The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 69

Chapter 69
Chapter 69. The ‘First’ Trial of the Hell Regular Exam (3)

“What do you intend by those words?”

The countenance of the woman portraying Yeo Mi-mi turned icy for the first time.

“My request was explicitly for the status of a ‘Guest Retainer.’ Not a basic partnership for trading intelligence.”

“Are you implying that my word cannot be trusted?”

“The individual claiming the title of Gate Master has avoided referencing the position of ‘Guest Retainer’ entirely.”

“……I am certain my explanation was sufficient.”

I stood up from where I sat.

“Your position is clear to me. While it is unfortunate, there is nothing more to be done.”

“Our conversation has not concluded!”

The surrounding combatants shifted into a defensive line, appearing ready to unsheathe their blades at any second.

Just then.

The elderly woman I had been observing quietly lifted her gaze.

“Drop it. That will do.”

“…….”

The woman acting as Yeo Mi-mi clamped her mouth shut and retreated to the side.

“You performed adequately. This young man is merely far from ordinary.”

Her countenance, framed by scattered silver locks, was deeply lined with soft creases.

Her thorough inspection of my form, combined with her slightly slouched posture, made her look precisely like an affectionate grandmother evaluating a potential partner her granddaughter had brought home.

Yet this elderly lady, completely devoid of any internal energy cultivation, was the true leader commanding Hao Gate, the real Yeo Mi-mi.

“Forgive my failure, Gate Master.”

The disciple who had been impersonating Yeo Mi-mi grew red-faced and bowed her head in shame.

“Even so, I must ask. What gave it away?”

I had never encountered her face-to-face during my past life.

Nevertheless, I possessed detailed reports concerning her identity.

“The moment I stepped inside, every single senior servant glanced in my direction. Only you, Gate Master, kept your eyes averted.”

“!”

The stationary attendants all stiffened in surprise.

I lightly gestured with the documents I had been handed.

“Furthermore, had my acceptance as a Guest Retainer been genuine, you would not have offered me such superficial intelligence.”

“Superficial? Your insolence is uncalled for!”

The lady who had posed as Yeo Mi-mi bit her lip in frustration.

I shifted my gaze between the two women, silently questioning how to properly address the younger one. Reading my intent immediately, Yeo Mi-mi provided the name.

“This is Hae-ryeong, my eldest disciple.”

“Indeed. The data Senior Hae-ryeong compiled for me does little more than catalog prominent individuals. If this intelligence were meant to be genuinely beneficial, it would focus less on names and far more on the specific mountain fortresses I need to strike, as well as the rivals targeting those same bases.”

“…….”

Hae-ryeong’s cheeks burned crimson.

It was highly probable that Hae-ryeong had drafted the dossier herself.

The factor that allowed Yeo Mi-mi to lead Hao Gate despite lacking even a trace of martial arts cultivation extended far beyond mere public adoration.

Her position was secured by an analytical mind capable of rendering unmatched forecasts, paired with a processing speed and precision that left rival intelligence networks far behind.

“As you pointed out, the Taeul Sect is destined for greatness. Align your network with us when that moment arrives.”

“…….”

“…….”

My blunt declaration caused an immediate wave of animosity to permeate the chamber.

For the members of Hao Gate, the syndicate was far more than an employer or a mere collective.

It functioned as their companion, their household, and a bond equivalent to genetic family.

This intense solidarity served as the bedrock enabling them to match the peerless intelligence network of the Beggars’ Sect across the entire land.

“Since your understanding of us runs so deep, you must comprehend the necessity behind our rigorous screening process for the rank of ‘Guest Retainer.’”

Across the generations, the individuals granted Guest Retainer status by Hao Gate had exclusively been peerless champions of the Jianghu.

Throughout the faction’s extensive chronicle, their total count could be tallied on fewer than ten fingers.

This scarcity existed because the majority of those masters chose not to establish rival factions, preferring to dwell quietly amidst remote peaks and isolated glens.

This practice tied directly into the core purpose of Hao Gate.

The objectives of a Guest Retainer could never collide with the priorities of Hao Gate.

Ultimately, the paramount mission of Hao Gate had always remained the safeguarding of its own brethren.

“Your loyalty lies with the Taeul Sect, an entity currently poised to expand its influence drastically. Is that reality alone not a sufficient barrier to preventing your entry as our Guest Retainer?”

“To walk within the Jianghu means one can never truly isolate oneself from its currents. If you feared entanglements, your organization should have abstained from commercializing the secrets of the martial world from the very beginning.”

“…….”

“As previously noted, the catastrophe at the Demon Spirit Plateau occurred because of Hao Gate’s isolationist tendencies. Should accountability be demanded for that disaster, which network do you believe would endure the more devastating blow—the Beggars’ Sect or Hao Gate?”

During my past existence, Hao Gate had been pushed to the very brink of total destruction.

Had it not been for the exceptional talents of Yang Gun-baek, the faction would have failed to recover.

“I respect the core ideology of Hao Gate—shielding the defenseless. Were I a simple tavern laborer, I would find immense solace in your existence. Yet Hao Gate has expanded across the entire breadth of the Jianghu. Clinging to outdated strategies guarantees that a secondary or tertiary calamity akin to the Demon Spirit Plateau will inevitably manifest. You must broaden your perspective beyond this narrow confinement.”

Yeo Mi-mi observed me intently, her lined features unreadable.

“Are you implying that you hold the answer to this dilemma?”

The Beggars’ Sect had completely overlooked the resurgence of the Demonic Cult in the end.

A monopoly in intelligence gathering invariably leads to internal decay; instead of evaluating impartial truths, such a group begins tailoring data to serve its personal agendas.

Had Hao Gate survived intact, the intelligence surrounding the Demonic Cult’s re-emergence might have taken an entirely different trajectory.

“As you pointed out, the Taeul Sect is destined for greatness. Align your network with us when that moment arrives.”

“……Your silver-tongued arguments are incredibly self-serving. I admit, for a brief second, you nearly convinced me.”

I took no offense at Yeo Mi-mi’s skepticism.

It was precisely her uncompromising nature, bordering on an obsession with organizational integrity, that had forged Hao Gate into its current form.

“It seems you aren’t so easily swayed.”

My audacious demeanor elicited a small chuckle from Yeo Mi-mi.

“Heh…… you truly possess a thick skin. Nonetheless, because your words carried some weight, I find myself inclined to offer you an opportunity.”

“Gate Master!”

Hae-ryeong’s complexion went stark white for the first time.

“Are the issues this youth highlighted not the very vulnerabilities we ourselves have pondered? Are we to dismiss a potential remedy merely out of stubbornness?”

“…….”

“If you are well-versed in our first two criteria, you must surely comprehend the nature of the third requirement.”

“To prove oneself fundamentally beneficial to Hao Gate.”

“Heh…… are you aware that this particular benchmark is never disclosed to outsiders? Even those who achieved the rank of Guest Retainer remained unaware of when their evaluation actually concluded.”

“Is that the case?”

Having unearthed that specific detail within the restricted archives of Sim Hyeon-gak, I found her statement entirely logical.

“Yet given your current circumstances, an immediate appointment to Guest Retainer is paramount, otherwise an alliance serves no purpose for you, correct?”

Yeo Mi-mi appeared to have discerned exactly how I planned to leverage her organization’s intelligence assets.

“I shall grant you a trial. Naturally, it will demand a great deal from you.”

“What does it entail?”

“Word has reached me that you share an acquaintance with the Master of Wang Estate.”

“Something along those lines.”

“Wang Geum-san of the Wang Estate holds a highly prized possession that our faction requires. Can you secure it for us?”

Hae-ryeong abruptly interjected herself ahead of Yeo Mi-mi.

“Gate Master…… please, you needn’t do this.”

“Be silent.”

Hae-ryeong bowed her head and retreated a pace.

The underlying meaning of their brief exchange eluded me entirely.

“Are you capable of delivering it?”

“I must understand exactly what this item is before I can request it from the Estate Master, shouldn’t I?”

Glancing briefly at Hae-ryeong, Yeo Mi-mi addressed me directly.

“I shall explain the details of that matter myself.”

Her response caused me to tilt my head in curiosity.

The true identity of Hao Gate’s leader, Yeo Mi-mi, had remained completely shrouded from the public eye.

Just how critical was this objective if it compelled the reclusive leader to personally step forward?

The flaw Jin So-un pointed out echoed a persistent anxiety that both Yeo Mi-mi and Hae-ryeong had harbored for a long time.

In fact, Hae-ryeong had initially advocated for expanding and modernizing Hao Gate even more progressively than the Gate Master herself.

But following the tragic demise of Tae-gong—Hae-ryeong’s spouse and Yeo Mi-mi’s secondary pupil—due to a compromised identity, Hae-ryeong’s outlook had shifted into a defensive conservatism that surpassed even the Gate Master’s caution.

Yet, just as Jin So-un stated, their current methodology had exhausted its viability.

Sub-factions everywhere were experiencing friction, and the operatives within the network were nearing their breaking point.

Despite being aware of these systemic failures, Hae-ryeong remained tethered to the memory of Tae-gong and stubbornly resisted alteration.

Consequently, Yeo Mi-mi found herself placing a silent hope upon Jin So-un.

She desired for him to shatter Hae-ryeong’s rigid perspective.

She wished for her unfortunate disciple to escape the bleak specter that dominated her life.

Lost in these reflections, Yeo Mi-mi planned to arrange a later appointment with Estate Master Wang, but Jin So-un insisted that their meeting with Estate Master Wang happen without delay.

“My schedule permits no delays.”

Jin So-un was firm, though she highly doubted such an immediate audience could be achieved.

After all, a figure like Wang Geum-san could not be approached as casually as a local village herbalist.

Nevertheless…

“Haha! I assumed your hectic schedule would force you to depart, yet here you are visiting me after all.”

Hearing Wang Geum-san’s welcoming tone left Yeo Mi-mi and her proxy, Hae-ryeong, utterly astounded.

Eminent dignitaries, aristocrats, and renowned martial artists of the Murim typically spent weeks, or sometimes months, trying to secure an audience with him.

Furthermore, if pressing matters arose for Wang Geum-san on the scheduled date, cancellations were frequent.

Yet at this moment, Wang Geum-san behaved precisely like a man who had spent weeks eagerly awaiting Jin So-un’s arrival.

“I apologize if my unannounced arrival has disrupted your valuable schedule, Estate Master.”

Wang Geum-san, brushing aside a massive stack of paperwork, scrutinised Jin So-un’s appearance intently.

“A day or two of delayed paperwork is of no consequence. Tell me, are you officially participating in the Murim Academy examination?”

“Yes, that is the path I am taking. To that end, I brought these individuals along to request your assistance, Estate Master. They represent Hao Gate.”

Jin So-un smoothly introduced the organization.

Hae-ryeong moved to the forefront.

“Greetings, Estate Master. I am the leader of Hao Gate, Yeo Mi-mi.”

Though Yeo Mi-mi had intended to step forward personally given the stature of Wang Geum-san, Hae-ryeong had stubbornly insisted on maintaining the charade.

Unable to deny her deeply grieving disciple, Yeo Mi-mi had relented to Hae-ryeong’s desires.

In response to Hae-ryeong’s formal bow, Wang Geum-san offered nothing more than a curt nod.

“Greetings. You may address me as Wang.”

Such a dismissal was incredibly discourteous to a prominent organizational leader.

This demeanor sharply contrasted with the intelligence dossiers Yeo Mi-mi possessed regarding Wang Geum-san’s character.

“Is the assistance of Hao Gate required for this test?”

“Indeed.”

“I see. What specific category of intelligence do you require?”

Curiously, Wang Geum-san’s conduct deviated entirely from Hao Gate’s records.

While showing clear disrespect to the purported Gate Master, his tone with Jin So-un mirrored that of an affectionate guardian rather than a calculating merchant.

“I require real-time tracking of the test parameters as they shift dynamically.”

“Ah, for data of that nature, relying on the networks of the Beggars’ Sect or Hao Gate is indeed standard practice.”

As Wang Geum-san conceded the point, Hae-ryeong interjected.

“Hao Gate is fully capable of—”

Before she could finish, Wang Geum-san abruptly interrupted her once more.

“Alternatively, why not allow the Wang Estate to handle your security and information needs?”

“…….”

Hae-ryeong’s expression contorted with deep frustration.

The entire negotiation threatened to collapse before they could even vocalize their true objective.

“What exactly do you propose?”

“I am willing to deploy every resource and contact tied to the Wang Estate across the land to secure whatever data you require. Your scope remains centered on your immediate surroundings, after all. There is no need for comprehensive Jianghu-wide surveillance, is there?”

“Hm…….”

His assessment was undeniably accurate.

Given that the Master of Wang Estate retained agents throughout the entire Jianghu, he could easily construct an intelligence apparatus that, while perhaps inferior to Hao Gate, would not fall drastically short.

Of course, analytical acumen and operational velocity remained entirely different issues.

While Yeo Mi-mi observed this development with growing anxiety, fortunately, Jin So-un declined the offer with a shake of his head.

“I cannot accept that, Estate Master. You should not incur massive expenditures solely for my benefit.”

“Haha! My dear boy, why fret over petty costs? Should you demand it, I would gladly place the entirety of the Wang Estate in your hands!”

Listening to the familiar banter between Jin So-un and Wang Geum-san caused Hae-ryeong’s face to burn crimson with embarrassment.

As a representative of Hao Gate utilizing the supreme title of Gate Master, she had never known such disregard within the Jianghu.

This encounter marked the very first time she had been subjected to such blatant marginalization.

“Your behavior is genuinely insulting.”

“Hm?”

“Do you hold Hao Gate in such low regard?”

Wang Geum-san’s demeanor instantly shifted.

His features grew rigid and imposing.

Much like Yeo Mi-mi, he possessed absolutely no internal martial cultivation, yet he radiated an authoritative aura capable of subduing anyone beneath the heavens.

He spoke with icy precision.

“The question belongs to me. How foolish do you take me for, attempting to pass yourself off as the supreme leader of Hao Gate?”

“?!”

Wang Geum-san’s sharp deduction caused Yeo Mi-mi’s eyes to narrow slightly in surprise.

It was clear that amateur deception could not deceive an expert of his caliber.

His calculated coldness toward their party from the very start now made perfect sense.

“While the true identity of the Hao Gate Master remains obscure, records indicate she guides thirteen direct disciples, the eldest of whom was taken in fifteen years ago. Were you truly the grand master, Hao Gate would be a childish game rather than a premier intelligence network.”

dishonesty?”

Ultimately, the genuine Yeo Mi-mi was forced to intervene.

Yeo Mi-mi moved Hae-ryeong, whose shoulders had drooped, behind her and respectfully performed a clasped hands greeting.

“Accept my apologies, Estate Master. My pupil acted purely out of concern for her frail mentor; I beg your leniency regarding her misconduct.”

The emotional trauma Hae-ryeong sustained following the loss of Tae-gong had been shattering.

Compounding her grief, their sole remaining son had fallen prey to a terminal affliction, driving Hae-ryeong to the brink of psychological collapse.

Seeking to shield her from further despair, Yeo Mi-mi had permitted this deception, yet the strategy had backfired disastrously.

“…….”

Wang Geum-san studied her silently for a protracted moment.

Then, his tone softened into a measured cadence.

“Let us move past this. Please straighten yourself. It is unseemly for the supreme authority of a major faction to humble herself so deeply.”

Just as anticipated, Wang Geum-san had instantly deduced her true status.

By what metric had he deciphered her identity so swiftly?

Unlike his prior interaction with Jin So-un, there were no clues provided by attendants.

The reputation designating Wang Geum-san as the most formidable and perceptive mind among the Four Great Merchants under Heaven was clearly well-deserved.

“Though your actions have displeased me, I shall overlook this offense solely out of respect for my So-un.”

Yeo Mi-mi looked between Jin So-un and Wang Geum-san in astonishment.

What incredible value did Jin So-un hold to command such unwavering confidence from this merchant tycoon?

Could such a deep bond stem entirely from rescuing his offspring?

“What request have you brought before me?”

Pushing aside all extraneous thoughts, Yeo Mi-mi gathered her focus.

Her singular purpose in coming here was to secure a remedy that could avert Hae-ryeong’s impending catastrophe.

Casting a glance back at Hae-ryeong, Yeo Mi-mi articulated her request.

“I have been informed that your daughter was afflicted by the Solar Body constitution.”

“Ah, an impressive discovery, truly worthy of Hao Gate.”

Given how fiercely the Wang Estate guarded details regarding Wang So-so, her specific physical condition was unknown to almost everyone within the household.

Hao Gate had only managed to reconstruct this intelligence by meticulously investigating the sources of the rare commodities the Wang Estate had recently liquidated.

“We require the methodology used to cure her.”

Upon hearing her demand, Jin So-un and Wang Geum-san shared a knowing glance.

Wang Geum-san’s mouth twitched as he struggled to suppress an amused chuckle.

‘What is going on here?’

Sensing an inexplicable shift in the room, Yeo Mi-mi pressed forward regardless.

“Despite dedicating the entirety of Hao Gate’s assets, the information remained beyond our reach. We would be profoundly indebted if you would disclose the identity of the healer and the procedure employed.”

Hae-ryeong’s child was battling a condition heavily resembling the one that had plagued Wang So-so.

It was the infamous Nine Yin Severed Meridians, a death sentence deemed incurable across the land.

Should Hae-ryeong be stripped of her final comfort, Yeo Mi-mi feared her disciple would entirely lose her sanity.

This made the cure for the Solar Body her ultimate recourse.

If a technique existed capable of purging the Solar Body traits and enabling martial training within the Taeul Sect, it stood to reason that it might combat the Nine Yin Severed Meridians as well.

“……Heh.”

“We implore you to share this knowledge.”

“We grant you our humblest plea.”

Both Yeo Mi-mi and Hae-ryeong bowed deeply in supplication.

Surveying the kneeling women, Wang Geum-san sighed and shifted his gaze toward Jin So-un.

Jin So-un offered a silent, subtle nod of assent, prompting Wang Geum-san to return a brief gesture of agreement.

“Very well. I shall reveal the identity of that healer.”

“Are you truly willing to disclose this to us?”

“Yes.”

Disbelief washed over the countenances of Yeo Mi-mi and Hae-ryeong.

A medical secret of such magnitude could easily command a ransom worth millions of gold pieces.

Was he genuinely prepared to surrender it simply to satisfy Jin So-un’s appeal?

“I ask for no material recompense, though… I shall offer you a single tenet of wisdom instead.”

Anticipating an exorbitant demand for compensation, the two women eagerly nodded when Wang Geum-san offered counsel instead.

“In managing a vast enterprise, vigilance and scrutiny are undoubtedly vital. Nevertheless, if your objective is to build an empire capable of monumental achievements, absolute trust outshines all else.”

The underlying point of Wang Geum-san’s lecture seemed to elude both Yeo Mi-mi and Hae-ryeong.

“Should you clarify your meaning, we shall internalize your words with the utmost seriousness.”

“What I mean is quite simple: had you extended your faith to So-un from the beginning, this journey would have been entirely unnecessary.”

“……?”

“The master of that medical cure is none other than So-un.”

Yeo Mi-mi and Hae-ryeong snapped their gazes toward the youth in sheer shock.

According to everything they knew of the world, it was completely unfathomable that Jin So-un himself held the key to the remedy.

“Faith is a fragile thing to forge, and a flawed commencement renders it nearly impossible. For this reason, demonstrating confidence at the outset is paramount. Should a partner deceive you, you possess the strength to exact a far greater retribution later, do you not? I am fully aware that Hao Gate commands such authority. Therefore, lead with trust. Fail to master this principle, and you will witness the rapid disintegration of your entire network.”

A premier magnate among the Four Great Merchants under Heaven was handing down his core philosophy of leadership.

Yeo Mi-mi bowed her head in profound appreciation.

“I shall etch your counsel into the very core of my being.”

“Think no more of it. I spoke only because So-un indicated that your cooperation was essential to his plans. Let us dispense with formalities and converse casually.”

Softening his stern countenance, Wang Geum-san gestured to an attendant to arrange an evening feast.

“My young comrade, surely you do not plan to embroil me in such drama only to vanish without dining?”

Abandoning his previous gravitas, Wang Geum-san teased Jin So-un with a playful glint in his eye.

“Whatever do you mean? My primary objective was always to share a meal with the Estate Master; facilitating this introduction was merely a convenient secondary matter.”

The widespread rumors claiming Wang Geum-san had selected Jin So-un to marry into his family appeared increasingly accurate.

“Haha! My boy, if you ever aspire to commerce, you must drastically refine your ability to deceive!”

“What a preposterous suggestion! Have you not received word that I unearthed the True Inheritance of the Taeul Sword Emperor? Before long, my renown as a master of the Murim will be absolute.”

“Conversely, I also received intelligence stating you nearly shattered your internal cultivation by recklessly expending Innate Energy.”

“Urgh…….”

“Come along now! I demand a full account of your exploits at the Demon Spirit Plateau. Is it true that the venture concluded with you securing ownership of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild?”

Beaming with a joy that mirrored a father welcoming home a long-lost heir, Wang Geum-san guided Jin So-un toward the dining hall before pausing to look behind him.

As Yeo Mi-mi and Hae-ryeong hesitated over whether to follow, Wang Geum-san called out to them.

“Will you not join our gathering? The culinary arts of the Wang Estate’s master chef are truly exceptional.”