The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 208

Chapter 208
Chapter 208. The Benefit of an Adversary

“Whew… is there… ever an end to this?”

Eun-ho exhaled a weary breath, staring at the mountain of paperwork despite having labored over it throughout the entire day.

He had split the burden with nearly twenty Academy students that Jang Woo-jae had recruited—the sons of various officials and merchants—yet the workload remained dauntingly high.

What made it more exhausting was the realization that their current pile was merely half of what Jin So-un had been managing solo.

Ultimately, the burden had shifted entirely onto the executive team, Eun-ho included.

Jang Woo-jae, who had eagerly offered to help, felt his focus drifting the moment he saw the sheer scale of the administrative requirements.

“Is the Representative some kind of superhuman?”

“…I really couldn’t tell you.”

At Jang Woo-jae’s skeptical inquiry, Eun-ho could only manage a grimace.

Witnessing Jin So-un act in ways that defied human logic was nothing new.

Just when one thought they were accustomed to his nature, he would unveil yet another baffling facet of himself, leaving them without the energy to be stunned.

“He has always been an unpredictable individual…”

“…”

Eun-ho hesitated, wondering if he should shatter the pedestal upon which Jang Woo-jae had placed Jin So-un, but he quickly dismissed the concern.

‘He’s going to realize what a strange character he is soon enough anyway…’

If one is destined to be blindsided, isn’t it better to get it over with sooner? That way, there might at least be enough time to escape.

When he had been naive, hadn’t he harbored the foolish dream of helping his Eldest Senior Brother join the Academy out of simple loyalty, only to pay a heavy price for it?

If someone asked him to do it again, he wouldn’t even consider it, not even under the threat of death.

‘Of course… if he personally ordered it, I suppose I’d do it again. Sigh…’

It was the curse of being a disciple of the Taeul Sect and Jin So-un’s own Junior Brother.

He wanted to prevent the well-meaning Jang Woo-jae from falling into Jin So-un’s inescapable, demonic clutches(?) and suffering needlessly. He had to save at least one soul from this fate.

“Anyway… if you’re planning on fleeing, doing it sooner is definitely better.”

“Hm? What do you mean by that…?”

Jin So-un must have mastered some kind of sorcery that made everyone around him act so bizarrely.

Was Namgung Seon-hwa not living proof?

According to Hong Sa-ryeon, who managed external affairs alongside her, when the Training Masters and instructors began showing clear favoritism toward the Orthodox Path Association, Namgung Seon-hwa had simply gathered them all and slammed the Firmament Sword onto their meeting table.

[If any of you are afraid of the Jegal Clan but do not fear the Namgung Clan, feel free to try your schemes. The consequences will be dealt with in full.]

Namgung Seon-hwa had never been the type to hide behind her family’s reputation to intimidate others.

Though she possessed great status, she acted like a down-to-earth neighbor who shared what she had without hesitation.

Perhaps that was why Dong-ryong, who seemed a bit simple-minded unless he was in a fight, followed her around like a lost younger brother.

To see a person like that become so sharp and ruthless…

‘Eldest Senior Brother… honestly…’

Why did the image of his Eldest Senior Brother smirking in that wicked way, laughing, “Kyahahaha,” suddenly pop into his mind?

In terms of motivation and efficiency, he was certainly someone to learn from.

But he was truly beyond suspicion.

The Taeul True Scripture he practiced was undoubtedly an orthodox martial art, yet…

Could there be some hidden, dark layer that twisted it into a Demonic Art if practiced a certain way?

While Eun-ho pondered this, Jang Woo-jae, who had yet to run away(?), scanned the room with a tired expression.

“Still, we’ve managed to get things running smoothly now.”

“That’s entirely thanks to you, student Jang Woo-jae.”

“I couldn’t have done it alone. It’s because everyone, yourself included, Lord Eun-ho, worked so hard.”

Jin So-un’s representative team was functioning well, even while Jin So-un remained preoccupied with his external projects.

Eun-ho and Jang Woo-jae handled the daily administration.

Seong Mo-ran and Nam Hwa-seong focused on persuasion and outreach around One Hundred Eight Peaks.

And Namgung Seon-hwa and Hong Sa-ryeon managed the external relations.

Though their numbers were small, everyone was doing their part faithfully.

If this pace continued, they would face no further existential threats as a representative delegation.

And they would no longer risk being forced out.

Yes, if they could just endure this current crisis…

“Ahem, well… in any case, the number of participants for our event is steadily rising…”

When Jang Woo-jae sighed with a troubled look, Eun-ho instinctively mirrored him.

“…Tsk. My apologies.”

“N-no! This isn’t something you should be apologizing for, Lord Eun-ho…”

Jang Woo-jae waved his hands frantically, shaking his head.

After a moment, he spoke cautiously.

“But is this really okay? That…”

He glanced around and lowered his voice to a whisper.

“I don’t think the Shaolin Temple is going to take this quietly.”

Of course it wasn’t okay.

They had essentially hijacked Il-gak.

Not just any disciple, but one who had mastered the Tendon-Changing Classic, and they were using him for street-level marketing.

Setting the Shaolin Temple aside, wasn’t this act so sacrilegious that even if Buddha descended in wrath, they would have to accept the punishment?

If a crisis erupted because of this…

It would all be Eldest Senior Brother’s fault.

Yes, undoubtedly his fault.

“I don’t know. If something happens, he’ll have to deal with it himself. It’s all his doing anyway.”

“…”

That was just the way it was.

As the first event of the second semester kicked off, an electric atmosphere filled the Academy.

The events held by the representative teams were far more entertaining than the dull, routine schedules dictated by the Training Masters and instructors.

Moreover, this was a high-stakes duel between the authentic delegation and the fraudulent one.

Students now had the freedom to support either side by participating in one of the two scheduled events.

Naturally, beyond the content, everyone was curious about which faction would emerge victorious.

“So, if Representative Jin So-un loses, will he be kicked out?”

“That’s ridiculous. Didn’t he enter with the highest marks and earn the role? He should remain the Representative regardless.”

“Then you’re planning on attending Jin So-un’s event?”

“Ahem…”

“Why aren’t you answering?”

“…I received word from my sect that I need to study the Mystic Gate Formation in detail.”

While everyone was busy making choices based on their own allegiances and pressures.

“Ahem. Benefactors… do you have a moment?”

“…?”

“M-Monk Il-gak?”

“What brings you to this part of the academy…?”

Il-gak, draped in an absurdly bright sash and clutching a stack of flyers, offered a benevolent smile that clashed heavily with his bizarre outfit.

“I have come to share some valuable teachings.”

“…Hmm.”

“…Uh.”

“Pardon?”

The students, momentarily blank, shook their heads to regain their focus.

They had been on their way to one of the events, but when would they get another chance to speak with the legendary Il-gak?

Besides, the Academy event lasted a week, but this might be their only chance to converse with him.

“Yes! Please, go ahead.”

Il-gak nodded at their permission.

“Are you perhaps familiar with the concept of the Steadfast Heart?”

It was a remarkably fundamental, almost empty question.

“Isn’t that… an upright heart?”

It seemed like an easy answer, but Il-gak shook his glossy, shaven head.

“Regrettably, the Steadfast Heart is not merely an upright heart.”

Sensing that a profound lesson they hadn’t considered was coming, the students leaned in.

“A Steadfast Heart refers to a mind that refuses to waver. It is an innate pillar that remains unmoved in any situation.”

“…Isn’t that the same thing?”

Just as doubt began to creep into the students’ expressions, a brilliant light began to glow from Il-gak’s eyes.

“You there, benefactor! Do you truly believe you possess an unwavering Steadfast Heart?”

Under his intense pressure, the students instinctively flinched and retreated.

“Ahem… I-I am a disciple of a sect affiliated with the Namgung Clan, so I like to think I’m relatively unwavering…”

“Wrong!”

“Pardon? What do you mean…?”

Il-gak stared at them with such intensity that it felt as though he were looking through their souls.

“A Steadfast Heart does not begin with one’s lineage or martial background.”

In conventional martial lore, the Steadfast Heart was a mental strength bolstered by the practice of an Inner Arts Heart Method.

That was why practitioners of orthodox lineages, like the Namgung Clan, were considered to have a more stable Steadfast Heart than those of the Black Path.

Il-gak was outright rejecting that common wisdom.

“It is not a power granted by meditation or a Heart Method. If it were…”

Il-gak, who had been speaking with fervor, suddenly turned his head, closing his eyes with a sorrowful expression.

“I would not have lost my companions in Sichuan.”

Knowing the tragedy that had befallen the Righteous Path Association in Sichuan, everyone fell into a somber silence.

“I was more confident than anyone in my so-called Steadfast Heart. Through that disaster, I had no choice but to admit that I had been arrogant.”

Il-gak gazed into the distance, his expression clear and transparent like an enlightened monk.

The students swallowed hard, drawing closer to him.

“…T-then how can we strengthen our Steadfast Heart?”

Setting aside the Blood Cult, didn’t the practitioners of the Black Path frequently use psychological warfare and sorcery?

The students were hungry for an answer that would protect them from such dangers.

Il-gak seized the moment, pressing his palms together.

“There is a very effective method. It is to study Dispelling Evil and Exorcism.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Il-gak quickly thrust the flyers from his hands into the students’ grips.

“If you attend the Mount Heng Sect’s event now, you will be given the opportunity to test your Dispelling Evil and Exorcism skills against the cruel and vicious illusion formation created by the Blood Cult at the Horse Station. It is a special benefit of our event, so please do not miss it.”

The students, who had been bewildered moments ago, had their eyes widen in realization.

“R-really?”

Il-gak’s shining head bobbed vigorously.

“Yes. If you don’t believe me, you may experience the Blood Cult’s illusion formation yourself. Once you experience it, you will understand exactly how vital it is to cultivate the correct Steadfast Heart. Namo Amitabha.”

One of the reasons the students hadn’t been moved by the Mount Heng Sect’s class before was that there seemed to be nowhere to actually apply the knowledge.

But if a place for immediate practice was available, they were sold.

“Monk! In that case, I’ll attend the Mount Heng Sect’s event.”

For a brief second, Il-gak felt a surge of genuine accomplishment. He quickly suppressed his own ego and straightened his expression.

“…Then it would be wise to hurry. The number of participants is already rising.”

“Ah! Then I’m going! See you all later!”

“H-hey! Let’s go together! I’m going too!”

“Me too!”

Il-gak watched them race toward the Horse Station with a benevolent air, then let out a heavy, complex sigh.

At that moment.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Someone approached, clapping slowly.

“Benefactor Jin…”

Il-gak’s expression grew even more conflicted.

Jin So-un was walking toward him, shaking his head with a shocked expression, as if he couldn’t fathom what he had just witnessed.

“I must offer my apologies.”

“…For what?”

“As expected, the talent destined to lead Shaolin is truly unique. Damn—”

Jin So-un gave him a double thumbs-up in high praise, but…

Il-gak, not knowing whether to laugh or weep, just gripped his remaining flyers tighter.

“Why is it only this much?”

It was the third day of the event.

Jegal Jeong-gi’s brow furrowed deeply at the number of participants, which hadn’t even reached half of his expectations.

“T-that is…”

The Jegal Clan’s Formation Master, who was in charge of the Mystic Gate Formation, fidgeted as if he were to blame.

“Something must have been marked incorrectly. Right? If that’s not it, then…”

“It was marked with perfect accuracy.”

“What?”

Jegal Jeong-gi tried to deny reality, frantically fumbling over the data.

“More people than anticipated are participating in Jin So-un’s event…”

“What absolute nonsense is that…!”

The reality he faced was brutal.

This was a brand-new, advanced Mystic Gate Formation, the pride of the Jegal Clan.

It was designed to surpass the Seven Stars Seven Seizures Formation, an installation every major sect in the world craved.

How could people not be interested in this?

And all for the sake of something like Dispelling Evil and Exorcism, a skill they would naturally learn upon joining the Murim Alliance anyway?

“It’s… the illusion formation set up at Jin So-un’s site is so incredibly strange and realistic… it seems that’s why it turned out this way.”

“What do you mean, realistic?”

The Formation Master groaned as he answered.

“…According to the students who faced the real thing in Sichuan, they said it was nearly identical to the actual illusion formations used by the Blood Cult.”

“Ha…”

“As word spread, everyone has been rushing to learn the Mount Heng Sect’s Dispelling Evil and Exorcism so they can practice in that formation. The Horse Station is packed every single day…”

Clench—

Jegal Jeong-gi’s fist trembled in sheer frustration.

From the moment he heard Il-gak was pulling that ridiculous stunt with the flyers, he knew some students would defect, but he never expected the gap to be this wide.

This was a situation Jegal Jeong-gi could not tolerate.

He needed a breakthrough.

“The improved version… did you bring the upgraded equipment?”

At his question, deep bewilderment washed over the Formation Master’s face.

“Y-Young Master… that is still being researched…”

“Install it immediately. Tell everyone they can experience the improved Two Principles Eight Trigrams Myriad Phenomena Formation right now.”

“That won’t do, Young Master!”

Even under the firm rebuke, Jegal Jeong-gi glared at the master with bloodshot eyes.

“Are you saying the Jegal Clan must lose to someone else in the art of formations? Because of some crude illusion that isn’t even a proper Mystic Gate Formation?!”

“…”

“Install it at once. I will take responsibility for the outcome.”

Seeing the desperation in his master’s eyes, the Formation Master finally bowed his head.

“…Understood.”

The technicians moved to retrieve the equipment.

‘Jin So-un…’

Watching them, Jegal Jeong-gi clenched his hand until it turned deathly pale.

“Truly remarkable… To think the young talent from back then has become such an extraordinary person…”

Faced with praise delivered directly to my face, my tongue, usually so quick, failed me.

“It is an honor to hear such words from the Great Hero Seven-Kill Soul-Destroyer.”

It was none other than Song Jeong-mu, the Eldest Senior Brother of Ha Min-jung, who had gifted me those Demon-Subduing Talismans at the Demon Spirit Plateau.

He had personally attended the Mount Heng Sect’s event.

That was proof enough of how much importance the sect was placing on this demonstration.

“I did not expect you to attend in person, Great Hero.”

At my courteous tone, Song Jeong-mu smiled warmly.

“Heh heh. The Sect Leader specifically commanded me to ensure there were no shortcomings here. In that case, I had to come.”

I couldn’t help but tilt my head.

While there was a debt from the Demon Spirit Plateau, hadn’t that been settled with the talismans?

I couldn’t quite grasp why they were putting so much effort into this now.

“Hmm… it seems you don’t quite know yourself, do you?”

“What do you mean…?”

“Do you know how much profit our sect has gained thanks to the symbolism of being the ‘Dispelling Evil’ choice of the ‘Black Flame Dragon’?”

“Pardon?”

My eyebrow twitched at the sudden epithet.

Come to think of it, Seong Mo-ran had mentioned something similar recently.

Song Jeong-mu patted my shoulder.

“Not only have the Murim Alliance placed bulk orders, but reservations are flooding in from across the martial world. The Taoists back home are exhausted, producing Demon-Subduing Talismans day and night.”

Judging by his expression, they were making far more money than Seong Mo-ran had suggested.

Why did my stomach hurt a little?

Beyond their profits, I suddenly felt regret that I hadn’t stockpiled the talismans myself.

I had burned through most of the ones I’d received while dealing with the incident in Sichuan.

“Tsk.”

When I clicked my tongue, Song Jeong-mu laughed heartily.

“Do you regret that we made so much money?”

I shook my head, weaving a small lie.

“Of course not. The Mount Heng Sect’s mastery of Dispelling Evil is beyond compare. I only regret that I didn’t buy more talismans in advance. The price must have soared, hasn’t it?”

Song Jeong-mu nodded repeatedly.

“Because our production speed can’t keep up with the demand.”

“That is my only regret. I’ll have many uses for them in the future. I should have bought more.”

“Hmm… is that so?”

Song Jeong-mu stroked his chin for a moment before continuing.

“So you foresee needing Demon-Subduing Talismans even after the Blood Cult incident concludes?”

Because I was focused on the talismans, I had unconsciously let a hint about the future slip.

But well, that much was probably fine, right?

“Since an Unorthodox martial art, designated as a Forbidden Art by the Alliance, has already surfaced, who knows what other arts are brewing in the shadows?”

“Hmm…”

I hurriedly tried to pivot.

“Please, ignore the rambling of an ignorant fool.”

Song Jeong-mu, however, looked at me with a solemn expression.

“No. It is a prediction spoken by the Black Flame Dragon of the world, is it not? I must take it to heart.”

“…What influence could my words possibly have?”

Song Jeong-mu shook his head.

“We heard the competitor here was a new Mystic Gate Formation from the Jegal Clan. We expected few people to attend this event.”

He looked around with a bright smile.

“But what was the result?”

“…Haha.”

“Your words are naturally something to be taken seriously.”

I didn’t know what that had to do with anything, but the event was headed for a massive success.

By the third day, our participants were already double those of the Orthodox Path Association’s event, and on the fourth day, they were forced to suspend theirs, further widening the gap.

Now, if only the “Distinguished Guest Invitation” ended cleanly.

The facilities built by the Orthodox Path Association, that stylish chair, and all the Seven-Colored Flower would be mine.

Muhahahaha. It felt like my aching stomach was finally recovering.

As I smiled inwardly, visualizing that splendid future, Song Jeong-mu’s voice broke my train of thought.

“To return to our earlier discussion.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“Hmm… how would you feel about committing to exclusively using the Mount Heng Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans?”

Hm? What kind of question was that?

I answered immediately.

“I would be honored.”

“Ahem. What if that meant you couldn’t use any other sect’s Dispelling Evil items?”

I tilted my head.

In my past life, after the Great Righteous-Demonic War broke out, many sects offered their own talismans, but only a few, like the Mount Heng Sect and the Maoshan Sect, provided items that actually worked.

And among those, the Mount Heng Sect’s were the most effective.

It wasn’t a question that required deep consideration.

“Naturally, I would use only the Mount Heng Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans.”

“Is that so?”

At my firm commitment, Song Jeong-mu looked pleased and produced three thick leather pouches.

“What is this…?”

Song Jeong-mu stared at me with eyes sharper than ever.

“If you promise to continue using our talismans, the Mount Heng Sect will ensure that your supply never runs dry.”

My mouth fell open.

“Are you serious?”

“Of course. If you only give us your word…”

“Of course! I promise, absolutely! Tell them to throw away the others!”

At my intense reaction, Song Jeong-mu looked slightly bewildered.

“Ah, I-is that so?”

Absolutely.

It mattered little to me how much profit they made, but if they were going to support me with an unlimited supply of talismans, there was no downside.

“…But why make such a generous decision?”

“The items you utilize set the trends for the entire martial world. We intend to secure your preference now with this support.”

“As expected, a great sect truly is different!”

No matter how much I claimed it had nothing to do with me, the fact remained that this all happened thanks to me, didn’t it?

Suppressing the laughter, I asked,

“Oh, right. By chance, I obtained a piece of Demon-Subduing Divine Wood. Could you perform a ritual so it can be crafted into a Protective Talisman?”

“Hm? If the material is provided, it isn’t difficult. You truly expect many users of witchcraft to emerge in the future, don’t you?”

Would it only be witchcraft? Bastards who wielded even worse Demonic Qi would appear soon enough.

Since preparedness prevented calamity, I had no desire to be consumed by Demonic Qi and turn into a practitioner myself. No matter how many items I possessed, it would never be enough.

At that moment.

Crash, bang.

A commotion erupted outside.

“What is it?”

“I’ll go check.”

When I opened the door, I saw someone I didn’t recognize being held and subdued by the executive staff.

“What happened?”

“He’s from the Orthodox Path Association. He kept insisting on seeing Great Hero Song Jeong-mu, so…”

“Great Hero Song Jeong-mu?”

When I gestured with my chin, Jang Woo-jae released the Orthodox Path Association member’s Mute Acupoint.

The man scrambled to his knees and shouted.

“P-please, I must meet Great Hero Song Jeong-mu!”

“What is the matter?”

“…”

The man didn’t answer.

Song Jeong-mu stepped out, looking at the man and me.

“What caused such a commotion?”

His face was visibly displeased.

However, as if he had no time to worry about that, the man shouted urgently.

“Great Hero! Please, hear me out!”

“Is it urgent?”

“Yes! It is.”

“Then speak.”

“…”

The man glanced at my face and clamped his mouth shut.

Song Jeong-mu’s expression hardened.

“It seems you have nothing to say. Or perhaps it isn’t urgent.”

Under that indirect pressure to speak openly, the man turned pale.

In the end, he bowed his head and cried out,

“N-no, that isn’t it. P-please help us! A problem has occurred at our event!”

“A problem?”

Puzzlement flashed in the eyes of everyone present, myself included.

The member continued, looking as though he might burst into tears.

“T-the Academy students… they can’t get out of the Mystic Gate Formation.”

Song Jeong-mu tilted his head in confusion.

“But… why did you come to me with that?”

“T-that is, I don’t know the details, but they combined new equipment with the Mystic Gate Formation… and it seems that it is violently shaking the students’ Steadfast Hearts.”