Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Jung Yeonshin suddenly recalled the martial arts stored in the Imperial Vault of Desolate Fortress. Excluding the Jung Family's Dynamic Techniques, he had gifted them all.

His martial arts knowledge continued to advance. Techniques left in manuals were insignificant compared to a lifespan.

How much merit would he earn upon his return?

The essence of rare martial arts, when gifted, was converted into merit. Their value was evaluated based on universal enhancements in combat power.

It implied that judgments were not solely reliant on the insights of elite masters.

This differed from the values held by martial artists. The Imperial family had its own standards.

'The Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm had no disciples, yet it returned with high merit. They said it was thanks to its rarity as a spiritual martial art.'

There was a reason why he suddenly recalled the merits of gifting martial arts.

Jung Yeonshin squinted and closed his mouth.

"I said show me your hand?"

Namgoong Mi stood before him with a provocative smile.

Her wet hair cascaded down her white nape, and she gazed at Jung Yeonshin as if her earlier irritation with the summer rain had vanished.

'Did she notice something?'

Jung Yeonshin recalled his cover identity with the Blood Flame Cult. It would be troublesome if it were exposed.

Suddenly, he grew curious. Would Namgoong Mi's worth match that of the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike? She was a direct descendant of one of the Eight Great Clans.

Perhaps she rivaled the Blood Fiend Demon Sword of the Tyrant Sword Tribe in value. Beyond martial prowess, her worth was undeniable.

Namgoong Mi spoke again with a lingering smile.

"Don't get me wrong. I just want to see how much you've trained in swordsmanship."

"You openly intend to gauge an enemy's achievement?"

"Enemy? How could you possibly be my enemy? Perhaps a stepping stone to further elevate my family's name."

"You have no shame. Your opponent is White Qilin, the young master."

"I'm curious about you."

She leaned in slightly, her expression bewitching. The light gleaming in Namgoong Mi's eyes reminded him of the Seventh Apostle—implying hidden intentions.

"..."

Jung Yeonshin no longer replied and resumed walking. He had already reached the Namgoong family estate. There was no need to provide openings.

"You two might have made a fine pair."

The young master made a ridiculous remark. Watching his sister and Jung Yeonshin, his gentle smile felt different from Namgoong Mi's demeanor.

Jung Yeonshin decided not to speak further with the siblings.

He silently walked alongside Namgoong Hwashin and soon faced the largest compound in Huizhou.

The walls extending on both sides were vast, like fortress walls.

He had seen them once before during the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, but they still seemed excessively grand for a mere family.

It was clear from their appearance why people referred to them as an aristocratic clan.

NAMGOONG.

"Namgoong…"

Namgoong Hwashin muttered, looking up at the signboard above the main gate.

Jung Yeonshin quietly observed his companion. The firm spirit he usually carried was nowhere to be seen.

Jung Yeonshin had easily defeated Namgoong Mi due to the compatibility of his Jung Family's Dynamic Arts and Ice Arts.

Could Namgoong Hwashin defeat her? He would have to overcome the sworn magic vows and the bitter cold.

'The General Affairs Bureau spoke of victory.'

The Desolate Fortress' Expedition Team had said the mission would only be meaningful if all adversaries were subdued. They insisted the Namgoong leadership must be replaced with branch families.

"It is an honor to welcome such exceptional guests to our family."

The head of the household nodded to the gatekeepers and spoke with a smile.

His gesture toward the main gate exuded composure. Jung Yeonshin, with a slight nod, stepped forward.

At last, they had entered the Namgoong family estate.

* * *

After unpacking and cleansing himself, Jung Yeonshin changed into a spare uniform of the Desolate Fortress.

He was then invited to a formal banquet at the Namgoong household.

Was there a martial art that tempered one's shamelessness? Jung Yeonshin wondered as he sat in the meticulously decorated hall.

Men and women dressed in luxurious silk garments, the head of the household, and Namgoong Mi were seated around a large oval table.

Namgoong Hwashin sat beside him, trembling so slightly that everyone present likely noticed. It was apparent even at a glance that no one here was an ordinary person.

Unlike the head of the household, no one seemed to acknowledge Namgoong Hwashin.

The direct descendants' eyes were fixated solely on Jung Yeonshin.

"So, you are the Lightning Genius."

Jung Yeonshin looked at the person who addressed him.

It was a middle-aged man whose dignified blue robe suited him well—said to embody the Namgoong family itself.

His features bore a striking resemblance to Namgoong Mi, Namgoong Hwashin, and the head of the household.

Jung Yeonshin's gaze shifted to the man's waist, where a faintly blue sword hilt was fastened.

The engravings on the blade were subtly visible under the lantern's light.

Soaring Beyond Clouds, the Southern Wall Stands Tall.

—Even if one aspires to transcend the mundane, they cannot surpass the southern wall.

It was widely reinterpreted due to the story behind the sword. It was also called the Southern Wall Sword, the Namgoong family's symbol.

Said to be a supreme masterpiece crafted by the Iron Clan, the sword emanated a mystical aura surrounding its master.

Perhaps sensing his gaze, the Namgoong family head smiled faintly.

"Do you know of the Ming Cult rebellion that rose in Tian Shan? Our previous family head struck down the Three Elders of the Ming Cult. This sword was bestowed by the emperor, though it has rarely been drawn since. I am grateful to you. When else would we have the opportunity to compare strength with the Divine Sword Squad's leader?"

"I find it difficult to accept the family head's praise. I have already received apologies and gratitude from the young master."

Jung Yeonshin responded calmly, subtly criticizing the Namgoong family head's failure to apologize for the Clear Night Valley incident.

He immediately noticed Namgoong Hwashin's breathing falter beside him. Now he felt pity.

"It's surprising you can say that after seeing the Southern Wall Sword."

A woman seated to the family head's left spoke. She was the most elaborately dressed master present.

"The Southern Wall's honor lies with my husband and children. Desolate Fortress dares to speak of protecting lives? If that were true, they should not have sent challenges for duels to the death. It is your narrow vision that caused this. How can you speak of apologies when you cannot even see the bigger picture?"

It was the Namgoong Family Head's main wife, as brazen as Namgoong Mi.

"I understand now why the Flourishing Spirit Flower Master's character is insincere."

Jung Yeonshin replied calmly, implying her daughter had inherited her personality.

The main wife's brows furrowed. It was likely the first time anyone had spoken to her so rudely.

The energy of six individuals immediately flared.

Jung Yeonshin stood without hesitation.

They could not harm him or Namgoong Hwashin. Their movements were already exposed, and the incident had drawn widespread attention in the martial world.

He had sensed many presences as they entered the Namgoong estate—Beggar's Sect, Hao Sect, and the Thirteen Heavens of the Unorthodox Faction. Too many to count.

"Previously, I was an ally you discarded. Now, I am an uninvited enemy in your home, yet you restrain yourselves instead of acting. It's impressive how you conceal your true nature. Is it because of the public gaze fixed upon this duel?"

"Young master, do not let him leave without consequences."

The Namgoong Family Head's main wife spoke coldly. The head of the household grimaced, clearly uncomfortable.

"This is my matter! Please, all of you—!"

At that moment, a powerful vibration erupted from outside the high ceiling. Furniture trembled violently.

[Wretched brat! What did you just say—!]

A thunderous voice shook the surroundings, filled with overwhelming energy.

Heavenly Echo Transmission. It was a supreme skill that projected one's voice across vast distances.

The ceiling shattered.

Boom!

A purple figure crashed into the center of the table like lightning.

The surging energy seemed to suffocate the room.

Dust rose belatedly, and from the haze, an old man slowly stood.

"Repeat what you said."

His voice, which had used Heavenly Echo Transmission, carried a sharp anger.

His eyes were as keen as blades, and his massive frame was imposing.

His snow-white beard reached his chest, resembling a noble brush.

His body, built with corded muscles, was clad in a purple robe with a high collar that stood upright like his demeanor.

'Grandfather.'

Jung Yeonshin stared blankly at Ma Yeonjeok. He wasn't the only one.

Namgoong family's masters were visibly shaken, while the elder seated to the family head's right spoke quietly.

"Divine Sword Squad's leader…"

"Namgoong Elder. Are you still clinging to the past? I passed down the Divine Sword long ago."

Ma Yeonjeok, the Desolate Ma family head, spoke coldly.

He turned to the Namgoong Family Head's main wife. She had harassed his grandson without justification.

It was outrageous. Ma Yeonjeok's wrinkled face darkened with rage.

"Ungrateful wretches dared to speak of killing my grandson! The emperor did not order the Namgoong branch's annihilation!"

"My wife misspoke. Family Head Ma, please calm your anger."

The Namgoong family head spoke calmly, seemingly unaffected by the turbulent energy.

Ma Yeonjeok glared briefly before suppressing his fury.

Only his burning eyes betrayed his rage.

"The duel will be held on the seventh night of the seventh month. Prepare yourselves."

"We shall."

The Namgoong family head replied.

Only then did Ma Yeonjeok turn away.

His gaze briefly met Jung Yeonshin's, and for an instant, his expression wavered.

He looked away awkwardly, like a grandfather checking on his grandson.

"I apologize for not accompanying you from the start."

"No, I heard you received orders from the Lord."

"I completed them early. When I arrived in Huizhou, I saw you, and a rather formidable blood demon was lurking nearby, targeting your back. I couldn't step in easily."

"A blood demon…?"

"It seemed to be an Apostle of an unorthodox sect."

Ma Yeonjeok, showing a look of annoyance, continued speaking.

"You don't need to worry about it anymore. The elder of the main fortress is pursuing it. Though he's an absent-minded old man, his strength is unquestionable. He'll soon bring back that witch's head."

"The elder himself…"

"Let's move. How can one focus on training in this filthy place?"

Jung Yeonshin nodded slowly and followed Ma Yeonjeok. Namgoong Hwashin silently walked by the boy's side, glancing back just once.

* * *

They relocated to the largest inn in Huizhou. Everything, from the bed to the drinking water, was of the highest quality.

Jung Yeonshin surrendered himself to time and meditation.

Meanwhile, Namgoong Mi sent a proposal for a 'relay match'.

It suggested starting with the younger participants, with each winner continuing to fight.

It seemed like a plan to exhaust Namgoong Hwashin and Jung Yeonshin before forcing their surrender.

"What a bunch of arrogant fools. Even the Namgoong clan tolerates such insolence."

Ma Yeonjeok clicked his tongue as he skimmed through the letter. Jung Yeonshin looked at Namgoong Hwashin.

"I think we should accept it. What about you, Namgoong?"

If they agreed, White Qilin wouldn't get his moment to shine. Jung Yeonshin would only fight after losing to the young master of the Namgoong clan.

The boy preferred it that way. After traveling with the Namgoong siblings, he realized Namgoong Hwashin's mental state was an issue.

Raised as the head assassin of the Namgoong clan's Night Sword, Namgoong Hwashin was bound by magical restraints preventing harm to the direct bloodline.

Hoping for White Qilin's dramatic victory was naive. Reality was far harsher.

'This is the kind of story only heard in hero tales.'

Jung Yeonshin thought.

"..."

Would he bring shame to Desolate Fortress? Or would he desperately strive to avenge his mother?

After careful deliberation, Namgoong Hwashin said he would accept the relay match. It was his chance to overcome the past.

That night, Jung Yeonshin silently stayed by his comrade's side for a long time.

Days passed. Focused on refining his techniques, Jung Yeonshin suddenly realized it was already the seventh day of the seventh month. Perhaps it was because he had been moving without rest.

As he delved deeper into martial arts, a new perspective unfolded, sparking a monumental shift in thought.

'The Fourth Form of the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike… I can complete it in real combat.'

On the day of the life-or-death duel between Desolate Fortress and Namgoong, Jung Yeonshin leaned back on his bed, closing the scripture of the Diamond Sutra he had been reading. The words 'Dwell nowhere, yet give rise to mind' were folded with the page.

"Today is the day! How exciting."

"Who are you betting on?"

"Well, in the Southern Code of Etiquette, wouldn't the Namgoong clan have the edge? It's rare to find a rising prodigy who can defeat their young master."

"Meaningless. What about Desolate Fortress's Divine Sword Squad leader?"

"And the Namgoong family head?"

Despite the Namgoong family head's recent complaints about a poor harvest, Huizhou was thriving.

Martial artists, merchants, commoners, and even royalty had gathered from across the land to witness this once-in-a-lifetime duel.

The city's commotion had reached its peak.

Betting games were rampant, and the streets seemed to boil with madness.

"Yeonshin."

Namgoong Hwashin called him stiffly. Jung Yeonshin slowly rose to his feet.

"Namgoong Mi is no issue."

The boy recalled Namgoong's young master. Every time he thought about him, his mind burned with excitement.

The fear of death, his growing competitiveness as a martial artist, and his intrigue for the unparalleled King-Style Sword Arts—all swirled within him.

He was ready now. Nothing else mattered.

When he stepped outside the inn, the bustling cityscape and the stares from strangers and warriors of the Divine Sword Squad no longer registered.

Before he realized it, he was standing in the heart of Clear Night Valley, where the Seventh Apostle had once held him captive.

―――!

The vast canyon was packed with people.

"Lady Flourishing Spirit Flower Master! Look this way just once! I adore you!"

"Desolate Fortress' Lightning Genius! Don't you dare harm our lady's hair!"

"Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin! Bring justice to the martial world!"

Like an army marching to battle, the crowd roared like thunder. It felt as if the entire martial world had gathered here.

"I was curious about who you were, but I suppose I'll find out by examining your corpse."

Namgoong Mi stood there with a sly smile. The duel had already begun. Warriors from the Namgoong clan and the Divine Sword Squad surrounded them.

"You and Hwashin—I could never get attached to you."

Namgoong Mi's lips moved.

The sword in her hand glowed brilliantly, its surging energy carrying an icy chill.

Wooong!

Jung Yeonshin ignited the Jung Clan's Dynamic Arts to their peak.

Since consuming the high-grade spiritual pill, this was the first time he had fully unleashed his power outside the Seventh Apostle's battle.

He treated Namgoong Mi as if she were one of the Apostles—only then could he end this quickly.

The advanced level of the technique surged. Flames filled his meridians, channeling through his body.

Step.

Namgoong Mi's movements were intricate and mysterious. She approached lightly, making it hard to predict her next move.

It was said the Namgoong clan studied the Book of Changes, mastering formations based on the Eight Trigrams.

In that instant, Jung Yeonshin stepped forward using the Splendid Wings Step.

It was the same step he had used to pierce through the aura of Desolate Fortress' Lord to seize the Lei Xian Treasure Brew.

Thud.

The gust from his step swept away all energy waves.

Everything distracting to the eye unraveled in a single stride.

Namgoong Mi's graceful form suddenly froze, as if the veil concealing her movements had been torn away.

"Ah…?"

Had her upper dantian sensed it? Her beautiful face contorted with fear.

So much that it was almost unrecognizable. Perhaps the incomplete techniques she had displayed earlier had bred overconfidence. She had underestimated him too much.

'Even though we're no longer allies.'

Whiiing!

Light enveloped Jung Yeonshin's right hand.

Drawing his sword like a comet, he slashed upward.

Thump.

The blade of the Desolate Sword tore through the Namgoong clan's protective energy, shredding it mercilessly.

The trajectory of the Radiance Sword Style extended unhindered, and in an instant, pale light severed Namgoong Mi's throat.

A sensation ran through the hilt—he had completely decapitated her.

Whoosh!

The lingering energy from the blade created a fierce wind.

As the sword returned to its sheath, it brushed against Namgoong Mi's collapsing body.

It took only one strike.

"I don't care who you are."

The boy spoke calmly to the corpse.

The vast Clear Night Valley fell into silence, like a fire that had burned out.