Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The group fully set out on their separate paths.

Seven days and nights had passed since Jung Yeonshin finished his long yet brief private meeting with the Leader of the Divine Sword Squad. Soon, they would reach Wuchang.

It was the city where they were to part ways with the Divine Sword Squad, as it housed a relay station right before Desolate Fortress.

"This is almost too easy, isn't it? Not a single attack. We've been preparing for ambushes since before heading to South Zhili."

At Yeon Soha's words, other experts of the Divine Sword Squad spoke up one by one.

"That's true. Our Squad Leader and Namgoong's family head—they'd both be unlikely to walk away unscathed after the duel. The martial world must have expected that."

"Still, too easy? Think about it. In Clear Night Valley, we encountered Blood Flame Cult, Profound Martial Alliance, Yeo Ryeong, and Martial Dragon Alliance. That's four major factions. How can you call this easy?"

"Exactly. Normally, we'd have clashed right then and there—if the Squad Leader hadn't shown his overwhelming strength. Those sly Yeo Ryeong bastards might've just watched until then."

"Anyone reckless enough to attack after witnessing the Squad Leader's energy surge wouldn't have waited until after the duel. Most top-class martial artists bold enough to challenge purple-rank fighters are tied to the vast power structures of the central plains."

"Anyway."

Ak Surim chimed in with a grin.

"It's all thanks to Lightning Genius. He managed to restore the Squad Leader internal energy amidst the chaos. Thanks to him, we're traveling pretty comfortably now."

She reached out her hand. Being shorter than Jung Yeonshin, it seemed as if she was about to pat the boy's head like a child.

When Jung Yeonshin subtly shifted his step to avoid her, she chuckled and merely tapped him on the back instead.

"You're like a cat. Maybe 'Black Cat' suits you better than 'Lightning Genius'."

It wasn't a remark that required a response.

'Even a touch on the head would give it away. Especially to someone like Senior Ak.' 

The boy thought.

Born with a frail constitution, Jung Yeonshin carried the burdens of the Jung family of Xinye.

He had shared his story with the Squad Leader, feeling apprehensive about how it would be received. Despite being an unrivaled master of the purple-rank, the Squad Leader was also a senior of immense prestige.

He hadn't known how his words would be taken, but throughout the conversation, the Squad Leader showed no change in expression.

Even his occasional bursts of jestful remarks were absent.

—So, you're saying you intend to surpass me?

The words spoken at the end had a playful tone. Yet, the Squad Leader's reaction had been extraordinary.

—Two purple-rank masters in the Divine Sword Squad—just thinking about it makes my heart race. Come and show me what you've got.

He had even added that he'd gladly face him in a match if he proved himself worthy.

Hearing such words from the Leader of the Divine Sword Squad—it was a goal that still felt overwhelming.

Jung Yeonshin had initially felt like he was burdening the Squad Leader with his pitiful family circumstances, but those parting words left him feeling unexpectedly comforted and surprised.

Perhaps it was because the great master had treated him, an insignificant junior, with sincerity.

"Your internal wounds seem to have healed quite a bit. It was worth treating you for seven days straight."

The Squad Leader joked as he met Jung Yeonshin's gaze and gave him a sly wink. The boy quickly turned his head away.

"We've reached the gates of Wuchang!"

Yeon Soha's shout was met with Ak Surim's comment.

"The inspection looks strict. Must be the poor harvest causing unrest."

"Our vice-leader should return to headquarters without slacking off at the main fortress. Immediately, I say!"

The Squad Leader widened his eyes in mock authority as he spoke. Ak Surim, her rank technically higher, laughed at his words.

"Well, I was thinking of lining up the seventeen division leaders and disciplining them for old times' sake. I wonder if the Radiant Demon Squad is still at the main fortress."

With a playful expression, she swept her hair behind her ear while glancing at Jung Yeonshin.

The Divine Sword Squad's experts chatted among themselves, looking accustomed to her antics.

"What do you think happened to the Elder? Why hasn't he rejoined us?"

"How could anything harm a purple-rank master? Unless the heads of the Nine Great Sects or the Thirteen Heavens themselves joined forces to attack him, no one could lay a finger on him. He's already reached the pinnacle of martial arts."

"Your theory's ridiculous. Do you think the heads of the Nine Sects or Thirteen Heavens wander around like stray dogs?"

"What about Elder Ma's thoughts?"

"…The Elder? He may seem laid-back, but he's not someone who'd meet a careless end. Worrying about him is an insult."

Perhaps because it was their last time together, the Divine Sword Squad members were particularly talkative. None seemed genuinely concerned about the Elder's safety, having absolute faith in the strength of a purple-rank master.

"It's really time to part ways now."

"Lightning Genius, you've gained a lot of insight. Your martial arts are quite inventive."

"Indeed. From fist techniques to swordsmanship, everything was impressive."

Several members patted Jung Yeonshin's shoulder, just as Ak Surim had done earlier.

For renowned experts of the Divine Sword Squad, known for their arrogance in the martial world, this behavior was unexpected.

Perhaps their bond had formed during the week they spent together after witnessing his duel with Namgoong Se-jin.

'This is good. I'll recruit them under my banner someday.'

It was a bold thought, one that most would call audacious.

Yet, even the Divine Sword Squad's experts refrained from mentioning such recruitment openly. Jung Yeonshin reflected on this.

It was because he had not yet become a martial artist whose skills they deemed indispensable.

The blue-hued world of Desolate Fortress was vast beyond imagination.

'Still, if I incorporate what I've gained this time…'

He pondered merging the Jung family's internal arts into his newly developed techniques and refining his energy circulation methods.

He imagined reaching a level where he could stand alongside Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo, both considered the strongest of the blue rank. By the time he reunited with the Divine Sword Squad, he'd be someone different.

"It was enjoyable."

"Vice-leader, don't delay your return."

"Elder Ma should curb his temper."

The lighthearted farewell exchanges reflected the strength that supported their cheerful demeanor.

"Let's go, let's go."

Ak Surim joined Jung Yeonshin and Ma Yeonjeok to briefly return and report as the vice-leader of the squad.

"Your swordsmanship still has room for growth—don't neglect it for your palm techniques. You have great potential with the sword."

The Squad Leader gave his farewell as advice. Coming from a master who wielded energy-forged swords, his words carried weight.

Jung Yeonshin bowed deeply to express his gratitude.

"Good luck."

His words were met with a hearty laugh. A refreshing voice rang out on the wind.

"You're the only one who wishes me luck."

Whoosh!

By the time he looked up again, the Divine Sword Squad had already disappeared into the horizon, casting shadows over the endless plains.

"Let's go."

Ma Yeonjeok urged. It was time to return.

* * *

It was the day before Jung Yeonshin's departure for the duel with the Namgoong Clan.

The sunlight shone brightly.

Desolate Fortress' Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal was another fortress within the main fortress. 

It rose elegantly with pure white stone walls. Those unfamiliar with it would hardly recognize it as a library. In truth, it housed Desolate Fortress' martial arts manuals. This 'compendium of martial arts' had been built with imperial support for basic techniques and also stored unique martial arts donated by the main fortress' warriors.

But who would expect a martial arts library to be housed in a building with marble walls? This was the first thought of most visitors.

Usually, visitors showed surprise on their faces, but the boy who entered then was calm.

Step.

The Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal's attending scholar knew him. He had even had to report to the Imperial family when Jung Yeonshin received the unprecedented Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm secret manual. The scholar had put his heart into the calligraphy for that document.

"Young Hero Lightning Genius."

"Scholar Wu"

The young boy returned Scholar Wu's bow with a neat and composed gesture.

The scholar couldn't help but think—the boy, who had recently been making a name for himself, seemed to suit the scent of paper in this place quite well.

Perhaps it was the book tucked under Jung Yeonshin's arm that made the impression even stronger.

What might he have been like had he not walked the path of a martial artist? Dismissing the idle thought, the scholar asked,

"And that is?"

"I intend to donate this to the main fortress. It is my personal martial art. I would also like to request an assessment of its merits."

Lightning Genius, Jung Yeonshin, spoke plainly, without expectation, focusing only on his purpose.

Even a street vendor selling sweets wouldn't be this indifferent when promoting their wares.

Having had to secure an imperial edict for the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm, the scholar inwardly shuddered.

It had all been done in strict secrecy, hidden from the eyes of the martial arts sects.

A law-defying martial art.

Despite the commotion it had caused, the boy's official recognition was ultimately minimal, which had only made the whole ordeal more aggravating.

Strengthening the nation—such martial arts did not align with the ideals upheld by Zhang Juzheng, the renowned Ming dynasty chancellor.

The art was said to be too intricate for any ordinary practitioner to master. Whether this decision came from the fortress administrator or the Imperial family itself remained unclear.

'I just hope this one ends without incident.'

As he accepted the books from the boy's hands, the scholar silently prayed.

Then, Jung Yeonshin spoke again.

"Scholar Wu, I've heard you're skilled at speed-reading. Would you be able to assess its value quickly? I must depart soon on a mission, so I may not be able to hear the results before I leave."

Donated martial arts were evaluated on several fronts.

Before they were submitted to higher authorities, including senior scholars and multiple black-ranked masters, they were analyzed for function, training methods, and difficulty of mastery.

Compiling reports based on these assessments was the duty of the scholars at the Golden Martial Arsenal.

Naturally, this required martial knowledge. The scholar prided himself on his discernment, claiming it rivaled that of most blue-ranked martial artists. That confidence had earned him this position.

"So your mission is tomorrow… I don't have much on my plate today, so I'll examine it thoroughly right away."

The scholar quickly picked up one of the books. Its title caught his eye.

Infinite Blossom Fist Strike.

The cover bore the hastily scribbled title in plain script. It was evident the manuscript had been quickly compiled using generic materials from the main fortress.

The scholar smirked at the rough binding as he turned the page.

"…"

And then he fell silent.

Gradually.

He sank deeper and deeper into silence.

Infinite Blossom Fist Strike, Splendid Wings Step, Limit Releasing Technique, Radiance Sword Style.

One after another, he flipped through the four martial arts manuscripts.

Only the sound of turning pages echoed softly in the stillness.

"…Hmm."

With a low murmur, the scholar finally lifted his head. His bloodshot eyes fixed on Jung Yeonshin, revealing astonishment.

His expression alone filled the brief silence.

Finally, the scholar spoke slowly.

"As you know, personal martial arts donations are assessed based on this fortress' unique criteria, measured by their contribution to the general martial advancement of our practitioners. We typically avoid relying on the judgment of elite masters, but as for your techniques, Lightning Genius…"

* * *

Suddenly, the scholar snapped out of his recollection.

"Excuse me, I need to ask you something."

His voice betrayed a sense of urgency.

At the entrance of the vast arsenal, where inkstones and brushes were arranged neatly on desks, the scholar let out a sigh as he ground an inkstick.

Even without listening further, he already knew what this was about. It had been the same with over a dozen others that day. The scholar furrowed his brow.

"The Lightning Genius Martial Lineage has been transferred to the upper arsenal."

His response was the same one he had repeated countless times today.

'What a day.'

The scholar of the Desolate Fortress headquarters rubbed his weary eyes.

It was supposed to be an academic role, yet he had spent the entire day dealing with indignant martial artists.

"The boy is the problem." 

He muttered with a sigh.

A quiet lament that scattered into nothingness.

The young man in plain robes ignored the scholar's grumblings. His face, flushed with anger, grew louder.

"Transferred? Transferred! What kind of nonsense is this?"

"It was the decision of the headquarters. The texts are no longer accessible to just anyone. At the very least, you must attain a white rank. Such distinguished techniques have always been restricted to encourage ambition. It reflects the intentions of the Chief Administrator…"

"What kind of…! I was born and raised in Desolate Fortress! Are you saying martial artists without white robes aren't even considered people?"

"Only white-ranked martial artists can officially join the seventeen divisions of the Divine Sword Squad. You know this well. If you're dissatisfied, why not challenge the Desolate Fortress Tournament?"

The scholar responded dryly. He couldn't help it. This had already happened too many times today.

It was an incident centered around the Golden Martial Arsenal.

The transfer of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage had caused a massive stir. The scholar cursed under his breath.

'Damn it.'

Now that news of Jung Yeonshin's victory over the Namgoong Family had spread, Desolate Fortress was in chaos.