The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Chapter 114

[ … words ]

***

“Crazy bastard…”

As expected, Cha Seok-du, being a leader of the Black Path, lived with profanity on his lips. However, the feeling that a similar curse had been uttered by Seong Mo-ran, who was standing behind me, was probably because my physical condition was not very good.

No matter how favorably I looked at it, my current physical state was no longer one in which I could take the regular exam.

If I took it by force, I might somehow be able to complete the exam, but if I did that, I would suffer deep damage to my dantian (energy center) like the Green Forest King, and in the end, I would not even be able to live a proper life.

In the end, the best method right now was to move Sahwang-bong.

“…Huh…”

Cha Seok-du, who had maintained his stern dignity until now, forgot that his subordinates were watching from all sides, his mouth hanging open as he turned into a statue.

It was inevitable, as he probably had not expected the thing he desired most to pop out of my mouth.

The Black Path Murim had long desired to form an alliance like the Murim Alliance.

However, because the powers were similar, it was difficult for anyone to become the central point.

Thinking about the benefits of an alliance, there was much to lose right away, so in the minds of those with a simple way of thinking who disliked loss, an alliance was a useless loss.

In the end, the creation of the Black Path Alliance was only possible after the invasion of the Demonic Cult became full-scale and most of the Black Path Murim was half-destroyed, but considering that the alliance, which had already become half-baked, had a shorter lifespan than the Murim Alliance, it was not even a temporary measure to buy time.

“Unless there is a being with overwhelming power, the best way to create an alliance is through public opinion and a just cause. If you think about the fact that the Murim Alliance has existed for the past five hundred years with the just cause of eradicating the Demonic Cult, which was the public enemy at the time of its founding, it will be easy to understand.”

Cha Seok-du, who had been dazed for a long time, mumbled his mouth and continued.

“We make the matter of the Maryeong Plateau public?”

“That is correct. Already, many members of the Black Path Murim are feeling strong fatigue from the domination of the Kangho by the Murim Alliance. Can’t you see that just by looking at how most of the sects of the Black Path Murim take a rest period to lay low every time the current Murim Regular Exam is held?”

“But the matter of the Maryeong Plateau is something that happened half a year ago.”

“Originally, public opinion and just causes are things that can be brought up from anywhere. Is the just cause of the current Murim Alliance still for the eradication of the Demonic Cult?”

“…I have not failed to think about that either. However, what is truly important is what happens after that. Even if we create a Black Path Alliance, we cannot guarantee that people will gather and power will be created like the Murim Alliance.”

This was also the biggest reason why the Black Path Alliance had collapsed.

People gathered in the Murim Alliance on their own, competed with each other within it, and spread out into the world again.

The already established system continued to make the Murim Alliance strong.

On the other hand, the Black Path Alliance did not have such a system. Moreover, the thinking system most deeply embedded in the heads of the Black Path people was ‘survival of the fittest.’

As long as this existed, the Black Path people would never care about systems and ranks that were painstakingly created.

This must have been the biggest worry for Cha Seok-du, the Master of Sahwang-bong.

Gathering people. And making them follow ranks and systems.

“That is not actually difficult.”

“…Not difficult?”

Cha Seok-du’s eyelids trembled, and without realizing it, he leaned his body forward by half an inch.

“We go with a merit-based system.”

“…How is that different from a chaotic mess?”

“It is strictly different. We guarantee a path to success for everyone. Regardless of where they are from or where they belong, if they only have the ability, we open a path for them to succeed as much as they want, completely freely.”

“…”

“What is the biggest evil of the Murim Alliance? Isn’t it that success and benefits change depending on whether one is from the Nine Great Sects, the Five Great Clans, or the One Hundred Eight Peaks? The Black Path Alliance will completely break away from such things. Within people who compete infinitely and develop infinitely, the system of the Black Path Alliance will be firmly solidified.”

“…”

Not only Cha Seok-du but even the masters of Sahwang-bong were seen agonizing with complex eyes.

And it was after a long time that Cha Seok-du opened his mouth.

“Is this a protest for that?”

“Yes.”

“But I do not know what a non-violent protest is.”

“All warriors will disarm themselves, wear only black martial uniforms, and hold black flags. And in the middle of that, we will march to Wuhan carrying a funeral bier. This march will be a march to memorialize those who died on the Maryeong Plateau.”

“…It will be bizarre.”

“That is why the eyes of the world will be gathered.”

“…And you intend to go along with them inside that?”

“Because I also cannot suppress my heart to memorialize those who died on the Maryeong Plateau.”

“…”

Hwang Bu-sik, who was next to him, opened his mouth.

“Master. Regardless, if we do that march, I think we will be able to see the dumbfounded faces of those White Path guys for once.”

Starting with Hwang Bu-sik, the masters who were standing on both sides opened their mouths one by one.

“I do not think there is anything better than this as a condemnation for the fact that they did not step forward at that time.”

“Thinking about how they did not help and only hindered us at that time, I still…”

“That is correct. This is worth a try.”

As positive words burst out, a light of relief began to hover on the faces of our party members.

Cha Seok-du, who had been nodding for a long time, waved his hand, and all the talk stopped.

“That is a good idea. As expected, it is a thought worthy of the Black Path’s Rising Star, the Black Flame Dragon. However, what is the reason why we must do that work right now? Wouldn’t there be a problem with our just cause because you guys are interfering?”

“…”

“Rather, it would be better to do it according to the first anniversary after the Murim Regular Exam ends.”

As expected of a leader of the Black Path, he knew how to maximize his own interests. However, if I were only going to have my thoughts taken away, I would not have come here in the first place.

“Would that be possible?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to do it then rather than doing it right now?”

“No, what I mean is, do you have the confidence to persuade the ignorant Black Path bastards with these words?”

“…”

The masters who had responded to my words until a moment ago glared at me again with cold eyes.

“How many guys are there who will understand at least that public opinion and a just cause are necessary and agree with it? Moreover, will others agree with the Master monopolizing the just cause?”

Was it because Cha Seok-du lacked a just cause that he could not create an alliance until now?

It was because there was no one who could understand his grand will, or because their own greed was greater than that will, that most of them did not agree with him.

“It is fortunate if you can do that. Since it seems there is nothing more I can do anyway, I will just go out, surrender, and give up on the exam.”

“…”

“I have been indebted to you for a few days. I will see you again next time.”

It was when I turned around immediately and led our party members, who had dumbfounded expressions, and walked about three steps.

“W-wait!”

“…”

That stern Cha Seok-du had come out a step forward.

“Are you saying you have a way?”

“I may not be able to make them understand the just cause or persuade them to make it public, but I can make them move.”

“How?”

I untied the bundle I was holding in my hand.

Thud, thud, thud.

The famous figures of the Black Path Murim who had given me nameplates just like Cha Seok-du on the Maryeong Plateau. Their nameplates were scattered carelessly on the floor of the Sahwang-bong main hall.

<><><>

“Hehe, Young Master Jin should wake up soon.”

Gang Seo-pyo, who was speaking, could not suppress his laughter, his mouth trembling.

And Cho Mu-bin, who was watching that appearance, was quite displeased.

Jin So-un, who had talked with Cha Seok-du, collapsed again as soon as he came out of the main hall.

And it was Namgung Seon-hwa who stepped forward to nurse him.

Even though it could have been embarrassing to step forward in a situation where there were maids and servants of Sahwang-bong and an attending doctor, it was because Namgung Seon-hwa was sticking to Jin So-un and would not let go, as if she could not see her surroundings right now.

It was true that Cho Mu-bin should have been worried about Jin So-un’s safety right now, but he could not help but feel irritated every time Gang Seo-pyo laughed foolishly.

“Is it something to be that happy about?”

“What are you talking about?”

“If Young Master Jin completes the exam with the help of Sahwang-bong, wouldn’t that create problems in its own way?”

Baek Won-gak, who was listening to the conversation next to him, also nodded.

“People who question the exam results themselves might appear. Anyway, the arch-enemy of the White Path is the Black Path. Isn’t Sahwang-bong the greatest force in the Black Path Murim? Moreover, if a real Black Path Alliance is created because of this incident…”

“That is also true.”

Gang Seo-pyo, who was listening to the two people’s conversation, wore a meaningful smile.

“But you two know one thing and do not know two.”

“What?”

“The exam might seem important right now, but if you look at it in the long term, it is not necessarily so.”

“What does that mean again?”

Gang Seo-pyo clicked his tongue as if he felt sorry for them.

“If you are like that, when will you ever get out of the position of a ten-thousand-year team leader?”

“…”

“…”

“You felt yesterday that the intention of the Master of Sahwang-bong is not much different from Young Master Jin’s, didn’t you?”

Since the necessity of the Black Path Murim Alliance was something that was always talked about, the two nodded at the same time.

“If a Black Path Alliance really comes into being because of this incident, what will happen?”

“There will be chaos in the Murim Alliance.”

“That’s right. Maybe a war will break out. But in the end, an alliance will be created. The situation of the Kangho is already like that. Those of the Black Path Murim who have been oppressed by the Murim Alliance all this time are just wishing for any kind of trigger to occur.”

“…Why do you seem quite happy that a Black Path Alliance is being created?”

“Listen to the end. It is self-evident that a Black Path Alliance will be created, and its core will be Sahwang-bong. Then, let me ask you. When the Murim Alliance wants to contact the Black Path Alliance, what method would be best to use?”

“…!”

“…!”

Gang Seo-pyo continued.

“Considering how the Murim Alliance has oppressed the forces of the Black Path Murim until now, it would be impossible to create a contact network from the beginning. Then, they would need someone who has connections to both the Black Path Alliance and the Murim Alliance at the same time…”

“That would be the Taeeul Sect.”

“And also Jin So-un.”

“That’s right.”

At Gang Seo-pyo’s words, Cho Mu-bin and Baek Won-gak became even more complicated in their hearts.

Now that they looked back, they were even at the point of thinking that stopping by Sahwang-bong in the middle of the regular exam was not just due to coincidence.

“The biggest problem is whether Sahwang-bong decides to move or not…”

Sahwang-bong moving during an event of the Murim Alliance was an incredibly dangerous thing.

Moreover, a protest that had to be done after disarming all swords and armor could be an opportunity for the subjugation of the Black Path Murim if things went wrong.

“That is why they are probably still continuing to discuss it at Sahwang-bong.”

It’s already the fourth day. There was no contact from Sahwang-bong.

“Now it is time for us to also make a decision and decide what to do.”

Not much time was left for the exam to end.

If they dragged it out here any longer, it might become a situation where they get nothing.

Tramp – tramp – tramp –

The three people who were squatting in the yard, drawing pictures and talking, stood up at the same time and looked at the entrance.

A man of great stature, who had to bow his head heavily to get through the door because he was so big, stepped in.

Great Hammer Hwang Bu-sik.

He looked at the three people with his usual bulging eyes.

“Where is the Black Flame Dragon?”

“Not yet…”

At that moment, the door of the inner palace opened, and Namgung Seon-hwa came out.

“Young Master Jin is waiting.”

“Did he wake up?”

“Yes.”

“That is fortunate.”

The three people watched with nervous hearts as Great Hammer Hwang Bu-sik entered the inner palace.

<><><>

Thousands of warriors gathered near the Dabie Mountains in Henan Province were staring at Sahwang-bong with sharp eyes.

Because the entrance passes that would bring glory to their sects were bundled inside.

The elders of the sects had ordered them to cooperate with other sects to retrieve the entrance passes, but they were unknowingly engaged in a psychological war by adding the extra condition not to lose in the competition.

However, that was only for a day or two.

Now that it was the fifth day, those gathered at the Dabie Mountains began to feel fatigue day by day.

Because they had not prepared at all for sleeping outdoors, they had to crowd into the few inns located near the Dabie Mountains to sleep, and because supplies were being exhausted rapidly, even if merchants raised prices, they had no leisure to bring supplies from surrounding villages, so they had no choice but to pay the expensive prices.

But the biggest problem was the pressure that the deadline for the regular exam was slowly approaching.

“How long do we have to wait?”

“At this rate, we will also be eliminated from the exam.”

“Aren’t they waiting for us to do that?”

What are the disciples of the White Path sect trying to do by entering Sahwang-bong?

“Why don’t we just attack Sahwang-bong instead?”

“Are you crazy?”

“Isn’t that so? Since Sahwang-bong has already interfered with the Murim Alliance’s event, isn’t this strictly a violation of the agreement?”

In a situation where they could neither do this nor that, the arrows naturally headed toward the Taeeul Sect, the Iron Sword Sect, and the Namgung Clan.

“A guy with no roots is acting up saying he will take the regular exam; because of this, isn’t the meaning of the exam fading?”

“That is not all. The real problem is that the Namgung Clan and the Moyong Clan are with them.”

“It is a waste of the name of the Five Great Clans to be on par with the Nine Great Sects.”

The sixth day.

The representatives of the Nine Great Sects gathered in one place and decided to make a decision on future plans.

“Anyway, after today passes, the elimination of Jin So-un’s party will be confirmed, so let’s wait a little longer.”

“Sahwang-bong is moving!”

“Did Sahwang-bong finally send Jin So-un out?”

Prepared for any situation, everyone who had been gathered near the Dabie Mountains drew their swords at the same time.

The sword blades that densely filled all eight directions of the Dabie Mountains formed a single forest.

A situation prepared for Sahwang-bong intervening in the regular exam.

“Prepare for battle!”

At the same time as someone’s shout, thousands of warriors simultaneously raised their internal energy and shot murderous intent toward Sahwang-bong.

Creeak. Thud.

Hundreds of crowds began to slowly walk out from inside Sahwang-bong.

“…Th-that is…”

“No, what on earth…”

Those who were preparing for battle immediately dropped their swords and stared at Sahwang-bong.

“…A funeral bier?”

Hundreds of personnel wearing black martial uniforms began a long march with a huge funeral bier in the center.