WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: Chen
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◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈
Chapter 522: The Monster That Feeds on Despair (7)
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“You don't seem very surprised.”
“We ran into jiangshi too.”
“...I thought you might have.”
There was something odd about I Hwagyu’s words, but I listened without interrupting.
“Until the jiangshi appeared, we were terrified. After that, though, we accepted it for what it was.”
A tomb naturally contained all manner of treasures and artifacts, along with traps meant to catch the bastards who came to steal them.
More than that, the presence of jiangshi only further proved the Sword Tomb was real.
Even the most common jiangshi had vanished from the martial world three hundred years ago.
The casualties caused by the jiangshi only strengthened the certainty that treasures worthy of such danger lay within.
“But that wasn't all.”
People had appeared alongside the jiangshi.
At first, they had assumed those people were thieves who had entered in search of treasure. Yet there was one clear difference.
The jiangshi did not attack them.
“On top of that... they possessed strange energy. Energy I've never encountered in the martial world.”
The Demonic Cult had not shown itself in the martial world for the past five hundred years, so that was only natural.
Remnants of the cult had appeared from time to time, but such matters had little to do with Black Path martial artists like I Hwagyu.
“It was an utterly dreadful energy. Simply crossing swords with them felt as if my insides were being torn to pieces.”
I Hwagyu said he had suffered a minor internal injury.
People whom the jiangshi did not attack had appeared.
With the jiangshi at their backs, they attacked both the White Path and the Black Path without distinction.
Those who witnessed it came to a realization.
This was not a cave of fated encounter where treasures slept.
It was an antlion pit meant to draw them in.
“It was strange from the start. Does it make any sense for so many treasure maps that reveal where riches are buried to be circulating?”
I quietly brushed aside the thorn of guilt stabbing at my chest and asked, “How many of them are there?”
“How many?”
I Hwagyu scoffed.
“Their number isn't the problem. This place is already full of them.”
“...”
Not being able to estimate their numbers was no different from saying the Sword Tomb was already filled with the Demonic Cult.
“Do you know what the bigger problem is?”
Fear filled I Hwagyu’s eyes.
“No matter where we go, jiangshi are with them.”
His quiet voice carried through the silent cave and rang clearly in everyone’s ears.
That was why he had said those strange words when we first met.
“There are too many jiangshi to count. This isn't some trap dug by a single fool. It's a trap laid by people who intend to cast the Black Path, no, the entire martial world into hell.”
It felt strange to hear someone from the Black Path speak of the martial world’s future.
At that moment, though, no one argued with I Hwagyu.
If the Black Path was worried about the martial world, the current situation had to be unimaginably dangerous.
Those who knew I Hwagyu and those who did not alike trembled as a chill ran through them.
“To hell with the treasures. We need to turn back first. Whether we flee or fight them, there's nothing we can do here right now.”
I Hwagyu spoke with the same taut tension he had shown when we first met.
“Come with us. This isn't the right path.”
Everyone present looked tense at his words.
According to him, the way ahead was no different from deadly ground.
“If you can't trust me, then trust the others.”
I Hwagyu looked toward his companions.
Quite a few martial artists from White Path sects were among them.
“What this great hero says is true. It's hell ahead.”
“Even if I die, I never want to go back there.”
White Path martial artists were confirming the words of a Black Path martial artist.
As if demanding an answer, I Hwagyu asked me again.
“Let's go back. That's the only option for now. Those bastards could come this way at any moment.”
I spoke to him as he began moving as though the decision were obvious.
“We'll keep going.”
“What?”
Just as he said, the way ahead might be a hell filled with jiangshi and demonic beings.
Still, if there was one thing I had learned for certain in my previous life...
‘Never move according to their intentions.’
Despite possessing absurd martial might, the Demonic Cult employed every cunning scheme possible to achieve the best outcome.
If they had blocked the main passage, it meant they wanted us to head deeper into the cave.
“Are you insane? Do you plan to drag everyone following you into a mire?”
Even if I explained their intentions and methods, how many people would readily accept it?
Even the Martial Alliance in my previous life had only understood after using countless deaths and sacrifices as stepping stones.
Then there was only one thing I could do.
Tell them, but neither force them nor allow myself to be forced.
“I don't think we'll survive even if we go deeper into the cave.”
“At the end of the cave, there's a route leading to the main passage of another cave. Even if it takes time, we can get out if we use it to reach another main passage.”
I Hwagyu’s tone grew strangely aggressive.
“What will you do if that passage is blocked as well?”
“...It might not be.”
A coldness crept into his voice.
Having the path he considered an escape route denied by someone else likely felt no different from being attacked himself.
“Besides, if we head inward and hold our ground, the Martial Alliance or the Black Alliance might send a rescue party.”
I did not know exactly what had happened inside the Sword Tomb in my previous life, but I knew that the Martial Alliance rescue party had been buried alongside the investigation team.
“We'll open a path.”
“You're crazy.”
I Hwagyu grabbed my robe.
I looked down at his hand, then met his eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“No matter how worthless you White Path bastards are, I can't let you walk into deadly ground with your own feet.”
I Hwagyu’s gaze briefly shifted toward Shaolin Sect and Cheonsim Seonsa.
It was a look that made it clear protecting our lives was not I Hwagyu’s real concern.
Tap.
I lightly knocked his hand away.
He stared at his hand in surprise before glaring at me with open hostility.
His right hand twitched toward the hilt of his sword.
“Did you all hear that? This brat leading you intends to throw every one of you into deadly ground!”
That was the path he had chosen.
In the end, he began trying to sow discord between me and my group.
“I told you clearly. There are jiangshi ahead, along with unknown enemies who control them and move together with them. Yet this brat means to lead you there. Even so!”
I Hwagyu paused to catch his breath, wearing a grim expression.
“Will you still leave this man in command?”
He pointed at me and shouted. I stopped Dang Seohui as she tried to step forward.
Once his words had been spoken, the seed of division had already been planted.
It would surely seek a chance to sprout whenever the situation became desperate.
It was better to remove it now.
“If you wish, you're free to take anyone who wants to go with you.”
“!”
When I readily agreed, I Hwagyu quickly turned toward Shaolin Sect.
The man who should have feared Shaolin Sect more than anyone else was looking to them for support.
Yet not a single Shaolin disciple stepped forward.
I Hwagyu’s brow twisted in confusion.
“Do you truly intend to walk into that deadly ground? Have you never experienced how terrifying Iron Zombies are?”
Contrary to his hopes, no one moved, and his voice gradually rose.
Then Cheonsim Seonsa’s low voice resounded through the air.
“Benefactor Jin, I do not believe it is good to delay any longer. Shall we get moving?”
“Yes.”
After answering, I looked at I Hwagyu.
Crushed by a profound sense of defeat, he glared at me in fury.
“I've always known you White Path bastards were arrogant, but today is the first time I've learned you're foolish enough to walk into deadly ground yourselves.”
With an irritated scowl, he started deeper into the cave.
“We'll inform your parents of your deaths!”
I could not tell whether I Hwagyu’s words were a heartfelt wish or a curse.
We stepped over them and moved forward.
#
Do Gwangsu wanted to follow I Hwagyu.
No, to be exact, he had been about to follow him.
If I Hwagyu had uttered his curse-filled words only a little later...
When Jin Sowoon revealed his fighting spirit, a rough killing intent that seemed to pierce his entire body surged out. Do Gwangsu could not move, leaving him no choice but to remain with Jin Sowoon’s group.
‘If only he'd said it a little later...’
He grumbled inwardly, but part of him felt relieved.
Cheonsim Seonsa and the Shaolin Temple monks had not moved an inch.
Even if they were entering deadly ground, he should be able to preserve his life if he stayed among them.
Would the monks of the great Shaolin Temple really watch a kind-hearted(?) commoner like him die helplessly?
‘They'll save me. They definitely will.’
Do Gwangsu attended to the Shaolin Temple monks as best he could.
Their martial arts and internal energy were far beyond his reach, but Do Gwangsu was better at surviving inside caves.
“Thank you. You don't have to do this much for us.”
“Amitabha...”
The monk flinched at Do Gwangsu’s words, which seemed to have slipped out by mistake.
“Benefactor Do... are you a Buddhist?”
“I once wished to devote myself to the Buddhist path, but I failed to live that way and have carried guilt ever since. How fortunate that I can at least atone for my karma like this before I die.”
Admiration appeared on the monk’s face.
“Please don't say that. The Buddha's teachings are not something that should make you feel guilty simply because you cannot follow them.”
“I don't know. Thinking that death is approaching, I suppose... I keep having such thoughts without realizing it.”
The monk smiled kindly.
“Please don't say that. The Buddha's mercy is with you, Benefactor Do, so you need not fear death. Besides, death will not come for you so easily.”
“...Ah, Amitabha.”
Do Gwangsu cheered inwardly.
Having built up this much goodwill, he would not die easily even if his life were in immediate danger.
Recalling the life he had stubbornly clung to, Do Gwangsu followed behind Jin Sowoon.
Jin Sowoon’s group continued onward.
Then, just as the indiscriminate attacks by those intoxicated with Mushim Illusion Powder began to feel ordinary...
Stop.
Jin Sowoon halted in one cave.
As if they had been waiting for it, Ilgak, Dang Seohui, Moyong Seol, and Cheonsim Seonsa exchanged looks.
“It seems this is where things become as I Hwagyu described.”
The cave was not much different in size from the ones before it.
They spoke as though sensing something Do Gwangsu could not, leaving him out of the conversation.
“Amitabha... I have never felt such turbid qi before.”
Cheonsim Seonsa and Moyong Seol did not look well.
In contrast, Jin Sowoon’s group, including Ilgak, wore indifferent expressions.
‘What is this?’
Cheonsim Seonsa, the stronger master, looked worried, while the younger rising talents beneath him seemed to know something as they loosened up.
Do Gwangsu found the sight strange.
“From now on, we'll move in columns.”
That detestable... no, dependable Jin Sowoon stepped forward. Do Gwangsu did not entirely trust him, but he had no right to speak.
“Yuseong Hall and I will take the lead. Shaolin Temple, please hold the center, while the Moyong Clan takes the rear.”
“Hmm...”
Cheonsim Seonsa shook his head.
“Shaolin Temple and I should take the lead.”
Do Gwangsu screamed inwardly.
He was in a position where he needed to rely on Shaolin Temple.
If they moved to the front, would his chances of dying not rise exponentially as well?
There was no need to worry.
“No. Most of the Yuseong Hall members have encountered them in Mukrim. I'd like you to hold the center until you adapt.”
The dependable Great Hero Jin Sowoon rejected the offer.
“You encountered them in Mukrim... So that story wasn't just something said in passing.”
Cheonsim Seonsa made the ambiguous remark and nodded.
“Thank you for showing consideration to an old man. I will repay this favor without fail.”
He even said something Do Gwangsu could not understand.
Do Gwangsu could not follow the flow of the conversation at all.
“Please form up.”
As soon as Jin Sowoon finished speaking, everyone scattered into position again.
As always, Yuseong Hall took up the positions for a sword formation. Behind them, Shaolin Temple spread out in the widest formation, with Cheonsim Seonsa at the head of three Five Buddha Formations.
It seemed to be a measure meant to minimize harm to the Moyong Clan members.
Do Gwangsu quietly slipped into a place among the Shaolin members.
The space between the three Five Buddha Formations felt more comfortable than any refuge Do Gwangsu had ever experienced.
Then...
“Do Gwangsu.”
An ominous feeling came over Do Gwangsu as Jin Sowoon called his name.
“Yes? You don't need me anymore, do you? We're already in the main passage.”
Do Gwangsu answered as though he had been waiting for the question.
But...
“You, come behind me.”
“You crazy son of a... Ghk!”
Do Gwangsu cursed without realizing it. He covered his mouth at the monks’ cold stares, but it was already too late.
“You've worked hard until now, so I'm giving you special consideration.”
Jin Sowoon spoke as though granting him a favor, but Do Gwangsu wanted to rush over and tear his mouth apart.
“N-No, Great Hero Jin, I'm fine...”
“Ah, no need to be shy. You're fine, you're fine. Come on over.”
Fweee!
The Flying Dragon Claw shot from Jin Sowoon’s hand, weaving strangely through the people before catching Do Gwangsu by the collar and dragging him away.
‘You crazy bastard...! I said I don't want to!’
Do Gwangsu desperately tried to grab the monks’ robes, but they quickly knocked his hands away.
As he blankly let himself be carried away by the monks’ betrayal, he found himself at the very front, pressed right behind Jin Sowoon.
‘Fuck... Jin Sowoon...’
As if to comfort the despairing Do Gwangsu, a rough hand patted his shoulder.
“Lucky you. Standing behind Group Leader Jin. All that hard work paid off.”
When Nam Hwaseong spoke in a teasing tone, Do Gwangsu wanted to tear his mouth apart too...
“What is it? Is something bothering you? Your eyes look strange.”
“...Haha, of course not.”
Naturally, he had neither the ability nor the nerve to do such a thing, so he could only force a broad smile.
‘Fuck... my life...’
Jin Sowoon started running.
Everyone drew their swords as if preparing for the battle of their lives and released their fighting spirits without holding back.
Do Gwangsu felt as though he were suffocating.
At the same time, he desperately hoped.
He hoped the monsters I Hwagyu had described would not be there.
But it was a completely futile hope.
After some time passed, Do Gwangsu began to sense an uncomfortable, stifling energy even he could feel.
‘N-No. This isn't... this is hell...’
Each step felt as if it brought him closer to the edge of a cliff.
Though he was running through darkness where nothing could be seen, it felt like sharp blades were aimed at his throat from every direction.
‘Yes, this feeling is... exactly...’
Death.
If he had to clearly describe the feeling of death, it would be the emotion he felt now.
Having lived with survival as his sole goal, he could be certain.
He should not move another step.
“Gasp! N-No! No! If we go...”
“Do Gwangsu.”
At that moment, a golden haze rose from the shoulders of that detestable Jin Sowoon ahead of him.
Strangely, Do Gwangsu’s racing heart gradually began to settle.
“Don't run away.”
“...”
“As long as you don't run, I'll repay the debt I owed you in my previous life.”
Previous life? Debt...?
Just as he was about to ask what such a sudden statement meant...
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
Three jiangshi came running from the other side of the cave.
“...?”
It was strange.
When he had first seen jiangshi, he had been terrified. Until moments ago, he had felt the anxious dread of death, as if he were hanging from a cliff.
Yet now, even with three jiangshi before him, his heart felt calmer than ever.
Thump, thump, thump.
Then the most dependable voice of all settled beside his ear.
“Remember what I said. As long as you don't run away...”
Jin Sowoon’s gaze hardened in an instant.
“This time, I'll save you.”
Leaving behind words whose meaning he did not understand, Jin Sowoon sent forth a sword that carved a golden trail.
‘What... was that?’
For some reason, Do Gwangsu felt an inexplicable longing for those words.
=======
Author’s Note
Greetings, fellow travelers of the martial world.
This is Jeokseolmok.
I learned that Do Gwangsu had appeared back in Chapter 371.
As the great hero said, the name Do Gwangsu was right there.
It seems those foolish Sojeong Unit members could not even properly call their comrade by name.
I promptly corrected Chapter 371.
From now on, I will remain vigilant so that those foolish Sojeong Unit members do not make mistakes, and so that I do not repeat my own.
In this chilly weather, I always pray for your martial fortunes.
Thank you, as always.
=======
Footnotes:
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