Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

“The Shaanxi branch said they didn’t have the capacity for that. Thanks to that, I was assigned to the Blood Master task.”

“That’s right. It’s still unresolved. The Grand Violet Pill is a treasure of that caliber. It’s an elixir akin to the supreme treasures of the martial world. Suspicious sects, those who want to gain favor with Mount Hua, and even rival sects and warriors who see this as an opportunity to settle old grudges have all gotten involved. All sorts of factions in Shaanxi are entangled.”

“…The warriors will be rampant, then.”

His expression wasn’t serious. The vast martial world of Shaanxi, larger than many small countries, was completely embroiled. It was impossible not to feel excited.

He had already realized it. Those who claimed to wander the world with their swords were spread throughout Shaanxi.

They were all martial artists who would refine his Eternal Blossom Fist.

Could it be that his feelings were showing on his face? Ma Jin, who had made the suggestion, couldn’t hide his discomfort.

“You’ll accompany the Mount Hua Sect. You’ll search for the Grand Violet Pill with them until the fight is over.”

“A warrior from another sect helping to find their elixir…?”

“It’s also a form of surveillance. Mount Hua knows this too. There was already a big fight with the Demonic Sect, and the largest guesthouse in Xi’an collapsed entirely. The casualties were enormous. Your role is to restrain Mount Hua’s violent actions in the center of the storm.”

“Will Mount Hua accept this?”

“Mount Hua wants to become the second Shaolin. They want royal recognition as the representative of the Taoist sects. Even if you go alone, you’ll be well received. Of course, there will be some checks and balances.”

“…….”

Yeon-shin was silent for a moment before he slowly opened his mouth.

“A conflict of this magnitude in the martial realm isn’t common. With the justification in place, it’s a position where I can swing my sword freely in actual combat.”

“Yes. Given your talents, I think you can achieve accomplishments incomparable to mere training. It’s an opportunity to freely exchange swords with renowned martial artists under the name of the Desolate Fortress.”

He had already agreed internally. Martial artists that hadn’t experienced actual combat were not worth noting.

Eternal Blossom Fist was a newly created martial art lacking forms, which he could fill in with this mission.

There wouldn’t be many opportunities to see the martial arts of the Nine Great Sects.

“You’ve already completed one mission admirably. This time, it’s at your discretion.”

“I’ll go.”

He didn’t hesitate much. He also thought he needed to stay away from the Desolate Ma family for a while.

He didn’t know how his insane grandfather might try to persuade him.

As soon as you exchange something as a blood relative, you’re firmly entangled. It could hold him back when he needed to move forward.

‘I should accumulate merits and wander outside as much as possible without any breaks.’

Yeon-shin, who had made up his mind, lifted his head.

“How many people will there be?”

“The same as the Blood Flame Sect. Hyeon Won-chang is a new recruit, and Cheong Myeong and Baek Mir-yeo are still under disciplinary action for the Azure Sky Squad. They were very eager to join. I’ll be going with you.”

“The captain will go?”

“If it’s the Nine Great Sects, a captain of the Divine Sword Squad must go to match the level.”

“When will we depart?”

“The preparations are complete, so we’ll leave immediately tomorrow. Pack your things as soon as you return.”

Yeon-shin slowly nodded. He would have to learn the martial arts of the fortress lord after he returned.

Now was the time to refine the Eternal Blossom Fist. The experience from this mission would be greatly helpful.

A few plum blossoms fell brightly, the sunlight tinting them a light pink.

Like a master calligrapher writing in cursive, the wind blew, stroking Ma Jin and the five martial artists.

‘I hope the next mission is somewhere with a relay station.’

Yeon-shin thought. The passing time felt wasted.

The blossoming plums lined up felt oppressive unlike before. Time never seemed to stop.

“It’s a shame. Isn’t this the heart of the Shaanxi martial world? We can’t wear the uniforms of the Desolate Fortress.”

Won-chang grumbled.

They wore plain clothes instead of the noticeable uniforms of the Desolate Fortress due to Mount Hua’s dignity.

“It doesn’t seem as prosperous as Anyang now.”

Yeon-shin replied. He had become used to handling Won-chang’s idle talk.

He could tell just by seeing him grin as if he hadn’t grumbled a moment ago.

“They said Xi’an in Shaanxi is a big city where all sorts of experts gather, excluding Mount Hua and Zhongnan.”

“I see.”

Yeon-shin replied calmly and looked around. It was indeed different.

Unlike Anyang, which was filled with large merchants and various peddlers, it had a more orderly elegance.

It seemed to be because it had been a prosperous city for a very long time since before the founding of the country.

The group got off in front of a huge guesthouse with a two-hundred-year tradition.

Its exterior was almost like that of a tower.

They never stayed in shabby places when passing through a city. Such was the financial power of the Desolate Fortress.

Ma Jin spoke as he dismounted.

“Xi’an is the territory of the Zhongnan Sect. It’s not a place Mount Hua can meddle with as they please. We should be careful too.”

“Ugh… I didn’t know I’d become more acquainted with words than with swords before entering the main city.”

Won-chang patted his waist and thighs.

Then it happened.

Suddenly, the guesthouse door opened. At the same time, Yeon-shin felt a gathering of intense energies.

“The masters of the Desolate Fortress have arrived. We’ve been waiting.”

There were men and women Taoists coming out in an orderly line.

There were more than a dozen of them, yet they didn’t seem crowded.

The approaching people felt like one huge sword.

The most noticeable thing was the plum blossom embroidery on the hems of everyone’s white uniforms.

‘The Mount Hua Sect!’

The middle-aged swordsman at the front exuded a formidable presence as sharp as his appearance. It felt comparable to facing Ma Jin for the first time.

“Plum Blossom Swordsman Cheon Ju. It seems you’ve been here for a while. The road was rough, but we managed to make it in time.”

Ma Jin briefly cupped his fist.

Yeon-shin sensed Won-chang flinch beside him.

Should he praise him for not opening his mouth and making a fuss?

‘Leader of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.’

Cheon Ju was called the Mount Hua Sword Master. It was a famous name.

A name so renowned it wasn’t confined to Shaanxi.

An ultimate master leading the elite swordsmen of Mount Hua had come down the mountain himself.

“Demon Wings Captain, Alluring Sun Sword, Blue-Eyed Demon Sword. Familiar faces.”

Cheon Ju scanned the three of them with a blank expression.

‘Blue-Eyed Demon Sword?’

Blue-Eyed Demon Sword Cheong Myeong. It was the first time Yeon-shin heard that nickname. It was quite surprising. How did he fight with enemies?

When he looked back at Cheong Myeong, he just gave a slight smile.

He couldn’t help but be curious since he had only seen him lightly clash swords with the Blood Flame Sect in Jinpyeong County.

“No need for introductions. A sword exchanged previously is enough.”

The clash between the Plum Blossom Swordsmen and the Divine Sword Squad was a tremendously famous incident.

It was said that there were no casualties on the side of the Desolate Fortress, but who knew about Mount Hua’s side.

“I see you brought your disciple as well. I understand the Desolate Fortress’ intentions with this.”

Cheon Ju’s sharp eyes seemed to pierce through Yeon-shin, but he passed it off indifferently.

He had just dealt with the Lord of the Desolate Fortress and the previous captain of the Divine Sword Squad.

Even if the Mount Hua Sword Master was a grandmaster, he didn’t measure up to them.

‘Hmm?’

Yeon-shin suddenly noticed a peer swordsman among the Mount Hua masters.

The boy looked lethargic, as if the world was insignificant, even yawning lightly.

When their eyes met, the young Taoist gave a small laugh and looked up at the sky.

After standing still for a moment, Ma Jin finally opened his mouth.

“That is…”

“How about letting my disciple exchange swords with the Desolate Fortress disciple? Even if they recognized each other, it would be uncomfortable to travel together. It could prove to be a good little diversion.”

Cheon Ju turned his eyes to Ma Jin and spoke.

‘He wants to break spirits.’

Mount Hua knew this journey was also a form of surveillance.

It was one of the world’s top sword sects. Even if they allowed it because of the royal family, they were not happy.

Since it would be awkward for the leading masters to exchange swords, they wanted to compare the future of their sects.

“Desolate Fortress disciple?”

Hyeon Won-chang murmured blankly.

The students of the Desolate Fortress who hadn’t become White Uniforms yet.

When Yeon-shin fought the Blue Uniform masters of the Azure Sky Squad, Ma Jin’s children came to watch.

They aren’t officially recognized. Their internal master-disciple relationship is not acknowledged.

From a young age, they are ceremoniously called Desolate Fortress disciples until they wear white.

While only his face remained unchanged, the expressions of the other four members of the Demon Wings turned peculiar.

‘It seems it’s difficult to read strength through only energy unless you’re an absolute master. My qi is relatively low, and my energy waves are weak.’

Yeon-shin, who had gained a small insight, spoke.

“Captain.”

“Yes?”

When Ma Jin turned around, he lightly touched the sword wave of his Desolate Sword hanging on his waist. It was a sign that he would step forward.

“My master has once again caused trouble… Is five seconds enough?”

The young Taoist in front of Cheon Ju asked in a languid voice. It wasn’t a small voice.

Did this level of rudeness not matter?

Despite being a disciple of the sect leader of Mount Hua, he seemed thoughtless.

“You’ll learn something. Give it your all.”

“What do you want me to learn? I heard the Demon Wings’ techniques are all about sensitivity.”

The boy sighed and walked out. Suddenly, the front of the guesthouse became an impromptu arena.

It was said that martial fights in the martial world often started unexpectedly like this.

‘Interesting.’

Yeon-shin recalled the Zhongnan Sect masters who had inspired the Swift Sword at Jeong family manor.

He hadn’t experienced Zhongnan martial arts back then. How deep was Mount Hua’s martial arts?

The masters of Demon’s Light and Mount Hua formed a large circle.

Xi’an wasn’t a small city.

Passersby who were curious about the commotion started turning into onlookers. Everywhere, people were whispering about Mount Hua.

“What’s going on?”

“Lower your voice. It’s the Mount Hua Sect!”

“The Sword Saints of Mount Hua are in our Xi’an?”

“It looks like they’re about to have a duel. We’re in for a rare sight. Look at that extraordinary young Taoist. His energy is divine.”

“Martial artists exchanging teachings. As expected of the Taoist Mount Hua. How generous!”

Yeon-shin laughed inwardly. It was refreshing to see them take a ceremonial stance among the common folk.

It was the first time since the Desolate Exam.

The two stood facing each other. Yeon-shin slowly opened his mouth.

“You mentioned five seconds.”

“Did that offend you? Sorry. I didn’t mean to belittle you. I had a tough training session this morning.”

The young Taoist smiled faintly.

“I’m Yu Hyeon of Mount Hua.”

“Yeon-shin.”

He answered briefly. In plain clothes, he couldn’t mention Demon’s Light.

In the position of receiving guidance, there were murmurs of rudeness.

Some were loudly exclaiming at the name Yu Hyeon. There were also martial artists from Xi’an present.

“The Hidden Dragon of Mount Hua!”

“I heard the sect leader’s disciple is a peerless talent. To see him in person!”

“He’s mastered the Falling Blossoms Palm and the Six Harmonies Divine Sword. Seeing him in person, he lives up to his reputation. Younger than expected.”

“They said he’s the future of Mount Hua. There were also rumors he started learning the Violet Dawn Divine Art.”

The titles were grand. Yeon-shin’s smile deepened. There was no need for long talk.

When two martial artists faced each other, they spoke with martial arts.

It was when he took a step forward. Yu Hyeon’s body silently grew larger.

It was a movement resembling the footwork of the elven race. It was the Hidden Fragrance Drift of Mount Hua.

Whoosh!

With advancing footwork, his rising hand came down. His open palm spread out like a flower pattern.

Seeing the ancient sect’s martial arts in person felt almost magical and splendid.

‘Falling Blossoms Palm. It’s not redundant, but has many variations. To make it unbreakable.’

His heart was filled with interest. Wouldn’t he gain the same variations if he broke them one by one?

Bang!

He deflected it with the back of his clenched fist. The sudden collision’s force was light.

Yeon-shin’s energy continued to stretch out like a whirlwind.

First move of Eternal Blossom Fist, ‘Spiral.’

Whoosh-!

“Ugh?!”

Could he not react? Yu Hyeon’s face, filled with bewilderment, turned sharply. Even the touch of the energy wave caused this.

“What…!”

He seemed shocked by the unexpected force.

If he had Yu Hyeon’s level of skill, he would have shattered his neck with that strike.

Thud.

Now it was his turn to advance. Following the retreating Yu Hyeon, Yeon-shin stepped forward.

A straight punch from behind the waist shot out like a steel arrow from a bowstring.

Second move, ‘Point-Blank Blast’ brought thunder from the punch.

Boom!

The splinters of energy overturned the ground. The sunlight’s halo in the mid-heaven dimmed with the dust.

Yeon-shin’s eyes were fixed straight ahead.

He saw Yu Hyeon, covered in dust, deftly dispersing the residual energy with brilliant hand movements.

It was the same nature as the first palm technique. Mount Hua’s Falling Blossoms Palm.

It seemed enough to inspire the third move of Eternal Blossom Fist.

Yeon-shin laughed joyfully and spoke.

“How about we go for a bit longer. I’d like around… Ten seconds?”

“…!”