The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 58

Chapter 58
“Does what you hold truly possess a worth that equals the Azure Sky Merchant Guild?”

The skepticism of the Azure Emperor Divine Sword had not yet fully dissipated.

Unsheathing my blade, I spoke.

“I ask that you observe this beforehand.”

I proceeded to execute the identical martial discipline that the Divine Sword had demonstrated a few moments prior.

Since the techniques had not yet fully integrated into my physical frame, errors were present, and because the gulf between our martial understanding was as vast as the distance between heaven and earth, my blade lacked the inherent intent visible even in a basic path of the Divine Sword’s weapon. Nevertheless, it was unmistakably the exact same sword art.

The gaze of the Divine Sword widened considerably upon witnessing me replicate the forms flawlessly, without a solitary deviation.

“You…… grasped and retained that in such a brief span of time?”

“It is my Heavenly Punishment.”

“Meaning what, exactly?”

The Divine Sword inclined his head, seemingly perplexed by the statement.

It was the typical response displayed by most individuals upon discovering my capacity for absolute recollection.

“The memory of a young pup I kept in my earlier years being snatched away by a fox remains as distinct in my mind as though it occurred moments ago.”

A person could not truly comprehend an experience they had never undergone themselves.

“……I see. I suppose such a thing is possible.”

However, that was not the primary concern at present.

“Now, I request that you look at this. It is the defensive strategy I formulated.”

I commenced executing the Shattering Form of the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.

This specific method had been devised for the sole purpose of neutralizing the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.

It represented the very technique that enabled the dark practitioners of the Demonic Cult to slaughter the members of the righteous factions without resistance.

It pierced into the vulnerabilities far more ruthlessly than the countering technique the Divine Sword had just shown.

Concurrently, I purposely directed my strikes toward completely incorrect positions that had no relation to the actual Shattering Form.

Revealing the flawless Shattering Form—a feat the Divine Sword himself had not accomplished—might cause him to perceive me as a threat.

Even with those intentional errors, the Shattering Form engineered by Jegal Cheon-gi vastly outmatched the variation produced by the Divine Sword.

“I can comprehend why San lost his composure.”

“Nevertheless, this Shattering Form, along with the version you devised, Senior, both suffer from a fundamental flaw.”

“And what would that be, in your estimation?”

“To begin with, it presents too great a challenge for practitioners who have already mastered the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.”

A blade’s movements were absorbed by the physical body.

Initially, a practitioner comprehended the technique with the mind, but subsequently, it was ingrained into the physique.

A stance that has become second nature to the physical frame cannot be altered with ease.

“Furthermore, outside of countering the Boundless Firmament Sword Art, its efficacy in standard combat falls below even that of a third-rate style.”

“……On that point, I concur.”

“Lastly, the objective and trajectory of this style are far too transparent.”

“What difficulty arises from a transparent trajectory?”

“What occurs if the martial techniques of the Namgung Clan fundamentally reject the very basis of the Namgung Clan?”

“……This old man made an enlightened choice in seeking an audience with you.”

Neutralizing a classical martial tradition that had endured across centuries while simultaneously preserving its deepest philosophical core.

It constituted an intricate dilemma that no ordinary mind could fathom, reserved only for a prodigy of Jegal Cheon-gi’s caliber.

Jegal Cheon-gi separated the Breaking Strike into three distinct levels.

The Lower Form, the Middle Form, and the Upper Form.

These designations were derived not from the raw power of the strike, but rather from the frequency of vulnerabilities it exposed.

A deceptive posture that left one’s own frame unprotected to entice the adversary constituted a Lower Form.

A transition that linked two distinct postures together constituted a Middle Form.

A defensive maneuver aimed at preserving one’s own safety constituted an Upper Form.

Owing to this systematic ordering, the ultimate technique of a style could be categorized as a Lower Form, whereas the introductory gesture of respect might be deemed an Upper Form.

“This represents the compensation I intend to offer.”

I dropped into the opening posture.

Commencing with the initial movement, Firmament Leaping Kite, I initiated the performance of the Breaking Strike belonging to the Boundless Firmament Sword Art, specifically the Ascendant Form.

Of the thirty-six total sequences, I executed a flawless Ascendant Form for precisely half of the movements, while weaving in improvised techniques of my own creation for the remainder.

Given the profound mastery of the Divine Sword, he would easily separate the genuine gold from the dross within the display, and utilizing those authentic segments, he would possess the capacity to reconstruct the flawless Ascendant Form.

By the time I concluded the entire sequence of thirty-six movements, perspiration was trickling down my brow.

“Whew…….”

The Divine Sword sat motionless for a brief period, seemingly reconstructing and organizing the techniques he had just observed within his thoughts.

Realizing he had permitted himself to become distracted, he gave his head a firm shake and addressed me.

“By what means did you conceive such a concept?”

At this juncture, I fabricated a believable narrative.

“Within Anhui Province, the domain of the Taeul Sect, two formidable forces reside. For our sect to rise, an encounter with those forces is inevitable. Regrettably, our school’s martial legacy was far too inadequate to match them.”

“And so you utilized the indelible recollections preserved within your mind?”

“For someone like me, discerning flaws proved far simpler than making pointless attempts to purge my own memories.”

“Be that as it may…….”

The Divine Sword trailed off, shaking his head in wonder.

“It is truly marvelous. Though the lethal intent is remarkably potent, to think a blade exists that can suppress and dominate the inherent flaws of the Boundless Firmament Sword Art.”

That elevated praise rightfully belonged to Jegal Cheon-gi.

His aspiration had been for the Murim Alliance to regain its preeminence within the Murim and re-establish the righteous tenets of the martial community.

Regrettably, not every faction responded favorably to an individual exposing the vulnerabilities of their own heritage.

It was far more common to face treacherous accusations of betraying the defensive secrets of the Orthodox Path to the Demonic Cult.

Yet now, the yearning of Jegal Cheon-gi was being conveyed through my agency directly to Namgung Tae-ha, the patriarch of the Namgung Clan.

“Was the technique you employed against San derived from this system?”

“It was.”

“Then what required you to place such strain upon your physical frame?”

“I possessed no prior familiarity with the Emperor Sword Art, and even had I observed it previously, its intricate nature would prevent me from neutralizing it easily, leaving me with no alternative but to push beyond my limits.”

“……Indeed, your reasoning holds true. Yet, what prompted you to display a mere eighteen forms?”

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword had accurately detected the missing half that I had withheld.

“With my restricted intellect and capability, mastering even half of the sequence proved an arduous task.”

The Divine Sword gave a soft laugh.

“That cannot be the reason. You weighed the perils that would arise had you revealed the entirety of the techniques, did you not?”

“……”

Naturally, fooling the perceptive vision of the Divine Sword was an impossibility.

“……This constitutes an ample compensation. In truth, it is far more than sufficient. Even were I to transfer ownership of the entire Azure Sky Merchant Guild rather than a solitary outpost, it would not represent a misstep.”

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword offered a nod of agreement.

An air of tranquility settled over his features, as though a persistent dilemma that had burdened him for an extended duration had finally been resolved.

“I shall call a gathering of the council of elders. I intend to present the proposal you outlined, though the ultimate task of swaying them will rest upon your shoulders.”

“That provision alone suffices.”

“Furthermore, I shall grant you a single Great Swallow Divine Pill. For the Taeul Sect, I shall allocate two Great Swallow Divine Pills. While I would prefer to offer a greater quantity, those represent the entirety of what remains within the stores of the Namgung Clan.”

Bowing as low as my frame permitted, I extended a formal hand-and-fist salute.

“I shall remain indebted for this benevolence throughout my days.”

“You would do well to remember it. You are effectively dismantling the core foundations of the Namgung Clan.”

The Divine Sword, whose expression had been amicable, assumed a brief look of gravity.

“Nonetheless, a certain matter puzzles me. For what reason do you display flawed postures while executing these techniques?”

Despite this being the absolute peak of my capability in the absence of knowing the internal cultivation pathways, to the Divine Sword, it appeared as though I was executing the flaws intentionally.

“A physical posture can be replicated through observation, but the hidden internal formula cannot be perceived by sight alone, can it?”

“What nonsense is this? Did you not assert that you retain everything within your sight flawlessly?”

“How can a memory preserved purely by the intellect instantly translate into physical execution through the body?”

The Divine Sword shifted his head in puzzlement.

“I am unacquainted with whatever miraculous event you encountered, but have you not already ascended to the tier of Five Dragons Offering the Sage and attained the perfect unity of essence, qi, and spirit?”

In the past, while trapped within the Boundless Indestructible Soul-Destroying Formation, I had desperately forced open my Upper Qi Center to ascertain an exit, which inadvertently resulted in the purification of my Middle Qi Center as well.

Though it had been a hazardous predicament, if such an event qualified as a miraculous breakthrough, then so be it.

By virtue of that occurrence, I succeeded in reaching the tier of Five Dragons Offering the Sage.

Despite my avoidance of employing an external surge of energy, had the Divine Sword deduced my developmental tier solely from that brief display?

“……That is indeed the case.”

“To attain the unity of essence, qi, and spirit signifies that the physical form operates in perfect alignment with the dictates of the intellect, does it not? If you have etched it into your thoughts, your physical frame possesses the memory as well.”

“……!”

In that precise instant, a profound realization like a crack of thunder jolted my mind, causing my entire frame to shudder.

I had attained the tier of Five Dragons Offering the Sage by way of an unexpected breakthrough, yet I had never contemplated the genuine implications of unifying essence, qi, and spirit.

Observing my reaction, the Divine Sword made a clicking sound with his tongue.

“What an uneducated youth. If the unity of essence, qi, and spirit is already established, it dictates that internal energy, physical form, and thought have merged into a singular entity. Reflect upon it deeply. If an unblemished recollection resides in your intellect, your physique holds that exact memory with equal clarity.”

dishonesty.
“……”

“Were you truly oblivious to this?”

“……The concept had never entered my thoughts.”

“Ha, well…… I intend no disrespect toward your lineage, but it is highly likely that no practitioner in your school has ever ascended to a tier comparable to your own.”

“……That is true.”

This was because the Taeul True Scripture and the sacred resources had all been recovered through my own efforts for the first time.

“That explains the misunderstanding.”

“……”

“Do not dwell on it. You have achieved that state now, have you not? In the lineage that follows you, an individual of even greater brilliance may well appear.”

“……I am grateful for your instruction.”

“Take your seat immediately. If a moment of clarity is not ordered at once, it vanishes entirely.”

Dropping instantly into a cross-legged lotus posture, I sat down and began to circulate the Taeul True Scripture.

At this specific juncture, I could not afford to lose an insight more valuable than an ocean of wealth.

“Tsk, tsk. Have I balanced the ledger slightly with this? Naturally, it still falls short……. By what means shall I settle the remainder…….”

As I dissolved into a deep meditative state, the fading sound of the Divine Sword clicking his tongue echoed in my perception.

Within the depths of my meditation, vivid recollections emerged.

Gye Cheol-yeong of the Taeul Sect demonstrated the Three Shadows Sword, while Hong Sa-ryeon executed the Flash Thunder Sword Art.

Hwa Jeong-san of the Mount Hua Sect from the Murim Alliance displayed the Plum Blossom Sword Art, and Il-myeong of the Shaolin Temple performed the Eighteen Arhat Palms.

The Flame Demon Ghost-Eye Unit conducted a massacre utilizing the Flame Demon Ghost Sword Formation, and the Black Lion Gwak Gung leveled Mount Tai with a solitary blow of his fist.

Shortly thereafter, I began to replicate their arts.

It was no longer a superficial imitation of their physical stances as I had done previously.

Within their technical paths, my own intent found a fresh anchor.

Every time my intent shifted, my internal pathways adjusted in the most streamlined manner conceivable.

Following that, I manifested once more, gripping the unsheathed Black Dragon Sword.

Invoking the Taeul True Scripture, I initiated the technique of Ten Thousand Swords.

Amidst the execution of those Ten Thousand Swords, both external forces and my own identity shattered into miniscule particles, evaporating into nothingness.

As I gradually raised my eyelids amidst the dispersing remnants, I observed Namgung San standing with crossed arms alongside Namgung Seon-hwa, who was observing me with an anxious expression.

“Have you returned to awareness?”

“……For what length of time was I in this state?”

“An entire day and night.”

I had perceived it as a mere heartbeat, yet a vast duration had already elapsed.

“Have you remained here waiting for my return this entire time?”

Namgung San shook his head in negation.

“Grandfather predicted your awakening would occur around this hour and instructed me to escort you.”

As I offered a nod and rose to my feet, Namgung San fixed a concentrated gaze upon me for a prolonged moment.

“You…… a transformation occurred between yourself and Grandfather.”

“What are you implying, Elder Brother?”

Namgung San provided an explanation to Namgung Seon-hwa’s inquiry.

“I am stating that the Young Master Jin from yesterday and the Young Master Jin standing before us now are entirely different individuals.”

“……What?”

Namgung Seon-hwa appeared utterly bewildered by the claim, whereas Namgung San was openly displaying an urge to compete.

“Were it not for Grandfather’s explicit restriction, I would challenge you to a Martial Duel this very moment. Naturally, on this occasion, there would be no constraints placed upon our internal cultivation, correct?”

Hearing Namgung San’s remarks, which implied an awareness of something hidden, Namgung Seon-hwa turned her startled gaze between the two of us.

Feeling discomfited, I swiftly shifted the focus of the conversation.

“You indicated that the Divine Sword requested my presence, correct?”

“Let us depart.”

Namgung Seon-hwa, who had remained unable to properly participate in the dialogue, finally tugged at the edge of my attire.

“Grandfather has convened a session of the elder council. He gave orders to bring Young Master Jin there. What exactly took place?”

“Ah, the Divine Sword indicated he wished to provide a token of appreciation and prompted me to declare my desire.”

“What did you request?”

“I made a claim for the Azure Sky Merchant Guild.”

“……What did you say?”

“!!”

Namgung Seon-hwa, alongside Namgung San, snapped their heads around to stare at me as though they were inspecting an absolute madman.

An icy atmosphere pervaded the assembly hall.

The senior members arrayed in ranks on either side observed me as I walked in with the Namgung siblings, their expressions radiating significant hostility.

It was evident that the Divine Sword had already introduced the topic regarding the Azure Sky Merchant Guild.

I took a place adjacent to the Azure Emperor Divine Sword, directly across from Namgung Song-ju, the true director of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, while the Namgung siblings positioned themselves against the rear wall, watching the proceedings with apprehension.

“……”

In stark contrast to the council members who openly manifested their antagonism toward me, Namgung Song-ju was composedly sipping his beverage.

“I have just received an unbelievable statement from the Patriarch. Upon learning of it, the elders assembled here were understandably incensed.”

Namgung Song-ju placed his vessel down with an unruffled demeanor.

“It strains credulity…… yet the Patriarch maintained that the concept originated from his own reflections.”

Out of a desire to shield me, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword had claimed the decision as his own choice.

“Under these circumstances, I have no option but to inquire as to your own stance. The Patriarch indicated an intention to transfer the Hefei outpost of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild to your possession. What are your thoughts on this matter?”

The moment Namgung Song-ju ceased speaking, the assembled elders unleashed their internal pressure.

Among their number, several individuals covertly directed a lethal intent, constricting it around my breathing.

Circulating the Taeul True Scripture to safeguard my physical form and mental focus, I responded.

“Given that my actions were not performed with the anticipation of gain, I view such an offer as far exceeding my worth.”

Namgung Song-ju emitted a brief, mocking chuckle.

“I imagine so……”

“……Nonetheless, since the esteemed elder is presenting it, I intend to receive it with gratitude.”

“!”

Namgung Song-ju’s eyebrows knit together fiercely.

Audible groans of irritation erupted from the ranks of the elders.

‘Hah…… observe that insolent display.’

‘He behaves like an untamed beast, oblivious to his proper standing.’

‘A mere reptile attempts to swallow a leviathan.’

Such remarks filled the air.

The majority of these insults were things that should never be uttered in the presence of an invited visitor.

That was a testament to the magnitude of their fury.

“Observing that you show no astonishment at the mention of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, this was clearly not solely the Patriarch’s concept. Is that not correct?”

“Does that distinction alter anything?”

“I recall offering you a prior admonition. It appears my words were disregarded.”

A sapphire gleam of lethal intensity flared within Namgung Song-ju’s eyes.

“The Azure Sky Merchant Guild serves as a primary pillar sustaining the Namgung Clan. Specifically, Hefei within Anhui represents the bedrock of the merchant guild’s operations. You possess the audacity to demand such an asset? How insignificant do you deem the Namgung Clan?”

The elders now abandoned all subtlety, projecting their lethal intent without restraint.

The Namgung siblings stationed behind my position, along with Namgung Gi-tae who stood behind Namgung Song-ju, gradually found the pressure unbearable and began to shift uncomfortably.

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword, holding the rank of Patriarch, had every reason to be offended by Namgung Song-ju’s arrogant declarations, yet he merely observed the exchange with an amused air.

“If the Azure Sky Merchant Guild constitutes a pillar of the Namgung Clan, then its primary anchor ought to reside with the Namgung Clan of Mount Huang. For what reason, then, is the distant territory of Hefei considered its bedrock?”

“!!”

“The Azure Sky Merchant Guild is already recognized as a premier commercial enterprise, ranked among the leading five within Jiangnan. However, given that the vast majority of its holdings are situated within Jiangnan, does managing affairs from Hefei in Anhui not merely introduce an impractical separation from the northern sectors?”

Namgung Song-ju clamped his jaw shut tightly.

It was a reality that everyone acknowledged in principle, yet none dared voice openly due to their personal advantages.

“Hefei in Anhui Province holds a strategic position geographically, but from the functional perspective of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, is it not an impractical location? Surrendering a single outpost under those conditions should pose no great difficulty for the prestigious Namgung Clan. Or perhaps the Hefei branch of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild occupies a status of greater significance than the Namgung Clan of Mount Huang itself?”

The instant my argument concluded, furious vociferations burst from the council of elders.

“Insolent wretch! You overstep your bounds!”

“We offered you a modicum of praise, and you have entirely cast aside your civility.”

“That matter is an internal affair that concerns no outside party like yourself!”

The vast majority of individuals occupying the council hall were veteran combatants of the family or relations belonging to the Collateral Line.

They were fiercely opposed to any expansion of the Direct Line’s authority that might diminish their own standing.

“Hah, you have advanced a reasonably logical position.”

And anchoring their position was Namgung Song-ju.

“A portion of your rationale may possess merit. Nevertheless, despite that, we are incapable of relinquishing Hefei.”

“……”

The elders offered a collective nod of concurrence.

“At the same time, we cannot dismiss the Patriarch’s urge to provide a compensation. Lately, your school submitted a request concerning the commerce of metallurgy. You were fortunate enough to locate an iron source, correct? The Azure Sky Merchant Guild shall manage the logistics of that enterprise. We shall substitute this arrangement in place of the Patriarch’s intended token.”

Just as the elders gestured their assent, indicating they could compromise to that extent, I interjected.

“My demand remains for the Hefei branch of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild.”

ി……”

The oppressive atmosphere that had begun to dissipate snapped tight once more.

Namgung Gi-tae appeared at the absolute limit of his patience, the whites of his eyes becoming visible as his rage mounted.

“You. Do you truly intend to push this matter to its absolute limit?”

“……”

Namgung Song-ju, turning his attention away from me, addressed the Azure Emperor Divine Sword in a tone that carried an implicit warning.

“Even should you seize control of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild, I possess the certainty that I can dismantle your school and reclaim the merchant guild by force.”

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword exhibited no vulnerability under that menacing stare.

Having successfully acquired both the Shattering Form and the Ascendant Form, he appeared entirely secure that no true danger remained.

Even so, the Azure Emperor Divine Sword was intently analyzing how I would manage the situation.

“Do you truly wish to escalate matters to such a degree?”

The tempers in the room were reaching a boiling point.

Namgung Song-ju glared in my direction as though he were confronting a mortal foe.

“……Regain your composure and evaluate the circumstances calmly. This arrangement is not as disadvantageous as it appears.”

“You miserable…”

I transmitted a focused Sound Transmission directly to Namgung Song-ju, who was on the verge of leaping from his seat.

-The motive behind your previous statement regarding your unfavorable view of me…… it stemmed from the matter involving Wang So-so of the Wang Estate, did it not?

Namgung Song-ju’s icy mask fractured for a fleeting moment.

He labored intensely to steady his features and re-establish his calm facade, but his gaze betrayed a profound agitation.

-When I rescued Wang So-so, I established a minor tie with the Patriarch of the Wang Estate. He persists in an unyielding search for the perpetrator responsible for taking So-so. He declared an intention to deploy every resource at his disposal to consign that individual to perdition. I possessed knowledge of the underlying truth, yet I maintained my silence out of concern that a devastating conflict might erupt between the Wang Estate and the Namgung Clan.

An expression of dread began to manifest upon Namgung Song-ju’s countenance.

Following a significant pause, Namgung Song-ju replied utilizing Sound Transmission.

-……What nonsense are you babbling about?

-Though the operative from the Secret Bow Unit was categorized among the elite practitioners, in the end, he inadvertently exposed the distinct martial forms of the Namgung Clan before his demise. ……For operations involving abductions and terminations, one is expected to utilize operatives who have undergone specialized concealment training.

-Do you possess actual verification?

-Shall I communicate the resting place of that operative’s remains? The physical form should not have decomposed entirely by this date.

Observing Namgung Song-ju and myself engaged in a silent dialogue while merely shifting our lips, the elders began to exchange puzzled glances one by one.

-Furthermore, following my interactions with Senior Azure Emperor Divine Sword, I determined that the Azure Sky Merchant Guild…… rather, the Collateral Line and the Direct Line exist in a state of severe friction. In such a scenario, should the Patriarch of the Wang Estate uncover the hidden truth and form an alliance with the Azure Emperor Divine Sword…… it would present a flawless pretext for the Divine Sword to act…… I find myself wondering, among the individuals assembled here who opposed the Divine Sword until a few moments ago, would a single soul survive the purge?

As I delivered these words, I shifted my gaze toward Namgung Gi-tae.

Simultaneously, Namgung Song-ju tracked my line of sight and locked his eyes onto Namgung Gi-tae.

-The formidable moral pretext that previously constrained the Azure Emperor Divine Sword has already been demolished by your own error, Senior. Are you capable of enduring his retribution?

Namgung Song-ju directed his gaze toward the Azure Emperor Divine Sword.

“……”

The Divine Sword was observing Namgung Song-ju’s panicked demeanor with visible amusement.

-What path shall you choose? Will you brave the combined fury of Master Wang Geum-san and the Azure Emperor Divine Sword? Or will you settle the account by relinquishing the Hefei Branch of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild?

-The confidentiality of this matter……

-Even should the Hefei Branch of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild fall under my governance, if the greater Azure Sky Merchant Guild is annihilated, would that not represent a detriment to my own objectives as well?

-Should you ever employ this information as a means to coerce me in the future, I shall risk my entire existence to bring about the destruction of both yourself and your lineage.

-From this moment forward, are we not associates who split mutual benefits, Senior? I may request assistance from an ally, but I am not an individual who resorts to coercion against a partner.

-……

Namgung Song-ju wavered repeatedly on whether to initiate another covert transmission, then turned his gaze toward Namgung Tae-ha and spoke aloud.

“Patriarch…… upon further reflection, not merely the Namgung Clan but numerous companions within the Murim owe a profound debt to Young Master Jin and the Taeul Sect due to the events at the Demon Spirit Plateau. It would be unbefitting for the Namgung Clan, recognized as a foundational pillar of the Murim, to fail in honoring that obligation. I believe the wisest course of action is to transfer the Hefei Branch of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild in accordance with the Patriarch’s desires.”

“What is the meaning of this……!”

“Absolutely not! Merchant Leader, what prompts this sudden reversal?!”

Following Namgung Song-ju’s unexpected declaration, the elders immediately abandoned their positions and swarmed around his seat.

The Azure Emperor Divine Sword alongside the Namgung siblings stood with their expressions frozen in absolute disbelief at an occurrence they could scarcely credit despite witnessing it firsthand, while I serenely appreciated the vintage Biluochun and remarked to them,

“The bouquet of this Biluochun is truly exceptional.”