Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Hwaaak!

At the moment when Jung Yeonshin shattered the sword's energy with Infinite Blossom Fist Strike and Splendid Wings Step, he realized he had returned to the basics.

It felt as though the martial arts formula had etched itself into every meridian of his body.

Namgoong Hwashin's face entered his view. Despite his clenched teeth, his pale complexion appeared serene.

Was it because even if he fell behind in skill, he could overwhelm with sheer strength?

Jung Yeonshin didn't care. He leaned his slightly inclined upper body forward.

He had just crushed the opponent's sword strike with a mere step. Both hands, wielding the left palm and right sword, were free to act.

'Now's the time.'

He had to decide the match here. His inner energy was running low. If this dragged on, he would lose.

He decided to use it once more.

The moment he thrust his white sword, Desolate Sword, in his right hand, he activated the Opposing Formula with his left. His mind cleared.

Energy surged from the inner gate point below his wrist.

He enveloped the erratic, spreading internal energy with Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.

Whoooong!

He entrusted himself to the incomplete fourth form of Infinite Blossom Fist Strike.

At that moment, his vision filled with white sword light. Namgoong Hwashin, who had deflected the sword strike of Radiance Sword Style, was launching a counterattack.

The swift, sky-piercing sword moves of Boundless Heaven Technique shot forward like invisible arrows, splitting into multiple streaks that screeched through the air.

Jung Yeonshin ignored it and spread his palm.

Swaak!

In an instant, Namgoong Hwashin's form twisted like a swirling snowstorm, rushing in along a smoothly curved trajectory.

His movement technique was exquisite. It encompassed evasion and counterattack. It seemed as though he was sidestepping and preparing to strike.

'If it's Namgoong Hwasin…'

He expected this. White Qilin would naturally react even to subtle cues.

Jung Yeonshin guessed the intent behind his defensive maneuver. He was wary of the fourth form's power.

It had been used once in this duel. Namgoong Hwashin didn't know its weakness. Not yet, and that was enough.

Whooong!

He bent his hand backward. He did not aim forward.

Instead, he released force backward.

Channeling layered energy through the meridians—from his shoulder, through the center of his left arm, and into the Pericardium Meridian—he filled it with Opposing Energy.

Immediately, without hesitation, he detonated the Opposing Formula technique, combined with Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.

Kwaang─!

It felt as if an explosion erupted in his arm, which had been stabilized with internal energy. The scenery distorted like a storm and swept past his vision. His left foot, used as a pivot, bore an immense load. He endured it with internal strength and spun.

"······!"

At the end of the motion, Namgoong Hwashin's face came into view. His eyes were wide.

Having already shifted directions once while using his movement technique, even White Qilin couldn't react again within this distance.

The charging speed of Azure Stream Movement was astonishingly fast.

Jung Yeonshin was already at his side, within immediate striking range, but the positioning changed with one palm technique.

Swaaaak!

Jung Yeonshin felt his entire body spin like a whirlwind. It was truly like a tempest.

It happened in an instant.

His innate instincts shone through. The uncontrollable vortex of force seemed to guide his body naturally.

He twisted the flow of power, tightening the fibular muscles of his ankle.

The force surged from his thighs and waist, traveling instantly to his right arm.

Clang─!

A sword flew out of someone's grip. The spinning blade flashed repeatedly before clattering to the ground.

Pararak!

Jung Yeonshin, who spun twice more with Desolate Sword, came to a halt.

The hem of his blue robe fluttered once and fell. He held his sword steady.

The sunlight shimmered along the blade of Desolate Sword, descending from his right hand.

The final move was a technique he first learned at Radiant Demon Squad.

Accumulated Energy Discharge. It was his own interpretation of martial energy, inspired by Chung Myung's swordsmanship. He poured out all his martial arts into that one strike.

'It hurts.'

His palm throbbed. A tingling vibration spread up to his wrist.

"······."

A moment of silence followed. The sight that had just unfolded had left the spectators stunned.

Namgoong Hwashin, the White Qilin, had dropped his sword.

The young genius who mastered the ancient martial arts of the Namgoong clan had lost to a younger opponent.

It was a difficult sight to process immediately, except for those directly involved in the duel.

Thus, it was one of the duelists who broke the silence.

"It wasn't even a real fight."

Namgoong Hwashin slowly opened his mouth.

"To drag it further with techniques and strikes would be pointless."

The promising star of Obeying Heaven Squad, an elegant young master, curved his lips slightly.

Without hesitation, he raised his hands and bowed in martial courtesy. He seemed unbothered by the result.

Though he had fought so hard to win, he smiled as if content with the match itself rather than any reward.

"Young Hero Jung, it was a fine duel. I lost."

He accepted defeat just as he had during the Desolate Fortress Exam.

It was a demeanor befitting a righteous martial artist—a remarkably admirable figure.

'Back during the entrance exam… my sword was the one that fell.'

A strange emotion welled up. Was it the sense of time passing? He clearly remembered how he had been unable to withstand White Qilin's swordsmanship and dropped his own weapon during the entrance test.

It felt like just yesterday he had relied on White Qilin's leniency during that match, and now, such a day had come.

It was proof of growth.

Jung Yeonshin straightened his posture, distributing internal energy through his tense meridians.

The intense fight had stiffened his body.

Though Namgoong Hwashin, who lost, appeared in better shape, Jung Yeonshin managed to hide his exhaustion and returned the courtesy with a bow.

"I have learned much. I am truly grateful."

Radiant Demon Squad's prodigy and Obeying Heaven Squad's White Qilin raised their hands and exchanged formal respects.

It was the sight of the future pillars of Desolate Fortress paying homage to one another. Only then did the spectators erupt into action.

Some discussed the future paths of the two duelists, others marveled at the advanced martial techniques demonstrated by the young masters, and some, unable to suppress their desire to train, grabbed their swords.

Amidst the cheers and admiration, the training ground buzzed with excitement.

"I never thought I'd say this, but the future of this fortress is bright."

"White Qilin would have shone even among the orthodox sects. His noble character is truly admirable."

"I'm curious about Radiant Demon Squad's unique martial arts. I heard at least one technique made it into the archives, but it's said to be incredibly complex…"

"Even the Squad leaders failed to learn it. I wonder what the rest is like. If he created such techniques alone… he could start his own school immediately."

"Perhaps it's better than risking his life on the frontlines. If he loses to Namgoong clan's successor in a life-or-death match, such invaluable techniques would be lost."

Those who mentioned defeat quickly fell silent.

The former Divine Sword Squad Leader had turned to stare at them.

With his gaze alone, he exuded a calm yet overwhelming aura that silenced the crowd.

Rumors of his rapid decline in power after his prime seemed meaningless now.

A slight commotion arose.

But it was separate from the central arena.

Step, step.

The Annihilation Squad Leader approached Jung Yeonshin and Namgoong Hwashin.

He appeared unaffected by the surrounding noise. His gaunt frame, encased in an iron-like aura, remained imposing.

He was the one who had beheaded the head of the Hwangbo clan for hiding secret techniques. He seemed even stronger now.

"The Radiant Demon Squad will face Namgoong's heir."

He spoke.

"White Qilin will behead the Flourishing Spirit Flower Master."

He referred to Namgoong Hwashin's half-sister.

It was typical of the Annihilation Squad Leader. His indifferent expression while ordering fratricide left a deep impression.

They said his veins carried molten iron instead of blood.

"…I accept the result of this contest."

Namgoong Hwashin bowed stiffly.

What kind of story lay behind this? He was one of the most upright and honorable men Jung Yeonshin had ever seen.

Jung Yeonshin rarely found himself curious about others.

'It's quite a distance to South Zhili.'

Before the duel, they had agreed to share their stories. He'd have the chance to listen along the way.

They were warriors. Words weren't necessary—they could feel it. Through the exchange of swords, a camaraderie had formed.

"Lightning Genius."

The Annihilation Squad Leader called him. His gaze was peculiar.

"I saw you refining your martial arts here today. It's a remarkable skill, too valuable to be buried. Should you ever compile it into a secret manual, there will be no shortage of blood spilled by those who desire it—when you step into the martial world, that is."

It was something Jung Yeonshin had never considered. He remained silent.

"Focus on safeguarding your martial arts."

With this advice, the Annihilation Squad Leader lightly squeezed the boy's shoulder.

After glancing at both of the juniors once, the Annihilation Squad Leader turned and walked away.

Namgoong Hwashin shrugged his shoulders and approached.

"It seems like advice worth heeding. Exceptional martial arts tend to draw blood. How many times have unknown Heavenly Demons' graves been unearthed?"

"I've heard of it."

Jung Yeonshin nodded silently.

Namgoong Hwashin, now looking somewhat at ease, let out a small chuckle and said,

"I've suffered consecutive defeats. To a single Young Hero."

"If we cross swords again, the result may differ."

"For now, perhaps. But do you know this? The one who has personally experienced your growth is none other than me. During the Desolate Fortress Entrance Exam, and now."

With a grin, he added,

"A year from now, the opponents you'll face will be different. Even within the Thirteen Heavens or the Nine Great Sects, it'll be so. At the very least, they won't be your peers."

"······."

Jung Yeonshin found it awkward to respond, but the statement wasn't wrong. If he aimed to ascend to the rank of Divine Sword Squad leader, it had to be that way.

He would need to possess martial prowess capable of overwhelming the countless middle-ranking masters already renowned across the land.

"But now is now. If I may dare to advise, Young Hero Jung, you should further hone that unique palm technique and sword style. And increase your internal energy as much as possible, no matter what elixirs you must use."

Namgoong Hwashin spoke seriously.

"My elder brother… is strong in every sense. His martial arts, too. I've never won against him, not even once, until the day I left home. Don't think of surpassing him in strength. Considering the elixirs he's consumed as the legitimate heir of Namgoong, he'd rank among the very best in the world for his age."

"I'll keep it in mind."

Jung Yeonshin nodded slightly.

He had already found the path he needed to take. All he required was time.

"The days have grown longer."

Namgoong Hwashin murmured as they exchanged polite bows.

The blazing sunset, heralding the passing of the summer solstice, still shone vividly.

Under the red shadows lingering without any sign of twilight, people began to leave one by one.

Some stayed behind.

"I knew it would turn out this way!"

Among them were Heon Wonchang, Jung Yeonshin's peers from Radiant Demon Squad, and masters from Obeying Heaven Squad.

Across the steps, sitting as if they were seats, was Shin Bin-bin, her expression complicated.

Jung Yeonshin glanced at her junior from Radiant Demon Squad, Shin So-bin, sitting beside her. Her large, round eyes remained unchanged.

Bin-bin and So-bin. At a glance, anyone could tell they were sisters. He could imagine the exchange between them.

It was due to Shin So-bin, who wore a self-satisfied smile alone. Her triumphant expression was amusing.

As attendants tidied the area, the Chief Administrator of Desolate Fortress approached with a smiling face.

His gaze alternated between Jung Yeonshin and Namgoong Hwashin, carrying a sense of satisfaction.

"It was an impressive duel."

"Chief Administrator."

"We greet the Chief Administrator."

The Chief Administrator's smile deepened at their polite bows.

"It will take time to deliver the official notice. We must declare war on Namgoong first, after all. But within a week, we should receive the results."

His praise marked the conclusion.

The long yet brief contest had come to an end.

It was a day when names such as Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius and others were etched firmly into the vast Desolate Fortress.

Afterward.

Time passed in a whirlwind.

From the very next day, many sought him out. The aftermath was unlike that of the customary or blue-rank ascension ceremonies.

Many of Desolate Fortress's masters paid attention to those chosen to face the Namgoong clan. It was inevitable.

The Greatest Under Heaven.

Even if the Thirteen Heavens of the unorthodox factions disputed it, the orthodox martial artists never failed to include Namgoong when discussing the greatest.

Namgoong was said to be the strongest family among the secular martial clans. A one-on-one duel between Namgoong and Desolate Fortress would undoubtedly shake the entire martial world.

'Soon. Only a few days left.'

Jung Yeonshin rarely stepped outside. He spent most of his time seated on the floor, behind closed doors.

He repeated cycles of energy circulation, rotating internal energy through his entire meridians and finer channels countless times.

All his focus was on restoring his body to an optimal state. He ensured the external wound salve was absorbed quickly as well.

The sunsets continued to fade. He awaited the moment when the crescent moon, half-filled with radiant light, would wax fuller.

'Soon.'

Each time he completed the Great Circulation through the acupoints of his upper body, one face emerged in his mind.

A supreme existence. Both in status and martial prowess.

The full moon was approaching.