The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 17

Chapter 17
The Namgung Clan.

Nestled upon the peaks of Mount Huang, the Namgung Clan reigned as the undisputed rulers of Anhui Province, a status that typically drew a ceaseless stream of visitors to their gates.

These guests ranged from high-ranking government officials to esteemed Elders representing prestigious sects.

Because such high-profile visits were an ordinary part of daily life, the estate’s maids and attendants rarely felt a shred of anxiety. Yet, the atmosphere on this particular day carried a distinct tension.

The Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance had arrived in person.

For a skilled head steward, recognizing the gravity of an esteemed guest and providing hospitality that matched their stature was a fundamental requirement of the job.

However, the carefully warmed wine, fine tea, and curated delicacies prepared to suit the visitor’s preferences were abruptly halted by armed sentries posted at the doorway.

“Critical matters are being debated within. Return at a later time.”

“Y-yes, of course. I understand.”

While the stewards internally cursed the short-sightedness of the guards—who failed to realize that the heated wine and pastries would lose their freshness—a tense conversation unfolded behind closed doors.

“I have bestowed the Entry Token upon someone else.”

“…….”

Listening to those words, Namgung San felt his brow furrow into deep ridges.

Jegal So-myeong had taken a deliberate detour to visit the Namgung Clan after speaking in cryptic riddles back at the Iron Sword Sect, only for the situation to culminate in this frustrating development.

“Seon-hwa’s capabilities are by no means inferior to any prominent youth of this generation.”

Namgung San declared this with absolute conviction.

He spoke with the pride of a recognized figure within the Murim Alliance’s Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, as well as the future leader of the Namgung Clan. Unfortunately, the man sitting across from him was entirely unimpressed by such credentials.

“If that is the case, she should have no trouble securing admissions by participating in the standard testing process.”

Struggling to keep his composure, Namgung San pressed further.

“Are you truly unaware of what the common people call the Murim Regular Exam?”

The Hell Regular Exam.

That was the notorious title the rumor-mongers of the martial world assigned to the standard admissions test required to enter the prestigious Murim Academy.

It was a cutthroat trial where hundreds of thousands of hopefuls from every corner of the land competed, yet a meager five hundred individuals managed to pass.

During the preceding term, Namgung San had personally guided the youngsters of his family through that brutal evaluation. However, Namgung Seon-hwa did not share the advantages he had possessed back then.

“Did you believe the Entry Token had been formally committed to my care?”

“…….”

Even an individual of Namgung San’s stature could not prevent himself from feeling stung by Jegal So-myeong’s sharp retort.

“I made it clear from the very beginning that I would personally evaluate whether Seon-hwa possessed the necessary traits. I have no intention of granting it to an individual devoid of merit.”

“If that is your stance, why is Seon-hwa being denied the chance to even undergo that evaluation?”

“Because the individual who claimed the Entry Token possesses a talent that far eclipses hers.”

“…….”

An intense fury erupted within him, burning like molten rock beneath the surface.

In the entirety of Anhui Province as it stood today, who could possibly possess the kind of genius required to surpass Namgung Seon-hwa of the legendary Namgung Clan?

“That is an impossibility. Grand Strategist, your judgment must be clouded regarding this matter.”

The instant the words left his lips, he sensed a sudden, chilling shift in the room’s energy.

His intellect had been momentarily blinded by sheer indignation, causing him to utter a reckless statement that should have remained unspoken.

“Do you truly believe I am under any obligation to convince you?”

“…….”

“I am asking you to explain why I should feel compelled to justify my decisions to you.”

“……Please accept my apologies.”

Remorse invariably arrives too late, regardless of how quickly one recognizes their blunder.

By the time he detected the distinct frostiness hardening Jegal So-myeong’s stare, the damage had long been done.

“You have continuously mentioned that your household’s fortunes are dwindling with each passing day, have you not? Yet, what obligation does the wider martial world have to alter its course out of pity for your domestic struggles?”

The biting remarks struck his pride like precise arrows, one after another.

It was a bitter sensation he had never experienced during the era when he walked without fear and harbored no regrets.

Even so, he could not afford to jeopardize Seon-hwa’s future simply because of the poisonous resentment festering in his heart.

“……I am deeply sorry. If I may, could I ask a solitary question?”

“You wish to discover the identity of the person who received the Entry Token?”

The response came before he could even vocalize the inquiry.

It demonstrated that Jegal So-myeong had already anticipated every thought and subsequent measure he might contemplate.

The role of the Grand Strategist of Mantongbu was clearly not a title maintained by an ordinary mind.

“Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect.”

The mere fact that this information was willingly shared indicated that even if Jegal So-myeong foresaw exactly how Namgung San would react, it caused him zero concern.

“Would it be permissible for me to claim it from his possession?”

“From what I observed, that rogue seemed intent on passing it along to another party regardless. Act according to your own discretion.”

Namgung San offered a silent bow of deference and retreated from the chamber.

Once Namgung San had departed, Jegal So-myeong resumed reviewing his paperwork, muttering under his breath in annoyance.

“Why must I squander my energy on such insignificant disputes born from the fools in your bloodline?”

Though the room appeared empty, Jegal So-myeong carried on speaking aloud.

“If this behavior persists, I will personally see to it that your Azure Sky Hall is reduced to ashes.”

“Haha, my old friend. It appears that ascending to such an exalted rank within the Murim Alliance has stripped you of all humility.”

In tandem with the amused reply, an elderly gentleman sporting a lengthy silver beard materialized before Jegal So-myeong, comfortably taking a seat nearby.

This was Namgung Tae-ha, the reigning patriarch of the Namgung Clan.

“You witnessed it yourself, did you not? That arrogant brat glaring at me and raising his voice in defiance? I was on the verge of taking one of his eyes, yet I exercised immense restraint.”

“Sigh. I have no defense for his actions.”

“What an ungrateful cur. Think of how many times I personally tended to that boy’s childhood messes…… I ought to have severed his manhood right then and there.”

As Jegal So-myeong’s crude tirade persisted, Namgung Tae-ha’s complexion flushed a deep crimson from a mix of embarrassment and irritation.

“Cease this nonsense, you stubborn old fool! And when exactly did you ever change San’s clothes as an infant to warrant such bragging? Furthermore, how dare you speak of mutilating the precious heir of another man’s lineage!”

“You ancient fossil! Why do you imagine I traveled all the way to Anhui Province and even graced the sixty-year milestone celebration of some obscure Iron Sword Sect Leader whom I have never known or set eyes upon? Are those appropriate words to offer me at this moment?”

“Good heavens! No one begged you to attend! You simply journeyed here because you were utterly exhausted by navigating the temperaments of the Council of Elders!”

After exchanging petty barbs like a pair of squabbling youths under twenty, the two old companions huffed in unison before sinking into a prolonged, heavy quiet.

“Sang-won is currently plotting some treacherous maneuver, is he not?”

For a direct heir of the prominent Namgung Clan to harbor such terror toward a standard testing process was a sign in itself. It served as a clear indicator that a massive crisis was looming on the horizon.

“Our household stands on the precipice of a total schism.”

“Haha, you absolute fool of an old man. What have you been occupying yourself with all these years within your own walls, if you cannot even maintain basic internal discipline?”

“…….”

Though Jegal So-myeong’s sharp taunts rang out once more, Namgung Tae-ha found himself devoid of a comeback.

“Has the situation truly degenerated to such a critical state?”

“The branch houses, rallying behind Sang-won, have abandoned all restraint and are operating entirely on their own whims.”

“Could you not simply summon them back into the main estate to enforce order?”

“Do you believe I would be enduring this immense stress if such a straightforward solution were still viable?”

The traditions of the Namgung Clan strictly demarcated the roles of the core lineage and the branch families.

The core lineage preserved the internal heritage and martial arts within the estate, while the branch families oversaw the commercial enterprises and financial survival of the clan in the outside world.

Regrettably, the balance of power between the internal administration and external enterprise had fractured. The external branches had grown wealthy enough to covet the authority held by the main house.

“The branch factions are consolidating their influence around the Azure Sky Merchant Guild. These days, whenever we require resources or action taken within the estate, we are forced to submit formal ‘entreaties’ to the branch leaders. ‘Entreaties,’ of all things.”

“……Good grief.”

“To make matters worse, every network we established to monitor the branch families’ external activities has been systematically severed. I am already receiving scattered intelligence indicating that those scoundrels are executing vile deeds under the protection of the Namgung Clan’s reputation. Surely this news has reached your ears as well?”

“……Indeed, I am aware.”

After all, the primary purpose of his journey to Anhui Province on this occasion was to deliberate over that exact dilemma.

“Have you devised a viable strategy to counter this?”

“I am currently formulating…… a specialized Sword-Breaking Form designed to counter the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.”

“Have you completely lost your senses?”

The literal head of the Namgung Clan was actively seeking a method to dismantle the very martial heritage that represented the honor of his household.

Even under the most sympathetic interpretation, an undertaking of this magnitude was a scandalous betrayal that could result in his immediate forced removal from power.

Should the plan miscarry, it would create a disaster where the entire core bloodline could be systematically eliminated without recourse.

Watching him orchestrate such a perilous scheme with total composure left Jegal So-myeong entirely dumbfounded.

“If I do not pursue this path, I will eventually be forced to spill the blood of my own descendants with my bare hands.”

“……So, have you found success in its creation?”

Setting aside his role as the Grand Strategist, his base instincts as a fellow martial artist flared with intense fascination.

Could a functional counter-form truly be engineered against an art as profoundly complex as the Boundless Firmament Sword Art?

Namgung Tae-ha’s grim expression offered all the commentary required.

“Is that technique not the culmination of our Ancestors’ collective lifetimes of combat wisdom? It is hardly a puzzle a man of my limited insights can solve simply by applying sudden, desperate effort.”

“In that case, you are merely squandering precious time on a futile endeavor?”

“What alternative do I possess? Can you offer a superior path forward?”

“…….”

He was renowned throughout the lands as Jegal So-myeong, the preeminent Grand Strategist under heaven, yet even his vast intellect failed to conjure a perfect resolution to this domestic quagmire.

“Observe. When all is said and done, it remains a riddle that eludes even your capabilities. Who could possibly unravel a knots that baffles the greatest mind beneath the skies alongside the patriarch of the Namgung Clan? I am left with no choice but to throw my entire being into this research until it kills me.”

“……There might be a single possibility.”

Out of nowhere, a specific individual’s countenance flashed across Jegal So-myeong’s thoughts.

A cunning, audacious scoundrel who possessed the nerve to openly question the Grand Strategist to his face—an incredibly disrespectful rogue who, despite his flaws, somehow felt like the type of person who might hold an elegant resolution to this mess.

Yet, that same face brought an wave of irritation, as the man would undoubtedly demand an exorbitant price for his cooperation.

“……Though I suspect the compensation required to extract that solution would be far too steep to bear.”

“Of whom do you speak?”

“The youth your own grandson is currently pursuing.”

“Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect? You suggest that boy comprehends the solution?”

“Who can say for certain? How could an insignificant fellow unravel a mystery that has paralyzed both the leader of the Namgung Clan and the Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance? Nevertheless, he possesses a bizarrely creative cunning, leaving me to wonder if he might discover a hidden path where others see only walls.”

“Haha, an individual earning praise from the most critical mind under heaven is a rare sight. I find myself wishing to grant him an audience.”

“You decrepit old scoundrel! Who are you labeling as critical-minded!”

“Come now, let us put that aside. Let us seek out some alcohol instead. Cast those tedious records aside for the evening.”

“These are far from tedious records that can be carelessly abandoned! A single error in this file could destabilize the entire hierarchy of the Murim Alliance……”

“Oh, enough of your worrying. I have long mastered the art of forging your signature anyway, so I shall handle it on your behalf later. Let us depart.”

“You absolute scoundrel! Those unauthorized documents from last month—it was you who signed them, wasn’t it?!”

Stripping away the heavy mantle of authority that usually weighed down their posture, the two aging masters departed for another chamber with light steps and unburdened expressions.

—

My meticulously engineered strategy fractured at the very first hurdle.

“We have no requirement for hired blades at this time.”

“Would it be possible for me to simply provide perimeter security?”

“……What affiliation do you hold?”

“The Taeul Sect.”

“……Hmph. My apologies. We have no openings available.”

The harsh wall of public perception remained unyielding when it came to the reputation of the Taeul Sect.

While mitigating the abduction would be most effective if orchestrated from within the household, marching up to declare, “Your kin is in imminent danger of being seized,” would likely result in me being branded as a co-conspirator or a lunatic.

Neither scenario yielded a favorable path forward for my goals.

Rather than forcing my way inside, I attempted to manage the dilemma by delivering an anonymous warning letter phrased as though I were the perpetrator planning to strike.

Upon digesting a hostile message of that nature, the household would at least implement basic defensive preparations.

Ultimately, I was left with no option but to intercept the abduction from the perimeter. The primary obstacle was that the stolen intelligence only confirmed the ultimate outcome—that she was captured and subsequently perished—without detailing the specific logistics of the crime.

“The text was compiled from an official interrogation transcript, meaning the specific tactical movements were deemed irrelevant to the record.”

Because of that missing context, I was forced to comb through the internal archives of my own memory to isolate any files that intersected with this specific event.

> **※ Threat Level: E**
> * A massive wave of wildlife fatalities was recorded in the wilderness separating Hefei and Chao Lake. The phenomenon was officially attributed to reckless poaching practices. Local woodsmen were issued formal reprimands.
>
>

> **※ Threat Level: F**
> * Intelligence indicated that bandits breached a settlement of isolated slash-and-burn agriculturalists. The pilfered goods consisted of negligible items, including worn garments and emergency grain stores. No active deployment was ordered.
>
>

> **※ Threat Level: F**
> * Reports surfaced detailing the mysterious disappearance of multiple women from an isolated farming settlement. Following the deployment of lower-tier Rank 9 operatives from the regional outpost, no actionable clues were uncovered, resulting in the termination of the inquiry.
>
>

> **※ Threat Level: F**
> * A collection of female remains was retrieved from the waters of Chao Lake. The victims were suspected to be the missing individuals from the agricultural settlement. Due to a total lack of identifying evidence, notification was delivered to the local farmers, and the investigation was concluded.
>
>

> **※ Threat Level: F**
> * The decapitated remains of a young female were located within an abandoned structure on the outskirts of Lujiang. The victim was attired in the distinctive garments of the agricultural settlement, but as no local residents stepped forward to claim her, the remains were cremated and processed. Case finalized.
>
>

I managed to piece together the trajectory of Wang So-so’s fate by analyzing these minor low-tier entries that the local outpost had dismissed as inconsequential.

To sum it up, while Wang So-so’s identified remains were never officially recovered, the anatomical details of the body discovered in Lujiang matched her physical traits perfectly, making it highly probable that the victim was her.

Furthermore, masking a high-profile execution by embedding it within a series of minor, seemingly random crimes was a classic operational blueprint utilized by professional hitmen.

My counter-strategy would commence at the remote farming settlement situated along the path connecting Wangbu and Lujiang.

“Yet, what was the rationale behind failing to leverage the captive for greater leverage?”

The travel time between Wangbu and Lujiang spanned a mere three days.

Common sense dictated that a captive retained far greater value while drawing breath, which left me questioning why her captors had terminated her life so hastily.

In truth, had Wang So-so been properly exploited as leverage, it would have opened the door to extracting a fortune from the immense reserves of the Wang Estate.

“Then again, pushing their luck to that extent increased the likelihood of unmasking their operations, an outcome that would guarantee their total ruin.”

Even though the Azure Sky Merchant Guild operated with the formidable backing of the Namgung Clan, their target was still the influential Wang Estate.

Mismanaging a confrontation with an entity of that scale could trigger a massive crisis, potentially drawing the direct intervention of both the imperial military and the royal court.

“Still, if they harbored such dread regarding the repercussions, what drove them to target the Wang Estate in the first place?”

Leaving these unresolved inconsistencies to simmer in my mind, the days slipped away, and an assortment of suspicious individuals began surreptitiously slipping into the streets of Hefei.