The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 8

Chapter 8
## Chapter 8. A Third-Rate Warrior Who Protects His Sect’s Honor (2)

“My apologies for the delayed welcome; the commotion earlier caught me off guard. My name is Seong Mo-ran from the Iron Sword Sect.”

As her eyes curved into gentle arcs along with her soft smile, the sour expression Gye Cheol-yeong had worn all through the trip—looking like a man who had swallowed something foul—instantly cleared up.

“Word had reached me that a solitary, exquisite blossom bloomed amidst the wolves of the Iron Sword Sect. Clearly, those tales did not do justice to your exceptional grace.”

“Your compliments are far too generous, Young Master Gye. Do step indoors. The Young Sword Lord is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the members from the Gyeryong Merchant Guild and the Taeul Sect.”

Gye Cheol-yeong puffed out his chest with absurd exaggeration, reducing his posture to a ridiculous display.

The interior grounds of the Iron Sword Sect were overflowing with a massive crowd.

Every entranceway and window of the various pavilions remained unlatched, revealing dense gatherings of guests enjoying spirits and meals while creating a boisterous din.

“Haha, a warm welcome to you, Guild Master! My word, Cheol-yeong is here as well! It truly has been quite a while!”

Beaming broadly, a middle-aged gentleman named Seong Ju-tak, whose gaze closely resembled Seong Mo-ran’s, greeted Gye Yeon-seok and Gye Cheol-yeong.

“Greetings, Young Sword Lord. It has indeed been quite some time.”

“Haha! There is no need for such stiff etiquette between us. We are aging alongside one another, so let us dispense with these rigid boundaries.”

Despite his casual words, Seong Ju-tak’s countenance radiated immense pride and contentment.

“I hope life has treated you well during our time apart?”

“To this very day, the thought of losing a gifted youth like you, Cheol-yeong, fills me with such deep regret that it keeps me awake during the dark hours.”

“You honor me far more than I deserve.”

“Honestly, were it not for the ridiculous advantages enjoyed by the One Hundred Eight Peaks, I would have claimed you as my personal pupil without hesitation. Hahaha!”

Glancing sideways, I observed the reactions of Kang Chae-seok and Jin Tae-san. Their features had also twisted into disgusted grimaces, mirroring the look Gye Cheol-yeong had displayed earlier.

“Father, the representatives from the Taeul Sect are standing here. Please acknowledge them.”

It took Seong Mo-ran’s intervention to redirect Seong Ju-tak’s focus toward our group.

“My name is Kang Chae-seok, and I oversee the Swift Blossom Hall.”

“…I am Jin Tae-san.”

They offered a respectful martial salute with cupped fists, yet Seong Ju-tak offered nothing more than a superficial nod in return.

“Ah, Kang Chae-seok, I recall catching glimpses of you on occasion at the gatherings of the Murim Alliance. And Jin Tae-san, an absolute age has passed since our paths last crossed. Has it been roughly two decades?”

“…That sounds accurate. Time certainly moves swiftly.”

“Heh, your faction possesses remarkable luck. Despite all the effort we expended over these two decades, we never managed to secure a prodigy of Cheol-yeong’s caliber, yet your group does nothing and inherits such a wonderful gift effortlessly.”

“…”

Faced with this thinly veiled insult disguised as a compliment, the expressions of Jin Tae-san and Kang Chae-seok visibly soured.

“I assume this young lady is the daughter of Sect Leader Hong, but who might this other fellow be?”

Gye Cheol-yeong crudely interrupted the conversation.

“He happens to be the son of the Outer Hall Master.”

“Oh, so he belongs to you? Let me take a look. Hmm, his inherent potential for cultivation seems rather dismal. You really ought to avoid squandering your efforts on a lost cause. Your energy would be better spent providing full assistance to Cheol-yeong. After all, I am quite familiar with the limitations of the Taeul Sect’s techniques, am I not? Heheh.”

This scenario deviated significantly from how it had unfolded in my past existence.

In that timeline, the Iron Sword Sect concealed their true malice, acting indifferent toward the Taeul Sect before executing a treacherous betrayal. They never resorted to such overt public degradation before a large audience.

Revealing such hostility so early risked spoiling their eventual scheme to bring about our downfall.

The ultimate goal of the Iron Sword Sect was to force the Taeul Sect into total submission, not to earn a reputation as cheap, common ruffians.

Furthermore, the revelation that my Father had come to the Iron Sword Sect two decades ago was entirely new information to me.

Originally, Seong Ju-tak focused his entire energy on hosting the Gyeryong Merchant Guild, leaving no room for any meaningful exchange between us.

Naturally, during that previous lifetime, my focus had been entirely fixated on committing the Twin Wolf Iron Swords and Namgung San to memory.

“Well then. To what degree have you mastered the techniques of the Taeul Sect?”

What was my best move here? Though I understood that disaster lay at the end of this road regardless, wouldn’t it be wiser to at least make an attempt at tolerance?

“Has no one taught you how to answer a question? My, it makes one deeply anxious about the ultimate fate of the Taeul Sect.”

“Every phrase out of his mouth carries such a grating tone, reminiscent of a vulgar hoodlum from the slums.”

“…!”

The surrounding chatter instantly died down, replaced by a heavy quietness.

The onlookers gaped as if an apparition had manifested right in front of them under the bright sun, and several individuals lost their grip on their drinking vessels.

“W-what did you utter just now?”

The moment the remark slipped past my lips, a pang of regret hit me: *Ah, I shouldn’t have said that.*

My past self would never have acted so rashly. However, spending time alongside the lowlifes of the Sojeong Squad at the absolute bottom of society had corrupted my manners.

Those miserable scoundrels had truly never provided a single shred of positive influence in my life.

“You arrogant brat! Repeat what you just said!”

Given that the damage was already done, there was zero point in backing down now. You cannot recall an arrow once it flies from the bowstring.

“Forgive me. I intended to keep that observation to myself, but it accidentally escaped aloud.”

“You think that serves as a proper apology—”

“But speaking candidly, did I state anything false? Just a moment ago, you spoke of the leader of the Taeul Sect—who is my junior sister’s father—as if he were merely an equal of yours. Furthermore, you openly insulted the martial disciplines of the Taeul Sect, which happens to be my own home. To cap it off, you inquired about a martial artist’s personal progress, which breaks a fundamental taboo among our kind.”

“…Ugh, y-you insolent…”

“As a practitioner of the blade, it would be unnatural for me not to take offense at such remarks. Even so, the ancient masters taught that one should not repay rudeness with further disrespect, so the blame lies with me. Please accept my reiteration of regret.”

I offered a nonchalant bow with my hands joined together, causing Seong Ju-tak’s complexion to flush with an intense crimson shade.

Strangely enough, Seong Mo-ran appeared to be biting back a smile, despite seeing her own sire put to shame right before her.

Regardless, the nearby martial artists who had been listening intently to our exchange began to nod their heads in quiet consensus with my reasoning.

“Why, you little… I ought to…”

While Seong Ju-tak stood frozen in sheer fury, struggling to find the right words to castigate me—

“Announcing the arrival of the Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance!”

A booming declaration echoed throughout the premises, prompting every single guest to stand up immediately.

Exiting the primary pavilion, the patriarch of the Iron Sword Sect, Seong Cheon-wol, hurried out accompanied by his senior elders, not even pausing to put on footwear.

“What is keeping you? Join us this instant!”

Prompted by Seong Cheon-wol’s stern demand, Seong Ju-tak cast a bitter glance between the patriarch and myself, clenched his jaw tightly, and trailed after his leader. Gye Yeon-seok and Gye Cheol-yeong quickly fell into step behind them.

“O-ought we to accompany them?”

Hong Sa-ryeon, still recovering from the shock of the confrontation, voiced her uncertainty, to which I responded:

“A massive crowd will undoubtedly swamp the Grand Strategist in an effort to curry favor. We would be far wiser to head inside immediately to secure prime seating.”

“…”

Seeking direction, Sa-ryeon glanced toward Jin Tae-san and Kang Chae-seok, but both elders remained completely dazed by the recent turn of events.

Ultimately, Seong Mo-ran stepped in to resolve our dilemma.

“His advice is entirely sound. Allow me to escort your group to favorable positions; please come this way.”

As Seong Mo-ran moved to the front to lead us, our group had no option but to fall in line behind her.

“Did I not explicitly instruct you to keep your temper in check?”

Kang Chae-seok drew near from behind, casting an intense, reprimanding look in my direction.

“Let us be completely frank. Had I not intervened at that exact moment, wouldn’t you have unsteadied your blade?”

“…”

Denial was entirely futile; I had plainly observed his fingers tightening around the hilt of his weapon.

If it was obvious to me, there was absolutely no chance that Seong Ju-tak had failed to notice it either.

Had things played out differently, we might have found ourselves forced onto our knees to beg for forgiveness on the opening day of the festival rather than its conclusion.

“…”

Kang Chae-seok remained tightly close-lipped, offering no rebuttal.

“Control your impulses, please. Are you not fully aware of the scheme the Iron Sword Sect is brewing against us?”

“…”

“My point is that we should preserve our dignity as best we can and avoid needlessly courting trouble.”

“You cheeky youngster! …I am well aware.”

“In that case, drop that fierce scowl. What exactly took place two decades ago to make you glare at Seong Ju-tak with such intense animosity? Did he murder your kin?”

Kang Chae-seok paused in hesitation, casting a brief look toward Jin Tae-san.

As Jin Tae-san offered a subtle shake of his head, Kang Chae-seok merely increased his pace, signaling an end to the conversation.

When we reached the identical location from my past life, a representative of the host sect approached us.

“The designated area for the Taeul Sect is over here.”

Following his direction, we were led toward a remote edge of the courtyard where a rowdy, intoxicated crowd had already assembled.

Right as I prepared to take a seat ahead of the others, Seong Mo-ran intervened.

“Reassign those spots to different attendees. I shall escort these individuals personally.”

She turned and walked toward a spacious arrangement positioned well within the inner chamber.

Throughout our walk, the gaze of the surrounding crowd tracked our every step.

“Kindly take your places here.”

“We appreciate your hospitality, Young Lady.”

Jin Tae-san broke his extended silence to offer our first words of gratitude, and Seong Mo-ran beamed as she positioned herself directly across from me.

“…!”

“…!”

During a grand gathering such as this, having a prominent host choose to dine at your specific table sent a clear message of high regard to everyone present.

This unexpected gesture startled our companions just as much as it stunned the onlookers keeping watch from afar.

“Attendants! Serve the spirits immediately!”

Following Seong Mo-ran’s prompt command, refreshments and platters arrived with incredible speed. Even though numerous guests had been waiting long before our arrival, none dared to utter a word of protest.

My Father along with Hall Master Kang Chae-seok remained so rigid with anxiety that they could not bring themselves to touch the spread.

Unbothered, I reached out for a piece of poultry and took a bite.

“May I inquire as to your name, Young Master?”

“I go by Jin So-un.”

“Observing you just moments ago, your capabilities appeared quite extraordinary… Ah, have I overstepped with my curiosity?”

Her intense focus and polite demeanor were peculiar.

Had I been the naive version of myself from my past incarnation, being acknowledged by the renowned Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword would have left me completely starstruck and unable to focus on my meal.

“Indeed. Having the legendary Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword of the host faction observe my dining habits adds a degree of pressure.”

“Dear me, haha, forgive my forwardness.”

“In any case, the Grand Strategist has arrived at the venue. Ought you not to be paying your respects?”

“Who knows? The traditions of the Iron Sword Sect dictate that women are excluded from major affairs, so I doubt I will face reprimand for failing to appear at that assembly.”

“Whispers suggest that the Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword possesses a sharper bite than the Blood Wolf Iron Sword. For the Taeul Sect, perhaps that counts as a stroke of luck?”

The Blood Wolf Iron Sword, known as Seong Mo-hyeon, stood as the primary heir to the Iron Sword Sect. Throughout his youth, he had been granted exclusive access to rare elixirs, including those for Marrow-Cleansing and Hair-Shedding.

In stark contrast, the Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword only commenced her cultivation of internal arts at nine years old. Nonetheless, she successfully gained entrance to the Murim Academy at the same time as her counterpart.

In the darker days ahead, when the Blood Wolf Iron Sword nearly brought about the collapse of their lineage, it was the Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword Seong Mo-ran who resolutely guided the remnants of the Iron Sword Sect across Bukhae to secure protection under the Murim Alliance, ensuring their survival.

“Haha, you certainly possess a unique wit. Allow me to offer amends for my sire’s behavior just now. Because our household has maintained ties with the Gyeryong Merchant Guild since my childhood, he harbors a strong sense of missed opportunity regarding Senior Brother Cheol-yeong.”

“There is nothing stopping you from recruiting him this very instant.”

“Hahaha.”

Seong Mo-ran let out a vibrant laugh, holding her midsection as if the jest was too much to bear.

Faced with this sudden shift in the mood, Kang Chae-seok and Jin Tae-san ignored the delicacies entirely and chose to steadily drain their wine cups instead.

“A single question occupies my mind.”

“And what might that be?”

“What prompted the Iron Sword Sect to extend an invitation to the Taeul Sect?”

Jin Tae-san and Kang Chae-seok whipped their heads around instantly at the question.

Adopting an inscrutable expression, Seong Mo-ran provided her answer.

“Surely a celebration gains grander significance when a diverse crowd comes together to extend their compliments?”

“Yet historical records indicate that numerous plots and assassinations have taken place under the guise of festive celebrations.”

My remark caused Seong Mo-ran’s gaze to expand momentarily in surprise, though she quickly recovered her composed demeanor.

“Heh, Young Hero Jin, you truly are quite a character.”

Seong Mo-ran got up from the table.

“Will you not remain to share a meal with us, Young Lady Seong?”

“I would gladly join you to ease your wariness, but duties require my departure at present.”

After extending a respectful parting gesture to my Father and Hall Master Kang Chae-seok, she took her leave.

“…’Young Lady’?”

Hong Sa-ryeon, who had remained quiet by my side throughout the exchange, muttered with clear annoyance.

“Oh? Would you prefer I addressed her as ‘Young Hero’?”

“Hmph!”

From my perspective, my sole intent had been to gauge the level of preparation the Iron Sword Sect had undertaken. Completely blind to the underlying danger, Sa-ryeon glared at me with pure hostility simply because I had engaged in conversation with the Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword.

It seemed she lacked the maturity to perceive the gravity of our situation.

“‘Young La-dy?’ Please!”

Inside the private quarters provided to us through Seong Mo-ran’s hospitality, Hong Sa-ryeon was forcefully sorting through her gear.

Her movements clearly betrayed her sour mood.

“‘Oh, you are such a fascinating character, haha.’ What a manipulative creature…”

Mimicking Seong Mo-ran’s behavior from earlier with mock affection, Hong Sa-ryeon released a quiet breath of frustration.

Vibrant attire fashioned from premium silks, striking accessories that demanded notice, an elegant and poised bearing, alongside a gaze overflowing with self-assurance. Beyond all that, her sheer appearance effortlessly captivated anyone in the room.

Hong Sa-ryeon felt entirely outmatched in every single category.

“Sigh…”

Given the underlying hostility between the Taeul Sect and the Iron Sword Sect, she kept her thoughts hidden, yet she was well acquainted with the tales surrounding the Beautiful Wolf Iron Sword.

Accounts of a young woman her own age possessing incredible martial prowess had circulated widely across Anhui Province.

She recognized that individual progress varied naturally based on innate gifts.

Even so, standing face-to-face with that woman left her feeling a deep sense of inadequacy rather than petty envy.

“…”

Though she had selected her finest and most pristine uniform from the Taeul Sect for this journey, the material felt particularly coarse against her skin at this moment.

A sudden rapping at the entrance broke her train of thought.

“Who could that be?”

“It’s me.”

“Senior Brother Cheol-yeong?”

Swinging the door open, she found Cheol-yeong standing before her, having discarded his standard training gear in favor of fine silk robes.

“Put these on instead.”

Gye Cheol-yeong extended a bundle of finely dyed silk clothing toward her.

“What purpose do these serve?”

“The younger generation of the leading clans in Anhui Province, including Young Master Namgung San, are organizing an exclusive gathering tonight. It would be highly inappropriate to show up wearing common martial garments.”

“…Exhaustion has caught up with me. You should go without me, Senior Brother.”

“Technically, my attendance is in the capacity of an envoy for the Gyeryong Merchant Guild. If you choose to decline, Jin So-un will go in your stead. Is that acceptable to you?”

The event was bound to be packed with affiliates of the Iron Sword Sect, making it an incredibly hostile environment for anyone representing the Taeul Sect. Navigating their critical eyes and sharp remarks would be immensely draining. Could he actually handle it?

He had already shown his teeth to the Young Sword Lord of the Iron Sword Sect, so there was little chance he would quietly put up with the insults from the youth of those elite households.

“…”

“Accompanying me will ensure that the situation remains far more manageable for us.”

Hong Sa-ryeon pressed her lips together tightly in contemplation.

“Very well. I shall attend.”

“Then make haste and prepare.”

Sa-ryeon glanced at the elegant attire Cheol-yeong held out, then firmly pushed the garments back into his hands.

“That won’t be necessary. If those robes appeal to you so greatly, Senior Brother, you are welcome to don them yourself.”