Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

He saw the crescent moon yesterday. He had to wait fifteen days for the full moon.

It felt too far away. Emotionally, it seemed closer to a hundred days. It was hard to calm his heart.

What could that small fragment mean?

If it were a matter between Jung Yeonshin and the Lord of Desolate Fortress, the fruit of the World Tree should naturally appear.

Yet, it was hard to believe, and he constantly extinguished his expectations. He did so deliberately.

Life had been a sprint toward that fruit. He feared getting hurt by nurturing hope too hastily.

"The reward for that task would be enormous."

Baek Miryeo spoke with a slightly overwhelmed tone. Sunlight shimmered in her eyes, which were slightly turned upward.

She seemed to be recalling the events at the General Affairs Bureau of the Blood Flame Cult.

"That's right. Even high-ranking martial artists would find it hard to achieve such merit in a single stroke."

Chung Myung nodded as he spoke.

"You accomplished something far beyond your natural martial prowess. It's not strange for the Lord to summon you. Though martial arts have affinities, very few have struck at them so precisely and exploited them to such extremes."

"Because of that, I feel slightly concerned. Against masters who train in neutral internal energy without weaknesses, you'll have to confront them with raw martial skill. Most enemies haven't trained in demonic or blood techniques. That's likely true for this competition as well. Don't let your guard down."

Baek Miryeo placed her hand on Jung Yeonshin's shoulder as she spoke.

He nodded slowly.

"I know my abilities. I have to if I don't want to die in the martial world."

He understood that Baek Miryeo's worries weren't unfounded.

Among the senior masters of Radiant Demon Squad, he hadn't hidden much.

There's an adage in the martial world to conceal one's full strength, but without mentioning the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm and the Sword Song, it was impossible to explain this mission.

The senior masters of Radiant Demon Squad who cherished him had each shared a few words.

One particular statement stood out—"Beware of shallow thoughts and hasty plans."

It resonated as wisdom gained from years of martial experience.

Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin.

The achievements he had attained at such a young age were remarkable.

Though they were earned by creating martial techniques with exceptional abilities, a young man basking in fame could easily mistake it for overall prowess.

'Misjudgment is for the enemies. Complacency has always been theirs.'

Jung Yeonshin thought to himself.

The advice from Baek Miryeo and the seniors wasn't unnecessary meddling. Still, it felt like unwarranted anxiety.

No one cared more about survival than he did, and evaluating his martial skills was a fundamental discipline.

After asking for Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo's understanding, he set out. His steps led him toward the General Affairs Bureau.

There was no reason to hesitate. He intended to immediately support the mission assigned by the Namgoong Clan.

"I'll join you for the General Affairs Bureau tour."

Heon Wonchang grinned and followed. Jung Yeonshin walked alongside him, lost in thought.

'A warrior of the blue rank from Desolate Fortress worthy of the martial world. That's what I am now.'

The Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm worked on demonic and deviant sects.

The Sword Song's techniques were most effective against martial artists with shallow internal energy. These two categories showcased its greatest power.

The higher the rank, the wider the gap in strength.

A newly promoted blue rank martial artist and one on the verge of the black rank differed greatly—like the gap between a novice and a veteran.

It was a significant difference. It was said that a single blue rank master could take on three others of the same rank.

'Where do I stand?'

He had stabilized his energy through meditation. Since his return, he hadn't sparred with his seniors.

He was curious. Where did he currently rank among the blue rank masters?

"If they divide the competition by age, Namgoong's heir and his sister will likely face opponents no older than thirty. As for Jung Yeonshin, there won't be many competitors. That's how Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior sees it."

Heon Wonchang's tone was confident.

After the strange incident at Desolate Fortress, he seemed to have gained a peculiar self-assurance. It wasn't unpleasant to see.

"Ah, Lightning Genius."

While chatting, they arrived at the General Affairs Bureau. A scribe managing the entry records greeted Jung Yeonshin.

"You're here to support the Namgoong Clan's competition?"

"Yes."

"I'll record it. The proclamation hasn't been up for long, yet many martial artists have already signed up. The Namgoong Clan's reputation must be extraordinary, enough to change the usual selection method for the mission."

The scribe sighed, his breath tinged with exhaustion.

"Are there that many applicants?"

Heon Wonchang leaned in and asked. The scribe immediately nodded.

"I've never seen such fierce competition for mission assignments. Normally, the Divine Sword Squad's leader and General Affairs Bureau decide through internal meetings. But this time, they're accepting applicants regardless of affiliation. I can't guess what the higher-ups are thinking. Given the number of applicants, Lightning Genius, you should prepare for a competition."

His casual manner and willingness to share information revealed some friendliness.

The faint smile on Jung Yeonshin's face was likely thanks to his prior greetings.

Just as he gave a slight bow, a clear voice rang out behind him.

"The Namgoong Clan's elites are just that powerful. The proclamation mentioned victories. To win every match, they must form teams from the best fighters across factions."

"You're absolutely right."

Short affirmations and soft laughter followed.

Jung Yeonshin had already turned to look as soon as he heard the first words, and his eyes slightly widened.

A man in blue robes strode forward, his garments fluttering dramatically.

His sharp jawline was elegant. His dark eyes glinted sharply, exuding the aura of a master.

His flawless skin and prominent nose created an outstanding presence.

He was a breathtakingly handsome youth.

His presence dominated the space, leaving the women beside him unnoticed.

"Young Hero Namgoong."

Jung Yeonshin cupped his hands in greeting, and Namgoong Hwashin immediately returned the gesture.

"Young Hero Jung, it's been a while. And Young Hero Heon, feels like just yesterday that we faced the Desolate Fortress Exam together."

"You've grown even more impressive."

Heon Wonchang greeted him with narrowed eyes. Following his gaze, Jung Yeonshin noticed the women surrounding Namgoong Hwa-shin.

All four bore weapons, and their refined energy suggested they were masters of the Obeying Heaven Squad.

'He commands great respect.'

Jung Yeonshin mused.

He couldn't interpret it any other way. The expressions of those looking at Namgoong Hwashin said it all.

The Obeying Heaven Squad members radiated warmth as they stood by him.

"That must be the Lightning Genius of Radiant Demon Squad? I've heard much about him."

A white-clad master of Obeying Heaven Squad spoke. She wore silver ornaments in her braided hair.

Her slightly upturned eyes fixed on Jung Yeonshin, though he was distracted by her elaborate accessory.

'A white rank master spending time on appearances?'

Suppressing his curiosity, he cupped his hands.

"I am Lightning Genius of the Radiant Demon Squad."

"I'm Shin Bin-bin. I hear my younger sister So-bin has been in your care. She's my sibling."

She referred to Shin So-bin, Jung Yeonshin's junior. Now that it was mentioned, they did resemble each other.

"I've received help from her as well."

Their brief exchange continued with polite greetings.

As Shin Bin-bin subtly assessed Jung Yeonshin, she turned back to Namgoong Hwashin with a smile.

"The path ahead will be lonely. He seems suitable as a companion, though I can't say for sure."

Only Young Hero Namgoong's martial prowess remained as his opponent.

* * *

Three days passed. Twelve days were left until the full moon.

The General Affairs Bureau of Desolate Fortress announced the competition.

They confirmed that the duels would proceed as originally proclaimed, citing the high number of applicants.

"Lightning Genius's internal injuries haven't healed yet."

"But we can't afford to show leniency in our techniques, can we?"

"If our blue-ranked youngest can't cut off Namgoong's head, who else will?"

The senior masters of Radiant Demon Squad expressed their concerns.

Despite this, events moved quickly. The General Affairs Bureau pushed the proceedings with the precision of a master's sword strike.

Even the matchups were finalized, resembling a grand martial arts tournament with bets placed on the local champions.

Those examining the matchups of the younger generation remarked,

"They split it into two groups."

"The General Affairs Bureau couldn't ignore Lightning Genius and White Qilin."

The matches progressed one by one. Under the observation of senior martial artists, two duels were held each day, with the winners facing each other in subsequent rounds.

White Qilin, Namgoong Hwashin, advanced like an unstoppable force.

Just as in the Desolate Fortress Exam incident, there was no one among his peers who could match him. He soon reached the final round.

Observers unanimously commented,

"He's extremely solid, no weaknesses in his martial prowess. His inner energy foundation is properly established."

"Did the Namgoong Clan really pour this much elixir into an illegitimate descendant? His cultivation is astonishing."

Jung Yeonshin received slightly different reviews.

His strength seemed to grow with each match, implying that he was healing internal injuries even as he fought.

All the masters agreed on one point—his precision in managing his inner energy was exceptional.

"White Qilin is here again. He seems to have watched every match."

"Lightning Genius is famous for his unconventional techniques. It's a study of a strong opponent's martial arts."

"In the end, the two of them remain. The winner faces Namgoong's heir, while the loser fights his sister. Given the stakes, it's bound to be intense."

"Lightning Genius has reportedly remained secluded except for his matches. He seems fully healed, but he carries another disadvantage."

They were right.

Namgoong Hwashin had attended each of Jung Yeonshin's duels.

Observing Lightning Genius's unique techniques, he watched every match closely.

Splendid Wings Step, Infinite Blossom Fist Strike, Radiance Sword Style—each move revealed drew astonished reactions from the Desolate Fortress masters, and all of them were engraved in Namgoong Hwashin's sharp gaze.

"I understand why he's doing this, but I also don't know." 

Shin Bin-bin said . She sat in a corner of the arena, resting her chin on her hand.

Namgoong Hwashin rose slowly beside her.

Jung Yeonshin had just won his latest match. Only the final duel remained—White Qilin versus Lightning Genius.

Shin Bin-bin had heard from her clan's top masters.

To seasoned warriors, Lightning Genius was a promising martial artist who had cultivated specialized techniques.

In the card game Leaf Toss, he was akin to a surprise ace, effective against demonic sects or enemies relying on overwhelming numbers. At least, for now.

"Lightning Genius's techniques are incredibly refined, but so are Namgoong's. More importantly, the difference in their cultivation..."

"I'm heading out."

Namgoong Hwashin interrupted.

At the same moment, his body soared into the air. His blue robe fluttered, reflecting the sky.

Seamless Azure Stream Movement, a technique of the Namgoong Clan.

Swish—

Like a blade slicing through the sky, White Qilin descended into the center of the arena.

He stood before Lightning Genius, and the spectators gasped.

"What an elegant movement technique."

"Flawless perfection, nothing lacking."

Namgoong Hwashin paid no mind to the murmurs. He quietly gazed at Jung Yeonshin and spoke in a clear voice.

"The dueling stage we met at in Desolate Fortress Exam was plain, but this one is grand. There are many spectators too."

"I understand the reasons behind your decision to join this mission. I ask for your forgiveness, as I cannot yield."

"Haha. Surely, you have your own circumstances?"

"We'll share our thoughts later. Won't you join me on the way to South Zhili?"

At Jung Yeonshin's response, Namgoong Hwashin smiled again.

"Sharing stories while heading out to behead my brother—how poetic. It would have been better if it were just the two of us."

Jung Yeonshin thought differently.

The eyes of Desolate Fortress's martial artists were heavily fixed on this moment.

Even the General Affairs Bureau' scribes were watching closely. The martial prowess displayed here could affect future assignments.

He needed to leave a strong impression.

Throughout the matches, he had felt Namgoong Hwashin's gaze.

It was unavoidable.

He didn't know what drove Namgoong Hwashin to volunteer for a mission to kill his half-brother.

'I know my techniques have been analyzed.'

A master of White Qilin's caliber would have prepared counters.

Even if not a perfect strategy, it would still be a considerable threat.

It didn't matter. Martial artists are those who prepare.

They wager their lives, honor, and skills, doing whatever it takes.

Knowing the enemy and oneself—Namgoong Hwashin had studied him.

Meanwhile, Jung Yeonshin had focused on knowing himself, taking it a step further.

'The strongest technique I can unleash right now is the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.'

Even against someone with orthodox inner energy, it held power.

However, the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm was a palm technique, unsuitable for use with a sword.

Even when applied through variations, it was limited to hybrid forms of palm and fist techniques.

This meant the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike was necessary.

It had three forms—Vortex, Formidable Wall, and Flower Strike.

Vortex was inspired by Chung Myung's combat stance.

Formidable Wall drew from the martial arts of the Ma Clan of Desolate Fortress.

The Falling Shadow Palm of Hua Sect's disciple Yoo Hyun inspired Flower Strike.

Vortex revolved, Formidable Wall pressed, and Flower Strike shifted.

"Begin."

The black-robed master overseeing the match spoke. It had been a while since Jung Yeonshin last saw the leader of the Annihilation Squad.

Buzz—

As Namgoong Hwashin drew his sword, a crisp hum resonated, and Jung Yeonshin reflected on the past.

It felt like ages ago.

All of Jung Yeonshin's martial techniques thus far had relied on inspiration.

Whether it was swordplay, Radiance Sword Style, or footwork, it was the same. He crafted his techniques only after seeing others.

Not every form needed to be that way. He had gained ample experience.

Creation's essence was simple.

'You create because you need to.'

At the moment Namgoong Hwashin's sword reached his chin, Jung Yeonshin did just that.

It was a left-handed palm technique. The elements were already in place.

Sinister energy intertwined with brilliant azure light.

Two opposing forces unfolded simultaneously, woven into an intricate formation. The sound was loud.

It was like the murmur of spirits mixed with the wind by the stream—unbalanced, repelling each other.

Boom—!

As he spread his palm wide, the fourth technique emerged.