Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

"What about me?"

With the faint light of dawn, a girl poked her head in.

She had stealthily opened the chamber door like a cat, and Jung Yeonshin almost struck out, mistaking her for Shin Bin-bin.

Her eyes were larger. It was Shin So-bin, his direct junior.

Shin Bin-bin and Shin So-bin. Though they had recently split into Radiant Demon Squad and Obeying Heaven Squad, they were sisters who trained together in the Shin clan during childhood.

Their presence felt similar. Had Jung Yeonshin been deeper in his internal energy circulation, he truly might have reached out.

Having just finished his breathing exercises, he unfolded his legs and stood up.

'We can leave right away.'

It was time. As promised, everyone should already be gathered.

"Senior Lightning Genius, what about me?"

Shin So-bin followed closely as he stepped out of the Radiant Demon Squad's hall.

Even when the nameless disciples of Radiant Demon Squad came to see him off, her eyes were fixed solely on him.

"Brother, beat them all up!"

"If those Sichuan bumpkins get in the way, cut them down! Show them how noble Radiant Demon Squad truly is!"

"Please bring back the other brothers too. I miss Heon Brother and Chung Brother..."

The girl's voice trembled as she mentioned Chung Myung and Heon Wonchang. Chung Myung had been in the Radiant Demon Squad for a long time.

Thanks to his noble lineage and striking appearance, he was affectionately called by the disciples.

Heon Wonchang, too, was well-liked for his easy going nature.

Jung Yeonshin silently brushed over the children with his gaze before stepping outside.

At that moment, Shin So-bin lightly grabbed his sleeve and followed.

"Take me too. I'll definitely be helpful."

"You need to watch over the children."

He responded calmly.

As Shin So-bin's eyes drooped in disappointment, Flame Dragon, standing beside Jung Yeonshin, chimed in.

"Weren't you supposed to stay as their caretaker? Help the kids train their martial arts and all. Well, that's what the youngest always does. Ah... just talking to myself."

"A nameless disciple dares..."

"A girl as big as a grown iron tribe member."

"What did you say?"

Even as the two bickered, Jung Yeonshin's steps didn't falter.

Soon, they reached the main gate of Desolate Fortress. Two members of Obeying Heaven Squad approached them first.

Namgoong Hwashin and Shin Bin-bin.

"Bin-bin, how far do you plan on following us?"

Turning his head suddenly, Namgoong Hwashin asked indifferently. But Shin Bin-bin's expression remained calm.

"All the way to Sichuan, brother."

"The nameless disciples must have tried to stop you."

"I said I'd go, so what can they do? I brought servants and guards from the clan to care for them, so I've done my part. No need to worry."

Her face was extremely haughty. But her imposing demeanor stopped there.

As soon as Jung Yeonshin approached, Shin Bin-bin's complexion turned pale.

Her face revealed a whirlwind of emotions—fear, helplessness, and even shame tinged with a faint blush.

The boy thought that Namgoong Hwashin must have explained the circumstances to her.

There was no need for further discussion. Jung Yeonshin simply nodded slightly toward Namgoong Hwashin.

"Young Hero Namgoong."

"Young Hero Jung."

After returning the greeting, Namgoong Hwashin spoke again.

"You are the leader of this force, Yeonshin. Discipline must be upheld, so if any of our Obeying Heaven Squad warriors disobey orders during the mission, I will personally deal with them."

He was upright but far from weak—a figure honed like a blade.

Shin Bin-bin also lowered her head deeply without another word.

"...Understood."

Jung Yeonshin gave a brief reply and passed them by.

As Shin So-bin glanced curiously at her sister's face, Flame Dragon subtly observed Namgoong Hwashin.

"It's been a while."

"It has."

Namgoong Se-jin, the Azure Qilin was said to have been a close friend of Flame Dragon. It seemed Namgoong Hwashin and Flame Dragon were also acquainted.

Jung Yeonshin briefly wondered how Flame Dragon felt about Namgoong Se-jin's death but pushed the thought aside for now.

Sss—

An overwhelming display of energy filled the open space before them.

The moment Jung Yeonshin appeared, the warriors released their aura along with their presence.

All the martial artists of the Lightning Genius' lineage were gathered. Despite arriving earlier than the promised time, everyone seemed to be in position.

The neighing and snorting of fine horses accompanied them. Everything was already prepared.

"Leader."

"You have arrived."

Their salutes were as synchronized as mechanical devices.

The motion of raising clasped hands while bowing their heads happened simultaneously, reminiscent of the Bronze Men said to guard the Eighteen Gates of Shaolin Temple.

Even without prior experience, it vaguely seemed like this might be what it looked like. Their disciplined behavior carried a solemn air of respect.

"Huh. It's true."

Chief Administrator Lin Jinming sighed.

It wasn't just warriors who had gathered. The administrative officers of the General Affairs Bureau had also come to see off the rescue squad.

Last night, when Jung Yeonshin returned and submitted the expedition roster, Lin Jinming had hesitantly approved it under conditions.

If the listed personnel were accurate, they would be acknowledged as a temporary strike force.

"The Lightning Genius lineage..."

Looking at the bowing warriors, the Chief Administrator stroked his beard and muttered.

Something extraordinary was unfolding.

Though many had contributed martial techniques to Desolate Fortress' Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal, no one had ever treated a single person as their leader like this.

The Chief Administrator turned to Jung Yeonshin.

"Young Hero Jung."

"Yes, Administrator."

"If you return safely with these people, and your achievements grow even further..."

What vision crossed his mind?

For a moment, a strange light seemed to flicker in the Administrator's eyes, but he ultimately shook his head without finishing.

"I can't burden you with expectations, so I officially authorize this mission."

"Thank you."

Jung Yeonshin responded immediately. The Administrator smiled faintly.

"As this is a temporary strike force, let's name it the 'Returning Wings Squad', hoping for the Radiant Demon Squad's return. The best outcome is the safe return of Radiant Demon Squad, and the second best is identifying the beasts responsible. I'll file the mission under both objectives."

"We'll accomplish both."

Jung Yeonshin replied.

Some among them flinched, perhaps sensing the killing intent that seeped through his calm voice.

In truth, the boy had a third objective in mind, one the Administrator hadn't mentioned.

'Revenge.'

The Administrator showed no outward reaction but gave a firm nod.

'Proving that our roots remain strong is just as important. Whether this prodigy can accomplish it all, or if they'll all fall in perilous Sichuan....'

Jung Yeonshin was already a blue-ranked warrior. He could act independently if necessary.

Moreover, he was establishing a new martial lineage.

While the General Affairs Bureau could approve missions, they couldn't dictate Jung Yeonshin's code of conduct any longer.

His standing had soared.

The Administrator watched the Lightning Genius' warriors as they marched off.

More and more formal warriors joined their ranks.

The swishing hems of martial robes and the clinking of swords at their waists echoed.

It was a scene brimming with grandeur.

The Chief Administrator's lips parted slightly.

"Young Hero Jung."

"...?"

Jung Yeonshin glanced back slightly. The Chief Administrator continued.

"The Lord of the Fortress is currently in Beijing, but she has sent a message to her disciple. It arrived early this morning."

"…Please, tell me."

"Here it is."

From the Chief Administrator's robes came a tightly rolled scroll, which he lightly tossed toward Jung Yeonshin.

It flew straight, imbued with internal energy.

The martial artists of the Lightning Genius' lineage scattered to avoid it.

Jung Yeonshin caught the paper directly, unfolded it, and scanned its contents.

The words were written in regular script, a neat and elegant script.

[Pour your intent into the crafted flow. If you breathe with divine power, you shall ascend to the black rank.]

"..."

Her melodious voice seemed to echo faintly in his ears. It was a peculiar sensation.

"What does it say?"

Flame Dragon leaned his head in, but Shin So-bin yanked his hair back.

Despite the rough gesture, her eyes carried a hint of sadness.

"Senior Lightning Genius, return safely."

"I will."

Jung Yeonshin tucked the second teaching of the Fortress' Lord into his robes and turned around. At last, it was time to depart.

* * *

Dudududu!

The sound of hooves was like thunder. It was a noise they had grown used to, having heard it for over half a month atop their fine horses.

'Thank you.'

Jung Yeonshin patted the neck of the horse, its eyes rolling back. At the same time, he kicked off the steed's back and leapt into the air.

It was a shift in transportation. The terrain of Sichuan was treacherous. From here on, the journey would be more efficient.

Pak!

A footprint was left in the earth he had stepped on.

The warriors flying behind him immediately deployed their lightness techniques as well.

'We're almost there.'

Jung Yeonshin thought as they crossed through Qizhou in Sichuan Province. It marked their arrival at the outskirts of Sichuan, having departed from Huguang Province in the east.

They had relentlessly switched horses without pause. The exhausted mounts were abandoned just before reaching the final relay station.

Pak! Paaak!

The unhesitating rhythm of their steps struck the ground like lightning.

The subtleties of movement taught by Chung Myung had been incorporated into his lightness techniques. His strides tore through the air like a raging wind, embodying the essence of whirlwind.

The experts following behind him radiated brilliant energy, a spectacle of the Desolate Fortress' Returning Wings Squad.

Since entering Sichuan's Shu Road, rumors had begun to spread.

It was said that the masters of Desolate Fortress were traversing Sichuan with formidable momentum.

"Hey, temporary leader."

To his right, Flame Dragon stuck his face forward.

With the inexhaustible energy of the Solar Divine Meridian and his mastery of the Hwangbo Clan's martial arts, which he had trained in longer than Jung Yeonshin, he appeared effortlessly composed even while using body movement techniques.

"Speak."

"We'll arrive soon, but there's something you should know in advance."

"Go on."

At Jung Yeonshin's curt response, Flame Dragon smirked faintly.

"I'll speak freely as you've permitted, though it's about my own situation."

"..."

"As you know, my damned family caused a massive incident, leading Desolate Fortress to prosecute the Hwangbo Clan for treason. Normally, someone like me, the young master, wouldn't have survived."

Jung Yeonshin was somewhat curious about that himself.

No matter how promising Flame Dragon's future seemed, he was destined for a short life.

This fact was widely known, even bearing the name of the Solar Divine Meridian.

"While waiting for my execution, I somehow managed to survive. But my position remains precarious. How many in Desolate Fortress actually trust me? They follow the Lord's command, but living out the rest of my days in distrust? That's hardly enjoyable."

"…So?"

"I need to prove my worth, especially in front of you, Leader Lightning Genius."

Flame Dragon's grin deepened as he glanced at Jung Yeonshin's profile.

"Don't be surprised by what I do."

"..."

They ran for another half-day.

It wasn't until later that Jung Yeonshin understood the meaning of Flame Dragon's words.

When the Returning Wings Squad arrived at the cliff where Radiant Demon Squad's trail had ended, they found beggars waiting for them, seated on the precipice.

"Welcome. We've been expecting you."

A young beggar with a greasy face and the smell of meat stepped forward to greet them.

However, none of the warriors of the Returning Wings Squad underestimated him. The knot at his waist had six loops.

"Six Knots. He must be a junior master of the Beggars' Sect." 

Crimson Noon Sword whispered softly to Jung Yeonshin.

The Beggars' Sect.

One of the Nine Great Sects, known for uniting martial artist beggars worldwide into an extensive intelligence network.

"Yesterday, the twin geniuses of the Tang Clan passed through, and today, the Emperor's blades make their appearance." 

The young beggar said, spreading his arms theatrically.

The term "Emperor's blades" came from the beggar's mouth, but it was no compliment.

Given that the Ming Imperial Family and Desolate Fortress denied any official connection, the remark carried a clear barb.

Jung Yeonshin wasn't interested in such provocations. He had no time for verbal quibbles.

"Tang Clan?"

He recalled the General Affairs Bureau's report.

Indeed, traces suspected to belong to the Tang Clan's secret techniques had been found near the Radiant Demon Squad's last known location.

The Full Sky Flower Rain, a divine art known throughout the martial world, was one such clue.

"Oh, the White Qilin and Flame Dragon as well. The rumors were true. The White Qilin is better-looking than his portraits, and Flame Dragon's Peony is as fresh as ever."

The young beggar grinned as he scanned the Returning Wings Squad. His tone and behavior made it hard to gauge his intentions.

Jung Yeonshin's eyes darkened.

Then—

Thwack!

The back of the beggar's head was suddenly struck. Flame Dragon had silently appeared by his side.

"So, who are these Tang Clan geniuses, and why were they here?" 

Flame Dragon whispered.

"What the…!"

The beggar's cry was stifled as Flame Dragon's palm struck his head again.

This time, a scorching heat distorted the air.

Boom!

The beggar collapsed flat like a frog.

Even the intangible defensive energy he had momentarily summoned was crushed entirely.

The resulting tremor reverberated through the ground.

Flame Dragon squatted beside the beggar's head.

"Peonies tend to fumble like this. Is this your first time seeing one?" 

He asked with a grin.

That was only the beginning.

The Returning Wings Squad had arrived in Sichuan's martial world, sharpening their swords for vengeance.