The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 185

Chapter 185
Chapter 185. Rewriting the Sichuan Blood Calamity (5)

To Gu Jeong-ryong, the collective network known as the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds seemed like a bizarre entity.

They were nominally united under a singular alliance, yet none possessed the right to meddle in the internal affairs of the others. Even if a leader of an existing mountain stronghold was replaced, they retained their membership within the Seventy-Two Strongholds. This arrangement had remained intact for a century since the initial formation of the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds. So why did these independent factions preserve the collective title of the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds? It was solely to mobilize as a massive horde whenever a common threat emerged. Given their lawless livelihood, bandits naturally invited enmity from both martial artists and Government Troops. Anticipating potential suppression at any time, they established this distinctive coalition to assemble during crises and disperse when the danger passed, ensuring the steady generation of their illicit gains.

And at this moment, that very mechanism had been triggered.

Was it due to the Murim Alliance or the Government Troops?

No. It was brought about by a single martial artist.

“Blast it…” Gu Jeong-ryong muttered, biting down on his lip.

“What is our plan?”

“What choice do we have! Halt our movement immediately and establish a defensive line! Shift the casualties to the back and split the able-bodied men into two rows.”

“Understood.”

Gam Cheon-ak hurried away to organize Victory Tiger Hall.

The activation of the Green Forest strongholds’ collective defense meant they viewed their current adversaries as threats equivalent to the Government Troops or the Murim Alliance.

‘We represent the Murim Alliance, certainly… but presently, our wounded vastly outnumber our capable combatants…’

If three individual Green Forest strongholds had united, they had to anticipate an opposing force exceeding a thousand men. Flower Garland Stronghold, Red Flower Stronghold, and Black Peak Stronghold—these were territories notorious for harboring the most ruthless outlaws in Sichuan.

“Of all the factions to provoke, why did you have to target them!”

At Gu Jeong-ryong’s words, Jin So-un replied, “Aren’t those villains the worst of the lot?”

“…”

Frankly speaking, they were criminals who controlled the commerce paths heading toward Tibet, reaping extortionate sums through forced tolls. He recalled reports that whenever smaller merchant syndicates attempted to forge a passage into Tibet, these outlaws would mercilessly raid the travelers themselves. Because Jin So-un had directed such vile forces to intercept the Blood Cult, Gu Jeong-ryong felt inclined to commend his resourcefulness; however, the immediate consequence was that they seemed destined to perish right here.

Just then, a different voice interrupted the conversation. The tone carried a sharp edge, lacking the clarity of Gam Cheon-ak’s speech, sounding instead rather raspy, strained, and congested.

“What exactly are you doing right now?”

“Why are you arranging a defensive line?”

Turning around, Gu Jeong-ryong found Elder Suheo and Elder Sangwon standing there, fixing him with cold, narrow gazes.

“They are merely common thieves who have dared to obstruct the path of the Murim Alliance’s caravan. Yet your instinct is to brace for defense against such rabble. Have you lost your sanity?”

“The prominent Victory Tiger Hall is shivering in terror before petty outlaws! I will formally raise this grievance later!”

Gu Jeong-ryong’s expression turned blank.

Although he risked being stripped of his title as Hall Master immediately, an intense fury surged within his chest, and his mind felt near a breaking point from the sheer indignation. If they engaged the enemy as dictated, they wouldn’t suffer an absolute defeat. But at what cost? Over half their number were incapacitated, and counting Victory Tiger Hall, fewer than two hundred men were capable of drawing weapons. Most of the survivors who had narrowly escaped the Sichuan Blood Calamity might end up as Restless Ghosts on this very soil.

‘Is this truly what they desire?’

The resentment he had suppressed over the past several days began to surface. Even if he were relieved of his command as Hall Master and thrown into the dungeon for defiance, he could no longer tolerate this absurdity.

“Do the Elders honestly believe…”

Just as he was about to unleash his fury in a low growl…

“Have these old fools completely lost their wits?”

“…”

The sudden, coarse interjection caused his temper to cool instantly. Looking toward the source of the remark, he saw Jin So-un advancing toward the two senior figures with the demeanor of a common ruffian.

“Y-you! What insolence did you just utter!”

“Damn it, did your ears fail you? I asked if you’ve both gone crazy!”

“What?!”

The faces of the two senior martial artists flushed so deeply with rage that it seemed impossible for a human countenance to hold such color. It was only natural; they had occupied the loftiest ranks within the Murim Alliance throughout their entire lives. To be insulted by an Academy disciple, and one hailing from a minor sect like the Taeul Sect, was an entirely unprecedented offense to them.

“What’s that? A grand caravan of the Murim Alliance? Cowering before simple bandits?”

Thump, thump.

Jin So-un did not halt his advance, deliberately bumping his shoulders against the two Elders.

“You two still fail to grasp the reality of the situation.”

Dumbfounded by the sheer absurdity of his behavior, the two Elders failed to react in time and stumbled back a step or two.

“If you are so eager to spill blood, go out there and face them by yourselves.”

“…Y-you lawless brat!”

Unable to restrain their fury any longer, Elder Suheo and Elder Sangwon began to circulate their Internal Qi. Their garments billowed as if ready to rip from the turbulent Qi Wave, while their long hair and beards lifted into the air. The situation resembled a powder keg on the verge of exploding.

Yet, even facing that lethal pressure, Jin So-un’s voice cut through the air clearly.

“Ha, for the sake of your precious pride, you’ve thrown away countless living, breathing souls, yet that status remains your highest priority?”

“…”

His words struck like a clap of thunder. From the Academy Students and the men of Victory Tiger Hall taking up defensive positions to the injured men moaning on the ground, every eye turned to watch Jin So-un and the two senior figures.

“If that status means everything to you, step out and fight them alone.”

“…”

Jin So-un’s frigid fury froze the surrounding atmosphere instantly.

“Take your vaunted Murim Alliance principles and try to overcome a thousand foes.”

Without channeling his Internal Qi or unsheathing his weapon, Jin So-un casually prodded the chests of both men.

“…”

“…”

The two senior martial artists, despite having built up their Internal Qi like a raging inferno, found themselves unable to strike. Jin So-un glared at them with utter disdain, as if observing vermin, before turning his gaze back toward the ranks.

“Kunlun Sect! Zhongnan Sect! Step forward!”

Then he bellowed,

“Your venerable leaders wish to clash with those Green Forest strongholds, so go forth and perish like common weeds for their pride!”

“…”

Every gaze shifted toward the members of the Kunlun Sect and the Zhongnan Sect. Even though their own sect authorities were being humiliated by a mere Academy Student, not a single disciple made a move to intervene. The two Elders clenched their teeth as they witnessed their disciples remaining motionless.

“…Urrgh.”

“Th-those ungrateful wretches!”

At that spectacle, the perception of the crowd regarding the two Elders shifted dramatically. The looks directed at them were filled with unvarnished scorn and revulsion. It was the collective rage of people realizing who was attempting to grind them into dust. Jin So-un fixed his eyes back on the two senior figures.

“What’s the matter? Since your own followers refuse to join you, are you incapable of doing it alone? Is the grand honor and principles of the Murim Alliance not worth your own lives?”

Elder Suheo and Elder Sangwon could only shake with rage, not daring to utter a word. Far too much harm had already been visited upon innocent souls, and the Righteous Path Association had failed to manage even a fraction of the disaster. In such a predicament, it was obvious that only the direct disciples of their home sects would have obeyed them. Yet even that loyalty had fractured. So-un’s eyes burned with a quiet, intense anger.

“With such shallow convictions, you were prepared to discard the lives of your disciples so carelessly?”

Jin So-un roared at the senior figures who hid behind the hollow facades of honor and righteousness. He wanted nothing more than to see those hypocritical facades ripped to shreds, ensuring that unlike his previous life, the vulnerable would not perish as blameless casualties.

“If you have no intention of stepping up to fight yourselves, then shut your mouths and get out of the way!”

“…”

“…”

Driven past his limits by sheer fury, a trickle of blood spilled from Elder Suheo’s lips. Finally, unable to contain his wrath, Elder Suheo prepared to strike out with his hand.

At that moment, Gu Jeong-ryong intervened.

“That is enough. During a crisis, the management of forces falls under the jurisdiction of the Murim Alliance’s Martial Pavilions. The Elder Council holds no operational command here, do they?”

Hearing Gu Jeong-ryong’s words, the two Elders looked around wildly.

“Jin So-un… you will regret this.”

“Do not assume this matter is resolved.”

Leaving behind these parting threats like typical scoundrels, they turned on their heels and departed.

Gu Jeong-ryong exhaled a long breath of relief. That intervention had been perfectly timed. Had the confrontation escalated further, there was no telling what kind of vengeance Jin So-un might have faced. Gu Jeong-ryong felt immense gratitude toward Jin So-un for taking the brunt of the conflict. Because of his actions, the senior figures could not lay a hand on Jin So-un, who held the moral high ground. It was an unassailable justification that only someone in Jin So-un’s current position could utilize.

“My thanks. You’ve guided us safely through a perilous moment.”

“…”

Jin So-un remained focused on the retreating forms of the two Elders, his fury still apparent. Gu Jeong-ryong offered a word of caution.

“Do not dwell on them further. Regardless of their actions, they are individuals who attained positions on the Elder Council backed by the might of their respective organizations.”

Only then did Jin So-un’s expression soften as he remarked, “I don’t intend to take immediate action either. In any case, someone must be held accountable for this catastrophe.”

“Accountable?”

“The individuals who orchestrated this situation. We absolutely cannot permit them to escape consequences.”

“…”

Escape consequences? Was such a thing even conceivable when dealing with members of the Elder Council?

While Gu Jeong-ryong pondered this fundamental dilemma, Gam Cheon-ak returned.

“Hall Master, the Deputy Stronghold Masters from the opposing forces have arrived.”

“Only the Deputy Stronghold Masters?”

“Yes. They wish to speak with whoever is leading us.”

“…”

What could individuals armed for slaughter and primed for combat possibly want to negotiate? Since engaging in an immediate battle was out of the question, Gu Jeong-ryong gave a nod.

“Very well. And Jin So-un, you should accompany me.”

“Me?”

“At this juncture, I cannot envision anyone more fitting than you to be present. Come along.”

After leaving a few instructions for Murong Jae-hwa and the rest, Jin So-un walked alongside Gu Jeong-ryong.

Positioned between the Green Forest stronghold coalition and the group from the Murim Academy were men whose coarse features practically screamed that they were bandits.

‘This will be a difficult negotiation.’

Such was Gu Jeong-ryong’s initial assessment. While he naturally disdained them as common outlaws, their martial prowess did not seem far below his own. If the Deputy Stronghold Masters possessed such strength, he could scarcely imagine the power of the actual Stronghold Masters who ruled the factions.

‘If things take a turn for the worse, this ground will become our final resting place.’

Gu Jeong-ryong focused his mind and spoke up.

“Greetings, Mountain Lords. I am Gu Jeong-ryong, the Hall Master overseeing Victory Tiger Hall within the Azure Dragon Pavilion of the Murim Alliance.”

He deliberately highlighted his titles within the Azure Dragon Pavilion and Victory Tiger Hall, but the emissaries’ expressions remained stoic.

“Flower Garland Stronghold, Red Flower Stronghold, and Black Peak Stronghold. We were informed that your group consists of members from the Murim Academy and the broader Murim Alliance. Is that accurate?”

The Green Forest Bandits demanded confirmation, despite clearly knowing the truth beforehand.

“A faction practicing Unorthodox Arts emerged in Sichuan, prompting us to execute a campaign. We possess absolutely no malice toward your respective territories.”

Gu Jeong-ryong feigned ignorance as he explained. Even so, the grim looks on the Deputy Stronghold Masters’ faces did not soften.

“And yet, you have already brought harm upon us.”

So they were fully aware of everything?

“An individual from your ranks deliberately drew our domains into the conflict, resulting in massive casualties.”

Gu Jeong-ryong countered swiftly, “There was certainly no malicious intent. We were executing a time-sensitive maneuver. If losses were incurred, we are prepared to offer ample restitution.”

The leader from the Flower Garland Stronghold smirked savagely.

“You would do well not to try and deflect blame. We have no intention of letting this slide.”

Another Deputy Stronghold Master glared at Gu Jeong-ryong with murderous intent and demanded, “Who was responsible? Who precisely orchestrated this? Was this the action of a lone individual, or was it the collective will of the Murim Alliance?”

“…”

Gu Jeong-ryong swallowed hard. They were cornered. If he claimed it was the Murim Alliance’s design, the bandits would slaughter everyone present. If he exposed it as Jin So-un’s personal doing, the young man would face their wrath.

“If you attempt to avoid accountability, we will slaughter every last one of you to appease the spirits of our fallen brothers.”

“…”

Should they draw their blades or hold their ground? In that tense moment of indecision, a loud boom echoed as a flare illuminated the eastern sky.

Jin So-un observed the signal, stepped forward, and declared, “It was my doing.”

“Jin So-un!”

“…”

Gu Jeong-ryong and Gam Cheon-ak cried out in alarm, attempting to check him, but the confession had already been made. The emissaries turned their lethal glares upon Jin So-un.

“Accounts from witnesses indicate there were two individuals.”

“Ah. The other person is a student from the Three Origins Sect named Nam Hwa-seong. He merely carried out my directives. If you require a target for your vengeance, look to me.”

“What…?”

The Deputy Stronghold Master from the Flower Garland Stronghold twitched in disbelief.

“Are you declaring a desire to perish?”

“Well, not exactly. However, there is a minor complication. I will accept the blame, but I intend to settle it at a later time.”

“What?”

At that moment, a massive disturbance erupted from the ranks of the bandits. Shouts, curses, and the metallic clatter of armor filled the air. Suddenly, with a loud crash, the bandits were thrown into the air.

“What in the world is happening!”

“Are we under raid?!”

“Do you scoundrels want to fight?!”

The three Deputy Stronghold Masters gripped their weapons tightly, preparing to strike.

“No. For the moment, you will have to contend with that individual first.”

“What?”

At that exact moment, the outlaws of the Green Forest strongholds parted down the middle, allowing hundreds of newcomers to advance. These individuals were attired in a fashion identical to the existing Green Forest coalition strongholds. For a split second, Gu Jeong-ryong wondered if reinforcements had arrived for the enemy. However, the arriving faction exuded an aura entirely distinct from the original group as they pushed past the outlaws.

Furthermore, the two figures leading the vanguard caught everyone’s attention: a massive individual mounted on a black steed and a striking woman riding a white horse. Completely indifferent to the murderous intent radiating from the three Deputy Stronghold Masters, the pair rode past them casually and drew near Gu Jeong-ryong.

The black steed was an exceptionally large beast, yet the rider atop it possessed a frame as monumental as a towering peak. The titan of a man dismounted calmly, directed his gaze toward Gu Jeong-ryong’s group, and spoke.

“Little brother, it is an absolute trial to catch a glimpse of your face these days.”

Hearing this, Jin So-un replied with a broad smirk, “This younger brother has been overwhelmed with both public duties and private matters, forcing me to trouble you with a demanding plea, Elder Brother.”

A melodic voice interrupted their exchange.

“Young Master Jin, do you fail to notice me?”

Jin So-un raised his clasped hands in a respectful greeting and smiled warmly.

“Sister-in-law. Have you been faring well? I worried that my request had forced you to travel all the way to Sichuan.”

“I have been perfectly fine. In fact, thanks to your summons, Young Master, I had the opportunity to visit Sichuan. It pleases me greatly.”

Watching the woman speak with a radiant smile that resembled a blooming flower, even the hardened Deputy Stronghold Masters of the Green Forest strongholds stood dazed, unable to make a move.

The three conversed familiarly, clearly well-acquainted. Then the massive man shifted his gaze toward Gu Jeong-ryong.

“Little brother, is this man your superior?”

“Yes, forgive my delay in introducing you. This is the renowned Great Hero Gu Jeong-ryong, the Hall Master of Victory Tiger Hall within the Azure Dragon Pavilion.”

Moving his immense frame with surprising agility, the giant dismounted his steed and strode toward Gu Jeong-ryong. With every stride he took, Gu Jeong-ryong felt a subtle tremor reverberate through the earth.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Bang Du-chil!”

“Bang Du-chil… as in the Green Dragon King?”

“You recognize my name?”

He had caught wind of the rumors. Whispers had spread of unusual occurrences within Zhejiang Province—tales of a figure systematically dominating the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds, which had previously existed as a mere loose alliance. The architects of this feat were the two Dragons who had completely eradicated the Twin Curtain Stronghold on Mount Tianmu, an entity infamous for its atrocious misdeeds, and seized control of its domain. One of those figures was none other than Green Dragon Bang Du-chil.

‘Unlike his counterpart who remains cloaked in secrecy, I heard he operates openly in the world…’

Gu Jeong-ryong had previously considered it arrogant for a common bandit to advertise his identity so brazenly. Yet, meeting the man in person shattered that preconception. In fact, he now fully comprehended why Bang Du-chil had no qualms about revealing himself.

‘He is absolutely staggering…!’

This assessment did not merely stem from the man’s physical stature. The immense, suffocating Qi residing within Bang Du-chil resembled a colossal mountain range. It was undeniably the commanding aura of a true conqueror.

Involuntarily, Gu Jeong-ryong bowed his head.

“I… I have heard a great deal about your exploits.”

People whispered that he was destined to unite the entire Green Forest Alliance, and experiencing his presence proved those claims were no exaggeration.

“Is that so? Bwahahaha!”

Bang Du-chil clapped him on the shoulder, sending a jolt that vibrated straight through Gu Jeong-ryong’s bones. His booming laughter caused the immediate surroundings to vibrate.

As Gu Jeong-ryong focused on enduring the ache in his shoulder, a specific phrase he had overlooked suddenly echoed in his mind.

“Forgive me, but a moment ago, you referred to him as ‘little brother’…”

He sought clarification on whether he had misheard or if his ears were playing tricks on him. Little brother. The giant had explicitly used that term…

Observing Gu Jeong-ryong’s utter bewilderment, Bang Du-chil turned his gaze toward Jin So-un. For some reason, Jin So-un was scowling and giving a slight, dismissive shake of his head.

Just as Gu Jeong-ryong’s perplexity reached its peak given the contrasting demeanor of the two men, Bang Du-chil let out another deep laugh.

“Ah! I am Jin So-un’s sworn older brother. We are blood brothers who pledged to depart this world on the very same day and hour.”

Gu Jeong-ryong’s brow furrowed tightly at the revelation.