WeTried Translations

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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Episode 137: The Turbulent Road Home (2)

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The Tang Sect physicians had just finished examining Ma Yeon-jeok in detail.

To properly take his pulse, Jeong Yeon-shin had needed to reveal at least a little of the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel's power.

There was no way to determine his internal injuries and condition without knowing the circumstances.

"We shall treat this as strictly confidential."

Before Dang Un-hwang, the Tang Family Head, the physicians pledged their lives. They swore to remain silent regarding their benefactor's martial arts.

The boy had spoken of dharma power. He had also said that Ma Yeon-jeok's Azure Flame was a dharma-power martial art.

The physicians had been too stunned to continue speaking, but one among them was particularly knowledgeable.

The elderly physician spoke of resonance between qi of the same nature.

They gave examples such as joint attacks by fellow disciples who cultivated the same energy and sword formations that amplified qi.

If wondrous powers such as dharma power resonated with one another, they said, perhaps even a miracle that prolonged the life of a strong peerless martial artist could occur.

The elderly physician added that it was merely speculation. Studies of dharma power were rare, making it difficult to know much about it.

"Are you saying dharma power affects a person's vitality?"

"No. I said it was resonance between qi of the same nature."

Once they heard the circumstances, the Tang Sect physicians displayed immense interest.

Yet under the Family Head's fierce gaze, they had no choice but to bow and leave. They were only told to prepare medicinal decoctions that would aid his recovery.

'It is enough that he survived. But...'

Something else also mattered to Jeong Yeon-shin.

He looked down at his maternal grandfather, who slept soundly in bed. His wrinkled face now resembled that of an ordinary elderly villager.

If he focused on recuperating, he could recover a body healthy for his age. However, they said it would be difficult for him to cultivate martial arts again.

The acupoints throughout his body and his twelve regular meridians had been severely weakened.

Even Yeon-shin could see that it was no ordinary problem.

If he were to train such a body anew with the Jeong Family Youth Technique, it would likely take a full ten years to regain his former physique.

He had tried to be satisfied merely that his grandfather had not perished alongside the Blood Flame Sect Master.

But now that he saw him before his eyes, he no longer needed to be satisfied with that alone. The boy gazed at his grandfather for a long while.

That was when the Languid Flame Dragon suddenly cleared his throat beside him.

Still lost in thought, Yeon-shin merely lowered and raised his head. It was a sign for him to speak.

"Well, you know. That Martial Alliance Assembly grand founding ceremony."

"Grand founding ceremony?"

"You saw it earlier, more or less. The friendly martial contest."

"Go on."

"There's a reward. They said they'd offer a Great Revitalization Pill. Rumor has it that the Sword Star received it from the Shaolin Abbot after doing him a favor, before being elevated to Alliance Leader. In any case, isn't it the finest thing for restoring one's health? Though I do not know whether they will truly give it out."

"...Thank you."

"It seems I have finally heard something new from the temporary Squad Leader. What did you say?"

A faintly mocking smile touched the Languid Flame Dragon's lips. It was not an unpleasant expression.

He looked as though he were dealing with a younger brother who lacked social grace.

Yeon-shin told him once more to bring lunch.

After standing with his weight on one leg for a moment, the Languid Flame Dragon let out an exaggerated sigh and headed outside.

The boy turned back to his grandfather.

The old man slept deeply. It was difficult to find any trace of a peerless master's bearing in him.

'Still, he survived. Even after facing that Blood Flame Sect Master.'

His heart was heavy, but relief gently washed over him as well.

Either way, the major matter had come to an end for now.

The Ten Perfect Sect had returned after suffering a crippling blow, while the Blood Flame Sect had suffered devastating losses as well.

The Blood Flame Sect Master's remains and the Pure Demon Alliance still troubled him, but that was all.

The Blood Flame Sect Master had been unable to withstand the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel and the Demon-Slaying Azure River Hand at its peak.

The Pure Demon Alliance had lost many elites in the City of Master Craftsmen and on Qizhou's main road.

'The Tang Sect should be able to handle what remains.'

Myriad Flowers Rain had returned as well.

Now that the Tang Sect had seized dominance over Sichuan, the boy's concerns were his grandfather's recovery and the Elder Council Head's whereabouts.

If the search proved difficult, Yeon-shin intended to deploy the Returning Wings Squad.

That was separate from Dang Un-hwang's confident declaration that he would certainly find the person.

'It is time to return.'

Ma Yeon-jeok had briefly regained consciousness while the physicians took his pulse. He smiled when he saw his grandson.

Then he mentioned the Lord of Desolate Fortress.

He said there was something he had to convey in person as soon as possible. He did not say what it was.

'The Great Revitalization Pill... Could I receive an assignment to attend the Martial Alliance's grand founding ceremony?'

The boy thought about it.

Black Uniform advancement would probably come first. That was the law of Desolate Fortress.

During this trip to Sichuan, Jeong Yeon-shin had accumulated astonishingly great and numerous merits.

Enough that he would not even need to bestow the Jeong Family Youth Technique.

He closed his eyes for a moment. Leaning back in his chair, the boy let sunlight as clear as rippling water wash over him.

He remained like that for quite some time. The summer air was warm.

"I brought it. Driving away the servants who wanted to help was a task in itself."

The Languid Flame Dragon returned carrying an enormous table by himself. Yeon-shin slowly opened his eyes.

"Let us eat. You need a full stomach to care for the sick."

They set the table, laden with a lavish feast, beside the bed and sat facing each other.

They left Ma Yeon-jeok's rice gruel alone. The physicians had said it would be better to eat after it cooled.

Yeon-shin followed the physician's instructions exactly.

The Languid Flame Dragon picked up his utensils without a word and did not tease the boy about it either.

As the two finished their meal, a man and woman called for Yeon-shin from outside the door.

"Benefactor."

"Benefactor...!"

They were the Poison Phoenix and Poison Dragon.

The twin siblings hurried over as though they were servants.

The Poison Phoenix, Tang Ryeo-ryeo, held a rolled bundle of papers in her hand.

After entering, she handed Yeon-shin a small letter.

The words written on the envelope were exceptionally respectful.

[Personal Letter to Master Seom-ye]

It was a message from Dang Un-hwang. The Twin Dragons and Phoenixes of Poison had apparently come because the Tang Family Fort was so vast.

He had not even sent a subordinate in their place.

It showed how highly they regarded Yeon-shin.

The boy carefully unfolded the letter and scanned it.

'At last...'

The hastily written words brought good news.

A trace had been found on a peak at Sword Gate Pass in Sichuan.

It was news of the Elder Council Head of Desolate Fortress. The boy slowly parted his lips.

"I would like to send men to the Qizhou Branch of the main fortress. I also need to ask the Family Head for permission."

"Just say the word!"

Tang Yeo-hwa answered with bright eyes. Tang Ryeo-ryeo tilted her head forward slightly as well.

"I would like Demon Wings and the Returning Wings Squad to stay at the Tang Family Fort for a while."

Yeon-shin spoke.

It was a decision he had made in two capacities: as one wearing Ma Jin's borrowed Black Uniform, and as the temporary Returning Wings Squad Leader.

It was, in a sense, a summons.

* * *

Seven days and nights passed at the Tang Family Fort, which was more expansive than most large estates.

"Aaargh!"

The scream of Tang Tae-dok, the Supreme Family Head, rang out. Even from far away, it pierced the air with a sharp crack.

Jeong Yeon-shin paused while packing his belongings.

They said Tang Tae-dok had been given Viscera-Severing Poison. Its effects were exactly as its name suggested.

It inflicted agony as though one's organs were being torn apart.

The family laws of the Tang clan in Sichuan were severe.

They had not shown Yeon-shin only gentleness until now.

He learned that the Tang Sect's darker reputation came from decisions as sharp as a blade.

Perhaps it was fortunate that he had not met them as enemies.

Anyone who had colluded with a heretical sect designated by the imperial court could not escape severe punishment, not even the Supreme Family Head.

This was after the Elder Council Head of Desolate Fortress had arrived, supported by Tang Sect experts.

The Tang Family Head, Dang Un-hwang, acted in accordance with righteousness and moral duty, yet was exceedingly cold as ice.

Since both sides had exchanged favors and grievances, he wished to bring the matter to a close without becoming enemies with Desolate Fortress.

There was also the respect owed to Master Seom-ye.

He had given poison to his own father, the Supreme Family Head of his clan.

He made the incident public and carried out the punishment before the entire household.

The result was that scream.

Jeong Yeon-shin decided not to concern himself with it. Preparing for the long journey was more urgent.

Step.

After several days in the pavilion he had grown familiar with, he stepped outside.

His footsteps swept through the summer breeze without hesitation.

He headed for the broad entrance before the Tang Family Fort's main gate, where the fierce battle had taken place.

"Squad Leader."

"Seom-ye!"

The Desolate Fortress martial artists waiting there either clasped their fists or waved to him. Their formation was unusual.

A massive carriage stood at its center. It was the result of the boy's arrangements.

With Ma Jin, Cheong Myeong, and Baek Mir-yeo's help, he had organized the returning procession.

Jeong Yeon-shin was in charge of the return journey.

Ma Jin had temporarily transferred the authority of the Leader of Demon Wings to him.

The boy's seniors agreed without complaint.

They highly regarded both his rapidly growing martial prowess and his merits in resolving the City of Master Craftsmen incident.

For martial artists with aura sense, martial prowess was closely linked to battlefield command.

The range of their awareness was the range of their thoughts and actions.

"You must be especially careful of the power of Force Projection. If they are caught in a force wave of qi, we cannot know how their minor meridians and meridians will react. Please take particular care with the escort."

The elderly physician earnestly cautioned him.

They stood beside the three enormous carriages at the center of the procession. It was difficult to even call them carriages.

Their bronze-hued solidity and their size, large enough for five people to lie down comfortably, made that clear.

Chariots suited them better. A complete, luxurious bed had been loaded into each one.

Ma Yeon-jeok and the Elder Council Head lay in separate chariots.

The remaining one carried Desolate Fortress experts too injured to move easily.

Ma Jin, the Leader of Demon Wings who had lost a limb, O Wol-hyang, the Blue Uniform expert, and Baek Mir-yeo and Cheong Myeong, who had suffered penetrating wounds, would be seated comfortably inside.

It was the work of the dwarven race from the City of Master Craftsmen.

Many of them remained with the Tang Sect, while twenty chose to follow Yeon-shin's group.

It was an unusual decision for the deeply insular people of Sichuan. They had chosen Desolate Fortress as their next home.

They said it was the clan's decision, repayment for the kindness shown by Demon Wings and the Returning Wings Squad.

With the servants and physicians provided by the Tang Sect, seventy people had gathered.

"Thank you for everything."

The boy clasped his fists to the short elderly physician.

The elderly physician waved their hands, saying it was nothing of the sort.

"Compared to what our benefactor has done for us, it is nothing. I also owe Hero Ma and Council Head So a debt... I am simply ashamed."

Whoosh!

A sudden wind swept in from every direction. It was a fierce gale raised by the Body Movement Scripture of dozens of Tang Sect experts.

Had the Supreme Family Head's execution ended? Dang Un-hwang landed at the front with a grave expression, accompanied by the Twin Dragons and Phoenixes of Poison.

Green sleeves rose to their chests, followed by the rustle of robes.

They raised their clasped hands in formal salute. The Tang Sect experts had come to see them off.

Jeong Yeon-shin returned the gesture. He did not say anything more.

They had already exchanged farewells once. There was nothing left to discuss.

"Benefactor, will you come to the Martial Alliance's grand founding ceremony?"

Tang Ryeo-ryeo asked carefully.

"Who knows."

"We will be going. I hope you come."

Poison Dragon Tang Yeo-hwa muttered gloomily.

With a faint smile, Yeon-shin stroked the twins' heads one after the other.

The Poison Phoenix and Poison Dragon's faces reddened slightly.

"May your endeavors prosper, Family Head."

"May good fortune in martial endeavors be with you as well, Benefactor."

Dang Un-hwang, having just killed his own father, raised the corner of his lips slightly and bowed his head.

Under their gazes, Jeong Yeon-shin walked out to the front.

The Northern Light Sword, now transformed into a divine sword, hung at his waist.

The blazing summer sun caught its silver hilt, scattering dazzling light.

"We depart."

The boy gave the order calmly. Hyeon Won-chang and Namgung Hwa-shin stood behind him to either side, along with the Languid Flame Dragon and Red Noon Sword.

A group more splendid than the escort procession of most escort agencies began to move.

Four fine horses pulled each of the three chariots, while the escorting experts formed three layers around the chariots, members of the dwarven race, servants, and physicians.

The sound of hooves slowly rang out.

They passed through the main gate of the Tang Family Fort. The two elderly masters were in poor condition, so they could not travel at a gallop.

They moved at about a brisk walking pace. Led by Jeong Yeon-shin, the enormous procession entered the broad official road.

"What's going on? That is the direction of the Tang Family Fort..."

"Look at their uniforms. They are warriors from Desolate Fortress."

"Those carriages are unusual. Could it be that inside, that... Tyrant Hero..."

It was the official road that ran straight through Chengdu in Sichuan. There were many onlookers.

Merchant caravans and escort parties carrying goods, vendors calling to customers from their stalls, inn attendants stretching as they stepped outside, and wanderers alike.

Everyone's attention focused on them at once.

Holding the sword hilt, the boy walked in silence. The moment he sensed anything suspicious, he intended to draw his sword.

At last, he was on the final stretch of the mission he had received as Returning Wings Squad Leader. Together with Demon Wings, he had properly begun the journey home.

The high sky stretched blue overhead, but he could not feel as peaceful as the scenery appeared.

News of the struggle between Sichuan's major factions was spreading throughout the martial world.

The Ten Perfect Sect disciples had seen Ma Yeon-jeok looking like a mummy.

'I need to stay vigilant.'

Desolate Fortress was a faction with many enemies.

He had to account even for reckless fools.

All kinds of people lived in the Central Plains. Many moved according to their own interests.

Common sense often did not apply to them. The same went for their ability to accurately judge the difference in strength between themselves and an opponent.

There would be those who would break through the escort and rush in, hoping to do something to a Purple Uniform expert.

'The physician said to be wary of qi of a different nature.'

As the boy recalled the Tang Sect physician's words, figures who had been giving off an irritating presence from the front left approached him.

Their movements were incredibly light. Yeon-shin gauged the distance between them in a corner of his mind.

There were three of them. All were young.

Each possessed outstanding aura, but the swordswoman at the front stood out above all else. A dark-hued treasured sword hung at her waist.

She was dressed in a scarlet silk martial outfit, her pitch-black hair falling to her waist.

Though her presence was clearly restrained, it still felt extremely sharp.

"I am Chwi So-ok of the Jeomchang Sect."

There was discipline in the way she clasped her fists.

Her expression was completely unlike her aura. The downturned corners of her large eyes made her look gentle.

She even gave a somewhat delicate impression. Yet no one underestimated her.

The Jeomchang Sect was one branch of the Nine Great Sects. It was also famed as a sword sect.

And when it came to Chwi So-ok of Jeomchang, martial artists openly said, even while watching the imperial court's reaction, that she had the makings of a future lord of the sword.

"Little Sword Empress. It has been a long time."

Namgung Hwa-shin, standing to Yeon-shin's left, greeted her. They appeared to be acquainted.

"I have often heard that Young Hero Namgung has made a name for himself in Desolate Fortress. I am very glad to meet you again like this."

Chwi So-ok returned the greeting with a gentle smile.

Even then, Jeong Yeon-shin, who led the group, did not stop walking. He had no peace of mind.

He had begun this long journey at his grandfather's request, but he needed to reach Desolate Fortress as quickly as possible so the old man could rest in safety.

For that reason, Chwi So-ok's group had to walk alongside them if they wished to talk.

The man in blue martial robes beside her slightly furrowed his brow. But Chwi So-ok spoke first.

"I have long heard of Seom-ye of Demon Wings. I would like to make your acquaintance as well, Young Hero."

"I am curious about your business. It seems there is another reason."

He answered indifferently.

Only Hyeon Won-chang, who had been with him for a long time, noticed the boy's unusual mood.

After arriving in Sichuan, the boy had endured several extreme situations.

He had lost many seniors, watched his uncle's arm fall, and seen his grandfather suffer a life-threatening injury.

Hyeon Won-chang knew Jeong Yeon-shin's constitution.

How were the fear born from a short life and the events of the Sichuan martial world changing the young boy? He still did not know.

'Just go away, you lot.'

Hyeon Won-chang touched the hero's headband across his forehead. He only hoped nothing would happen.

Chwi So-ok smiled faintly.

"I have long admired the Tyrant Hero's sword, so I dared to come inquire after his well-being. As a junior of the martial world, might I have the chance to pay my respects to the former Divine Sword Squad Leader?"

The Little Sword Empress's group were not martial artists from the main fortress.

Perhaps he had no reason to worry about his reputation.

Or perhaps the situation was understandable to everyone who knew the circumstances.

The boy's honest thoughts slipped from his mouth.

"Get lost."

"..."

The words brought silence.

For a moment, only the flapping hem of the long robe of Jeong Yeon-shin's Black Uniform could be heard.

Unlike the frozen silence, the wind of the Sichuan Basin continued to move without rest.

Then Hyeon Won-chang hurriedly stepped in.

"Our Squad Leader says the timing is terribly bad, so it would be better to arrange another occasion."

Someone choked atop one of the chariots.

The Languid Flame Dragon, sitting carelessly on its roof, stopped chewing opium poppy and burst into laughter.

Footnotes:

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