WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Chen
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◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈
Chapter 11: The Third-Rate Martial Artist Protecting His Sect's Honor (5)
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“Didn't I tell you so!”
We returned to our lodgings after leaving the banquet and explained what had happened. Then disaster struck.
Gang Chaeseok was fuming, unable to hide his anger, while Jin Taesan's face was stiffer than ever.
“They insulted our sect. Was I supposed to endure it in silence?”
“Y-you... you wretch!”
Jin Taesan spoke in place of Gang Chaeseok, whose face had turned red with outrage.
“You gave their scheme justification. Did you not consider what that justification could lead to?”
“Their justification was one-sided and forced. Even if I'd endured their insult, they would've found a way to drag me out anyway.”
“Then there would not have been one-sided violence disguised as a spar.”
“I'm not afraid of being hurt in defeat. What frightens me is seeing myself run away because I fear defeat.”
“...”
Without a word, Jin Taesan rose and began untying the fastenings of his upper robe.
“Taesan!”
Even with Saryeon present, Father did not stop.
“...!”
“What are you doing?”
When he removed his robe, a deep scar marked Jin Taesan's back.
Strangely, the scar stretched long and straight, about four fingers wide, with a pointed end.
“Look closely. What sort of wound do you think this is?”
Though I had lived under the same roof as Father, he had never shown me his bare body.
Come to think of it, it was strange that I had no memory of this scar, not even from when I was very young.
“What kind of wound... is it?”
“Look carefully.”
The scar was too even to have been left by a whip, while its pointed end was too sharp to have come from a club.
It looked like someone had pressed down the flat of a sword...
“Could it be... the flat of a sword?”
“You saw correctly. Seong Jutak, the Iron Sword Sect's Young Sect Leader twenty years ago, left that scar.”
Creak.
I ground my teeth.
“...What happened?”
“Pain is more frightening than you think.”
“Please tell me what happened.”
“...”
Jin Taesan silently put his clothes back on, then left the lodgings.
“Enough. Saryeon, you should return as well.”
“If I don't hear what happened, I won't know what happened. And if I don't know what happened, I won't know what I might do from now on.”
“...”
“Everyone feels their family's flesh being torn more keenly than their own bones breaking. If I go to sleep like this, then tomorrow, even if it kills me, I'll fight with the resolve to kill Seong Mohyeon.”
“...At the same level of attainment, the Taeul Sect's sword cannot defeat the Iron Sword Sect's sword.”
The essence of the Iron Sword Sect's sword art was weight. The Ghost Sword Immortal Elder, the sect's founder, had wielded a massive sword with a blade four fingers wide. As their sword art neared completion, their weapons had all been standardized to swords with blades three fingers wide.
The essence of the Taeul Sect's sword art was speed.
The principle of speed could not break through the Iron Sword Sect's sword, which relied on overwhelming weight.
If the difference in speed were overwhelming enough, weight would not matter. To achieve that, though, one needed far greater internal energy or attainment than the opponent.
“Even so, how can they do something like that to a defeated opponent?” Hong Saryeon said, unable to contain her anger.
“There were countless martial figures gathered there. Saryeon, could you calmly admit to a wrongdoing you did not commit?”
“...”
“That is why I told you not to be drawn into any forced situation. With the Martial Alliance's Grand Strategist and people from the Namgung Clan present, can you imagine what absurd claims those conniving bastards might make?”
* * *
Father did not return all night.
Only when it was nearly time for the appointment did I learn where he was.
He was at the central training ground.
“...”
“Jin Taesan, you fool.”
Gang Chaeseok looked ready to breathe fire as he watched Jin Taesan prostrate himself on the cold ground.
Those who had been generously entertained at the sixtieth birthday banquet began gathering at the central training ground, eager to watch an entertaining spectacle.
“What happened?”
“I heard a Taeul Sect disciple insulted the Iron Sword Sect.”
“Hoho! What a fearless little brat. The Taeul Sect dared to do that at the Iron Sword Sect?”
“His father is apparently apologizing. The Iron Sword Sect Leader said he would generously forgive him if he showed sincere remorse.”
To draw an even larger crowd, the Iron Sword Sect had servants bring simple snacks and alcohol around the training ground.
Even people who cared more about liquor than spectacle came rushing out of the pavilions.
“...”
When I walked toward Father, everyone's attention turned to me.
“Is that the brat?”
“Because of his thoughtless son, his father will suffer a beating.”
Though I approached him, Father did not move an inch.
“...Stay back.”
“Get up. Why are you kneeling there like a criminal?”
“...What father in this world could bear to watch his son be wounded?”
“No son in this world is pleased to see his father humiliated.”
“...”
The moment I reached out to help Jin Taesan up, the murmuring among the crowd grew louder.
The Iron Sword Sect Leader appeared atop the training ground, accompanied by Seong Jutak, the Martial Alliance's Grand Strategist Jegal Somyeong, and Namgung Taewon and Namgung San of the Namgung Clan.
“You must be Jin Sowoon of the Taeul Sect.”
The Iron Sword Sect Leader stared down at me with contempt.
“That is correct.”
“You truly have not a shred of manners. Even after seeing what trouble your reckless tongue has caused, do you still fail to understand the situation?”
“What martial artist in this world would show courtesy to his father's enemy?”
“What did you say?”
“I heard something like this happened twenty years ago as well.”
“...What are you talking about?”
“Did you not invite the Taeul Sect to an Iron Sword Sect celebration, insult us, then force us to draw our swords so you could humiliate us?”
“...!”
Murmurs spread through the crowd at my words.
“What is he talking about?”
“Now that he mentions it, back then...”
“Hey, be quiet! Have you forgotten where you are?”
Those who had begun speaking quickly shut their mouths beneath the sharp glares of the Iron Sword Sect disciples.
“I understand that you wish to eliminate our Taeul Sect and join the One Hundred Eight Peaks. But after doing something no common street thug would do, I have to ask whether you are truly fit to become an allied sect of the Martial Alliance.”
The commotion grew louder.
Surely someone here remembered what had happened twenty years ago. The two situations were so alike that they would feel an unsettling sense of familiarity.
“Y-you brat...!”
The Iron Sword Sect Leader's beard trembled as he glanced at Jegal Somyeong.
“...”
Yet Jegal Somyeong merely watched the proceedings without a change in expression. Emboldened by that, the Iron Sword Sect Leader's expression changed.
“I have no idea what you are talking about. In any case, because of what you did, your father is suffering that disgrace.”
Father's bent back, bowed low against the ground, seemed especially sturdy and enormous today.
“I feel no shame in a father worrying for his child. But I cannot suppress my disgust at your foul and despicable attempt to exploit even a father's heart!”
“Y-you...!”
I pointed at Seong Mohyeon.
“That Seong bastard over there told me I should bear responsibility for my own words. Why hasn't he stepped forward?”
Seong Mohyeon was watching his father and grandfather's reactions.
Things had already gone far from their original plan.
With the Martial Alliance's Grand Strategist and people from the Namgung Clan present, he was likely wondering what to do.
I gave them no more time to think.
“Seong Mohyeon! Your father and grandfather have set the stage this grandly. Shouldn't you be the one to put the finishing touch on it?”
I drew my sword and spoke to Father.
“My sword has already been drawn, so your knees no longer mean anything. Please step down.”
Jin Taesan raised his head for the first time.
“...Are you confident you can endure this?”
“I have already shown my resolve.”
“Then do not let a moment of pain make you do something that will shame you.”
Rather than answer, I looked at Saryeon.
Saryeon and Gang Chaeseok stepped onto the training ground, supported Jin Taesan, who could no longer walk on his own, and helped him down. At the same time, Seong Mohyeon came up from the opposite side.
“You must be disappointed things did not go as intended.”
Seong Mohyeon's expression had hardened.
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Could it be you moved without even knowing what the elders intended? Then it seems the rumors were true. The Beautiful Wolf is superior to the Bloody Wolf.”
Seong Mohyeon's face reddened.
“Even if you defeat me in this spar, you likely won't achieve what you want.”
I looked around at the spectators.
“What's more, if you lose to me or even end in a draw, today's events will shame the Iron Sword Sect forever.”
I had already planted doubt in their minds.
Those who supported the Iron Sword Sect would deny my words, but those who had secretly disliked them now had a good reason to condemn them.
“...Enough with your ridiculous nonsense.”
Seong Mohyeon assumed a sword stance.
As though displaying the Iron Sword Sect's aggressive nature, he leaned deeply forward, ready to spring out at any moment.
There was no consideration for martial seniority or differences in skill.
The spar had lost its courtesy and retained only its name. Both our killing intent surged as though we could take the other's life at any moment.
“Chaaat!”
Seong Mohyeon moved first.
Tremendous strength filled the thick sword, four fingers wide. Every time it swept through the air, sharp sword wind surged in all directions.
Those who had received the Iron Sword Sect's sword even once said it felt like blocking a massive iron mace with a thin blade.
It was a sword art impossible to withstand with the Taeul Sect's light, swift sword.
That was what Father and Gang Chaeseok had feared most.
'But that only applies when we're at the same level.'
During the Orthodox-Demonic War, I had raised the Lesser Heaven Sword Art to the twelfth stage, beyond the point where it moved according to my will.
As I began circulating the internal energy enhanced by elixirs, power spread through my entire body.
Swoosh.
Slice.
With a chilling cutting sound, Seong Mohyeon's face turned pale as he brought his sword down.
“Gasp!”
“D-did you see that?”
No one could take their eyes off the hem of Seong Mohyeon's robe lying on the ground.
“What in the world...?”
Though the spar had begun, the training ground, which had been filled with noise, fell silent as though not even an ant remained.
Without delay, I advanced toward Seong Mohyeon using the Center-Advancing Step Method.
The Lesser Heaven Sword Art's First Form, Breaking Sword, was followed by its Second Form, Slicing Sword.
Seong Mohyeon could not even form a proper defensive stance. He could only barely evade, giving up the tip of his sword and the hem of his robe as he retreated from my blade.
“The Taeul Sect is overwhelming him, right?”
“This is a complete disgrace. After making such a big show of it too.”
“Be quiet. The Sect Leader doesn't look pleased.”
Of course, things would not unfold as they had in my previous life.
I had fought desperately on the front lines of war against the Demonic Cult's lackeys, accumulating real combat experience. Seong Mohyeon, meanwhile, had lived like a greenhouse flower, drenched in Marrow Cleansing and elixirs.
If his internal energy had been overwhelmingly greater, Seong Mohyeon might have had a chance of winning. But now, my internal energy was nothing to be looked down on either.
“You planned all those schemes, yet this is the best result you could manage. You will surely be too ashamed to face your sect members.”
“Shut up!”
After putting distance between us, Seong Mohyeon abandoned the Shattering Stone Sword Art and prepared to unleash the Mountain-Crushing Sword Art.
The Mountain-Crushing Sword Art was the essence of the Iron Sword Sect.
They needed to overwhelm me with the Shattering Stone Sword Art to establish that the Iron Sword Sect stood above the Taeul Sect. Yet if he lost while attempting that, the whole affair would become worse than never having happened at all. He had no other choice.
'Is it right to end this here?'
Even if he used the Mountain-Crushing Sword Art instead of the Shattering Stone Sword Art, the current Seong Mohyeon could not defeat me.
But even if I defeated him here, could I completely block the Iron Sword Sect's schemes from now on? No.
I alone possessed power that clearly exceeded the norm because I had lived two lives, and the Iron Sword Sect would soon learn that.
'They might act with even fewer reservations.'
After suffering this humiliation in front of the Martial Alliance's Grand Strategist, they would surely put on shameless faces and commit even worse outrages.
That meant I needed an extreme measure.
'I will make sure the Iron Sword Sect can never raise its head again.'
Whooom. Whooom. Whooom.
Every time Seong Mohyeon's sword swung, a massive wave of force moved with the sound of bursting wind.
The immense force was enough to make the stone floor of the training ground tremble.
I sent out the Lesser Heaven Sword Art once more to meet the Mountain-Crushing Sword Art.
Clang. Clang-clang-clang.
My sword rebounded as though I had thrown a needle at a rapidly spinning top, and a smile finally appeared on Seong Mohyeon's lips.
“Do you understand now? This is the difference in our levels!”
Whooom. Whooom. Whooom.
Boom! Boom-boom-boom!
Seong Mohyeon, growing ever more smug, swept his sword across the ground. Stone fragments flew in every direction, reaching even the spectators.
“R-run!”
“Such power!”
“The Iron Sword Sect really is the Iron Sword Sect.”
Rather than strike at his weakness, I deliberately reduced the amount of internal energy I used, making it seem as though my sword could not break through.
Each time my sword was blocked by the Mountain-Crushing Sword Art, I stepped back until I was finally driven to the edge of the training ground.
“This is the end!”
The moment Seong Mohyeon brought his sword down, I slipped into his guard, placed my left hand on him, and activated the Azure Dragon Bangle.
“...!”
Like a man whose strength had suddenly left him, he dropped his sword to the ground.
“Gasp!?”
Seong Mohyeon stared at me with disbelief.
“Why? Did you see a ghost?”
Footnotes:
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