WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Chen

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◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈

Chapter 20: The Third-Rate Martial Artist Welcoming an Uninvited Guest

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Bang.

A table made from ebony from Mount Seolgak, famed for its hardness, shattered into splinters.

The Hidden Palace Unit's vice commander trembled.

The table had broken. If things went badly, their head might be next.

“What did you just say?”

Namgung Sangwon's low, growling voice deepened their fear.

It was impossible to tell whether he was venting his fury or barely holding it back.

The vice commander's words came even faster.

“When the unit leader failed to arrive at the appointed time, I led the members there and found...”

“They were dead?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Who was it? Who dared ruin the grand plan?”

What Namgung Sangwon had been holding back was fury. When it erupted, killing intent poured in every direction, reaching even the Hidden Palace Unit members waiting outside the building and forcing them to swallow hard.

“Th-that is...”

“Speak properly!”

“It was one person.”

“One person? Someone faced twenty Hidden Palace Unit members alone?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Then who was it?”

“Th-that...”

The vice commander could not bring themselves to answer. They had found no trace of the enemy at all.

“We could not identify them.”

“You...!”

“I-It's true. The footprints were shallow, and there were signs of surprise attacks, so we can only cautiously speculate that the culprit may have been an assassin.”

“An assassin?”

Driven by a desperate wish to live, the vice commander suddenly spoke with unusual fluency.

“Yes. Based on the traces, it appears our men were mostly ambushed at first. Once discovered, the assailant fought them head-on. W-We had also extinguished the lights to conceal our own identities, so... I believe that may have led to this situation.”

“An assassin...”

Had the vice commander's desperation gotten through to him? The anger faded from Namgung Sangwon's face, replaced by doubt.

Namgung Sangwon turned to his son, Namgung Songju.

“What do you think?”

“I have heard that assassins use indistinguishable forms so they do not leave traces behind.”

“Then you think it truly was an assassin?”

“There is one strange part.”

“What is it?”

“They did not attack by ambush from beginning to end. They only ambushed them at first, then fought them head-on later.”

“True.”

“Even if we searched the entire martial world, there would only be a handful of assassins capable of surviving a direct battle against the Hidden Palace Unit's martial artists. And they would have even less reason to work for the Wang Family Estate.”

“That is true.”

Top-tier assassins could not be bought with money.

Even if Wang Geumsan had hired an assassin for personal protection, it was absurd to think an assassin of that caliber had fought the Hidden Palace Unit's martial artists.

“What should we do?”

Namgung Sangwon replied with a question.

“You erased the traces?”

“Yes. We erased every trace from the beginning of the mission.”

“Dispose of the bodies and erase every remaining trace.”

After the vice commander left, silence filled the inner chamber, where only Namgung Sangwon and Songju remained.

Songju asked, “Do you believe the operation was leaked?”

“That cannot be.”

“Then do you believe it was a coincidence?”

“Hmm...”

They had controlled even the risk of the operation leaking.

The tasks had been divided into fragments and intertwined so thoroughly that even those involved would only understand what had happened after completing their own parts.

Only Sangwon, Songju, the unit leader, and the vice commander knew the full operation from the start. It was impossible for the operation to have leaked.

“How could they have known?”

“We can ask once we catch that bastard.”

“Will we be able to find them?”

“This is the Wang Family Estate. If they rescued Wang Soso, would they not want a suitable reward? Whether they rescued her by chance or knew about the operation, we will find out then.”

“I will have the Wang Family Estate watched.”

“Do so.”

The grand plan of Defying Heaven had gone awry. Someone would pay the price.

* * *

One week after Wang Soso's disappearance.

The Martial Alliance's Hefei Branch Chief was inwardly shocked upon seeing Wang Geumsan for the first time in a week.

He looked so haggard that it was hard to believe he was the same person. His once-generous flesh had wasted away, and his bloodshot eyes showed he had barely slept.

Wang Geumsan parted his lips, dry as a desert.

“Did you find any traces?”

The sound was like metal scraping against metal. The branch chief collected themself and answered.

“We did find some, but... the information is uncertain...”

“Show me.”

“Perhaps it would be better if we gathered more information before reporting it. This is an important matter, after all...”

The branch chief did not know where the fallout from this incident would land, but anyone who incurred Wang Geumsan's wrath in his current state would not come through unharmed.

“Give it to me.”

“Estate Lord, I understand that you are anxious, but if you act rashly...”

“My daughter has an illness. A terrible illness that means she cannot survive for three days outside Wang Residence Village. Yet a week has already passed. There has been no contact from the culprits. Must I show more patience?”

Of course, the branch chief understood Wang Geumsan's feelings.

That was why they were even more reluctant to hand over their inadequate report.

As the saying goes, raw martial prowess can compensate for a lack of professional technique.

The culprits might not have worked with a professional's finesse, but they were undoubtedly martial experts.

Traces remained, yet there was no way to identify who had left them. Since they could not be identified, the culprits could not even be narrowed down.

In their haste, the branch chief had only brought a list of people ruthless enough to commit such an act and troublesome to the Martial Alliance's Hefei Branch.

The information had also been hastily prepared on the advice of the Namgung Clan, with whom the branch frequently dealt.

If they came empty-handed, lightning would surely strike.

“Do you know how much I donate to the Martial Alliance every year?”

“Ah! Of course, regarding the donations you make for the peace of the martial world...”

“Do we need any more words?”

The branch chief swallowed hard.

How far would the consequences of this report spread?

Despite their misgivings, the branch chief found themself holding out the report to Wang Geumsan.

“Gyeonsa Sect... Hyeolju Fort... Tanghyeon Sect? Is Tanghyeon Sect not an orthodox sect?”

“That is why I said the report was incomplete. We will investigate further and...”

“That will do. I have seen enough of your abilities. From now on, Wang Residence Village will act directly.”

So it had finally come to this.

That was what the branch chief thought.

Could they truly bear responsibility for this report?

As they shook their head to drive away a moment of anxiety...

“Estate Lord! Estate Lord!!”

Someone called for Wang Geumsan at the top of their lungs.

Without waiting for Wang Geumsan's reply, the owner of that voice flung the door open and rushed in.

It was behavior rude enough to make both the visiting branch chief and Wang Geumsan, the master of the house, furrow their brows.

But then...

“Miss has returned!!!”

“...What?”

This was no time to question manners.

Thud.

The report the branch chief had painstakingly prepared slipped from their hand and hit the floor.

* * *

The mountains had shed winter and welcomed spring. The cold winds of midwinter had become warm spring breezes.

New shoots rose between the dead leaves in the forest, while sunlight spread its warmth and melted the ice that had frozen through the winter.

Wang Soso was feeling spring for the first time.

“So this is... spring.”

“Is this your first time feeling a season?”

“My room was always frozen like the depths of winter. The summer flowers and autumn leaves outside my window felt as unreal as paintings.”

Her life had changed. Now it was becoming like the lives of ordinary people.

She could walk on her own, bask in sunlight, sweat, and push her muscles until she was exhausted, yet her solar yang energy had vanished as quietly as if it had gone to sleep.

“Still, don't overdo it. The medicine's effects are still active, and it will take time for your energy to settle.”

“How can I ever repay this kindness...?”

“Hasn't your father done many good deeds for others? Think of this as the reward for them.”

Wang Soso looked at Jin Sowoon with eyes full of emotion.

It was already remarkable that he had not ignored injustice, but rather than praise his own achievement, he praised someone else's good deeds.

They did not seem far apart in age, yet he seemed so mature. He was capable, broad-minded, and even his appearance...

“Ahem.”

“Are you all right?”

“...”

“Was walking too much after all?”

“No, it's just... Um...”

Could she really say this?

Speaking with a boy her own age for the first time in her life was no easy thing for Wang Soso.

“Please, go ahead.”

“Um... Could I perhaps... call you Brother Sowoon?”

Wang Soso's voice grew quieter and quieter until Jin Sowoon had to lean close to hear her final words.

“Haha. If that makes you comfortable, call me that.”

“...Then please call me Soso. I would also like you to speak more casually to me.”

“All right, Soso.”

For a moment, Wang Soso thought Jin Sowoon's hand might reach out to stroke her head, and her heart began racing.

“Ah, sorry. It's become a habit. Girls don't like that sort of thing, right?”

As Jin Sowoon flinched and pulled his hand away, Wang Soso moistened her lips in disappointment.

“Ah... I-I think I would be all right with it. I haven't experienced it before, though.”

“All right. Let's head down now. Your father must be waiting.”

On their way back to the Wang Family Estate, Jin Sowoon told Wang Soso about the many things in the world that she had not yet experienced.

At the market, children could buy little snacks. In summer, people could take boats out on the lake. Autumn mountains were painted in colors more beautiful than anything else, making them perfect for a walk.

He told her about all the things she had nearly lost the chance to experience, and all the things she could now experience to her heart's content.

“Brother Sowoon, I want to try those candied fruits at the market. Could you go with me?”

“Of course.”

“Brother Sowoon, I want to go boating on that lake too. Could you come with me?”

“We can do that too.”

“Brother Sowoon, I want to hike in the autumn mountains as well. Could you climb with me?”

“To climb mountains, you need to train hard. Would you be all right with that?”

“I have learned the Taeul Mind Method too. From now on, I will be a disciple of the Taeul Sect, so I can train as well.”

“Then you will become my junior martial sister. Speak to your father about it.”

In return, Wang Soso told Jin Sowoon about her own world.

“Every three years, the people in charge of branches and shops from across the country gather at Wang Residence Village for a festival. The food never stops coming, and the music never stops playing.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“Father will probably hold a grand feast for you. If he doesn't, I'll pester him until he does.”

“Don't make things difficult for your father.”

“He will probably give you a huge reward too. He cherishes me very much.”

“You should recover quickly and show him plenty of filial devotion.”

“Our home has so many treasures too. I think there may be something that suits you, Brother Sowoon.”

“You must have enjoyed seeing all those treasures.”

Wang Soso talked excitedly.

She had never known she could be such a talkative person.

They had spent the entire day walking and talking, yet she did not feel bored in the slightest.

Was that because her illness was cured, or was there another reason? Wang Soso was still too young to understand.

“...Brother Sowoon?”

Wang Soso looked at Jin Sowoon, who had taken a step back.

“You can go on alone from here, right?”

“What? What do you mean? You have to come with me!”

Wang Soso felt her heart sink.

“As you know, your disappearance has thrown the entire Hefei area into chaos. If I went with you at a time like this, it could lead to misunderstandings.”

“No! What are you saying, Brother Sowoon? That will never happen. Please let me repay you.”

Jin Sowoon then strode forward.

With his rough hand, he stroked her head.

Wang Soso was so flustered that she could only stare wide-eyed, opening and closing her mouth like a fish.

“Gaining a new junior martial sister is more than enough repayment. So don't worry.”

“B-But...”

“Didn't you say you would enter the Taeul Sect? Then we'll see each other often from now on. So don't worry.”

“Brother Sowoon...”

After saying that, Jin Sowoon turned and walked away with steady steps.

For a long while, Wang Soso blankly watched his retreating back.

Then...

“M-Miss!!!”

“Miss Wang Soso!!!!”

The people of Wang Residence Village began recognizing Wang Soso one by one.

* * *

I wanted the reward and treasures, but I could not simply follow Wang Soso inside.

If I went in and announced that I had rescued her, they would begin questioning every detail of the incident. Before I even received a reward or treasure, I might be investigated as one of the kidnappers and their accomplices.

The Martial Alliance's Hefei Branch had already stepped in, yet I had done what they could not.

Would those greedy people really stay quiet?

“Still, I achieved my goal.”

I had never imagined Wang Soso was suffering because of her constitution. Thanks to that, she had learned the Taeul Mind Method and even said she wanted to join the Taeul Sect herself.

I wondered if Wang Geumsan would permit it, but I had saved his daughter and cured her constitution. Surely he would provide enough support that the Taeul Sect would no longer need the Gyerong Merchant Group's funding. That was what I hoped.

If Wang Geumsan gave us even some help, the Taeul Sect would no longer have a reason to yield this year's Martial Arts Academy early admission to Gye Cheolyeong.

“Then Saryeon can enter the Martial Arts Academy, and the Academy Admission Token can go to someone else.”

Whether through special admission to the Martial Arts Academy or with an Academy Admission Token, there were easy paths in. But if I entered alone, I would only be a lonely island in the middle of the sea.

In the wars to come, I would need people who could move at my behest, like my own hands and feet. If they did not complete the academy program with me, it would be meaningless.

The Taeul Sect ranked among the lowest of the One Hundred Eight Peaks. Even if I tried to build a force, it would never take shape, like snow that would not pack together.

There was another reason I needed to take the examination.

“There will also be plenty of spiritual medicines during the academy examination.”

The reason the Martial Arts Academy's regular examination was called the Hellish Exam was that the academy fanned the flames of competition.

One of the ways it did so was through the spiritual medicines it prepared.

Once those medicines began to be discovered, the number of deaths rose sharply.

“Before entering the academy, I need at least a gapja, sixty years' worth, of internal energy.”

There were roughly eight months until winter, when the examination began.

I had to increase my internal energy and consider what to do about my martial arts.

“The Lesser Heaven Sword Art has its limits, no matter how long I use it.”

As my internal energy rose rapidly, the most frustrating part was that the Lesser Heaven Sword Art had a clear limit to how much internal energy it could contain.

I could use the Sword-Breaking Form to shatter the martial arts of the Martial Alliance's major sects, but if they used other martial arts instead, I would have to fight with my own true ability.

And for that kind of battle, the Lesser Heaven Sword Art had far too obvious a limit.

“Yet I have too little internal energy to use the Mad Heaven Divine Palm...”

The martial arts manual I had found together with the Snow Plum Pellet was astonishingly the legacy of the Mad Heaven Divine Lord, one of the Ten Venerables of the martial world from three hundred years ago.

He had reached the realm of an absolute master with a single martial art, so his manual had been a most welcome find. There was one problem, though.

If I used the Mad Heaven Divine Palm even once, my internal energy would be completely depleted and I would faint.

“People say the Mad Heaven Divine Lord could use the Mad Heaven Divine Palm more than five times in succession. His true specialty must have been his internal energy, not his palm art.”

In the end, the martial arts manual was still wasted on me at my current level.

“I will have to look for that after all.”

The deepest part of the library.

A book I had hidden in the deepest recesses of the library in my mind because I could hardly believe it existed.

“What are you standing there spacing out for?”

“Hm? Little Sister Ryeon?”

Saryeon puffed out both cheeks and glared at me.

“I told you not to call me Little Sister Ryeon. Where have you been wandering around?”

“I've been working day and night for my sect, the Taeul Sect...”

“Enough. Go inside already. A guest is waiting for you.”

“A guest? Did someone from the Wang Family Estate come already?”

“The Wang Family Estate? What are you talking about? They came from the Namgung Clan.”

“Hm? ...The Namgung Clan?”

“Do you know something, Senior Brother?”

Had Namgung Sangwon already found out and come for me?

My heart dropped.

Footnotes:

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