The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 42

Chapter 42
## Chapter 42. A First-Rate Warrior Who Gathers People

For the last few weeks, Kang Yu-seong, who worked as a server at the Moon Lake Inn, found himself completely overwhelmed with tasks.

Initially, his hectic schedule was driven by the sudden emergence of a certain Spiritual Medicine up on the Demon Spirit Plateau, drawing crowds of martial artists to the area. Following that initial wave, his workload remained intense due to the subsequent arrival of individuals seeking to retrieve and save the fighters who had ventured into the dangerous terrain of the Demon Spirit Plateau.

People of the martial world tended to spend far more freely compared to standard wayfarers.

On certain occasions, they would simply wave away their extra coins, and if they happened to be in high spirits, they might hand him a gratuity that amounted to a multiple of the actual food bill.

Naturally, there was a dark side; crossing paths with a volatile or malicious swordsman meant he might face a hazardous predicament where his survival was actively threatened.

Despite such risks, walking away from this employment was an impossibility for him, as the income was vital to sustain his younger sisters, and no alternative livelihood would hire a youth of Kang Yu-seong’s tender age.

The preceding several days, however, had brought a sense of thrill to Kang Yu-seong.

This excitement stemmed from the fact that the very hero responsible for rescuing four thousand martial artists from the perils of the Demon Spirit Plateau was currently lodging within the secluded annex of the Moon Lake Inn.

Throughout the thoroughfares of Yueyang, every tavern and gathering place echoed loudly with tales of this feat.

The common consensus among the crowds was that without the intervention of that single swordsman, not one of those four thousand souls would have survived.

Consequently, even as he transported dishes across the main ground-floor dining room of the establishment, Kang Yu-seong would intentionally drag his feet or loiter aimlessly near the patrons whenever the savior’s deeds were mentioned, feigning cleanup duties just to catch every sentence without dropping a syllable.

Discovering that an individual of such renown was residing right under the roof of the Moon Lake Inn had filled him with an elation so great he could barely contain his joy.

“You are genuinely as peculiar as you are remarkable, honored guest.”

As he went about replacing the water inside the bathing tub, he addressed the martial artist, a figure who had grown somewhat familiar after their daily interactions over the past week.

“Are you referring to me?”

“Indeed, sir.”

The combatant inclined his head, appearing slightly perplexed.

“In what way?”

“Well, doesn’t every influential figure throughout Yueyang yearn for an audience with you? And yet, you choose to stay secluded inside this private annex day in and day out.”

“Ah……”

As the old bathwater drained away, dark, ink-like residue could be seen swirling within it, accompanied by peculiar remnants resembling peeled layers of skin that washed out simultaneously.

What baffled the youth was that this marked the third occasion he had been required to refresh the basin.

“It is quite an annoyance.”

“You have also been sent numerous invitations from the most prominent entertainment establishments in Yueyang, isn’t that so?”

At this juncture, it wasn’t merely local fighters, elite bureaucrats, or aristocrats of Yueyang who sought the swordsman’s company.

The young server mentally calculated the vast mountain of missives he had personally carried to the room.

“Haha! A young lad like you certainly keeps track of a great many things, don’t you?”

“Isn’t achieving grand renown and winning the affections of beautiful women the ultimate aspiration for every practitioner who devotes themselves to martial arts?”

Once the tub was replenished with steaming water, the fighter stepped back inside and began to lightly rub his flesh using a pumice stone.

As if guided by some unnatural sorcery, the pristine liquid rapidly grew clouded and dark once more.

“Are you envious of my position?”

“Most definitely, sir.”

“Remind me, what age did you say you were?”

“I have reached fourteen years of age this year.”

“Is it your wish to acquire great fame and attract beautiful companions?”

Kang Yu-seong offered a negative gesture.

“No, that is not it, sir.”

“Oh? In that case, what is the source of your envy?”

“You possess the might required to rescue fellow human beings from peril, sir. That is the ability I truly covet.”

“…….”

The martial artist offered no reply, simply continuing to slide the stone along his skin.

Prompted by an impulse he couldn’t quite comprehend, Kang Yu-seong found his own background spilling out.

“I only wish that I possessed the power needed to keep my little sisters safe. At present, my extreme youth and lack of strength leave me feeling entirely helpless, and it is a constant source of pain.”

“……Just how many sisters do you have?”

“There are three of them.”

“Yu-seong, are you providing for all three of those girls entirely on your own?”

“……That is correct.”

As the admission left his lips, Kang Yu-seong felt a wave of self-astonishment.

He had never shared these intimate details even with the master of the inn.

On the rare occasions he had mentioned his circumstances in the past, the reactions he received were invariably condescending pity, empty condolences, or criticisms regarding his lack of sense.

Above all, he utterly despised the moments when people callously advised him to sell off his young family members to secure his own survival.

Yet, what followed was entirely unexpected.

“Young man, you possess a noble spirit.”

“……!”

The fighter let out a soft chuckling sound while clearing away the residue from his skin.

Inexplicably, a flood of tears started to track down Kang Yu-seong’s cheeks.

“What drove you to take on such a commendable burden?”

“……*Sniffle*, I, I gave my word to my mother before she passed.”

“Very well. If one wishes to truly be a man, then even if one’s own physical frame shatters to pieces, one must protect those who are cherished if one hopes to look back on life without remorse. ……Look at that, the water has been fouled once more. Give me a fresh refill.”

“…….”

Kang Yu-seong had been completely overcome by sentiment and was on the verge of crying aloud, but the martial artist’s abrupt request instantly broke his emotional state.

For yet another time, dark impurities and remnants resembling sloughed-off skin washed into the basin. It was a genuinely miraculous physique. How many rounds of cleansing were required before this internal pollution finally ceased to emerge?

“Is it your desire to study the martial arts?”

“……What did you say, sir?”

“You expressed a longing to gain power. While accumulating wealth and pursuing scholarship are valid paths to gaining influence, you shared your plight with me because your true wish is to receive instruction in the martial arts from me, correct?”

“…… shreds.”

A deep crimson hue flushed across Kang Yu-seong’s features from sheer self-consciousness.

Nevertheless, for this single instance, he resolved to set aside his pride.

“Yes, sir! My greatest aspiration is to grow into a swordsman exactly like you.”

“A warrior resembling me……”

Pondering the matter for a short moment, the guest cocked his head slightly and inquired,

“Are you aware that my origins lie within the Taeul Sect?”

“Naturally, sir. That fact is common knowledge across all of Yueyang right now.”

“Then you must also be fully aware that the techniques practiced by the Taeul Sect are generally considered quite ordinary, correct?”

The boy was indeed well-informed on that point.

That precise detail was what had caused such utter astonishment among the populace recently.

“Supposing a chance arose for you to join the Taeul Sect, would you accept it?”

“Yes, absolutely!”

“……The reason I have reached this state is not due to the inherent greatness of my sect’s style. I attained this level through sheer personal exertion and fortuitous circumstances. To put it plainly, even if you were to acquire the techniques of the Taeul Sect, your journey toward becoming a master might remain incredibly distant.”

“……In that case, is it possible for me to turn out just like you, sir?”

“What do you mean?”

“I have no interest in simply being a standard master. My goal is to become like you, sir.”

*Splash.*

The swordsman let go of his pumice stone, leaving it to sink as he swept his hand through the water.

“You young rascal, you certainly have a knack for uttering sentimental phrases that make me self-conscious.”

The fighter offered no further remarks.

Recognizing that the guest wished to bring an end to their dialogue, Kang Yu-seong focused entirely on efficiently swapping out the warm water.

Remarkably, as the process continued, the volume of dark discharge and sloughed skin slowly dwindled to nothing.

When the man finally concluded his washing and stepped clear of the tub, Kang Yu-seong found himself staring in absolute wonderment at his physical form.

The man possessed an imposing stature, immense height, and a broad, powerful muscularity, yet he lacked even a single trace of superfluous fat.

Most striking of all was his complexion, which appeared as smooth and unblemished as that of a young woman.

“Where have you placed my garments?”

“……Oh, r-right here, sir.”

Kang Yu-seong quickly offered the freshly readied, dark-hued martial arts attire.

The fighter began by donning an undergarment crafted from a silver-toned material beneath his robes, before completely outfitting himself in the jet-black martial arts uniform.

Affixed to his left forearm was a protective bracer styled with the imagery of a hawk-claw, while a dark blade hung securely from his belt line.

Whereas his initial arrival at the Moon Lake Inn had given him the unpolished look of a rugged, traveling vagabond, he now exuded the immaculate presence of an impeccable Noble Young Master, completely devoid of vulnerabilities.

“Accept this.”

With those words, he proffered a single piece of gold tael.

As a gratuity for a mere waiter, it represented a staggering fortune, yet for some inexplicable reason, Kang Yu-seong felt no genuine joy upon receiving it.

“……Is the amount insufficient?”

“No, it is not that at all. I simply feel a deep sorrow at the realization that our paths will no longer cross.”

“Why should that cause you sorrow? Our paths will cross again at the Taeul Sect.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Did you not express a desire to join the Taeul Sect? As soon as you have gathered your determination, utilize that wealth to secure a reliable Escort service and journey to the premises of the Taeul Sect alongside your sisters. Alternatively, if you change your mind, employ those funds to ensure your younger sisters are well-provided for.”

Blockquote: “……O-Honored warrior.”

“Well, naturally, the formal consent of the Sect Leader is required, though…… I expect he will agree to it.”

Though these concluding sentences lacked a bit of absolute certainty, the youth paid them no heed.

Kang Yu-seong utterly shattered the solemn pledge he had taken upon his mother’s passing to never shed another tear, weeping openly and unrestrainedly for a considerable duration.

—

It had never crossed my mind that I would encounter Kang Yu-seong inside the Moon Lake Inn.

The legendary Sword Fool Kang Yu-seong, whose beginnings were that of a simple tavern servant, would eventually trek into a remote mountain canyon armed with nothing but a lone blade, forge his unique style of swordsmanship, and secure the final spot among the revered Ten Greatest Swords under Heaven.

Given the match in both physical traits and appellation, I had harbored suspicions, but the instant he made mention of his three younger sisters, all lingering doubts vanished.

‘I have claimed you.’

A brief concern arose regarding whether my actions might have altered the destiny of a truly spectacular prodigy, yet I reasoned that providing him with an established backing early on would only allow him to achieve greater heights.

“……By relocating your household to the Taeul Sect, you can ensure your sisters remain safe by your side. Furthermore, you will now be in a position to receive the authentic inheritance known as the Taeul True Scripture, making this a highly beneficial outcome for your future as well.”

I offered this justification to ease my own conscience.

Having experienced a complete Rebirth as a result of consuming the Mita Sacred Water, a sensation of incredible weightlessness permeated my entire being, as though I could take flight at any moment.

Every bit of toxic accumulation that had gathered within my physical frame throughout my existence had been cast out, rendering my internal systems as pristine as a newly born infant’s.

Furthermore, the internal energy of the Taeul True Scripture forged fresh pathways throughout my meridians, molding my physique to perfectly accommodate its power, much like an artist rendering an image upon a clean canvas.

Initially, the adjustments to my physical stature and overall build felt slightly unfamiliar, though that sensation proved fleeting.

Before long, I came to understand that my present physical condition represented the absolute pinnacle of readiness for performing the techniques of the Taeul Sect, most notably the sublime Taeul True Scripture.

“You have my envy.”

Namgung Seon-hwa, who had come around to offer her departing wishes, was unmistakably detecting the profound alterations in my constitution, despite the fact that I had kept the consumption of the Mita Sacred Water a secret from her.

Regrettably, the available quantity of the Mita Sacred Water sufficed for a single individual alone, leaving none to share with Namgung Seon-hwa, let alone the various Junior Brothers of the Taeul Sect.

“Thus, this represents the legendary Martial Bone Body.”

“Are you familiar with the concept of the Martial Bone Body?”

“Naturally. My very purpose in searching for the Mita Sacred Water was to attain that precise state.”

The unique Martial Bone Body was categorized among the rare physical constitutions possessing extraordinary attributes, comparable to Wang So-so’s innate Solar Body. However, unlike alternative physiques that individuals possessed from birth, the Martial Bone Body was a state that could solely be forged via Rebirth and Bone Remolding—achieved either through relentless martial devotion and profound realization, or by the miraculous properties of the Mita Sacred Water.

“This must feel like a letdown to you.”

Despite my attempt to console her, Namgung Seon-hwa manifested no real signs of bitterness.

“……Given that the recipient of its benefits was you, I can accept it. It is perfectly fine.”

“What did you say?”

“Do not mind it. My brother shared the news with me. You have committed to visiting the Namgung Clan?”

“Circumstances led to that arrangement.”

“In that case, might you be willing to accompany me during the upcoming Regular Exam?”

The entry process for the Murim Academy’s Regular Exam was structured as a personal trial, yet the regulations permitted candidates to bring along kin or supporting aides, and mutual assistance among the participants was fully tolerated.

Conversely, restrictions barred anyone who occupied significant ranks within the Murim Alliance, possessed a combat rating of the first-rate tier or above, or had already completed studies at the Murim Academy from taking part.

“My attendance will likely be supported by a contingent of one or two Firmament Units under my command.”

“……?”

Reflecting upon the vast military might wielded by the Namgung Clan, employing fewer than five full squads would normally be considered a major underestimation.

“We are currently facing certain internal matters within our household.”

“……Ah.”

It became evident that the fractionalization within the Namgung Clan, which I recalled from my prior existence, was already underway.

“Regardless, the fighters I intend to bring represent our topmost tier, so I am confident they will prove useful to you.”

Pondering her proposal for a brief space, I made a gesture of refusal.

“Forgive me, Young Lady. I have already mapped out a specific course of action for this particular test. I cannot agree to that arrangement.”

“……That is understandable.”

Namgung Seon-hwa inclined her head in acceptance of my position.

Although our parting expressions were effectively concluded and all essential matters discussed, Namgung Seon-hwa lingered in place. Rather than departing, she idly clicked her shoe against the bare floorboards beneath her.

“……Could I pose a single question to you?”

“Go right ahead.”

“Is there…… perhaps something developing regarding Sister Mo-ran…….”

Namgung Seon-hwa’s voice quieted, her countenance shifting to reflect an intricate, hard-to-read sentiment.

“Has some issue arisen concerning Young Lady Seong?”

“…….”

Namgung Seon-hwa hesitated, her lips parting before she abruptly shifted her stance, offering a respectful clasped hands greeting.

“No. Young Master Jin. Allow me to express my profound gratitude for your actions during this crisis. I shall ensure that this kindness is fully returned in the future.”

—

Following my departure from the Moon Lake Inn, my immediate destination was not Hubei Province where the headquarters of the Jegal Clan lay, but rather Nine Dragons Mountain situated in the vicinity of Nanyue.

Securing the allegiance of Jegal Cheon-gi and bringing him into the fold of the Taeul Sect necessitated a substantial amount of capital beforehand.

Furthermore, the recent turn of events had unexpectedly granted me a highly valuable asset, meaning I had no requirement to wander far and wide to locate a fortune.

Upon arriving at the threshold of Nine Dragons Mountain, I conjured up a detailed chart stored within the mental archives of my mind.

This map corresponded to the final resting place of Wolhyang, who had been the favored consort of the wealthiest magnate in Yue State—a hidden vault that Du Cheon-gang from the Sojeong Squad had bitterly lamented his failure to plunder up until his final breath.

In reality, our circle had frequently pondered the motivations that drove a seasoned burglar like Du Cheon-gang to seek entry into the ranks of the Murim Alliance, and the narrative underlying that choice was truly remarkable.

Du Cheon-gang concentrated his illicit efforts on stripping wealthy bureaucrats and aristocrats of the illicit gifts they accepted, but on one occasion, he broke into what he assumed was a hidden vault containing hidden political funds. In a twist of fate, the site he despoiled was in fact the ancestral sepulcher belonging to the lineage of the Minister of Personnel.

Consequent to his desecration of such a high-ranking family’s burial ground, imperial magistrates across the realm abandoned their duties to hunt him down, pursuing that scoundrel Du Cheon-gang with the relentless fury of reanimated corpses out for his blood.

Left with no alternative to evade the state authorities, Du Cheon-gang concealed his true background under a fabricated name and integrated himself into the Murim Alliance as a low-tier mercenary.

Once established within the Murim Alliance, Du Cheon-gang made numerous attempts to recruit individuals gifted in the arts of dispelling evil entities to assist him in looting Wolhyang’s final resting place.

Predictably, prestigious orders like the Mount Heng Sect, the Maoshan Sect, Shaolin, or the Wudang Sect completely ignored the overtures of an insignificant soldier like Du Cheon-gang.

Consequently, the rogue never succeeded in breaking into Wolhyang’s vault, found himself stuck within the ranks of the Sojeong Squad, and was ultimately swept into the chaos of the Great Righteous-Demonic War, spending his evenings weeping and bemoaning his miserable fate.

“Providing that Du’s accounts were accurate, the location must be right in this vicinity.”

Inspecting the hidden area situated behind the cascading waters midway up Nine Dragons Mountain, I discerned a slender opening obscured by the crashing torrents.

The terrain was naturally fierce and treacherous, completely devoid of any secure footholds, acting as if it purposely barred entry to any mortal traveler.

Launching my Flying Dragon Claw toward an elevated position, I seized the attached rope firmly and swung myself forward.

*Whirrrr.*

Piercing through the watery curtain and forcing my frame through the cramped gap, I discovered an expansive chamber hidden within.

Igniting the torch I had brought along, the interior of the cavern gradually came into view.

While the initial stretches of the cavern appeared formed purely by nature, signs of deliberate craftsmanship became increasingly apparent as I advanced deeper, culminating in a rear section that had been meticulously sculpted into the likeness of an immense grand hall.

“The goal is reached.”

The interior of this grand structure had been styled explicitly to serve as a sepulcher.

The complication, nonetheless, lay in the fact that the primary dais for the sarcophagus and the surrounding alcoves meant to hold the personal effects of the departed stood entirely bare, occupied by nothing save for thick layers of cobwebs.

“The hidden switch must be situated close by.”

Since Du Cheon-gang would ramble incessantly about plundering Wolhyang’s resting place every time he indulged in liquor, I was able to pinpoint this unfamiliar trigger without any hesitation.

*Grind. Thud. Bang.*

Precisely as anticipated, a section of the stone facade shifted aside, allowing the portal to swing partially open.

Beyond the entrance lay a constricted corridor that could scarcely accommodate two individuals moving side-by-side, a pathway littered with shattered projectiles and formidable metal barbs protruding upwards from the stone floor.

“It seems previous intruders managed to reach this exact point at least.”

Advancing toward the concealed vault, signs of past trespassers were plainly visible along the path.

I immediately activated the Unrivaled under Heaven Movement Art that I had acquired during my time on the Demon Spirit Plateau.

Though my mastery of this technique had only progressed to the level of the First Star, its current potency was more than adequate for the task.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

*Swishhhhh!*

As I crossed the threshold of the hidden vault, the latent defense systems triggered, causing sharp stakes to erupt from beneath and volleys of arrows to rain down from every angle.

“Its reputation as a peerless technique across the realm is certainly well-founded.”

Allowing myself a brief moment of awe at the incredible efficacy of the Unrivaled under Heaven Movement Art, I pivoted into the inner chamber, where my vision expanded in sheer disbelief.

“Incredible.”

The overhead vaulting was inset with countless Night-Luminous Pearls arranged like a constellation, casting a radiant glow over immense mounds of gold bullion, silver bars, and precious gems that shimmered brilliantly beneath the luminescence of the Night-Luminous Pearls.

The reason for Du Cheon-gang’s drunken sorrows became instantly clear to me.

“His words were entirely accurate.”

While I appraised the various assortments of precious metals and jewels, a mound of human bones stacked in a far corner sent a sudden shiver through my core.

“This is where the majority of them met their end.”

The remains were unmistakably those of mortals.

Furthermore, it was not the remnants of a mere handful of individuals, but a veritable mountain of bones left by a substantial gathering of intruders.

“A significant number of seekers evidently entered this place never to return.”

At that moment.

A threatening vibration echoed through the silence.

*Clank. Clank.*

My gaze snapped toward an opening located on one side of the cavernous vault.

*Clank. Clank.*

The underlying factor that had forced Du Cheon-gang to retreat with empty hands despite standing before an immense fortune.

*Clank. Clank.*

—*Eeeheeheeheeheeheeheeheeheehee.*

The explanation for why he had gone to such lengths to convince holy men and ascetics to raid this sepulcher, enduring endless indignities within the Murim Alliance just to recruit them.

“Reveal yourself!”

The culprit was the formidable phantom that stood watch over this burial site.

—*Does a mere robber dare to act as though he owns this domain?!*

In my experiences, I had previously encountered the terrifying Radiant Heaven Laugh utilized by the Demonic Cult, but never before had I been subjected to an utterance so utterly saturated with concentrated Demonic Qi.

My inner resolve wavered, my pulse raced erratically, and my muscles started to freeze up in response.

*Clank. Clank.*

—*Your audacity in treading upon this ground is quite remarkable.*

Accompanied by the rhythmic, metallic clatter, a female figure possessing an allure too exquisite to be of this earthly realm stepped gradually into view, entirely unclothed save for the magnificent arrays of gold, silver, and precious ornaments draped across her physical form.