Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Those who collapsed while still standing were particularly at risk. The blue-ranked martial artists, who had momentarily seemed dazed, quickly grabbed their juniors' bodies.

A defensive barrier of internal energy, like a protective shield, arises through intent.

If one lost consciousness, even a white-ranked warrior was no different from a third-rate warrior.

The external martial art realm of Diamond Indestructibility(Guardian Layer), where the entire body becomes as solid as diamond, existed only in legends.

The blue-ranked martial artists, who were laying their juniors down, had bewildered expressions.

"…It's sound-based internal energy."

"How is that possible? To control energy so delicately."

"He applied the technique of enhancing a weapon's power in such an unusual way. At that level, it's within the domain of formulas and secrets."

Their discussion had already reached the point of analyzing the essence of martial arts. Such was the level of insight possessed by the blue ranks of Desolate Fortress.

It was said that they had devoted their lives to martial arts, surpassing anyone from their hometowns where they were born and raised.

They were individuals who could be called masters anywhere in the vast martial world.

Understanding the principles of martial arts came first. Envy or admiration followed later.

Eventually, the blue-ranked martial artists began discussing among themselves.

"It's a martial art I've never heard of. To pierce the protective shield of a white rank…"

"Since they're white-ranked from Desolate Fortress, they only fainted. It must have been overwhelmingly effective. Especially in battles without opponents of equal or greater skill. While there are several limitations, its strengths are clear."

"The problem is that it can harm allies. Isn't it more suited for solo missions?"

Even in the presence of the squad leaders, they did not hesitate to discuss martial arts.

They simply stated the facts. At Desolate Fortress, no one could criticize them for it.

"…It seems to consume significant mental energy."

The Annihilation Squad Leader looked at Jung Yeonshin and spoke. Jung Yeonshin responded with a silent bow.

He wasn't wrong. To infuse radiating energy while raising sword resonance was a skill impossible without exceptional perception.

Sword techniques required extreme concentration. Even Jung Yeonshin felt considerable fatigue after one execution.

"Such delicate energy control, it's only natural. It would be difficult to use suddenly in chaotic combat. It's better to unleash it at the start of a fight. It could also intimidate enemies."

Before long, they were offering him advice, seemingly intrigued.

"Even so, we can't send just one person. The mission is no light matter."

Heavenly Squad Leader, who had been stroking his chin while looking at Jung Yeonshin, spoke. The Annihilation Squad Leader nodded.

"I'll assign two more. The mission is to attack the Hwangbo branch family in Pingyin County of Jinan. Any volunteers?"

Many raised their hands instantly. There must have been at least thirty.

Not only members of Radiant Demon Squad but also some from Annihilation Squad and Heavenly Squad volunteered.

It was the sword's sound-based internal energy. Perhaps they wanted to witness an unknown martial art in real combat. Some of the blue-ranked martial artists chuckled awkwardly.

"Radiant Demon Squad is the better choice. Let squad leader Ma decide."

"Other than the Radiant Demon Squad's team, there's no better fit. It would be wise to pair Wave Swordswoman and Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman with him."

"As you wish. Then…"

Annihilation Squad Leader's dark, piercing eyes turned toward Jung Yeonshin.

"Prove that it wasn't recklessness. Demonstrate it with strength. Make sure no one can call you careless."

He spoke as he turned away, his dark robe swirling without hesitation.

"Thank you for your consideration."

Jung Yeonshin, having sheathed his Beiming Sword, cupped his hands toward the squad leaders and senior members.

"Where did you learn that? There's no such martial art in the main house."

"Is it a secret art of the Desolate Ma Clan?"

The blue-ranked martial artists approached with curious faces, but Ma Jin stepped in front of them.

He led Jung Yeonshin away to another spot, leaving the seniors with expressions of regret.

Due to a formal ceremony, it had been revealed that Jung Yeonshin had Desolate Ma Clan blood. No one found it strange.

At the foothills leading to the plains and mountains, Ma Jin spoke softly.

"That sound-based technique, did you create it?"

"Yes."

Jung Yeonshin answered calmly. Ma Jin's scarred face twitched.

"Why didn't you mention it earlier?"

"What martial artist reveals all their skills? It'd only make them an easy target for destruction. This time, I had no choice. Even I didn't expect it."

"…You're not wrong."

"Is that what you wanted to ask privately?"

"It's something else."

Ma Jin shook his head and began speaking.

"Yeonshin, you almost died on this mission. Listen carefully. Martial artists who live long lives are often well aware of their grudges and enmities."

Jung Yeonshin's brow twitched at the mention of longevity.

"The reaction of the martial world to you is unusual. Fights between sects aren't always open wars. The battles of informants are just as intense. The General Affairs Bureau reported that some are inquiring about the activities of Desolate Fortress's covert agents."

"Grudges…?"

"For now, the ones we know about are the Tyrant Sword Tribe, Profound Martial Alliance, and Blood Flame Cult. Killing the disciples of the Tyrant Sword Tribe leader and the Blood Fiend Demon Sword was commendable. But both belonged to lineages with deep martial heritage within the sect. It's natural that many are sharpening their swords."

"The Profound Martial Alliance makes sense. I beheaded one of their young elites."

"Her name was Sword Blossom. She was famous in the Huguang and Henan regions for her beauty and swordsmanship. She had a fiancé. Be wary of her family, and her lover as well."

Jung Yeonshin silently acknowledged the warning.

"The most troublesome one is still the Blood Flame Cult. Without the Bright Pure Pill, you would've had to return to Desolate Fortress."

Ma Jin continued solemnly.

"Your technique, Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm, has no equal. You're bound to be targeted. During the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, you could've encountered the Seventh Apostle. Avoiding that witch was a stroke of luck. Blood Flame Cult's agents are actively expanding their influence across the Central Plains. They must've been far away."

"That's right. I'm not yet ready to face their apostles."

When Jung Yeonshin first revealed the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm, he had struck out the eye of the Seventh Apostle.

Her carelessness and the chaotic battle had been a stroke of fortune.

He now realized more than ever that many regarded him as an enemy.

Not just any enemies, but members of the Thirteen Heavens of the unorthodox sects, rivaling the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Clans.

"Walking the martial world means having to endure such burdens. Still, your case is extreme. To create so many powerful enemies in such a short time is unprecedented. Especially at your age."

"It sounds like you're saying I'm carrying out the mission properly."

"You're truly a martial artist now. There are many who hold grudges against you. When out in the martial world, you must always be on guard. Keep that in mind."

Ma Jin's voice carried a trace of concern.

Jung Yeonshin nodded calmly.

'I've been running nonstop.'

He felt as though he had briefly sharpened the blade within his heart before continuing forward.

It was gratifying that his enemies were all from the Thirteen Heavens, the great unorthodox sects.

The Tyrant Sword Tribe and the Blood Flame Cult were not only his enemies, but cutting them down would also add to his merits.

'Isn't the Hwangbo Clan also unorthodox?'

Jung Yeonshin fell into a state of quiet reflection as he returned to the group with Ma Jin.

It was to better wield his sword techniques. He needed to constantly refine his control over energy.

Despite Ma Jin's warnings, Jung Yeonshin was continuing to grow stronger.

"The white ranks will stay out of the main battle."

It was the voice of the Annihilation Squad Leader. He had begun organizing the mission teams.

Heon Wonchang and Shin So-bin were excluded. They were assigned to hold back the remnants of the Hwangbo Clan's guards and the post-tournament elites from the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

Jung Yeonshin took the time to hear advice from one of the blue-ranked seniors of Annihilation Squad.

"The martial arts inherited by the Hwangbo branch in Pingyin are focused on heavy swords. If you parry lightly, you'll be pushed back. Remember Gokji, Chuck Taek, and Shaohai. You know, the pressure points at the arm joints. Infuse energy firmly and divide your sword strikes."

He committed the martial characteristics of the Hwangbo branch in Pingyin to memory. It didn't take long.

* * *

Three days had passed since the battle in the plains.

"They really left us behind. That sound-based technique of yours must be pretty reliable, Lightning Genius."

Chung Myung smiled, clearly entertained.

Jung Yeonshin and the three blue-ranked martial artists of Radiant Demon Squad had just arrived at the southern edge of Shandong Province.

The marketplace was so quiet that barely any signs of life could be felt.

Pingyin County, where their target was based, was indeed truly quiet.

Most of the merchants spreading out their goods were elderly men or old women.

Baek Miryeo brushed through her long, flowing hair.

Glancing at the displayed ornaments, she spoke.

"The Hwangbo main house in Zhangqui borders the Yellow River. It's a vast body of water. If they escape by boat, it'll be a hassle. To secretly control the area near the river, it's better to send only a minimal force against the branch family."

They said spring in Shandong was dry. The atmosphere of the marketplace felt even more barren.

The villagers looking at the armed group didn't seem frightened.

Their wrinkled faces, showing traces of exhaustion, lacked vitality.

"…There are no able-bodied men in sight. It seems they really were taken for forced labor."

"The Heavenly Squad and the General Affairs Bureau checked multiple times. It can't be wrong. If it weren't for the Hwangbo Clan being a martial aristocracy, the imperial army would have already intervened. Military deployment wouldn't be good for the people, so it's fortunate."

Chung Myung spoke calmly.

In fact, Jung Yeonshin had debated whether to hide his affiliation with Desolate Fortress again.

He had been contemplating it all the way to Pingyin County. Unlike previous missions involving the Thirteen Heavens of the unorthodox sects, this one was different.

The Hwangbo Clan was a renowned name in orthodox martial arts. He wanted to see the truth for himself.

"We should head straight to the Hwangbo branch and ask what's going on."

Tak!

At Jung Yeonshin's words, the three of them stepped forward simultaneously. Their footwork was infused with internal energy.

Their bodies surged forward as the energy filling their meridians propelled them. Their speed gradually increased.

Only then did the surrounding people, startled, suddenly retreat far back.

Reporting the livelihood of the people to the Imperial family was secondary.

He had heard about the local magistrate in Pingyin County. He was said to be quite unusual.

If the information was accurate, the magistrate would likely be at the Hwangbo branch as well.

They headed straight toward the largest manor in the village, which consisted of several connected pavilions.

Even without a signboard, it was clear this was the home of a martial aristocracy. The waves of internal energy coming from inside revealed it.

Hwa-ak!

In an instant, Jung Yeonshin shot past the other two.

It was a mission to adapt Radiant Demon Squad's unique sound-based technique to real combat.

Grateful for the opportunity, Jung Yeonshin did not want to disappoint the expectations of the others.

He immediately activated the formula for the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike's Formidable Wall technique.

Kwaang!

The shattered door scattered debris in all directions. The aftershock of the intense energy burst resembled a storm.

Jung Yeonshin briefly froze as he took in the scene revealed through the broken gate.

A drinking party was taking place in the spacious courtyard in front of the main entrance. A small pond off to the side drew his attention.

It was adorned with sculptures of mythical creatures.

Among the foliage around the pond were carvings of divine beasts, qilins, and even bizarre winged monsters.

Seated atop large rocks surrounding the pond, people holding wine cups continued drinking without pause, even after noticing the group.

"Ah."

A man who had been smiling among five beautifully dressed women looked up.

He was a handsome nobleman with a yellow cornelian cherry flower tucked behind his long ears.

The attendants moving busily around the area glanced at Jung Yeonshin's group but silently resumed their tasks.

"So, the heroes of Jinan have come again. The gate never lasts!"

The nobleman raised his hand. The green sleeves of his robe fluttered.

Speaking as though it were a routine occurrence, he continued.

"Why not leave Shandong entirely and report this to somewhere like Desolate Fortress? I just can't understand what gives amateurs the confidence to challenge the Hwangbo Clan."

"…"

Jung Yeonshin remained silent. Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo also seemed at a loss for words.