The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 18

Chapter 18
### Chapter 18. A Third-Rate Warrior Who Saves a Girl (5)

Concluding his duties for the day, Wang Geum-san walked along an extended corridor, making his way toward the massive residence situated at the heart of Wangbu, the settlement of the Wang family.

Towering sentry posts had been constructed in all eight directions surrounding the grand house, and within them, positioned toward every quarter, were quarters housing guards who stood ready for immediate deployment at any moment.

Though hidden from view, throughout the courtyards and structures encompassing the main halls, hidden observers maintained a strict and unyielding watch.

Wang Geum-san navigated past all these security measures and stepped into the private chambers of Wang So-so.

“Father! You have arrived!”

The temperature within the room was chilly, as though a piece of Bukhae had been transported inside.

Nevertheless, the warmth radiating from the young girl was anything but normal.

As if intense heat were erupting from a blazing furnace packed with vast amounts of logs, an incredible degree of warmth radiated from Wang So-so’s form.

‘My poor daughter.’

Whenever he came into physical contact with Wang So-so, a fierce heat would surge through his own body, making it hard to tolerate.

As if Wang So-so was fully aware of her peculiar state, she stepped back from Wang Geum-san, and the chilly atmosphere quickly cooled his skin once more.

“Have you had a pleasant day today?”

“Yes. I worked on a new embroidery design today.”

Wang So-so offered a warm smile as she displayed the needlework she had been occupied with.

Beholding that sight, Wang Geum-san felt the entirety of his daily exhaustion evaporate in a single moment.

She was a daughter who provided him with such immense comfort, yet Wang Geum-san’s gaze remained heavy with grief as he watched her.

The girl’s burning fever, which had first manifested around her tenth year, would not dissipate once it flared up, leaving her weakened for days on end.

Regardless of how many renowned doctors and rare medicinal herbs he procured, the fever refused to break. Instead, its intensity only mounted, and the girl began to waste away with each passing day.

The fortunes he had distributed across the land merely to uncover the designation of this ailment totaled tens of thousands of taels.

It was only after surrendering that astronomical sum that he finally managed to learn the true nature of the condition.

“How extraordinary. Solar qi manifesting within a female vessel.”

“Is there a cure for it?”

“How can one remedy something that is fundamentally not a defect?”

“What do you mean?”

“……The heat radiating from the young miss’s body is an inherent part of her nature. Had she been brought into this world in a male form, her reputation would have echoed across the entire murim.”

“Elaborate further.”

Wang Geum-san was not ignorant regarding individuals born with such miraculous innate constitutions.

“Are you familiar with the Solar Body?”

“A person endowed with the Solar Body radiates intense fire energy from their physical form from birth. It is a completely natural and correct state of being.”

“Then why does she endure such immense pain in her everyday existence?”

“That occurs because a female constitution is incapable of properly housing the energy of the sun.”

“……Are you implying that this energy is instead ravaging her own form?”

“Typically, it is the cosmic order for the Great Yin Body to appear in a woman and the Solar Body to appear in a man. Because that natural order has been flipped, she undergoes extreme torment in her day-to-day life.”

“What is the remedy? How can she be restored to health?”

The doctor offered his words with even greater hesitation.

“That is……”

“How agonizing! Speak plainly at once!”

“Because there is no inherent flaw, no method of treatment exists.”

“What!”

“If an individual is born with a constitution destined for longevity, can that truly be deemed a sickness?”

“…….”

“One cannot classify someone who abounds with vitality and internal strength every single day as an invalid. It is a gift granted by the heavens. No person would view a constitution that could effortlessly attain the absolute realm—provided she mastered a martial art designed to cultivate energy compatible with her nature—as a condition requiring a cure.”

“…….”

Wang Geum-san’s features contorted in a manner that defied description.

The doctor swiftly assessed his grim expression and resumed speaking.

“Amass countless rare items that project freezing energy, arrange her living space to mimic the dead of winter, and ensure she remains confined strictly within it. By doing so, a significant portion of the agony and distress brought about by the surging heat ought to be mitigated.”

“……If I do nothing but that, will she be able to live out her life without hardship?”

“…….”

When the doctor showed reluctance to answer, Wang Geum-san made a sharp sound by grinding his teeth together.

“I trust that in the days to come, no unforeseen circumstance will arise that forces me to invoke your name again.”

“……The intensity of the Solar Body intensifies significantly after one crosses the age of twenty. And when the spark of vitality begins to wane, the physical frame will lose its capacity to endure the power of the Solar Body……”

“…….”

“If you provide her with the absolute highest standard of care, I believe she might survive…… until she reaches twenty-five.”

Following that encounter, he tracked down every physician and herbalist rumored to possess great expertise, but their conclusions were identical.

Among them, certain individuals confidently claimed they could cure her, but due to their flawed interventions, Wang So-so had nearly been brought to the brink of death.

After multiple incidents of that nature occurred, Wang Geum-san abandoned any further attempts at a cure.

He resolved to find contentment simply by treasuring each passing day alongside his daughter.

“What a truly magnificent depiction of bamboo. The upright manner in which it rises conveys a profound sense of spirit.”

“I wish to craft a garment for you using this pattern, Father.”

“It will undoubtedly be a magnificent piece of clothing.”

“Yes. Please look forward to receiving it.”

Beholding Wang So-so’s perfectly radiant smile, Wang Geum-san’s heart fractured once more.

To distract from such painful emotions, he regularly questioned his daughter.

“Is there any item you desire?”

“I already possess exquisite hairpins, norigae, trinkets, mirrors, garments, and fine fabrics.”

“Even so. If time hangs heavy on your hands, should I arrange for a performance troupe? What about a Peking opera performance?”

“Mm……”

“Request whatever comes to mind. Your date of birth is approaching shortly, is it not?”

“I wish to witness the sights of the marketplace.”

“What?”

“I desire to illustrate it, but because I have never set foot in a bustling market, I cannot properly envision it.”

“Ah……”

“If it causes you distress, you do not need to trouble yourself.”

Is it true that a considerate child constantly monitors their parent’s mood?

Wang So-so, who instantly picked up on Wang Geum-san’s shifting expression, dismissed her own request with a gentle laugh.

Only then did Wang Geum-san alter his demeanor and speak up.

“I had intended to withhold this information until all the arrangements were finalized……”

“What might it be?”

“In truth, I am commissioning a specialized transport for you.”

“Pardon me?”

“Indeed……. I am having a carriage constructed, one designed to ensure your journey is completely comfortable and in which you can remain for extended periods. Once it is finished, you will be free to venture out into the world as frequently as you like.”

“Truly! I am incredibly grateful to you, Father!”

Wang So-so threw herself affectionately into his embrace.

Once more, a searing warmth washed over him.

—

Upon departing from Wang So-so’s quarters, Wang Geum-san found himself traversing the long corridor once more.

Right at that moment, a figure clad in dark night-gear dropped silently from above with a dull THUD and fell into step alongside Wang Geum-san.

“Chief, would it not be wiser for you to restrict your movements outside the estate for the time being?”

“For what reason do you make such a suggestion?”

“The warning message that arrived recently continues to make me uneasy.”

“You trouble yourself over the most insignificant matters.”

The intimidation letter an anonymous individual had delivered.

It bore an insolent and ridiculous declaration that they would boldly target Wang So-so within the boundaries of this very Wangbu.

By the present day, while Wangbu did not quite stand on equal footing with the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Five Great Clans, it had amassed a degree of might that rivaled the factions holding the prominent positions among the One Hundred Eight Peaks.

Furthermore, the alliances with government officials forged through vast economic resources granted Wangbu an even more unassailable authority.

Who, under these circumstances, could possibly infiltrate such a stronghold as Wangbu?

It was glaringly obvious that no party could achieve this, save for the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Five Great Clans.

“In that case, do I have your permission to reinforce the sentries further?”

“……See to it.”

He deliberately suppressed his lingering apprehension, convincing himself it was an empty anxiety, and retired for the night. Yet the initial briefing delivered to him at dawn brought nothing but pure despair.

“The young miss appears…… to have been abducted!”

“The—the Murim Alliance! Send word to the Murim Alliance at once!”

“The Branch Chief is already rushing toward our location without delay.”

The martial artists who accompanied the Branch Chief arrived in haste and conducted an exhaustive search of So-so’s chambers, but they failed to uncover a single clue.

“Has any communication arrived from the perpetrator?”

At that precise moment, the threatening dispatch from before flashed through his mind.

“……An audacious scoundrel. To deliberately deliver a note openly declaring his intent to seize her. To begin with, we shall launch a search of the immediate vicinity.”

“You must recover her without delay.”

“It may sound somewhat inappropriate given the circumstances, but please do not fret over the young lady’s immediate safety. In the vast majority of abductions of this nature, the primary objective is financial gain, so a demand usually follows swiftly.”

“No! No! That is not the main concern! So-so is afflicted with a severe condition!”

An unexpected calamity had struck the Hefei Branch of the Murim Alliance, and the intelligence rapidly circulated through the entirety of Hefei.

—

Among the operatives of the Sojeong Squad, there was a man known by the moniker of the Traceless Death God.

From the start, we had no inkling that he was the renowned Traceless Death God. It was only when the Great Righteous-Demonic War was fully underway and we found ourselves cornered with absolutely no avenue of retreat that the man chose to reveal his true identity.

Because a fellow whose cultivation and martial arts had seemed entirely mediocre from the start uttered such a claim, he was met with curses and a blow to the chin for babbling nonsense during a fatal crisis. However, the display he proceeded to show us nearly caused us to lose our senses.

From the man standing perfectly visible right before our eyes, not a single trace of presence could be detected.

Even as the fellow executed his movements and brandished his blade, we perceived absolutely no indication that a living person was in motion.

Naturally, at that moment, we were even more astounded by the realization that the “Traceless Death God,” a figure who was practically a titan of the Unorthodox Path within the murim, was fulfilling duties as a mere low-ranking operative of the Murim Alliance.

In any event, the “Ghost-Breathing Step” was a unique movement method that had earned him that legendary title of Traceless Death God.

Executing the Ghost-Breathing Step created the sensation that one was employing the Ghost-Breathing Great Art while in motion.

Provided one remained out of direct sight, no matter how acute an adversary’s perceptions might be, they remained entirely oblivious to one’s presence. Utilizing this very “Ghost-Breathing Step,” we had managed to apprehend the Guardian Dharma King.

And presently, as I kept tabs on Wang So-so and the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, I was putting it to excellent use.

Precisely as I had anticipated, the culprits who traveled from Wangbu to Hefei, and subsequently from Hefei toward Chao Lake, successfully evaded the tracking force hastily put together by the Murim Alliance and retreated all the way to Lujiang.

When those scoundrels reached the derelict residence situated deep within the mountain terrain of Lujiang—the exact site where the headless remains had previously been uncovered—they appeared somewhat flustered, contrary to my assumptions.

“This girl’s state is peculiar.”

“What nonsense are you spouting? She was perfectly fine when we extracted her from the estate.”

“Feel this for yourself. Her skin is radiating heat like a furnace.”

The fellow who extended his hand to touch the sack recoiled in shock, pulling his hand away instantly.

“If she remains in this condition, she serves no purpose as leverage. Release her Numbing Acupoint.”

“P-please spare my life. I beg of you, spare me!”

“Listen here. Are you suffering from some sort of disease?”

“Please let me go! I wish to return to my family.”

The man struck Wang So-so’s Numbing Acupoint once more and thrust her back inside the container.

“We are required to remain at this location for another day. What are we meant to do if her health is failing like this?”

“What of it? Are you suggesting we summon a doctor? Leave her alone. She will manage to survive for a day or so.”

The scoundrels split into small clusters of three and five, kindling fires, capturing wild rabbits to roast, and proceeding with such a complete lack of vigilance that one could scarcely believe they were actual abductors.

‘That works entirely to my advantage.’

Employing the Ghost-Breathing Step, I crept silently toward their perimeter.

“Hic. Ugh, consuming such greasy meat without any wine is…… Huh, who in the world are you……”

I ended the life of the scoundrel who was preparing to relieve himself first.

“Hey! If you need to empty your bowels, move further away! Doing it right here is……”

I ended the life of the scoundrel who had stepped away to scold the first man second.

When the life signs of two comrades dissolved simultaneously, the martial artists possessing sharp instincts instantly began reaching for their weapons.

“An intruder is among us.”

“Unsheathe your blades!”

“Show yourself! Reveal your position this instant!”

I unleashed the internal energy and physical presence I had been concealing via the Ghost-Breathing Step all at once, then delivered a powerful kick to one of the scoundrels, sending him flying directly into the blazing campfire.

“Aaaaagh!”

The man scattered embers and burning wood in every direction, rolling frantically on the ground in an attempt to extinguish the flames consuming his flesh, before his life was extinguished by my blade. All around us, as the fire died out, a heavy shadow slowly enveloped the area.

“State your name!”

“Great Swallow Sword Formation! Establish the formation immediately!”

“You utter fool! Will you not hold your tongue! If our group’s true affiliation is compromised here……”

I slipped seamlessly into the midst of the panicked scoundrels, claiming two additional lives in the chaos. At that point, the men who had been conversing so casually fell entirely silent.

“Wh-who are you!”

“What manner of person are you to execute such a ruthless slaughter in this place!”

“We belong to the Namgung Clan. There appears to be a severe misunderstanding between us. Let us settle this through dialogue.”

The remaining men, frantically hunting for my position in the absolute dark, unleashed the Boundless Firmament Sword Art with their maximum power toward the direction of a pebble I had intentionally tossed, resulting only in the destruction of scattered foliage and a few branches.

Stepping up directly behind those panicked martial artists, I spoke.

“I am fully aware of your true identities. You are the operatives of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, serving under the Namgung Clan.”

“Y-you possess that knowledge and still persist in this! You show no fear toward the illustrious Namgung Clan…… Khh.”

One of the final three men dropped dead to the earth.

“If the name of the Namgung Clan struck fear into me, I never would have initiated this to begin with.”

The final two survivors unleashed the Boundless Firmament Sword Art with everything they had left, but I effortlessly neutralized their blade techniques using the Sword-Breaking Form.

“Wh-what is the meaning of this?”

“This cannot be happening!”

The confrontation concluded with their severed heads tumbling and spinning across the soil.

“Traceless Idiot, never in my existence did I anticipate that I would rely on a technique of yours.”

Paying respect to his legacy by employing the old moniker we used to call him, I stepped toward Wang So-so.

“Our wealthy young miss from an affluent household. The time has come to return home.”

The complexion of Wang So-so, now visible outside the confines of the sack, had turned completely white.

She had reached a state where her breathing appeared on the verge of ceasing entirely at any second.

“P-please rescue me.”

Wang So-so whimpered faintly, as though she were staring directly into the face of death.