The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 60

Chapter 60
## Chapter 60: The Black Flame Dragon Who Frolics with Dragons and Phoenixes (2)

In my past life, entering the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly had been the ultimate goal I strove for.

To be included in a circle of the absolute finest young talents of the age, to bear the weight of dispensing justice against wrongdoing, and to command admiration and deference from everyone, regardless of age or gender—it was everything a young martial artist could want. Before the harsh truths of the world shattered our innocence, every youngster in the Taeul Sect, myself included, fantasized about joining the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

Once our daily training concluded, we would break into small clusters of three or five to reenact the legends of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. The boys eagerly claimed the roles of the mighty dragons, while the girls portrayed the elegant phoenixes, all of us nurturing our grand ambitions.

When word arrived that they would be paying us a visit, I spent an entire week tossing and turning each night, unable to sleep. I even meticulously preserved a pristine sheet of paper, keeping it completely unblemished so I could collect their personal seals.

Yet, completely overturning my innocent hopes, the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly that arrived all those years ago dragged the Taeul Sect into a bleak abyss of misery. I had no inkling of what their true motives were back then.

New Plum Blossom Sword Hwa Jeong-san of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

That particular martial artist, whom I had admired above all others, requested a sparring session with our Sect Leader. The Sect Leader, unable to hold his own for even fifty exchanges against a rising prodigy two decades his junior, ultimately pushed past his physical limits and suffered a devastating Qi Deviation.

“Tsk. Wasting any more time at the One Hundred Eight Peaks is a pointless endeavor.”

Those were the callous words Hwa Jeong-san uttered upon witnessing Sect Leader Hong Mun-gi coughing up fresh blood from profound internal trauma.

Though Hong Mun-gi managed to escape death by a thread, the total destruction of his internal cultivation meant he was no longer capable of the free movement he once enjoyed. Consequently, Hong Mun-gi delegated internal governance to Jin Tae-san and placed external responsibilities on Gye Cheol-yeong, who was studying at the Murim Academy at the time. Gye Cheol-yeong then proceeded to draft all the young, inexperienced disciples of the Taeul Sect into the Murim Alliance, treating them as nothing more than disposable laborers.

“Just recalling those days brings back the sheer horror of it.”

I recognized that events might not unfold identically to my past life. After all, the trajectory of the Taeul Sect had already shifted, starting with the divergence involving Gye Cheol-yeong. Even so, if their current conduct mirrored the arrogance of my previous timeline, I had absolutely no intention of maintaining even a shred of the old admiration I once held for the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

“Moving at this pace, I should make it back with time to spare.”

Forgoing a horse, I surged forward using the Unrivaled under Heaven Movement Art. Traveling by horseback would force me to wind along established paths, whereas utilizing the Unrivaled under Heaven Movement Art allowed me to sprint in a direct line, cutting down the travel time significantly.

Right as I was tearing through the landscape at a pace so fierce the wind roared violently against my ears, a distant shriek pierced the air.

“Hmm?”

[Is there anybody near?! Please, someone help me!]

The cry belonged to a woman who sounded visibly distressed and harmed. The distance to the source was substantial, but given the sheer velocity of the Unrivaled under Heaven Movement Art, I still possessed a sufficient buffer of time. Without hesitation, I pivoted and altered my course.

—

A diverse gathering of men and women was presently making its departure from Hefei. Their garments and armaments varied wildly, each reflecting a distinct personal flair.

To an outside observer, they might easily have been mistaken for wealthy nobles embarking on a leisurely excursion. However, every single one of them carried a recognizable weapon at their waist—ranging from martial swords to weighted prayer beads. They formed an eccentric collective, bound together by nothing other than their exceptionally striking features.

“What a pity. When anyone mentions Hefei, the Iron Sword Sect is the first thing that comes to mind.”

A man clad in a contrasting black-and-white martial arts uniform remarked, clicking his tongue in mild disappointment.

“Why on earth was the Taeul Sect singled out for an official inspection?”

Their initial itinerary had involved enjoying the extravagant hospitality of the Iron Sword Sect before moving on to the neighboring territory. However, the urgent directive dispatched from the headquarters of the Alliance bore explicit instructions to conduct a formal “inspection” of the Taeul Sect, which maintained a spot among the One Hundred Eight Peaks.

A companion dressed in Buddhist monastic robes assumed a stern expression and noted, “This development bodes ill for the Taeul Sect as well.”

Had this merely been an “audit” assignment, it would involve little more than making an appearance to solidify the cooperative ties between the Murim Alliance and the One Hundred Eight Peaks. An “inspection,” conversely, demanded a cold, rigorous assessment to determine whether a particular sect still merited its inclusion among the One Hundred Eight Peaks. This abruptly assigned evaluation was a critical matter that could ultimately dictate the expulsion of old allies from the ranks of the One Hundred Eight Peaks.

“The Taeul Sect has been enjoying a stellar surge in popularity lately. What is the motivation behind launching an ‘inspection’ against them now?”

A striking woman draped in elegant white fur garments questioned from the rear of the formation.

“It is highly probable that their sudden fame is the exact trigger.”

The martial artist in the black-and-white uniform appeared delighted that the beautiful woman had initiated conversation with him. A smug grin spread across his face as he replied.

“They managed to recover the Grand Patriarch’s Sacred Relic from the custody of the Iron Sword Sect and rescued the cherished daughter of the Wang Estate, didn’t they? On top of that, rumors have been circulating that they saved lives over at the Demon Spirit Plateau. Is that not the precise reason our Dragon and Phoenix Assembly is currently facing public disapproval?”

To speak accurately, the brunt of the dissatisfaction was aimed directly at Yong So-ah. However, because Yong So-ah functioned as the premier figurehead for the contemporary Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, sharing in his diminished prestige was a bitter pill to swallow.

“It is likely that the Murim Alliance decreed this inspection for that very reason. Did the Taeul Sect not secure its place within the One Hundred Eight Peaks based entirely on the fabrication known as the Taeul Sword Emperor?”

“What are you implying by that statement?”

“Consider a scenario where the Iron Sword Sect was expanding at an alarming rate. The Taeul Sect, gripped by panic, might have resorted to manufacturing falsehoods just as they did in the past…”

“That is completely preposterous.”

“It is merely a hypothetical scenario. Nothing more than an illustration.”

“In that case, I shall take charge of this particular assessment.”

Hearing the declaration from the woman in white fur, the martial artist in the black-and-white uniform knit his brows in disapproval.

“What do you mean by that? I already stated that I would oversee this assignment.”

“Young Master Hwa, your tactics lean far too much toward cruelty. While an ‘inspection’ remains an official duty where stringency is required, there is no justification for leaving your opponents physically broken.”

“…I fail to see your point. I consider my approach to be exceptionally lenient.”

“Do you honestly believe I am blind to how you intentionally bait your opponents, pushing them to their absolute limits just to break them?”

The man identified as Young Master Hwa offered a defensive, strained chuckle.

“If I refrain from doing so, it is impossible to gauge the true depth of an opponent’s capabilities.”

Young Master Hwa turned an appealing look toward the individual clad in monastic robes. In the absence of Yong So-ah, the monk effectively functioned as the commanding voice of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

“…I remain of the opinion that it is appropriate for our companion Hwa Jeong-san to take the lead on this.”

“What are you saying… Nothing has been officially settled yet.”

“Direct orders were issued by the Murim Alliance. They explicitly requested that Hwa Jeong-san conduct the evaluation.”

The woman in the fur coat shifted her gaze between Hwa Jeong-san and the monk, her eyes clouded with an intricate mix of emotions. Yong So-ah and Hwa Jeong-san shared a deep camaraderie, and the monk also possessed a long-standing alliance with them. There was undoubtedly an underlying agenda shielded from her view. However, with the monk invoking the authority of the Murim Alliance itself, the woman in fur could no longer push her objections.

“Very well.”

As she relented, she caught the subtle, knowing look that passed between Hwa Jeong-san and the monk.

—

“Confound it…”

The journey back toward my sect’s grounds was proving far more disruptive than I had anticipated.

“This is getting ridiculous. I can hardly sprint with my vision and hearing completely blocked.”

I was well aware that my internal energy had surged dramatically and that my sensory perception had reached acute heights following my physical transformation through the Mita Sacred Water. The real complication, however, was that after attaining full enlightenment, the effective boundary of my senses had expanded exponentially.

No matter how distant a sound originated, it registered with absolute clarity. Furthermore, as I bounded across high vantage points, the entire world seemed to lay bare before my eyes.

First, I had to rescue a woman who had slipped off a precipice. Second, I intervened to save an Herb Gatherer pursued by predatory beasts. Third was a traveler pinned beneath a fallen horse with a shattered limb, and fourth was a youngster who nearly lost his life to the currents while swimming in a stream.

“If this keeps up…”

Regardless of the incredible swiftness of the Unrivaled under Heaven Movement Art, continuing at this rate meant I risked failing to arrive on schedule. Yet, how could I turn a blind eye to individuals facing imminent death right before me and simply keep running?

“This cannot continue. I must maximize my velocity.”

Just as I resolved to push my speed to its limit—hoping that the sheer roar of the wind would drown out any further cries for assistance—a fresh voice cut through.

[P-please, stop this! We have already surrendered every single thing we own!]

The plea belonged to a young man. Try as I might to ignore it, my head turned automatically. Focusing my vision, I spotted a young man alongside an elderly senior being terrorized by a band of brigands.

“Hah…”

My body instantly pivoted toward the location of the young man’s plea. Without taking a moment to analyze the encounter, I executed the Thousand-Jin Drop from midair, crashing firmly onto the earth.

*Thud.*

Debris and dirt erupted outward, and a sudden, tense quiet gripped the clearing.

To one side stood the young man—who appeared roughly my own age—and the elderly companion. Directly opposing them was a pack of outlaws brandishing blades and cleavers.

“Who in the world are you supposed to be?!”

Despite my abrupt arrival, the brigands showed no signs of panic. I had assumed that a display like the Thousand-Jin Drop would send petty outlaws fleeing in absolute terror, but my assumption proved entirely incorrect.

“I am Jin So-un of the Taeul Sect. Are you men bandits?”

“We belong to the Red Mountain Stronghold—”

“Understood. Would you be so kind as to let these two go? I happen to be in a tremendous rush.”

“I wasn’t finished speaking!”

Concluding that dialogue would yield no results, I prepared to signal the elderly man and the youth to retreat. Right then, the specific stance, small mannerisms, and physical bearing of the youth triggered a memory of someone I knew.

*‘Murong Jae-hwa?’*

He was the son of Murong Sang-won, whom I had encountered quite recently, and the younger sibling of Murong Seol. Scanning the skin along his neckline, I detected a slight variation in pigmentation. He was utilizing a Human-Skin Mask to conceal his true identity.

*‘What is going on here?’*

Murong Jae-hwa had undergone martial training since his youth, yet every single one of his Acupoints was completely sealed. Turning my attention to the older gentleman beside him, I realized he, too, was disguised with a Human-Skin Mask. The suppressed spiritual pressure radiating from him was anything but ordinary. Furthermore, as my eyes locked onto him, he inadvertently displayed a specific habit, revealing an identity that matched another figure in my memories.

Wind Earl Sword-Breaker, Murong Gang.

A premier master who contended for the absolute peak of swordsmanship alongside the Azure Emperor Divine Sword.

“No… What on earth is this…”

Before I could voice my bewilderment, the outlaws launched an assault from my blind spot. Instantly executing the Lotus technique, I slammed a pair of attackers into the dirt and deflected a descending axe utilizing the Minor Heaven Sword Art.

“Are you… unharmed?”

I posed an unusual question, but Murong Jae-hwa grasped the hidden context perfectly.

“M-my thanks. I was on the verge of a terrible fate.”

Murong Jae-hwa’s expression painted a picture of someone genuinely gripped by mortal terror. In stark contrast, a glimmer of amusement began to dance across the features of the Wind Earl Sword-Breaker.

*‘I recall stories that he was notorious for being a Strange Chivalrous Eccentric during his younger days…’*

He was evidently masquerading as a defenseless civilian while traveling the Murim alongside his grandson. As the outlaws hesitated, visibly shaken by my solitary exchange, I addressed the pair.

“I… shall take my leave now, if that is alright?”

“What?! What are you saying!”

“……”

I was well aware that Wind Earl Sword-Breaker took his elaborate pranks incredibly seriously, and held a particular distaste for anyone who disrupted his amusements. Without warning, Murong Gang dropped to his knees, prostrating himself on the earth.

“B-benevolent warrior, please deliver us! Even if you abandon me, please ensure my grandson’s safety!”

“……”

He trembled violently against the dirt, perfectly mimicking an old man paralyzed with fear by outlaws.

*‘If I just walk away now, will he find a way to make my life difficult later?’*

There was no sense in inviting future trouble from a master. I resolved to play along with his performance and neutralize the outlaws with maximum efficiency.

“All of you should turn back. They are far beyond your ability to handle.”

I dropped a subtle hint regarding Murong Gang’s true nature, but the thick-headed bandits, who had spent their entire lives living by the edge of a blade, completely missed the meaning.

“Confounded brat! He possesses a bit of skill!”

“Men! Eliminate him!”

“Charge!”

“Kill!”

In an instant, thirty men surged forward. Without a moment’s pause, I invoked the Taeul Eighty-Thousand Divine Steps, weaving seamlessly through their ranks while drawing the Black Dragon Sword.

Within the span of a mere three breaths, the outlaws found themselves right back where they had started, completely oblivious to what had just transpired.

“Eek!”

“Arrgh!”

“What happened to my clothes?!”

Simultaneously, every single one of their belts severed, causing their trousers to drop to the ground.

“The next stroke will land slightly lower than your waistline. Do you wish to test me further?”

The outlaws instinctively clutched their crotches. Turning on their heels, they sprinted away as fast as their legs could manage.

As I returned the Black Dragon Sword to its scabbard, Murong Gang ambled over.

“Hehehe. My profound thanks, Great Hero! How could a simple old man ever hope to return such benevolence?”

“…What brings you into the depths of these mountains?”

“Ah, I merely journeyed here to instruct my grandson in the trade of an Herb Gatherer.”

“…Ha, ha.”

His hunched posture, tattered garments, and the hand-woven basket strapped to his spine were flawless. He looked the part of an Herb Gatherer perfectly, and I could tell he was thoroughly enjoying his little game.

“…Understood. I shall be departing then…”

“Young master!”

The moment I attempted to make a swift exit, Murong Gang reached out and grabbed the edge of my trousers.

“W-what is it now?”

“In truth, a lifelong aspiration of this old man has been to pay a visit to the Taeul Sect. Since our encounter here is surely governed by destiny, might I travel alongside you to your sect?”

…No, why on earth would visiting the Taeul Sect be a lifelong dream for a peasant? It isn’t as if we are the Shaolin Temple. I swallowed a sigh at the sheer absurdity, but his face remained completely earnest.

“After learning of the grand reputation the Taeul Sect has recently earned across the land, I vowed I must see it for myself. If a frail old man like me journeys alone, how could I ever hope to gain entry? Would you not permit me to travel in your company?”

“…I am pressed for time at the moment, so I shall inform the gatekeepers of the Taeul Sect in advance. You and your grandson may visit whenever it suits you.”

“No, young master! This chance meeting is a sign from the heavens! It must be today.”

The retort, *‘What kind of simple Herb Gatherer pesters a martial artist with this much audacity!’* rose to the tip of my tongue, but I forced myself to suppress it.

“G-grandfather, please cease this. You are causing an inconvenience to the warrior.”

Murong Jae-hwa’s neck flushed crimson with sheer mortification. Under normal circumstances, his face would have mirrored the color, but the Human-Skin Mask obscured it entirely.

“Quiet, boy! Do you honestly believe you will ever cross paths with such an exceptional warrior again? If we miss this chance, the opportunity is gone forever.”

Realizing he had absolutely no intention of backing down, I finally surrendered.

“Very well. We shall journey together. Just to be absolutely certain, you have never trained in any movement arts, correct?”

“……”

“…Hoho. Whatever do you mean? What would a simple Herb Gatherer who has spent his entire existence in the wilderness know of such things?”

“Understood. In that case, I shall carry both of you on my back.”

Murong Gang vigorously dismissed the idea with his hands.

“Oh, heaven forbid, that absolutely will not do. To be completely frank, I suffer from severe motion sickness whenever movement arts are utilized. Moving at high speeds causes me to lose consciousness entirely.”

“……”

Murong Jae-hwa stared blankly at his grandfather as if looking at a lunatic.

“…Are you suggesting that we proceed on foot?”

“It seems there is no alternative…”

“That is out of the question. I apologize, but I must forge ahead. I have critical matters to attend to.”

If we walked, I would fail to arrive on time.

“…However, if we were to utilize horses, I believe I could manage the journey.”

“……”

“Naturally, that depends entirely on whether the young master can secure mounts for us…”

Irritation was genuinely starting to take hold of me. At this very moment, a revered senior of my sect was resting on the precipice of a devastating Qi Deviation, yet this supreme master was playing games just to sustain a bizarre whim.

I tilted my head and remarked, “Something seems highly unusual.”

“What might that be?”

“How is it that a simple peasant who digs for mountain herbs possesses the audacity to lecture a trained martial artist in this manner?”

“Cough, cough! W-what are you implying? When did this old soul ever lecture you… Hoho.”

“Indeed. To exert such pressure on a martial artist of my caliber, one would need to be, at the bare minimum, an Eminent Master of the Murim. There is simply no way a disheveled, obstinate old man like yourself could secretly be such an illustrious powerhouse, correct?”

“Cough! Disheveled and obstinate? I find those descriptions a bit uncalled for.”

I had no grasp of his motives for maintaining this charade, but individuals who favored eccentric behavior usually staked their entire pride on preserving the illusion. If he truly was a Strange Chivalrous Eccentric of Murong Gang’s caliber, he would refuse to drop the act unless a blade was held directly to his throat. In other words, this unique dynamic afforded me a rare window where I could repeatedly tweak the tiger’s whiskers without facing immediate retribution.

“Were my words too direct?”

“I believe they lacked a certain gentleness.”

“To think a commoner would chide a proud warrior like myself. Keep that up, and you might just receive a direct lesson from a martial artist who navigates the dangerous paths of this world.”

“Cough…”

Murong Gang’s disguised features began to contort with repressed emotion. I forged ahead, continuing to deliberately test his limits.

“Let us settle on this compromise. First, we will utilize my movement technique to reach the nearest transport hub. From that point, we shall ride horseback together directly to the Taeul Sect. Surely you can tolerate that much?”

“…Cough. If that is the sole option available, what leverage does a poor old man possess?”

Murong Gang offered a nod of agreement. Suddenly, a wave of curiosity washed over me regarding the alias he would employ for this particular charade.

“Might I inquire as to your name?”

“Ah! I am known as Gang of the Yong family. This young lad here is Jae-hwa.”

“Ah… naturally.”

I found myself completely unable to discern which elements of his performance were rooted in truth.

—

“They have arrived!”

The entire population of the Taeul Sect had assembled within the primary training square. The senior elders and Hall Masters had congregated to receive the envoys from the Murim Alliance, while the younger disciples, who had not even received an official summons, gathered alongside their peers to catch a glimpse of the legendary Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

“Everyone, maintain your positions!”

As Jin Tae-san moved to organize the children who were milling about, the youthful disciples scrambled to line up on either side of the path. Consequently, a dense cloud of dust and sand swirled into the air, stretching from the outer gates all the way to the Great Mysterious Hall.

*‘I should have directed someone to wet down the earth.’*

Perhaps it was an unavoidable reality that hosting such legendary figures made one feel that no amount of preparation was ever truly flawless, as Jin Tae-san could only shake his head in silent frustration.

As every eye locked onto the main threshold through the haze of swirling dust, a collective of young men and women stepped through the main entrance of the Taeul Sect.

At that exact moment, Jin Tae-san instinctively mobilized his inner cultivation.

*‘Hmm?’*

An incredibly oppressive, immense aura began to weigh heavily across the entire open courtyard.

*Thud, thud, thud.*

With every stride the advancing men and women took, the violently swirling sand dust began to drop directly to the earth, flattened as if subjected to an invisible weight. It was an incredibly sophisticated application of internal energy.

Witnessing such a mystical phenomenon, the junior disciples gasped in awe.

“Incredible…”

Conversely, the expressions of the Hall Masters and senior elders began to sour, mirroring Jin Tae-san’s irritation. The visiting youths advancing through the gates with their armaments were deliberately radiating their internal force in every direction.

This was a flagrant violation of Murim decorum.

While flattening the dust with True Qi undoubtedly created a dramatic visual impact, it simultaneously functioned as a blatant attempt to intimidate their hosts. Setting aside their status as official envoys, it was a highly disrespectful display to perform in front of senior figures who occupied a far higher standing within the generational hierarchy of the Murim.

By the time the group neared the steps of the Great Mysterious Hall, the airborne dust within the Taeul Sect grounds had been entirely suppressed. Standing prominently in the center was a group of individuals who exuded an undeniable aura, truly resembling dragons and phoenixes.

The individual clad in monastic garments at the front brought his hands together in a respectful greeting.

“An unestablished junior of the martial world, Il-myeong of Shaolin, extends greetings to the esteemed Sect Leader of the Taeul Sect. I trust you have remained in excellent health since our last encounter?”

With Il-myeong setting the precedent, the young dragons all executed a simultaneous salute.

New Plum Blossom Sword Hwa Jeong-san of Mount Hua.

Flying Cloud Fresh Wind Jong Byeok-gi of Diancang.

Clear Wind Bright Sword So Je-ho of Qingcheng.

Heavy Spear True Man Ak Buk-san of the Ak Clan.

Directly behind them, the young phoenixes offered elegant bows. The gazes of the young male disciples of the Taeul Sect converged upon them instantly. Their collective presence seemed to infuse the courtyard with a rich, floral essence, creating an illusion that springtime had suddenly blossomed within the sect.

The woman adorned in a vivid red palace gown, possessing strikingly crimson lips and an enigmatic stare, was none other than Soul-Capturing Xi Shi Seo Sa-ryeong, who held the second position among the Four Phoenixes. Standing directly beside her was a flawless beauty draped in blue attire, Jade-Faced Little Smile Hwangbo Yeon, whose delicate grin was rumored to be potent enough to tempt an enlightened Daoist Priest back to the mortal realm.

Adjacent to her stood White-Hand Divine Maiden Dang Seo-hui, a prodigy of toxicology whose sheer genius had compelled the Tang Clan to override its ancient ancestral law prohibiting female descendants from mastering its most guarded esoteric arts.

Bringing up the rear was Smiling Iron Sword Murong Seol, wrapped in a white fur mantle with a matching silk veil obscuring the lower half of her face, though even that barrier failed to diminish her extraordinary allure.

“““The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly extends its highest respects to the senior leaders of the Taeul Sect.”””

As their voices resonated in unison, the youthful onlookers erupted into a chorus of enthusiastic cheers. Once the brief wave of excitement dwindled and the young prodigies raised their heads, Hong Mun-gi offered a warm, grandfatherly smile.

“A hearty welcome to you all. You have undoubtedly endured a grueling journey to reach our domain.”

Hwa Jeong-san, sporting his distinctive black-and-white martial uniform adorned with intricate plum blossom needlework, took a step forward.

“Our thanks. Observing the fine disciples of the Taeul Sect executing the Purging Demons and Destroying Evil at the absolute vanguard of the conflict causes all the weariness of our journey to evaporate instantly.”

As Hwa Jeong-san spoke, Jin Tae-san’s suspicion deepened as he noticed a subtle, mocking smirk playing on the lips of Jong Byeok-gi in the background.

“Hoho, is that truly the case? Even so, you must ensure you receive proper rest. Upon learning of your impending arrival, I ordered fresh bedding to be prepared in your quarters. Though our accommodations may be modest, please rest comfortably before continuing your journey.”

“We are deeply grateful for your consideration, but as representatives bound by the Alliance, we cannot permit ourselves to become a drain on a sect actively engaged in the field. Consequently, we secured lodgings at a local inn yesterday.”

“……”

At Hwa Jeong-san’s cold refusal, the faces of the senior elders darkened visibly.

“How incredibly insulting.”

When Jin Tae-san turned his gaze toward the source of the quiet murmur, he discovered it was Jegal Cheon-gi who had spoken.

“Precisely. This violates basic standard etiquette.”

Wang So-so was the one who validated his statement. Beside her, Geum-pyo, Eun-ho, and Dong-ryong nodded their heads in grim agreement, while only Kang Yu-seong, who remained unversed in the complex protocols of the martial world, tilted his head in confusion. They stood as the solitary group of youths who remained entirely unimpressed by the grand arrival of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

“Senior Sister, what is the meaning behind your words?”

“The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly sent by the Murim Alliance is explicitly tasked with reinforcing diplomatic bonds, meaning it is standard practice for them to reside as guests within the sect they visit. Setting that aside, the mere act of a visiting party deliberately booking external accommodations is a direct, calculated snub to the host.”

“Ah…”

From his position, Hong Mun-gi spoke once more.

“Is that how things stand? Then it cannot be helped. Do you truly lack the time to even join us for an evening meal?”

The individuals who grew anxious over the seemingly frantic itinerary of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly were the junior disciples who remained ignorant of the underlying political insults.

“Regrettably, yes. We are bound to a strict timetable, so I believe we must limit our visit to these formal greetings before taking our leave.”

“Mmm… That is a true pity. I have formally received the greetings from both yourselves and the Murim Alliance. While it is unfortunate, we shall have to reserve our reminiscing for a future date.”

Just as Sect Leader Hong Mun-gi concluded his piece and prepared to pivot away, Hwa Jeong-san clasped his hands and intervened once more.

“Before we depart, there remains a solitary petition I wish to put forward.”

“A petition?”

“Indeed. It is a matter of profound significance to myself.”

“You may speak it.”

“Then I shall speak candidly. It has been a lifelong ambition of mine to engage in a Martial Duel with swordsmen who once achieved an absolute, unblemished realm of mastery. I have learned that the legendary blade technique of the mythical Taeul Sword Emperor has been preserved within the Taeul Sect for generations, and I desperately long to test myself against it. If I forfeit this chance, I know not when such a window will present itself again. Therefore, I must formally request that the Sect Leader personally grant this junior your profound guidance today.”

“Hah…”

“Unbelievable!”

A wave of heavy sighs swept through the ranks of the senior elders.

He was not an initiated disciple of the host sect, but rather a junior member of an entirely separate lineage, yet he possessed the audacity to demand a direct Martial Duel with the supreme leader of an independent sect. A more flagrant display of disrespect was virtually unimaginable.

“How dare that arrogant youth!”

Jegal Cheon-gi began rolling up his sleeves, preparing to physically step forward, but Wang So-so quickly extended a hand to restrain him.

“Junior Brother, keep your composure.”

“But Senior Sister…”

“He identified himself as an initiate of the Mount Hua Sect, did he not?”

“That is correct.”

“From this moment onward, the Mount Hua Sect is going to endure an immense amount of financial hardship.”

Wang So-so ground her teeth, her voice dripping with a vow of vengeance.

“Urgh…”

While Wang So-so’s declaration was delivered with enough force that members of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly might well have overheard, Jin Tae-san could not bring himself to reprimand her. Her outrage mirrored his own internal fury.

How much mockery and disrespect had the Taeul Sect been subjected to over the legacy of the Taeul Sword Emperor? In the end, was resurrecting the memory of the Taeul Sword Emperor as something grand not merely an underhanded tactic designed to heap fresh humiliation upon their lineage?

“We have navigated a long path to arrive here, and an equally arduous journey lies ahead of us. Recognizing this as a unique opportunity that may never come again in my existence, I humbly present this request.”

Hwa Jeong-san locked his gaze onto Hong Mun-gi, drawing the collective attention of everyone present onto the Sect Leader.

“……”

“I implore you to demonstrate a boundless, ocean-like magnanimity and bestow your profound wisdom upon a junior who has only recently begun to master the path of the blade.”

When Sect Leader Hong Mun-gi offered no immediate reply, Hwa Jeong-san dropped onto one knee. At this stage, neither the assembled elders nor Hong Mun-gi possessed the luxury of remaining silent.

*‘This will end in absolute ruin if it proceeds.’*

Hong Mun-gi lacked the martial capacity to overcome Hwa Jeong-san, a premier genius representing the Mount Hua Sect and the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. If events continued on this course, the leader would suffer an agonizing public humiliation right before his own disciples. Furthermore, the fragile morale of the disciples, which had only recently begun to recover and surge, would be utterly shattered in a single blow.

“…If you insist with such fervor, then it cannot be avoided. Fetch me a blade…”

Just as Hong Mun-gi prepared to stand from his chair in a state of grim resignation, and as Jin Tae-san moved to intervene and halt the madness—

*Bang!*

Someone forcefully struck the main gate of the Taeul Sect with an open palm.

Every single eye in the courtyard, including those of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, snapped toward the outer entrance.

“Haa… haa… haa… That specific… request… haa… I shall… haa… personally… fulfill… haa… it.”

The individual standing at the threshold was completely saturated in a thick layer of road dust from head to toe, panting desperately for oxygen. After a protracted moment of stabilizing his ragged breathing, he finally elevated his gaze.

The disciples of the Taeul Sect erupted into a thunderous, ecstatic roar.

“Eldest Senior Brother!”