The Fortunate Sword God of the Zhuge Clan - Chapter 25

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 25.
Mu Heun found himself caught in a welter of contradictory emotions as he experienced forgetting for the first time in his life.
For Mu Heun, the Perfect Memory Ability was, in a sense, rather like a curse.
Even when humans endure tremendous suffering, time allows them to recover slowly.
This is because even the most terrible memories fade, blessed by the mercy of forgetting.
But this mercy was denied to Mu Heun.
He could recall all his horrific memories with perfect clarity, as if they had occurred moments before.
And so, to discover that he had forgotten something felt almost like a stroke of fortune.
Under ordinary circumstances, he would have thought it so.
‘But not now. Not until I’ve earned a position from which I can convince the current Martial Arts Alliance.’
To prevent war, Mu Heun had to grow stronger.
It was the most peaceful solution, and at the same time, the easiest path forward.
For this reason, Mu Heun had to carve out a place for himself in Kangho as quickly as possible, and his Perfect Memory Ability was essential to that end.
In all of Kangho, nothing was more powerful than information—especially information as precise as Mu Heun’s memories.
Mu Heun, who had been momentarily lost in shock, soon exhaled a thin sigh.
‘…First, I need to calm myself. Not all my memories have become clouded.’
Over a short span of time, he retraced every memory starting from the oldest, and found no problems with the others.
‘The Perfect Memory Ability… only memories tied to my thoughts about this have vanished, as though someone had plucked a book from a shelf.’
It felt as if someone truly had extracted it.
Dok Go Hyeon, who had been watching Mu Heun’s serious expression intently, asked him a question.
“You’re sure you’re all right? Why don’t we head back and rest for a bit?”
At those words, Mu Heun pulled himself from his reverie and nodded with a smile.
“I appreciate your concern. Yes, let us return to the carriage at once.”
Mu Heun walked ahead toward the carriage to ease the worries of both Dok Go Hyeon and Ling.
Yet even as he did, he kept the thread of his thoughts taut.
‘The fact that only memories related to the Perfect Memory Ability have disappeared wholesale… suggests the problem lies not with my memory itself.’
Even upon reviewing his recollections again, every memory besides his deliberations on the Perfect Memory Ability remained unmarred.
‘And I still retain the sensation of having glimpsed something close to an answer.’
In fact, he likely had reached it.
Mu Heun was certain of this.
‘The moment I reached that understanding, my memories of it vanished for some reason. The reason, perhaps….’
Either the source of the Perfect Memory Ability—the something that had granted him this power—had not wished for him to know.
Or his own instinct had suppressed it.
The former seemed unlikely.
‘The Perfect Memory Ability almost certainly originates from the Seven Star Circle, but the Seven Star Circle, however wondrous, is ultimately just an object. Would it truly possess its own will and watch over me like this?’
The Seven Star Circle’s power was great, but whether Regression or the Perfect Memory Ability—both operated as a result of Mu Heun’s own intent.
Before this, it had simply stood in place; it was hard for him to accept that an inanimate object could now possess its own will and erase his memories.
‘It’s not impossible, but….’
Mu Heun felt a strong intuition that the latter was true.
‘I’ve never experienced it myself, but I’ve seen many who, after enduring terrible things and suffering terrible shocks, unconsciously suppress those very memories.’
Mu Heun’s threshold for fear was markedly higher than that of ordinary people.
After all, fear springs from ignorance.
Thanks to his Perfect Memory Ability and his natural intellect, Mu Heun’s knowledge far exceeded that of others, allowing him to address most situations by reasoning from what he knew.
‘But… of course, there is far more in this world that I do not know.’
Precisely because of this, he recognized that such a thing could happen to him as well.
Paradoxically, the more knowledge he accumulated, the more acutely he felt the weight of his own ignorance.
To understand one thing, he needed to study many more to grasp why it was as it was.
Mu Heun was not ashamed of his ignorance.
One need only study further to learn more.
Indeed, there was something almost thrilling about it.
Of course, there remained an unease about a power whose source he did not know and which erased his memories whenever he sought to understand it.
‘Yet I cannot simply stop using the Perfect Memory Ability.’
It was indispensable even for healing his body.
Sensing a scent and perceiving it were instinctive acts, so he could not stop them even if he wished.
‘There is something that does nag at me, though.’
Mu Heun recalled what he had last contemplated before his memories of the Perfect Memory Ability vanished.
It was a conversation he had shared with Seo Yong around the time the Imperial Palace launched a sudden assault in his previous life.
—Alliance Leader, once one reaches such a Realm, what sort of perception does one gain?
—Hmm? Ha ha, why do you ask such a thing all of a sudden?
—Because the Imperial Palace side also has masters of the Hwagyeong Realm. Though martial arts may differ, if we possess information about their insights and perceptions, we might find a way to face them even from a lower Realm.
—Hmm. The gist is sound enough, but I suspect it won’t be of much practical help.
—Why not, sir?
—How should I explain this…? Consider it thus: when a volcano erupts and when a tidal wave drowns the land, are the countermeasures identical?
—No, sir. They differ entirely.
—Precisely so.
—…?
—It’s hard to grasp, I know. Unless you experience it directly and embody it, acceptance becomes nearly impossible.
—You mean to say that masters of the Hwagyeong Realm are like natural disasters? I’ve heard such talk, but it’s difficult to accept.
—There’s that meaning too, but… well, once you attain the Hwagyeong Realm, each master’s methods of movement become utterly distinct. Even if two practitioners master the same martial arts, the particulars diverge from person to person. The Hwagyeong Realm is….
Seo Yong paused, then smiled and continued.
—a realm where one stands in this world through mastery of martial arts alone.
Though the words were difficult to fathom, Mu Heun came to understand them as the conflict deepened.
After witnessing firsthand the battles between masters who had reached the Hwagyeong Realm.
From that point forward, whenever a Hwagyeong general appeared, Mu Heun made certain to dispatch a Hwagyeong master to face him.
He had felt the bone-deep truth that any other course would only squander precious lives.
‘Why does my recollection falter precisely at this moment…?’
A troubling gap in logic occurred to Mu Heun, yet he deliberately chose not to pursue it further.
He held the certain conviction that pressing deeper would only cause the memory to shatter again.
‘If this concerns the Hwagyeong Realm, then I must either ask those masters themselves….’
Or Mu Heun himself would have to reach the Hwagyeong Realm—at minimum, the realm immediately beneath it.
The intuitive certainty of this struck him so forcefully that he exhaled slowly.
‘I cannot yet reveal my abilities to anyone.’
Regression was one matter, and his Perfect Memory Ability no less so.
To confide even in his father, Je Gal Cheon Seong, was perilous.
What if, however infinitesimal the chance, word leaked out?
Countless men would come hunting for him, willing to stake their very lives for the chance to seize such power.
‘First, I must forge strength enough to protect myself.’
Perhaps not the Hwagyeong Realm itself, but enough to keep from being swept away by the currents of Kangho.
Only then could he attempt anything of substance.
Having set his aim, Mu Heun spent the night devising means to achieve it.
***
“Honored benefactors! Thank you, truly! And I apologize!”
Early that morning, Mu Heun’s party was greeted by Han Cho’s booming thanks mingled with contrition.
“Your thanks are noted, but your apology—for what reason?”
“I should have given you proper directions on where to lodge, yet I was foolish enough to hear only the traitor’s words and left you all to spend the night in a carriage. I am deeply sorry!”
Mu Heun, who had not slept that night, replied with a voice tinged with weariness.
“No harm done. There’s a certain charm to sleeping in a carriage. *Cough!*”
In truth, the carriage in which Mu Heun’s party had ridden, though it bore no Je Gal Family standard, was furnished with considerable refinement within.
It was the carriage of this young master of the Five Great Families, after all, and engineered with Je Gal techniques besides.
Likely it surpassed the homes of most residents of Suryeop Fortress.
But Han Cho, unaware of these facts, chastised himself, certain that his negligence had worn on Mu Heun’s voice.
“Y-your voice is nearly hoarse and you’re coughing… I’m terribly sorry! However can I repay…?”
“Truly, there’s no need. This cough is merely….”
“No! For failing to identify the traitor and putting my benefactors in danger—I must find some way to…!”
Thwack!
—”Ugh!”
The sharp, stinging blow to the back of his head forced Han Cho’s mouth shut by compulsion.
“I said it’s fine. Saying more would be impolite. Enough, Han Cho.”
“F-fortress master…?”
The source of that blow was Jang Seung Hu, whose face looked far better than it had the night before.
“But… the fact remains that I made a mistake….”
“So what? Are you planning to die over it? Stop talking nonsense and accept the grace given to you. That too is a skill of survival.”
“…Yes, sir.”
At Jang Seung Hu’s words, Han Cho fell silent and said nothing more.
Mu Heun watched with a faint smile.
‘To recover such bearing in a single day—now I understand why the Black Snake Organization had their sights set on the fortress master.’
Jang Seung Hu’s body had already regained its vigor and substance to a degree that belied yesterday’s torment by extreme poison.
And this was barely half recovered; once fully healed, his sheer bulk alone would give pause to most martial artists.
“Han Cho, truly there is no need. Fortress Master Jang has already provided us with sufficient compensation, so please do not burden yourself with such concern.”
“Is that so? Truly? What manner of…?”
“Stop talking nonsense. And Han Cho—weren’t you supposed to have the morning watch today?”
At Jang Seung Hu’s words, Han Cho’s expression stiffened.
“That is… well….”
“You were already behind on your preparations from hearing about yesterday’s business, and now you’re palming off your duties on the others just to see these guests off?”
As Jang Seung Hu’s eyes narrowed, Han Cho looked toward Mu Heun with a resigned expression.
“My apologies. I’m afraid I need to return.”
“Right. Morning preparations are crucial. You’ve worked hard, Han Cho.”
Han Cho shook his head as he replied.
“No, sir. Without Mu Heun’s help, I would have known nothing and fallen victim to Song… that man. Everything is thanks to you.”
At the honorific title, Mu Heun’s eyes widened slightly.
“Hmm… that seems a bit too much praise.”
“Not at all. You didn’t save just me—you saved all of Suryeop Fortress. I believe Mu Heun is truly the one who deserves such a title.”
“Well, it makes me uncomfortable, to be honest.”
Jang Seung Hu let out a quiet laugh at Mu Heun’s awkward tone.
“Han Cho is right. At least to us, anyway. Who else would deserve it if not you?”
“Even you, Fortress Master?”
Though Mu Heun had meant to protest, Han Cho nodded vigorously in agreement with Jang Seung Hu.
“Absolutely! And I don’t think Mu Heun should only be called that here at Suryeop. Someday, all of Kangho will be crying out your name!”
At Han Cho’s somewhat over-the-top words, Mu Heun managed an awkward smile and gave a slight shrug.
“Thank you for such generous praise.”
Mu Heun decided not to belabor the point about titles any further.
Though it felt burdensome, continuing to protest would only make him look foolish.
Excessive modesty isn’t always a virtue.
Especially not when someone is offering such heartfelt admiration.
At his words, Han Cho broke into a wide smile.
“Mu Heun, it may seem presumptuous, but Suryeop Fortress will grow strong. Because that’s what our Fortress Master has said.”
“I believe it will be so as well.”
“I’ll train hard in martial arts under you, Fortress Master, and make Suryeop into an even greater mountain fortress! Beyond that, I’ll make it into a fortress no one dares challenge!”
Jang Seung Hu smirked at Han Cho’s words.
“You’re going to build it up? You can’t even remember the morning watch.”
“That’s… well, that’s different, isn’t it? Heh heh.”
Han Cho smiled sheepishly and let the matter drop.
Jang Seung Hu chuckled quietly and chose not to press him further.
“In any case, when things have improved, will you visit us again?”
“Hmm?”
Han Cho hesitated for a moment, then spoke with newfound resolve.
“Though I’ve heard you’ve received something from our Fortress Master, I haven’t been able to give you anything yet. But if you return to Suryeop someday, I promise to treat you with the highest honor! So please, if you can, do come back!”
At Han Cho’s words, Mu Heun smiled warmly and nodded.
“Of course. I will certainly return. I can come with high expectations, yes?”
Han Cho beamed at Mu Heun’s affirmative reply.
“Of course!”
Watching this exchange, Jang Seung Hu shrugged his shoulders.
“Alright, that’s enough. Now get back. The others must be hard at work.”
“Yes, sir!”
Han Cho waved his hand and dashed off like an arrow to prepare the morning meal for the fortress.
His hand didn’t stop waving until he became nothing but a speck in the distance.
Jang Seung Hu watched him go in silence, then turned to face Mu Heun with his arms crossed.
“So, you’re heading straight to Cheongseong Mountain, then?”
“Are you determined to call me that from now on?”
“Why not? It’s the truth anyway. Still planning to leave without breakfast?”
Mu Heun nodded lightly.
“I’ve brought sufficient provisions, and it’s better to travel quickly if I can.”
“I heard that yesterday already… though you’re right, we’ve already delayed matters enough. I’m sorry for that.”
“There’s no need to apologize. It’s no serious matter.”
Even though he hadn’t sought any reward, he had already received more than sufficient compensation in the Green Forest Badge and Incomplete Spirit Stone.
“I see….”
Still, ignorant of the true nature of the stone Mu Heun was taking with him, Jang Seung Hu couldn’t hide his lingering regret.
“If you show that Green Forest Badge to others, the bandits at other fortresses won’t try to shake you down. If anyone gives you trouble, you can mention my name.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Jang Seung Hu scratched his head awkwardly and turned to look at Dok Go Hyeon and Ling.
“Thank you all for your help. I hear you took care of Song Chil’s remaining associates last night? Blast, there’s nothing I can do to repay you.”
Mu Heun shook his head as if it were nothing.
Dok Go Hyeon felt much the same.
“Don’t mention it. Besides, we helped a good cause in the bargain.”
“Is that so? Remarkable. It seems the great sects truly conduct their patrols differently.”
Jang Seung Hu nodded in admiration.
But Dok Go Hyeon’s true thoughts ran otherwise.
‘If we leave early, maybe I can start training sooner?’
It wasn’t that he disregarded the conversation entirely, but his mind was already consumed with thoughts of cultivation—he had no bandwidth to spare on matters of gratitude or recompense.
Unaware of this, Jang Seung Hu exhaled and spoke again.
“As Han Cho said—come back again. Next time, I’ll give you proper hospitality.”
Mu Heun nodded once more.
“I shall certainly return.”
“And, though I don’t know exactly what your errand is… I hope all goes well.”
With that, Jang Seung Hu raised his fists in salute and bowed deeply.
“I am truly grateful, Master Mu Heun.”
The formal address that emerged suddenly made Mu Heun blink once, then let out a soft laugh.
He suspected Jang Seung Hu had ushered Han Cho out first precisely to avoid displaying this side of himself, but he saw no reason to press the matter.
“I merely did what needed to be done, Fortress Master Jang.”
Instead, Mu Heun returned the gesture, clasping his fists and bowing in kind.
After a brief exchange of courtesies, Jang Seung Hu spoke again in an offhand manner.
“Right then, be on your way. Head out that direction, then go right—you’ll find the road is well-suited for carriages.”
Mu Heun nodded slightly.
“Thank you. We shall be off at once.”
“Yes, take care.”
After the final farewell, Mu Heun’s party departed as Jang Seung Hu had directed and resumed their journey toward Cheongseong Mountain.
Thanks to the Green Forest Badge they had obtained that day, Mu Heun’s group could traverse the Daepa Mountain Range without any special expenditure.
There was no need even to mention Jang Seung Hu’s name—the moment the badge was produced, the bandits would sigh and retreat of their own accord.
While he couldn’t divine the exact method of identification, there seemed to be some mark that revealed it belonged to Jang Seung Hu.
Indeed, some of the bandits even went so far as to point out shortcuts.
As a result, Mu Heun’s party crossed the Daepa Mountain Range a full day ahead of schedule.
The itinerary, which had fallen somewhat behind, was thus brought back on track, and everything proceeded smoothly.
All save one.
***
“Hmm….”
Mu Heun gazed out from the carriage with a worried expression.
“Dok Go, can you truly make it on foot? Your condition doesn’t look good.”
“…Eh?”
Dok Go Hyeon, who hadn’t properly heard the question, asked him to repeat himself.
“If your state is too poor, you’re welcome to rest inside the carriage.”
At Mu Heun’s words, Dok Go Hyeon’s eyes flickered briefly, but he quickly shook his head.
“No! I’m fine! No problem at all!”
Mu Heun thought otherwise, but seeing the brightness in Dok Go Hyeon’s eyes, he could only nod in acquiescence.
‘…The eyes are clear enough, at least.’
Beyond that, there was scarcely a sign of health to be seen.
The skin beneath his eyes had darkened to an alarming shade.
One leg was broken; he leaned on his sword as a makeshift crutch.
His opposite shoulder hung slack as well, leaving him to stand supported only on one side.
“This… is… all… part… of… my… training…!”
Without anyone asking, Dok Go Hyeon cried out as if reminding himself, his voice loud and deliberate.
Hearing this, Mu Heun shrugged his shoulders from within the carriage.
‘Even this?’
He knew that Mu Heun’s training was no ordinary affair, but whether following along in such a state constituted training itself remained a mystery.
Mu Heun said nothing, and the student himself insisted it was so—there was nothing for it but to take his word.
What troubled Mu Heun was that this was merely the morning of the third day since Dok Go Hyeon had begun his training.
Dok Go Hyeon forced his eyelids open against the weight of three sleepless nights, quietly reflecting on the previous night’s lessons.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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