Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

"What… did he master the internal arts of the Wudang Sect or something?"

Ma Se-in murmured in disbelief. The gathered elders were equally shaken.

Several of them had noticeable changes in their expressions. He didn't appear to be someone merely cloaked in heavy energy.

It was as if they wanted to part their lips and speak immediately.

"It's closer to Shaolin than Wudang. But even they wouldn't compress and accumulate energy like that."

Lazy Flame Dragon muttered to himself.

"So, you are Lazy Flame Dragon. Won't do it? Wrong. They can't. One needs talent even for energy accumulation."

The only one to nod with a faint smile was Ma Yeonjeok.

Amidst this, a chilling voice echoed.

"Are you claiming rights and demands for yourself?"

Zhu Yeon-jeong spoke in a cold tone, entirely different from her son, Ma Se-in.

Her gaze wavered only once. The look she gave Jung Yeonshin was straight and intense.

She showed no sign of intimidation, even with an unparalleled martial master of purple rank at her side.

She knew of Ma Yeonjeok's affection for Jung Yeonshin.

Indeed, Ma Yeonjeok's stern voice rang out.

"Who are you interrogating right now? Stand down."

"That child spoke of rights and demands under the family name. This concerns the Ma family. Are you intending to yield everything to Radiant Demon Squad's blue-ranked expert, bound by personal sentiments?"

"What did you just say?"

"I hope the head of the family will not be angered but instead understand my words."

A dispute between Ma Yeonjeok and Zhu Yeon-jeong began. Zhu Yeon-jeong didn't even raise an eyebrow.

Ma Yeonjeok's face flushed red with anger.

Zhu Yeon-jeong's position seemed stronger than expected.

Even the elders, with their solemn expressions, refrained from taking sides.

While it was said that the politics of a renowned martial family mirrored those of the Imperial Family in Beijing, it was still hard to grasp, given Ma Yeonjeok's stature.

Even if his martial prowess had declined, he was the former Leader of the Divine Sword Squad.

—Did your mother unlock the family's secret martial arts? This scene doesn't make sense.

Jung Yeonshin sent a direct mental transmission, addressing a distant relative. The reply came immediately.

—You're sharp, aren't you?

Ma Se-in responded bitterly, his tone reflecting a mix of emotions.

The Ma Clan's martial arts were not orthodox techniques.

Lately, the decline in Ma Yeonjeok's skills had become evident.

The Ma Clan had begun reconsidering their traditional techniques.

The rise and fall of martial clans depended heavily on the quality and nature of their arts.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yeon-jeong had introduced the Imperial Martial Technique, the Golden Line Eight Methods.

Once Ma Se-in was designated as the successor, she remarkably obtained imperial permission to partially unlock its secrets.

In doing so, she secured the favor and support of the Ma Clan retainers.

No longer would Ma Se-in's position be swayed by Ma Yeonjeok's whims.

—So that's how it is.

Jung Yeonshin nodded inwardly.

He had found it odd when Zhu Yeon-jeong bypassed Ma Yeonjeok and called for him personally, but now it all made sense.

The Ma Clan was a martial household.

A noble family's power stemmed from martial arts and reputation.

If someone seized control of the family's foundational techniques, the clan would inevitably falter.

'Not my concern right now.'

The immediate crisis involved someone from this very family facing peril in Sichuan.

Jung Yeonshin had already secured raw intelligence from the General Affairs Bureau. He spoke without hesitation.

"Radiant Demon Squad, Ma Jin."

He cut through the argument between Ma Yeonjeok and Zhu Yeon-jeong.

Earlier, he had demonstrated his ability to transform the Spiritual Jade.

His voice carried undeniable weight.

"They say Uncle Ma's whereabouts are unclear. The same goes for the Radiant Demon Squad. The General Affairs Bureau stated that their forces are practically ineffective."

"What…?"

One of the Ma family elders responded first, seemingly without much thought. Jung Yeonshin continued.

"The General Affairs Bureau's latest report just came in. I heard it directly. We need capable forces to find and bring back all of the Radiant Demon Squad's warriors."

"..."

After a brief silence, someone responded with a surge of energy.

The one clad in purple robes, whose aura spiked like a storm, was Ma Yeonjeok.

"…Do you know how chaotic the martial world has been lately? Famine has persisted for too long. So many have risen in revolt that it's hard to distinguish between martial artists and commoners. Countless thugs act like kings across the central plains, relying on a few learned techniques. Our family doesn't have the resources. The Radiant Demon Squad must prove its survival through its own strength."

His words contrasted with his imposing energy. Despite his anger, his logic was sharp as a blade.

Even before his grandson, whom he treated with difficulty, he drew a clear line between public and private matters.

The former Divine Sword Squad Leader's composure was chilling. It was a mindset hardened by decades of experience.

For a moment, Jung Yeonshin didn't see him as a man.

Was he like this when he abandoned Jung Yeonshin's mother? The Ma Clan's sword moved its aged lips toward the boy.

"The General Affairs Bureau likely said the same thing as I just did. Is that correct?"

"…Yes. That's why I considered asking the Ma Clan for assistance."

Jung Yeonshin replied.

"…The main household's forces are already dispatched for the relief of civilians. The Lord of the fortress has commanded it. With the Eight Great Clans and Thirteen Heavens running wild, the fortress retains fewer than fifty defenders."

"Can't you personally intervene, Grandfather?"

Finally, he voiced the question that lingered in his throat.

The one who answered was Zhu Yeon-jeong. Her red lips curved oddly.

"Purple-ranked masters without official posts must always remain on standby. That's the fortress' law."

They all spoke of laws and regulations. Everyone was bound by them.

Suddenly, Jung Yeonshin felt an urge—to shatter what couldn't be seen.

'What should I do?'

He needed to secure forces capable of dealing with Sichuan's martial world, and quickly.

The Radiant Demon Squad's whereabouts were already unclear.

The longer they delayed, the higher the chances they wouldn't even find bodies.

'Should I adopt the Ma Clan's techniques and modify them? Even if it takes time?'

No. That wouldn't work.

The clan's secrets had been built over centuries. It wasn't something to be achieved in a short time.

Creating something new would be quicker than overturning their legacy.

But who here would agree to that?

"Ah…"

His heart felt constricted. A deadlock.

For the first time since learning of his limited lifespan, Jung Yeonshin felt helpless.

It wasn't even a situation he had directly faced in Sichuan.

"I have personally trained some forces. If you make one promise, I will gladly lend them to you."

Zhu Yeon-jeong's icy voice echoed in his ears.

She was a branch member of the Imperial family.

Who knew what kind of demand a viper like her might make?

It was an offer to consider only if he couldn't find other forces by the end of the night.

"Stay strong."

Lazy Flame Dragon awkwardly offered words of encouragement as they departed. The Ma Clan watched them leave in silence.

Their expressions were hardened, as if calming themselves. Most looked that way.

As if silently saying there was nothing to be done.

Step.

Jung Yeonshin hadn't given up yet.

'By any means necessary.'

He had some names in mind. He and Lazy Flame Dragon would start first, and he intended to plead with Namgoong Hwashin as well.

'Secure at least three blue-ranked masters before taking action.'

But once they entered Sichuan, reconnaissance and investigation would take priority. They were short-handed.

Even white-ranked experts could overpower most vagrants, but there were no immediate reinforcements available.

As he mulled over the situation, Jung Yeonshin suddenly stopped walking and looked up.

He sensed faint ripples of energy gathered outside the Ma family's main gate.

There were many. From those who had yet to receive formal ranks in the Desolate Fortress, to those capable of wielding swords at the level of blue-ranked masters.

"They're here for you, Yeonshin."

Ma Yeonjeok seemed to have sensed them in advance. His tone was peculiar.

Rumble!

It seemed those outside had also sensed Jung Yeonshin's presence. The massive gates began to open slowly.

A group approached, heading straight for Jung Yeonshin.

"Their affiliations are all different…?"

Ma Se-in's voice carried a hint of bewilderment. As the heir of the Desolate Ma Clan, he had spent enough time in the main fortress to recognize the faces of the Divine Sword Squad's martial ranks.

'The ones at the front are all formal warriors.'

Jung Yeonshin assessed. Perhaps around thirty of them. Behind them were a considerable number of unnamed disciples.

The boy's eyes scanned them. There was a sense of familiarity emanating from their bodies. Every one of them felt familiar.

It was something he had only experienced within his own body. Marks of rigorous training were evident.

The structure of their muscles, the rhythm of their steps, the subtle waves of energy cultivated through techniques.

"Lightning Genius? He's younger than I expected…"

"If you judge by appearance, look at his physique first."

"That body is incredibly well-trained. Coming here was worth it."

"Worth it? Shouldn't we first discuss the proper principles? We were given something unbelievable, so we must repay it."

These words came from those approaching on the right. They seemed to have focused on fist-based techniques.

The shape of the muscles cascading below their shoulders created smooth, refined contours. It was a familiar sight.

It was a physical transformation that stood out in the early stages of training in the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike. Combined with internal energy cultivation, it resulted in bodies like those.

'Was what Shin So-bin said true?'

He could even discern which techniques they had focused on.

Four had mastered the Vortex, three the Formidable Wall, and the remaining five had properly trained in the Flower Strike.

The warriors of Desolate Fortress were all prodigies of the martial world.

Veterans of Radiant Demon Squad had often spoken of them—geniuses, each renowned in their own regions.

If they concentrated on a single technique within a short period, remarkable results were to be expected.

'And then…'

Jung Yeonshin's gaze shifted.

"..."

Walking opposite the fist practitioners were quiet individuals.

They were swordsmen. He could tell just by the Desolate swords hanging at their waists.

Men and women alike had long limbs. Their entire beings exuded a familiar energy.

It was a brilliance like sunlight—a sharpness suggestive of the Radiance Sword Style. They seemed to have trained in several sword techniques within the style.

'This isn't all.'

Some even carried the distinct liveliness of those who practiced the Limit Releasing Technique.

Had they truly delved into techniques requiring such intricate control over layered energy flow?

He could even see traces of the Splendid Wings Step among their strides.

His vision was filled with fragments of his own secret martial arts. They were living manifestations of their principles.

Jung Yeonshin stood still, momentarily dazed.

"What's wrong? You were like a blade during the examination."

A heavy voice called out. It was accompanied by the imposing aura of a seasoned northern commander.

The speaker stood at the forefront of those approaching.

His scarred face was familiar, though his attire was not. It had been white before, but now he wore blue robes.

It was the Crimson Noon Sword of the Desolate Fortress' Annihilation Squad.

Jung Yeonshin had once crossed swords with him during the blue-rank promotion exam.

It seemed Crimson Noon Sword had ultimately attained blue rank as well.

"I've kept track of your movements since your return. And today, I finally heard that you left the Radiant Demon Squad's hall."

Crimson Noon Sword stopped about ten steps in front of Jung Yeonshin and spoke.

Despite the scars covering his face, his expression was soft.

"I've been searching for you."

His tone was different now. It no longer carried the casual air of someone addressing a white-ranked warrior like Lightning Genius.

The warriors following Crimson Noon Sword also halted.

The martial artists of Desolate Fortress fixed their eyes on the boy.

'Unfamiliar yet familiar.'

Jung Yeonshin thought. That's how it felt.

They weren't strangers. Such was the nature of martial artists. Techniques gave rise to sects, and martial arts connected people.

And from this union, something emerged—a martial sect.

Strength. Lineage.

In this moment, a new sect of martial arts was being formed here.

The act of passing down martial techniques, initially done in pursuit of merit, had brought forth an astonishing result.

"Let's offer our respects."

Crimson Noon Sword spoke.

At once, all the warriors raised both hands to their chests. Their salutes were precise and deliberate.

It was a gesture so heartfelt that anyone could recognize the sincerity behind it. It carried profound respect.

The approaching aura felt strange.

Jung Yeonshin's thoughts drifted away from Zhu Yeon-jeong and the rest of the Ma family.

Even though they were all watching this scene unfold.

"The practitioners of the same lineage."

As if rehearsed, Crimson Noon Sword began, and the warriors standing behind him spoke in unison.

—We humbly pay our respects to the Founder.

Their voices rang out as one.

A greeting that broke the silence of Desolate Fortress's night.