The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 184

Chapter 184
### Chapter 184. Rewriting the Sichuan Blood Calamity (4)

[Word reached that the Righteous Path Association had been ambushed within Sichuan.]

Upon the initial arrival of this intelligence, the remaining members of the Elder Council found themselves unable to suppress their mocking smiles.

Learning that a major rival had stumbled and suffered a humiliating blow provided a deep satisfaction that surpassed even the finest banquet.

For those belonging to the Orthodox Path Association alongside the Twelve Peak Citadels, who had viewed the unimpressive gathering of the Righteous Path Association with displeasure, it felt as though a persistent, painful tooth had finally been extracted.

As soon as the reports from Sichuan arrived, the Murim Alliance began swift arrangements to assemble an expeditionary force.

In contrast, the Elder Council, wishing for the Righteous Path Association to endure a bit more hardship, chose to delay the deliberations regarding the formation of this deployment group. Consequently, the various Martial Pavilions under the Murim Alliance were thrown into disarray, uncertain of whether they ought to ready themselves for action.

Nevertheless, the smug expressions worn by the Elder Council were swiftly shattered before long.

-Severe losses reported among the Qingcheng Sect and its subordinate secular families.

-Heavy casualties documented within the Emei Sect and its affiliated martial houses.

-Numerous fatalities occurring in the Mount Hua Sect and its associated factions.

-Substantial numbers of injured or dead from the Kongtong Sect and its outer branches.

-The whereabouts of Elder Eun Hui-gwang belonging to the Qingcheng Sect remain unknown.

-Elder Jeong Myeong representing the Emei Sect is currently unaccounted for.

-The demise of Elder So Chung-hyeon from the Mount Hua Sect has been verified.

-Elder Jeong Sa-ik representing the Kongtong Sect has been verified as deceased.

-Elder Hye-seong of the Shaolin Temple is enduring severe repercussions from malicious Witchcraft.

-Daoist Master Myeonghyeon from the Diancang Sect is currently battling the lingering trauma of Witchcraft.

Faced with this ceaseless torrent of devastating reports, the entire Murim Alliance, alongside the Elder Council, was struck with profound disbelief.

The concluding lines of the dispatch mentioned that precise figures could not be determined due to the chaotic state of the bodies, a detail so horrifying it caused multiple officials to nearly lose consciousness.

As a consequence of these developments, all opposition to deploying the combatants of the Alliance toward Sichuan instantly vanished.

Yet, the organization would hardly be the Murim Alliance if matters proceeded so smoothly.

On this occasion, the contention arose regarding the scale of the expeditionary force.

“Strategist Jegal. Is there any rationality to this proposal? Do you believe another Black-White War has commenced? To deploy the Azure Dragon Pavilion, the Red Dragon Pavilion, the Black Martial Pavilion, and furthermore the Golden Phoenix Pavilion? Is your objective to wage war against the entirety of Sichuan?”

“It appears the members of the Elder Council fail to perceive the gravity of the current crisis. Senior figures from the Mount Hua Sect, the Kongtong Sect, the Qingcheng Sect, and the Emei Sect are currently either missing or confirmed deceased. On top of that, Elder Hye-seong from the Shaolin Temple and Daoist Master Myeonghyeon representing the Diancang Sect are incapacitated by the lingering affliction of Witchcraft.”

“Be that as it may, this remains entirely disproportionate! Disproportionate!”

“And are the individuals lecturing me on what is disproportionate the very same ones who previously cast doubt on and delayed the reinforcement request?”

“Watch your tongue, Grand Strategist!”

These figures, who had traversed the vast Murim alongside one another during their younger years, cast aside their maturity and traded fierce accusations, pointing fingers just as they used to during their impetuous youth.

To speak plainly, had it not been for their official titles and the scrutiny of the onlookers, the intensity of their verbal clash would have driven them to resolve the dispute through physical combat. Jegal So-myeong, who possessed full knowledge of the underlying reality, felt as though his chest might explode from frustration.

‘I am simply unable to disclose to them that the Blood Cult has manifested!’

The intelligence provided by Jin So-un remained, fundamentally, an unverified deduction.

Since Jegal So-myeong personally found substantial merit in the claims of Jin So-un, he had attempted to authorize the absolute lowest threshold of personnel for the mission. Yet, even that conservative estimate provoked the ire of the Elder Council and various schools.

Furthermore, the leadership of the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect—furious that their senior masters had vanished within Sichuan, a territory they regarded as their own domain—were loudly demanding to mobilize their own disciples to hunt down the perpetrators immediately rather than waiting for the bureaucracy.

The situation had devolved into absolute pandemonium.

Certain factions aggressively questioned the necessity of mobilizing such a massive force.

Concurrently, the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect were creating an uproar to deploy their personal forces without delay.

A crowded bazaar would have seemed structured in comparison to this madness.

“Confound that fellow. If he intended to dump such a massive crisis in my lap, he ought to have supplied a resolution along with it!”

In response to the venting of Jegal So-myeong, Maeng Ju-won, who was still nursing a prominent swelling upon his brow, muttered under his breath,

“Is the task of convincing the Elder Council not fundamentally part of your duties, Grand Strategist?”

“……What right does this scoundrel have to eavesdrop on my private complaints!”

Naturally, Jegal So-myeong was well aware that Jin So-un was not to blame, yet the sheer helplessness of his situation was driving him mad.

Accepting the premise that the Blood Cult had truly returned made the massive detachment feel entirely inadequate.

Conversely, if he dismissed the threat as a mere assault that claimed the lives of senior experts, he faced the agonizing dread that a small force would be utterly annihilated should the Blood Cult actually be responsible.

As he remained trapped in this torturous loop of contemplation,

A fresh Carrier Pigeon Letter arrived at the headquarters.

-An Iron Corpse Puppet has manifested.

-The perpetrators have been positively identified as the Blood Cult.

It is often observed that when an individual is confronted with something utterly preposterous, their cognitive faculties temporarily cease to function.

The contents of the Carrier Pigeon Letter transmitted by Jin So-un effectively paralyzed the entire Murim Alliance with shock.

Jegal So-myeong, who had already harbored dark suspicions regarding the Blood Cult, began to shudder violently as if a bolt of lightning had pierced through him.

“A J-Jiangshi? A Jiaaaaangshi? An Iron Corpse Puppeeeeet?”

“Grand Strategist, please compose yourself.”

“Listen here, you fool! Do you honestly expect me to remain calm right now?! The message explicitly states a Jiangshi! A Jiangshi! It is not some ordinary foe, but a Jiaaaaangshi!”

Despite the fact that the occurrences within Sichuan were classified under strict secrecy, the details somehow leaked across the entire Murim Alliance, throwing the organization into unprecedented uproar.

The leadership of the Murim Alliance, who had spent days pacing nervously like an anxious candidate waiting for examination results, ultimately resolved to send their premier forces into Sichuan.

In making this determination, all restrictions concerning the numbers or the specific factions involved were entirely cast aside, and the Elder Council ratified the deployment strategy with absolute, unquestioning endorsement.

Inside the Murim Alliance Leader’s Hall.

Having gathered the ratified deployment papers issued by both the Elder Council and Mantongbu, Jegal So-myeong conferred with the Alliance Leader right before the official validation emblem was stamped.

“An Iron Corpse Puppet… What is your assessment of this development?”

Faced with the query from Hyeok Mu-gang, Jegal So-myeong replied, making no effort to conceal his deep anxiety.

“I can merely pray… that this report proves false.”

“So you, too, suspect it to be genuine, Grand Strategist.”

“Certain elements strike me as highly unusual. If we review the historical archives, there is absolutely no mention of the Blood Cult possessing the methodology to construct an Iron Corpse Puppet.”

“Should that hold true, does it imply that they have established an alliance with the Demonic Cult?”

Hyeok Mu-gang posed the question with an air of casualness, yet Jegal So-myeong clamped his jaws shut in absolute silence.

The reason for his silence was that, despite holding the esteemed position of Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance, there existed certain dark possibilities he wished to deny.

His philosophy dictated that while meticulous preparation was mandatory, preventing such a catastrophic scenario from materializing at all was always paramount.

“Be that as it may, now that it has manifested, we are left with no choice but to confront it.”

“……”

Hearing the declaration from Hyeok Mu-gang, Jegal So-myeong offered his unspoken concurrence.

“The scale of the combatants being deployed is truly formidable.”

“It serves as a countermeasure for the absolute worst-case scenario, yet if the Blood Cult truly operates alongside an Iron Corpse Puppet, even an army of this size may prove insufficient.”

“Will this not provoke a negative reaction from the Black Path Alliance?”

A troop mobilization of this magnitude would inevitably cause friction with their long-standing rivals.

To the factions of the Black Path Murim, who were currently in the delicate process of consolidating their own structure and securing an alliance, these extensive maneuvers by the Murim Alliance were bound to trigger intense wariness.

Should this crisis serve as a catalyst that forced them to combat both the Black Path Alliance and the Blood Cult simultaneously, the Murim Alliance risked finding itself trapped in an inescapable encirclement.

Choking back the heavy sigh that threatened to escape his lips, Jegal So-myeong replied,

“We must transparently communicate the realities of the situation to mollify their suspicions. Even if it requires making concessions, we absolutely cannot permit the Blood Cult to operate unhindered, can we?”

The lines of anxiety upon the face of Hyeok Mu-gang showed no signs of easing.

“I am already dreading the terms the Four Emperors Peak Lord will extort from us.”

Jegal So-myeong gave a nod of mutual understanding.

“Nonetheless, our immediate priorities must remain the Blood Cult and the presence of the Iron Corpse Puppets. Should they descend upon the wider Murim, the devastation wrought will utterly eclipse any minor territorial disputes with the Black Path.”

“Very well. I shall contemplate what assets we must sacrifice. Aside from that, what is the status of the Academy Students?”

Upon hearing that inquiry, a look of renewed complexity settled over the features of the Grand Strategist.

“……Reports indicate that a catastrophic slaughter was averted due to the timely intervention of the Victory Tiger Hall, which had deployed to Sichuan.”

“That is a profound relief. I understand that the credit belongs to that youth, Jin So-un?”

Noticing a glimmer of genuine intrigue appearing on the face of Hyeok Mu-gang, Jegal So-myeong released a heavy breath.

“Indeed. Yet, because significant protocol violations occurred, I remain conflicted as to whether disciplinary action or a commendation is warranted.”

His operational achievements were undeniable.

He had journeyed to the region, rescued the Academy Students, exposed the machinations of the Blood Cult, and provided vital intelligence regarding the Iron Corpse Puppets; such feats clearly merited a grand accolade.

On the flip side, he had completely disregarded the official curriculum and manipulated a high-ranking Department Head of Mantongbu to secure the unauthorized deployment of the Victory Tiger Hall.

Strictly speaking, it was difficult to officially declare it a breach of regulations, but a strict disciplinarian could easily find grounds for censure.

Jegal So-myeong was already experiencing immense stress from the mountains of crises accumulating around him, and the realization that the antics of Jin So-un required his personal attention made him feel as if his skull would fracture.

“A reward must be granted.”

The tone of Hyeok Mu-gang was entirely steady.

Jegal So-myeong knit his brows in disagreement.

“The matter is far more convoluted than…”

“Do administrative technicalities not pale in comparison to the existential threat he mitigated? He preserved numerous lives and granted us the vital window needed to organize our defense.”

Clack—

The Alliance Leader firmly placed his porcelain teacup onto the table.

“Should we penalize an individual who acts decisively in a crisis, we will ensure that henceforth, no one will take initiative, as every person will choose personal preservation over duty.”

“……”

Because Jegal So-myeong was intimately acquainted with that psychological reality, he found himself unable to offer any counterargument.

It underscored the terrifying extent to which individuals could be tamed by institutional structures.

Once people relinquished their capacity for skepticism and independent thought, becoming completely subsumed by the bureaucracy, they transformed into passive observers who would turn a blind eye to obvious corruption or danger.

His choice to recruit Maeng Ju-won, who had merely been an obscure Scholar, into the ranks of Mantongbu, along with his efforts to enlist Jin So-un from the Taeul Sect, had been calculated moves intended to disrupt this institutional stagnation.

“Should any faction attempt to obstruct the commendation for his actions, the Alliance Leader’s Hall shall personally absorb the political backlash.”

At the unyielding voice of Hyeok Mu-gang, Jegal So-myeong finally conceded with a nod.

“……Understood. Mantongbu shall align with your position. However, let us defer the formal distribution of accolades and reprimands until the threat posed by the Blood Cult has been entirely resolved.”

“That is standard practice.”

Having concluded the essential points of their discussion, Jegal So-myeong proffered the formal deployment decree.

“In that case, please review this…”

Hyeok Mu-gang scanned the text of the decree, lifted the heavy golden seal, and paused just as he hovered over the paper.

“Once this mark is applied, our path is irrevocably set, is it not?”

“……”

Acknowledging the silent confirmation from Jegal So-myeong, Hyeok Mu-gang gave a resolute nod and brought the emblem down with immense force.

Thump.

The colossal behemoth known as the Murim Alliance, which had long remained static and unyielding like a decaying ancient oak, finally lurched into motion.

“Hall Master.”

Hearing the voice of Jin So-un, Gu Jeong-ryong turned to face him.

“Have all of your fellow warriors been adequately attended to?”

“Indeed, I appreciate your kindness in the matter.”

Gu Jeong-ryong knit his eyebrows slightly at those words.

What kindness could he possibly be referring to?

The stark reality was that his sole contribution throughout the entire ordeal had been overseeing the evacuation of the injured.

The individual who had dynamically controlled and resolved the crisis within Sichuan was none other than Jin So-un.

By Gu Jeong-ryong’s estimation, had Jin So-un failed to arrive in Sichuan, the Murim Academy Righteous Path Association would have been utterly annihilated within the province.

Reflecting on this reality, Gu Jeong-ryong felt a deep sense of intrigue regarding Jin So-un wash over him once more.

“Who or what are you, truly?”

“Excuse me?”

“I am asking about your genuine background.”

“My background? I am simply an initiated disciple of the Taeul Sect and serve as the Murim Academy Representative……”

“Never mind. I shouldn’t have brought up such a futile question.”

Observing Gu Jeong-ryong dismissively wave his hand, Jin So-un rubbed the nape of his neck, looking entirely bewildered as to how he had caused offense.

“In any case, what was the reason you sought me out?”

“Ah, there was a minor issue I wanted to clarify.”

“Oh? With me?”

“Yes. A number of the combatants from Victory Tiger Hall have persistently approached me, demanding to know when I intend to provide them with ‘Dispelling Evil and Spirit Suppression.’ Could you explain the meaning behind that?”

“……”

The complexion of Gu Jeong-ryong instantly crimsoned with intense embarrassment.

“Ahem… Well, you see…”

“Does the phrase ‘Dispelling Evil and Spirit Suppression’ refer to the literal cleansing of malicious entities and the binding of ghosts that I am familiar with?”

The forced coughing of Gu Jeong-ryong intensified dramatically.

“Hack! Cough! Hrrmm!”

“Have you inadvertently sustained some form of internal trauma?”

“Ugh… Far from it. It is merely a minor private misunderstanding. Regarding that topic… would it be possible for you to purchase some decent meals for them and simply claim it is Dispelling Evil and Spirit Suppression?”

“……”

Jin So-un cocked his head to the side, wearing a face of utter incomprehension.

Seeing no way out, Gu Jeong-ryong reached inside his standard garments and retrieved several pieces of silver currency.

“The expenses are on me. They performed admirably during the conflict, so please mollify them with this.”

Instantly altering his demeanor, Jin So-un offered a radiant beam and swiftly gathered the coins into his palm.

His previously naive countenance disappeared entirely in the blink of an eye.

“Naturally. When it comes to honoring the efforts of our dedicated comrades, I shall exert my utmost capability.”

“……”

An inexplicable sense of apprehension began to settle deep within Gu Jeong-ryong.

He swiftly redirected the conversation to a different topic.

“I am considering accelerating the pace of our column. Do you have any objections?”

“We are burdened with numerous casualties. Is such a hastening advisable?”

“Judging by the gravity of the situation, the crisis unfolding across Sichuan is far from common. The Blood Cult… they are not a faction that concedes easily.”

“Oh, there is no need to worry about that.”

Gu Jeong-ryong blinked in confusion.

“No need to worry?”

“Correct. I personally decapitated the Young Cult Master. Considering the time required for them to relay such a massive development to their hierarchy, the Blood Cult will remain stagnant for the foreseeable future.”

“……”

Confronted with such an effortlessly placid revelation, Gu Jeong-ryong found himself utterly speechless for a long moment before managing to find his voice.

“You severed his head… Personally?”

“Yes. Sensing that they intended to pursue us relentlessly, I decided to eliminate the complication entirely before it grew out of hand.”

“……”

The eyes of Gu Jeong-ryong instinctively drifted toward the wrapped package cradled in the grasp of Jin So-un.

It possessed the dimensions of a large melon, presenting a distinctly spherical contour.

Moreover, it explained why Eun Seol-ran painstakingly applied her Ice Arts to it at the break of dawn and at dusk…

“Please do not suggest that object is…”

Jin So-un confirmed his suspicion with a lively tone.

“Indeed! Your deduction is entirely accurate.”

“……”

What possesses you to carry such a gruesome trophy around?

The interrogation mounted to the very edge of Gu Jeong-ryong’s lips, but he forcibly suppressed the urge to speak it aloud.

Beginning with how Jin So-un had managed to foresee the entire disaster in Sichuan from the outset, there were countless mysteries Gu Jeong-ryong yearned to untangle.

Yet, he sensed that if he delved into the full scope of those explanations, his mind would be pushed to the brink of exhaustion.

Gu Jeong-ryong chose to abruptly sever his curiosity.

“Right, I understand. Your capabilities are truly extraordinary.”

“Your praise is overly generous.”

Simultaneously, he scrambled to find another subject of discussion.

“Regardless, I maintain that maximizing our velocity is the wisest course. It appears that the outlaws of the Green Forest outposts are tied to these events alongside the Blood Cult.”

“……Ah. Are you referring to that situation?”

“You witnessed the dead bodies scattered about, so you must realize……”

“I engineered that scenario.”

“……Pardon?”

A wave of vertigo washed over Gu Jeong-ryong once more as he struggled to comprehend this latest revelation.

In stark contrast to his shock, the demeanor of Jin So-un remained entirely unflappable.

“To put it simply, we lacked the military capacity to shatter the ranks of the Blood Cult forces directly, so I manipulated the Green Forest Bandits into a mutual confrontation with them.”

“……”

Gu Jeong-ryong attempted to dismiss the convoluted tactical choices once again, but on this occasion, his tolerance reached its absolute limit.

“Have you lost your mind? You actively invited the wrath of the Green Forest when combating the Blood Cult was already pushing us to our limits?”

“Well, I had fully intended to manage the fallout of that……”

Right then, Gam Cheon-ak advanced toward the pair, his facial features unusually rigid and devoid of emotion.

“Hall Master.”

“Speak!”

The retort came across with unnecessary sharpness.

In any normal scenario, Gam Cheon-ak would have readily matched that aggressive temper with his own, yet he maintained his tense, solemn delivery.

“The vanguard of the Green Forest has materialized directly in our path.”

“What did you say?”

“Their numbers appear to be roughly one thousand strong.”

“……”

The looming threat explained exactly why Gam Cheon-ak had chosen to ignore the abrasive tone of Gu Jeong-ryong.