The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 163

Chapter 163
## Chapter 163. The Black Flame Dragon Who Calms the Chaos (8)

The environment surrounding the Yujang Sect, which had remained peaceful for nearly three days, suddenly erupted into chaos.

Every single scoundrel from the Black Path in Yueyang who could wield a blade had swarmed the area, completely packing the interior of the Yujang Sect as well as the outer grounds until there wasn’t a single open spot to stand.

Among the crowd, some ruffians were brawling over who claimed a spot on the wall first, others were setting up gambling operations right in the thick of it, and a few had even brought along liquor and refreshments, eagerly waiting for the Martial Duel to commence.

It was a gathering of the most bizarre eccentrics.

Naturally, a handful of organizations from the Orthodox Path had also arrived to witness the event, but they were so vastly outnumbered that they couldn’t confidently hold their heads high.

“Orthodox Path weaklings, back off!”

“Hey! Once the Yujang Sect falls, your group is next in line. You understand that, right?”

“The Murim Alliance doesn’t give a damn about people like you! Don’t even dream of receiving assistance!”

Although the Decisive Martial Duel had yet to officially kick off, the intensity was steadily climbing. Just as the collective murmuring reached a fever pitch, someone roared.

“They’ve arrived!”

At that single shout, every gaze in the area shifted backward.

As if parting the ocean, the tightly packed mass of people split down the middle, carving out a path toward the already shattered front gates of the Yujang Sect.

“Incredible! It’s the Mukhyul Gang!”

“Show those bastards what real power looks like!”

“Let’s use this opportunity to purge every single Orthodox Path hypocrite from Yueyang!”

Striding behind the Mukhyul Gang’s Deputy Gang Chief…… wait, rather, the current Gang Chief of the Mukhyul Gang following the demise of the previous leader, So Gyeong-chu, alongside Assault Captain Sang-gwan Baek, Sword Evil, Snake Evil, and the fighters of the Mukhyul Gang, they marched past the ruined main gate of the Yujang Sect without a moment’s hesitation.

Walking past the Yujang Sect’s Grand Riding Ground, the forces of the Mukhyul Gang assembled within the Grand Training Ground and cast their eyes forward.

On the opposite side, the Yujang Sect warriors who had been stationed at the hall’s threshold, the representatives from the Murim Academy, and Jin So-un’s group slowly lined up against the Mukhyul Gang.

Once even the loudest chatterboxes went quiet, an eerie pressure blanketed the entire arena.

Before long, Dang Hyeok-jae, standing alongside the Murim Alliance members on the flank of the practice grounds, bellowed out.

“We shall commence the Decisive Martial Duel.”

“““Waaaaaaaah!”””

Demonstrating their true nature as Black Path thugs who lived for a bloodbath, a roar of cheers erupted, powerful enough to vibrate the foundations of the Yujang Sect.

So Gyeong-chu, scanning the ranks of the Yujang Sect, twisted his features into a scowl.

“Where has that conceited brat hidden himself?”

Prompted by So Gyeong-chu’s remark, Sword Evil stepped forward as well.

“Promissory Note Jin. Absent. Fetch Promissory Note Jin.”

Dang Hyeok-jae answered on behalf of the missing youth.

“Jin So-un is presently preparing his entrance.”

“Ha! Are you implying he views our Mukhyul Gang as an absolute joke?!”

So Gyeong-chu’s thunderous voice caused even the ambient noise of the crowd to instantly evaporate.

Dang Hyeok-jae responded with a perfectly composed look.

“……Weren’t you the ones who showed up ahead of schedule to begin with?”

“…….”

“Since when do Black Path scoundrels follow a schedule so meticulously? How amusing.”

He murmured this as if speaking to himself, yet every Black Path warrior in the vicinity caught it perfectly.

Throughout the crowd, men ground their teeth and projected raw malice, but Dang Hyeok-jae completely disregarded them while cleaning his ear with his pinky finger.

Suddenly, the echoing sound of footsteps resonated from the main building, drawing everyone’s undivided attention.

“No way…… Heavens above…….”

“What kind of state is he in?”

“Is that truly the Black Flame Dragon?”

The gathered onlookers began to panic.

The Black Flame Dragon was emerging from the hall, entirely reliant on Namgung Seon-hwa for physical support.

He looked so devastatingly emaciated that he seemed on the verge of breathing his last.

Barely three days had elapsed, but his physical state had degenerated so severely that one had to question if he was truly the same warrior from three days prior.

“Promissory Note. Health is odd.”

Hearing Sword Evil’s remark, So Gyeong-chu let out a mocking snort.

“A blind man could see it.”

A complexion completely drained of color, eyes deeply hollowed out, veins engorged across his body as if ready to burst, all while his musculature had thoroughly withered away.

“He has succumbed to Qi Deviation.”

“Qi Deviation?”

“He undoubtedly attempted to force the breakthrough of some technique during these past three days and botched it. This is going to save Sword Evil quite a bit of effort.”

“…….”

Supported by Namgung Seon-hwa’s hand, Jin So-un made his way forward and collapsed heavily into a wooden chair provided by the Yujang Sect’s disciples.

Seeing this display, an enormous wave of laughter erupted from the Black Path faction.

“Hey! Black Flame Dragon! The Orthodox Path is over there! Wake up, you fool!”

“Hey, brat! Your spot is over on this side~!”

“The Four Emperors Peak Lord sends his warmest regards!”

Slumped in his seat, Jin So-un gradually lifted his gaze toward the source of the mocking shouts.

“…….”

Then, slowly raising both of his hands, he extended his middle fingers to them.

Among the Black Path forces, some ruffians held their stomachs and rolled on the ground laughing, finding even that sluggish gesture incredibly hilarious.

So Gyeong-chu stepped onto the Grand Training Ground.

“……His physical health seems catastrophic. Is he genuinely going to fight?”

At So Gyeong-chu’s inquiry, the Sect Leader of the Yujang Sect glanced toward Jin So-un, who gave a slow nod.

“Correct. We will proceed precisely as agreed.”

“To think that the only thing keeping your sect upright is a broken prop like that boy. It’s no wonder the Yujang Sect is doomed to perish!”

“…….”

With those parting words, So Gyeong-chu exited the stage. As a rogue wielding a sickle stepped up next, Jang Woo-jae advanced from the Yujang Sect’s side to meet him.

“If you intend to curse anyone for my viciousness, direct your hatred toward Jin So-un.”

Hearing the sickle-wielder’s words, Jang Woo-jae looked back at Jin So-un.

How deeply shaken had he been upon discovering that the very person who warned him against consuming the Blood-Explosion Pill had reduced himself to this state by pushing his own limits for the sake of the Yujang Sect?

The man always threw himself into harm’s way and bore burdens far beyond normal limits.

Jang Woo-jae locked his gaze back onto his opponent.

“Even if I perish this very day, I will never resent him.”

As Jang Woo-jae assumed the opening posture of the Flying Current Sword Art, the sickle-wielder mirrored him with his own stance.

“Start!”

At Dang Hyeok-jae’s command, the two combatants launched at one another like fired projectiles.

The sickle-wielder was the first to strike.

Executing a rapid trajectory, he sliced through the air in a cross pattern, then brought his weapon down sharply, targeting five specific Death Acupoints.

Faced with this piercing offensive, Jang Woo-jae, who had been channeling the Flying Current Sword Art, rapidly pulled back his blade to intercept the strikes directed at his Death Acupoints.

Clang, clang, clang, clang.

The fighting mechanics of a weapon like a sickle were fundamentally unorthodox, making it incredibly difficult to defend against even for a seasoned master, yet Jang Woo-jae managed to repel the onslaught with remarkable proficiency.

“My turn now!”

Employing the Absorbing Formula of the Flying Current Sword Art to trap the sickle and destabilize his foe’s balance, Jang Woo-jae immediately launched a counteroffensive, lunging toward three Vital Acupoints.

The criminal tried to dodge with haste, but due to the unexpected gravitational pull of the technique, he couldn’t avoid receiving a laceration across his arm.

“Tch!”

The man cast a brief look at his injury, then drew a short saber resting at his hip.

“Now the real fight begins.”

The moment he unsheathed the short saber, which measured a mere fraction of a standard blade’s length, his entire demeanor underwent a radical shift.

Gulp.

Jang Woo-jae involuntarily swallowed his saliva.

Right at that split second.

-The sickle is merely a tool designed to misdirect your eyes from the start. Keep your focus entirely on the short saber.

A sudden message via Sound Transmission struck his ears.

Turning his gaze to meet Jin So-un’s, he saw the gaunt youth give a firm nod.

Jang Woo-jae gritted his teeth once more and took the initiative to strike first.

“Uaaaaah!”

Accompanied by the Returning Wind Flying Current technique, a vortex of wind began to swirl around him. Riding this gale, Jang Woo-jae’s sword surged forward to close the distance to the sickle-wielding fighter.

“You think you can achieve anything against me with such superficial tricks?!”

The criminal’s sickle sliced across Jang Woo-jae’s face in a terrifyingly close pass.

An ordinary combatant would have recoiled long ago.

However, anchoring his mind to Jin So-un’s advice, Jang Woo-jae drove his sword forward, ignoring the sickle to focus exclusively on neutralizing the short saber until the absolute end.

“Kraaagh!”

Letting out a shout as he lowered his stance, a deep slash was carved into Jang Woo-jae’s cheek.

Jerking his sickle back, the thug executed three more savage sweeps.

It was a relentless barrage, leaving glowing remnants of qi hanging in the air.

Yet, even as his own blood sprayed outwards, Jang Woo-jae forced his body back up, continuing to strike at the man’s left hand using the Flying Current Sword Art without wavering.

Squelch, squelch, squelch.

Accompanied by the sound of tearing meat, a torrent of blood erupted like a geyser from Jang Woo-jae’s midsection, thigh, and left arm.

However, the agonizing shriek actually tore from the mouth of the sickle-wielder.

“Kraaaagh! My hand!!!”

The man’s hand, which had been gripping the short saber, had been hacked clean off.

He stared at his empty left limb with total stupefaction.

With both fighters collapsed heavily upon the earth, it was impossible for the crowd to discern who had claimed victory.

So Gyeong-chu turned his gaze toward Dang Hyeok-jae and demanded.

“Who is the victor?”

“…….”

Dang Hyeok-jae lightly tapped Jang Woo-jae’s face to verify if he was conscious before declaring.

“Victory goes to the Mukhyul Gang!”

At Dang Hyeok-jae’s ruling, a brief wave of cheering broke out from the Mukhyul Gang’s ranks.

After the disciples of the Yujang Sect carried the battered Jang Woo-jae off for immediate medical attention, Jang Sa-gyeong stepped onto the arena and surveyed the battlefield intently.

“…….”

“Is the preservation of the Yujang Sect truly worth sacrificing your own flesh and blood to the brink of death?”

When Jang Sa-gyeong shifted his head, So Gyeong-chu, who had re-entered the training ground, pressed on.

“Thanks to the quick thinking of that Black Flame Dragon, didn’t we leave him with his life? You could have simply paired him with an appropriate fighter and then surrendered.”

“Deputy Gang Chief…… No, I suppose it is proper to call you Gang Chief now.”

Jang Sa-gyeong slowly unsheathed his blade.

“Do you happen to comprehend why even a highly prosperous Black Path Sect cannot endure for more than a single century?”

“…….”

Jang Sa-gyeong’s eyes gleamed with intense brilliance.

“Because it is devoid of conviction.”

“……Spoken like a typical, overly idealistic Orthodox Path hypocrite.”

Paying the insult no mind, Jang Sa-gyeong surveyed his surroundings as he spoke.

“No, this is of paramount importance. If there is no enduring conviction to anchor a sect or a family line, it remains nothing more than a gang of common criminals.”

“Then this day shall serve as your proof. Even with conviction, the fragile are destined to perish in the end.”

“That may well be true. If you manage to leave this place alive today, take some time to ponder what core spirit serves as the foundational pillar of the Mukhyul Gang.”

“You attempt to disorient me with your venomous words.”

So Gyeong-chu hoisted his massive great saber, assuming his offensive opening stance.

Jang Sa-gyeong, matching the form of Jang Woo-jae, channeled the introductory posture of the Flying Current Sword Art and finalized his preparations.

Whoosh.

Even before Dang Hyeok-jae could signal the start, both masters unleashed their internal qi at each other simultaneously.

Boom.

Sword Qi and Saber Qi collided and detonated in midair, instantly kicking up a massive, thick cloud of dust from the arena floor.

Both men plunged directly into the dense shroud of sand without a second’s delay, carrying on their fierce Martial Duel.

Clang, clang, clang, clang—

BOOM, BANG, BANG.

The ring of colliding steel.

The detonation of competing internal energy.

The heavily accumulated dust blasted outward in all directions, completely obstructing the audience’s vision.

“Ptooey, ptooey!”

“What in the world? The Sect Leader of the Yujang Sect possessed this level of martial might?”

“If so, why did he allow himself to be unilaterally oppressed all this time?”

The crowd’s confusion was answered the moment the dust storm finally dissipated.

A martial artist’s utilization of Internal Qi was, under normal laws, intended to be deployed in the most concentrated manner possible.

A boxer would focus it entirely in their fists; a swordsman exclusively along their blade.

However, at this very moment, Jang Sa-gyeong had his energy enveloping not just his weapon, but his entire physical form.

“Is he burning his Innate True Qi?”

“Isn’t this a battle he is doomed to lose regardless? Why would he push himself to such an extreme……?”

“He is fighting like a cornered beast. Absolute desperation.”

Derisive laughter erupted from the surrounding Black Path onlookers.

The disciples of the Yujang Sect were hit with an equal wave of panic upon seeing the spectacle.

“Sect Leader!”

“Father!!!”

They shouted toward Jang Sa-gyeong until their voices cracked with immense dread, but Jang Sa-gyeong kept his eyes locked dead ahead on So Gyeong-chu.

“……Are you aiming for a double suicide?”

Gritting his teeth, So Gyeong-chu demanded an answer, but Jang Sa-gyeong merely replied with composure.

“Are you experiencing fear?”

“Do you truly believe a pathetic gamble like this can bridge the massive chasm in our power?”

“Are you terrified of dying?”

“You miserable bastard!”

So Gyeong-chu’s Demon Force Blood Calamity Saber let out an roaring hum, discharging a burst of Saber Qi.

Eight separate torrents of Saber Qi tore outward in every direction, striking and detonating violently against the training grounds and the nearby structures.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.

Enveloped by that cataclysmic force, Jang Sa-gyeong elegantly executed the Flying Current Sword Art, parrying the oncoming Saber Qi and deflecting the scattered shards.

“Do you understand why the concept of death terrifies you?”

“What?”

“Because you have created nothing that will outlive you.”

“What kind of absolute garbage are you spewing?!”

Jang Sa-gyeong briefly shifted his gaze to look upon Jang Woo-jae.

The boy, who had been completely unresponsive until moments ago, was now staring back at him with a ghostly, pale face.

It was an expression overflowing with terror, yet his eyes were locked securely on his father.

“That is precisely why conviction…… spirit…… matters. Because even when the end arrives, a legacy endures.”

“Very well. I shall grant you the very demise you claim to embrace!”

So Gyeong-chu’s great saber began to glow with a blistering crimson heat.

Floating just above the heavy blade, a two-cheok long arc of blood-red Saber Force materialized.

“Blood Calamity’s Reign!”

As So Gyeong-chu brought down his weapon, the concentrated Saber Force split into eight distinct tracks, hurtling toward Jang Sa-gyeong while carving deep trenches through the blue-steel stone of the practice grounds.

“Indeed. I harbor no fear.”

At that moment, the aura of internal energy enveloping Jang Sa-gyeong expanded even more violently.

The onlookers from the Yujang Sect shrieked in absolute horror, but he refused to look back again.

“Returning Wind Flying Current!”

A vortex of internal energy began to manifest around Jang Sa-gyeong, using his body as the eye of the storm.

He immediately charged forward, projecting a one-cheok-sized glow of Sword Force from the very tip of his blade.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.

The solid floor of the arena was completely shattered, throwing up waves of earth like an ocean tide.

Pang, pang, pang—

“G-Get back!”

“Debris is flying everywhere!”

Dense smoke and pulverized stone rode the expanding Force Qi, blasting outward in every direction and causing the relaxed Black Path spectators to turn pale as they scrambled to retreat.

“Flying Current Suppression!”

Accompanied by Jang Sa-gyeong’s roaring command, another cataclysmic explosion ruptured their eardrums.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

And then, the thunderous noise ceased instantly.

A heavy blanket of silence descended.

“W-What just happened?”

“Who came out on top?”

Those who dared to peek back could not contain their absolute shock at the sight before them.

“……Heavens above.”

“How is this even possible…….”

The legendary great saber, the treasured weapon of So Gyeong-chu—the second-in-command of the Mukhyul Gang who had slaughtered hundreds—had been cleanly cleaved in two.

Furthermore, Jang Sa-gyeong’s blade was driven precisely through So Gyeong-chu’s heart.

“D-Damn it all…….”

With a dull impact, So Gyeong-chu collapsed onto his back, completely lifeless.

Thud.

Immediately following the fall, the members of the Yujang Sect swarmed around Jang Sa-gyeong, who had dropped to his knees on the stone floor as though every ounce of his life force had been utterly depleted.

“Sect Leader!”

“Sect Leader!”

Right at that moment, pushing through the dense crowd of Yujang Sect disciples, a man clad in attire featuring a blend of black and white emerged.

He swiftly took hold of Jang Sa-gyeong’s wrist to check his pulse, slid a medicinal pellet into his mouth, and rapidly embedded over ten acupuncture needles across his body.

“Gasp!”

Jang Sa-gyeong, who just a second ago lay as motionless as cold ash, snapped his eyes wide open.

“Remain completely still.”

“Wh-Who might you be?”

“I hail from the Tang Clan.”

“Is that so……?”

“……Why did you force your body to such a reckless degree?”

The physician monitoring his pulse shook his head in dismay.

“I am deeply sorry, but this has merely granted you a fleeting moment of borrowed time.”

Jang Sa-gyeong gave a slow, understanding nod.

“……My gratitude. That is more than enough.”

Jang Sa-gyeong stood up using his own raw willpower.

Brushing off the hands of the disciples attempting to hold him steady, he walked back to his position.

Soon, the moment Jin So-un advanced onto the arena floor while leaning heavily on Namgung Seon-hwa, the two men locked eyes for a brief moment.

Jang Sa-gyeong exhaled a faint whisper.

“Please…… pour everything you have…… so that the Yujang Sect…… may preserve…… its core conviction.”

Jin So-un offered a wide, confident grin despite his parched lips, slowly turning his gaze across the area.

“You have already ensured that while the Yujang Sect’s conviction might break under pressure, it will never bend.”

Tracking Jin So-un’s gaze, Jang Sa-gyeong looked at the expressions of the Yujang Sect disciples.

Though tears streamed down their faces, they radiated a fierce, unyielding resolve.

Their expressions were rock-solid.

Overcome with a sense of peace, a genuine smile formed on Jang Sa-gyeong’s face.

“I see now. I ought to have done this from the very beginning. We should never have relied on outsiders. We should have stood tall on our own foundation.”

After Jang Sa-gyeong and the rest of the Yujang Sect stepped away from the arena, Jin So-un released his hold on Namgung Seon-hwa’s hand and slowly stepped toward the absolute center of the training ground.

Stumbling slightly with every few paces, Jin So-un eventually came to a halt at the heart of the ring and fixed his gaze upon Sword Evil.

“Step forward. Shouldn’t we bring this contest to its final conclusion?”

“…….”

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Sword Evil merely stared blankly at Jin So-un, frozen completely in place.

“Sword Evil! Have you actually lost your nerve over a half-dead kid? Why the hell are you frozen?”

Hearing Axe Evil’s gruff shout, Sword Evil shook his head as if snapping out of a trance.

“Promissory Note. Illusionary. Totally different from three days ago. I refuse to fight.”

Seeing Sword Evil acting like a terrified hound encountering an apex predator, Axe Evil glared over at Snake Evil and spat out an oath.

“Damn it, your pet is shaking like a leaf. What’s the plan here?”

“…….”

Snake Evil observed Sword Evil’s erratic state for a second before joining in on the cursing.

“You utter lunatic! What do you expect me to do when he outright refuses to step up? If you’re so brave, you go out there, you bastard.”

“Hmph! Pathetic cowards. That’s exactly what I expect from you lot.”

Axe Evil launched himself violently from his spot, soaring high into the air before crashing heavily onto the stage floor with a loud thud.

“Kid, it makes no difference to you if I become your opponent, does it?”

Jin So-un directed his gaze toward the ranks of the Mukhyul Gang and inquired.

“If your faction gives their consent……”

At Jin So-un’s question, a wave of murmurs rippled through the Mukhyul Gang.

With both their Gang Chief and Deputy Gang Chief abruptly slain, the hierarchy had completely collapsed, leaving no one with clear leadership authority.

After a brief pause, a representative stepped forward and gave a nod.

“Brat, are you genuinely fine attempting to fight like this? You look like you can barely keep your balance.”

“It is of no consequence. I have no intention of shifting my stance regardless.”

“They rumored that the Black Flame Dragon’s consciousness was slipping away. It seems the rumors held truth.”

Surprisingly, Jin So-un agreed with a nod.

“……Of late, I have occasionally pondered if that might indeed be the case.”

“Insane bastard.”

Axe Evil began to whirl his massive great axe through the air with a vicious hum.

Immediately, a vibrant green internal energy began to pool along the heavy blade. Displaying an agility that seemed entirely impossible given his massive frame, he charged at Jin So-un with blinding speed.

The exact microsecond he put the full weight of his massive arms into a sweeping strike meant to cleave Jin So-un’s midsection clean in half—

Click.

SLASH—

Inexplicably, Axe Evil’s heavy axe never completed its trajectory.

Axe Evil stumbled forward several paces past Jin So-un, his eyes widening in total confusion as his hands moved instinctively up to touch his own throat.

“What…… is happening……”

Right at that moment, a microscopic red line manifested across his neck, and a torrent of blood sprayed outwards.

Within a fraction of a second, his massive skull separated perfectly from his torso and rolled across the dirt.

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

Despite the presence of thousands of onlookers packed into the area, an absolute, breathless vacuum of silence filled the space at the terrifying sight.

In that exact instant, a trembling Sword Evil lunged forward and gripped Snake Evil tightly, his voice cracking with pure terror.

“S-Sword Demon…… That’s the Sword Demon! The Sword Demon is here! We need to run right now!”