Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Chapter 78 – Competition (2)

“The Sect Lord?”

“Haven’t seen her face in a long time. Since before the competition announcement.”

It was the seat of honor at Desolate Sect’s central practice ground. It was a conversation between the Elder Council Lord and former Divine Sword Sect Leader.

The old man wrapped impressively in purple clothes smiled. He was Desolate Sect’s Elder Council Lord.

As he stroked the white beard hanging below his chin, even the presence in his small gesture was no less than Ma Yeon-jeok’s.

He said:

“Long time? It’s only been seven days and nights. Mind your own family affairs. I heard there was quite a disturbance.”

“I just came back angry. Before being an imperial family, she’s my family member, yet acting so rashly…”

Ma Yeon-jeok echoed with a frightening face.

He had just turned over the Desolate Ma family’s separate building. Zhu Lianting, Ma Se-in’s birth mother, had contacted Lightning Genius.

A matter that might have gone unnoticed was revealed. It was thanks to the commotion raised by Radiant Demon Wing warriors.

“Isn’t she your nephew’s wife? Can’t just call it rash.”

“I’m greatly disappointed. I thought she would raise the Ma family to solid ground along with Se-in.”

“How could she maintain composure when her son’s succession rights are shaking? Even more so if it’s blamed on an in-law who rolled in.”

“In-law who rolled in? Now I see you’ve been jealous. To say such things even seeing that appearance, if you’re serious I should first find a grave site for your eyeballs.”

Ma Yeon-jeok pointed down.

It was the practice ground center. Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin had won in the competition before the final martial match.

The youth wearing blue martial robes was slowly sheathing his sword.

There was no trembling in his sheathing motion, and his calm expression particularly stood out.

He easily defeated a white-ranked master close to blue rank promotion. It meant he was a warrior at the level of an orthodox faction elite that any martial artist would acknowledge.

They said his age was sixteen. It was hard for anyone to believe.

“The Namgung family’s Clear White Twin Qilins made their name when younger than that child.”

The Elder Council Lord said with a smiling face.

“The legitimate son Azure Qilin’s Emperor Sword and the illegitimate son White Qilin’s Azure Sky Boundless Sword. They said it would be an invincible combination in the future. Do you think Lightning Genius who grew up in an insignificant background can catch up? Those raised preciously with spirit medicines are filled with true qi from their muscles and veins. It’s not a gap that can be changed by feeding high-grade spirit pills belatedly.”

“……”

“Of course Lightning Genius is extraordinary too. I’ve heard well of his martial arts that destroy demons and sound techniques that annihilate the weak. However, they won’t work on orthodox supreme masters.”

“I know White Qilin’s growth momentum. Originally strong, he seems to have dissolved three meridians spirit medicine energy.”

“He’s a child I’ve been watching, his achievements were tremendous. They said Lazy Flame Dragon is imprisoned in the sect prison? Even he wouldn’t be able to look down on him now. He received heaven-bestowed martial talent. Even without being born with special meridians, his qualities are incomparably outstanding. But Lightning Genius’ conditions are different.”

The Elder Council Lord continued speaking while pointing at Lightning Genius and White Qilin each:

“Look at their faces. Though illegitimate, White Qilin who was raised in comfort has smiles seeping from his lips. Isn’t it pleasant to see? Very natural. But how about Lightning Genius? His expression is so absent it seems he grew up being hit. Look at those chilling eyes. A face good for killing people.”

“……”

“No one can beat someone who smiles. If perfect childhood is added to qualities, nothing more is needed. White Qilin has everything. He might have become Namgung family head if not for his brother. Though I don’t know much about Lightning Genius.”

“Enough…”

Ma Yeon-jeok opened his mouth again.

“He might already be comparable to White Qilin. Yeon-shin, that child was born with an unprecedented sense. Martial arts created with great master’s qualities should fit him perfectly, so I can’t even guess how much more he’ll grow.”

The Elder Council Lord exaggeratedly smacked his lips.

“The face expression can be made. I’m thinking of adopting him. Or… for my granddaughter who is overflowing with talent.”

“Step over my sword first.”

“Then I should take in White Qilin. But, if your heart is so firm, why don’t you take in Lightning Genius? You seem unable to even lure him with wealth.”

“……”

“I can roughly guess. You’re afraid? Of going against the mindset of the grandson you abandoned. Or perhaps, did you get scolded by the Sect Lord? You who would have done something long ago.”

The Elder Council Lord said with a broad smile.

“……”

“Both! How pitiful karma can be!”

No answer came from Ma Yeon-jeok.

The Elder Council Lord’s smile deepened at his silently closed mouth.

“It feels like a dream when you commanded the murim as Divine Sword SquadLeader. Do you remember the day you destroyed the demonic cult’s remnants and planted Desolate Sect’s flag on Tianshen Mountain? You were truly strong that day. When there were few comparable under heaven, how did you fall so insignificantly?”

“Because Ma family martial arts are far from orthodox techniques.”

The Elder Council Lord’s eyes slightly widened as if not expecting an answer.

“You’ve changed a bit.”

His words were right. Ma Yeon-jeok wasn’t originally someone who spoke like this.

The talent of the grandson he saw late was dazzling.

He attached people. He used the family’s masters as informants.

He ordered them to directly observe and report on Lightning Genius who went to the murim. He couldn’t order intervention.

Going against the Sect Lord’s threat was close to defying heaven even for Ma Yeon-jeok.

Therefore he couldn’t respond to the Blood Flame Sect Seventh Apostle’s kidnapping. It was an absurd matter.

He received reports that they couldn’t approach while Namgung watched on, with two apostles and dozens of swordmasters.

Ma Yeon-jeok was furious at himself for not attaching supreme masters, but it was too late to be bound by the aftermath.

He only felt relief when Desolate Sect’s lord personally stepped in, and his grandson’s activities he had received vividly in raw reports during that time brought a relief to his heart.

Running. Only running forward.

[TL Note- Running forward is referring to Yeon-shin’s progress and missions.]

The boy ran without rest. It was enough to take Ma Yeon-jeok’s breath away while reading the words.

His conduct of seemingly dedicating everything to merits and martial arts even sprouted vast spirit.

At some point when he came to his senses, Desolate Ma family’s Ma Yeon-jeok was growing distant.

It was like that whenever he thought of the boy. The years spent as Divine Sword SquadLeader seemed to slowly rewind.

It was an emotion hard to define even for himself.

He said:

“You said fall? It’s inevitable.It was built easily, so it collapses easily. Peak periods aren’t long. I only envy the orthodox faction elders, I’ve thought long about it.”

Ma Yeon-jeok looked down at his grandson. The martial match between Lightning Genius and White Qilin was suddenly imminent.

He muttered:

“Yeon-shin will become the main sect’s divine sword, so Ma family martial arts don’t suit him. I must think of another way. Even more so if that child is to face the Namgung family that’s first in orthodox ways in the future…”

* * *

The combination of Demon Roar Blood Energy Technique and Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm.

It was a method that formalized formation techniques into moves while staying long at the Blood Flame Sect headquarters.

At this moment he only increased precision and power. The sensation given by operating opposing powers was special.

‘It’s cold.’

His extended left hand was freezing. Like being dipped in ice. The true qi passing through the Inner Gate point below his wrist was fierce.

While irregular waves rose with blood energy, the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm wrapping his left hand revealed dazzling light enough to split.

It was blue light pulsing like a heartbeat.

When the blue light surrounding his left hand surged greatly once, a thunderous sound burst.

BANG!

Energy waves exploded in the air. Instantly compressed air pushed down to reach below his feet.

Along with dust shooting up backwards, Namgung Hwa-sin’s body bounced. The heavy recoil pushed even Jeong Yeon-shin back.

‘Need to keep refining it.’

The power was certain. Even without hitting, a master of White Qilin’s level stepped back seven steps.

But the problems were just as significant. Precision dropped greatly.

It was an extremely forceful power deployment, and if he couldn’t even land an effective strike it would be meaningless.

It was an issue to resolve by the time they went to the Namgung family.

Right now was fine though. The opponent’s confusion was great.

In the tiny instant Namgung Hwa-sin regained balance from the aftermath of an unknown martial art, that small moment entered Jeong Yeon-shin’s perception.

THUD!

He planted one foot. It was a true step. He had already raised intent in his lower dantian. True qi burst forth from the Bubbling Well point under his foot.

WHOOSH!

As wind brushed past his ears, Namgung Hwa-sin grew larger in his vision.

He closed five steps’ distance in one step. Waves of true qi rose from the hand drawing the Desolate Sect sword.

‘Radiant Sword Style.’

The sword marks from Mount Zhongnan were unleashed and transformed into unique martial arts.

In the hazily distorting light cluster, the Desolate Sect sword rushed forward as he twisted his arm. It was a straight horizontal strike.

CLANG!

It was blocked by sharp white light. Clear energy waves swept in. Was it the Namgung family’s Azure Sky Boundless Sword?

His eyes met Namgung Hwa-sin’s as their swords clashed. Colorless light flashed in the eyes reflecting Jeong Yeon-shin’s face.

He seemed completely immersed.

CRUNCH.

Namgung Hwa-sin’s sword force grew stronger. He pushed with deep internal energy.

It was the moment White Qilin’s knowing the enemy became knowing oneself. He would overwhelm with force an opponent lacking inner power quantity.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s arm holding the Desolate Sect sword trembled slightly.

He thought of the spirit pills received as reward. He deliberately hadn’t consumed them.

He would encounter countless enemies who had taken spirit medicines since birth. Jeong Yeon-shin was born to a third-rate martial family.

Since he would face situations where power fell short anytime, blaming internal energy each time would be foolish.

It could be called an obsession. He wanted to overcome through building experience and sense.

“HUP!”

While twisting his waist, he loaded true qi into the oblique muscles beside his abdomen.

The inner power gathered to the Will Chamber point supporting his spine shone strongly.

FLUTTER!

He spun right there along with fluttering clothes. He deliberately yielded in the power struggle.

He loaded Battle Vision raised by spinning in place into his left fist. After Radiant Sword Style came Eternal Blossom Fist.

The Spiral’s energy waves swept up from the ground to clash with his proper fist. Whirlwind gathered in Namgung Hwa-sin’s side clothes.

A thud rang out. With the strike, Namgung Hwa-sin spun greatly and brushed past Jeong Yeon-shin.

It was accomplished Unhindered Clear Flow Body.

His blue robe that had been caught swirling in the energy waves instantly spread out again.

‘He responded the moment he felt the spiral airflow.’

Jeong Yeon-shin felt it from the clothes briefly brushing his fist surface. It was shallow. He couldn’t land a strike on the internal organs.

There was more. When their forms crossed, Namgung Hwa-sin’s flashing sword light brushed past his thigh.

It stung slightly. They had fully exchanged one move.

THUD.

He was a strong enemy who had created countermeasures by observing his unique martial arts. Jeong Yeon-shin advanced without waiting for the first attack.

Namgung Hwa-sin did the same. It was a sword technique spreading widely while raising the blade to an upper stance above his head.

The family’s properly cultivated martial arts were both majestic and magnificent.

Azure Heaven Boundless Sword’s sword forms rushed at Jeong Yeon-shin while emitting free energy waves.

WUUNG!

Multiple colorless energy waves were imbued in one sword strike. It approached like a net covering the sky.

It seemed to be a skill called sword energy. He heard it was one of many branches of energy waves.

‘Dodge and cut through.’

He stepped with Radiant Wing Step. The Mount Hua Great Violet Pill incident came to mind. It was footwork he created while taking Ma Jin’s test to receive solo missions.

First was Radiant Wing First Step.

The direction of Namgung Hwa-sin’s sword path and energy waves seemed to be caught in his eyes. The Hundred Meetings point on his crown grew warm.

One footstep that could dance between the sword energy net was engraved in his mind. It blazed with very distinct light.

He stepped exactly the same.

STEP.

The moment he stepped, sharp sword force aftermath cut and dropped his shoulder cloth.

In an instant, moves were exchanged.

Namgung Hwa-sin sprinkled different energy waves as if predicting where he would step, Jeong Yeon-shin avoided by twisting his footwork as if foreseeing that prediction.

STEP.

The boy advanced another step without minding. Energy waves spread from under his feet.

Radiant Wing Second Step. Colorless waves greatly pushed back the scattering energy waves of Azure Heaven Boundless Sword.

It was a step gained when drinking one cup of Immortal wine discussing the murim.

Before they knew it, the distance closed once more. He created an opening and broke through momentum.

WUUNG!

He raised the Desolate Sect sword again with Radiant Sword Sword Style’s verses. Namgung Hwa-sin was also preparing linked moves.

His appearance lowering sword force diagonally was like a painting.

The moment wind streams leaked along the blades of the two Desolate Sect swords, inner power burst from the clashing swords.

CLANG-!

For an instant, heavy recoil climbed up his grip numbing sensation. Jeong Yeon-shin suppressed a groan.

He couldn’t stop. The gap was narrow. This meant only an exchange of blows.

Evasion and collision began repeating endlessly.

CLANG! CLANG! THUD!

Radiant Sword Style, RadiantWing Step, Eternal Blossom Fist’s Spiral-Wall Breaking- Blossom Fist.

Jeong Yeon-shin unleashed all martial arts he had created and mastered until now.

He made this place a ground for refining martial arts. It was another form of training.

Even if blood sprayed, even if sword marks opened wounds, it was so.

When Namgung Hwa-sin who had observed Jeong Yeon-shin’s unique martial arts earlier brought his sword with fearsome counters, Jeong Yeon-shin changed verses on the spot to counterattack.

“……”

The crowd gradually fell into silence.

It was a martial match between geniuses. They compared martial arts head-on.

Brilliance of extraordinary qualities continuously flashed in the endless exchange of moves.

The surroundings that had been individually noisy and clamorous gradually grew quiet.

“…Truly marvelous.”

Someone opened their mouth. It was a whisper. Those agreeing were the same.

“Endless unknown martial arts are being unleashed, yet not losing to the Eight Great Families’ ancient divine techniques.”

“White Qilin’s skills are amazing too. To handle that level of power so skillfully?”

“Radiant Demon Wing’s Lightning Genius… They already say he’s a great master. Creating and cultivating martial arts.”

“Receiving the Eight Families’ divine techniques with unique martial arts? Even at a glance his true qi seems lacking. Yet noble family martial arts grow endlessly powerful eating years…”

Jeong Yeon-shin heard none of it.

He was immersed like Namgung Hwa-sin. They exchanged sense, move battles, and martial art essentials.

It was a realm of qualities shining like comets. He wished it would continue forever.

There was a feeling of the unique martial arts that originally suited his body seeping through his entire body.

WHOOSH!

The wind wrapping around his extended hand was gentle.

Namgung Hwa-sin’s sword energy rippling with Eternal Blossom Fist’s Advancing Thunder energy waves split at the end of Radiant Wing Step.

The techniques rose endlessly more precise.

It was extremely enjoyable. The sensation of talents clashing and rising was intoxicating.

A feeling of something in his whole body awakening again. His mind that had been anxious thinking of the full moon seven days away was soothed.

He recalled unconsciously. There were also spirit pills. He would soon meet Desolate Sect’s lord too.

Then.

The boy began to smile.