Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

"Lightning Genius… I envy the other side. We'll witness a battle that will shake heaven and earth. The opponent of the Namgoong Clan's leader is truly unexpected."

"Isn't it inevitable? The Lord has recently gone out on a journey."

"The head of one of the Eight Great Clans must face them, and apart from the Divine Sword Squad Leader, there's no one else suitable."

Jung Yeonshin quietly listened to the conversation of the senior members surrounding him.

There was only one person in the world worthy of being addressed as 'Squad Leader'.

Seventeen martial forces including Radiant Demon Squad, Obeying Heaven Squad, and Annihilation Squad form the Divine Sword Squad.

The Squad Leader was none other than the Leader of the Divine Sword Squad in Desolate Fortress, second only to the Lord of the Fortress, and held unparalleled authority.

'I have yet to see him.'

Even after entering Desolate Fortress, he had never once caught sight of the Divine Sword Squad Leader.

It was said that the Leader of the Divine Sword Squad constantly roamed the martial world, leaving behind a trail of legends.

He was known to demonstrate absolute martial strength at the front lines, fulfilling the core purpose of Desolate Fortress.

"Isn't he out on a mission?"

"Even the elite squad under his command has been gone for quite some time. Rumors suggest they went to subdue Yeo Ryeong."

"So, they'll head straight to the Namgoong Clan without returning first…"

The seniors' conversation continued above Jung Yeonshin's head as he sat in silence.

"Did you say Yeo Ryeong?"

Jung Yeonshin suddenly asked.

"They're counted among the Thirteen Heavens. They value wealth and information more than martial prowess. A most troublesome faction."

A middle-aged woman with sharp eyes patted his head and answered.

This was Wu Yu-xiang, a swordswoman in blue robe who treated Jung Yeonshin like her own son.

Several seniors joined in.

"They prioritize cunning over strength. The Yeo Ryeong are masters of manipulation and scheming. Facing the Tyrant Sword Tribe might actually be easier."

"They're rumored to control the Hao Clan and are said to have connections with other factions in the Thirteen Heavens. Lightning Genius, you may have already fallen into their traps without realizing it."

Yeo Ryeong—another of the Thirteen Heavens.

'The Thirteen Heavens…'

The thirteen demonic factions were said to rival the Nine Freat Sects and Eight Clans in influence. The martial world was vast indeed.

It seemed the Leader of the Divine Sword Squad barely had enough time to restrain them.

Although some of the Eight Great Clans displayed hypocrisy in secular matters, the inherently evil nature of the Thirteen Heavens stood out even more.

'I've already clashed with the Blood Flame Cult, the Tyrant Sword Tribe, and even the Profound Martial Alliance.'

Countless battles had been fought against the Blood Flame Cult and Tyrant Sword Tribe. He even decapitated Sword Blossom of the Profound Martial Alliance, a prodigy of her time.

The warnings of Ma Jin about her background and betrothal echoed in his mind.

That had happened right after he killed Hwangbo Jun of the Tyrant Sword Tribe, who was fleeing from the Blood Flame Cult.

—You've stirred quite a reaction in the martial world. The conflicts between factions aren't limited to battles. Even informants fight fierce wars of their own. The central bureau has reported that people are inquiring about your movements under the title of Lightning Genius from Desolate Fortress.

'My enemies are growing.'

With every mission, alliances and feuds multiplied. This journey into the martial world felt far from smooth.

Was it intuition developed through upper dantian training? It didn't seem likely to end as mere worry.

"The departure is in four days. Gathering your belongings is urgent. Everyone should step back."

It was Chung Myung who spoke.

With a slight gesture of his hand, a chilly wind, sharp as a sword, swept through. The experts from Radiant Demon Squad's group dispersed immediately.

They soon laughed casually and encouraged Jung Yeonshin before walking away.

Jung Yeonshin dusted off his pants and stood up.

"Senior."

"You gained a lot on this last return, didn't you? You should organize everything before heading out again."

Chung Myung's calm blue eyes curved slightly as he smiled and continued.

"For example, something like a spiritual pill."

* * *

"Uncle Jangmyeong, your complexion looks great! Did you drink something good?"

A lively young female swordswoman in her early twenties greeted him cheerfully.

Her blue martial robe, covering her entire body, was exceptionally vibrant.

She approached the grand gate of the Namgoong Clan without hesitation, kicking up dust clouds as she moved energetically.

A group of servants and warriors followed closely behind her, like a backdrop.

"Young Lady."

One of the gate guards looked at her with awe in his eyes.

He bowed his head to the approaching lady and greeted her with a martial salute.

"Congratulations on reaching great achievement, Lady Flourishing Spirit Flower Master."

"Congratulations on your great achievement!"

The five guards at the gate followed suit, raising their fists in unison.

Even their synchronized movements exuded power, reminiscent of a shockwave.

Only the elite guarded the gates of a great martial clan.

Clans whose legacies endured long enough to be called Great Clans upheld strict standards.

Gate guards were the clan's face to the world.

Naturally, their imposing presence drew the attention of passersby, who couldn't help but whisper as they walked by.

"They're showing such respect?"

"Fool, can't you tell? Her entourage clearly marks her as a treasured daughter of the Namgoong Clan."

"The Flourishing Spirit Flower Master of the Namgoong Clan? But her skin looks so pale compared to that sun-kissed young lady people described!"

"Don't you know? Rumors say she consumed the legendary Ice Soul Ginseng. Its mystical, chilling energy even transformed her skin. We're witnessing one of the martial world's legends."

"What? Ice Soul Ginseng?"

Namgoong Mi, the Flourishing Spirit Flower Master of the Namgoong Clan, overheard it all but paid no attention.

They weren't wrong. She had indeed obtained the mythical Ice Soul Ginseng.

Her father and brother, the head and successor of the clan, had already achieved full internal energy refinement, standing as peak masters.

"Well, I fought blood demons and earned it. Have a great day, everyone."

She smiled lightly and passed by.

The faint commotion behind her was clear to her keen senses.

The clan's warriors were well-trained subordinates, treating her with reverence fit for royalty.

A single smile and a casual greeting were sufficient rewards. The privileges she had enjoyed since birth felt sweeter than ever today.

"I'm heading to see my brother. Take a rest and recover from your efforts."

After addressing her entourage, she waved and strode away.

Hwaaak!

She cut through the air with light steps, startling those in the inner courtyard who quickly bowed in respect.

Only direct descendants were permitted such swift movement within the clan, and Namgoong Mi's pale complexion left no doubts about her lineage.

She made her way directly to the clan's Azure Sky Hall, where the heir learned to handle clan affairs.

"Congratulations on your great achievement."

The guards bowed deeply as she entered.

They were warriors stationed at the hall, different from the gate guards.

Their disciplined demeanor, as though serving royalty, marked them as true loyalists.

'Even if the royal dogs threatened to invade our clan…'

Namgoong Mi thought to herself.

"Young Master left instructions for you."

One of the warriors guided her through hallways adorned with luxurious blue curtains.

He stopped at a corner of the corridor.

"You may enter directly."

With a slight nod, she pushed open the doors. The grand sword emblem on the panels slid aside, revealing the chamber of the Namgoong Clan's heir.

"Achieved minor success, have you?"

Namgoong Se-jin, the Azure Qilin of the Namgoong Clan, spoke while seated.

With calm eyes, a sharp nose, and striking features, he was a radiant nobleman.

Though focused on his documents, he exuded elegance.

Namgoong Mi pulled up a chair without hesitation and crossed her legs as she spoke.

"They say it's a great achievement."

"When the Blood Flame Cult ambushed us, we diverted all forces to retrieve that Ice Soul Ginseng. Your internal energy may be vast, but it lacks refinement. Compared to the sacrifices made, it's mediocre."

Her brother's tone was indifferent.

Namgoong Se-jin, called the Azure Qilin before Namgoong Hwashin became the White Qilin, combined strength and dignity into one.

"Is that so?"

Ssshhh—

As her silky hair swayed, Namgoong Mi's skin grew even paler.

A surge of internal energy rippled outward, shaking the documents on the desk.

A mystical white aura surrounded her like a winter goddess.

She spoke.

"They say the royal dogs declared war on us, even challenging us to a life-or-death duel? How absurd. Do you think the Divine Sword Squad Leader could defeat our father, who mastered the King-Style Sword Arts?"

The royal army cannot aid Desolate Fortress.

In the martial world, where surveillance techniques are highly developed, a failure in missions carries severe consequences for the Imperial Family's reputation.

The Imperial Family and Desolate Fortress never publicly acknowledged their connections.

This was the reason countless warriors of Desolate Fortress perished across the vast martial world.

This time, too, it would be a direct confrontation between the two sides.

The Imperial-affiliated sect, Desolate Fortress, and the righteous first family, the Namgoong Clan.

Not even a full-scale battle involving groups like the Hwangbo Clan.

With only ten formal duels, no faction among the Eight Great Clans would fear defeat, regardless of the opponent.

Namgoong Se-jin spoke.

"Don't presume to understand the affairs of supreme masters. As you know, you were also nominated. The contents of the duel announcement have already spread throughout the central plains—likely Desolate Fortress's scheme. If we don't respond, the family's name will be tarnished. We can't refuse. Spectators from across the martial world are sure to gather."

"And if they lose? I mean Desolate Fortress."

"No martial artist enters a fight expecting defeat. Neither do we. This isn't just any event. The victor's reputation will soar to unprecedented heights."

"My beauty and title will be even more renowned. Maybe I'll even surpass Wei-Ji Myohwa of the Zhongnan Sect and become the Sword Dragon instead. And…"

Namgoong Mi continued nonchalantly.

"Our Hwashin is supposed to return soon."

A smooth smile formed on her lips, and Namgoong Se-jin frowned.

"He's still your brother."

"How can a concubine's son be my brother? It's strange hearing you say that. More importantly."

Namgoong Mi's smile deepened as if dismissing the matter.

"The person at the center of this incident is on the list, right? That kid who uses sound techniques suited for cowards. Lightning Genius, was it? I saw him briefly last time."

"Don't belittle his techniques. That was divine martial art. Can't you imagine the threat he might pose in group combat?"

She ignored her brother's words with a slight scoff.

"I want to use him as a stepping stone for my progress. Let's go see Lightning Genius and the White Qilin."

"What?"

"The Imperial hounds have declared war, haven't they? They've already announced it to the entire martial world. Until the duel, not even the Divine Sword Squad Leader can kill us. It's uncharacteristic, but aren't you displeased with the Lightning Genius incident? Don't you want to judge whether he's worth killing? And perhaps have a final meeting with your dying younger brother."

"…Are you planning to kill Ah-shin?"

"Not Ah-shin, Hwashin. He's not a child anymore, is he?"

"…"

"They've probably already set out. I want to propose a consecutive match format. In a five-versus-five duel, the younger ones will fight first. I'll start by killing Lightning Genius and end with Hwashin. Since you value appearances, you wouldn't want to stain your hands with the blood of a concubine's child, would you?"

"Are you serious?"

"Do you think I'll lose?"

Namgoong Mi's lips curved into a crimson smile, standing out against her snow-white skin.

"…That's not what I mean. You won't lose."

Namgoong Se-jin shook his head as he gazed at her, his expression gradually relaxing as though he had heard what he wanted.

"Your sword techniques are predictable. The cold energy in your internal strength will freeze their meridians. Unless they possess overwhelming power, they won't stand a chance. Against someone of equal skill, it's a guaranteed victory—unless they've mastered internal flame arts."

"Flame arts?"

"Monks who master the Shaolin Muscle Transformation Classic refine their bodies internally. It's said they can ignite the flames of True Samadhi Fire within themselves. But that's nothing for you to worry about now."

"Hmm."

She furrowed her brows slightly in annoyance but soon smiled again.

Then, she asked.

"So, shall we go see him?"

On the day of the Namgoong Clan's delegation's departure for the duel.

Jung Yeonshin ingested the spiritual pill he had received from the medicinal hall.

It was a reward for completing missions as a blue-ranked warrior. The pill was classified as top-grade even within Desolate Fortress.

Sitting cross-legged in the center of Radiant Demon Squad's grand training hall, the boy meditated.

Hwaaak!

The hem of his blue robe fluttered endlessly.

It was vastly different from the standard-grade spiritual pills he had consumed as a novice.

The energy waves emanating from his body grew thicker. Occasionally, faint currents of energy became visible.

The visualization of internal energy—a subtle golden radiance flickered and faded.

Meanwhile, whispers filled the air.

Senior members of the Radiant Demon Squad had formed a protective circle around him. Even Heon Wonchang was present.

—"Leader, what is that light?"

Heon Wonchang, addressing Ma Jin without hesitation, asked as he gazed at Jung Yeonshin. Ma Jin, watching his nephew intently, answered softly.

—"I heard he's begun creating his own martial arts technique. It's not uncommon for a surge of internal energy to accelerate enlightenment. For now, it's just the pill's energy, but perhaps a supreme technique will be born within the year."

—"Huh…"

—"Don't lose decorum even in admiration, Heon Wonchang."

Heon Wonchang brushed aside the reprimand from his leader.

He had no choice.

The savior who once rescued his life had already stabilized the waves of internal energy.

"Young Hero Jung!"

Hoo—

Jung Yeonshin exhaled deeply.

"Young Hero Heon?"

He responded without opening his eyes, seemingly aware of Heon Wonchang's cautious approach.

Heon Wonchang asked.

"Are you finished?"

"Yes."

"I'm truly curious. How strong have you become?"

At those words, Jung Yeonshin slowly opened his eyes.

His calm gaze revealed a vibrant blue glow, emanating a deep and full aura.

His eyes shimmered like azure flames.

"I'm not sure."

The boy replied.