The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 31

Chapter 31
“Out of nowhere, Senior Sister inquired if I harbored any intentions of entering Murim Academy. When I pressed her for the reason behind the question, she revealed that she planned to attempt the Regular Exam alongside you, Eldest Senior Brother. That was how the news reached my ears.”

It appeared that Sa-ryeon had been desperately seeking an avenue despite recognizing its futility. Was it right to deem such a lingering hope foolish?

At that juncture in his narrative, a particular detail struck me as odd, causing me to incline my head in thought.

“Naturally, achieving it would have been out of the question, but what made you decline her offer so flatly?”

Murim Academy served as the ultimate threshold for every aspiring Later-Generation Talent. For an individual of Geum-pyo’s caliber, who had successfully advanced to the final four contenders, the temptation should have been irresistible. Consequently, his instantaneous rejection struck me as highly unusual.

“After all, isn’t Senior Sister the daughter of our Sect Leader? Even setting that aside, I simply could not bear the thought of watching her march into a deadly environment while I sat back and enjoyed the provisions of Murim Academy without a care.”

“…….”

The young man’s declaration rendered me completely mute.

Though raised under the same roof like true family, no blood tied them together… Yet, the deep devotion and protective instinct they held for one another was profoundly moving, evoking a complex surge of gratitude and admiration within my chest.

“We beg you to take us along.”

“We beg you to take us along.”

“We beg you to take us along.”

Snapping out of my reverie, I gave a firm shake of my head.

“Absolutely not. The Regular Exam represents a far more perilous journey than you can possibly fathom.”

“…….”

Upon hearing my unyielding response, the Geum·Eun·Dong brothers slumped their shoulders and cast their gazes downward, resembling drenched pups caught in a downpour.

“That being said, if my upcoming endeavors yield positive results, and provided you successfully fulfill every single assignment I set for you from this moment on, I might give it some thought.”

“Is that true?”

“Is that true?”

“Is that true?”

“If you are destined to parrot the exact same phrase, let a single person speak for the group.”

The trio of Geum·Eun·Dong brothers instantly celebrated with such fervor, one might believe their admission to Murim Academy was already a certainty.

“Starting tomorrow, you must ascend and descend Mount Hwaun all the way to its highest peak three times every single morning.”

“Pardon?”

“What is it? Do you believe it is beyond your capabilities?”

“Not at all! We are entirely capable of it.”

“Furthermore, you are to rehearse the specific sword formation I intend to demonstrate to you fifty times daily. This regimen will last for six months. By the end of this period, the three of you must achieve such flawless synchronization that your movements align perfectly even if you are deprived of sight, hearing, and speech.”

*Gulp.*

A simultaneous sound of nervous swallowing escaped the throats of the Geum·Eun·Dong brothers.

“Concurrently, you are strictly forbidden from neglecting your studies at Swift Blossom Hall. Only when you have mastered the entire curriculum of Swift Blossom Hall on top of everything else will I truly weigh your request.”

dishonesty.
“…….”

“The trials of the Murim Academy Exam routinely break the elite Later-Generation Talents hailing from the prominent Nine Sects and One Gang as well as the prestigious Five Great Clans, resulting in widespread failure and severe trauma. Fatalities are far from uncommon. Lacking the necessary martial prowess means that bringing you along would merely transform you into a heavy burden for me to carry throughout the evaluation.”

Overcast expressions quickly fell upon the countenances of the three young men.

“Because of this, your motivation must transcend a superficial desire to gain entry into Murim Academy. You must possess the unyielding determination to bleed for your fellow disciples within the Taeul Sect, paired with the rigorous training necessary to back that resolve! Should you lack that conviction, it would be wiser for you to remain behind under the safe harbor of Sa-ryeon’s and my watchful care.”

At that juncture, the youngest sibling, Dong-ryong, paused momentarily in hesitation before uttering a question.

“In that case… aren’t you and Senior Sister already spilling your blood to safeguard us, Eldest Senior Brother?”

Reaching out, I gently patted the young lad’s hair.

“Do not worry about that. Fulfilling such duties is my fundamental responsibility as your Eldest Senior Brother. I am certain Sa-ryeon harbors the exact same sentiment.”

“…I shall undertake it.”

Dong-ryong spoke with the gravity of a solemn oath, prompting Eun-ho and Geum-pyo to immediately follow his lead.

“I shall undertake it.”

“I shall undertake it.”

My initial strategy, which aimed to discourage them by assigning nearly impossible chores to scare them off, had unexpectedly yielded a rather unusual consequence.

Realistically speaking, I harbored serious doubts that these young boys could execute such a demanding routine perfectly.

Even so, the mere existence of such profound earnestness in their hearts was deeply significant. Therefore, I had to transform myself into the beacon toward which their strenuous endeavors could strive.

“Very well. I shall personally evaluate your progress when six months have passed and make my ultimate determination.”

“““Understood!”””

“One more thing: this arrangement must be kept strictly confidential. The senior leaders of our sect would absolutely forbid your involvement in the Regular Exam under any circumstances.”

—

After paying my final respects individually to both Sect Leader Hong and my own father, I prepared a modest travel pack, stepped past the gates of the Taeul Sect, and directed my steps toward the Wang Residence.

Given that this journey would encompass my itinerary for the entire upcoming half-year, proper preparation dictated bringing substantial provisions. However, constantly securing equine transport for every leg of the journey was impractical. I had little choice but to rely on my cultivated inner arts and traverse the path by foot.

“Perhaps I ought to have kept a portion of the funds generated from parting with the Seven-Colored Jewel?”

The initial stop on my itinerary was Suzhou.

Employing an advanced movement art would minimize the significance of the sheer mileage, yet doing so offered no remedy for the severe exhaustion that would inevitably build up over time.

“Should I go uncover a hidden hoard somewhere?”

A handful of unrevealed treasure locations lingered in my memory, but their geographical locations were simply too distant to be practical right now.

“For now, I will focus on traveling and contemplate my options along the way.”

The sweeping grounds of the Wang Residence lay roughly half a double-hour’s journey from the domain of the Taeul Sect.

Since its initial inception, the settlement had been intentionally structured to accommodate those affiliated with the operations of the Wang Estate. As a result, its architectural layout and design diverged substantially from a standard hamlet.

Given its status as the beating heart for the extensive commercial enterprises controlled by the Wang Estate, the Wang Residence had earned the popular moniker of ‘the settlement of eternal hearths.’

Despite its reputation, a peculiar stillness seemed to hang over the entire expanse of the Wang Residence on this day.

Near the primary manor of the master of the Wang Estate located dead center in the Wang Residence, instead of encountering the usual bustling commotion of traders and clerks, one found large cauldrons bubbling with soup alongside cuts of meat suspended over roasting fires.

The Chief Steward who escorted me remarked,

“The Estate Master cleared his entire agenda for the day due to a highly significant engagement.”

“Is that so? Does that mean my journey here was in vain?”

“Haha, certainly not.”

As I debated whether it would be best to retrace my steps immediately, the Chief Steward flashed an enigmatic grin and ushered me directly into the presence of Wang Geum-san.

“Jin So-un, an insignificant junior of the murim, extends his respectful greetings. I trust you have enjoyed good health since our last meeting?”

Sitting inside Wang Geum-san’s private chambers was not only the patriarch himself, but also his singular female offspring, Wang So-so.

“Haha. I committed a blunder regarding you previously, but I was under the impression that I had smoothed over the friction to some extent. It appears my assumptions were incorrect.”

“Whatever do you mean? The generosity you have already bestowed upon me is of such immense value that I remain at a loss as to how I might ever return the favor.”

“The tension was hardly resolved. Not in the slightest.”

Wang So-so hid her smile behind her hand and let out a soft giggle.

I voiced my genuine thoughts.

“What prompted your sudden request to acquire me? I came dangerously close to being bartered away as collateral for a financial obligation, did I not?”

“My sole intention was to offer compensation for the immense debt of gratitude I owe you.”

“Yet that very act of compensation nearly brought about the downfall of the individual you intended to benefit, did it not?”

“How could it possibly ruin you? It was meant to grant you a form of leverage that few can ever hope to acquire easily.”

“……?”

“Do you truly believe that martial force is the sole source of influence across the lands? Monetary influence is capable of achieving countless feats that raw martial prowess could never hope to touch.”

His perspective held a great deal of truth. Historically, the most formidable barriers preventing the Demonic Cult from establishing absolute hegemony over the murim were none other than the three preeminent merchant magnates.

Following the sudden disappearance of Wang Geum-san, the Three Great Merchant Houses unified their forces into an impenetrable alliance, steadfastly refusing to bow to the coercive tactics of the Demonic Cult.

Though the Demonic Cult systematically wiped out the lineages of those merchant magnates with the ferocious speed of a tempest, the surviving subordinates and stewards adamantly refused to capitulate, maintaining their fierce defiance.

Ultimately, the mechanisms of the world simply cannot function without financial backing.

Even the unyielding Demonic Cult was eventually forced into diplomatic negotiations with the Three Great Merchant Houses, which managed to preserve their presence within the murim long after the dissolution of the Murim Alliance.

“Be that as it may, you persist in forging your own trajectory with absolute conviction. Witnessing that made me fear I had miscalculated once more.”

“Please do not think that. I am truly grateful for your benevolent consideration.”

“Are your sights set on participating in the Regular Exam?”

“!”

His capacity to pierce straight to the center of my hidden intentions with such an unanticipated inquiry completely threw me off balance.

Absolute conviction gleamed deep within the eyes of Wang Geum-san. It was proof that the legendary reputation of being counted among the Four Great Merchants under Heaven was entirely well-deserved.

“What are you implying by that, Father?”

Wang So-so pressed for clarification, yet Wang Geum-san offered no reply to his daughter, keeping his intense gaze locked entirely on me.

As I maintained my silence alongside him, the color slowly began to drain from Wang So-so’s face.

“Brother! Such a thing is completely irrational. Even someone like me, who has remained sheltered within our estate, understands the sheer horror associated with the Regular Exam.”

“Control yourself, So-so. Your father is currently engaged in a vital discussion. Save your private anxieties for a later time.”

“…….”

On this occasion, Wang Geum-san adopted an unyielding tone even toward the child he so deeply doted upon.

Realizing I could not afford to disrupt the solemn weight of the current atmosphere, I relented and answered truthfully.

“By what means did you discern my intentions?”

“You chose to transfer your hard-won One Hundred Eight Peaks prerogative to your younger martial sister, and you are journeying with immense urgency when a mere six months remain before the Regular Exam commences. Furthermore, this occurs precisely during a critical juncture when the entire realm is watching to see how the Taeul Sect will revive itself. Under such circumstances, could any alternative explanation possibly exist?”

“…….”

Naturally, possessing an extensive intelligence apparatus of his own meant Wang Geum-san wasn’t simply piecing together random scraps of rumors.

Nonetheless, his capacity to accurately map out an individual’s grand design purely by analyzing their specific movements made it abundantly clear that the immense fortune Wang Geum-san had amassed was the product of pure genius rather than luck.

“According to long-standing custom, the major factions of the Nine Sects and One Gang expend the resources of an entire secondary organization just to secure the admission of a single exceptional talent into Murim Academy. For the prominent Five Great Clans, they dedicate two such units. Even with that level of backing, an overwhelming number of candidates are rejected. The Taeul Sect possesses no such resources to spare. How do you propose to navigate this?”

“At its core, the foundational design of the Regular Exam was intended to allow an applicant to succeed strictly based on personal competence.”

“True, but as the sheer volume of applicants skyrocketed over the years, the reality shifted into the hyper-competitive climate we see today.”

blaze.
“Be that as it may, the fundamental rules governing the evaluation remain unaltered.”

“I see. Are you suggesting that you plan to charge blindly ahead into it with nothing but your own body?”

Seeing what appeared to be a total lack of strategic preparation on my part, a flicker of dissatisfaction briefly crossed Wang Geum-san’s features.

“There is a distinct possibility of failure—in fact, defeat might be an absolute certainty. Yet, confronting failure after a valiant attempt is fundamentally different from surrendering before the battle even begins.”

“But is that particular trial not far too hazardous to approach with such a reckless mindset? No wonder you found it necessary to keep your plans hidden from those around you.”

“The core issue lies in maintaining an unyielding resolve. Should I meet with failure, the preservation of that indomitable will ensure that those who follow me will train with greater fervor, and the generations after them will push themselves even harder. I view this not merely as an attempt to enter the modern Murim Academy, but as the foundational trajectory our entire sect must pursue.”

Upon hearing my declaration, Wang Geum-san clamped his lips tightly together, looking like someone who had suddenly become speechless from consuming sweet honey. Opposite him, Wang So-so’s jaw dropped entirely in sheer astonishment.

Following an extended period of quiet, Wang Geum-san finally spoke, his voice barely louder than a private whisper.

“There is an old saying that a true dragon will take flight, regardless of whether it rests in a shallow creek or the vast ocean.”

Wang Geum-san gave an approving nod.

“Regardless of your ultimate choice concerning the Regular Exam or any other pursuit, prioritize returning with your life intact. Should you be stripped of all your possessions, so long as the will to rebuild persists, it cannot be deemed a failure—it is merely a lesson learned.”

“I express my deepest gratitude.”

“The reason I summoned you here was that I believed I could offer some form of assistance for the journey you are embarking upon.”

Signaling his daughter with a brief nod, Wang Geum-san watched as Wang So-so stepped away and returned carrying a wooden platter adorned with fine silk coverings.

On the fabric was a silver medallion roughly the dimensions of a human finger, accompanied by a modest pouch.

“This object is known as the Silver Wang Token, an artifact reserved exclusively for the inner circle of our Wang Estate.”

A silent gasp caught in my throat at his revelation. The Silver Wang Token was effectively a supreme credit instrument, utilized solely by those linked directly to the bloodline of the Wang Estate.

Possession of it granted unlimited access to any commercial establishment managed by the Wang Estate, and it functioned as an absolute financial guarantee, allowing the bearer to withdraw significant funds from any banking house allied with the Wang Estate.

“I… feel that a treasure of this magnitude is far beyond what I deserve to hold.”

“Oh? What manner of delusions are you harboring? Should you draw funds from a banking establishment, I fully intend to send the entire invoice directly to the Taeul Sect.”

Without a doubt, Wang Geum-san possessed an extraordinary knack for instantly deflating a person’s soaring spirits.

“My purpose in granting you this is to permit you unhindered access to the operations run by our Wang Estate. If your ambitions involve traversing the length and breadth of the realm, the absolute minimum you require is the ability to command courier services and stables without restriction, correct?”

“Ah… I understand. Thank you very much.”

While a genuine wave of appreciation surged within my chest, a simultaneous prickle of deflation accompanied it.

“Ah, yes. Furthermore, our So-so made quite a fuss insisting that I put that specific item together on your behalf.”

“F-Father! When did I ever make such a fuss?”

Wang So-so’s face flushed a deep crimson, and she dipped her chin low to hide her embarrassment.

“I harbored hopes that placing her within the Taeul Sect would foster some maturity, yet it appears only her physical stature has advanced. Mentally, she remains an absolute child. A mere infant.”

Catching a glimpse inside the unfastened pouch, my eyes stretched wide in surprise.

Contrary to my initial assumption that it would merely hold common copper pieces, the heavily weighted purse was brimming entirely with solid gold coins.

“So? Is your dissatisfaction still unresolved?”

“What? Whatever could you mean by that? My reverence for the esteemed Estate Master Wang has always been profound and unchanging.”

The moment that heavy pouch of gold was safely tucked away into the folds of my garments, my words began to flow with absolute eloquence.

May prosperity always shine upon the wealthy.

—

During my previous incarnation, while I was rapidly forcing the massive archives of Mantongbu’s Sim Hyeon-gak into my memory without fully analyzing the data, my fingers had suddenly frozen mid-turn.

—Taeul Sword Emperor.

It was an entirely logical reaction for my movements to cease upon encountering a designation that felt completely disconnected from reality.

He was a figure of pure myth, chronicled as a supreme master who dominated the entire realm using ten thousand blades, forcing every adversary who dared face his weapon to bow in submission.

This preposterous fable was commonly utilized by members of the murim as a mocking joke aimed at the Taeul Sect due to their shared terminology.

Understandably, even the actual members of the Taeul Sect dismissed the far-fetched tale as fiction. Consequently, when the central figure of this myth materialized within the absolute deepest recesses of Sim Hyeon-gak’s records, I had no option but to pause and reflect.

These comprised the most ancient documents preserved within the entire collection of Sim Hyeon-gak. The designation of Taeul emerged within records so ancient that their contemporary value was impossible to gauge, having simply gathered dust over several centuries.

—The shadow of Dark Heaven expanded to its absolute zenith, eclipsing the very sun.
—The sovereign of Ten Thousand Swords intentionally stepped forward to shield humanity.
—Ten Thousand Swords forced the forces of Dark Heaven into a full retreat.
—The rulers of the sun grew terrified that Ten Thousand Swords would occupy the void left by the retreating Dark Heaven.
—The rulers of the sun resolved to sever both Dark Heaven and Ten Thousand Swords from the earthly realm.
—Adjacent to Chu’s platter. At the absolute terminus of the abyss where the skies meet the land. In that location, they bound Dark Heaven and Ten Thousand Swords. Thereafter, tranquility returned to the entire world.

Back then, the entire passage read as nothing more than an enigmatic cipher from which I could extract no meaningful deductions.

It was only much later, during a period when I lived in isolation amidst desolate peaks and deep gorges, passing the time by mentally re-examining the records of Sim Hyeon-gak out of pure monotony, that the monumental gravity of those sentences finally dawned on me.

In the standard cryptographic terminology employed by the Murim Alliance, their own coalition was typically represented by the symbol of the sun.

In stark contrast, the Demonic Cult was consistently referred to as Dark Heaven, serving as a direct metaphor for the legendary Heavenly Demon.

Following that logic, what entity did the phrase Ten Thousand Swords signify within this secret text?

At initial glance, an observer might interpret it as an army comprised of ten thousand soldiers, but such an interpretation completely conflicted with the concept of an individual confinement or seal.

The cryptic text explicitly identified a single entity as the supreme commander or master of the Ten Thousand Swords.

The moment my deciphering efforts reached this specific conclusion, a violent shiver ran through my entire frame.

“Could the existence of the Taeul Sword Emperor actually have been historical fact?”

The Taeul Sect secured its position within the One Hundred Eight Peaks precisely at the moment of the Murim Alliance’s initial establishment.

Furthermore, over a span of nearly five centuries, they had never once been stripped of their standing within the One Hundred Eight Peaks.

Maintaining such longevity was a feat normally restricted to formidable groups boasting military might equivalent to the Nine Sects and One Gang, such as the Gangcheon Sect or the Maoshan Sect.

Despite demonstrating practically zero internal growth or expansion, the Taeul Sect had firmly retained its status within the One Hundred Eight Peaks without interruption for four hundred continuous years.

Reflecting on this anomaly brought me to the realization that the ancient legends surrounding the Taeul Sword Emperor might actually hold absolute truth.

‘It is highly probable that the Taeul Sect was deliberately preserved within the One Hundred Eight Peaks to ensure a foundation awaited the inevitable return of the master of Ten Thousand Swords.’

For this very reason, with a mere six months separating me from the Murim Academy Regular Exam, I am completely disregarding the pursuit of rare Spiritual Medicines or hidden riches to focus entirely on tracking down traces of the Taeul Sword Emperor.

Pinpointing the introductory geographic landmark proved to be relatively straightforward.

—Chu’s platter.

The term platter was frequently utilized as a literary substitute for a body of water or lake.

The phrase implied that this specific body of water held immense symbolic importance for a territory known as Chu. Pinpointing a region designated as Chu that featured a dominant lake naturally pointed directly to the ancient Chu State from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods.

Consequently, the riddle solved itself, directing me squarely toward Hunan Province, the geographic home of Dongting Lake.

“Yet this task will be fraught with difficulty… Of all moments to arrive, this coincides precisely with when Hunan Province is thrown into utter chaos.”

During this exact timeframe in my previous existence, a legendary elixir known as Mita Sacred Water, a miraculous Spiritual Medicine seen once in an epoch, was unearthed within Hunan Province.

Infused with the quintessential attributes of Extreme Yin, this Spiritual Medicine emanated a frost energy so severe that any mundane individual touching it would instantly suffer irreversible frostbite, necessitating the complete amputation of the affected limb.

Conversely, if a cultivator ingested it using highly specialized techniques, it catalyzed a physiological restructuring akin to total rebirth and skeletal reconstruction, while simultaneously unlocking the hidden fine meridians throughout the body.

Furthermore, despite its predominantly yin alignment, it was perfectly compatible with both male and female physiology, rendering it an object of universal desire for anyone walking the path of martial arts.

“As a direct consequence of that frenzy, an immense number of lives were snuffed out.”

Among the factions and independent warriors who descended into the subterranean ravines of the Demon Spirit Plateau in pursuit of the Mita Sacred Water, the death toll reached a staggering minimum of five thousand individuals.

Even when factoring in the reality that a tempest of violence inevitably accompanies the discovery of any major Spiritual Medicine within the murim, such a high casualty count was unprecedentedly brutal.

Furthermore, the primary reason this catastrophe gained national notoriety was due to the fact that those five thousand casualties included elite martial artists from the Namgung Clan, along with Namgung Seon-hwa, the cherished granddaughter of the reigning Clan Head.

This historical carnage was precisely why I had no intentions of recklessly involving myself, despite possessing my current cycles of inner arts.

When even the elite guardians tasked with protecting the young mistress of the powerful Namgung Clan perished inside that abyss, an isolated warrior like myself would stand virtually zero chance of surviving the ordeal.

“Ought I to have provided him with a warning?”

The visage of Namgung San flashed across my thoughts, but I instantly dismissed the notion with a sharp shake of my head.

“Absolutely not. A single miscalculated word on my part could easily result in me being labeled a fortune-teller or a madman.”

Preventing the future demises of individuals was an endeavor I could only reasonably undertake when it directly aligned with my immediate sphere of influence.

*“Neeeeigh.”*

As I remained deep in contemplation, the steed I had secured from the stable let out a sharp snort, shifting its weight eagerly as though yearning for a full gallop.

“Are you eager to sprint as well? Then let us push our limits.”

Tightening my grasp upon the leather reins, I wheeled the animal around and pointed its gaze directly toward Yueyang.

—

Upon setting foot in Yueyang, my initial objective was to locate the local stable managed by the Wang Estate to safely pasture the animal.

Due to the grueling distance we had covered without pause, the mount was caked in grime and visibly drained of energy. Observing the beast’s poor condition, the stable master clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“My word, what manner of crisis forced you to drive this poor creature to the brink of collapse?”

“I was operating under a highly restrictive timeframe.”

“I must apologize, but I am unable to provide you with a fresh mount in exchange for this one.”

“Ah, you misunderstand; my only intention was to stable it here for the time being…”

“What?”

The master scrutinized my appearance from head to toe before offering another click of his tongue.

“If that is your plan, perhaps you should seek lodging elsewhere? This particular establishment is renowned throughout Yueyang for its premium rates.”

“Ah, I have no intention of providing monetary payment.”

“Pardon me?!”

The master’s expression instantly turned hostile.

Reaching swiftly into the inner lining of my outer garment, I produced the Silver Wang Token bestowed upon me by Wang Geum-san and displayed it clearly.

“The Estate Master explicitly instructed me that presenting this would afford me unrestricted use of your services.”

The moment his gaze locked onto the Silver Wang Token, the stable master’s eyes widened into perfect circles, and he immediately executed a deep bow, doubling over completely at the waist.

“M-Merciful heavens, please forgive my insolence. I completely failed to recognize a figure of your immense status.”

Observing the sheer velocity with which his demeanor shifted based on perceived influence, it was obvious this fellow possessed the exact traits necessary to climb the social ladder.

“Think nothing of it. Straighten yourself.”

“…Ah, of course. T-Thank you deeply.”

Confronted by my sudden transition to familiar, informal speech, the master’s features contorted into a bizarre expression that sat awkwardly between a grimace and a sycophantic grin.

“Is tending to your mount the sole service you require from me?”

“Actually, does this establishment happen to feature private quarters where I might lodge?”

“Excuse me?”

Every muscle in my body throbbed with deep aches after spending four consecutive days riding at an relentless pace. My plan was to remain stationary for a short duration to recuperate from the physical strain and finalize my local arrangements.

“…….”

“What is the issue? Is such an accommodation unavailable?”

In truth, my initial plan involved renting a room at a standard tavern, but the memory of his condescending attitude when he assumed I lacked funds during our initial exchange irked me enough that I decided to utilize his quarters instead.

“N-Not at all, sir! It would be my absolute honor to personally attend to your needs. Please, step this way.”

“Lead the way.”

For a span of three days, I focused on dissolving my physical exhaustion within the compound managed by the Wang Estate, settled a handful of necessary errands, and finally emerged back onto the streets.

The sheer vibrancy of Yueyang perfectly mirrored the bustling metropolis I remembered from my previous incarnation.

Dense crowds of pedestrians navigated the grand thoroughfare, while a multitude of vendors positioned before their market stalls bellowed at the top of their lungs to attract buyers for their merchandise.

Walking past those upscale commercial venues for a considerable distance, I eventually veered off into a narrower side street situated away from the primary avenue.

The establishments lining this particular path were visibly inferior in standard compared to the fine boutiques I had encountered previously.

Weaving through these lesser storefronts, I came to a halt directly outside a certain merchant of textiles.

Ha Fabric Shop.

“Affordable training attire and scholarly robes have just arrived in stock! Step inside and browse our selection!”

The proprietor of the establishment was actively pitching low-cost cotton materials to passersby.

Making my way over to the merchant, I addressed him directly.

“I am in the market for a highly specific type of textile.”

“What unique characteristics must this material possess?”

“A fabric of the absolute darkest and most profound shade would perfectly suit my needs.”

A brief rigidity flashed across the vendor’s face before his features swiftly melted back into a pleasant mask.

“By sheer coincidence, a shipment of specialized material recently arrived from Tibet that has yet to be displayed on the floor. Would you care to step into the back?”

“Lead the way.”

Treading behind his footsteps into the interior, we entered a narrow hallway.

“Ah, prior to proceeding, pray forgive my bluntness, but might I verify that you possess the necessary financial means?”

“Naturally. My funds are more than sufficient, so put your mind at ease.”

“That phrase does not constitute the proper response.”

The merchant’s welcoming grin vanished instantly as his expression turned icy, his hand whipping out a hidden weapon from his sash. In that identical breath, cold steel converged upon me from every conceivable angle, locking together like the petals of a deadly flower surrounding my person.

“I am well aware of the protocol. However, lacking a proper black token, I felt compelled to make my entrance regardless.”

“Vacate the premises immediately if you value your life.”

“You spend your days shouting over inventory that sits idle, yet you refuse to entertain patrons of true significance?”

“Experience dictates that the vast majority of fools who utter such grandiose claims amount to absolutely nothing.”

“Allow me a brief moment to reach into the folds of my tunic.”

Exercising the absolute utmost caution, I deliberately extracted the Silver Wang Token from my inner pocket and presented it to his view.

At the sight of the object, the proprietor’s eyes snapped wide with realization.

“Does this artifact suffice to grant me the status of a valued patron?”

This establishment, which masqueraded so effectively as a mundane merchant of cloth.

In reality, it was none other than the secret Yueyang Branch of the infamous Hao Gate.

—

The path the proprietor directed me toward consisted of a subterranean stairwell positioned at the absolute terminus of the back hallway.

Descending the stone steps brought me into an expansive chamber entirely devoid of windows or natural illumination, where arrays of rare night-luminous pearls cast a soft glow to puncture the absolute darkness.

“I must offer my humblest apologies for my failure to immediately recognize a guest of your immense stature. Please pardon the delay required to confirm the details.”

His apology directly addressed the span of time consumed by dispatching and receiving an express messenger pigeon to cross-reference the validity of the Silver Wang Token.

Given that less than seven days had elapsed since the Wang Estate had minted this specific batch of the Silver Wang Token, it was entirely understandable that local agents remained unfamiliar with its exact markings, irrespective of how exclusive the circle of holders was.

“While it hardly serves as proper recompense, I request that you issue me a standard black token. It is highly probable that I shall require your organization’s assistance frequently in the future.”

“Consider it done without further delay. I shall personally oversee the preparation of a top-tier black token for your use.”

Scattered throughout the chamber were an assortment of bizarre instruments and hidden armaments. The inventory boasted exotic artifacts, lethal toxins, and complex clockwork mechanisms virtually non-existent in public markets, alongside masterwork blades that bore the distinct look of confiscated spoils.

“What specific resource do you seek? From concealed projectiles to legendary Spiritual Medicines, our inventory knows no bounds. Should an item elude our current stock, we shall scour the entire realm beneath the heavens to secure it for you.”

“I am fully acquainted with the reputation of your network. However, my current requirements pertain strictly to intelligence.”

“Ah… True intelligence frequently commands a price tag that far eclipses that of any legendary blade.”

Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, the manager inquired,

“What specific knowledge do you wish to purchase?”

“I require you to locate a specific geographic site within Hunan Province that perfectly corresponds to the cryptic description: ‘the absolute terminus of the abyss where the skies meet the land.’”

Because the provided lead was incredibly brief, I had mentally resigned myself to a lengthy waiting period. Yet, to my surprise…

“That will require a payment of exactly twenty gold taels.”

“What?”

Stunned by the instantaneous nature of his reply, I tilted my head in confusion.

Noticing my reaction, the manager mirrored my gesture, tilting his own head in return.

“Are you telling me your arrival here is unrelated to the pursuit of the Mita Sacred Water?”

My gaze turned incredibly sharp as a phrase slipped from his lips that absolutely should not have been known to him at this time.