WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Chen
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◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈
Chapter 250: The Black Flame Dragon Collects the Winnings (3)
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“Why isn’t he waking up?”
Ak Byeongbi frowned.
Even the physician, who had treated every sort of thug in the Black Path, seemed intimidated by his fierce expression. Their voice came out weakly.
“I’m not entirely certain of the cause yet. Perhaps his injuries were too severe?”
“You mean you don’t know for sure?”
“Most people who suffer a great shock fall into a deep sleep for days, sometimes even weeks. Some...”
The physician clamped their mouth shut.
Everyone in the room was staring at them with sharp eyes.
The Martial Alliance delegation, Cha Seokdu, Hwang Busik, Blood Brawl, Flame Ghost Consort, and even the elders who supported the Black Alliance.
Every last one of them glared as though they intended to bore holes through the physician’s face.
“C-Cough...”
It was impossible not to feel tense when surrounded by people who looked as though they had gathered to worry over a fallen emperor.
Among them, the one with the coldest gaze was...
Without question, Ak Byeongbi.
“Some... What were you going to say next?”
The physician had been about to say, ‘Some sleep for months or years... They may never wake again...’
“What was it?”
...But they could not bring themself to say it.
An imperial physician’s first duty was not treating the emperor well, but watching their tongue.
Still, there was only so much they could evade.
“I-I’ll do everything I can.”
Ak Byeongbi started toward the physician, apparently displeased with that answer.
Dang Seohui spoke in a voice thick with tears.
“They were going to say he might never wake up...”
Dang Seohui sat on the edge of the bed, staring at Jin Sowoon like a puppy that had lost its owner.
The flustered physician hurriedly looked around and answered.
“I-I’ll do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Yet...
“...”
“...”
No one found any hope in the physician’s words.
Starting with Cha Seokdu, everyone read the mood and gradually left the inner room. In the end, only the Martial Alliance delegation, Blood Brawl, and Flame Ghost Consort remained.
“We should leave too. Watching him from beside the bed won’t make him wake up.”
As the remaining people began to rise at Blood Brawl’s words...
Crack.
A strange sound rang out.
“What was that?”
Startled, everyone looked toward the physician.
They wondered if the physician had done something to Jin Sowoon.
Yet the physician, standing three steps away, could only shake their head in panic.
Then...
Crack.
The strange sound rang out again.
“Huh?”
At that moment, Dang Seohui’s eyes widened.
At the end of her gaze...
...Jin Sowoon’s arm had grown longer than before.
Just as the startled physician rushed toward Jin Sowoon, Blood Brawl stopped them by striking their paralysis acupoint.
“No one move!”
“...”
When everyone turned to look at Blood Brawl in shock, a meaningful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
“I can’t believe it... That damn bastard is this lucky.”
Everyone wondered what Blood Brawl meant, but he gave no answer. He only stared at Jin Sowoon.
#
What was this?
Everything around me was pitch-black.
It didn’t feel cramped... It felt as though I had entered an endlessly vast space.
It was so boundless that my very existence felt smaller than a speck of dust.
What the hell was this...?
Ah, was I dead?
Was this what life after death was like?
‘Goddamn it...’
The moment that thought crossed my mind, rage surged through me.
They say a lucky bastard picks up a gold nugget, then immediately finds another, while someone cursed with rotten luck picks up a single silver coin and gets beaten to death after being accused of theft.
That described me perfectly.
‘Why did I have to run into the Yin-Yang Twin Demon of all people...?’
My previous life hadn’t exactly been blessed, but my luck had never been this terrible.
Thinking about it, things seemed to have gone wrong ever since I met those Sojeong Unit bastards...
It was obvious. Their bad luck had rubbed off on me.
Those useless bastards.
As I fumed, a red sphere slowly grew within the darkness, filling the entire space.
Then, inside the sphere, I saw myself fighting the Yin-Yang Twin Demon.
‘What is this now?’
Je Geumhak created a wall of ice while I tried to break through it.
Every attack was blocked, and then the members of the Formless Shadow Demon Unit joined the fight.
The events unfolded exactly as I had experienced them. In the end, I collapsed, bleeding.
It was as though it had recreated the path that led to my death.
I had thought I had grown stronger while living my second life, but demonic beings were still demonic beings.
Come to think of it, I had been underestimating them.
How many figures on the Yin-Yang Twin Demon’s level could there have been among the demonic beings I had faced?
Most enemies of the Sojeong Unit had belonged to lower or middle-tier martial groups, so my standards had always remained there.
‘Those weak-ass Sojeong Unit bastards!’
...Anyway, it was the Sojeong Unit bastards’ fault.
After obtaining the Taeul True Scripture, the Adversarial Demon Scripture, and the Jade Clarity Celestial Phenomenon Force in this life, I had stopped fearing demonic beings.
But I hadn’t thought things through.
My position in the Martial Alliance had changed, so the enemies I would have to face in the future would change as well.
I still hadn’t escaped the memories of my previous life.
Then...
‘Huh?’
The red sphere began turning gold.
Inside it, Je Geumhak and I fought once again.
‘Wait.’
This time, it was different.
I slipped into Je Geumhak’s guard and unleashed Lotus and Snow Flower.
Using only the basic forms of the Lesser Heaven Sword Art, I steadily shattered the wall of ice.
It didn’t even seem to consume much internal energy.
In reality, I had overwhelmed my opponent with momentum like lightning and a storm. Yet the me inside the sphere fought fluidly and gently while crushing my opponent with the firmness of a boulder.
It was so different that I wondered if that was truly me.
‘So this is how I should extend the sword?’
I slowly began copying my own movements.
The figure in the sphere also slowed down with me.
Was it waiting for me to follow along?
Crack. Crack.
Something kept breaking in the dark space, but I ignored it and continued copying the movements.
At first, I couldn’t imitate them properly. After repeating them dozens, then hundreds of times, they gradually became correct.
By the time every movement was perfect...
The image of ‘me’ returned to the beginning and started fighting Je Geumhak again.
Crack. Crack.
Snap. Snap.
Noises unrelated to the battle still echoed through the space.
I forced myself to focus on the fight.
This time, the figure inside the sphere launched the Mad Heaven Divine Palm and wielded sword force.
‘Hah! I could’ve ended it that quickly?’
Compared to the battle I had fought before, it was unbelievably short.
Still, the fight ended in a completely overwhelming victory.
The battle was over before the Formless Shadow Demon Unit even appeared. The Yin-Yang Twin Demon had been subdued at an absurd speed.
‘It’s impressive, but...’
It was so overwhelmingly one-sided that it didn’t feel real.
Was that truly a battle based on my current mastery and amount of internal energy?
All sorts of complicated thoughts passed through my mind, but I continued to simply follow the movements.
This time, I copied the circulation of internal energy as well.
Crack. Crack-crack.
Snap. Snap. Snap.
The noises grew louder.
Strangely, whenever I heard them, I felt as though my mind was becoming clearer.
Either way, what mattered now was engraving the figure inside that sphere completely into both my mind and body.
I copied it again and again, and the movements gradually became familiar.
Then a problem arose.
‘Huh?’
The constant noises abruptly stopped, and crushing sleepiness came rushing over me.
‘No! Just one more sequence...!’
Even though I knew I possessed perfect memory, I desperately tried to see even a little more of the form inside the sphere.
For some reason, I felt I wouldn’t be able to remember this sensation.
But...
‘Goddamn it...’
Just like when I fought the Yin-Yang Twin Demon, my eyes slowly closed.
#
I regained consciousness and tried to open my eyes.
They wouldn’t open at all.
Blink. Blink.
I rubbed my eyes hard, dislodging the dried crust.
An unfamiliar ceiling greeted me.
The furnishings around me and even the scent in the air felt unfamiliar.
What was this?
A third life?
Thinking that, I examined my dantian.
‘...What the fuck.’
I could feel the Taeul True Scripture’s energy, which had increased by thirty years beyond four gapja[1] of internal energy.
I was amazed to learn that this was not my third life.
‘Wow, I actually survived. Hahaha.’
Even I found it ridiculous.
The amount of blood I had lost was far beyond what a person could survive.
Could the Black Alliance have the reincarnation of Hua Tuo[2] among them?
Hm. If they had a skilled physician, I should consider recruiting them.
Wouldn’t it be far better to serve as personal physician to the righteous and pure Taeul Sect than remain in a place full of Black Path thugs like the Black Alliance?
Of course it would.
After finishing that productive line of thought, I turned my head to call for someone, since no one seemed to be nearby.
‘What is this now?’
...I could see Dam Ak’s back.
He read documents, moved his brush busily, read another document, then moved his brush again.
Hm. I felt like I had seen this scene somewhere before.
Scratch. Scratch.
Right. I had definitely seen it.
The Chief Strategist had done exactly the same thing last time.
Did working beside an injured person improve efficiency?
No, it wasn’t like I was some kind of talisman.
“Ahem...”
When I made my presence known, Dam Ak set down his brush as though tossing it aside and sprang to his feet.
“Are you all right?”
I slowly tried to sit up, bracing my hand against the bed.
Crack.
My hand punched straight through the bedframe.
“Huh?”
What kind of flimsy bed was this?
After pulling out my hand, I grabbed the railing to stand.
Crash.
...This time, the railing broke apart without resistance.
“...”
Dam Ak stared at me with his gray eyes.
Come on. Even if I had broken Black Alliance property, I was still the person who saved his life. Did he have to make me feel this awkward?
I withdrew my hand sheepishly.
“Hmm... It appears they used poor materials.”
“The Black Alliance Lord’s quarters were built using only the finest materials.”
“Huh?”
This was the Black Alliance Lord’s quarters?
As I looked around, Dam Ak added in a calm voice.
“Blood Brawl said it would take some time for you to adapt to your changed body, so please move carefully.”
I tilted my head.
“My changed body?”
“Blood Brawl said you would understand if I put it that way.”
Come to think of it, I had lost a lot of blood and fought intensely.
Yet, strangely, I didn’t feel even the slightest muscle ache, and my joints moved smoothly.
What in the world had happened?
“If you are curious, please ask Blood Brawl later. He seemed to be the only one among the delegation and the Black Alliance who knew.”
“Is that so?”
Dam Ak watched me for a moment, then asked politely.
“Would you like some tea?”
His words made it sound like an invitation, but he was already pouring the tea.
If he had been waiting here alone after sending away the entire Martial Alliance delegation, he clearly had an intention.
Careful not to cause another accident, I sat down and held the teacup as lightly as possible.
Crack.
Fuck.
“...An antique from the State of Zhao...”
If it was that valuable, then don’t use it in the first place.
After clearing my throat, I asked.
“Do you have... an ordinary teacup?”
“...Sigh. Just use it. It’s already cracked.”
Seriously, did he have to make me feel so awkward?
“Ahem.”
As I watched steam rise from the teacup, I felt Dam Ak’s piercing gaze.
Damn it. Had he seen everything inside the mystic formation?
I had made sure he was unconscious before moving...
While I was trying to decide on an excuse, Dam Ak spoke first.
“Why did you save me?”
“Huh?”
The unexpected question left my mind blank.
I carefully set the teacup on the table so that it wouldn’t break and asked back.
“Why are you curious about that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? ...I was the one who opposed the alliance between the Black Alliance and the Martial Alliance until the very end. I didn’t even hesitate to say we should go to war with the Martial Alliance.”
Dam Ak paused, lightly shaking his head as though organizing his thoughts before continuing.
“Whether viewed strategically or tactically, wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to leave me?”
He truly was impressive.
A pleased smile came to my face without my realizing it.
Of course, that was true.
But later, you’ll have to face the Demonic Cult with me. I can’t be the only one suffering.
In other words, Dam Ak himself was one of the stakes I desperately wanted to win.
Still, I couldn’t reveal my true thoughts.
I gave him a smile even more benevolent than Ilmyeong’s or Ilgak’s.
“Think of it as repaying a debt.”
“A debt?”
I met Dam Ak’s eyes, which were full of confusion.
“The debt owed by the Martial Alliance, which could not extend a hand when the Chief Strategist waited so desperately.”
“...”
Dam Ak’s eyes wavered with complicated emotions.
His sharp gaze made him look a little blank now.
Silence passed for a moment.
Still wearing that conflicted expression, Dam Ak slowly forced out the words.
“...That is not a debt you owe.”
“I know. That’s why you don’t need to feel burdened by it.”
“...I was going to accuse you of pretending to be a chivalrous hero, but... You took far too great a risk.”
Dam Ak seemed determined to paint my actions as hypocritical somehow.
Yet the conflict in his mind seemed to keep getting in the way.
I watched his troubled face.
“Honestly, the Martial Alliance the Chief Strategist sees is probably what the real Martial Alliance is.”
Dam Ak’s eyes flashed sharply.
“...Are you saying I should not hate everyone?”
I shook my head.
“You are the Black Alliance’s Chief Strategist now. Shouldn’t the very existence of the Martial Alliance make hatred creep up inside you?”
“...”
“I don’t wish to make you feel gratitude or put you in my debt. In the end, the Black Alliance and the Martial Alliance will become enemies someday.”
Dam Ak looked dumbfounded.
I continued as I watched him.
“When that day comes, you’ll have to face me. I won’t take your circumstances into account or hold back for you. Though even if you give it everything you have, you won’t be able to defeat me anyway.”
“...”
I had made a joke, so why had his expression hardened?
Way to make someone feel awkward.
“Anyway, then is then, and now is now. I came as part of the Martial Alliance delegation, and the Black Alliance and the Martial Alliance currently have an agreement based on a shared enemy. So why can’t we help each other?”
“...You would throw away your life for that?”
I scratched my cheek.
Honestly, my personal feelings were stronger here. I wanted to screw over Je Geumhak, or rather, the demonic bastard impersonating Gun Yuhyeon.
How many times had those bastards deceived people like that in my previous life?
I had wanted to smear their faces with shit at least once.
Part of me also wanted to repay the debt I owed Dam Ak in my previous life.
“Well, there is a proper degree to every action. I do tend to act a little more dangerously than ordinary people.”
“A little?”
I waved my hand as though it was nothing.
“Anyway, that’s all there is to it. I have nothing more to say, so if you’re only going to repeat yourself, let’s stop.”
“...”
Dam Ak stared into my eyes for a long time. Then he let out a soft sigh and lowered his head.
“How did you know that man’s identity?”
“Who?”
“Gun... Yuhyeon.”
The wound of betrayal must have been deep.
Dam Ak’s hand trembled faintly.
I looked at that hand for a moment before speaking.
“Do you remember the day we first met?”
“Yes.”
That day, I had sat down with Dam Ak thanks to Gun Yuhyeon’s help.
And at that meeting, Gun Yuhyeon made a mistake that revealed his identity.
“The beings we encountered at Puyang Plains concealed themselves in darkness. Even when we fired signal flares, only those standing nearest could vaguely see their true forms.”
Dam Ak tilted his head.
“Yet that man claimed to have seen them from far away. Doesn’t that strike you as strange?”
Dam Ak’s mouth slowly opened.
“B-But that day, didn’t you clearly agree with what he said?”
I gave a quiet snort.
“Of course I investigated secretly afterward.”
“...”
Then I took out the report I had received from the Hao Sect and showed it to him.
“This is the result of our investigation into the Tian'gwan Sect. Gun Yuhyeon, the Tian'gwan Sect’s Eldest Young Master, was supposedly a worthless fool who relied on his father’s influence to mistreat those around him from a very young age.”
Could someone like that turn over a new leaf and become the Gun Yuhyeon of today?
Did a person’s nature change so easily?
At the very least, there should have been a process. Yet according to the Hao Sect’s investigation, no such process existed.
He had changed completely overnight, as though he had become someone else...
“There were several other circumstances as well. Such as how he treated money like stones...”
“Why would that matter?”
“No matter how rich someone is, they can’t treat money like stones. B-But he truly treated it like stones.”
I tapped the Hao Sect’s report.
“Wouldn’t that mean money held the same value for him as stones? It means he wasn’t someone with roots in the martial world.”
Even after I finished speaking, Dam Ak could not open his mouth for a while.
After a long time, he slowly raised his head.
“You... No, Black Flame Dragon, is it because of ‘them’ that you want peace between the Martial Alliance and the Black Alliance?”
He truly was intelligent.
He could already see the larger picture.
He really was someone I needed.
Still, I preferred ‘you’ to ‘Black Flame Dragon.’
“You experienced it through this incident as well, did you not?”
“...”
“Can the Black Alliance, the Martial Alliance, or any other single martial faction truly stand against them alone?”
To put it plainly, fewer than twenty people had pushed the Black Alliance to the brink of collapse.
There was no telling what would happen to the martial world once they began moving in earnest.
A shadow fell over Dam Ak’s face at my explanation.
“Who are they?”
I thought for a moment.
Was it right to tell him, or not?
Normally, I would have chosen not to.
But Dam Ak was different.
He had now become someone with ties to the Black Alliance, which meant he would have to act alone.
I didn’t know if he would understand.
At the very least, when the time came, he needed to be able to recall what I had told him.
Dam Ak was that important to me.
He was a prize worth staking my life to win.
I interlaced my fingers and spoke quietly.
“A heaven-defying existence that overturned the heavens five hundred years ago.”
“...”
Then I looked Dam Ak directly in the eyes.
“The Demonic Cult.”
“The Demonic Cult?”
“They call themselves the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
Dam Ak’s eyes widened beyond description.
[1] Gapja: a sixty-year cycle in the traditional East Asian calendar, commonly used in murim fiction as a measure of internal-energy cultivation.
[2] Hua Tuo: a famed Chinese physician of antiquity; calling someone his reincarnation means they are exceptionally skilled at healing.
Footnotes:
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