WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Chen

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◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈

Chapter 313: The Late-Winter Knife Wind

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The Martial Alliance's Black Martial Pavilion and Enforcement Hall descended on Hwangcheon County.

It was an entirely different matter from when Alliance members from the Hefei branch had come to investigate fifteen days earlier.

The Black Martial Pavilion and Enforcement Hall, exuding an intimidating pressure, launched a surprise raid on the Venom Fang Sect. The Venom Fang Sect disciples, who had been savoring their victory after their sole rival vanished, were struck by a bolt from the blue.

"W-what is the meaning of this? The Venom Fang Sect is a proper ally of the Black Alliance..."

"Ah, I know. So you don't need to finish."

"What do you mean by that? Are you saying you don't care if the Martial Alliance and the Black Alliance go to war?"

"We didn't come here for you. I heard there are Jeondeung Sect disciples here."

"H-huh?"

"Here's an official request for cooperation from the Black Alliance. We're investigating those who practiced dark arts, so we'd appreciate your cooperation."

The Venom Fang Sword's fist trembled as the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Black Martial Pavilion patted him on the shoulder and walked past.

They claimed to be asking for cooperation, yet neither their attitude nor their methods showed the slightest caution.

Why would they need to examine the Venom Fang Sect's records to investigate Jeondeung Sect disciples?

Still, the pressure they exuded made it difficult for him to act rashly.

"I-if this weren't related to the peace of the martial world, you wouldn't be leaving here alive!"

The Venom Fang Sword spoke through clenched teeth. The Deputy Pavilion Master nodded readily.

"Sure. I'm certain that would've happened."

"..."

"Ah! I really do think so. So stay put."

The Deputy Pavilion Master passed the Venom Fang Sword and headed toward the Jeondeung Sect disciples.

Regardless of how the Venom Fang Sword felt, the Jeondeung Sect disciples were devastated to learn they had been accused of practicing dark arts.

"W-what are you talking about? Dark arts? I've never heard of or seen anything like that! I only joined the Jeondeung Sect because I wanted to become an escort warrior!"

"Really? Then why did you scrape together every last bit of your family fortune and hand it over to the Jeondeung Sect? Why go into debt to pay money to a place you joined to make money?"

"Th-that... that... Why did I do that?"

"We'll investigate that in due time, so don't worry too much."

"In due time... investigate?"

The Deputy Pavilion Master tilted their head, then slowly curled the corner of their mouth upward.

"Hm? Naturally, you'll have to come to our Enforcement Hall. We can't investigate you here. Our building's basement is cozy, so it's a fine place for an investigation."

At those words, the Jeondeung Sect disciples' faces went pale.

It was a place where no one emerged whole once they entered, and those who did emerge could never return to who they had been before.

Countless horror stories surrounded the Enforcement Hall's basement.

The Martial Alliance members who had swept into Hwangcheon County like a storm returned to the Martial Alliance with eight iron carriages in tow.

News of the Jeondeung Sect began spreading throughout the martial world.

When people first learned that the Jeondeung Sect was connected to Qingcheng Sect, Qingcheng Sect and its lay sects rose up like wildfire.

This was an age when powerful sects fought for influence across the realm.

When an affiliated sect, even one with only the slightest connection, came under attack, it became a matter of that sect's influence.

"Are you trying to disrespect Qingcheng Sect?"

"Dark arts? No disciple of Qingcheng Sect would ever do such a thing!"

"This is a political scheme by forces trying to restrain Qingcheng Sect's power!"

The people of Qingcheng Sect, who had not even known where the Jeondeung Sect was located, stormed the Enforcement Hall and caused an uproar. The lay sects continued to raise objections as well.

But then...

Deung Gohyeon's body, frozen in Hefei and brought to the Martial Alliance, was revealed to Qingcheng Sect.

Two unmistakably black eyes without any whites.

Faced with that bizarre appearance, which could not be explained without dark arts, those who had been shouting at the top of their lungs could only wipe the foam from their mouths.

"Ahem... To be precise, the Jeondeung Sect was not affiliated with Qingcheng Sect."

"That's right. O Ilsik studied at Fenghyang Sect for a time, but he was never a formal disciple."

"I heard he paid money to learn a little martial arts. That makes him an ordinary student, not a formal disciple, doesn't it?"

"They're practically strangers. This cannot be called a matter related to Qingcheng Sect."

"Of course. Exactly."

As though nothing had happened, they severed every tie to the Jeondeung Sect and erased all connection between Qingcheng Sect and this incident.

With Qingcheng Sect's resistance gone, the Enforcement Hall could begin its investigation without concern.

Unlike the dark arts known in the past, this was a blatant manifestation of something that defied Heaven.

That alone filled those who walked the righteous path with fear.

How much had powerful heterodox arts and demonic martial arts thrown martial arts into chaos over the years?

Chaos always destroyed the established order, and destruction brought forth a new order.

Those who did not wish to be swept up in that destruction kept a sharper watch on their surroundings than ever, while those who desired something new stayed up all night discussing how they could use this incident.

"It would be difficult to tie this to Qingcheng Sect, wouldn't it?"

"Qingcheng Sect isn't just any sect. They must know their own situation by now. They'll have their defenses firmly prepared."

"Still, isn't it a shame to let this pass?"

Those who wished to rise higher possessed greater ambition than those who occupied high positions without ever doubting their place.

"What if we use the person who uncovered the Jeondeung Sect's secret this time?"

"You mean that brat Jin Sowoon of Taeul Sect? Come on. Don't say something so ridiculous. He already acts however he pleases after becoming the Martial Arts Academy's top student. What will happen if we raise him up even further?"

"Heh heh, you know one thing and miss another. If his influence grows, won't the power of the Nine Sects One Gang and the Five Great Clans weaken somewhat? To put it another way, he uncovered a forbidden art while still a student at the Academy."

"Ahem..."

"Imagine if someone from the Nine Sects One Gang or the Five Great Clans had done this. They would've made the entire martial world buzz, claiming a hero had emerged."

Qingcheng Sect had condemned Jin Sowoon for attacking the Jeondeung Sect, a fellow White Path sect, and killing its leader.

People seized on that.

"Why do you think they see Jin Sowoon as such a thorn in their side? Isn't it because he keeps shaking their position?"

"So you want us to raise him up? He's already impossible to control. What if he grabs us by the topknots and shakes us around?"

"He's alone. No matter how clever he is, how high can he rise?"

"Then why raise him up at all?"

The person advocating for Jin Sowoon lowered their voice and grinned.

"He'll become a small hole."

"A hole?"

"They say a reservoir dam can collapse because of a small hole. Jin Sowoon will be that small hole."

"Oh..."

"Think about it. The Nine Sects One Gang has Yong Soa and Ilmyeong. The Five Great Clans have symbolic figures like Dang Seohui and Namgung San. But don't we lack anyone who can stand alongside them?"

The cruel truth showed plainly on their uncomfortable faces.

"Ahem..."

"Why are you putting the children down like that?"

"Our children aren't particularly lacking, are they?"

"That's exactly my point. If Jin Sowoon stands shoulder to shoulder with the leading young dragons and phoenixes, won't our own youngsters' names naturally avoid being eclipsed as well?"

A clear plan took shape in their minds, and the corners of their mouths slowly curled upward.

"Let's take this step by step. They won't collapse in a day or two. We only need to think of this as part of the process."

"Then what should we do first?"

"First, send people to Taeul Sect and congratulate them on this matter..."

Higher.

Higher still.

While those aiming for ever-greater heights continued their discussion in a secret room...

"Hmm..."

Deep within the Martial Alliance, this incident was being viewed from a different, more serious angle.

Martial Alliance Leader Hyeok Mugang spoke with concern written across his face.

"What does Cheonmok Pavilion say?"

"They're currently tracing the past of O Ilsik, who was most closely connected to Deung Gohyeon. If anything meaningful turns up, they'll report it to you immediately, Alliance Leader."

"Considering those who appeared in the Tianshan Mountains, should we say it has been one hundred years?"

Jegal Somyeong lowered their teacup and spoke.

"Since the Blood Cult also appears to be connected to them, it would be more accurate to say six months."

"Six months and one hundred years... The gap is too great."

Hyeok Mugang remained silent until the steam rising from his tea had cooled, then raised his head again.

"What do you think? Should we assume they have... entered our ranks as well?"

"I cannot say with certainty."

Hyeok Mugang gave a faint smile at Jegal Somyeong's words.

"You're usually so pessimistic. Why are you so optimistic today?"

"..."

"Then again, it must be because the matter is so serious that you're being cautious."

At Hyeok Mugang's bitter expression, Jegal Somyeong replied in a clear voice.

"We need to approach this matter very conservatively."

"..."

"There are already people trying to create a situation where those within our ranks suspect one another."

Whenever the world fell into chaos, the winds of treason always blew through Beijing.

Framing someone was a reliable way to eliminate an enemy and secure one's own interests.

The Martial Alliance was no different.

It had become a political group.

The only difference was that when the winds of treason blew through Beijing, the winds of forbidden arts blew through the Martial Alliance.

And among forbidden arts, demonic martial arts were the fiercest and most terrifying wind of all.

"At least we can say it's fortunate that the term 'demonic martial arts' hasn't been mentioned."

"Everyone will be cautious. They know how great the repercussions of that word would be."

Strong winds often invite a fierce backlash.

No one crossed the final, precarious line.

Of course, there was no knowing how long that restraint would last.

"Still, the reason no strong voices have risen yet is because the person who first raised the issue wrote the report by calling it 'dark arts,' isn't it?"

"That brat does have a quick mind."

"..."

Jegal Somyeong read Hyeok Mugang's expression.

His face held an unease that seemed difficult to name.

"What troubles you?"

"Ah, nothing. It's just... so much keeps happening to this child, Jin Sowoon."

"That brat stirs things up everywhere he goes. He creates his own troubles."

"...For some reason, it reminds me of my younger days."

"..."

Jegal Somyeong had spent Hyeok Mugang's fiery youth alongside him, so they knew better than anyone what kind of life he had lived.

Trying to lighten the mood, Jegal Somyeong made a joke.

"There you go again. If you keep subtly bringing up a successor like that, the Nine Sects and the clans will rise in protest."

"..."

Hyeok Mugang gave Jegal Somyeong a dry smile.

"You know the saying that trials make heroes."

"Ha ha! Really, you won't stop. Why? Do you think that brat will become a hero?"

Jegal Somyeong had tried to change the mood with a joke, but Hyeok Mugang's voice remained grave.

"If overcoming trials makes one a hero, then I am not a hero. In the end, I ran away."

"That was because you, Alliance Leader..."

Jegal Somyeong, who had begun to speak, pressed their lips tightly shut.

No one knew better than them how much Hyeok Mugang had suffered or how lonely he had been then.

Hyeok Mugang continued in a self-mocking voice.

"And in the end, I could not change anything."

"Much has changed, Alliance Leader."

Yet Jegal Somyeong's comfort did not reach Hyeok Mugang.

"That is why I worry about him. It feels as though fate keeps taking an interest in him."

Hyeok Mugang himself knew better than anyone how cruel that fate could be.

"I have a feeling the trials awaiting him will be beyond comparison with my own."

Hyeok Mugang turned and looked out the window.

Spring should have arrived by now, yet the snow outside had not fully melted.

"I hope a warm spring comes soon. This winter feels especially long."

He looked so lonely that Jegal Somyeong could not bring themself to say anything else.

#

Life is never easy.

I had already realized that in my previous life.

That was why I had tried so hard not to repeat it in this life.

So very hard.

"All right, I'll give you one at a time, so stand in your places."

The training ground was filled with Taeul Sect's young disciples.

The children stood in neat rows, solemn expressions on their faces.

Today, even the Hall Masters could not relax their stern expressions.

"The elixir pellets you'll receive today are different from the Heart-Calming Pellets you took last time. Your dantians will likely change immediately, so begin qi circulation at once."

The elixir pellets made from Five-Spirit Flower Dew had been completed a week ago, and the adults from each hall had taken them first to confirm their effects.

Now it was the young disciples' turn.

Saryeon, the Geum-Eun-Dong brothers, Yuseong, and the other disciples all sat with tense expressions.

Wang Soso had nearly been excluded because of her special constitution, but Sama Jeong changed several medicinal ingredients so that she could take an elixir pellet as well.

The time they had waited so long for had finally come.

The Hall Masters watched without taking their eyes from the scene.

"The little ones don't even know what they're putting into their mouths, do they?"

"It would be a disaster if they did. Something might happen with Zhongnan Sect, so we must keep it absolutely secret."

"Still, if we strengthen their dantians a little with elixir pellets first, I don't think there'll be much trouble when they take spiritual medicine in the future."

"The Outer Hall Lord will be busy."

The Hall Masters looked at my father with sparkling eyes. Seeming embarrassed, Father looked away, then turned sullen eyes on me.

"Why are you still sticking out your lower lip?"

"What did I do?"

"You said it'd be useless even if you took one. That's why you gave your share to the Hall Masters, wasn't it?"

"...Who said anything?"

Before the elixir pellets were distributed, Sama Jeong had examined the pulses of everyone in Taeul Sect.

During that examination, he had delivered the thunderbolt news that eating Five-Spirit Flower Dew would not do me much good.

'No, even if it doesn't help now, won't it become useful medicine later?'

That was right.

In the end, I couldn't take it.

The Five-Spirit Flower Dew.

Damn it.

The Taeul Sect disciples each swallowed an elixir pellet.

Then, one after another, they began qi circulation.

Some circulated their qi quietly. Others had martial uniforms that puffed up as they circulated their qi, while some even had their hair stand straight on end.

'Have they finally reached the starting line?'

Compared to prestigious great sects, it was only one small step. Still, Taeul Sect's children had now laid the foundation to become martial artists.

Together with the Hall Masters, I watched carefully until every child finished circulating their qi so I wouldn't miss a single detail.

One by one, the children awoke and stared at their hands and feet in astonishment.

Gang Chaeseok quieted the surroundings in a low voice.

"Those who have finished, quietly move to one side. There are still people circulating their qi."

The Taeul Sect members did not leave the training ground until night fell.

It was as though they did not want to miss even a moment of the changes taking place.

#

That night.

At Sama Jeong's summons, I went to the clinic.

"You seem quite disappointed."

Was I only disappointed?

Still, I pretended not to know what he meant.

"What are you talking about?"

Sama Jeong tilted his head.

"Honestly, I don't understand why you're so greedy for more internal energy."

Wasn't more always better?

I had to prepare for the Demonic Cult, after all. Maybe I still held a grudge because I had lived so poorly and eaten so little in my previous life.

"Ah... I'm sorry. I've always been an extremely greedy person."

"Tsk tsk. How can you accomplish great things if your heart is that small?"

"I'd rather live doing small things."

"Hah!"

Sama Jeong shook his head, then tossed me a small wooden box.

Tap!

It was just large enough to fit in my palm, the same size as the wooden boxes that had held the elixir pellets given to the children.

"What is this?"

"Can't you tell? It's the elixir pellet you're crazy about."

"..."

"It's a different elixir pellet from the ones everyone else took."

What was this? If it didn't contain Five-Spirit Flower Dew, then it would be useless.

"That ingredient was so scarce that I could only make one."

Then this was the only elixir pellet Sama Jeong had made?

That changed things.

Sama Jeong cleared his throat and gestured toward the wooden box with his chin.

"That'll suit you better than Five-Spirit Flower Dew."

"...Then you should've told me that from the start."

Why make me feel so miserable for nothing?

When I grumbled, Sama Jeong let out a quiet laugh.

"Feeling better now?"

"I was never upset. My family at the sect were the ones taking them."

"Your drooping mouth had risen all the way to your ears."

What was he talking about? I naturally had a smiling face.

How many times in my previous life had people picked fights with me, accusing me of smirking, and beaten me?

I let Sama Jeong's teasing go in one ear and out the other as I opened the wooden box.

Footnotes:

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