The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 79

Chapter 79
## Chapter 79. The Black Flame Dragon Who Leaps over the Trial (7)

The leader governing the Murim Alliance Hangzhou Branch was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing the latest intelligence.

“Twin Curtain Stronghold has been completely wiped out?”

This initial phase of the current Murim Academy Exam proved to be an exhausting ordeal for local offices throughout the land. The staff were required to monitor over four thousand separate bandit camps scattered across the wilderness, log exactly which examinees successfully cleared each base, and carefully confirm that no hidden masters of the first-rate tier or former alumni of the Murim Academy had illegally assisted them.

On the bright side, the territory encompassing Zhejiang Province contained very few small or mid-tier outlaws outside of three specific garrisons affiliated with the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds. As a result, this particular office had enjoyed a much more relaxed pace compared to their counterparts elsewhere.

Naturally, unexpected developments had cropped up. Bongjim Stronghold, originally categorized as the absolute lowest threat among the four thousand bastions, unexpectedly allied with the neighboring Nine Bears Stronghold to mount an assault on the Gyeryong Merchant Guild, catching the Alliance personnel completely off guard.

Yet now, an even greater shock arrived: Twin Curtain Stronghold, a target they had been tracking purely as a routine obligation, had just been utterly brought down.

“Could an elite peak master have been concealed in their ranks?”

“Based on our findings, sir, the martial prowess of those participating is certainly impressive, yet none possess the kind of renown that demands formal registration with the Murim Alliance.”

“How can that be? Are you suggesting that a grand coalition from the Murim Alliance or perhaps the Mount Hua Sect banded together to conquer Twin Curtain Stronghold?”

Major factions were known to occasionally pool their pupils from identical schools, deploying hundreds of swordsmen at once. This strategy cleverly twisted the rule allowing up to a hundred participants to form a group. Even taking that into account, Twin Curtain Stronghold was a massive amalgamation of two separate strongholds boasting a combined force of a thousand bandits. Even for a highly prominent clan, it would require deploying dozens of elite disciples simply to stand a chance against those kinds of numbers.

“That did not happen either, sir. Reports indicate that their total count did not even reach twenty individuals.”

“…”

“I realize how absurd this sounds. Given the circumstances, perhaps it would be wise for you, Branch Chief, to inspect the site firsthand?”

When the Branch Chief finally made his way to Mount Tianmu to see for himself, he stood completely transfixed by the spectacle. The once magnificent and densely forested Mount Tianmu was reduced to a scorched, blackened wasteland. Piles of hundreds of lifeless bodies littered the ridges, and at the gateway to the settlement below, the pooling blood had collected into a literal rivulet flowing along the ground.

“What in the world occurred here…”

A local Alliance agent stationed to oversee Mount Tianmu walked up to the stunned administrator, who was lost for words.

“The individuals claiming to be examinees escorted the captives safely down the slopes of Mount Tianmu before unleashing a massive inferno.”

“That sounds impossible. A thick woodland like this is filled with natural streams and water sources, meaning an ordinary fire shouldn’t be able to catch so easily, right?”

“You are entirely right, sir. However, just as the examinees initiated the blaze, a violent gale swept through, and numerous hidden containers of oil previously scattered across the terrain detonated simultaneously, sending a raging wall of fire tearing through the entirety of Mount Tianmu instantly.”

“…”

Reflecting on those words, he recalled a dispatch from forty-eight hours prior mentioning bizarre, sudden gusts that had sparked blazes on normally arid peaks.

“They harnessed the wind itself? Weaponizing a force of nature?”

Just then, a few figures who seemed to be the actual examinees walked toward them. One was a colossal figure of a man, built like Mount Tai itself, while his companion possessed quite a commonplace appearance. As the giant stood motionless, crossing his massive arms and tilting his head back with a haughty expression, the unassuming man offered a respectful cupped-hand salutation.

“I understand you represent the Hangzhou Branch of the Murim Alliance.”

“Indeed we do. Are you the individuals responsible for bringing down Twin Curtain Stronghold?”

Rather than giving a verbal reply, the plain-looking youth glanced backward. The companions gathered behind the Mount Tai-like figure stepped forward, dragging two corpses shrouded under woven straw coverings.

“These are the remains of the notorious criminals known as Golden-Faced Buddha Saber and One-Eyed Blood Axe.”

“…”

One of the attending Alliance officers quickly stepped up, pulled back the straw mats to inspect the facial features and wounds of the deceased, and gave a firm nod of confirmation. This proved without a doubt that these were the actual Stronghold Masters governing Twin Curtain Stronghold.

“Are we to believe that your small group genuinely crushed Twin Curtain Stronghold on your own?”

“The evidence lies right before your eyes.”

“Twin Curtain Stronghold stands as a premier vanguard of the Green Forest factions operating within Zhejiang Province. It is incredibly difficult to accept that a mere handful of you achieved this feat unaided.”

The moment those words escaped the Branch Chief’s mouth, the features of the Mount Tai-like giant warped into a harsh scowl. Without hesitation, he began channeling his internal energy.

“…Kh!”

“Ngh…”

“What immense cultivation is this…”

As his robes expanded violently from the sheer pressure, a crushing wave of energy rippled outward, threatening to suffocate everyone present. Though it was a manifestation of pure, unadulterated Fighting Spirit devoid of actual murderous malice, the sheer weight of it was suffocating, making them feel as though a massive boulder had been dropped onto their chests.

“You useless Murim Alliance hypocrites wouldn’t dream of lifting a finger against Twin Curtain Stronghold, yet now you dare question those who actually protected innocent lives?”

The Mount Tai-like warrior took a heavy step forward, thrusting his arm out with a terrifying momentum that looked capable of snapping a neck in a split second. Though the Branch Chief had dedicated his entire existence to honing his martial arts, he found himself utterly paralyzed and dominated by a man who was clearly still in his youth. He desperately attempted to mobilize his own internal reserves, but his physical form refused to respond to his commands.

“Hold on. You are going to terrify our guests.”

In that instant, the plain-looking companion raised a sheathed black sword, intercepting the massive arm of the Mount Tai-like giant.

“Breaking the necks of corrupt fools like this would actually be doing a favor for the Murim Alliance.”

“If you go through with that, you’ll find yourself permanently barred from ever entering the Murim Alliance.”

“…”

The stubborn Mount Tai-like titan, who normally appeared completely deaf to reason, surprisingly paid heed to the plain-looking youth’s words and gradually reined in his oppressive aura. Yet, he didn’t fully dissipate his energy. He merely stepped back to his original position, crossed his arms, and maintained a fierce stare, signaling his readiness to strike again at the slightest provocation.

“As demonstrated, it was through his extraordinary internal reserves that we dismantled Twin Curtain Stronghold with relative ease. Furthermore, fortune smiled upon us from above.”

“…”

The Branch Chief started to speak, but checked himself, warily tracking the movements of the Mount Tai-like warrior. Although his own lineage was highly respected and held its own against any rival, he realized with a pang of dread that if he were slain on the spot by this giant, his clan’s prestige and influence wouldn’t mean a thing.

“Should you deem it necessary, you are welcome to look into the matter deeper. Our group intends to remain in this vicinity for several more days regardless.”

The Mount Tai-like fighter cut in sharply.

“And if you choose to poke around, I’ll personally ensure you leave this mountain in a coffin.”

“Sigh… Can you please just remain quiet for a moment? Stop speaking out of turn!”

“…But those absolute fools are casting doubt on our achievements.”

“Even so, you shouldn’t speak so crudely to officers of the Murim Alliance! Offer an immediate apology.”

“Pah! My initial intent was to snap one of their limbs off to begin with, so we can consider ourselves square.”

The surrounding Alliance personnel reflexively clutched their limbs in apprehension.

“…Cough, regardless of the circumstances, please identify yourselves. That is a prerequisite before we can move forward with any official processing.”

The Mount Tai-like giant tilted his head with a menacing, piercing glare. Seeing this, the plain-looking youth stepped forward to buffer the tension.

“This gentleman beside me is Bang Du-chil.”

“The Reincarnation of Xiang Yu!”

“The living Lü Bu Legend!”

Startled gasps echoed among the gathered Murim Alliance personnel. The whispers regarding the exploits of Bang Du-chil had already reached their ears.

“I… understand. And who might you be?”

“Ah, my name is Jin So-un, hailing from the Taeul Sect.”

“…”

“…”

In stark contrast to the lively reaction that followed Bang Du-chil’s introduction, an icy chill descended upon the scene, as if a bucket of freezing water had suddenly been dumped over the gathering.

Struggling to find his voice, the Branch Chief spoke up haltingly.

“Are you truly… that specific individual, the Black Flame Dragon Jin So-un?”

“…Yes, that appears to be the moniker associated with me.”

The youth identified as Jin So-un gave a somewhat reluctant nod, prompting the Branch Chief to pivot instantly and bark orders to his men.

“Quickly! Fetch the Trial Tokens this instant!”

“U-Understood! We have them right here, sir!”

“Since the proof was plain to see, you should have delivered the Trial Tokens immediately! What possessed you to summon me all the way out here over this?! Please accept my apologies, Young Hero Jin! My men are terribly undisciplined.”

Both Jin So-un and Bang Du-chil looked completely puzzled by this abrupt shift in demeanor.

Confound it all.

What a massive headache.

Why on earth were malicious fabrications about things I had never done circulating through the martial world?

Sensing something amiss with the Hangzhou Branch Chief’s sudden obsequiousness, I carefully prodded him for answers as he presented us with the Trial Tokens. The explanation I received was truly unbelievable.

> “Good grief, we are hardly as foolish as Gong Seok-chan.”

Gong Seok-chan held the title of the Murim Alliance Yueyang Branch Chief. Back during the incident where I saved lives at the Demon Spirit Plateau, he had targeted me out of sheer spite because the reputation of Yong So-ah—who had abandoned everyone and fled—had been utterly ruined.

Back then, I assumed the conflict had been neatly settled since influential figures like Namgung Jin-myeong and Peak Lord Cha Seok-du of Four Emperors Peak intervened on my behalf. Yet, things had taken an unexpected turn. Following the conclusion of those events, a unified front led by Namgung Jin-myeong and Cha Seok-du comprised of both Orthodox Path and Black Path organizations submitted severe grievances to the Murim Alliance leadership.

Had the complaints originated solely from the Black Path factions, the leadership would have simply dismissed them. Yet, when prominent pillars of the righteous faction like the Namgung Clan, the Mount Heng Sect, and the Maoshan Sect unanimously condemned the actions and incompetence displayed by the Murim Alliance Yueyang Branch, the higher-ups were forced to take notice.

Moreover, because these complaints targeted the fundamental operational integrity of the Murim Alliance itself, the governing council panicked. This backlash led to a complete purge of that entire local office; every single agent, including the Murim Alliance Yueyang Branch Chief himself, was stripped of their authority, fired, and banished back to their original clans or native provinces. Internal disciplinary actions rippled through the central administration as well.

The real headache stemmed from the bizarre myths this whole affair generated regarding my identity. Ludicrous tales began circulating, claiming I was the hidden heir combining the legacies of both the Orthodox Path murim and the Black Path murim. Others whispered that I was a secret child of the Namgung Clan who mastered esoteric arts at Four Emperors Peak, or even a terrifying entity forged by a secret coalition of outer-region sects designed to dismantle the Murim Alliance from within.

“I knew your capabilities were out of the ordinary, so it turns out you possess such a formidable lineage,” Bang Du-chil remarked, nodding sagely as he overheard the explanation.

I barked right back at him, “Quit talking absolute garbage! What do you mean, a combined heir?”

“If it’s false, then it’s false. There’s no reason to lose your temper. Your intense reaction makes it seem like I hit a nerve. So, if you really are a secret child of the Namgung Clan raised within Four Emperors Peak…”

“That is completely fabricated!”

“Hey, I hold no prejudice against those born out of wedlock. A person cannot choose their parentage…”

“I already told you that isn’t the case!”

Baek So-ryeong, who was softly laughing at our bickering from the side, chimed in. “Look at the bright side, at least Mount Tianmu is finally rid of bandit fortresses.”

I shook my head in disagreement. “I doubt it will remain peaceful for long.”

“Oh? What makes you say that?”

“Mount Tianmu serves as the premier, most accessible highway linking Anhui Province directly to Zhejiang Province. Furthermore, anyone attempting to reach Hangzhou within Zhejiang Province has no choice but to traverse Mount Tianmu. It’s only a matter of time before some ambitious outlaw affiliated with the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds decides to set up a brand-new camp right here.”

“I see…”

“…”

As Baek So-ryeong murmured in agreement, Bang Du-chil fell into a deep, contemplative silence.

“Take these for now.”

I divided the batch of eight Trial Tokens given to us by the Hangzhou Branch Chief, passing half over to Bang Du-chil. He looked down at the tokens with a vacant expression before turning his gaze toward Baek So-ryeong.

“So-ryeong.”

“Yes, my love?”

“Would you mind terribly if I decided against joining the Murim Alliance?”

“What do you mean?”

“This entire ordeal made me realize something. Walking the path of the Murim Alliance simply doesn’t suit me.”

Having only recently crossed into his twenties, he lacked the profound wisdom that comes with age and experience. Nevertheless, the brand of righteousness displayed by the Murim Alliance during this encounter had left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“In that case…”

“I want to forge a new path through the Dao of the Green Forest.”

Bang Du-chil turned his eyes back toward the desolate, cleared ridges of Mount Tianmu.

“The ideals of the Murim Alliance never truly benefit ordinary citizens. Conversely, the Dao of the Green Forest directly affects the lives of everyday folk. If I can reshape the Dao of the Green Forest properly, wouldn’t that safeguard the livelihood of countless innocents?”

“…Oh, my love.”

“Hear my vow. I shall rise to become the supreme king of Green Forest, and you will stand beside me as my queen.”

Moved by Bang Du-chil’s unwavering words, Baek So-ryeong beamed with affection. “To me, you are already a sovereign. No matter where your journey leads, my place is right beside you.”

The couple wrapped their arms around one another in a powerful embrace. The sight closely resembled an immense bear sheltering a small fish. Ultimately, it appeared destiny was playing out exactly as intended. Taking the mantle of the Green Forest Alliance Leader seemed infinitely more fitting for someone like Bang Du-chil. He lacked the disposition required to navigate the convoluted plots and political maneuverings defining the Murim Alliance.

As I began stepping back quietly to grant them privacy, Bang Du-chil suddenly addressed me.

“Hey.”

“…?”

“You ought to accompany me along this Dao of the Green Forest.”

“Excuse me?”

“Twin Curtain Stronghold originally consisted of twin bases, correct? If the two of us unite to redefine the Dao of the Green Forest…”

“Stop talking utter nonsense. How dare you suggest such a thing to a proud student belonging to a renowned Righteous Sect?”

“…Calling the Taeul Sect a renowned Righteous Sect is a bit of a stretch…”

“Are you looking for a beating?”

Bang Du-chil paused to contemplate the matter for a beat before nodding. “Fine, then let us become sworn brothers instead.”

Stunned by this completely out-of-the-blue proposal, I yelled back.

“The mere thought of a righteous Orthodox Path swordsman being bound in brotherhood to the Green Forest Alliance Leader gives me absolute nightmares.”

“Wow, do you truly believe I have the making of a future Green Forest Alliance Leader?”

“…”

Faced with such an incredibly absurd train of thought, I found myself completely stripped of my usual composed rationale.