The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 147

Chapter 147

For Seong Mo-ran, Jin So-un was a deeply unsettling individual.

Setting aside the historical friction between their respective lineages, he simply wasn’t a person around whom she could ever truly lower her guard.

He was someone who routinely threw himself into mortal danger to protect strangers.

What’s worse, he treated such reckless self-sacrifice as a matter of course, extending his protection even to those who had previously sought his demise.

This noble idiocy constantly irritated Seong Mo-ran, yet she found herself utterly unable to sever ties with him or abandon his side.

Maybe her persistent use of an annoying moniker was nothing more than a petty attempt to provoke a shred of healthy self-interest out of him.

‘In the end, it really came to this.’

Had she resolutely refused to indulge his whims at the start, they wouldn’t be standing on the precipice of this disastrous predicament.

“You show incredible audacity, considering whose ground you are trespassing on…”

An irritated tone vibrated heavily in the air, reminiscent of a predator’s low rumble.

Despite the mild seasonal temperature, white vapor visibly evaporated from his frame.

It was a clear sign that he had completely purged the residual spirits from his veins through internal energy, priming himself for immediate combat.

Flying Cloud Fresh Wind Jong Byeok-gi.

A renowned prodigy who had secured his place within the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly alongside Yong So-ah’s legendary peers, widely considered the most formidable generation in history.

Were it not for the overshadowing brilliance of Yong So-ah and Il-myeong, he would have easily stood at the absolute pinnacle of his generation; now, this terrifying figure was radiating a tangible, lethal malice.

“State your names. Unmask yourselves.”

Pure internal force surged into Jong Byeok-gi’s blade.

Shuddering under the oppressive weight of his murderous aura, Seong Mo-ran quietly addressed Jin So-un.

-Young Master Jin. What is our plan?

Jong Byeok-gi’s appearance was a definitive warning that the main forces of Diancang were rapidly closing in.

Furthermore, to ensure their shameful secrets remained buried, they would undoubtedly resort to total extermination.

-Now that he has stepped into the open, it actually plays to our advantage.

Seong Mo-ran compressed her lips tightly before replying,

-As I thought, associating with the Rising Star of the Black Path only guarantees endless clashes with the prominent Orthodox Path sects.

Seong Mo-ran tightened her fingers around her hilt.

She refused to remain a perpetual burden who merely relied on his strength.

She wished to become a reliable partner he could actually depend upon.

Or rather, she simply wished to be a person who could place absolute faith in him.

She couldn’t fully explain the sudden upwelling of these emotions.

It was merely where her true feelings guided her.

-They are going to fight like cornered beasts.

-I am well aware. Rest assured, the discipline of the Iron Sword Sect isn’t fragile enough to shatter under pressure.

-Very well. Let’s conclude this encounter without delay.

-Are you planning to engage Senior Jong Byeok-gi directly?

The prior gathering of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly at the Murim Academy had been nothing short of a clash among titans.

The unparalleled achievements of Yong So-ah and Il-myeong had elevated expectations to unprecedented heights, forcing the current roster of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly to reach levels of power never seen before.

Within that elite group, Jong Byeok-gi stood out as a premier martial artist destined to steer the future of Diancang.

He was a young prodigy widely recognized as occupying an entirely different tier of mastery.

-Not at all. My sole objective is to delay him.

Despite his casual denial, a subtle glint of murderous intent flickered deep within Jin So-un’s eyes behind his disguise.

Even during the high stakes of the Murim Regular Exam, he had never shown such an expression.

What hidden motives were driving him to this extent?

-In any case, ensure you don’t get injured or killed. It would be highly mortifying to suffer wounds while playing the savior.

Seong Mo-ran offered her characteristically sharp banter, masking her deep anxiety for his safety.

Expressing herself through these prickly remarks was uniquely her style.

-Those words apply perfectly to you as well. If you wish to avoid a furious lecture from Miss Namgung Seon-hwa, prioritize your own safety.

-How absurd, really.

Finishing their exchange, the pair broke formation, moving in opposite directions.

“You wretched fools…”

Flying Cloud Fresh Wind Jong Byeok-gi’s sword swung like lightning and poured out bundles of sword qi.

Sun-Shooting Sword Art, Swift Sword Form.

Piercing rays of concentrated energy, moving too rapidly for the eye to track, streaked directly at Jin So-un.

Jin So-un maintained his forward charge without dropping his pace for a second.

Just as his silhouette was about to be engulfed by the incoming energy.

“Hah!”

Jin So-un’s form dissolved into nothingness like a mirage, leaving the deadly strikes to tear through nothing but vacant space.

Jong Byeok-gi’s pupils dilated in shock; sensing an ominous presence, he whipped his head around only to find the missing youth descending upon him, executing a ferocious overhead strike aimed directly at his skull.

“Madness…”

CLANG-CLANG!

As steel violently met steel, a powerful shockwave reverberated outward, seemingly warping the surrounding air.

Reeling backward five paces from the sheer force, Jong Byeok-gi dry-heaved, retching up the remnants of the evening’s feast and spirits.

But Jin So-un immediately drove a lethal thrust toward his vulnerable neck.

“You miserable… how dare you…”

Stunned by the unexpected, crushing weight of the youth’s martial prowess, Jong Byeok-gi hastily deployed the Fire Dragon Sword Art.

As their blades ground against one another, a shrieking din of screeching iron echoed across the compound.

GROOOAN–

The agonizing frequency forced the observing disciples of the Yuwol Sect to press their hands over their ears, yet the grating noise persisted relentlessly as the duel intensified.

Fortunately for them, Jong Byeok-gi had successfully stabilized his footing and was beginning to push the masked assailant into a defensive retreat.

The fleeting grins of the Yuwol Sect fighters vanished almost instantly.

The adversary’s blade, though seemingly giving ground to the searing heat of the Fire Dragon Sword Art, began manifesting those deceptive Illusion Swords once more.

“Watch out! The intruder can generate Illusion Swords!”

As a panicked guard bellowed a warning regarding the technique that had slaughtered their allies, Jong Byeok-gi’s expression stiffened in sudden realization.

“I-Illusion Swords?”

Had an unwelcome recollection from his past been triggered?

Simultaneously, a multitude of phantom blades erupted outward from the cloaked figure.

“…It can’t be—damn it—!”

Snapping out of his daze, Jong Byeok-gi gnashed his teeth and unleashed a frenzied barrage of energy.

He unleashed Diancang’s supreme technique, the Returning Wind Flowless Sword, conjuring an immense, swirling maelstrom.

RUMBLE, RUMBLE, RUMBLE, RUMBLE.

The cyclone collided violently with the cluster of phantom constructs, expanding exponentially as it engulfed the clones and the genuine weapon concealed among them.

WHOOOOOSH.

When the gale finally dissipated, the earth was left utterly barren, stripped clean of every blade of grass that had once carpeted the courtyard.

Yet, the masked assailant was nowhere to be found among the debris.

“Jin So-un…”

As Jong Byeok-gi ground out that specific identity between his teeth, the masked martial artist drifted gracefully from above, touching down right in the center of the path carved by the Returning Wind Flowless Sword.

“Have you lost your mind entirely? Or has the Taeul Sect grown so arrogant that it believes it can challenge Diancang?”

Jong Byeok-gi questioned him with absolute conviction regarding his identity, but his opponent maintained a stoic silence.

Infuriated by the lack of response, Jong Byeok-gi bellowed.

“Speak! Jin So-un! Do you honestly believe a simple mask can conceal who you are at this point?”

Ignoring the outburst completely, the intruder executed that infuriating evasive footwork once more.

Jong Byeok-gi clamped his jaw tight and hoisted his weapon.

Though he had purged the alcohol from his system, the lingering physical toll left his focus somewhat sluggish.

Under these compromised conditions, separating the phantoms from the physical threat was nearly impossible.

‘I’ll have to rely on raw, overwhelming force then.’

Having learned firsthand during the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly that the Sun-Shooting Sword Art was ineffective against this opponent, he knew better than to repeat his past mistakes.

Jong Byeok-gi was far too proud and clever to fall into the same trap twice.

Instead, he unleashed the Fierce Wind Swift Sword, a variation that distilled the sheer, destructive momentum of the Returning Wind Flowless Sword into a concentrated strike.

SWIIIIISH-

A howling gale of sharp energy erupted forward, poised to consume Jin So-un entirely.

Repeating his elusive maneuver, Jin So-un dissipated into a mirage, rematerializing instantly on Jong Byeok-gi’s right flank.

“Do you honestly think the same parlor trick will work indefinitely!”

Jong Byeok-gi pivoted smoothly, bringing down the intricate sequences of the Falling Shadow Flying Flower Sword.

A dense matrix of energy resembling cascading floral shadows saturated the air, systematically sealing off every potential avenue of escape.

It was a lethal array designed to maim or sever a limb upon the slightest contact.

Jin So-un calmly lifted his blade, tracing a deliberate arc in front of him.

He conjured a new wave of Illusion Swords despite knowing his opponent was prepared for them.

Jong Byeok-gi’s smirk of impending victory suddenly froze, his eyes stretching wide with disbelief.

“W-what is this?!”

Genuine, lethal sword qi began condensing across every single phantom blade suspended in the air.

By all laws of martial arts, intangible clones shouldn’t have been capable of housing real energy.

Yet, these empowered phantoms intercepted the core trajectories of the Falling Shadow Flying Flower Sword, neutralizing the descending strikes.

CRASH, CRASH, CRASH, CRASH, CRASH, CRASH.

With every explosive collision, the descending floral shadows shattered into nothingness.

Dismantling the entire offensive web, Jin So-un closed the distance, looming directly before Jong Byeok-gi.

In a desperate bid to counter, Jong Byeok-gi rapidly transitioned into the Hou Yi Draws the Bow stance of the Sun-Shooting Sword Art.

SWISH.

CRASH!

Despite his explosive counter, Jong Byeok-gi was violently deflected, thrown backward through the air like a discarded projectile.

THUD.

Kuhuk.

Wiping a crimson trail from his chin, Jong Byeok-gi forced himself upright, determined to press the assault.

Slice.

But Jin So-un materialized seamlessly behind him, cleanly severing his Achilles tendon in a single flash.

“Ugh! Aaarggh!”

His support gone, Jong Byeok-gi crumpled to the earth like a marionette with its cords severed.

The witnessing combatants of the Yuwol Sect stood paralyzed in profound horror.

“Young Master Jong! Young Master Jong!”

Should the premier genius of Diancang perish under their watch, the repercussions would be catastrophic.

Had it simply been a matter of their illicit dealings coming to light, they might have endured the disgrace while remaining under Diancang’s umbrella.

But if Jong Byeok-gi died, the wrath Diancang would unleash upon them was entirely unimaginable.

“Shield Young Master Jong! Move, quickly!”

Throwing caution to the wind, the Yuwol Sect guards swarmed toward Jin So-un, treating their own lives as cheap fodder.

Naturally, the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers had no intention of allowing them to interfere.

“Keep your distance from our leader’s duel!”

Geum-pyo stepped out ahead, checking the advance of the charging guards.

Eun-ho and Dong-ryong deployed the Ten Thousand Swords technique, establishing an impenetrable defensive wall.

Try as they might, the Yuwol Sect forces could not breach the defense line held by the trio.

Jin So-un casually walked up to the agonizing noble on the ground.

“Finally, you will face the consequences for the disrespect you showed toward my master’s lineage.”

“You… do you think you can get away with…”

Looking down at the snarling youth, Jin So-un adjusted his stance and reversed his hold on his weapon.

He executed a crushing downward strike directly into his Dantian with sufficient momentum to shatter his core.

THUD.

Accompanied by an unnatural, sickening crack from deep within his abdomen, Jong Byeok-gi unleashed a harrowing, inhuman shriek.

“Guuuuurk—!”

He sprayed a torrent of dark, viscous blood filled with internal debris.

Before he could comprehend the extent of his ruin, his consciousness faded, and he slumped into the dirt.

“This is madness…”

“…Has the Flying Cloud Fresh Wind truly been defeated?”

“What are you waiting for! Slaughter him immediately!”

Suddenly, with a deafening boom, the reinforced main gates were torn away as though they were mere twigs.

CRAAASH!!

“…”

The figures breaching the entrance were a detachment of Diancang Sect martial artists radiating an intense, menacing aura.

In their wake, an additional wave of Yuwol Sect fighters flooded into the courtyard.

Leading the group of roughly one hundred Diancang elites, a stern, middle-aged martial artist cast a grim look at the fallen youth before turning his sharp gaze toward Jin So-un.

“…Identify yourself.”

Breaking the tense silence, an operative from the Moonless Unit extended a trembling hand toward Jin So-un.

“Y-Young Master Jong… identified him as J-Jin So-un.”

“Jin So-un?”

The senior leader fixated his frigid gaze onto Jin So-un.

“Are you the Jin So-un belonging to the Taeul Sect?”

“…”

“You were fully aware of our identity as Diancang, and that the youth you harmed is Jong Byeok-gi, correct?”

“…I was aware.”

“Hah, you knew? Then how do you intend to justify this atrocity?”

“Jong Byeok-gi was complicit in the kidnappings plaguing Yueyang. Was Diancang likewise aware of his crimes?”

“…”

The elder’s countenance turned rigid.

However, his features instantly morphed into a mask of pure fury.

“What utter drivel! Kidnappings? How dare you!”

“Heh… I fully anticipated such denial. That is precisely why I moved first. You will be forced to answer for this regardless.”

“You are completely unhinged… We shall extract your motives once we drag you back to the Main Mountain. Furthermore, your lineage will be thoroughly erased from the Jianghu, so do not hold out hope for salvation.”

Exuding a palpable intent to kill, the middle-aged leader gave the signal, and the gathered Diancang disciples commenced the intricate movements of the Splitting Light Five Ghosts Sword Formation.

It was a legendary, lethal array from which no victim was ever said to escape alive.

Seong Mo-ran, who had stood frozen observing the escalation, was gripped by helplessness.

She could only gaze at this stubbornly righteous man who willingly walked toward his own destruction for the sake of justice.

Suddenly, Jin So-un’s telepathic transmission echoed in her mind.

-Miss Seong, whatever happens, do not step outside our array.

-What?

Before she could demand clarification, Jin So-un barked out an order.

“Geum, Eun, Dong!”

“””Understood!”””

The Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers instantly maneuvered to flank Seong Mo-ran on all sides.

They formed the White Tiger Sure-Kill Sword Formation, a configuration she recognized immediately.

“Eun-ho, you lead the core. I shall occupy Sa-ryeon’s position.”

“Understood.”

“Deploy the Ten Thousand Illusions immediately. We cannot afford a prolonged battle.”

“Yes!”

Seong Mo-ran’s mind spun in confusion.

Meanwhile, the opposing Splitting Light Five Ghosts Sword Formation hummed into active motion.

Half a hundred blades flashed simultaneously, converging upon the Taeul Sect contingent from every angle.

Conversely, four distinct weapons materialized around the defenders, weaving through the air in an independent, rhythmic dance.

SHHHHHH.

CRASH.

In an instant, a massive wave of Illusion Swords emanated from those four weapons, blinding and disorienting the advancing Diancang executioners.

“Pay them no mind! They are nothing but empty Illusion Swords!”

Bolstered by their commander’s directive, the Diancang forces disregarded the phantom projections and drove their steel forward.

However—

SHHHHHHHK.

CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, CLANG.

Upon striking what should have been mere air, a metallic din rang out, followed immediately by agonized wails from within the formation.

Kuhuk,

Aagh—

Ugh!

Five front-line attackers of the Splitting Light Five Ghosts Sword Formation collapsed with severe wounds, momentarily destabilizing their pressure.

While reinforcements rushed to plug the breach, Jin So-un ruthlessly exploited the fractional delay.

“You will go no further!”

Seeing him break through, the middle-aged leader intercepted him, his palms erupting with the searing energy of the Cold Flame Palms.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.

The courtyard floor shattered violently, sending soil and debris flying into the wind.

Having successfully evaded the Cold Flame Palms, Jin So-un retreated back into the relative safety of the White Tiger Sure-Kill Sword Formation.

Determined to lock down their targets, the Splitting Light Five Ghosts Sword Formation adjusted smoothly, broadening its perimeter to fully enclose the entire Taeul Sect unit.

The large-scale array completely honeycombed the inner White Tiger Sure-Kill Sword Formation.

It was a tactic originally engineered to suppress a peerless grandmaster.

Even a prominent figure among the Hundred Greatest Masters under Heaven would find it impossible to break free unscathed.

“Star Illusion!”

Synchronized with Eun-ho’s command, the intricate patterns of the Twin Heaven Sword Formula radiated outward from the defenders.

“Keuk!”

“Kuhuk!”

Though several Diancang fighters were struck down, the macro-formation adjusted automatically, refusing to break.

“Plug the gaps!”

Obeying their leader, fresh Diancang swordsmen surged forward like arrows to reinforce the lines.

Resolved to completely annihilate their foes, they relentlessly tightened the noose.

“You possess some degree of talent, but escape from Diancang’s wrath remains impossible.”

The surrounding perimeter of the Splitting Light Five Ghosts Sword Formation began compressing inward millimeter by millimeter.

Although the casualties were predominantly sustained by Diancang, the pressure they exerted squeezed the White Tiger Sure-Kill Sword Formation narrower and narrower.

Eventually, the outer garments of the Taeul Sect members began tearing under the stray energy.

Yet, not a single defender wavered or broke rank.

Standing on the knife-edge of life and death, Seong Mo-ran kept her eyes wide.

For she had consciously chosen to believe in them.

To put her faith in him.

And right at that juncture.

“Halt!!!”

As an authoritative voice boomed across the entire compound, close to two hundred martial artists manifested along the boundary walls.