Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Chapter 77 – Competition

He saw the crescent moon yesterday. He had to wait fifteen days until the full moon.

Too far. In his heart it felt close to a hundred days. It was hard to calm his mind.

What could the small piece mean?

Between Jeong Yeon-shin and Desolate Sect’s lord, naturally it should be about the World Tree’s fruit.

Yet he continuously suppressed expectations, not believing. He did so himself.

It was a life rushing toward the fruit. He was afraid of getting hurt by harboring hasty hope.

“The reward for that matter must be tremendous.”

Baek Mi-ryeo said as if somewhat overwhelmed. Sunlight gathered in her slightly upturned eyes.

She seemed to be recalling the events at the Blood Flame Sect main hall.

“Right. It was merit even an early transcendent master would find hard to achieve at once.”

Cheong Myeong opened his mouth while nodding.

“It far surpassed your original martial might. It’s not strange the Sect Lord is calling. Though they say martial arts have compatibilities, there are almost no warriors who properly pierced and extremely utilized it like that.”

“Therefore I’m somewhat worried too. You must clash with original martial arts against masters who cultivated internal energy without any counter attack methods. There are far more enemies who haven’t cultivated demonic arts or blood arts. This competition too. Don’t be careless.”

Baek Mi-ryeo said while placing her hand on Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder.

He slowly nodded.

“I understand my abilities. I must, to avoid dying in the murim.”

He knew it wasn’t just Baek Mi-ryeo’s concern.

He didn’t hide various stories from just the Radiant Demon Wing seniors.

Though there’s a murim saying to hide one’s full power, he couldn’t explain this mission excluding the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm and Sword Song.

The Radiant Demon Wing masters who cared for him each gave words.

There was an impressive saying. Light Consideration, shallow planning (輕慮淺謀). Be wary of being hasty and shallow thoughts.

It came across as words arising from long murim experience.

Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin.

His merit achievements at a young age were very great.

Though they were merits gained by creating martial arts with special abilities, it would be easy for a youth intoxicated by fame to mistakenly think it was his overall original martial might.

‘Misjudgment is for enemies. Carelessness was always the opponent’s share.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

The seniors’ words including Baek Mi-ryeo’s were not presumptuous meddling. But they were needless worries.

As one who cared about lifespan more than anyone, observing his martial arts level was a basic quality.

First he asked understanding from Cheong Myeong and Baek Mi-ryeo and stepped away. He was heading to the General Administration Office.

There was no reason to agonize. He wanted to immediately volunteer for the Namgung family mission posted by notice.

“I’ll go see the General Administration Office too.”

Hyeon Won-chang followed with a broad smile. Jeong Yeon-shin fell into thought while walking shoulder to shoulder with him.

‘A blue-ranked master Desolate Sect isn’t ashamed to show the murim. That’s what I am now.’

Evil path practitioners were vulnerable to Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm.

Warriors with shallow inner power where Sword Song’s effectiveness is maximized. He only displayed overwhelming might against these two types.

They said the gap in martial might widened as rank rose.

A blue rank just promoted from white and a blue rank right before black rank promotion were different. There was as much gap as between newcomer and veteran.

It was a big difference. They said one blue rank could handle three blue ranks.

‘How about me?’

He had stabilized through recuperation. He hadn’t had a martial match with seniors since returning.

He was curious. Where did he stand now in the blue rank realm?

“If they divide by age for the competition, opponents for the Namgung young master or his sister would be cut off below thirty at most. For Young Hero Jeong, there won’t be many matches. That’s what this Desolate Sect Divine Hero who’s watched directly from the side thinks.”

Hyeon Won-chang’s way of speaking was sly.

He seemed to have gained strange confidence after causing the bizarre incident at the Desolate Ma family. It wasn’t bad to see.

“Ah, Young Hero Lightning Genius.”

Before they knew it while walking and chatting, they arrived at the General Administration Office. The clerk managing the entry register welcomed Jeong Yeon-shin.

“You’ve come to volunteer for the Namgung family martial matches?”

“That’s right.”

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“I’ll record it. Though not long since the notice was posted, many warriors are already putting their names down. The Namgung family’s fame is truly extraordinary it seems. Enough to exceptionally change how mission personnel are composed…”

The clerk sighed. Weariness seemed mixed in his exhale.

“Are there that many volunteers?”

Hyeon Won-chang who thrust his head forward asked. The clerk immediately nodded.

“This is the first time a mission assignment has been this fierce. Originally it should be decided at the masters’ level through meetings between the Divine Sword Squad and General Administration Office, but this time they’re accepting volunteers regardless of affiliation… I don’t understand the higher-ups’ thinking. With so many volunteers, Young Hero Lightning Genius should properly keep the competition in mind.”

He even provided information with quite friendly conduct.

Faint goodwill showed on his face looking at Jeong Yeon-shin. It seemed thanks to paying respects last time.

Just as Jeong Yeon-shin who faintly smiled slightly bowed his head.

A clear voice was heard from behind.

“It’s because the Namgung supreme masters are that powerful. The General Administration Office’s notice mentioned victory. To win all martial matches, shouldn’t the mission be composed of personnel selected from each martial power?”

“Young Hero’s words are right.”

Brief agreement and breath-filled laughter followed.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes slightly widened as he had already turned around the moment the first words were heard.

The blue robe of the man walking steadily fluttered magnificently.

His beautiful jawline was elegant. His pitch-black pupils that frequently flashed with light displayed a master’s dignity.

His skin fair as white porcelain created an outstanding atmosphere together with his high nose bridge.

He was a peerless beautiful youth.

His presence was still there. So much that the women laughing beside him didn’t enter the eyes.

“Young Hero Namgung.”

Namgung Hwa-sin immediately returned Jeong Yeon-shin’s clasped hands greeting.

“Young Hero Jeong. It’s truly been a long time. Young Hero Hyeon too. Feels like just yesterday we took the Desolate Sect test together.”

“You seem even more handsome.”

Hyeon Won-chang clasped his hands while slightly narrowing his eyes. Following his gaze, Jeong Yeon-shin also turned his sight.

There were women practically surrounding Namgung Hwa-sin.

All four wore weapons, and each displayed refined energy waves. They looked like Obeying Heaven Wing masters.

‘His popularity is amazing.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

He couldn’t see it differently. He knew from the eyes staring at Namgung Hwa-sin.

The light in the Obeying Heaven seniors and juniors’ bodies felt incomparably gentle.

“Are you Radiant Demon Wing’s Lightning Genius? I’ve heard much about you.”

It was an Obeying Heaven Wing white-ranked master beside Namgung Hwa-sin. She had silver ornaments pinned in her braided hair.

She stared at Jeong Yeon-shin with slightly upturned eyes, but his attention was drawn to her head ornament.

‘A white-ranked warrior spending time on appearance?’

While inwardly puzzled, he clasped his hands.

“Yes, I am Radiant Demon Wing’s Lightning Genius.”

“I am Shin Bin-bin. I heard So-bin is indebted to you. My younger sister.”

She spoke of Sin So-bin, Jeong Yeon-shin’s junior. Looking now, their appearances seemed similar.

“I too received help.”

They exchanged greetings along with the response. Brief praise and regards were exchanged.

Shin Bin-bin who slightly scanned Jeong Yeon-shin turned to Namgung Hwa-sin with a smile.

“Senior Namgung’s path is lonely. Though this one seems like they could be a companion, I’m not sure.”

She evaluated Jeong Yeon-shin in front of Namgung Hwa-sin who came to volunteer for the mission of cutting down his family.

She came across similar to Shin So-bin’s first impression. She was the Shin family’s precious daughter.

As long as she didn’t openly act arrogant, no one could say anything.

Jeong Yeon-shin stopped Hyeon Won-chang who was about to step forward. It was because he saw his mumbling lips. He was hesitant to create trouble.

“Did Young Hero Namgung also come to receive an assignment for this mission?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked while looking at Namgung Hwa-sin. Shin Bin-bin of low martial arts didn’t enter his consideration.

Rather, his senses were drawn to the profound energy waves faintly felt from Namgung Hwa-sin’s body now.

The feeling rising from deep within was very strong.

‘He’s different.’

When he left the Namgung family, perhaps there were spirit medicines he hadn’t yet fully dissolved in his dantian.

The weight of his true qi waves was extraordinary. The earlier Suncheon Wing blue-ranked master’s words made sense.

He clearly understood why Jin Ju-rim spoke of two moves.

Namgung Hwa-sin was an older master who had trained divine techniques among internal martial arts.

Unlike Jeong Yeon-shin who spent over ten years building his body’s foundation with Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.

The difference started from internal energy quantity. Lightning Genius with internal injuries falling behind White Qilin? No master would find that strange.

“Though I left, this body’s roots are in South Zhili. Since there are matters to settle with the family, it’s right that I step forward. I have no face to say anything to Young Hero Jeong. Even apologizing on behalf of the family’s behavior seems presumptuous. I’m deeply sorry.”

Namgung Hwa-sin said. Even his expression mixing bitterness and apology was like a painting.

“And, Junior Shin’s conduct is frivolous even normally. Please don’t mind it.”

He apologized while slightly glaring at his immature junior.

Shin Bin-bin just smiled slightly without showing any sign of shrinking back.

And when she glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin again, her face slightly stiffened.

In Radiant Demon Wing Lightning Genius’ sky-colored eyes, only Namgung Hwa-sin was reflected.

“What my mental strength focuses on now.”

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly parted his lips.

“Is only Young Hero Namgung’s martial might as a competition opponent.”

* * *

Three days passed. It was twelve days until the full moon.

Desolate Sect’s General Administration Office announced the competition.

They said they would carry out martial matches as originally posted. It was because there were many volunteers.

“Lightning Genius’ internal injuries haven’t healed.”

“But we can’t show consideration in matches either, can we?”

“If not our blue-ranked youngest, who will behead the Namgung young master?”

The Radiant Demon Wing masters worried.

Separately from that, matters progressed quickly. The General Administration Office’s handling pushing the event forward was like a master’s sword strike.

Even the match brackets came out. It was like watching a murim competition where they said even money bets were exchanged over who was best in the area.

Those who saw the rising disciples’ age bracket said:

“They’re divided into two sides.”

“The General Administration Office can’t help but be conscious of Lightning Genius and White Qilin.”

Matches proceeded in order. They settled two matches per day under observation of masters from other martial powers.

It was a method of winners continuously comparing martial arts.

White Qilin Namgung Hwa-sin advanced with unstoppable momentum.

Like at Desolate City, he had no match among those his age. He soon reached the end of the bracket.

The watching masters’ impressions were uniform:

“Very solid. No weakness in martial might. He built energy techniques properly.”

“Did the Namgung family pour so much spirit medicine even into an illegitimate child? His power is tremendous.”

The evaluation of Jeong Yeon-shin was slightly different. It was because he showed increasingly stronger aspects as days passed.

It meant he was healing internal injuries even while conducting martial matches.

All masters agreed on the point that his true qi operation was incomparably delicate.

“White Qilin came again. Seems he’s watched without missing any.”

“Isn’t Lightning Genius famous for unique moves? He’s observing a strong enemy’s martial arts.”

“Finally two remain. They said the winner faces the Namgung young master, the loser faces his junior sister. Since the merits differ in size, it must be fierce.”

“They say Lightning Genius stayed secluded except when coming out for matches. Though his internal injuries seem all healed, he’s carrying another disadvantage.”

Their words were right.

Namgung Hwa-sin showed up every time for Jeong Yeon-shin’s matches.

He watched the battles while taking in Lightning Genius’ unique martial arts.

Radiant Wing Step, Eternal Blossom Fist, Radiant Sword Style… While Desolate Sect masters exclaimed each time a move was revealed, all those martial arts were engraved in White Qilin Namgung Hwa-sin’s eyes.

“I know why you went that far, but also I don’t know.”

Shin Bin-bin said. She was sitting with her chin propped in a corner of the practice ground located in Desolate Sect’s center.

Namgung Hwa-sin slowly stood up beside her.

Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin had just won. Only the last remained. It was the martial match between White Qilin and Lightning Genius.

Shin Bin-bin had heard well from her family’s supreme masters.

To accomplished masters, Lightning Genius was a promising talent who cultivated special energy techniques.

Comparing to leaf gambling games, he was a card good for surprising attacks against evil path practitioners or enemies who push with numbers. That’s how it was for now.

“I know Senior Lightning Genius’ moves are quite accomplished. But Senior Namgung is the same, and above all the difference in power…”

“I’m going.”

Namgung Hwa-sin said.

Simultaneously his body soared high. The blue sky was captured in his fluttering blue robe. Unhindered Clear Flow Body. It was the Namgung family’s body technique.

FLUTTER─

Like Soaring Empty Path, White Qilin crossed the sky and landed in the practice ground’s center.

It was in front of Lightning Genius. The watching people let out exclamations.

“Truly elegant movement technique.”

“Perfect in every way. Not lacking in any aspect.”

Namgung Hwa-sin seemed not to mind the crowd’s words. His clear voice spoke while silently staring at Jeong Yeon-shin.

“The martial arena where we met at Desolate City was modest, but this place is quite grand. Many are watching too.”

“I understand there are deep circumstances in the decision to volunteer. Please forgive my inability to yield.”

“Haha. Wouldn’t you have such circumstances too?”

“Let’s share our thoughts later. Won’t you go together to South Zhili?”

He laughed again at Jeong Yeon-shin’s answer.

“Sharing stories on the way to cut down my brother. That would have quite the charm. If only it were just the two of us.”

Jeong Yeon-shin thought differently. The Desolate Sect warriors’ attention was greatly focused on this place.

The General Administration Office clerks were too. It meant the martial might shown here could affect future personnel matters.

He had to show an impressive appearance.

Throughout many martial matches he felt Namgung Hwa-sin’s gaze. It couldn’t be helped.

Because he didn’t know what circumstances led Namgung Hwa-sin to volunteer to personally cut down his half-brother.

‘I know my move forms have been analyzed.’

A master of White Qilin’s level would have prepared countermeasures. Even if not breaking them, it would be very threatening.

That’s fine. Martial artists are those who prepare. They do anything, staking life, honor and martial arts.

Knowing the enemy and knowing oneself was the same. Namgung Hwa-sin knew his enemy.

Meanwhile Jeong Yeon-shin focused on knowing himself. It was to take one step further.

‘The martial art that can trigger the biggest single strike now is Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm.’

That was true even if the opponent had trained orthodox techniques.

However, Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm was a palm technique. It couldn’t be used with a sword.

Even maximally adapting the formula, its limit was manifesting ability combined with fist techniques.

That meant he needed Eternal Blossom Fist.

There were three moves. Spiral, Advancing Thunder, Blossom Fist.

He created Spiral after seeing Cheong Myeong’s Battle Vision.

Advancing Thunder originated from the fist technique shown by Ma Se-in of the Desolate Ma family.

Mount Hua Sect’s head disciple Yu Hyeon’s Falling Petals Palm Method became the inspiration for Blossom Fist.

Spiral was rotation, Advancing Thunder was hard fist, Blossom Fist was change.

“Begin.”

The black-ranked master overseeing said. It was the Annihilation Team Leader whom he hadn’t seen in a while.

WUUNG!

While clear sword sounds rang from Namgung Hwa-sin’s drawn sword, Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the past.

It felt like quite an old matter.

The martial arts Jeong Yeon-shin had created until now all relied on inspiration.

Sword Song and Radiant Sword Style, even movement techniques were like that. He only made his own after seeing other results.

Not all moves needed to be like that. He had accumulated much observation. The essence of creation was originally one.

‘Create out of necessity.’

When Namgung Hwa-sin’s sword reached his chin, Jeong Yeon-shin did just that.

It was a left hand technique. There was sufficient material.

Ominous energy waves and clear blue light harmonized together.

He deployed different powers simultaneously and wove them with the mysteries of technique formations. The sound was loud.

It was like demon whispers mixed with stream wind sounds. It meant they were repelling each other without neutralizing.

BOOM─!

In the instant he fully spread his palm, the fourth move sprouted.