WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Chen
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈
Chapter 208: A Favor from an Enemy
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“Whew... It just... never ends...”
Eunho had spent an entire day on paperwork, yet the mountain of documents before them still made them sigh.
They were dividing the work among the nearly twenty Academy students Jang Woojae had brought in, children of merchants and officials, but there was no sign of the workload shrinking.
What made it worse was that these documents were only half of what Jin Sowoon had originally handled.
Eventually, the officer corps, including Eunho, would have to take over every bit of paperwork Jin Sowoon had managed alone.
Even Jang Woojae, who had volunteered for this, felt overwhelmed now that the work was actually in front of him.
“Is the Academy Representative some kind of monster?”
“...Who knows.”
Eunho could only give a bitter smile at Jang Woojae’s baffled question.
It was not as though Jin Sowoon had only started doing inhuman things yesterday.
Just when everyone thought they had adjusted, he revealed another side of himself. By now, Eunho did not even have the energy to be surprised.
“He’s always been impossible to predict...”
“...”
Jang Woojae seemed to have some fantasy about Jin Sowoon, and Eunho briefly wondered whether it was all right to shatter it like this.
Then they dismissed the concern.
‘He’ll find out soon enough that he’s a strange man anyway...’
If someone was going to be beaten, it was better to take the blow sooner.
At least then, they would have time to run.
Back when Eunho knew nothing, they had entertained the absurd dream of helping their senior brother enter the Academy out of loyalty. That had led to all that miserable hardship.
If someone told them to do it again now, Eunho did not think they could manage it even if it killed them.
‘Of course... if he told me to, I’d probably do it again. Sigh...’
That was only possible because Eunho was a Taeul Sect disciple and Jin Sowoon’s junior disciple.
They did not want to see kind-hearted Jang Woojae fall into Jin Sowoon’s clutches(?) and suffer for no reason.
They had to reduce the number of victims, even by one.
“Anyway... if you’re going to run, you should do it quickly.”
“Hm? What do you mean...?”
Jin Sowoon had clearly learned some kind of dark art that made the people around him act strangely.
Just look at Namgung Seonhwa.
Hong Saryeon, who had taken charge of external affairs with Namgung Seonhwa, said that when instructors and lecturers tried to openly favor the White Path Society, Namgung Seonhwa gathered them all in one place and drove her Changgung Sword into the table.
[If you fear the Jegal Clan but not the Namgung Clan, feel free to try something. You will be repaid in full.]
Namgung Seonhwa had never been the type to pressure someone by putting her clan forward or standing behind its name.
Though she had so much, she never flaunted it and never hesitated to share what she had with others. She was like a kind older sister from the neighborhood.
That was probably why Dongryong, who became a little foolish whenever he was not fighting, followed Namgung Seonhwa around as though she were the sister he had lost.
When Eunho considered how someone like her had become so cold and decisive...
‘Senior Brother... seriously...’
Why did they picture their senior brother wearing a sinister smile and cackling, “Kyakakyakakya”?
Jin Sowoon was certainly someone worth learning from when it came to making people move and getting work done.
Still, he was suspicious beyond belief.
The Taeul True Scripture Eunho cultivated was undoubtedly an upright martial art...
Could it contain some secret that turned it into a demonic art if used differently?
While Eunho was suspicious of their senior brother, Jang Woojae, who had not escaped yet(?), looked around with a weary expression.
“Still, things have mostly settled down.”
“That’s all thanks to you, Jang Woojae.”
“How could I have done it alone? It’s because everyone, including you, Eunho, has worked so hard.”
Even while Jin Sowoon was busy preparing in earnest for external activities, his delegation continued handling its own affairs well.
Eunho and Jang Woojae took care of the practical administrative work needed to run the delegation.
Seong Moran and Nam Hwaseong met with people, mainly from the One Hundred Eight Peaks, to persuade them.
Namgung Seonhwa and Hong Saryeon handled external affairs.
They were few in number, but everyone was faithfully carrying out their role.
If things continued smoothly like this, there would be no more serious threats to the delegation’s future.
Jin Sowoon’s delegation would never again face the danger of being removed from power.
Yes, if they could just get through this crisis. If they could just get through it...
“Ahem, well... the number of participants in the event is gradually increasing too...”
Jang Woojae released a long, troubled sigh, and Eunho unconsciously sighed with him.
“...Tch. I’m sorry.”
“N-no. There is nothing for you to apologize for, Eunho...”
Jang Woojae shook both hands and even his head in denial.
Then he spoke carefully.
“But is this really all right? Um...”
He glanced around before lowering his voice even further.
“I don’t think Shaolin Temple will just sit still.”
How could it possibly be all right?
They had taken Ilgak, of all people, a Shaolin Temple disciple who had mastered the Muscle-Tendon Change Classic, and sent him out to solicit customers.
Forget Shaolin Temple. It was so irreverent that even if the Buddha became angry and sent down divine punishment, they would have to accept it.
If a crisis arose from this matter too...
It would all be Eunho’s senior brother’s fault.
Yes, all of it was their senior brother’s fault.
“I don’t know. If something happens, that man will deal with it himself. It’s all his fault anyway.”
“...”
That was that.
#
As the first event of the second semester began, an excited atmosphere spread through the Academy.
The students were naturally more interested in events held by the delegations than in the usual academic schedule run by instructors and lecturers.
This event was also a competition between the real delegation and the fake one.
By participating in only one of the two events, Academy students could even choose which side to support.
Naturally, they were curious about the result of the competition between the two factions, separate from the events themselves.
“So if Representative Jin Sowoon loses, will he be removed?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. He became the representative because he entered with the highest score. Of course he should remain the representative.”
“Then you’ll attend Jin Sowoon’s event.”
“Ahem...”
“Why aren’t you answering?”
“...My sect sent word telling me to learn about arcane formations in detail this time.”
As people began making their choices based on their circumstances and the influence of those around them...
“Ahem, benefactors... do you have a moment?”
“...?”
“M-Monk Ilgak?”
“What are you doing here...?”
Ilgak wore a ridiculous sash and held a thick stack of flyers in one hand. A compassionate smile sat on his lips, though it did not suit his outfit at all.
“I have come to share some good words.”
“...Hm.”
“...Uh.”
“Pardon?”
The Academy students all wore blank expressions before shaking their heads to recover themselves.
They wanted to head straight to the delegation events, but how often did one get the chance to speak with Ilgak, of all people?
The Academy events would continue for a week, but this might be their only opportunity to speak with Ilgak.
“Y-yes. Well, please do.”
As soon as they gave permission, Ilgak nodded.
“Do you know what a steadfast heart is?”
It was such a basic and empty question.
“Isn’t it... having an upright heart?”
It was an easy question to answer, yet Ilgak shook his dazzlingly gleaming head.
“Unfortunately, a steadfast heart does not simply mean having an upright heart.”
The Academy students began focusing at once, sensing that some profound teaching they had never heard before was about to follow.
“A steadfast heart refers to an unshakable strength of mind. It is an innate pillar that remains steady in any situation.”
“...Isn’t that the same thing...?”
Just as doubt and distrust appeared on the students’ faces at Ilgak’s explanation, a sharp gleam emerged from his eyes.
“You there, benefactor! Do you believe you possess an unshakable steadfast heart?”
The students shrank back before his fierce presence.
“Ahem... I-I am a lay disciple of a martial sect affiliated with the Namgung Clan, so compared to anyone else, I possess an unshakable...”
“You are wrong!”
“Pardon? What do you...?”
Ilgak stared at the Academy students with such intensity that it seemed he might bore through their faces.
“A steadfast heart does not begin with one’s affiliation or martial arts.”
It was common knowledge in the martial world that a steadfast heart referred to the mental strength developed through cultivating an internal cultivation method.
That was why those who cultivated pure methods inherited from orthodox martial arts, such as those of the Namgung Clan, were said to possess steadier hearts than those who learned the martial arts of the Black Path.
Ilgak was firmly denying that common belief.
“A steadfast heart is not a strength gained simply by cultivating an internal cultivation method and meditating. If that were true...”
Ilgak, who had been speaking passionately, suddenly turned his head and closed his eyes with a sorrowful expression.
“I would not have lost my companions in Sichuan.”
Those who knew what the Orthodox Society had suffered in Sichuan released regretful sighs.
“I was someone more confident than anyone in the steadfast heart people commonly speak of. Yet through this incident, I could not help admitting that I had been arrogant.”
Like an ascetic monk who had attained enlightenment, Ilgak cast a clear gaze into the distance.
The Academy students swallowed dryly and took a step toward him.
“...T-then how can one cultivate a steadfast heart?”
Even if it was not the Blood Cult, Black Path martial artists often used dark arts to corrupt people.
The Academy students before Ilgak began yearning for an answer that would let them escape such dangers.
Ilgak did not miss the opening. He pressed his palms together while still holding the stack of papers.
“There is an excellent method. Learn about banishing evil and suppressing spirits.”
“...”
“...”
“...”
Ilgak swiftly placed flyers into the Academy students’ hands.
“If you attend the Hyeongsan Sect’s event now, you will be offered the chance to test banishing evil and suppressing spirits through the cruel and treacherous illusion formation of the Blood Cult, which has been set up in the training ground. This is a special benefit of the event, so do not miss it.”
The Academy students’ eyes widened as they stood there in a daze.
“R-really?”
Ilgak’s shining head bobbed sharply up and down.
“Yes. That is correct. If you cannot believe it, you may simply experience the Blood Cult’s illusion formation first. Once you have gone through it, you will realize how important it is to establish a steadfast heart properly. Amitabha.”
One reason the Academy students had not been easily drawn to the Hyeongsan Sect’s lessons was that there was nowhere to use what they learned right away.
Now that there was even a place for practical training, they could not help being interested.
“Monk! Then I will attend the Hyeongsan Sect’s event.”
For a moment, Ilgak unconsciously felt a sense of accomplishment. He immediately denied the feeling and composed his expression.
“...Then you should go quickly. The number of people waiting is growing.”
“Ah! Then I’ll be going first. I’ll see you all later!”
“H-hey! Wait for me! I’m attending too!”
“Me too!”
Ilgak watched the three people run toward the training ground without anyone taking the lead. Then he released a long sigh with a complicated expression.
At that moment...
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
Someone approached while applauding.
“Benefactor Jin...”
Ilgak’s expression became even more complicated.
Jin Sowoon walked over, shaking his head with an astonished look as though he could not believe what he had just seen.
“I should apologize.”
“...For what?”
“As expected, the talent who will lead the Shaolin Sect is truly different. Heh.”
Jin Sowoon even gave him two thumbs up in high praise...
Ilgak did not know whether to laugh or cry, and he only gripped the flyers in his hand more tightly.
#
“Why are there only this many?”
On the third day of the event, Jegal Jeonggi deeply furrowed his brow at the participation numbers, which were not even half of what he expected.
“W-well...”
The Jegal Clan formation master in charge of operating and running the arcane formation fidgeted as though it were their fault.
“There must be an error in the figures. Right? There is no other explanation...”
“T-the figures are correct.”
“What?”
Jegal Jeonggi fingered the paper as though trying to deny reality.
“More people than expected are participating in Jin Sowoon’s event...”
“What nonsense is that?!”
The reality before him was cruel.
This was a new arcane formation announced by the Jegal Clan.
It was a new arcane formation that surpassed the Seven Stars Seven Locks Formation, which every sect in the world wanted to install.
How could people not be interested in that?
All because of something as trivial as banishing evil and suppressing spirits, which they could naturally learn after entering the Martial Alliance.
“Well... the illusion formation installed at Jin Sowoon’s event site is so strange and realistic that... that seems to be the reason.”
“Realistic?”
The Jegal Clan formation master groaned before answering.
“...According to Academy students who experienced the incident in Sichuan, it was almost the same as what they experienced inside the Blood Cult’s illusion formation.”
“Ha...”
“As that rumor spread, everyone began learning the Hyeongsan Sect’s banishing evil and suppressing spirits so they could practice breaking through the illusion formation. The training ground is packed every day...”
Clench.
Jegal Jeonggi trembled as he clenched his fist.
He had expected some Academy students to move after hearing that Ilgak was doing the absurd work of soliciting customers, but he never imagined the difference would be this great.
It was an intolerable situation for Jegal Jeonggi.
He needed a breakthrough.
“The improved version... Did you bring the equipment for the improved version?”
At Jegal Jeonggi’s question, deep alarm filled the formation master’s face.
“Y-young Master... it is still under research...”
“Install it immediately. Then tell people they can experience the improved version of the Dualities Eight Trigrams Myriad Manifestations Formation as well.”
“You cannot do that, Young Master!”
Despite the firm objection, Jegal Jeonggi glared at the formation master with bloodshot eyes.
“Then are you saying that the great Jegal Clan must lose to someone else in formations? Because of nothing more than an illusion formation that is not even a proper arcane formation?!”
“...”
“Install it at once. I will take responsibility for what happens afterward.”
At the defeat reflected in his eyes, the Jegal Clan formation master eventually bowed their head.
“...Understood.”
The formation masters walked away to retrieve the improved equipment.
‘Jin Sowoon...’
Jegal Jeonggi clenched his fist as he watched them go.
His hand had gone completely pale.
#
“Truly remarkable... To think that young rising talent from back then has already become so extraordinary...”
At the excessive praise delivered while staring directly at my face, my usually smooth tongue would not work properly.
“It is humbling to hear such words from the great Seven Slaying Soul-Destroyer.”
The man was none other than Song Jeongmu, Ha Minjung’s senior brother, who had given me a Demon-Subduing Talisman on the Demon Spirit Plateau.
Song Jeongmu had personally participated in this Hyeongsan Sect event.
That alone showed how much importance the Hyeongsan Sect placed on this event.
“I did not expect you to come personally.”
At my respectful manner, Song Jeongmu smiled kindly.
“Hoho. The Sect Leader personally chose me and ordered me to ensure there were no flaws in the event. Naturally, I had to come.”
I could only tilt my head.
Though there had been a debt from the Demon Spirit Plateau, had the matter not already been settled with the Demon-Subduing Talisman?
I could not quite understand why the Hyeongsan Sect was paying so much attention to me now.
“Hmm... It appears you do not know yourself very well.”
“What do you mean by that...?”
“Do you know how much profit our Hyeongsan Sect has earned thanks to the symbolic meaning of the item selected by the Black Flame Dragon for banishing evil?”
“Pardon?”
At the sudden mention of my epithet, my brows twitched.
Come to think of it, Seong Moran had told me something similar not long ago.
Song Jeongmu patted my shoulder and explained.
“Not only has the Martial Alliance placed massive orders, but preorders are pouring in from all across the martial world. The Taoists at our main mountain are exhausting themselves day and night making Demon-Subduing Talismans.”
Judging from Song Jeongmu’s expression, the Hyeongsan Sect had made far more money than Seong Moran had implied.
Why did that make my stomach hurt?
Separate from the Hyeongsan Sect’s profits, I also regretted not having stocked up on the effective Demon-Subduing Talismans.
I had used most of the ones I received last time while dealing with the matter in Sichuan.
“Tch.”
When I smacked my lips without thinking, Song Jeongmu laughed heartily.
“Do you regret that we made money?”
I shook my head, with a little lie mixed in.
“Of course not. The Hyeongsan Sect’s power in banishing evil and suppressing spirits is not something other sects can easily match. I only regret not buying Demon-Subduing Talismans beforehand. The price must have risen considerably, right?”
Song Jeongmu nodded repeatedly.
“The rate at which we produce them cannot keep up with the rate at which they sell.”
“That is all I regret. There will be many chances to use them in the future. I just wish I had bought plenty in advance.”
“Hm... Is that so?”
Song Jeongmu stroked his chin for a moment before continuing.
“You believe you will have many more occasions to use Demon-Subduing Talismans even after the Blood Cult matter is over?”
I had been so focused on the Demon-Subduing Talismans that I had revealed something about the future without thinking.
Still, would that much really matter?
“A martial art of heretical martial artists that the Martial Alliance had already designated as a forbidden art has surfaced. Who knows what other martial arts may be growing where we cannot see them?”
“Hm...”
I hurriedly wrapped up the matter.
“Please take it as the words of an ignorant young man.”
Yet Song Jeongmu still looked at me with a serious expression.
“No. No. These are the words of the Black Flame Dragon himself. I should take them to heart.”
“...How much influence could anything I say possibly have?”
Song Jeongmu slowly shook his head.
“I heard that your competitor in this event was a new arcane formation made by the Jegal Clan. We also heard rumors on our way here and expected there would not be many participants.”
Then he looked around with a bright smile.
“But what is the result?”
“...Haha.”
“Of course, your words must be taken to heart.”
I did not understand what that had to do with anything, but the event was bound to end in great success.
By the third day, it had already drawn more than twice as many participants as the White Path Society’s event. On the fourth day, the White Path Society had temporarily suspended its event, widening the gap even further.
Now, if I could just finish the Invitation of Distinguished Figures cleanly...
The facilities made by the White Path Society, those splendid chairs, and all of the Seven-Colored Flower Tea would become mine.
Hehehe. It felt like my aching stomach was recovering.
As I inwardly smiled at the brilliant future ahead, Song Jeongmu’s voice reached me.
“Let us return to what we discussed earlier.”
“Yes, please continue.”
“Hmm... What would you think if you continued using the Hyeongsan Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans?”
Huh? What kind of question was that?
I answered immediately.
“Of course I would be pleased.”
“Ahem, what if you could not use other sects’ items for banishing evil?”
I tilted my head.
During the Orthodox-Demonic War in my previous life, many sects released items for banishing evil and suppressing spirits.
Yet the sects that provided genuinely helpful items were limited to a few, including the Hyeongsan Sect and Mount Mao Sect.
The Hyeongsan Sect’s items were the most effective among them.
There was nothing to consider.
“Of course I would continue using only the Hyeongsan Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans.”
“Is that so?”
At my firm answer, Song Jeongmu held out three thick leather pouches with a pleased expression.
“What are these...?”
Song Jeongmu looked at me with an utterly clear gaze.
“If you continue using the Hyeongsan Sect’s Demon-Subduing Talismans, the Hyeongsan Sect will make sure that your supply never runs dry.”
My mouth fell open.
“Really?”
“Of course. As long as you promise...”
“Of course! I promise! Tell them to throw out every other sect’s item!”
Song Jeongmu looked rather stunned by my fierce response.
“Ah, yes. I-is that so?”
Of course it was.
How much profit the Hyeongsan Sect earned from this matter was not particularly relevant to me. But if they would support me with an unlimited supply of Demon-Subduing Talismans, I had absolutely nothing to lose.
“...But why make such a generous decision?”
“The items you use set trends throughout the martial world. We are supporting you like this because we wish to secure you first.”
“As expected, a great sect is different!”
No matter how much I said it was unrelated to me, it really was thanks to me, was it not?
I barely suppressed the smile threatening to escape before asking Song Jeongmu another question.
“Oh, and I happened to acquire a piece of Demon-Subduing Divine Wood. Could you perform the ritual to make it into a protective talisman?”
“Hm? If you have already prepared the material, it is not particularly difficult. But you truly expect there will be many who use dark arts in the future?”
Only dark arts? There would be people using even worse demonic qi.
Preparedness prevented trouble. I did not want to be saturated in demonic qi and become a demonic being, so I believed no number of protective items was too many.
At that moment...
Crash.
A commotion broke out outside.
“What is it?”
“I will go out and see.”
When I opened the door, I found an unfamiliar person being restrained by the officer corps.
“What is the matter?”
“They are from the White Path Society. They insisted on meeting Great Hero Song Jeongmu, so...”
“Great Hero Song Jeongmu?”
At my gesture, Jang Woojae released the White Path Society member’s mute acupoint.
The White Path Society member hurriedly dropped to their knees and cried out.
“P-please allow me to meet Great Hero Song Jeongmu!”
“What is the matter?”
“...”
The White Path Society member did not answer.
Soon, Song Jeongmu stepped out and looked at the person from the White Path Society.
“What matter has caused you to make such a disturbance?”
His expression showed no small amount of displeasure.
Yet the White Path Society member seemed too desperate to care and cried out urgently.
“Great Hero! Please hear me out for a moment.”
“Is it urgent?”
“Yes! It is.”
“Then speak.”
“...That is...”
The White Path Society member glanced at my face before closing their mouth again.
Song Jeongmu’s expression hardened in displeasure.
“It seems you have nothing to say. Or perhaps it is not urgent.”
Under the indirect pressure to speak in this public place, the White Path Society member’s face turned pale.
At last, they lowered their head and spoke.
“N-no. Please, help us! There is a problem with our event!”
“A problem?”
Everyone present, including me, looked puzzled.
The White Path Society member continued, looking as though they might burst into tears.
“T-the Academy students cannot get out of the arcane formation.”
Song Jeongmu only tilted his head.
“But... why have you come to tell me that?”
“I-I do not know the details, but new equipment was incorporated into the arcane formation... It seems to be shaking the Academy students’ steadfast hearts.”
Footnotes:
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