The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 30

Chapter 30
An absolute hush fell over the room, as if freezing water had suddenly doused the gathering.

The various hall masters and even the senior elders opened their mouths to speak, only to fall silent again, raising their long-chilled teacups to their lips in collective bewilderment.

“……Outer Hall Master.”

Sect Leader Hong was the first to slice through the quiet.

“Present, Sect Leader.”

“Are you acquainted with any reliable excavators and ironworkers?”

My father pondered briefly before giving a nod.

“Heo Il-nam’s father has a history of providing arms to our Taeul Sect at highly affordable rates. Furthermore, I recall hearing that the father of the three brothers, Geum-pyo, Eun-ho, and Dong-ryong, used to labor as a miner long ago.”

“In that case, without delay…”

“I shall go verify their availability immediately.”

“Good. Following that, regarding a land agent…”

“I will secure ownership of Mount Seokju without a moment’s hesitation.”

Father replied swiftly, anticipating the words before the Sect Leader could finish his sentence.

Perhaps this reassurance failed to fully ease Sect Leader Hong, whose eyes remained fixed intently upon me. Making a definitive choice, his features hardened with resolve as he spoke.

“Are sufficient funds available to acquire Mount Seokju?”

“Mount Seokju is merely a desolate peak of stone that has remained unclaimed since ancient times. Due to its sterile soil, not even nomadic farmers have ever attempted to cultivate it.”

“Acquire Mount Seokju immediately, then. Inspect the mineral deposits afterward.”

“Sect Leader!”

“Execute the order.”

Father shifted his gaze between myself and Sect Leader Hong a few times before inclining his head.

“As you command.”

“Swift Blossom Hall Master.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Go to Geum-pyo’s father and Heo Il-nam’s father to enlist their assistance.”

“I understand.”

“Act with utmost speed. Never forget that the future of our entire organization hinges upon this endeavor.”

“I shall carry it out!”

Father lost no time in visiting the local administrative office to initiate inquiries regarding the acquisition of Mount Seokju.

When it came to transactions involving state territory, the bureaucrats—who normally milked citizens for kickbacks—merely inquired about the purpose of the purchase upon learning it was Mount Seokju, raising no obstacles whatsoever.

Once Mount Seokju was officially registered under the name of Taeul Sect, Heo Il-nam’s father along with the father of the three brothers Geum-pyo, Eun-ho, and Dong-ryong set off for the mountain right away. They verified that the location was indeed suitable for setting up an iron excavation operation.

They remarked that while such clear indicators were unusual, “We identified it effortlessly because someone had already excavated a deep shaft right out of the center of the rock face.”

Though Mount Seokju was now theirs and the mineral wealth verified, they were unable to initiate excavation works straight away.

Finances presented a major hurdle, but furthermore, Taeul Sect had zero experience managing an enterprise as immense as a mine, leaving them completely clueless on how to proceed.

On top of that, should news leak regarding the hidden iron ore on Mount Seokju, external forces might pose a grave danger to Taeul Sect.

Ultimately, Sect Leader Hong and my father decided to seek out the Wang Estate for assistance.

“Ha ha ha! Truly, providence favors the diligent, and it has bestowed an incredible blessing upon you at last.”

“You praise us too highly; I am humbled.”

“I had grave concerns that Taeul Sect might falter due to the underhanded tactics of the Gyeryong Merchant Guild. After all, my own child belongs to that sect, does she not?”

“Your kind sentiments alone give us great comfort.”

“Very well. In what manner can I assist you?”

“Taeul Sect lacks the resources and expertise to excavate this mine independently. If you, Estate Master, would partner with us, it would be the ideal solution.”

“Hoho, the future proprietors of a massive mining operation shouldn’t be so timid. How do you expect to amass great wealth if you permit sentimentality to make you passive? Let us settle on this: I shall provide the funding for the project. I will oversee the excavation infrastructure and recruit the laborers. In return, your sect must grant us the exclusive rights to purchase half of the produced iron ore for the next decade.”

Jin Tae-san was utterly stunned. This arrangement was incredibly lopsided in their favor, making success effortless.

“Are you absolutely certain about this? It seems like you, Estate Master, would be taking a financial hit…”

“A minor deficit will occur initially, but that is merely standard capital investment. My own independent inquiries reveal that the ore within Mount Seokju consists of premium black iron. The deposits are so vast that supply will be assured for at least fifty years. Securing the sole purchasing rights for half of that volume ensures that, even with market fluctuations, this deal remains highly lucrative for Wang Estate in the long run.”

When Jin Tae-san originally envisioned a joint venture with Wang Estate, he fully anticipated surrendering a significant portion of the gains.

Yet, the terms proposed by Wang Geum-san placed all the advantages squarely with Taeul Sect, while entirely relieving them of the burden of upfront costs.

“I understand it was the hall master’s own boy who stumbled upon the mineral vein.”

“The lad spends his days roaming across the land, and it seems luck was simply on his side.”

“Hoho, it appears that everyone recognizes your son’s remarkable worth except for you, Hall Master.”

“You flatter him excessively.”

“If you truly wish to show your gratitude, do have So-un pay a visit to the Wang residence sometime. It seems he still holds a grudge over my blunder during our initial encounter; he refuses to show up despite my numerous invitations, which genuinely weighs on my mind.”

Inwardly, Jin Tae-san berated his child.

When an influential figure of this stature extended an invitation, what right did the boy have to refuse?

Despite being his flesh and blood, Jin Tae-san found his son’s behavior completely baffling.

“So your demand is for me to call upon the Wang family?”

“Look at the circumstances; did he not grant Taeul Sect extraordinarily generous terms? Setting gratitude aside, as the primary senior disciple, it is only proper etiquette for you to visit a junior colleague’s household and show your respects.”

Hearing Kang Chae-seok’s reasoning, my gaze sharpened into glinting blades as I replied.

“You aren’t planning to auction me off to the Wang Estate, are you?”

“Ahem! Auction you off? Who on earth suggested such a thing…”

“Don’t deny it. Previously, it looked precisely as though you intended to package me neatly and hand me over to Wang Estate.”

“Ahem, everything I do is for the sake of Taeul Sect…”

“My answer is no.”

“Pardon?”

“What reason do I have to attend? Ultimately, Estate Master Wang is pouring money into this project to line his own pockets as well.”

“Be that as it may, still…”

“In that case, grant me my official graduation from Swift Blossom Hall.”

“What?”

“Do that, and I shall go offer my greetings.”

“What is the meaning of this abrupt absurdity?”

“I have a critical task to execute. To accomplish it, I must take action immediately. However, under normal circumstances, fulfilling the requirements for Swift Blossom Hall would take me another six months.”

Hong Mun-gi, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange, finally spoke up.

“What exactly are you plotting that is so urgent it cannot wait for six months?”

At this juncture, revealing the truth was out of the question.

If I confessed that my plan involved leading the younger students to participate in the Regular Exam as Taeul Sect’s head disciple, they would undoubtedly view me as a lunatic, matching Sa-ryeon’s earlier reaction.

“Forgive me. I am unable to disclose it at this moment.”

“You infuriating rascal! How do you expect us to back you up when you refuse to utter a single word about your intentions?”

“Once those six months have passed, I will lay out everything.”

“Grr.”

Kang Chae-seok grimaced, shaking his head while continuing to down one cup of alcohol after another.

“Is this a truly critical issue?”

“Indeed. It is of utmost gravity.”

“To what extent?”

“The very survival and future of Taeul Sect hang in the balance.”

“Splutter—”

“!”

“!”

Hearing my declaration, Kang Chae-seok choked midway through swallowing his drink and burst into a fit of coughing, while Father, who had been quietly cradling his own cup, widened his eyes in sheer astonishment as he stared at me.

Hong Mun-gi examined me intently for a long moment before turning his gaze toward Jin Tae-san.

“What is your assessment?”

“……He has always been a stubborn, secretive boy who keeps his own father in the dark. I have no idea.”

Father scowled, looking uncharacteristically cross and sullen.

“By requesting validation for finishing your time at Swift Blossom Hall, are you implying you have fully mastered its entire martial curriculum?”

“Correct.”

“……Mm. So be it. I grant it.”

“!”

“Sect Leader!”

Hong Mun-gi remained entirely unruffled as he spoke.

“Every single action you have taken thus far has benefited Taeul Sect. I possess full faith that your upcoming endeavors will follow the same path. Since you are shoulder-bearing responsibilities that properly belong to us, the absolute least I can do is refrain from clipping your wings.”

“……”

“……”

As both Kang Chae-seok and Father bowed their heads in profound respect, a soft smile played on Hong Mun-gi’s lips as he added,

“As a condition, ensure that you make your formal call to the Wang Estate prior to your departure.”

Swinging and swaying.

We made our way back to our quarters after exiting the Great Mysterious Hall.

Having consumed four full bottles of the premium Bamboo-Salt Clear Wine bestowed upon him by Sect Leader Hong, Father was stumbling along in a manner that closely mirrored the forms of Drunken Fist, a far cry from his ordinary stride.

“Pull yourself together, Father.”

“Unhand me, boy. Your old man is completely sober.”

“In that case, try moving in a straight line.”

“Quiet down. I suppose a good-for-nothing father like me is destined to be discarded in some remote wilderness if he loses the ability to walk unassisted, eh?”

“Good heavens, why are you throwing a tantrum?”

“Listen here, the most wretched offspring alive is the one who keeps secrets from his own flesh and blood.”

“What constitutes an ideal offspring then?”

“The kind who returns home and babbles endlessly about every single occurrence.”

“In that case, you ought to have raised a daughter. Why did you end up with a dark-faced son instead?”

“To tell the truth, when the Sect Leader was blessed with a girl, I felt an overwhelming urge to swap you out.”

“Unbelievable.”

Reaching inside my garments, I pulled out the Seven-Colored Jewel.

Amidst the dim grounds of Taeul Sect, which had previously been illuminated solely by the moon, a radiant burst of prismatic colors suddenly blazed out, lighting up the entire vicinity.

Father’s intoxicated wobbling vanished instantly, and his spine snapped straight as a rod of bamboo.

“……W-What on earth is that?!”

“I actually acquired this token in an effort to be that ideal child you mentioned. However, since I’ve already failed, I might as well just barter it away for sweets.”

“Y-You intended that for me?”

The look on Father’s face indicated that every drop of wine had instantly evaporated from his system.

“Never mind. I am already branded a disobedient son. What point is there in attempting to show devotion at this late stage?”

Father cleared his throat abruptly, altering his tone.

“Are you aware of this? Surpassing even the finest ideal child is an offspring sent directly from the heavens.”

“……”

“An offspring sent from the heavens presents his sire with a dazzling, multicolored gem.”

Uttering these words, Father snatched the Seven-Colored Jewel from my hand and lifted it up to inspect it closely.

“Unbelievable.”

“I-Is this genuine?”

“I possess no expertise in evaluating precious minerals, so I cannot say for certain, though Namgung San claimed its value could secure three sprawling estates fit for royalty. Surely it must be authentic.”

“N-Namgung San? How did it come into the possession of Namgung San?”

“As a matter of fact, I entered into a bet with Senior Namgung San. Having emerged victorious, I claimed this as my prize.”

“Well, I’ll be damned…”

“Retain seventy percent of the proceeds from liquidating the gem to spend at your own discretion, Father. As for the remaining thirty percent, I ask that you acquire all the isolated, landlocked parcels surrounding Taeul Sect that are available.”

Though I told him to spend the bulk of it as he pleased, those funds would inevitably find their way back into supporting Taeul Sect.

Such was the nature of the life my father led.

“Isolated plots? Whatever for?”

“A portion can be converted into agricultural fields to grow emergency food crops, and we likewise require land to deploy defensive mechanism formations. Should our roster of pupils expand, we will naturally require additional structures to house them, will we not?”

“Defensive mechanism formations? Do you have any conception of the immense capital required for such things?”

Father cocked his head to the side, seemingly struggling to process the scope of the plan.

“With a steady stream of revenue generated by the mining operation, funding the mechanism formations shouldn’t pose an issue. Furthermore, I happen to be acquainted with an expert who possesses incredible talent but charges very reasonable rates.”

I muttered this while visualizing Jegal Cheon-gi, who was undoubtedly enduring a miserable stint in Prison at this very moment.

“By establishing mechanism formations, our ability to repel incursions from hostile factions will be greatly bolstered, allowing us to cultivate our internal power securely. Is that not the core bedrock of an influential organization?”

“……”

Father stared at me with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions visible in his eyes, refracting light much like the gleaming seven-colored gem.

“Let us head inside, Father. This heavenly, devoted child will gladly serve you another drink.”

“……Now that I think about it, you were surreptitiously consuming alcohol yourself moments ago, were you not?”

“Whatever do you mean? A divinely sent devoted child would never lay a finger on spirits.”

“If only you were struck mute.”

Sa-ryeon assembled her bulky luggage and aligned herself with the contingent of Appraisal Envoys.

Prior to her official admission into the Murim Academy, she was scheduled to endure a period of rigorous preparation designed to bring her up to par with the candidates arriving via the Regular Exam.

The entire membership of Taeul Sect gathered outside to witness Sa-ryeon’s departure.

After extending her respect to the senior elders and various hall masters, Sa-ryeon came to a halt in front of Sect Leader Hong and his spouse, her eyes pooling with tears as if a dam were about to burst.

The prospect of leaving the protective custody of her household for the very first time clearly filled her with intense trepidation.

“Excel in your endeavors. Once you arrive at the Murim Alliance, ensure you look after your fellow sect members.”

Sa-ryeon merely offered a silent nod in response to her father’s words.

Following this, a wave of younger disciples swarmed forward, encircling Sa-ryeon in a chaotic flurry as everyone clamored to utter their final farewells. Only when the excitement finally subsided did she step forward to face me.

“You are absolutely certain you won’t harbor regrets over this?”

Sa-ryeon still appeared to be burdened by a persistent sense of remorse.

“The preparatory training spans a mere six months. Should you wish to avoid being eclipsed by the entrants from the Regular Exam, your regimen must be demanding enough to push you to the brink of mortality.”

“……Should the burden prove too heavy, do not hesitate to abandon the Regular Exam at any point. I shall push myself to the absolute limit to achieve a rank high enough to provide for all our younger peers.”

“Understood. Possessing that degree of determination is more than sufficient.”

Though I offered her a reassuring grin, Sa-ryeon lingered in front of me for a considerable duration, twirling her fingers anxiously as though holding back unspoken thoughts.

“Moving out.”

The moment Lee Ja-gon signaled the start of their journey, she reluctantly tore herself away, unsure of her own movements, and integrated into the marching line.

As she walked away, she continually cast glances over her shoulder.

Once the rest of the Taeul Sect crowd retreated indoors, I lingered outside for a brief interval, watching the traveling party until they finally vanished beyond the horizon.

Just then, the three brothers Geum-pyo, Eun-ho, and Dong-ryong quietly crept up to my side.

“Senior Brother.”

“Hmm? What’s on your minds?”

“We beg of you to permit us to accompany you.”

“Hmm? Accompany me where?”

“Word has spread that you intend to challenge the Regular Exam. We desire to stand by your side.”

“!”

How on earth had this confidential information managed to slip out?

In that instant, the mystery of why Sa-ryeon kept turning her head back repeatedly during her departure finally clicked in my mind.

“Do you honestly believe the Regular Exam is some trivial game? Are you aware of the reputation the Regular Exam holds among the denizens of the Murim World?”

“It is widely referred to as the Hell Regular Exam. We earnestly request that you allow us to tread that perilous path alongside you.”

“Kindly permit us to come along.”

“Please don’t leave us behind.”

The expressions on the faces of the three brothers radiated such fierce resolve that they looked poised to drop to their knees and cling to my robes.