The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 87

Chapter 87
Chapter 87. Time of the Hunt

“Daoist Master Myeonghyeon from the Diancang Sect is requesting an audience.”

Hearing the announcement from the Mantongbu officer, Jegal So-myeong knit his brows in profound irritation.

“Did you not inform him of my absence?”

As the Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance and the supreme authority over both Mantongbu and Sim Hyeon-gak, Jegal So-myeong spoke with an aura of intense annoyance. Despite this, the subordinate delivering the report remained entirely unphased, responding with an air of complete detachment.

“He claims he made his way here precisely because he reviewed the official register of alliance arrivals.”

Under normal circumstances, any regular worker would have been trembling with fear, struggling to find the right words to placate their superior.

“…….”

Jegal So-myeong briefly stared into space, trying to distance himself from the reality of the situation, before letting out a heavy, weary breath.

“……Haa. Out of all possible moments, it has to be today. My desk is already buried under an avalanche of critical matters.”

The current atmosphere surrounding the Murim Academy Exam was far more intense and chaotic than its predecessor, and the mountains of paperwork awaiting his personal authorization had completely overflowed his desk, spilling onto the floor in massive stacks.

An unexpected intrusion from someone like Daoist Master Myeonghyeon in the middle of such absolute chaos would not only ruin Jegal So-myeong’s disposition but also inevitably derail his entire work schedule.

“With him loitering just outside the doors, the rest of our staff find the environment too awkward to focus on their duties. I suggest you deal with him immediately to clear the hallway.”

“…….”

Had anyone else dared to address him with such impertinence, Jegal So-myeong would have physically thrashed them before throwing them out into the street. However, because the individual speaking was none other than Maeng Ju-won, he suppressed his anger and let the comment slide.

“……Show him in.”

With a resignation born of necessity, Jegal So-myeong shifted over to a modest side table positioned within the Mantongbu office.

It was a simple, worn piece of furniture that Jegal So-myeong typically ignored, placed there exclusively so that the overworked Mantongbu staff could quickly swallow their meals during frantic shifts.

A moment later, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon of the Diancang Sect stepped across the threshold of Mantongbu, following closely behind Maeng Ju-won.

“I offer my respects to the Grand Strategist.”

“Welcome.”

Once the two men had exchanged a brief, formal gesture of clasped hands, Jegal So-myeong took his seat. Daoist Master Myeonghyeon, however, remained standing, casting a critical eye around the cluttered room rather than approaching the plain table.

“The environment here seems exceptionally chaotic. Perhaps we should reconvene in a more suitable venue?”

From the perspective of Daoist Master Myeonghyeon, who was accustomed to the luxurious and deferential treatment befitting a high-ranking elder within the Murim Alliance, being forced to hold a discussion inside the Mantongbu headquarters—which closely resembled an unorganized warehouse—felt immensely insulting.

Perfectly aware of the underlying arrogance, Jegal So-myeong merely gave a cold nod.

“My sincerest apologies. My schedule is entirely packed, leaving me no choice but to receive visitors in this workspace. If this environment is unacceptable to you, perhaps you would prefer to schedule a formal appointment at a superior location on a later date?”

If this place is beneath you, feel free to walk out.

Faced with this transparent invitation to leave, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s expression twisted with suppressed rage, but he quickly seemed to recognize the futility of a confrontation and sat down across the table.

“Ahem. There is no need. Given your schedule, who can say when another opportunity to meet might arise?”

“…….”

Maeng Ju-won, who had escorted the guest inside moments ago, quietly returned with a tray of hot tea.

Yet, this small gesture only caused Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s expression to sour once more.

The issue was Maeng Ju-won himself; the man exuded a distinctly pungent odor, making it obvious that he had neglected to bathe for several consecutive days.

“Khmm.”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon made no effort to conceal his disgust. Maeng Ju-won, completely indifferent to the elder’s reaction, simply set down the cups and shuffled back to his desk, immediately resuming his duties with the vacant focus of a reanimated corpse.

It was highly disrespectful for a subordinate to show such blatant lack of deference before an Alliance Elder. However, the moment Daoist Master Myeonghyeon recalled that this specific clerk was a rare talent personally scouted by Jegal So-myeong from the White Tiger Pavilion, he forced himself to swallow his complaints.

“Kuh-kuh. Please excuse the lack of etiquette. Ever since the preliminary stages of the Murim Academy Exam commenced, these youngsters have barely found the time to feed themselves properly.”

In addition to managing the standard, massive intelligence operations of Mantongbu, they were now tasked with overseeing the logistics of the Murim Academy Exam, pushing an already understaffed department to the absolute brink of exhaustion.

While a deficit in available manpower was a persistent issue for Mantongbu, the unprecedented scale of this year’s examination had multiplied their operational burdens tenfold.

“Khmm. Think nothing of it. Is this scent not a proud testament to their tireless devotion to shaping the future generation of the murim?”

“Shall I pour you a fresh cup?”

“……No, that will not be necessary.”

Having thoroughly unnerved Daoist Master Myeonghyeon with his pointed hospitality, Jegal So-myeong cut directly to the core of the matter. His schedule was far too demanding to waste precious minutes on meaningless pleasantries.

“To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

“Regarding the recently concluded Advanced Scholar Exam, a promising disciple from our Diancang Sect, Mu Mun-tak, unfortunately missed the passing threshold by a mere fraction of a point.”

Jegal So-myeong felt his temples throb with a returning headache.

Did this man truly expect him to debate the academic failures of a single disciple when he was currently drowning under a sea of critical responsibilities?

“Is it not true that Mantongbu continuously suffers from a severe deficit of capable workers precisely because of the excessively brutal examination standards set by you, Grand Strategist?”

“…….”

While the Murim Alliance routinely recruited Scholar Alliance Members to ensure the seamless execution of administrative tasks, anyone wishing to gain entry into the elite ranks of Mantongbu was required to pass a separate, specialized Advanced Scholar Exam designed by the Grand Strategist himself.

That particular test was notorious for being so incredibly grueling and unforgiving that not a single candidate had successfully cleared it over the span of the last several years.

“How can you claim that our staffing difficulties are entirely my doing? The blame lies squarely on the structure of the Murim Academy Exam, which places all its value on raw martial capability and familial lineage while ignoring actual intellect.”

“…….”

Ever since ascending to the position of Grand Strategist, Jegal So-myeong had consistently pushed for sweeping institutional overhauls of the Murim Academy and the standard Murim Regular Exam, yet his initiatives were routinely blocked by the traditional factions.

“Have I not reiterated this point countless times? If we persist in conducting the Murim Academy Exam through these flawed metrics, the only individuals who will gain entry are those blessed with wealth despite their incompetence, or martial artists who know nothing of administrative governance and scholarship.”

“We did not gather here today to deliberate on the structural philosophy of the examination system, did we?”

“…….”

He had made the same logical arguments over and over again for years, yet these arrogant traditionalists chose to listen only when it served their immediate agendas.

“Furthermore, word has reached me that this year’s test has become so overwhelmingly competitive that the current staff of Mantongbu are unable to return to their homes, practically living and eating within these walls.”

“That report is accurate.”

“Mu Mun-tak is recognized even within the internal circles of our own sect as a youth possessing remarkable academic prowess alongside a keen insight into martial theory. Why not resolve your staffing issues by admitting him under a Special Recruitment mandate this time around?”

Regardless of how desperate their understaffing became, they could not afford to leave positions vacant within Mantongbu, an entity that effectively directed the movements of not just the Murim Alliance but the entirety of the murim.

Because of this pressure, individuals who achieved flawless evaluations within the Murim Academy, or those who earned the direct endorsement of Jegal So-myeong, were occasionally granted entry through alternative channels.

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon was brazenly angling for exactly that kind of administrative loophole.

‘They don’t even have the cunning to hide their tracks properly.’

Jegal So-myeong had long been fully aware of the true motives harbored by the Righteous Path Association, an alliance dominated by the Nine Sects and One Gang. They desperately wanted to plant their own agents within Mantongbu to subvert its neutrality.

Their underlying, slow-burning conspiracy was to gradually increase their numbers within Mantongbu, leverage that administrative power to transform the Righteous Path Association from a glorified social club into a powerful, legitimate faction, establish the Righteous Path Pavilion, and ultimately usurp control of the entire Murim Alliance.

“I originally intended to withhold these details out of courtesy, to avoid causing Daoist Master Myeonghyeon unnecessary embarrassment, but that boy Mu Mun-tak failed to finish even fifty percent of the examination within the allotted timeframe. To make matters worse, half of the answers he actually managed to submit were completely erroneous.”

“…….”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s features crumpled into a bitter grimace, looking even more miserable than he had when confronted by Maeng Ju-won’s hygiene.

“If your intention is to bypass our standards and force an untalented candidate into my department, you should at least have the decency to bring forward someone whose qualifications are within the realm of plausibility.”

“……Are you implying I should present a candidate resembling that boy Jin So-un from the Taeul Sect?”

“……?”

For a rare moment, Jegal So-myeong found himself completely caught off guard, his train of thought grinding to a sudden halt.

What earthly reason could there be for that specific youth’s name to surface during this conversation?

“The upper echelons of the alliance were quite frantic with speculation not too long ago, were they not? Everyone was desperate to uncover the identity of the youth who received an Entry Token directly from the Grand Strategist—a token you have historically withheld even from members of your own bloodline…….”

A total of five prestigious Entry Tokens were distributed exclusively to the Grand Strategist and the Murim Alliance Leader respectively.

In stark contrast to the Murim Alliance Leader, who routinely leveraged his tokens to secure political alliances or fulfill personal favors, Jegal So-myeong, in his tenure as Grand Strategist, had never once distributed a single one.

Consequently, the moment rumors began circulating that he had actually surrendered an Entry Token for the first time this season, the entire Murim Alliance had erupted into a frenzy of gossip.

“But whatever your grand designs were, what will you do now? It appears that very youth is currently on the verge of meeting a disastrous end during the course of this Murim Academy Exam.”

“…….”

For the first time since entering the room, a smug, vindictive grin spread across Daoist Master Myeonghyeon’s face.

“I have received definitive word that the younger generation of our own sect has already mobilized to hunt that boy down. Furthermore, they are not alone; the top disciples of the Wudang Sect and the Mount Hua Sect are moving in concert against him.”

The formidable younger generation of three prominent sects representing the absolute pinnacle of the Nine Sects and One Gang were actively hunting him?

Against such overwhelming odds, there was truly no lone disciple capable of surviving.

“Consider this alternative proposal. Our Diancang Sect is willing to extend its protection to that youth. For reasons unknown, Wudang and Mount Hua seem entirely intent on destroying him. However, if he aligns himself with the banners of Diancang, what could they possibly hope to achieve?”

If the boy was incredibly fortunate, he might escape with nothing more than the loss of his Trial Tokens or his singular Entry Token.

Under more realistic, grim expectations, his life would likely be forfeit.

“In exchange for our intervention, I merely ask that you place Mun-tak into a position of appropriate authority within your department.”

“…….”

A stifling, heavy quiet descended upon the small space between the two men.

Even the surrounding Mantongbu administrators appeared to be holding their breath to catch every syllable; the rhythmic rustling of turning paperwork died down entirely.

Just as the oppressive stillness threatened to become unbearable, Jegal So-myeong finally broke the silence, his voice slow and deliberate.

“……Exactly who are you referring to?”

“……I beg your pardon?”

“I am quite certain that I bestowed that Entry Token upon a member of the Namgung Clan…… Ah, now I recall!”

Jegal So-myeong struck his palm against his forehead in sudden realization.

“Of course! At that particular moment, I found myself cornered in a rather tedious social predicament and carelessly handed it over to a stray disciple belonging to some obscure faction named the Taeul Sect, or something to that effect…….”

“…….”

“But I remained entirely under the impression that Namgung San would have taken steps to reclaim it immediately…… did he fail to do so?”

Jegal So-myeong shifted his gaze toward Maeng Ju-won, seeking clarification.

As if he had been anticipating the query, Maeng Ju-won chimed in instantly.

“Considering that the Namgung Clan was forced to register for the standard exam track like everyone else, it is safe to assume the token remains in the possession of Jin So-un.”

“Is that how it turned out……?”

A mocking sneer played upon the lips of Daoist Master Myeonghyeon. He assumed this was merely a transparent, defensive lie meant to salvage pride, a pathetic deception that wouldn’t hold up under scrutiny—

But before he could utter a sarcastic retort, Jegal So-myeong cut him off.

“Good heavens, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon. Learn to exercise a modicum of restraint. Good grief. If your true ambition is to infiltrate Mantongbu to execute your faction’s grand political strategy, you should at least possess the wisdom to put forward an individual capable of independent thought. Cease attempting to force dull-witted sycophants into my halls who match your own intellectual shortcomings.”

“Y-you—what insolence did you just utter?! Dare you speak to me in that manner?”

As Daoist Master Myeonghyeon erupted in fury, Jegal So-myeong’s tone dropped to a chilling, low whisper.

“It seems that securing the title of an Alliance Elder has blinded you to your own limitations, making you believe you are untouchable. Have you forgotten the past? Do you require me to physically discipline you until you remember your place, just like old times?”

“What absurdities are you…… I-I hold the sacred rank of an Elder of the Murim Alliance…….”

“And I stand before you as the Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance.”

“…….”

Daoist Master Myeonghyeon froze, a visible tremor writhing through his frame as terrifying memories he thought he had successfully buried rushed back into his mind.

“Leave this room immediately. I have real work to attend to.”

Trembling with a mixture of intense humiliation and fear, Daoist Master Myeonghyeon threw open the exit and slammed it shut behind him as he fled.

The violent vibration of the door caused several unstable piles of documents on Jegal So-myeong’s desk to collapse, scattering across the room.

“Tsk. This is the inevitable disaster that occurs when you elevate an individual to a rank that vastly exceeds the narrow scope of their character.”

“Why did you choose to reject his offer outright?”

Maeng Ju-won muttered grumpily as he bent down to retrieve the scattered reports from the floorboards.

Jegal So-myeong’s brow twitched with irritation.

“What?”

“We could have easily relegated him to janitorial duties for Mantongbu. Take a look around this place. As things stand, I genuinely cannot discern whether Mantongbu is supposed to be a bloody butcher’s shop or a strategic operations center.”

“…….”

“Furthermore, Jin So-un is currently navigating the test with a mere four individuals in his entire group. If he actually gets slaughtered out there, our department will likely be forced to log lethal amounts of overtime until we wither away into old age.”

“You arrogant little brat…… do you possess even a shred of understanding regarding the profound gravity of Mantongbu’s responsibilities……?”

There were limits to how much insubordination he was willing to tolerate from a junior.

However, just as Jegal So-myeong was preparing to deliver a harsh reprimand, an unexpected thought struck him.

“Now that I think about it, how exactly did you become so familiar with the details surrounding Jin So-un?”

Only moments ago, he himself had merely put on an act of casual ignorance regarding the Namgung Clan, yet his clerk had provided the precise updates without a single error. Now, it appeared Maeng Ju-won was harboring highly specific details regarding Jin So-un’s activities as well.

“I have kept a vigilant eye on his movements ever since the day I learned the Grand Strategist had surrendered a rare Entry Token to him. That particular fellow is nothing short of fascinating. To think that a mere four people could handle…….”

From the chaotic events that unfolded at Mount Tianmu to the highly classified developments at Mount Makgan, Maeng Ju-won was perfectly apprised of every hidden matter Jegal So-myeong had quietly investigated.

“Tsk, tsk. Neglecting the primary administrative tasks assigned to you to indulge in gossip…… this exact lack of focus is the sole reason you find yourself trapped in this office working overtime every single night.”

“Is he not a phenomenal talent destined to eventually join the ranks of Mantongbu? As his senior in this department, it is only proper that I take a proactive interest in monitoring his growth beforehand.”

“Hah…… exactly how many years do you honestly believe must pass before that youth successfully finishes his education at the Murim Academy and qualifies to step through these doors?”

“Does one not formulate a grand strategic vision by anticipating outcomes a decade in advance? I harbor absolutely zero desire to remain shackled to this desk sorting through paperwork after I finally secure a marriage.”

The smooth, effortless insolence of the young man’s tongue was thoroughly grating.

“……Did your ears fail to register the warning just delivered? The elite of Diancang, Wudang, and Mount Hua are actively hunting him down like prey. He will be incredibly fortunate if he merely manages to survive the encounter with his breath intact.”

“Yet, just a moment ago, did you not explicitly demand to know ‘how many years must pass’? Does that phrasing not prove that, within your own calculations, you fully anticipate his eventual success?”

“…….”

Jegal So-myeong genuinely loathed dealing with overly perceptive individuals; their sharp wits made them entirely too frustrating to manipulate.

Still, reflecting on Myeonghyeon’s earlier badgering, perhaps there really was some merit in seeking out a few extra bodies to saddle with the department’s more mundane, repetitive tasks.

Pausing his train of thought for a brief second, Jegal So-myeong cast an analytical look back at Maeng Ju-won. The clerk’s hair was visibly matted and greasy from days of continuous neglect, yet the foul, eye-watering stench that had filled the room a few minutes ago had vanished completely.

“What was the source of that horrific odor you were giving off earlier?”

“I simply crushed a handful of Yellow Stink Bugs before entering. If the Grand Strategist wastes his time lounging about with useless guests, the rest of us end up completely worked to death.”

“Why, you insolent rascal!”

Driven past his breaking point, Jegal So-myeong finally snapped and hurled his remaining tea directly at Maeng Ju-won. However, as if he had perfectly anticipated the trajectory of the splash, the clerk nimbly ducked out of harm’s way.

Watching the young man swiftly retreat out of the office to avoid further wrath, Jegal So-myeong spat out a curse.

“Regardless of his cleverness…… can a lone wolf truly hope to fight his way through the Murim Regular Exam?”

The bizarre confrontation that had transpired back at the Demon Spirit Plateau was remarkable enough, but every subsequent action the youth took seemed entirely unconventional.

Most recently, intelligence had reached Jegal So-myeong indicating that Jin So-un had successfully managed to extract Jegal Cheon-gi from his self-imposed confinement deep within the Jegal Clan’s estate. Upon learning that news, the Grand Strategist had sat in stunned silence for hours.

How on earth had an outsider managed to sway the minds of individuals whose stubbornness was as rigid and unyielding as solid rock?

Furthermore, that eccentric Jegal Cheon-gi famously refused to heed the commands of even his own grandfather, so by what miraculous method had Jin So-un managed to liberate a man who had intentionally locked himself away inside the Prison?

The token he had originally given away out of a passing whim of intellectual curiosity was steadily gathering a massive, undeniable weight of expectation.

He felt a genuine, rising anticipation to discover whether a youth standing essentially isolated against the world could truly conquer the trials of the Murim Regular Exam.

—

Following our departure from the vicinity of Mount Makgan, our journey proceeded with an unsettling, almost unnatural ease.

The relentless ambushes that had plagued us ceased entirely.

“I am genuinely at a loss as to whether we should celebrate this sudden quiet or brace for a disaster.”

Eun-ho murmured thoughtlessly as he leaned toward the crackling flames, enjoying the luxury of a proper campfire for the first time in days while gnawing on a tough piece of dried meat.

Hearing his remark, I shifted my gaze toward his weathered face.

“What is prompting that look, Eldest Senior Brother?”

“I am staring because you possess an infuriating habit of voicing highly ominous premonitions for absolutely no reason.”

Geum-pyo, who was resting right alongside him, immediately snapped at Eun-ho.

In truth, Geum-pyo was in no position to criticize. His current appearance was practically indistinguishable from that of a feral woodland creature.

Meanwhile, Dong-ryong, who was stationed on the opposite side of the fire frantically tearing into a skewered, roasted rabbit, caught me watching him. He offered a brief, self-conscious grin before immediately returning his absolute focus to devouring the meat.

He looked so thoroughly caked in grime and dust that even a seasoned member of the Beggars’ Sect would have actively avoided his company out of sheer pride.

“……We need to make a detour into the nearest civilized settlement first.”

“Pardon me? If we expose ourselves in a town, won’t our pursuers immediately lock onto our location…….”

“Our pursuers are the least of our worries at this current juncture.”

“If not them, then what is?”

“I am deeply concerned that if any townspeople lay eyes on you three right now, they will mistake us for a band of vagrant Beggars’ Sect refugees rather than proud disciples of the Taeul Sect.”

“…….”

“…….”

Geum-pyo and Eun-ho exchanged a brief, chastised look before offering a silent nod of agreement.

Even though the attacks had dropped to zero for the moment, I harbored no illusions that our long-term survival was suddenly ensured. Given the inevitable reality of our situation, stepping directly into the open might actually provide a more controlled environment to confront whatever forces were tracking us.

‘It will inevitably take a significant amount of time for the forces of Wudang, Diancang, and Mount Hua to properly coordinate their movements as well.’

When those details had first been laid out by Yang Gun-baek, I had found myself tilting my head in profound bewilderment.

The Wudang Sect maintained its grand headquarters within Hubei Province, whereas both the Mount Hua Sect and the Diancang Sect were situated far away within the borders of Shaanxi Province. Was it logically sound for their forces to march across vast distances all the way to Zhejiang Province simply to eliminate our small group?

[The individuals targeting you do not belong to the primary, inner-circle core disciples of those respective grand sects.]

That had been the clarifying explanation provided by Yang Gun-baek in response to my skepticism.

[However, Young Master So-un is surely well aware that these secondary forces are still formidable enough that you cannot afford to treat them lightly, are you not?]

The sheer population of disciples within these massive, historic sects was staggering, and individual students received wildly varying degrees of financial and martial backing based entirely on the political influence of their respective masters.

At the absolute peak stood the true core disciples, who enjoyed the direct, unmitigated sponsorship of the Wudang Sect itself and were comprised exclusively of ordained Wudang Sect martial artists.

Positioned just beneath them were the disciples who, while still receiving official recognition from the Wudang Sect, were heavily reinforced and protected by the sect’s massive network of lay-affiliated martial sects.

Finally, there existed a third tier: disciples of the Wudang Sect who lacked direct institutional funding but were backed by the immense wealth of their family’s merchant houses, allowing them to mobilize the private armies of their own clans to safeguard them through the examination process.

[The specific factions that have mobilized to eliminate Young Master So-un belong to this latter group—individuals who possess significant direct backing but are reinforced by a small army of warriors drawn from various lay-affiliated martial sects.]

The external, lay-affiliated martial sects tied to the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Clans routinely wielded a military capability that vastly eclipsed that of most standard small and medium-sized local sects.

Because they were unable to overcome the entrenched, primary core groups within their own home provinces, they were effectively frozen out of the local hierarchy and forced to project their ambitions across distant territories.

As a direct consequence of this migration, the native small and medium-sized sects operating within those distant provinces were routinely subjected to the miserable fate of being utterly crushed and marginalized by these foreign invaders.

“Even taking those factors into account, it remains highly irregular for them to march their forces all the way into the borders of Zhejiang Province.”

If an independent party managed to seize our Trial Tokens before their arrival, their massive expedition would be rendered entirely pointless, leaving them looking like fools who had chased a phantom prize.

[I strongly suspect that a high-level, clandestine agreement was struck between these factions beforehand.]

Even if they lacked the prestige of true inner-circle disciples, a unified coalition comprised of warriors from the Wudang Sect, Mount Hua Sect, and Diancang Sect was an adversary that could not be underestimated by any sane martial artist.

[Therefore, I implore you to maintain the utmost vigilance.]

Yang Gun-baek’s parting words echoed relentlessly through my mind as we pressed forward.

Once our group successfully navigated beyond the borders of Zhejiang Province and crossed into Jiangsu Province, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers began to exhibit a noticeable surge of excitement as the grand city of Suzhou loomed on the horizon.

“Travelers always insist that the Four Great Gardens of Suzhou are among the most breathtaking sights under heaven. Do you think we might have an opportunity to tour them?”

Hearing Geum-pyo’s relaxed, romantic query, Eun-ho let out a sharp, disapproving click of his tongue.

“Touring scenic gardens? Have your wits entirely deserted you, causing you to forget that we are currently fighting for our lives in the midst of the Hell Regular Exam?”

“Who said anything about forgetting? I merely voiced the thought because their reputation is famous throughout the land.”

“Honestly, Geum-pyo, there are moments when your general lack of maturity makes you seem far younger than Dong-ryong.”

Stung by Eun-ho’s biting critique, Geum-pyo immediately turned his attention to their youngest brother to seek validation.

“Dong-ryong, tell him—what is the very first thing you wish to experience once we cross into Suzhou?”

“Huh? ……Mm. Eldest Senior Brother. What specific delicacies is Suzhou most celebrated for?”

“Let me think. I recall hearing from merchants that their freshwater seafood preparations are considered unmatched…….”

Dong-ryong’s eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously.

“Then my absolute priority is to feast on the famous fish dishes of Suzhou.”

“Haa…….”

Eun-ho let out a heavy, defeated sigh, shaking his head in absolute disbelief at his brothers’ priorities.

Amused by their familiar banter, a soft smile tugged at my lips as I interjected.

“While our current circumstances prevent us from leisurely exploring the famous gardens, I see no reason why we cannot indulge in every single delicacy the city has to offer.”

“Are you certain that is wise, Eldest Senior Brother?”

As Eun-ho voiced his characteristic caution, Geum-pyo offered a mocking smirk.

“Since you are so consumed by anxiety, feel free to stand guard outside the restaurant while the rest of us enjoy the feast.”

“……Do you truly believe that every absurd thought that leaves your mouth sounds clever simply because you muttered it?”

“What did you just say, you little brat?! Did you genuinely just address your senior brother as ‘this brat’?! Eldest Senior Brother! Look at how this insolent bastard speaks to me…….”

The bickering between the Geum and Eun brothers cut off instantly as an abrupt shift in the atmosphere registered in their minds, causing them to freeze mid-sentence.

“…….”

The moment our boots crossed into the boundaries of Suzhou and we directed our steps toward the densely packed commercial districts, the intense, heavy stares of countless weapon-bearing martial artists locked onto us from every conceivable angle along the streets.

The hushed murmurs of the crowd drifted through the air from a distance.

-Are those truly the survivors from the Taeul Sect?

-Without a doubt.

-The rumors claim they are currently hoarding an immense bounty of Trial Tokens.

-An endless number of powerful factions are hunting them down as we speak.

-Perhaps we should seize the opportunity to stake our own claim in the ambush.

While the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers were likely unable to decipher the precise syllables being whispered across the square, the staggering psychological weight of those collective, predatory gazes pressed down upon them, causing them to seal their lips in tense silence.

“This way.”

Until my voice sliced through the stillness, the three brothers had been marching forward rigidly like wooden puppets, completely bereft of direction. The moment I spoke, they scurried to my side, clinging close like vulnerable chicks seeking refuge beneath their parent’s wings.

“Force your bodies to relax. Projecting such an obvious lack of composure will only signal a vulnerability to the predators watching us.”

“……Understood.”

“Yes.”

“Right, Eldest Senior Brother.”

Eun-ho rolled his shoulders and loosened his neck, making a conscious effort to shed at least a fraction of the heavy tension that bound him.

However, whatever composure he had managed to reclaim vanished entirely the moment our group stepped through the entrance of the local inn.

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

The boisterous, deafening din of the crowded establishment died down to an absolute silence in a fraction of a second.

Every single occupant harboring a blade—whether stationed across the ground floor or overlooking the main hall from the second-floor balconies—had turned their eyes entirely toward our position.

The chilling display felt like a visual pulled straight from the depths of a terrifying nightmare.

Even the bustling waiter, caught in the middle of delivering an order, clearly detected the sudden, lethal shift in the room’s energy; he froze dead in his tracks, standing rigidly with an expression of sheer panic, entirely unsure of how to proceed.

“Are we permitted to select any available table?”

The moment I addressed him directly, the young man finally snapped out of his trance.

“Ah, y-yes! Of course. Please, feel free to take any seat that pleases you.”

“What are the signature specialties of this kitchen?”

“The vast majority of our clientele typically request the Dongpo Pork.”

“I was under the impression that Suzhou was world-renowned for its freshwater seafood?”

“Ah…… if that is your preference, might I suggest our Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish?”

“Excellent. Prepare the Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, the Dongpo Pork, the Jingjiang Shredded Pork, alongside a serving of thin noodles and a basket of dumplings.”

“Pardon me, sir…… are you expecting additional companions to join your party?”

“No, there are no others. It is just the four of us.”

“……Ah, I see. Understood.”

“One more thing. Ensure a large quantity of water is heated while we dine. Furthermore, go out and procure fresh sets of traveling attire for my companions.”

“Right away! I implore you to wait just a brief moment.”

The moment my fingers slid three heavy silver taels across the wooden table, the waiter’s pale, anxiety-ridden features instantly transformed into a radiant grin, and he vanished into the kitchen with incredible speed.

“Eldest Senior Brother, was it truly necessary to explicitly clarify to the room that we have no reinforcements coming?”

Eun-ho murmured in a barely audible whisper, his eyes darting warily toward our surroundings.

The hidden martial artists packed into the inn had completely ceased the clinking of their chopsticks, straining their senses to catch even the faintest syllable drifting from our table.

“Our path moving forward will be defined by continuous, unrelenting hardship regardless of what we do. There is absolutely no reason to cower now simply because of the minor skirmishes we have survived up to this point.”

“……Your words are wise.”

While it was true that we had thoroughly dismantled the local factions of Zhejiang Province—including the complete suppression of both the Yellow Sword Sect and the Blue Saber Gang—and used that brutality to issue a clear warning to the region, such peace was inherently fleeting as long as we carried highly coveted Trial Tokens.

Before we could hope to challenge the final, remaining Third Trial, and certainly long after we cleared it, an increasingly formidable array of adversaries would be waiting to tear us apart.

Even at this very instant, beyond the borders of this province, the highly trained elites of the Wudang Sect, Mount Hua Sect, and Diancang Sect were rapidly closing the distance to our position.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

A young noble elegantly attired in expensive, shimmering silk garments began a slow descent down the grand wooden staircase from the upper floor, clapping his hands in measured rhythm.

Flanking his position, a pair of seasoned martial artists who appeared to be well into their thirties flanked him tightly, maintaining the hyper-vigilant posture of elite bodyguards.

“A truly breathtaking display of raw audacity.”

The wealthy young master closed the distance to our table, a pleasant smile playing across his features.

“I possessed definitive intelligence indicating you would steer your course through this territory, yet I never imagined you would march into the heart of the city with such blatant disregard for secrecy.”

“…….”

“If it does not cause an inconvenience, would you permit me the honor of sharing your table?”

The heavy wooden table we occupied was easily spacious enough to accommodate eight fully grown men.

Nevertheless, I offered a calm shake of my head.

“I harbor an intense dislike for anything that disrupts the tranquility of my meals.”

Step, step.

Precisely as anticipated, the twin bodyguards stationed at the young master’s flanks shifted their weight instantly, their palms hovering over their hilts as if prepared to draw steel at the slightest provocation.

Observing their synchronized reaction, it became obvious that personal bodyguards across the realm were trained under a completely identical doctrine. It always amounted to: ‘The moment your young master’s authority is slighted, make an overt, threatening show of force.’

“While I cannot entirely compensate for the intrusion, allow me to assume full financial responsibility for the entirety of your feast.”

“Junior brothers, why are you lingering? Clear a space so our generous benefactor may take a seat.”

“…….”

The young noble’s personal guards stared down at me with expressions of absolute, dumbfounded bewilderment.

What? Was there an unwritten rule stating a martial artist must turn down a complimentary meal?

“…….”

A beat later, Eun-ho offered a knowing nod.

“Eldest Senior Brother, under these circumstances, it is perfectly acceptable for us to request a few additional delicacies, correct?”

“Naturally. Given that this young master chooses to navigate a active warzone attired in delicate silk robes rather than proper combat leather, it is safe to assume his family possesses more wealth than they know how to spend.”

Even in the face of my blatant mockery, the silk-clad young noble’s smooth smile never wavered for a second.

“Keeper! Bring forth a serving of the Osmanthus Chicken and the Scallion-Mixed Tofu immediately. Ah! And add a generous plate of spiced, sauced beef as well!”

“Hold on! Let us also sample the Twice-Cooked Pork. I recall Gye Cheol-yeong boasting endlessly about how incredible that dish tastes.”

“Add a portion of the Twice-Cooked Pork to the order as well, if you please!”

We intentionally demanded an absurd, prohibitively expensive mountain of food for the sole purpose of testing his patience, yet the young master’s calm exterior remained entirely unruffled.

He brought his hands together in a polite, elegant greeting and spoke.

“I am Song Baek, representing the Hwayeong Escort Agency based right here within the walls of Suzhou.”

The Hwayeong Escort Agency.

It was an immense, powerhouse organization widely recognized as one of the elite top five escort syndicates operating throughout the entire Jiangbei region.

By virtue of their unique profession, escort agencies inherently maintained one foot firmly planted within the commercial merchant networks and the other deeply embedded within the martial underworld of the murim. Viewed through that specific lens, they were unique entities that commanded both staggering financial capital and formidable, independent military force.

“Are you here because your faction requires Trial Tokens?”

The moment those blunt words left my lips, a collective, tense shiver rippled through the entirety of the inn.

An endless number of hidden eyes focused intently on our position, their bodies stiffening with anticipation.

Conversely, the pleasant grin remained perfectly fixed on the corners of Song Baek’s mouth.

“Your character is truly as remarkable as the rumors led me to believe.”

“Is that a fact?”

“I have already successfully secured passage through both the First Trial and the Second Trial.”

As the high-ranking heir of a prominent escort syndicate, he would naturally possess access to highly detailed, comprehensive intelligence regarding the various mountain strongholds dominating Jiangbei.

Furthermore, given his deep ties to the merchant elite, procuring the necessary rare Spiritual Pills would have posed absolutely no significant challenge for someone of his status.

“If that is the case, what logical reason could have possibly driven you to seek me out?”

“Tell me—following your crossing of Mount Makgan, did your traveling schedule not become noticeably more relaxed and devoid of conflict?”

“…….”

At that exact moment, the trembling waiter emerged from the kitchen, balancing massive trays piled high with steaming food. However, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers alongside myself completely ignored the dishes, keeping our lips sealed as we locked eyes with the noble.

“While you remain within the borders of Jiangsu Province…… or at the very least, as long as you reside within Suzhou, you may enjoy absolute peace and security. The Hwayeong Escort Agency will personally guarantee the safety of the Taeul Sect disciples.”

Suzhou within Jiangsu Province was a thriving metropolis bursting with a far greater concentration of military force and commercial goods than the majority of provincial capitals, yet the Hwayeong Escort Agency spoke with absolute, unwavering confidence that the entire city was under their total dominance.

Remarkably, not a single hidden martial artist packed into the inn dared to utter a word of mockery against Song Baek’s bold declaration.

“What possible motive could drive you to display such unprompted benevolence toward us?”

Song Baek let out a soft sigh, shaking his head as if caught in a highly frustrating dilemma.

“Personally, I harbor no desire to interfere, however…….”

In an instant, his gentle gaze hardened, his eyes flashing with a sharp, lethal intensity.

“The senior martial brothers of my lineage do not appear to share my relaxed perspective on the matter.”

“…….”

“Am I correct in assuming you have already crossed paths with Senior Brother Jong Byeok-gi?”

I found myself wondering briefly why the name of Flying Cloud Fresh Wind Jong Byeok-gi, a prominent figure from the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, had suddenly been injected into this discussion.

“I happen to serve as a lay disciple of the Diancang Sect.”

“Ah…… now the pieces connect.”

Clink, clink.

The very instant the name of Jong Byeok-gi crossed his lips, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers completely abandoned their caution and began aggressively manipulating their spoons and chopsticks.

Song Baek offered a brief, passing glance at the three gluttonous brothers before continuing his thought.

“Senior Brother Jong was incredibly detailed when relaying his experiences regarding you.”

“I presume his commentary was filled with glowing praise?”

“How could such a thing be possible?”

Jong Byeok-gi had previously attempted to orchestrate a massive conspiracy theory, publicly questioning whether the legitimate, sacred lineage of the Taeul Sword Emperor truly belonged to the Taeul Sect, an act of idiocy that had resulted in him being thoroughly beaten into a bloody pulp by Murong Gang.

I had fully anticipated that he would be entirely incapacitated, dragged around by Murong Gang as punishment for his unhinged behavior, but had he already managed to regain his mobility so quickly?

“As a direct consequence of that public humiliation, the rest of my senior brothers currently harbor an immense amount of bitter resentment toward Young Master Jin.”

Moments after he spoke, a fresh contingent of warriors attired in identical uniforms to the young master’s elite bodyguards began a deliberate descent from the second-floor balcony.

Every single newcomer radiated an unmistakable, lethal martial pressure.

“Would you consider remaining under our direct supervision until the main body of my senior brothers arrives in the city? If an independent faction manages to defeat you and seize your tokens before their arrival, I fear I will find myself in an exceptionally awkward position regarding my superiors.”

“Do you happen to have sufficient funds on your person?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You previously made a binding declaration that you would cover the financial cost of this meal. I am merely asking to confirm whether you actually possess the coin to back up your words.”

Song Baek let out a soft, amused chuckle. Reaching into the folds of his silk tunic, he produced a heavy leather coin pouch.

“I am entirely prepared to host your group at the most luxurious pavilion this city has to offer.”

The very instant the pouch cleared his robes, my hand shot forward like lightning, gripping the back of his skull and slamming his face violently down into the hard surface of the table.

Thud.

Though the dining table was constructed from dense, solid timber, the sheer force of the impact left a flawless, hollowed-out indentation exactly where his forehead collided with the wood.

In a desperate, split-second instinct, he had managed to channel a dense layer of protective qi around his skull to prevent the table from splitting in half.

Because of that split-second defense, Song Baek absorbed the absolute totality of the blunt, qi-infused shockwave directly into his head, causing dark crimson blood to instantly leak from his ears, nose, eyes, and mouth.

“Y-you insane bastard…….”

Shing, shing.

In a unified flash of steel, every single warrior in the room, including the young master’s personal bodyguards, drew their weapons from their sheaths.

Without missing a beat, I dragged Song Baek’s listing body toward me, pressing the razor-sharp edge of my blade directly against his throat.

“Are you truly prepared to stand there and watch your young master’s life blood spill onto these floorboards before your very eyes?”

“…….”

“…….”

The elite martial artists of the Hwayeong Escort Agency glared at me with expressions so dark and lethal that a horrific life-and-death struggle felt entirely inevitable within the next breath.

Spurred by their movement, the rest of the rogue martial artists loitering throughout the inn also began slowly shifting their palms onto the pommels of their swords, one by one.

At that exact, hyper-tense moment—

Slurp.

Slurrrp.

Chomp, chomp.

The loud, unmistakable sounds of someone aggressively devouring noodles and chewing meat reverberated through the suffocating silence of the establishment.

Every single eye in the room naturally drifted toward the source of the noise.

Completely oblivious to the drawn blades and the imminent threat of a bloodbath, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers were single-mindedly focused on shoving massive handfuls of food into their mouths.

As I stared down at them in absolute, stunned disbelief, Geum-pyo offered a quick, defensive glance around the room before speaking through a mouthful of food.

“If we fail to seize this opportunity to eat…… gulp. There is no telling when we will ever cross paths with a proper hot meal again……. Slurp.”

“Eldest Senior Brother, we implore you—p-please do everything in your power to maintain this stand-off just a little bit longer. The kitchen brought the food out piping hot, and it would be a sin to let it go cold.”

Having delivered their brief plea, the three inseparable brothers immediately returned to their frantic pacing, stuffing their cheeks to maximum capacity.

“…….”

Not only the disciplined elite guards of the Hwayeong Escort Agency, but every single weapon-bearing rogue packed into the establishment stared at the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers as if they were looking at a trio of certified lunatics.

Ah, the absolute embarrassment was nearly unbearable.