The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 56

Chapter 56
## Chapter 56. A First-Rate Warrior Who Startled the Divine Sword (4)

A brief dining table had been arranged at the most elevated position. It was a table constructed to accommodate roughly six individuals.

Positioned perpendicular to that primary table, expansive dining surfaces extended along both flanks.

Whether by careful design or mere coincidence, the seating arrangement within the feast room forced the Direct Line and the Collateral Line to confront each other directly.

Occupying the left flank was Namgung Jin-myeong of the Direct Line, accompanied by his spouse and their offspring, Namgung San and Namgung Seon-hwa. In their immediate vicinity sat the various Hall Masters and commanders of the specific divisions.

Occupying the right flank was Namgung Song-ju alongside his male heir, Namgung Gi-pyo. Positioned near them were the administrative directors overseeing the Outer Office and the personnel managing external diplomatic business.

As for myself?

My place was designated on the left side of the most elevated table.

Initially, I had shifted forward with the intention of merely taking a spot next to Namgung Seon-hwa, only for Namgung Jin-myeong to gesture definitively toward the seat of highest honor.

Utterly caught off guard, I voiced my objections multiple times, but he ultimately compelled me to take that prominent position.

“We have arranged a modest feast in your honor.”

The exact scenario I had desperately attempted to circumvent had circled right back to me.

Just as I began to ponder whether I would be forced to endure this intensely uncomfortable and awkward gathering once more—

“I must question whether that truly represents the correct path forward, Young Clan Head.”

Following Namgung Song-ju’s pronouncement, a minor crease formed on Namgung Jin-myeong’s forehead.

“What are you implying by that?”

“It cannot be denied that a savior of the Namgung Clan has arrived. Even so, did our family not just experience a disastrous calamity? Five of our fighters perished. Do you genuinely believe the martial artists of our house and the public outside our walls will view this celebration favorably?”

Namgung Song-ju was putting a halt to the celebration precisely as I had hoped, yet because the opposition came from his mouth, a strange spark of defiance flickered within my chest.

“…….”

Namgung Jin-myeong found himself lacking a swift retort to Namgung Song-ju’s challenge.

To an outside observer, this display bordered on an outrageous act of defiance against a superior, yet the martial artists of the Namgung Clan showed no visible signs of shock.

Only the individuals arrayed on the side of the Direct Line cast hostile glances toward Namgung Song-ju.

“What alternative approach do you propose then?”

“I have allocated one hundred gold taels under the authority of the Namgung Clan. It is my judgment that such a sum represents more than ample recompense for a pupil belonging to the Taeul Sect.”

“Are you suggesting that the lives of the Namgung Clan’s own fighters possess no greater worth than that?”

“A person would scarcely presume to assign a material price to the lives of martial artists. Nevertheless, restitution is ultimately calculated based on the status of the recipient, is it not?”

Namgung Jin-myeong was visibly losing ground in this exchange.

This interaction exposed a stark reality of the Namgung Clan’s current internal dynamics.

Namgung Song-ju, the leader of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild.

Despite his origins within the branches of the Collateral Line, he wielded sufficient leverage within the Namgung Clan to openly challenge the decree of the Young Clan Head.

He possessed the audacity to behave in this manner because the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, which operated under his command, controlled every single external commercial enterprise the Namgung Clan engaged in.

To put it plainly, the entirety of the revenue generated under the banner of the Namgung Clan moved directly through the Azure Sky Merchant Guild before reaching the main house.

It was a state of affairs where he effectively held the Namgung Clan by the throat.

“…… Epic silence.”

As an oppressive stillness settled over the room, the entrance swung open violently, and an old man of immense stature stepped inside.

“What is the significance of those remarks?”

In that precise moment, every single occupant of the hall leaped to their feet to offer their respects.

“““We offer our respects to the Clan Head.”””

He stood nearly six feet tall, possessing tightly packed musculature, and were it not for the snowy beard and silver locks framing his jawline and skull, he might easily have passed for a man in his middle years.

He planted himself firmly down right beside my position.

“I demand an answer from you, Namgung Song-ju. What was the meaning behind those words?”

While the remainder of the assembly had resumed their seats, Namgung Song-ju remained upright to provide his reply.

“My meaning is precisely as I articulated. Only hours ago, the Direct Line heirs of the Namgung Clan faced a lethal peril where they came close to perishing. In that struggle, five first-rate fighters of the Namgung Clan gave their lives. I worry about the reputation we would project to the realm if we proceeded with a celebration on such a somber day.”

“I was informed that the individual who turned the tide during that treacherous assault today was none other than this young man. Furthermore, a mere few months in the past, this same youth single-handedly rescued upward of four thousand individuals, including the martial artists of our own Namgung Clan. If such a revered figure pays a visit to the Namgung Clan and we neglect to offer even a basic welcoming feast, what would the realm whisper about us?”

Namgung Song-ju offered no verbal retort, choosing instead to fix his gaze unblinkingly upon the Azure Emperor Divine Sword Namgung Tae-ha.

Astonishingly, Namgung Song-ju’s eyes betrayed not the slightest hint of dread. It was simply the self-assured look of a youth observing an old, disappointing relative.

“The grieving process for those who fell will be conducted with the ultimate level of decorum. However, does that dictate that our family must remain so paralyzed by external opinions that we fail to entertain a visitor we have only just managed to bring under our roof?”

“…….”

“Give me your answer!”

“…… No.”

“Then the matter is concluded. Let the proceedings commence.”

—

I possessed no particular desire to accept tokens of appreciation in an environment that felt like stepping across fragile ice, yet irrespective of my preferences, female servants filed into the room and commenced serving platters of food and flagons of wine.

“Your name is Jin So-un, correct?”

“This minor junior of the secular world, Jin So-un, extends formal greetings to the Azure Emperor Divine Sword.”

“Mmh, your appearance is far more unremarkable than I anticipated.”

I found myself unable to reply, conflicted over whether those words were intended as an endorsement or a slight.

“I am told you thrashed Namgung Gi-pyo until he resembled a pulp?”

“Ah…… I was unaware of his identity. I operated under the assumption that he was an unauthorized intruder.”

“Bwahahaha! You witnessed exactly what he was inflicting upon that serving maid, yet you offer such a falsehood. You are truly an exceptionally brazen youth.”

He bellowed with laughter and struck my shoulder repeatedly, causing my frame to vibrate with each impact.

When I subtly angled my gaze to observe Namgung Song-ju and Namgung Gi-pyo, their countenances mirrored the expression of individuals forced to ingest filth rather than delicacies.

“Um, Grandfather.”

At that juncture, Namgung Seon-hwa stood up from her place.

“Do you possess a matter to air?”

“Indeed. I wish to grant Young Master Jin So-un the Great Swallow Divine Pill that is designated for me during this cycle.”

“!”

“!”

The ambient noise within the grand hall vanished instantaneously.

Upon Namgung Seon-hwa’s unexpected declaration, I even inadvertently dropped the portion of meat I had been consuming. I had previously learned that the direct descendants of the Namgung Clan were granted a single Great Swallow Divine Pill every five-year period.

Could it truly be that she was relinquishing such a treasure?

“The Namgung Clan has already structured an appropriate token to present to him. There is no requirement for you to step forward in this manner.”

“No. Independent of that gesture, I have found myself indebted to him for my survival yet again today. I believe that failing to return such a profound debt of gratitude would tarnish the reputation of the Namgung Clan.”

“You…… are required to sit for the Murim Academy Regular Exam in the near future. Will your progress remain unaffected?”

“I refuse to employ the absence of the Great Swallow Divine Pill as an apology to mask my personal inadequacies.”

“Very well. Then let it be carried out according to your wish.”

A stifled groan of displeasure escaped briefly from Namgung Jin-myeong and his spouse, but once the absolute leader of the clan had delivered his verdict, no individual ventured to voice a complaint.

The gathering progressed quietly in its unique fashion.

There occurred no collective toast resembling the display at the Clear Bright Escort Agency, though various individuals occasionally approached my seat independently to extend their appreciation or fill my cup with wine.

As the feast drew near its conclusion, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword directed his voice to me.

“You are to attend to me.”

This specific encounter was the core purpose behind my journey here from the very beginning.

“I understand.”

“Ah, do not depart this instant. It appears there are still individuals who desire an audience with you, so I shall grant you your leave ahead of the rest.”

With those words, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword exited the room first, and it was only after a considerable duration had elapsed that I was able to stand from my seat.

“Pupil of the Taeul Sect. Might I request a brief word with you?”

I was navigating my path toward the Clan Head’s secluded training grounds when Namgung Song-ju abruptly intercepted me.

“What is the purpose of this interruption?”

Rather than offering a verbal response, he manifested a barrier of internal energy around our figures to ensure our speech remained completely isolated.

In response to Namgung Song-ju’s maneuver, Namgung San and Namgung Seon-hwa knit their brows in disapproval, yet they lacked the authority to truly obstruct his actions.

“You might remain oblivious to this fact, but the mere sight of your person brings immense displeasure to my eyes.”

“For what specific cause?”

“The underlying cause is something you have no need to comprehend. What you must internalize is that even without relying upon the authority of the Namgung Clan’s Direct Line, the sheer might concentrated within the Collateral Line by itself is more than capable of obliterating an entity like the Taeul Sect.”

“…… Does this animosity stem from the events that transpired on Mount Gueom?”

Namgung Song-ju’s eyelids flared wide in surprise.

Shortly thereafter, a smirk manifested across his lips for the first time.

“I had heard tales that your intellect was incredibly sharp. It turns out those accounts were no mere exaggerations.”

“Are you completely devoid of fear regarding the Azure Emperor Divine Sword?”

“…… The Azure Emperor Divine Sword commands immense terror. Yet his shadow is insufficient to derail a monumental grand scheme. You can deduce that reality from the simple fact that I continue to traverse this clan completely unpunished, even following the events on Mount Gueom.”

dishonesty.
“…….”

“You likely assume this conflict is confined strictly to Mount Gueom, but from my perspective, it spans much further. You have crossed me in numerous capacities.”

“…….”

“Therefore, hold this truth close to your mind. The exact instant I resolve to act, the Taeul Sect will cease to exist within Anhui Province.”

Following that declaration, Namgung Song-ju dissolved the barrier of inner force and strode away.

Namgung San and Seon-hwa closed the distance between us and inquired with gravity in their expressions.

“What did he communicate to you?”

They appeared absolutely convinced that a hostile interaction had occurred. I shifted my head from side to side to pacify their concerns.

“It amounted to nothing of true consequence. Let us proceed. The Clan Head is awaiting our arrival.”

“…… Janis.”

—

Great Swallow Hall.

This structure served as the primary sanctuary for the Clan Head, perched within the most secluded and elevated sector of the Namgung Clan grounds.

Within the front courtyard, magnificent blossoms of every conceivable hue cascaded in full development, and as we bypassed the residence toward the rear property, a martial arts arena matching the dimensions of the Taeul Sect’s primary training grounds opened up, designated as the Clan Head’s private sanctuary.

Positioned in that space, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword was caressing his facial hair while peering toward the distant apex of Mount Huang.

“Clan Head, we have arrived before you.”

“The dining experience was not entirely tranquil, was it?”

The stern, authoritative demeanor of the Azure Emperor Divine Sword had completely dissipated, replaced by the countenance of an elderly man looking to execute a playful trick.

“Not at all. I partook of exceptional cuisine, received high honors, and find myself entirely content.”

“However, look here.”

“…….”

“I am informed that you managed to purloin our San’s Divine Pill?”

“!!!”

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword delivered a conversational strike precisely where I had least anticipated it.

Namgung San rapidly shifted his weight forward to intervene.

“I am plagued by such injustice that it breaks my spirit, Grandfather. I feel precisely as though my features were altered while my vision was completely clear.”

I directed my eyes toward Namgung San, experiencing a sensation akin to receiving a heavy blow to the back of my neck.

“What under heaven are you…….”

“Are you cognizant of the fact that the Seven-Colored Jewel you claimed as yours was in reality one of my most cherished personal items?”

“Ah…….”

The vision before my eyes seemed to pale into a yellow haze.

Reflecting on my father’s natural disposition, he had undoubtedly liquidated a decorative stone that offered no nutritional value long ago, declaring there was no sense in retaining it.

Furthermore, it was completely outside my power to return the item at this stage.

‘No, for what reason did the grandson confiscate the Azure Emperor Divine Sword’s personal property and wager it during a challenge as he saw fit?!’

The current predicament offered no simple resolution.

I resolved to adopt a posture of absolute defiance.

“That outcome arose from an honorable and straightforward competition with Senior Namgung San. If you intend to assign blame to someone…… I ask that you direct your criticism toward Senior Namgung, who risked the Divine Sword’s prized possession in a wager according to his own whims, rather than focusing on myself.”

“Pfft!”

“Hehehehe.”

Namgung San and Seon-hwa let out stifled giggles, and a subtle curving of the lips manifested on the face of the Azure Emperor Divine Sword.

“Incredibly entertaining. I received word that you intercepted a blade utilizing bare skin, and your fortitude is indeed remarkable.”

Was his commentary merely a jest?

I tilted my head downward, feeling as though the vitality had been thoroughly sapped from my limbs.

“……!”

In that identical split second, an imperceptible wave of force attempted to breach my physical form.

‘What manner of pressure is this?!’

The magnitude of this Torrent of Qi occupied an entirely separate reality compared to any force I had encountered previously.

If the occasion where my sire, Jin Tae-san, gripped me within a Torrent of Qi could be likened to a minor stream, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword felt like a colossal, unstoppable flow akin to the roaring currents of the Yellow River attempting to constrict my entire physical self into total immobility.

I rapidly shifted my feet backward two paces and activated the internal energy of the Taeul True Scripture.

“?”

“?”

Namgung San and Seon-hwa remained completely oblivious to the unseen struggle occurring between us.

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword abruptly ceased the Torrent of Qi and let out a soft chuckle.

“Fascinating. There clearly existed a legitimate justification for a youth who has not yet reached his twentieth year to send tremors through the Murim.”

“What is the meaning behind those words, Grandfather?”

Namgung Seon-hwa pushed for clarification, but the Azure Emperor Divine Sword simply dismissed the query with a shake of his head.

“Heheh, there is no necessity for you to comprehend. If the truth were revealed to you, you would come to lament the path you chose.”

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword fixed his sight on me and posed a question.

“I am told there exists a compelling technique among the skills you have independently mastered?”

Observing the manner in which he spoke while casting a glance toward Namgung San, it was evident he was referring explicitly to the Shattering Form.

“…… I lack the understanding to comprehend your meaning.”

“You feign ignorance, I see. San, depart and retrieve my weapon, and Seon-hwa, you are dismissed to go below.”

“I desire to observe the interactions a bit further, Grandfather.”

“I shall instruct San to descend as well. I harbor matters that require consultation with this youth in complete isolation.”

“…… Understood.”

Namgung Seon-hwa creased her lips in a pout and cast several glances back toward my position as she made her descent from the arena.

Once the pair had traveled a significant distance away from the martial arts ground, he renewed his inquiry.

“I received an account from San. You possess comprehensive knowledge regarding the specific flaws inherent to the Boundless Firmament Sword Art?”

Ultimately, my initial suspicion was vindicated.

Furthermore, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword felt entirely certain of his hypothesis.

For the immediate moment, I maintained my facade of ignorance.

“How could an individual of my meager standing possess insight into the hidden flaws of such an esoteric and magnificent martial style? Senior Namgung must have prone to hyperbole.”

“Even allowing that Namgung Gi-pyo’s mastery falls below San’s standard, his capabilities are not so deficient that he would be neutralized in a mere two exchanges by a youth who has barely crossed into his twentieth year.”

At that exact juncture, Namgung San was exiting the threshold of Great Swallow Hall bearing the personal weapon of the Divine Sword, and the Divine Sword extended his arm toward Namgung San, who remained at a considerable distance.

In the next breath, the blade slipped completely from Namgung San’s fingers and flew straight into the palm of the Azure Emperor Divine Sword, as though drawn by an invisible magnetic pull.

“Disclose the truth to me. What terms must I fulfill to witness the application of your blade?”

“You claim a willingness to exchange a price for a concept that does not exist in reality, which leaves me in quite a perplexing situation.”

His eyes, which had previously been illuminated by a spirit of amiability, transformed step by step into cold stone.

The suffocating aura radiated by an individual who had spent decades dominating the realm was every bit as agonizing to withstand as direct murderous intent.

“I harbor a deep distaste for dishonesty.”

Even while experiencing a sensation that my very existence hung by a delicate strand, I could not easily bring myself to speak the truth.

The bedrock of the entire Namgung Clan rested entirely upon the foundation of the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.

Dating back to the Founding Ancestor who originally formulated the Boundless Firmament Sword Art, spanning through successive eras, the Boundless Firmament Sword Art had been celebrated as the ultimate technique and supreme combative legacy of the Namgung Clan.

Even following the emergence of the Emperor Sword Art, the reverence the Murim held for the Boundless Firmament Sword Art remained entirely unchanged from previous eras.

Possessing knowledge of the Shattering Form for the specific martial style that served as the pillar of a great family was identical to gripping the very roots of that house and tearing them apart.

“If your intent is to drive the cost high, name whatever exorbitant sum you desire. If you truly grasped the sheer desperation of my current circumstances, you would demand anything imaginable. I shall grant even such a request.”

I was fully aware of the reason why the Azure Emperor Divine Sword desperately coveted the Shattering Form belonging to the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.

The branch members of the Namgung Clan’s Collateral Line also pursued the Boundless Firmament Sword Art as their primary combative discipline.

When the Collateral Line attempted to operate outside of authorized boundaries, precisely as they were doing at present, the Shattering Form represented the ultimate instrument with which to neutralize their combat style and reimpose absolute subordination.

“Such a scenario could scarcely reflect reality, but let us assume for a moment that I did hold knowledge of the flaws within the Boundless Firmament Sword Art. Would my physical survival be guaranteed? Nay, even putting my own fate aside, could the Taeul Sect hope to endure unmolested?”

The fundamental reason why I, having journeyed back through time, refrained from broadcasting these Shattering Forms to the wider world was simple.

It was because a Shattering Form constituted a highly lethal piece of intelligence that could simultaneously sever my own breath and terminate the existence of my chosen order.

Any martial establishment across the face of the earth would stop at nothing to liquidate the threat if a Shattering Form became known for their hallmark martial art.

“!!!”

As though struck by a sudden bolt from above, the Divine Sword reeled back every ounce of the oppressive pressure he had been projecting.

“Regardless of the wealth or promises I secured, if the ultimate resolution of the transaction was inevitably my demise, would not any gained treasure be rendered entirely devoid of purpose?”

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword maintained a long, unblinking fixation upon my form, sporting a completely stunned expression, resembling an elderly man who had suffered a sudden paralysis of the senses.

“…… Very well. Then the reality stands that you possess no such asset as a Shattering Form, correct?”

“Indeed. That is the absolute truth.”

“In that case, what magnitude of compensation do you intend to demand in exchange for that non-existent Shattering Form?”

“Are your circumstances so dire that you find yourself compelled to purchase an item that does not exist?”

“Were that knowledge secured within the depths of the underworld itself, I would be forced to descend there to claim it.”

Once the Azure Emperor Divine Sword had fortified his resolve to this degree, I would inevitably be forced to surrender the Shattering Form to his hands.

I, too, harbored a desire for the Namgung Clan to remain whole and powerful until the onset of the Great Righteous-Demonic War, so I was already evaluating the prospect of delivering the Shattering Form.

That being the case, what represented the grandest concession I could squeeze from the Namgung Clan at this present juncture?

“Does it truly matter what terms I propose?”

“Give voice to your demand.”

If any single prize was truly on the table, there existed only one specific entity I desired to wrest from the Namgung Clan.

“I ask that you transfer ownership of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild to me.”

“…… What did you say?!”

The jaw of the Azure Emperor Divine Sword dropped open so completely it resembled a massive basin.

It marked the absolute first instance I had witnessed the legendary Divine Sword lose his composure entirely.