The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 66

Chapter 66
## Chapter 66. The Great Roc Waiting for a Typhoon (4)

Ultimately, the decision was reached for the members of the Elder Hall to relocate to the Azure Sky Merchant Guild.

Naturally, Jin Tae-san, who served as the Hall Master of the Outer Hall, was designated to spearhead this entire endeavor.

With the clan’s financial pressures finally easing up, my father constantly let out deep, lingering sighs.

Even after shutting their gates to the outside world, the Sect Leader and the various Hall Masters would not have a single moment of peace, as they were tasked with restructuring Taeul Sect internally while simultaneously absorbing the martial arts of the Taeul Sword Emperor.

Fortunately, a few of the senior members had previously found employment with minor trading firms or security agencies to keep Taeul Sect afloat during its leaner years, so managing these affairs would not pose too great a challenge.

Furthermore, Taeul Sect could count on Wang So-so, and they always possessed the option to seek counsel from Wang Geum-san if needed.

Even after the primary details had been ironed out, the elders and Hall Masters remained rooted to their chairs.

Their expressions betrayed an intense, barely contained eagerness to gaze upon the True Inheritance of the Taeul Sword Emperor.

Recognizing this, Hong Mun-gi gave instructions for refreshments and liquor to be served, turning the moment into a small party that doubled as a viewing for the sacred legacy.

While the attention of the entire room became fixed on the true inheritance, I silently made my exit from the Great Mysterious Hall.

From there, I immediately set off to find Wang So-so.

With the isolation of the clan now virtually set in stone, there was a critical vulnerability that the Sect Leader and the older generation were overlooking.

The Murim Alliance was far from finished with this matter.

Though Murong Gang had given us his endorsement, and though the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly had validated us, the harsh reality remained that Diancang Sect and Mount Hua Sect had suffered a severe blow to their prestige.

Had it been an isolated incident involving a single individual, it might have blown over, but two distinct entities had seen their reputations tarnished. Moreover, those two individuals were the premier prodigies of Mount Hua and Diancang respectively.

Should those two factions combine their influence, the observers lingering on the periphery would undoubtedly begin coveting the True Inheritance of the Taeul Sword Emperor as well.

If public sentiment shifted heavily in that direction, the detached validation offered by Murong Gang would lose its efficacy.

At the very least, Taeul Sect required a window of safety to completely secure its borders and sever all external ties.

“Elder Brother! Over here!”

I made my way toward Wang So-so, who was currently training alongside the other younger students on the grounds of Swift Blossom Hall.

During the few months we had been apart, she had shot up in height and was rapidly losing the features of a young child.

‘They truly do say that young women mature quickly.’

I had crossed paths with numerous legendary beauties across the Jianghu, including Murong Seol, Namgung Seon-hwa, and Seong Mo-ran, not to mention the members of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

Yet, Wang So-so’s appearance did not pale in comparison to theirs whatsoever.

In fact, given that she still had plenty of room to grow, her future potential was something to behold.

‘I finally comprehend why fathers with daughters feel such animosity toward their future sons-in-law.’

Merely visualizing Wang So-so marrying some outsider provoked a protective pang in my chest, as if my own younger sibling were being taken from me.

“Your blade work has advanced significantly.”

“I have been practicing day and night. Before long, I might even manage to hold my own against Eun-ho for over a hundred exchanges in a sparring match.”

“But isn’t Eun-ho ranked among the top ten of our junior generation?”

“Exactly. Anyway, what was it that you wanted to discuss with me?”

“Your household possesses an abundance of gold bars, correct?”

Wang So-so cocked her head to the side in confusion.

“Do you think we only have gold bars? We also have golden toads, golden dragons, golden deer……”

“Right, right. Could you grant me a single request?”

“I can grant you two, or even three if you wish.”

I extended a bank note valued at one hundred taels toward her.

“Hmm?”

“What is the meaning of this?”

Murong Seol recounted the entire sequence of events regarding Jin So-un.

“……It is true that I acted improperly toward Young Master Jin So-un.”

“Sigh……”

It was rare for Murong Gang to wipe the amused expression from his face.

His characteristically cheerful countenance, brimming with lighthearted wit, usually made his grandchildren view him as an approachable and warm figure.

At this moment, however, his expression mirrored that of an owner whose cherished pet had just shattered an invaluable antique.

“I am deeply sorry.”

“You perceived with your own eyes that the representatives from the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly were entirely at fault, did you not?”

Murong Seol, who had consistently enjoyed the lion’s share of Murong Gang’s fondness, found her grandfather’s current demeanor entirely alien.

“What a waste. I deliberately engineered a scenario for you to establish a rapport, and yet you have rendered it completely utterly useless.”

“……?”

Though neither Murong Seol nor Murong Jae-hwa caught the underlying meaning of Murong Gang’s remark, neither presumed to challenge him.

“The affairs of the Jianghu rarely align perfectly with orthodox principles.”

Murong Gang’s tone had turned remarkably sober.

“When an adversary attempts to crush you underfoot to elevate themselves, you are obligated to demonstrate that you are not a helpless target. In those circumstances, utilizing an even more merciless approach is a perfectly valid strategy, is it not?”

“…….”

Even if Murong Seol possessed a multitude of excuses, she could find no words to defend herself.

Simultaneously, she felt a flicker of bewilderment as to why Murong Gang was adopting such an aggressive stance on the matter.

Naturally, she lacked the courage to voice that query.

“Had I been the one standing there, I would have completely destroyed that worthless Hwa Jeong-san’s dantian.”

“…….”

“Good grief. I anticipated that spending time with the Murim Alliance might teach you some flexibility, but you have somehow returned even more rigid than before.”

“…….”

“This is the very man who rescued your father from doom. Even without further elaboration from me, you are well aware of the gravity of your blunder, are you not?”

“Yes. I understand perfectly.”

“Seek him out and deliver a proper apology. Ensure that all lingering bitterness is dissolved on both sides.”

“I will do so……”

“Furthermore, sever your ties with that Dragon and Phoenix Assembly or whatever they call themselves. Continuing with them will only cause your perspective to solidify permanently. You will return to the main estate alongside me after this.”

“……I understand.”

Murong Gang stood up from his chair, muttering quietly to himself.

“I was informed that he shares a bond with that child Seon-hwa as well. I can only hope that old fox Namgung Tae-ha hasn’t already laid claim to him……”

Inevitably, Murong Jae-hwa and Murong Seol remained entirely in the dark regarding their grandfather’s cryptic musings.

Murong Seol lost no time in relaying her decision to the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

Upon receiving the news, a somber expression washed over Il-myeong’s face.

Barring a crisis that demanded an emergency gathering, participation in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly’s operations was voluntary.

This arrangement persisted partly because the assembly rarely undertook missions outside of inspecting Murim Alliance outposts and monitoring the One Hundred Eight Peaks, but primarily because each youth comprising the group was far too vital to their respective clans and the Murim Alliance itself, earning them pre-approved independence.

Consequently, during this particular excursion, Yong So-ah of Wudang Sect, Namgung San of the Namgung Clan, and Hye-yeon of the Emei Sect were already elsewhere.

With Jong Byeok-gi and Hwa Jeong-san already severely incapacitated, Murong Seol’s departure effectively brought the current operations of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly to a grinding halt.

“This will thoroughly upend our itinerary.”

“Please accept my apologies.”

“Think nothing of it. Everyone must attend to their own private matters.”

Il-myeong replied, his countenance weighed down by gravity.

“It is an unfortunate turn. Taeul Sect defied all of our expectations……”

So Je-ho of Qingcheng Sect began to speak, but his voice withered under the fierce, venomous glares directed at him by Jong Byeok-gi and Hwa Jeong-san.

Jong Byeok-gi’s resentment, in particular, was carved deep into his soul.

“That miserable little insect……”

He had suffered a crushing defeat in an entirely unforeseen arena, at the hands of an unimaginable opponent, through a technique he could not comprehend.

Worse still, due to the sudden intervention of Murong Gang, any avenue for reclaiming his honor had vanished entirely.

Currently, he was reduced to fretting over whether Murong Gang might seek further retribution against him.

“I, I…… will absolutely……. Argh!”

Before he could finish his thought, Jong Byeok-gi clutched his skull as an agonizing throb pulsed through his upper head.

One side of his cranium had swelled up monstrously, mimicking the appearance of a massive protrusion.

Dang Seo-hui, who was tasked with treating his injuries, seized him by the hair and shoved him ruthlessly back down to the ground.

“Did my warnings to remain completely motionless elude you? If your goal is to spend the remainder of your days plagued by chronic migraines, by all means, keep moving.”

tyranny.
“…….”

Dang Seo-hui was notorious for her volatile temperament, a woman unstable enough to deploy lethal toxins against her own allies within the Murim Alliance if crossed.

Jong Byeok-gi clamped his jaws shut, doing nothing but grinding his teeth in silent fury.

Observing the pathetic display, Il-myeong’s brow remained tightly furrowed.

‘Yong So-ah…… it is highly probable he operates on that exact plane…….’

In Jin So-un, Il-myeong was recognizing the exact same overwhelming aura he had encountered upon his first introduction to Yong So-ah.

“It is highly possible…… that an immense upheaval is brewing within the Jianghu.”

“What are you implying?”

“I am stating that we must fundamentally alter our perception of Taeul Sect.”

“To hell with that, we cannot simply allow them to get away with this.”

Prompted by Il-myeong’s assessment, Jong Byeok-gi forced himself upright.

At that exact instant, Dang Seo-hui, whose patience had evaporated entirely, plunged a silver needle directly into Jong Byeok-gi’s paralytic point.

“Gah!”

“Did my instruction to stay still fail to register? Are you eager to experience the agony of the Muscle-Separating and Bone-Seizing technique?”

“N-No. Absolutely not. I shall remain perfectly still……”

Terrified, Jong Byeok-gi immediately turned his eyes toward Hwa Jeong-san for solidarity.

“Jeong-san, voice your thoughts as well. Surely we cannot let this insult slide, can we?”

“…….”

Hwa Jeong-san offered no response, staring blankly ahead with hollow, shadowed eyes.

“And what exactly do you propose occurs if we refuse to let it slide?”

Confronted by Seo Sa-ryeong’s inquiry, Jong Byeok-gi’s gaze shifted erratically around the room.

“Naturally, an official report must be filed with the Murim Alliance. We are obligated to inform them that a martial art of highly suspicious origins has surfaced!”

“Regrettably, the esteemed Elder Murong Gang has already openly affirmed its legitimacy before everyone.”

Jong Byeok-gi snapped his gaze toward Murong Seol.

“Hmph! Have you discarded the core purpose of our organization? Our mandate is to execute evaluations and investigations entirely unswayed by outside leverage. Is that not our reality, Jeong-san?”

injustice.
“…….”

When Hwa Jeong-san remained completely silent to Jong Byeok-gi’s prodding, Murong Seol’s expression hardened into an icy stare.

“Do you operate under the delusion that the Murong Clan will remain passive?”

“Have I not stated that their stance is irrelevant? The final authority rests solely with the Murim Alliance. Is it your belief that even the Murong Clan can defy a decree from the Alliance?”

As he observed the tense psychological standoff playing out between Jong Byeok-gi and Murong Seol, Il-myeong’s eyes darkened further.

There was a disturbing layer of truth to Jong Byeok-gi’s assertions.

Should Jong Byeok-gi and Hwa Jeong-san mobilize their factions, Diancang and Mount Hua would inevitably act in unison. Furthermore, if the details of this day’s events were publicized, a flood of martial artists would naturally seek out information regarding the style. Once the situation escalated to that threshold, not even the Sword-Breaker under Heaven would possess the authority to contain it single-handedly.

Such was the manipulative power of a righteous pretext.

“Hmm…… Is this a wise path? Young Master Jin appears to possess a temperament that is anything but compliant.”

As Seo Sa-ryeong spoke while tracing her ivory finger across her crimson lips, Jong Byeok-gi swallowed nervously, though his bravado only amplified.

“Mark my words. I will bring this to fruition. The moment Diancang and Mount Hua spearhead the charge, the remaining sects will inevitably follow out of sheer curiosity.”

Jong Byeok-gi was mapping out the precise strategy Il-myeong had anticipated.

Il-myeong recognized that his own sect would be unable to distance themselves from the allure of this situation.

Could any martial artist genuinely suppress their intrigue regarding a Taeul Sect technique capable of shattering the Diamond Prajna Palm?

Suddenly, Murong Seol glanced toward the entrance.

Seo Sa-ryeong and Hwangbo Yeon followed her gaze a moment later.

Before long, a young man scaling the perimeter wall stepped into view, holding several parcels in his arms.

“Young…… Master Jin…….”

At Murong Seol’s utterance, the gazes of both Jong Byeok-gi and Hwa Jeong-san sharpened instantly.

Jong Byeok-gi silently implored Dang Seo-hui to release his restricted points, but her focus remained locked onto Jin So-un.

“The Sect Leader requested that I visit to verify if your accommodations are satisfactory or if anything is causing you distress.”

He carried an easy smile, maintaining an entirely poised and fearless demeanor.

It was as though the brutal, life-or-death confrontation from the previous afternoon had never even occurred.

Il-myeong allowed a polite smile to form on his lips as he stepped forward to greet the newcomer.

“We have been enjoying our stay immensely, courtesy of your hospitality. I only worry that our presence is causing an undue burden on your clan.”

“Welcoming the illustrious Dragon and Phoenix Assembly is an absolute privilege for any sect within the Jianghu. Though your stay may be brief, please allow yourselves to unwind completely while you are here.”

Hearing Jin So-un’s words, the hearts of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly members wavered.

Had they not engaged in a savage duel just yesterday? How could he speak with such detached lightheartedness?

“Are your injuries manageable, Young Hero?”

“There isn’t a single patch of skin on my frame that doesn’t ache. As one would expect, the blade of Mount Hua is extraordinarily terrifying.”

“…….”

Hwa Jeong-san cast a murderous glare directly at Jin So-un.

Beside him, Jong Byeok-gi similarly attempted to project a menacing look through his paralyzed frame, though the swelling made the effort appear entirely absurd.

“I must request the indulgence of the Venerable Il-myeong, as I have brought along some grain tea.”

“Grain tea” was the standard euphemism utilized by Buddhist monastics when discussing alcoholic beverages.

“Hoho, grain tea, is it?”

“Among the younger disciples of our sect is a child belonging to the Wang Estate, so I commissioned her to procure a vintage of Gold-Dust Fine Wine.”

Gold-Dust Fine Wine was an ultra-premium spirit manufactured exclusively by the Wang Estate.

While recognized as one of the hallmark treasures of Hefei, it was a luxury denied to the vast majority of martial artists.

As he undid the fabric binding the parcels, five beautifully crafted bottles of liquor were revealed.

“……Given the distance you have traveled to reach us, I felt it only proper that you sample the finest delicacy our region has to offer.”

“You have my gratitude. While my vows prevent me from indulging, the rest of our companions will surely appreciate this bounty. Taeul Sect has extended an extraordinary amount of care toward us.”

“Please, do not give it a second thought. Are we not all comrades traveling toward the same goal under the grand banner of the Murim Alliance? Hahahaha.”

So-un let out a boisterous laugh, yet none of the young men present could bring themselves to join in.

For reasons they couldn’t articulate, they felt entirely dominated by the presence of So-un, who was visibly younger than them by several years.

Conversely, the female members of the group watched So-un with flashing, intrigued eyes.

“Young Master Jin, by what means did you achieve such overwhelming martial prowess? The sheer caliber of Taeul Sect’s hidden heritage left me utterly spellbound.”

Hearing the melodic, enchanting voice of the Soul-Capturing Xi Shi Seo Sa-ryeong, Jong Byeok-gi realized her intent far too late.

The Soul-Capturing Xi Shi Seo Sa-ryeong had just subtly signaled her absolute refusal to involve herself in Jong Byeok-gi’s vengeful scheme.

“…….”

Furthermore, she had neatly provided Jin So-un with a perfect opening to define the narrative of their martial arts.

Naturally, Jin So-un seized the opening flawlessly.

“In truth, the credit for that revelation belongs entirely to the esteemed Great Hero Hwa.”

The surrounding martial artists looked confused.

“…….”

“To be perfectly candid, our sect went through immense hardships to recover the lost martial arts of our Grand Patriarch, yet we were plagued by uncertainty regarding how to unveil them to the Jianghu. Simply proclaiming our discovery would likely draw us into endless skepticism and hostility—precisely like the friction we witnessed today.”

Il-myeong’s mouth parted slightly as the realization dawned on him.

“Yet, at the most opportune moment imaginable, Great Hero Hwa Jeong-san expressed an earnest desire to witness the legendary blade work of the Taeul Sword Emperor, thereby gifting us the perfect stage to demonstrate its legitimacy.”

“T-That was…… Ahem.”

Hwa Jeong-san found himself entirely tongue-tied.

The instant he confessed that his original motive was aimed at humiliating Taeul Sect, he would utterly destroy his own standing in the martial world.

“It is undeniable that I pushed my limits too far in the heat of the moment, resulting in injuries to the Great Hero. Because of this outcome, our Sect Leader has been plagued by guilt over harming a vital benefactor.”

The deployment of the word “benefactor” caused Hwa Jeong-san’s skin to flush a deep crimson.

Il-myeong observed Jin So-un spinning this intricate web of lies with absolute composure, viewing him as if he were an entirely unprecedented species of strategist.

Jin So-un stepped closer to Hwa Jeong-san.

He then placed the second, smaller bundle onto the surface before the injured swordsman.

“……What does this contain?”

“Our lineage is modest, meaning we lack rare elixirs or treasures capable of instantly replenishing inner qi within our storehouses. Please accept this alternative token of our regard.”

“……Hmph. Regardless of what a minor lineage like Taeul Sect puts forward……”

Hwa Jeong-san grumbled as he carelessly unwrapped the cloth, but his dismissive expression froze instantly upon seeing the contents.

When the lid of the exquisitely crafted antique container was lifted, it revealed an ornate plum blossom tree intricately carved from premium ox horn and solid gold.

Even Seo Sa-ryeong, who routinely wore the most opulent jewelry crafted from gold, silver, and jade, widened her eyes in astonishment.

“Ah……”

“I chanced upon this artifact a few months back, and I am now convinced it was fated to forge this exact alliance between us. I trust you can exchange it for whatever spiritual medicine is required to ensure Great Hero Hwa Jeong-san’s swift convalescence.”

“……An alliance?”

“It may have faded from memory, but long ago, the presiding Hall Master of our Busaeng Hall originated as a Lay Disciple of the Mount Hua Sect. Ultimately, the profound Dao of Mount Hua traversed a grand circle to intertwine with our own Taeul Sect.”

“…….”

“In light of that shared heritage, I committed a reckless offense during our match, so you can easily imagine the profound sorrow weighing on our Sect Leader’s conscience.”

Hwa Jeong-san was entirely stripped of any counterargument. Beside him, Jong Byeok-gi’s face shifted through a spectrum of red and purple as he watched his ally get completely disarmed.

“Hwa Jeong-san, fling that cheap bauble back at him! What manner of warriors are we to grant absolution over a mere trinket?”

Hearing Jong Byeok-gi’s outburst, Hwa Jeong-san snapped his head around with an icy glare.

“……Hold your tongue!”

“What did you say?!”

“Is it not entirely due to your unsolicited meddling that this entire situation escalated to such a disastrous degree?”

Jong Byeok-gi’s face burned hotter than ever before.

“Gah!”

Furthermore, standing directly behind Jin So-un was the colossal shadow of Murong Gang.

To court the enmity of a man defined by such erratic behavior, peerless martial arts, and an almighty clan carried a risk that vastly outweighed any potential benefit.

It became clear that Hwa Jeong-san’s prolonged silence had been spent calculating an elegant exit strategy from the dispute.

Jong Byeok-gi glared at Jin So-un with eyes dripping with venom.

“You arrogant brat! Do not delude yourself into thinking this matter is settled!”

Jin So-un met the hostile gaze with an equally frigid stare.

“Those words mirror my exact sentiments. Taeul Sect intends to hold the memory of today’s actions close to our hearts for a very long time.”

“I am Jong Byeok-gi of the Diancang Sect! Do you honestly believe your hollow threats induce fear in me?”

“……Fear is precisely what you should be experiencing. Senior Murong Gang has explicitly stated his intention to escort you personally.”

“Ack! W-What are you implying by that?!”

“Since your actions disrupted his eccentric travels, it is only natural that you pay the appropriate penalty. Furthermore, he mentioned he would be dispatching an official missive directly to the Sect Leader of Diancang Sect. I highly recommend you prepare yourself for severe disciplinary measures upon your return.”

Jong Byeok-gi’s complexion drained to a sickly pale white, while a profound sigh of relief escaped Hwa Jeong-san’s lips.

“……Would you be so kind as to inform your Sect Leader that this junior is deeply reflecting upon his unrefined conduct?”

Hearing Hwa Jeong-san’s submissive remark, Jong Byeok-gi and the remaining members of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly stared in absolute disbelief.

“Did I not emphasize it? He harbors nothing but appreciation for you. Did you not declare that the legendary figure whom Mount Hua’s New Plum Blossom Sword holds in the highest esteem is none other than the Taeul Sword Emperor?”

“Ahem…… That is indeed the case.”

“What grander tribute could our Taeul Sect possibly ask for?”

“Ahem…… There is no need for such flattery. Witnessing your sword forms firsthand has firmly solidified my conviction that my assessments were entirely accurate all along.”

As he watched Hwa Jeong-san amiably conversing and exchanging pleasantries with Jin So-un as though they were old friends, Jong Byeok-gi’s expression grew progressively bewildered.

Meanwhile, Il-myeong, who had quietly observed the entire psychological execution, felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

‘This individual…… is truly terrifying.’

The display Jin So-un had put on during their duel had not merely been designed to showcase the resurrected inheritance of his sect.

He had projected the aura of a man confronting a mortal foe.

A relentless, uncompromising drive that seemed intent on demanding blood.

Yet, here he was, smoothly executing a calculated falsehood as though that terrifying bloodlust had been nothing more than an act.

Thanks to the overarching presence of Murong Gang, the immediate friction between the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly and Taeul Sect was effectively neutralized.

The core threat lay with Diancang and Mount Hua, the two entities that had suffered actual loss. Yet Jin So-un had deliberately bypassed a uniform settlement. He had bestowed an incredibly lavish bribe exclusively upon Mount Hua, reinforcing it with a fabricated historical connection.

Through this maneuver, Hwa Jeong-san was left with no logical choice but to discard his animosity, leaving Jong Byeok-gi completely isolated. The Diancang disciple was now facing mounting consequences for his own actions, with zero righteous justification left to lean on.

‘His prowess with a blade is formidable enough, but his capacity for manipulation is far more dangerous.’

What made Yong So-ah an object of reverence was a supreme martial talent that ordinary men could never hope to equal.

Yet, he did not project an aura of terror.

Yong So-ah lacked the temperament of a sovereign ruler, meaning he posed no true existential threat.

In stark contrast, Jin So-un commanded an intricate, calculating intellect capable of bending individuals to his whims effortlessly.

‘Moving forward, the entire Jianghu will experience a massive shift because of Taeul Sect…… no, because of that solitary youth.’

Jin So-un offered a relaxed glance back at the assembled prodigies of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

“I shall leave you to your rest now. Please enjoy the remainder of your evening.”

Just as Jin So-un turned his heel to depart.

“Hold your steps for a brief moment.”

Dang Seo-hui’s voice cut through the air, causing the remaining members of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly to look toward her in shock.

It was widely known that she virtually never initiated conversation with individuals outside her immediate circle.

“There remains an unresolved matter between the two of us.”

“Ah…… You are referring to that particular business.”

For the very first time during the encounter, a flicker of genuine unease crossed Jin So-un’s features.

“I have resolved to dismiss the grievance regarding the Golden Dragon Hidden Weapon. Consider the letter from Lord Divine Sword and the resolution of today’s events as an acceptable apology.”

The surrounding assembly members exchanged blank looks, entirely ignorant of the context.

One reality was undeniably clear: Dang Seo-hui was publicly executing her own separation from Jong Byeok-gi’s doomed campaign.

“I…… appreciate your leniency.”

“In exchange, you owe me a proper martial duel when the time is right.”

“!!”

For an eccentric like Dang Seo-hui to demand a duel was her ultimate expression of personal fascination.

“Is it your desire to clash today?”

“Today is ill-suited for a proper match.”

Jin So-un, blind to her deeper eccentricities, merely offered a respectful nod of agreement.

“I will gladly receive your guidance whenever the opportunity arises.”

“Then our pact is sealed.”

With those final words, Jin So-un stepped through the entrance.

“I shall take my leave as well.”

Murong Seol vanished through the doorway without waiting for a reply from her companions.

To any observer, her hasty departure carried the clear intent of pursuing Jin So-un.

“Oh dear, I had no inkling that our Seol possessed such a forward nature.”

Seo Sa-ryeong concealed her smiling lips behind her sleeve, letting out a soft laugh.

“……This entire sequence of events is profoundly unsettling on multiple levels.”

“…….”

“…….”

The young men of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, who had spent their entire lives wanting for nothing, locked their jaws tight as they confronted a bitter, unfamiliar sensation of absolute defeat for the first time in their lives.