Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The mission's destination was Sichuan's martial arts world. They had to account for the Tang Clan.

Naturally, the Returning Wings Squad had prepared various antidotes with support from the General Affairs Bureau.

However, poison techniques were an unpredictable martial art.

Even if the Tang Clan's elite were few, they had to prevent any potential loss of strength.

This meant avoiding conflict until they had concrete information.

'If it's Full Sky Flower Rain, we might be able to secure cooperation.'

Jung Yeonshin did not withdraw the energy gathered in his hand.

The reaction of the two martial artists from Returning Wings Squad was even faster. Flame Dragon stroked his chin.

He silently observed the swirling stone fragments in Jung Yeonshin's palm.

"Is that the core of Full Sky Flower Rain?"

He murmured.

"Are you saying you devised a mnemonic formula just by hearing the form of the technique?"

Even Namgoong Hwashin, who had maintained a reserved attitude, spoke up.

Despite struggling to overcome his frustration, he was undoubtedly a martial artist born with outstanding talent.

His approach to discussing martial techniques was no different from the previous White Qilin.

"How do you control energy to make that happen? It's not even void manipulation."

"If one's internal energy cultivation is profound… it might truly be possible to unleash a storm of projectiles. Though controlling energy based on scale would be a different matter."

They were martial prodigies from Shandong and South Zhili. Their interest was intense.

"I've never heard of anything like this. They kept calling you a genius, and now I see why."

Flame Dragon spoke with a fascinated expression. Jung Yeonshin ignored him.

"Tang Clan. It may not be exactly like your family's ultimate technique, but it should be useful as a reference."

The boy spoke briefly, his gaze fixed on the Twin Venoms of Dragon and Phoenix.

"..."

The twins, who appeared as a boy and a girl, were mixed-blood descendants of the Iron Tribe.

While the Venomous Dragon's mouth slightly opened, the Venomous Phoenix's eyelashes trembled.

They only stared at the swirling stone fragments in the boy's hand, the arrogance of someone who thought the world easy had vanished from their faces.

Yet, this also revealed their talent.

If they had felt nothing, they would have ignored Jung Yeonshin with the proud demeanor of those who spoke lightly of talent.

They couldn't.

The finely trembling energy waves, the spiraling fragments, the subtle manipulation of energy hidden in the phenomenon—

Jung Yeonshin spoke again.

"It's just an imitation for now. Even within Full Sky Flower Rain, there are dozens of variations and application methods."

That was true. Yet, this was no ordinary imitation. It was more than enough to be considered a precursor to Full Sky Flower Rain.

It closely resembled the introductory forms passed down through manuscripts and oral tradition.

Venomous Dragon, gradually showing astonishment, opened his mouth wider.

Venomous Phoenix brushed back the hair beside her ear. Her pale hand trembled slightly.

They both recognized its value.

'This is absurd…'

Venomous Phoenix alternated her gaze between Jung Yeonshin's hand and face. Her jet-black eyes moved up and down.

Creating a mnemonic formula based on the form of a martial technique? That was already the realm of a grandmaster.

And it wasn't an ordinary technique. He was constructing the framework of a divine art on the spot.

Though the martial world had many eccentrics, this was something that defied human limits.

For the first time, she experienced unwelcome humility. She had just begun making a name for herself as a prodigy in Sichuan's martial world.

It was a sentiment she wasn't ready to accept.

"You're not just here as a lone martial artist but as a representative of Desolate Fortress, researching ways to counter the Tang Clan…"

The trembling Venomous Dragon's words were cut short. Venomous Phoenix had struck him on the back of the head.

"Get a grip! Are you stupid? If numbers could solve it, our main family would be full of idiots! Don't stir up trouble, just shut up…!"

She whispered harshly. Before she knew it, one hand was gripping her twin brother's ear as if to tear it off.

Then, stealing a glance at Jung Yeonshin's calm gaze, she quickly clasped her hands demurely.

"We have shown poor manners upon first meeting. I believe you wished to ask about our father?"

At Venomous Phoenix's words, Jung Yeonshin nodded.

"Tell me everything. His preferred martial techniques, places he might stay in Sichuan, and connections he's made in the martial world. If your father, the head of the Tang Clan, is as innocent as you claim, this shouldn't be a problem."

That wasn't true. These were precisely the details assassins investigated before carrying out missions.

But Jung Yeonshin thought maintaining a brazen front was necessary. The trail to the Radiant Demon Squad depended on this lead.

He could be even more shameless.

It wasn't just Namgoong Hwashin who was changing. As Jung Yeonshin experienced the martial world, he was becoming more of a martial artist.

If he were to die before retrieving or accepting the fruit of the World Tree, he at least wanted to leave behind his precious people and martial techniques intact.

"Still…"

Even so, Venomous Phoenix did not raise her voice.

She couldn't. It was because she and Venomous Dragon were members of the Tang Clan.

Initiation into Full Sky Flower Rain.

Its value was immeasurable.

The ultimate techniques that represented prestigious clans in the martial world were priceless treasures.

Even more so for martial techniques widely famed across the Central Plains.

"You're telling us… to sell out our father…?"

Venomous Dragon's eyes burned with anger, but he soon lowered his gaze.

It was even before his twin sister, Venomous Phoenix, could tug at his sleeve.

The value of Full Sky Flower Rain was far too great to continue speaking in a hostile manner.

"We'd be lucky to serve him instead."

Venomous Phoenix glanced at her brother disdainfully and then turned back to Jung Yeonshin.

"I feel ashamed for speaking of talent earlier."

"Will you accept the proposal?"

Jung Yeonshin asked without hesitation. Venomous Phoenix stepped forward.

Rustle.

"Tang Clan's Ryeo-ryeo."

Venomous Phoenix, Tang Ryeo-ryeo, lowered her body gracefully. Her fingers were interlocked, forming a roof-like shape.

"I greet my benefactor."

Her lips moved slightly. The green robe's sleeves slipped down, revealing her black hair.

The fabric looked extraordinarily soft.

Despite her petite frame, she carried herself with elegant dignity.

This was not a martial arts salute.

The Baoquan salute, uncommon in Ming-era Central Plains, was a traditional civilian etiquette. Tang Ryeo-ryeo's hand gesture expressed respect.

"Benefactor? This is a transaction. Don't call it a favor. Treat it as a deal matching the value of the item."

Jung Yeonshin said. Suspicion of the Tang Clan had not yet been cleared.

Establishing ties under the pretense of sharing techniques was unacceptable.

It was already burdensome to be treated as a grandmaster by his peers in Desolate Fortress.

Yet Tang Ryeo-ryeo shook her head firmly.

"Full Sky Flower Rain's worth cannot be matched by anything in our clan. Benefactor, you will gain much."

"I'm not interested. Does that mean you accept the deal?"

"Yes. I will tell you everything."

She was willing to sell out her father's information to learn the technique. The Tang Clan's ruthlessness was no lie.

For Jung Yeonshin, it was a satisfying outcome. A method improvised on the spot had unraveled the Twin Venoms' dilemma.

Beside him, Flame Dragon smiled faintly and gestured toward the Tang Clan's guards, who were blocked by the Returning Wings Squad martial artists.

"If they resisted, we were prepared to torture them and kill those men."

"Are you an unorthodox martial artist?"

Namgoong Hwashin asked while still stroking the blade of his sword.

Jung Yeonshin felt reassured once again.

Even if the Tang Clan's traditions were strict and Sichuan's martial world was formidable, the Returning Wings Squad's temperament was already prepared to confront Sichuan.

"I am Yeohwa of the Tang Clan from Shu Road."

A boy resembling a slightly larger Iron Tribe member, Tang Yeohwa, introduced himself.

He added "Shu" before mentioning the Tang Clan. It symbolized how the perilous path to Sichuan represented his family.

It was the characteristic pride of Central Plains people, who loved to embellish their identity.

Yet, he couldn't fully hide his intimidated demeanor. Ever since witnessing Jung Yeonshin's technique, his gaze had slightly lowered.

His sister, Tang Ryeo-ryeo, seemed to think that was preferable.

"Keep quiet. You can't even step into the basics."

She scolded her brother and turned her head. When her eyes met Jung Yeonshin's, she smiled subtly with an elegant expression.

"Benefactor, allow us to speak first. Receiving instruction in martial arts can wait. What would you like to know?"

Her words carried a shrewd and clever tone.

It seemed they intended to secure a satisfying answer first and then receive thorough instruction.

It was then.

Jung Yeonshin detected an unusual sound rising from the pitch-black abyss below.

It was a faint thunder-like resonance breaking through the void where only wind had echoed.

When he turned his gaze, Flame Dragon and Namgoong Hwashin nodded.

"It wasn't an illusion. Something's down there."

"I heard it too."

They had sensed it as well.

Jung Yeonshin gave a slight nod. This was where the Radiant Demon Squad's trail had gone cold.

If something strange lay ahead, it warranted investigation.

"We're heading down. Follow me."

The boy spoke.

The Tang twins, who also wore startled expressions, nodded. The initiative had already shifted.

As direct heirs of the Tang Clan, this was an unfamiliar experience. However, with the opportunity to learn Full Sky Flower Rain at stake, they had no other choice.

"Down we go."

At Jung Yeonshin's brief command, the group began to move.

Leading the way were Flame Dragon, Namgoong Hwashin, Crimson Noon Sword, and the Returning Wings Squad following closely behind the young leader. Their formation was one of protection.

The Tang Clan's guards followed slowly, flanking the Dragon and Phoenix Twins.

They, too, had witnessed the precursor to Full Sky Flower Rain. The murderous aura that had previously hung in the air like the winds of a canyon had now dissipated into a gentle breeze.

"We cannot trust the Tang Clan so easily."

Crimson Noon Sword stepped forward.

"Leader, how about dividing our group and keeping them between our main force?"

"Do it."

Jung Yeonshin turned and responded. Since temporarily taking command, he had been speaking informally to the Returning Wings Squad's warriors.

Even briefly, he was their acting leader. Authority needed to be established.

"May we come along as well? The Sichuan martial world is unfamiliar to you. We can provide information as long as it doesn't compromise your safety before any major battle."

Hu-gae and the Beggar Sect disciples also wished to join. Jung Yeonshin nodded.

Footsteps echoed.

The suddenly expanded group began descending toward the bottom of the cliff along a narrow trail.

Calling it a trail was generous. It barely qualified as a path.

They moved by stepping on protruding sections of the cliff, using body techniques as if flying between footholds.

Whoosh!

Jung Yeonshin, Flame Dragon, Namgoong Hwashin, and the Tang twins descended first.

The five prodigies landed lightly, their robes fluttering in the wind.

Meanwhile, Flame Dragon and Namgoong Hwashin positioned themselves above the Tang twins.

There was no complete trust. The Returning Wings Squad left no openings.

Flutter!

Tang Ryeo-ryeo and Tang Yeohwa truly proved their genius.

Their agile movements showcased refined techniques that revealed mastery of graceful footwork.

Even after Jung Yeonshin had subdued their Yin Crossing Point, they descended the treacherous cliff with ease.

During the descent, Jung Yeonshin listened to stories about the Tang Clan's leader.

Venomous Phoenix referred to her father as "Father", while Venomous Dragon called him "Dad".

"Our father is smaller in stature than us. Since our noble grandmother is of the Iron Tribe, the blood runs strong. Our mother is Han, but as you know, the villains of the Thirteen Heavens…"

"He's also an exceptional blacksmith. The Hongcheon Divine Sword was crafted by his hands."

"He often visited the Iron Blossom Forge in Shunqing Prefecture. It's a famous smithy in Sichuan, known for its white-hot furnace flames. If you teach us Full Sky Flower Rain, our clan will transform your Desolate Sword into a divine blade. I'll personally ensure it happens."

The twins' personalities were starkly different. Tang Ryeo-ryeo displayed the composure of a refined lady, while Tang Yeohwa revealed the exuberance of a young noble.

While Tang Ryeo-ryeo explained things carefully, Tang Yeohwa became talkative once he started speaking.

The Tang twins tried to stay close to Jung Yeonshin.

Even when they reached the bottom of the cliff, where darkness engulfed them, they remained nearby.

Thud.

Their feet touched the ground. An unusually heavy sensation spread through the soles of their feet.

"...!"

In an instant, Jung Yeonshin grabbed his head. The Baihui acupoint burned intensely. Multiple images flashed through his mind.

There was a vast space beneath the earth. The Radiant Demon Squad faced off against a short-statured clan.

It looked as if he had been betrayed—long sword marks slashed across the backs of several of Radiant Demon Squad's comrades.

The pale back of Baek Miryeo came into view. She had been stabbed multiple times. Chung Myung's abdomen was also wounded.

Moreover—

There was a whispering sensation. It was a glimpse of foresight.

The luminous energy at the crown of his head conveyed the message.

Today, a divine art would be born.