The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 168

Chapter 168
Chapter 168. A Sea of Blood Spreading through Sichuan (4)

Following the remarkably hospitable reception they enjoyed at the Gold Pavilion Inn within Jingzhou, not a single murmur of discontent arose from the group traveling toward Sichuan.

In fact, since a few faction members openly wondered aloud, “If we press onward for forty-eight hours straight without stopping, will our next lodging be even more luxurious?” Gu Jeong-ryong felt a wave of anxiety that Jin So-un might intercept their chatter.

Regardless, once the squad realized that lavish provisions and ample downtime awaited them, the pace of the Victory Tiger Hall intensified significantly.

Because their steeds were switched for well-rested mounts at every interval, and they departed each tavern supplied with abundant dried meat and water to consume while riding, they managed to sustain their rapid momentum despite taking only minimal breaks.

Never before had they embarked on a mission that progressed at such a breakneck speed while offering such absolute luxury.

Ordinarily, whenever they stepped into an outpost of the Murim Alliance, they expected to manage every detail on their own from beginning to end. Viewed in that perspective, the convoy guided by Jin So-un was advancing with far greater ease than any journey they had previously undertaken.

Their ease did not stem solely from the fact that they enjoyed the unrestricted backing of the Wang Estate. The column under Jin So-un’s command appeared to possess flawless familiarity with every pathway across the realm; across terrain demanding haste, they accelerated beyond normal limits, while through sectors requiring caution, they actively relaxed their pace.

Furthermore, Jin So-un continually rotated the riding order of the personnel to ensure that exhaustion did not settle heavily on any single individual. This tactic was explicitly designed to preemptively counter the physical strain typically endured during prolonged equestrian travel.

Gu Jeong-ryong found it difficult to credit, despite witnessing it firsthand, that Jin So-un, who was barely twenty years of age, possessed the capability to manage operations with such proficiency.

‘In the first place, this transcends the capabilities of a mere first-year academy student.’

He demonstrated masterly tactical coordination alongside resource procurement achieved by leveraging private networks. Absolutely no aspect of his conduct was average. He carried the air of a seasoned Traveling Party Leader, while simultaneously resembling a military commander hardened by decades of grueling conflict on the front lines.

By now, a deep inquisitiveness began to stir within him. What reason could compel an individual of such exceptional talent to exert every asset at his disposal to rush toward Sichuan?

“I have a single question for you,” Gu Jeong-ryong inquired, prompting Jin So-un to turn his gaze rearward.

“You have yet to explain the true urgency behind this frantic pace.”

“…….”

“Is such rapid movement genuinely necessary just to interrupt an gathering?”

Could it simply be the benevolence of the Wang Estate? Regardless of how tight their bond might be, if Jin So-un had incurred expenditures of this magnitude, he would undoubtedly have to offer substantial compensation to the Wang Estate eventually. Was it perhaps an directive from Maeng Ju-won? The same logic applied there. This issue had successfully galvanized the Department Head of the Mantongbu. Even with Maeng Ju-won’s backing, if the Elder Council contested the decision down the line, Jin So-un would inevitably be devastated by the resulting political tempest. Weighing all these factors, risking everything for a goal as seemingly minor as traveling to Sichuan to disrupt a gathering planned by the Elder Council… it simply lacked logic. What could the genuine motivation be?

“……It would be ideal if preventing it is still possible.”

Hearing Jin So-un’s reply, Gu Jeong-ryong felt his breath hitch momentarily.

“Is your genuine intention to halt the gathering?”

A subtle change passed over Jin So-un’s features.

“The situation is actually somewhat more intricate than that.”

“Regardless of the complexities, I am prepared to hear it.”

Jin So-un, scowling slightly, directed his gaze toward the horizon before them. Yet in that precise moment, a sharp light glinted within his gaze. How could one characterize such an expression? It lacked the raw edge of bloodlust, manifesting instead as something far more viscous. Had the environment been pitch black and the source been some ghostly, specter-like entity, it would have perfectly matched the eerie mood…

‘Could it be deep-seated bitterness?’

To add to that, he was audibly clenching and gnashing his teeth. To any outside observer, he appeared less like a man pursuing the Elder Council of the Murim Alliance and more like a vengeful soul seeking the murderer of his kin.

“I am referring to the anonymous faction that the Elder Council has set out to locate.”

While the official objective of the excursion was to survey Sichuan, Gu Jeong-ryong was fully aware that the gathering was essentially a leisurely trip for those involved.

“Intelligence has reached me indicating that this faction poses a far greater threat than anyone anticipates.”

“Intelligence?”

“Correct. That is precisely why I intend to intercept them.”

Yet, comprehension still eluded Gu Jeong-ryong.

“……Even granting the peril they might pose, do they not have academy students alongside several highly capable Elders of the Alliance present? Why must you push yourself to these lengths?”

“The reports indicate that these adversaries employ treacherous witchcraft.”

“Sorcery?”

Such a claim had never reached his ears before.

“Should we fail to reach them promptly, catastrophic casualties will follow.”

“Hold on for a second. I am well aware of the crisis that unfolded in Sichuan during the Regular Exam. However, this is entirely the first time I am hearing any mention of sorcery. Where did this intelligence originate?”

“The Hao Gate.”

“From the Hao Gate? Did you buy this knowledge from their network?”

“Negative. It was passed along to me directly. I maintain a certain connection with their organization.”

“…….”

The Hao Gate stood as a formidable entity vying continuously with the Beggars’ Sect for dominance over the realm’s intelligence. Recognizing that the reliability of the Beggars’ Sect had waned of late while the reputation of the Hao Gate had soared, the claim could not be easily dismissed as fabrication. Though the mention of “sorcery” startled him, Gu Jeong-ryong focused his true inquiry on a different point.

“You possess a private alliance with the Hao Gate? It was not a business transaction?”

Jin So-un nodded casually, treating the revelation as entirely mundane.

“That is correct.”

What manner of syndicate was the Hao Gate? Regarding financial matters, they operated with the absolute ruthlessness and precision of predatory moneylenders, yet Jin So-un had secured highly valuable intelligence from them without expending a single coin.

‘Who exactly is this young man?’

Gu Jeong-ryong’s fascination with Jin So-un deepened further.

‘I only hope those fools do not commit some monumental stupidity!’

If there existed a pervasive, deep-seated flaw within the Murim Alliance, it was their staggering hubris. To phrase it generously, they were perpetually brimming with absolute self-assurance. As a populace that had faced no true challengers for half a millennium, they carried an ingrained negligence about themselves like an everyday garment, regardless of the time or place.

Reflecting on the reason the casualties had reached such devastating proportions during my previous existence, it boiled down to their tactical error of dispersing forces in all directions as if spreading financial risk, which permitted the Corpse Mountain Blood Cult to systematically annihilate them individually without effort. At the very least, in this current timeline, they had been unable to enlist the fighters of the Orthodox Path Association or the Twelve Peak Citadels, leading me to assume they would avoid repeating such a tactical blunder. However, upon reviewing the missive brought by a carrier pigeon from the Hao Gate, I could only release a heavy, despondent sigh.

-The academy scholars have arrived in Chengdu, Sichuan. They have split their forces into five separate detachments to begin their operations.

True to form, those fools failed to surprise me, replicating the catastrophic blunders of my previous life down to the last detail.

“Eldest Senior Brother, are we in trouble?”

Responding to Eun-ho’s query, I passed the tiny message over to him and muttered.

“It appears the damage is already done.”

Grasping the dire nature of the text, Eun-ho’s expression grew rigid with concern.

“……Do they mention the locations of Jae-hwa and Seol-ran?”

“Neither the Chengdu Branch nor the Hao Gate could ascertain their specific positions.”

I had attempted to pinpoint the whereabouts of Murong Jae-hwa and Eun Seol-ran, but this deeply entrenched yet utterly disorganized institution had neglected to keep any documentation regarding how the forces were distributed. It was blatantly apparent that they had merely coalesced into small factions based on personal friendships as they saw fit. To populate the remaining vacancies, they undoubtedly pressed the conscripted academy students into service to satisfy the headcounts.

“This is an absolute disaster.”

I concurred entirely. Even a band of vagabonds would possess more structure than this haphazard movement.

“Furthermore, what is driving them to advance at such a rapid pace?”

Eun-ho hit upon the exact detail that was causing me the most irritation.

Those individuals, completely blind to the adversary’s intentions, possessed such blinding self-belief that they marched onward without a shred of doubt. It mirrored my previous existence perfectly. Back then, the forces that had surged rapidly across Mount Emei straight toward Badang were reduced to a string of lifeless bodies in rapid succession.

“Is there any possibility that the perpetrators might delay their ambush?”

“Should that prove true, it would be the best possible outcome I could hope for.”

From the very start, the provocation during the Regular Exam was orchestrated specifically to pave the way for this current trap. A predator who has constructed a pitfall and bides his time does not hesitate once the quarry draws near.

‘I pray they are stationed with the rearguard…’

My sole recourse was to wish that Eun Seol-ran and Murong Jae-hwa were assigned to one of the trailing detachments. Regardless of our maximum riding speed, it was highly probable that we would fail to intercept the lead element before they arrived at Badang.

‘Please, I beg you, do not be recklessly leading the charge!’

Clinging to that anxious hope, I repeatedly lashed the whip against my horse.

“It is commonly remarked that Mount Emei boasts the grandest spectacles under the heavens. Ha ha.”

In response to Myeonghyeon’s hollow chuckle, the attendant serving him presented a brew prepared by the Emei Sect and remarked.

“Of the famous Emei Eight Scenic Views, the Shengji Evening Bell, the Clear Clouds over Luo Peak, and the Clear Sound at Twin Bridges are considered three destinations that simply cannot be missed. Would it not be wise to utilize this occasion to enrich the experiences of the academy students, Elder?”

Upon hearing his follower’s suggestion, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon knit his brows together in irritation.

“Is it your impression that we journeyed here for recreation?”

“…… Terrified.”

“Our objective is to expose the factions that dared disregard the grave decrees of the Murim Alliance and disrupted the Regular Exam.”

The underling swiftly dipped his chin in contrition.

“Forgive me. Your follower failed to grasp your profound purpose and let his careless tongue wag.”

Seeing the assistant react with such extreme dread, Great Master Hye-seong intervened with a tone of benevolence.

“Though our mission is pressing, given that the journey into Sichuan was quite arduous, perhaps we might allow the youths to expand their perspectives once our duties are concluded? Is it not the responsibility of seniors like ourselves to instruct them in the immensity of the realm?”

Hearing Great Master Hye-seong’s perspective, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon signaled his agreement with a nod. In reality, the situation within Sichuan did not demand such frantic haste.

Had the emergency been genuine, they would have thoroughly upended Sichuan immediately following the conclusion of the Regular Exam to resolve the inquiry. The sudden appearance of urgency arose solely from a shift in political dynamics. Specifically, rumors had spread that the Yuwol Sect, which functioned as a Lay-Affiliated Martial Sect of the Diancang Sect, had perpetrated atrocities within Hunan under the guise of the Demonic Cult.

Compounding the issue, the discovery that an actual initiate of Diancang was involved left the leadership of Diancang deeply unsettled. Under such circumstances, could there be a more effective distraction to redirect public scrutiny than raising the banner of Purging Demons and Destroying Evil? Reflecting on how historical rulers launched military expeditions to the north whenever their domestic authority faltered, no strategy offered a more reliable outcome than this classic diversion.

“First and foremost, the act of Purging Demons and Destroying Evil represents the primary mandate bestowed upon our Murim Alliance. Ensure you retain the lesson taught today.”

Following Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s proclamation, the assembled followers bowed their heads in unison. From Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s perspective, the display was immensely satisfying. Observing this interaction from a short distance away, Great Master Hye-seong permitted himself a quiet smile.

‘He is likely consumed by desperation.’

Myeonghyeon’s sudden drive to accelerate the probe into Sichuan was driven by hidden motives. His dark underlying agendas were completely obvious. Nonetheless, the rationale behind Hye-seong cooperating with him lay in the knowledge that regardless of Myeonghyeon’s frantic maneuvering, the title of Association Head would ultimately elude him; thus, Hye-seong was merely allowing him room to execute his futile strategy.

The moment when the leadership of the Association Head would revert to Shaolin drew steadily closer. Due to widespread criticism concerning whether Wudang and Shaolin held an unfair monopoly over the office of Association Head, the leadership had been provisionally granted to him, an arrangement that had severely destabilized the Righteous Path Association. At present, the hour had arrived for the legitimate possessor to reclaim the mantle and restore righteous vitality across the Jianghu.

The solitary point of regret was the remarkably swift stabilization of affairs in Yueyang. Hye-seong had anticipated that if factions of the Black Path, particularly the Mukhyul Gang and the Black Axe Palace—both of which had concealed their true might up to this point—managed to plunge Yueyang into absolute chaos and sever the foundations of Diancang, Shaolin could then step in as rescuers.

However, for reasons unknown, the scoundrels who appeared on the precipice of initiating an all-out conflict abruptly halted their advance. Spurred by intense curiosity regarding the underlying facts, he had directed a probe into the matter.

“Have you gathered reports on Yueyang?”

Positioned nearby, Il-gak provided the response.

“Affirmative. Both the Gang Chief and the Deputy Gang Chief belonging to the Mukhyul Gang have perished, resulting in internal factionalism fracturing the Mukhyul Gang. Consequently, the turmoil enveloping Yueyang appears to have subsided considerably.”

“The Mukhyul Gang suffered such losses?”

“By what means?”

Il-gak hesitated, his mouth twitching slightly. He struggled to determine the propriety of revealing the full details.

“What restrains your tongue? Speak plainly,” Hye-seong commanded sternly, prompting him to recount the events deliberately.

“The accounts state that Representative Jin So-un, allied alongside the Yujang Sect, executed a solitary assault against the Mukhyul Gang and personally slew the Mukhyul Gang Chief.”

“What?”

“Following that event, the Yujang Sect and the Mukhyul Gang engaged in a ‘Decisive Martial Duel,’ during which Representative Jin So-un reportedly decapitated the Mukhyul Gang’s Deputy Gang Chief. Owing to this outcome, the Mukhyul Gang abandoned their military campaign, and subsequently, none of the remaining Black Path Sects chose to pursue further conflict.”

“Incredible!”

Hye-seong’s gaze widened in sheer astonishment.

“That wretched Jin So-un did this…? Even if I accept that part, what compelled the remaining organizations to cease their hostilities?”

“Regarding that… the precise specifics eluded my investigation.”

“…….”

Given the restricted physical constraints of a message carried by a pigeon, the volume of intelligence it could hold was naturally constrained.

Nonetheless, the sparse clarification that the Mukhyul Gang had fractured and the crisis in Yueyang had drawn to a close felt incomplete. Hye-seong perceived the underlying truth instantly.

“That miscreant was undoubtedly pulling the strings.”

He suspected that a deeper hidden narrative linked directly to Jin So-un existed within the parts left unsaid. This realization caused an involuntary chill to ripple across his skin.

Launching an assault on the Gang Chief of the Mukhyul Gang or matching skills with the Deputy Gang Chief were feats within the capabilities of the primary sect’s top-tier disciples. However, pacifying an entire theater of conflict through a solitary action was a completely different matter.

“He is a truly terrifying individual.”

“Pardon?”

To successfully suppress anarchy implied an intimate comprehension of anarchy itself. By extension, it suggested an equal capacity to instigate such disorder.

“I sensed from the beginning that he was no ordinary youth.”

Elements like the Five Evils of the prominent Eight Evils had undeniably taken part in the Yueyang theater. Even Hye-seong harbored doubts about his own ability to broker peace or enforce an end to hostilities under those conditions. Yet, an upstart who had barely commenced his studies at the academy had achieved precisely that.

“He is nothing short of a fiend.”

“…….”

Hearing Hye-seong’s grim assessment, Il-gak’s features turned stone-cold. He understood perfectly the identity of the person being labeled a fiend.

“Gak.”

“I await your command, Venerable.”

“Should the mantle of Association Head fall to me in this cycle, I shall elevate you to the rank of academy representative.”

“…… Terrified.”

“In exchange, you must thoroughly crush that fiend, ensuring he never gains the opportunity to rise further. Am I understood?”

Despite receiving assurances from Great Master Hye-seong regarding the very title he had long yearned for, Il-gak found himself weighed down by an inexplicable sense of dread.

Faced with an inquiry that defied an easy response, he fell back on his customary invocation.

“Amitabha…….”

Simultaneously.

Murong Jae-hwa, having ascended the steep Golden Summit Peak of Mount Emei, panted violently as if his lungs might give out entirely.

“Pant… gasp… curse it all…”

Employing an archery bow rather than a blade, Murong Jae-hwa had been consistently deployed as an advance scout, a role that forced him to cover roughly thrice the distance traversed by his companions.

“Are you holding up, Young Master Murong?”

Eun Seol-ran, observing his pathetic state with sympathy, extended her arm to channel a soothing flow of freezing energy to assuage his fatigue.

“The scouts reported this miserable Mount Emei was completely clear, so what possessed them to make us scale it?”

Murong Jae-hwa had previously scouted Mount Emei and pressed onward ahead of the main body. Yet, upon receiving the order to double back, he found himself forced to ascend Mount Emei once more. Responding to Murong Jae-hwa’s exasperated query, Eun Seol-ran paused slightly before offering a tentative explanation.

“The reasoning provided… was that as members of the lead detachment, it was deemed fitting for us to absorb the spiritual essence…”

“Pardon?”

Murong Jae-hwa questioned his own auditory senses. Surely his ears were playing tricks on him…

“I am merely repeating what was stated. The claim is that absorbing Mount Emei’s spiritual essence prior to departure guarantees a favorable outcome…”

Compelling a person who had already successfully made their descent to re-climb the peak solely for such a superstitious notion?

“…….”

Murong Jae-hwa was seized by a sudden, intense urge to launch a Thunderbolt Arrow directly at the summit where the Elders and their immediate disciples gathered.

‘Had my mastery over the technique been fully realized, I would have loosed it without a second thought. Positively!’