Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

"Did the White challenge the Blue to a duel?"

"Strictly speaking, it's a guided sparring match for learning."

"That's not it. I know the inside story."

For once, whispers filled every corner of Desolate Fortress.

News spread that a newcomer and a Blue robe martial artist of Heavenly Squad would duel for the honor of their respective groups.

The general consensus was that the distinctions between the White, Blue, and Black uniforms in Desolate Fortress were far more pronounced than they appeared. Thus, the outcome itself wasn't the focus of interest.

"How many bouts will he last?"

"Regardless, it won't be more than ten bouts."

"Agreed. A newly inducted White lasting more than ten bouts against a Blue? That's impossible to picture."

"It's like a disciple from the Mount Hua Sect challenging the Plum Blossom Swordmaster."

On the day of the duel, the rumor had spread so widely that even members of other divisions, as well as a few from the Command Office, came to watch.

The venue was Heavenly Squad's training grounds.

Already there, Jung Yeonshin stood under the curious eyes of the crowd, scanning his surroundings.

It was swords, swords everywhere.

Gazing at the variety of swords hanging on the weapon racks, he was reminded once again that Heavenly Squad was renowned for its mastery of the sword, even in the martial world.

'They train with swords exclusively until they reach Blue rank here, don't they?'

While it was widely known that Desolate Fortress conducted tests to induct White-ranked martial artists, there were a few other entry paths as well.

The most recognized method resembled that of other major sects, taking in children whose meridians had not yet been corrupted by foul energy, dressing them in plain clothes, and gradually advancing them through White and then Blue ranks.

This was considered the more traditional and promising approach.

Jung Yeonshin couldn't forget the bright, lively children he had seen at Radiant Demon Squad Hall. They were even here now, cheering him on.

"You have to last five moves! I bet sweets with the Heavenly Squad kids! Hey, look here! Over here!"

"Brother! Don't disgrace the Radiant Demon Squad's name!"

"Senior! Go for it—!"

'Senior, huh.'

Jung Yeonshin chuckled.

Unlike other sects, in Desolate Fortress, uniform colors determined one's entire rank. In this aspect, it resembled the military.

The children occasionally called him and Heon Wonchang 'senior' as a joke. For Jung Yeonshin, who had never formed attachments to a family, it felt novel and endearing.

He waved to the ten or so children cheering for him, and their loud cheers erupted. They were such innocent kids.

'Come to think of it, there were others my age too.'

There were older disciples at Radiant Demon Squad as well.

It was said that earning a White uniform and becoming an official martial artist by the age of twenty was considered fast.

Jung Yeonshin's advancement had been unusually rapid.

Naturally, there were disciples older than him. Unlike the cheering children, they still felt somewhat distant.

'Time will fix that.'

Setting the thought aside, he looked ahead.

The expressions of the martial artists presumed to be from Heavenly Squad were far from pleasant.

They were clearly displeased that a fresh recruit from Desolate Exam had challenged them to a duel.

On one side, two martial arts masters in jet-black uniforms were locked in a battle of wills, Ma Jin and the leader of Heavenly Squad.

Heavenly Squad's leader was a famed swordsman renowned as one of the Ten Great Swordmasters of Central Plains. He was tall and lanky, with long arms and piercing eyes.

"I'll wager one division elixir on whether he lasts ten moves. Of course, I'm betting that brat won't last."

The leader of Heavenly Squad spoke, and Ma Jin's face twisted in disbelief.

"Elixir? Isn't that excessive?"

"Are you scared? Afraid you'll lose?"

"Such childish provocation. Desolate Fortress's elixirs are no trifling matter."

"Radiant Demon Squad's and Heavenly Squad's honor is at stake. Is this a trivial matter?"

The Heavenly Squad leader's sharp words pressed Ma Jin as if dominating a predator's confrontation.

"Ma Jin, you're looking weak for once. Did you really cause that commotion at the council meeting to bring in someone like him?"

"You seem to have a lot of resentment."

"Don't change the subject. Are you backing out?"

"Ha... Fine. I'll accept."

"Good. A true leader must trust his subordinates."

The Heavenly Squad leader smirked and turned away, missing Ma Jin's faint grin.

* * *

"Your name's Jung Yeonshin? Radiant Demon Squad, White rank?"

"Radiant Demon Squad's Jung Yeonshin."

He respectfully cupped his hands in greeting. It hadn't been long since he used to introduce himself as Jung Yeonshin of Xinye, yet now, identifying himself as Radiant Demon Squad felt much more fitting.

From the Jung family's massacre to his journey from Nanyang in Hanem to Yangyang in Central Plains, no matter how others viewed him, he found this moment—representing an organization in a formal duel—both strange and precious.

His opponent, standing ten paces away, wore a Blue uniform, exuding sharp discipline and piercing eyes.

"I've trained in Heavenly Sword Arts for twenty years. They say a sword has no eyes, but a master's sword sees all. Still, I won't hold back. Remember that."

"Yes."

Jung Yeonshin's curt response made the opponent's brow twitch.

Without further words, the opponent rested his hand on his sword's hilt. Immediately, a chilling aura radiated outward.

'What kind of sword technique does he use?'

Jung Yeonshin hadn't intended any provocation with his brief reply.

He was already unraveling his Jung Family Movement Arts, using true energy to read his opponent.

According to his seniors, Heavenly Sword Arts was highly versatile.

It could manifest as swift attacks or powerful strikes depending on the practitioner.

'A Blue robe martial artist would have mastered all forms but specialize in one.'

Thus, Jung Yeonshin resolved to wield his own techniques.

'Limit Releasing Technique.'

A unique martial art he had created, leveraging not just the density but also the flow of his true energy.

Having perfected the Jung Family's Movement arts, he had completely mastered his twelve main meridians and eight extraordinary vessels, allowing for precise control.

Limit Releasing Technique had also evolved, resembling swift attacks as it targeted weak points and circulated energy fluidly.

"Come."

The Blue robe martial artist invited him, naturally yielding the first move. Jung Yeonshin intended to surprise him.

"Hup."

The moment he drew breath, he advanced, unsheathing his sword.

A deep resonance burst from his energy as it struck the ground, and sunlight splintered across the blade's surface, inscribed with the patterns of Radiant Demon Sword techniques.

The force surging from beneath gathered at his blade in a concentrated burst, tracing the path of Radiant Demon Sword's sword art.

Clang!

The clash of swords and the vibrations through his grip brought a smile to his lips.

It landed cleanly.

Though he hadn't cut through, the opponent's composure was visibly shaken, his startled face and unstable footing plain to see.

When a sword becomes faster, its power inevitably increases as well. This is referred to as sword force (검력, 劍力).

Pushing off the ground with the same foot that executed the initial step, Jung Yeonshin advanced.

The Limit Releasing Technique, which he classified as a two-stage technique, could produce twice the effect of ordinary energy when properly utilized.

The opponent's figure rapidly grew larger in his view as the scenery blurred past.

Radiant Demon Sword Arts dictated the movements.

At this moment, the sword was his guide.

The opponent's earlier words about leaving no room for hesitation did not mean he was careless.

Unlike those who had been mesmerized by the boy's youthful appearance and instantly defeated, this opponent clearly maintained his composure despite the earlier imbalance.

'Now.'

If not now, he would lose.

Amidst the vast training grounds, surrounded by countless onlookers, Jung Yeonshin thought only of victory.

Clang!

He felt his rapidly improving sword force resonate in his hands. The vibration transmitted through his grip was immense.

Though the opponent's expression quickly grew serious, Jung Yeonshin's relentless strikes, while far below the Blue robe martial artist's level, disrupted his ability to set a proper stance.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ma Jin gathering the children, teaching them the importance of the first strike. How composed of him.

Clang! Clang! Claaang!

The sword path of Radiant Demon Sword Arts traced white streaks in the air.

He was unleashing the full potential of swift strikes.

Persistently pressing on the opponent's initial loss of breath and balance, Jung Yeonshin saw his adversary's face gradually display signs of distress.

Jung Yeonshin lost track of how many moves they had exchanged.

Fully immersed in the moment, he continued to internalize the techniques of Radiant Demon Sword Arts.

Martial principles layered upon his body, already tempered by the Jung Family's core techniques.

As his sword path tilted, he realized he was engaging his back muscles more, and by twisting his step diagonally, he generated rotational force combined with energy—this must be the Rotational Strike (전사경, 發勁) that Chung Myung had once demonstrated!

Whooom!

Energy surged into his sword strike.

Clang!

The opponent stepped back. Jung Yeonshin followed through, lifting his sword and spinning.

Powerful, razor-sharp winds scattered in all directions.

This was the force of emitted energy, fragments of destructive power.

A chill ran down his spine as he felt the thrill of achievement, prompting him to name the technique:

"Energy Accumulation Discharge!"

The energy, too strong to contain, propelled his body into another spin.

At that moment, he instinctively understood that the Energy Accumulation Discharge could be chained into consecutive attacks.

A martial art that gained momentum with each strike, Jung Yeonshin unleashed a follow-up blow, extending the force from his blade.

Boom!

Before the Blue robe martial artist could fully complete his evasive rotation, his sword flew from his hand.

His upper body shook violently from the overwhelming force of Energy Accumulation Discharge as his arm lifted above his head.

"Ugh!"

Barely maintaining his stance, he found Jung Yeonshin's sword pressed against his chin.

Jung Yeonshin held his blade steady with a subtle smile.

Despite having blocked several of Jung Yeonshin's strikes, the Blue robe martial artist's uniform remained surprisingly clean, only slightly wrinkled.

However, the White robe had won. Even if it was due to carelessness, there was no room for excuses.

"······."

Jung Yeonshin stared at him silently.

It was luck.

A flash of inspiration at the right moment had amplified his momentum and granted him victory.

If they were to fight again, it wouldn't end the same way.

Wasn't it said that Desolate Fortress's Blue robe martial artists could rival Mount Hua Sect's Plum Blossom Swordmasters?

The vast gap created by just one rank revealed the fortress's formidable strength.

In the expansive martial world, opponents of this caliber would be rare. It felt like he had found his first true goal.

Jung Yeonshin sheathed his sword. Then, bringing his hands together, he bowed deeply.

He had gained a new technique, and set his sights on a new target.

"I thank you for the opportunity to witness such noble swordsmanship."

"······Your sword path and Rotational Strike were astonishing. A mastery beyond your years."

The Blue robe martial artist, after staring briefly, rose to his feet.

The faint upward curl of his lips suggested he wasn't displeased.

Jung Yeonshin thought it amusing how someone could recover their composure with a single bow after having their pride shattered.

Looking around, he saw a variety of reactions. Most wore expressions of shock, while some showed admiration.

"How many moves was that? A White robe actually won?"

"They must have exchanged at least twenty moves."

"Exchanged? No. That was sheer brilliance. Did you say his name was Jung Yeonshin? Incredible talent at such a young age, his skills are baffling."

"Radiant Demon Squad truly has a treasure. I'm sick with jealousy."

Even the usually cheeky Radiant Demon Squad children looked stunned.

Jung Yeonshin bowed toward the Heavenly Squad leader, who was biting his lip, then approached the children.

Though the battle had been intense, his body, tempered by the Jung Clan's Movement Arts, quickly dispelled the residual tension, leaving him unfatigued.

"Radiant Demon Squad, this is good enough, right? Don't forget the sweets."

Crouching to meet their eyes, Jung Yeonshin spoke.

He wasn't sure how many moves they had exchanged, but he had undoubtedly shattered expectations of a mere ten-move survival.

He had won.

The children, still in a daze, gradually brightened as their eyes began to sparkle with excitement—perhaps too brightly.

"Yes! We'll enjoy the sweets!"

"Brother, you're amazing! White is still White after all!"

"Wow······."

The child who had called him 'senior' only managed to let out a mesmerized sigh.

Amidst the chatter, Ma Jin approached with firm steps.

The scent of herbs wafted from his outstretched hand.

On his strong palm rested a tightly compacted medicinal pill. Jung Yeonshin sensed the concentrated energy emanating from it.

"This is yours."

Ma Jin, his scarred lips curling into a faint smile, spoke.