WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Episode 145: Black Uniform (3)

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A day passed.

The boy who returned with three four-horse carriages became the talk of the fortress. Even the procession had been extraordinary.

As the Squad Leader of the temporarily assembled Returning Wings Squad, he had rescued many Demon Wings experts.

Rumor had it that the carriages carried the former Divine Sword Squad Leader and the Elder Council Head, both drained of strength.

If the rumors were true, he had amassed tremendous merit.

“I want to know the details. The Chief Steward's Office is dragging its feet over announcing his merits. It has only been a day, though...”

Martial artists gathered in small groups throughout the main avenues of the main fortress.

Under the summer sun as Mid-Autumn Festival approached, some leaned lightly against walls while others stood straight, conversing.

“I returned from a mission to find the juniors gone. That Returning Wings Squad was a temporary deployment, so there had better be merits befitting it. Our Squad Leader had been biding their time. They seemed thoroughly furious.”

“Rescuing Demon Wings alone should be more than enough merit, shouldn't it? There is even talk that they nearly wiped out two of the Thirteen Heavens. They say the Pure Demon Alliance and Ten Perfect Sect suffered heavy losses.”

“They say Sword Scorpion Demon and Pure Demon Divine Hand died at Seom-ye's hands. If that is true, he is worthy of being ranked among Squad Leaders. I have heard people call him gifted and a genius, but that rate of growth is truly difficult to comprehend. I watched that boy's White Uniform examination myself...”

“Sichuan is so far away. White Qilin and Shin Bin-bin are keeping their mouths shut, too. Has no one heard the details properly from the others?”

The Little Sword Empress's group, who had returned with them, could claim only a small portion of the attention.

Seom-ye, Jeong Yeon-shin, had left a powerful impression in his black robe with one sleeve cut away.

Even the younger generation of the Nine Sects could not find an opening to draw attention away from him.

The same was true of elven elders who had cultivated martial arts for many years, though common folk called them immortals.

“Let's go.”

The Little Sword Empress spoke as she surveyed the Blue Uniform and White Uniform martial artists. Sa Do-ryeong and Jeomchang Dancing Sword escorted her on either side.

Only then did many Desolate Fortress experts cast sharp glances their way.

They received no more than that because they were from the Nine Sects. Had they been from a family or the Demonic Sect, it would not have ended with covert surveillance.

“I can feel the military discipline. To bind so many experts together... it is truly frightening.”

The young swordsman in blue martial robes, who had previously faced off against the Languid Flame Dragon, muttered to himself.

He was Sa Do-ryeong of the Jeomchang Sect, famed by the epithet Heavenly One Sword.

“It is the single strongest major faction. No gossipmonger in the world would deny it. If the faction's purpose were not maintaining security throughout the Central Plains, even we would have to bow our heads wherever we went. It is fortunate that their strength is divided. The Martial Alliance and the Thirteen Heavens are both counting on that.”

Jeomchang Dancing Sword spoke in a near whisper.

After strolling through the permitted areas of the main fortress, the Jeomchang Sect group returned to their lodgings.

They had been given an annex attached to the Chief Steward's Office.

Though their circumstances within Jeong Yeon-shin's group had been much like those of prisoners, they were disciples of the Nine Sects. They received fine accommodations.

A small pavilion beside a pond filled with drawn river water basked in sunlight.

Yet the three Jeomchang disciples sat on rocks by the water without sparing the scenery a glance.

“A hidden power base was taking shape within Desolate Fortress. Seom-ye, Jeong Yeon-shin...”

Jeomchang Dancing Sword, dressed in a white daoist robe, trailed off as she looked at the Little Sword Empress.

Her calm disposition was well known within the Jeomchang Sect.

Whenever martial siblings entered the martial world together, she served as their strategist.

Among the younger generation, she alone could keep her eldest martial sister, Chwi So-ok, the Little Sword Empress, in check.

“I do not know what sort of variable he will become in the martial world. He is an emerging expert beyond all expectations. If he attends the Martial Alliance's grand founding ceremony, he will be appearing at the center of the martial world. How will the White Path's orthodox sects react...?”

“Can he even be called an emerging talent anymore? It is arrogant to say that only because our mountain sects have not formed ties with him. What are you worried about?”

The Little Sword Empress asked absently as she stroked the rock.

Jeomchang Dancing Sword swallowed.

“It is hard to tell what stance the Martial Alliance will take. From what I can see, Seom-ye, whose name has risen lately, will likely go to the Martial Alliance.”

“Why would that matter?”

“The nature of the grand founding ceremony will change depending on what kind of expert serves as its representative envoy.”

“That is the martial world for you. Whether it is the White Path, the Black Path, or the Demonic Sect.”

The Little Sword Empress's voice flowed with a certain rhythm. Jeomchang Dancing Sword sighed.

“We started the conflict, and Seom-ye's side was not at fault. It would not be right to rashly make an enemy of him. The problem is that the Martial Alliance may feel differently.”

“The alliance was founded because the Huangbo Family was destroyed and the Namgung direct line was exterminated.”

Sa Do-ryeong added in a deliberately indifferent tone.

After his encounter with the Languid Flame Dragon, he had been trying to show the bearing of a great man.

The Little Sword Empress gave a small laugh, as though she found her junior martial brother endearing.

“Right. It will be difficult for them to be friendly with Desolate Fortress, if only for the sake of their cause.”

“If they follow public sentiment and reason, they should side with Desolate Fortress. But Seom-ye is such a tempestuous young expert, and that is another problem.”

“Ah.”

The Little Sword Empress smiled vaguely as she drew the hair that had fallen over her shoulder through her fingers.

“So that is what worries you? That makes sense. He even hurled such harsh words at the Pure Demon Alliance Leader. If that behavior turns toward the elders of the orthodox sects...?”

Her lips curved before parting slightly.

“Haa.”

A strange breath escaped her, somewhere between a chuckle and an exclamation. Her manner was truly bold.

Sa Do-ryeong suddenly blushed and turned his head away, while Jeomchang Dancing Sword let out a deep sigh.

“If something serious happens at the grand founding ceremony... what stance should our Nine Sects take?”

“Who knows. First, should he not be promoted to Black Uniform? To become the Martial Alliance's representative at the grand founding ceremony, I mean. From what I hear, Seom-ye has not formally taken the position of Squad Leader yet.”

“That is not something for you to worry about.”

A man in blue martial robes approached from the opposite side with an upright bearing.

He seemed wrapped in an extraordinary presence from head to toe.

It began with his slender, finely shaped jaw. His skin was so pale that he barely looked like a martial artist, yet the high bridge of his nose carried the spirit of a swordsman.

“Every one of them is strikingly handsome. If Seom-ye grows any more, he may surpass even Young Hero Namgung. Should we not call them the Flowerbag Squad instead of the Returning Wings Squad? Their swordsmanship is extraordinary, too.”

The Little Sword Empress muttered with slightly dreamy eyes. Beside her, Jeomchang Dancing Sword lowered her head and lightly covered her face with one hand.

Sa Do-ryeong bit his lip and stepped down from the rock. He moved forward at once.

“White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin. What business do you have here?”

“I came to fetch you. There will soon be a Black Uniform promotion examination.”

The strength in Namgung Hwa-shin's voice alone conveyed the bearing of a powerful expert. His pitch-black eyes regarded the Jeomchang Sect group.

Those words immediately caught their attention. Interest flashed in the Jeomchang experts' eyes.

“You mean to show something like that to outsiders?”

Jeomchang Dancing Sword stepped beside Sa Do-ryeong as she spoke. Namgung Hwa-shin silently nodded.

“A Squad Leader let it slip while discussing something. I came of my own accord, but I certainly received permission from the Chief Steward's Office.”

“The Squad Leader you mean is...”

Swish.

Chwi So-ok, the Little Sword Empress, slowly rose.

Her eyes gleamed with starlike interest.

“Is it the Swift Heaven Wing Squad Leader, or the Returning Wings Squad Leader?”

“...The next Leader of Demon Wings.”

Namgung Hwa-shin replied calmly.

* * *

The boy, now changed into blue martial robes, walked down a long corridor.

The ancient-looking stone floor beneath his feet gleamed a dark hue.

Though it was stone, it was smooth. It was impossible to tell how carefully it must have been maintained.

The corridor stretched far ahead. At his usual pace, its end seemed nowhere in sight.

A servant guiding them hurried along in front.

“Are you sure I am suitable for this?”

Hyeon Won-chang, walking beside him, suddenly asked. Jeong Yeon-shin gave a slight nod before speaking.

“The Languid Flame Dragon is only an unranked disciple, so he does not suit the occasion. Shin So-bin comes from the prestigious Shin Family, which may give the impression that I rely on influence. I would feel burdened asking the other seniors precisely because they are my seniors, so aside from you, Young Hero Hyeon, there was no one I could ask to stand beside me.”

“What about Young Hero Namgung?”

“He belongs to the Swift Heaven Wing Squad.”

“Hm.”

“The Returning Wings Squad has officially disbanded. Everyone has a unit they properly belong to, so it was inevitable. I consider even the strength they lent me a favor that would be difficult to repay even in a lifetime.”

The boy spoke, and Hyeon Won-chang's lips lifted into a grin.

“I will support you better than anyone. Well, I volunteered because you said all I had to do was stand beside you.”

“I have always trusted you.”

Jeong Yeon-shin meant it.

There was something strange about Hyeon Won-chang, who had entered Desolate Fortress alongside him after taking the Desolate Exam.

Though his martial prowess was not particularly outstanding, he did not seem like someone who would ever die away from home.

At times, even his talk about seven-tenths of his own qi sounded true.

Imperial Hero Hyeon Won-chang.

‘His character is what matters most.’

The boy thought.

Once again, he realized that few of the experts he had met in the main fortress had been difficult people.

Aside from rare exceptions such as Ju Yeon-jeong of the Desolate Ma family, they had all become a source of strength for him.

Even calling it good fortune with people seemed insufficient. It was luck.

Step.

At last, they reached the end of the corridor. A huge door blocked the way ahead.

Its handle was decorated with a golden dragon-head carving. The door itself appeared to be at least ten feet tall.

“This is the place.”

The servant stepped aside and bowed.

Jeong Yeon-shin paused. The presence leaking out from within had naturally stopped him in his tracks.

There were many sources of aura flowing through the gaps in the door. Not just one or two.

The boy suddenly wondered whether the people he was about to meet would be like the experts he had encountered in the main fortress so far.

‘No.’

He shook his head inwardly. They could not be the same.

The Ming Central Plains contained all manner of people. It was difficult to judge each person's values, words, and conduct.

Even the countless standards produced by the Four Books and Five Classics, along with the teachings of various schools, could not do so.

Among them, the personalities of martial-world experts were said to be the most distinctive.

They were people who wielded transcendent principles and immense power in human bodies. It was only natural.

Especially if they were the seventeen greatest experts of Desolate Fortress.

‘They will not be inferior to anyone.’

He grasped the handle. Was it pure gold? Its cool touch soon warmed in his hand, as though it spoke of the authority of those within.

“...”

It must have been well oiled. The door made no sound as it opened.

Jeong Yeon-shin took in the silently unfolding sight before him.

The enormous table, as though several logs had been joined together, was hardly worth mentioning. A heavy pressure bore down on him.

Seats surrounded a round table large enough for more than a dozen people to lie upon comfortably.

Every chair resembled the throne of a leader from a major faction.

The gray-white backrests stood taller than an ordinary person. Carved from marble, each was fit to be called a grand preceptor's chair.

There were eighteen of them.

One for the Divine Sword Squad Leader, one for the Divine Sword Squad Deputy Leader, and sixteen more for the remaining Squad Leaders.

‘This is...’

Wonpyeong One Sword Hall.

The highest echelon of Desolate Fortress. It was where the Squad Leader Assembly was held.

Jeong Yeon-shin had heard that his and Namgung Hwa-shin's assignments upon joining Desolate Fortress had also been decided here.

“Hm.”

Hyeon Won-chang, behind him, let out a groan.

Jeong Yeon-shin knew why. The hall was saturated with aura.

He had never experienced a place like this. Only six of the eighteen seats were occupied, yet it was still so.

Twelve pairs of eyes watched the boy.

They belonged to those seated in grand preceptor's chairs and the experts standing beside them.

An overwhelming presence crashed toward him like a towering tidal wave.

‘Six.’

Six pitch-black long robes entered his sight.

There were six Black Uniform Squad Leaders of Desolate Fortress.

Three were women, and three were men. Their postures varied as well.

One man lounged back with only his eyes lowered toward the boy. An elven woman sat straight, quietly taking him in. A young girl rested her chin on one hand with one knee raised...

The seventeen Squad Leaders of the Divine Sword Squad.

The Leader of Demon Wings, Annihilation Squad Leader, and Azure Sky Squad Leader had slain the Huangbo Family Head. They had achieved it without a single death.

The color black signified the strongest fighting force, and the might of Black Uniform had only recently been impressed upon the martial world.

It was difficult to imagine what a sight six of them could present.

Even as fellow members of the main fortress, their pressure could not help but feel extraordinary.

Then someone spoke.

“I do not mean to look down on you as a brat, but...”

It was a man with a pure white sword resting across his knees.

He was a swordsman whose thin, dark brows resembled blades.

“You intend to take my precious subordinate. You speak as though you have already been promoted to Black Uniform. Such conduct is improper even for a Squad Leader.”

Jeong Yeon-shin knew who he was.

They had never met. He only recognized the man from a facial-feature portrait.

‘Swift Heaven Wing Squad Leader Ha Do-un.’

He was Namgung Hwa-shin's direct superior. He was famous for the White Thunder Radiant Sword Stance, which was said to rival the Leader of Demon Wings' Demon's Light saber art.

He had slaughtered three hundred martial soldiers of the Heart Martial Union in half a day. In one corner of the martial world, he was called the White Thunder Sword Demon.

He looked at Jeong Yeon-shin with a stern expression.

“I intend to teach a junior proper conduct. If any other Squad Leader wishes to intervene, state it in advance.”

“...”

Two feelings rose in the boy's heart, unbelievably enough. Contrition and irritation.

‘Did Young Hero Namgung do something?’

There were emotions he had cut away because he feared death. They had begun to resurface little by little during the journey to Sichuan.

Before he could fully compose himself, he now faced something that could not clearly be called his responsibility.

The light wheel suddenly stirred in his heart. As aura rotated, a sword rose within his mind.

His thoughts twisted of their own accord. It would be good if it worked. If it did not, so be it.

‘A feint.’

Jeong Yeon-shin's gaze turned toward Ha Do-un.

Shing!

Ha Do-un sprang to his feet and drew his sword as though unleashing lightning.

“Hm?”

“That is excessive. Are you saying you will start swinging a sword right away?”

While the other Squad Leaders furrowed their brows, Ha Do-un sharply swept his gaze around before slowly sheathing his sword.

His gaze settled on Jeong Yeon-shin last. He stared at him until the moment he sat back down.

As though he suspected Jeong Yeon-shin had pulled some trick.

“What did you do?”

Hyeon Won-chang muttered in bewilderment beside him.

His voice, not lowered in the slightest, echoed loudly through the hall. Ha Do-un's expression changed slightly.

‘Young Hero Hyeon is more like an older brother than my own brother.’

The boy crossed his arms and pretended not to notice as he admired Hyeon Won-chang inwardly. In that instant, he learned something.

This was what provocation was.

Footnotes:

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