rank.”

“Look here, Hall Master Kang Chae-seok, didn’t you used to berate Eldest Senior Brother So-un on a daily basis?”

“Mind your tongue, you rascal! That was merely a reflection of how deeply I cared for the boy!”

“If that’s your logic, you must hold zero affection for Senior Sister So-so. You’ve never uttered a single harsh word in front of Senior Sister So-so.”

“Get over here right now. Have you actually perfected the Twin Heaven Sword Formula yet?”

“Who on earth spends their time practicing techniques during a grand feast?”

Every single one of the Hall Masters and disciples had assembled in the main area, with the parents of the students invited to join the festivities as well.

Amidst the crowd, the individuals drawing the highest amount of public fascination were, without a doubt, the parents of the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers, who earned their living operating a local mill.

“Our warmest blessings to you. By what method did you manage to send all three of your sons into the Murim Academy at once? Please share your wisdom with us.”

“Ah… well, we simply did our daily labor…”

“Goodness, the boys must have been deeply inspired simply by observing the hard work of their mother and father. What was your method?”

“Ah… really, nothing special, we just instructed them to mind their Senior Brothers and Masters…”

The mother and father of the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers, having spent their entire lives running a simple mill while enduring the subtle disdain of others, were utterly overwhelmed by their sudden popularity and could do nothing but nod their heads in a daze.

“Whew… With Eldest Senior Brother claiming the very top spot, the weight of expectation resting on us is bound to grow immensely heavy from this moment on.”

“Huh? What exactly do you mean by that?”

Gwak Sam-nam directed his gaze toward Wang So-so and Jegal Cheon-gi, who were happily munching on skewered chicken.

“Think about it. Moving forward, if anyone from our Taeul Sect fails to produce achievements that match the standard set by Eldest Senior Brother, won’t the public ridicule us?”

“Well, I have no intention of sitting for the Murim Regular Exam anyway.”

“What did you say?”

Hearing Wang So-so’s casual remark, Gwak Sam-nam’s eyes widened to the size of saucers, looking like a panicked creature.

Even though she had commenced her martial arts instruction much later than he had, Wang So-so’s progress had advanced at a terrifying pace. Her mastery over internal energy, in particular, was nothing short of staggering.

While he retained the ability to best her in pure swordsmanship and agility, the sheer volume of her internal energy crashed down like tidal waves, meaning Gwak Sam-nam had never managed to claim a single victory against Wang So-so.

Yet, despite possessing such power, Wang So-so had no plans to participate in the Regular Exam.

“I intend to enter the Murim Alliance by fulfilling the path of mandatory service.”

“…As a common, lower-ranked warrior?”

He recalled hearing that the Wang Estate cherished Wang So-so with such intensity that they had essentially kept her secluded within her personal quarters for her entire life.

Furthermore, recent whispers suggested she had taken charge of various clan enterprises and was generating staggering amounts of wealth. Why would someone of Wang So-so’s stature willingly join the Murim Alliance at the lowest tier?

“Doing it that way ensures I can remain by the side of Eldest Senior Brother.”

“…”

Right at that moment, Jegal Cheon-gi chimed in while swallowing another piece of his chicken skewer.

“I plan to enlist as a lower-ranked warrior as well. Sam-nam, it seems the heavy expectations will fall squarely on you.”

“What on earth… No, if that’s the case, I should also…”

“Absolutely not! The two of us are Lay Disciples. You are obligated to sit for the Murim Regular Exam.”

“Since when does such a regulation exist?”

“Where else could it exist? Right here, of course.”

“In that case, I will simply have Yu-seong go take it in my stead.”

“What?!”

Kang Yu-seong, who had been busy gathering refreshments for his little sisters, jumped in surprise at the mention of his name.

“Your entry into the sect happened after mine, but your martial capabilities already far outclass my own.”

The young disciples of the Taeul Sect who had traveled to the Murong Clan as Exchange Disciples alongside Hegemon Blade had come back with their martial prowess elevated to an entirely different dimension.

On top of that, even though Kang Yu-seong had begun studying the Taeul True Scripture well after the other students, he had already reached a tier where his development could be directly compared to that of Kang Chae-seok.

Gwak Sam-nam clapped a hand onto Kang Yu-seong’s shoulder.

“You are the very student who will carry the reputation of the Taeul Sect to great heights in the upcoming generation. I am placing my trust in you, Yu-seong.”

“No, wait, I… I also wish to enlist as a lower-ranked warrior…”

Yu-seong looked as though he might break down into tears at any second, prompting Gwak Sam-nam, Wang So-so, and Jegal Cheon-gi to trade looks and break into quiet laughter.

—

A short distance away from where the four youngsters were gathered.

“For what reason are you lingering here all by yourself?”

A voice called out to Jin Tae-san, who was sitting isolated from the rest, unable to lose himself in the joyous energy of the celebration.

“Ah, you have arrived, Estate Master.”

Wang Geum-san put a hand out to keep Jin Tae-san from rising, taking a seat right beside him before placing a container of alcohol on the table.

“This is known as the Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Wine.”

Jin Tae-san’s eyes grew wide with astonishment.

Was this not the legendary vintage from the imperial courts, distilled from a hundred distinct blossoms?

An exotic, alluring scent was already wafting from the slender neck of the vessel.

“Is it not the perfect vintage to partake in on an occasion such as this?”

“This… this is far too extravagant a gift.”

Jin Tae-san’s fingers trembled slightly as he took hold of the Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Wine.

To an enthusiast of fine spirits, such a beverage was beyond precious.

Observing his reaction, Wang Geum-san let out a soft, knowing smile.

“Are you not filled with joy?”

Jin Tae-san froze mid-motion, his cup halfway to his lips as he went to drink the Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Wine.

After debating internally whether he should drain the remaining liquid or set the vessel down, Jin Tae-san ultimately chose to consume the contents entirely.

He then sat silently, staring down into the vacant container for a prolonged moment, either captivated by the lingering notes of the vintage or lost in the depths of his own reflections.

“…Where on this earth could one find a father who fails to rejoice at the triumph of his own flesh and blood?”

The expression with which Jin Tae-san regarded the empty cup was tinged with a deep sense of melancholy.

“And yet, I find myself consumed by the dread that the lad might soar to such heights that a sudden fall would leave him utterly broken.”

The triumphs of a child were invariably bound to the anxieties of a parent.

The terrifying realization that one might lack the strength to serve as a safety net should the child ever plummet.

The nagging fear that perhaps the child possessed the capability to soar even further, yet his boundaries had been constrained by the heavy anchor of his own family.

Every single time a child advanced by massive strides, a parent could not help but turn their gaze inward.

“Are you not borrowing trouble far too early? By all appearances, his journey into the skies has only just commenced.”

“I am a man who constantly fretted over whether that boy would even manage to properly fulfill his role as an Outer Hall Master. My personal capacity is only that of a small container. Yet, with a single flap of his wings, my boy has shaken the entire world, so how could I possibly remain at ease?”

The height he had reached was not a destination attainable through standard paths.

Because of that reality, the boy must have taken incredibly dangerous gambles and pushed his luck to the absolute limit.

Reflecting on the fact that within the high-stakes arena of existence, the only currency one could truly wager was one’s own mortality, Jin Tae-san chose not to dwell on how many instances that boy had risked his very life to climb to such a peak.

“Is your anxiety rooted in his associations with the Black Path Murim?”

“…”

That particular moniker, the Black Flame Dragon, served as an undeniable testament to those ties.

Jin Tae-san allowed a self-deprecating smile to form on his lips as he replenished his cup with the Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Wine.

“Even so, is there not a silver lining? The prominent leaders of the Black Path explicitly swore under oath that he shared absolutely no connection with their factions.”

“Pfft!”

“Good heavens, why squander such an exquisite vintage in that manner?”

Jin Tae-san, whose lips were now coated in the sweet scent of the alcohol he had inadvertently sprayed, stared at Wang Geum-san with an expression of utter disbelief.

What sort of dimwitted fool in this world would look upon those events and genuinely believe that Jin So-un possessed no ties to the Black Path Murim?

Even he, as the boy’s father, was burning with curiosity to uncover exactly how that mischievous brat Jin So-un had managed to entangle himself with those scoundrels of the Black Path.

“…”

“It was merely a jest. A simple jest.”

Wang Geum-san gave his shoulder a reassuring pat before refilling his glass with the Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Wine once more.

“…”

This gentleman appeared increasingly distinct from the individual Jin Tae-san had encountered during their initial meeting.

He had developed a strange habit of tossing out absurd jokes.

Due to his naturally stern demeanor and unyielding gravity, it was incredibly disorienting, making it difficult to discern when to actually laugh at his attempts at humor.

“If that is the reality, does it not simply mean that Hall Master Jin must exert greater effort? You merely need to transform yourself into a dependable cushion so that he remains unharmed whenever a fall occurs.”

“The reports dictate that if he assumes the mantle of the Academy Representative, he will be required to assemble a personal council of officers to assist him. Will there truly be anyone prepared to offer their allegiance to a youth who possesses neither wealth nor an influential lineage?”

If he were to immediately divert all revenues generated by the mining operations, he could theoretically purchase the loyalty of an executive staff, but doing so would completely dismantle the foundations of the Taeul Sect just as it was beginning to find its footing. Consequently, that path was entirely out of the question.

“If that approach proves too demanding, there exists an alternative route that is considerably less complicated.”

“What sort of strategy are you proposing?”

Wang Geum-san paused momentarily, tilting the container to pour more spirits.

With every sip Jin Tae-san took, the realization struck him anew that the bouquet of this vintage was truly unparalleled.

It was so divine that he felt tempted to gather up the droplets he had spilled moments prior.

“Take another draft.”

“What is this alternative?”

“…Drink first, and I shall explain.”

Jin Tae-san took his time appreciating the golden, shimmering clarity of the liquid.

“What if we arrange for him to marry into the Wang Estate as a son-in-law? I am confident that such an alliance would provide him with an impeccable foundation.”

“Pffft!!!”

—

“Are you playing a prank on me right now?”

“…”

I had fully anticipated that navigating existence within the Murim Academy would present its fair share of tribulations.

Yet, to think they would begin orchestrating such underhanded ploys before the academic term had even officially commenced.

Without a doubt, both the Murim Alliance and the Murim Academy were thoroughly corrupted to their very cores.

“This is far from amusing. Please hand over my actual attire immediately.”

“……This is indeed the designated attire.”

“……There is a detail I ought to have clarified beforehand. I hold a strong distaste for practical jokes.”

“…”

Observing the rigid, unblinking expressions of the attendants standing silently nearby, a sense of dread washed over me because it became readily apparent that this was no laughing matter.

“Are these truly the garments I am expected to don for the grand gala?”

The outfit the maidservants had presented was a lavish set of robes crafted from pristine white silk, adorned with intricate embroideries of gleaming golden thread.

To accompany it, there was a decorative headpiece, a belt overlaid with pure gold, and a pair of white slippers that appeared entirely impractical for any form of everyday movement. The ensemble looked exactly like the raiment of divine spirits descending from the heavens.

Up to that particular detail, it was manageable.

However…

“Are you serious? Can you swear to it?”

The true disaster lay in the massive, shimmering golden characters reading ‘Top Entrant’ stitched directly across the center of the chest, as prominent as a fortress gate.

I was utterly paralyzed with shock to discover that this outfit—which resembled an elaborate form of public humiliation no matter how one analyzed it—was the standard formal wear mandated for the highest-ranking students of previous generations.

“I think I will simply stick to my standard training uniform.”

Rather than exposing myself to the world in a monstrosity like this, I would honestly prefer to stroll around completely unclothed.

As I made a move to slip past the attendants to make my way toward the gala, the mature woman who appeared to hold the highest authority stepped forward to obstruct my path.

“This is the official ceremonial dress that every single top scorer throughout the ages has been strictly required to wear. You are forbidden from taking even a single step beyond these chambers without donning it properly.”

“……In that case, I shall simply skip the gala entirely.”

If I dared to venture out in public wearing this, whatever modicum of social dignity I had managed to cultivate up to this point would be utterly obliterated. Simultaneously, my status as the respected Eldest Senior Brother in the eyes of my subordinates would plunge to the absolute bottom.

There was absolutely no scenario where I would willingly wear this.

“What are you waiting for? Assist the young master with his wardrobe change immediately.”

“H-Hey! Wh-What do you think you’re doing! Take your hands off me! I am warning you right now, I recently consolidated three full cycles of internal energy!”

Despite my best efforts to put up a struggle, I was ultimately powerless against the relentless, synchronized grip of the maidservants.

“There, take a look. Do you not cut a remarkably noble and dignified figure?”

“……”

The head attendant held up a polished bronze mirror with an expression of immense pride.

“I cannot help but feel I have encountered this specific look somewhere in the past.”

“To what are you referring?”

“In theatrical street performances. Typically, the dimwitted royalty or the spoiled heirs of aristocratic households emerge onto the stage dressed precisely like this.”

The Head Maidservant completely brushed off my commentary with a slight nod of her head.

“With that settled, please enjoy your time at the gala.”

“My disposition is already completely ruined, though……”

“……Perhaps once you experience the sensation of the crowd gazing upon you with reverence, your perspective will shift.”

“Pfft!”

“Puhaha!”

The absolute second Geum-pyo and Eun-ho caught sight of my figure, their complexions turned bright crimson, and they desperately clamped down on their lower lips to stifle their reactions.

See?

I knew for a fact that I would be transformed into an absolute laughingstock.

“Do you find this amusing?”

“N-No, not at all. I was merely reflecting on how magnificent it would be if the Sect Leader and the rest of our comrades from the Taeul Sect could witness this glorious sight… and before I knew it, I was simply overwhelmed with profound sentiment… *Sniff*… *Hic*.”

Geum-pyo twisted his torso away while emitting a bizarre choking noise that made it entirely impossible to discern whether he was weeping or suffocating from laughter.

Standing right next to him, Eun-ho offered his input.

“Eldest Senior Brother, would you happen to have a few silver pieces you could spare me?”

“For what purpose? Do you have an immediate need for funds?”

“If I sprint as fast as I can right this moment, I might be able to secure the services of a portrait artist…”

“Hold your tongue.”

Meanwhile, Dong-ryong and Murong Jae-hwa were simply staring in my direction with wide, unblinking eyes.

“Is the appearance truly that bizarre?”

When I questioned them out of sheer self-consciousness, Dong-ryong offered a resolute shake of his head.

“You possess the exact likeness of a celestial prince descended from the heavens.”

“Brother, I genuinely believe you are sporting garments that complement you perfectly.”

“……”

Confronted with the absolute, unironic sincerity radiating from those two, my sense of mortification only intensified, which finally caused Geum-pyo and Eun-ho to erupt into a fit of breathless laughter.

Finding the scenario increasingly impossible to tolerate, I deliberately steered the conversation in a different direction.

“Where are the young ladies?”

“Do women not typically require a substantial amount of time to complete their preparations?”

As luck would have it, the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers and Murong Jae-hwa had been allocated a single shared living space.

Under normal circumstances, residential quarters were distributed strictly based on academic rankings, but Murong Jae-hwa, who possessed a special Entry Token, had requested to share a four-occupant room alongside the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers, and the administration had accommodated the request.

Namgung Seon-hwa and Seong Mo-ran had been placed in two-occupant quarters, though they were reportedly sharing them with individuals from outside our immediate circle.

Given that the physical distance between the rooms was minimal, neither woman appeared particularly dissatisfied with the arrangement.

“What of Sa-ryeon?”

The moment my feet touched the grounds of the Murim Academy, I had made attempts to locate Sa-ryeon.

Curiously, while Sa-ryeon had briefly revealed herself to the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers, she seemed to be intentionally avoiding making an appearance in front of me alone.

I was entirely uncertain of her motives when she remarked that our initial encounter ought to take place within the main hall of the gala, but recognizing that the event would commence shortly, I opted to wait patiently.

“Senior Sister Sa-ryeon should be arriving any moment now.”

“Everyone seems to be running behind schedule.”

“We might as well step inside ahead of them.”

“Let’s do that.”

The lingering stares of the attendants moving back and forth outside the entrance of the gala hall were beginning to irritate me.

Given that my attire made me look like a glowing beacon in an environment otherwise shrouded in dim lighting, it was only natural for public attention to converge on my person. However, the peculiar grins on their faces—which hung in a frustrating balance between genuine awe and suppressed mockery—were deeply annoying.

As we neared the entrance of the gala hall, we encountered a massive queue stretching far back from the doorway.

It appeared that the attendees were waiting to gain entry in an organized fashion, escorted by the staff, yet the attire of the surrounding crowd was remarkably extravagant.

While the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers and I were outfitted in ceremonial garments explicitly provided by the institution itself, the remaining students of the Academy were dressed in highly opulent robes adorned with the distinct emblems of their respected lineages or martial organizations.

The sheer luxury of their clothing easily rivaled my own robes, which literally featured the words ‘Top Entrant’ emblazoned in gold leaf across my chest.

Noticing that the garments worn by the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers were devoid of any specific ‘Taeul’ markings, it became evident that the various students had commissioned and provided their own custom ceremonial wear.

“At this rate, it’s completely unclear who the actual focus of this event is supposed to be.”

Just as Eun-ho pointed out, I felt as though I had been reduced to a mere jester for their amusement, while they carried themselves like the genuine guests of honor who had arrived to partake in the festivities.

“Are you perchance Young Master Jin So-un?”

As I stood waiting at the very rear of the gathering, a man wearing the uniform of a hall attendant approached me.

“Please follow me this way. A designated seating area has been arranged specifically for the top scorer.”

“Finally, I am starting to feel a bit like the actual guest of honor.”

With the attendant leading the way, the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers and I bypassed the entire queue and began marching toward the entrance.

The collective attention of the numerous Academy students waiting in the long line instantly locked onto our group.

Needless to say, the expressions directed our way were far from welcoming.

“If you will kindly remain here for just a brief moment, an official guide will arrive shortly to escort you directly to your table.”

Leaving us with those instructions, the attendant vanished back into the crowd.

Having reached the absolute front of the line, the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers stood entirely mesmerized, taking in the staggering dimensions and breathtaking opulence of the gala hall visible through the grand doorway.

I, too, was quietly marveling at the sheer scale of the venue while attempting to maintain an unbothered facade, when a remarkably familiar tone struck my ears.

“For an establishment widely regarded as the premier training academy of the Murim Alliance, would you not agree that these grounds are remarkably underwhelming?”

As soon as I identified the individual behind the words, I suppressed any outward display of surprise and offered my response.

“……So you managed to secure a passing grade after all.”

“Naturally. When you stripped me of my Trial Tokens, Young Master Jin, I was entirely convinced that my prospects were utterly ruined. Yet against all odds, I managed to snatch another opportunity to extract my vengeance.”