WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈
Episode 154: Knight-Errant
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Jeong Yeon-shin lowered his long lashes.
The Imperial Grandson’s laughter did not bother him. The boy lowered his gaze for a moment, lost in thought.
‘I’ve finally composed the mnemonic formula for a movement technique.’
A fortunate encounter had allowed him to create another martial art. Perhaps it could be called a fateful opportunity.
They said the Ming imperial family had many members of the elven race. Yeon-shin was grateful for the test posed by the eunuch he had encountered as soon as he rose to the rank of Squad Leader.
It reminded him that he had entered another world. As a Black Uniform warrior, it had been inevitable.
‘There are still many martial arts left to create. Protective Qi Technique, lightness skill, eye techniques... There’s so much to make.’
Yeon-shin’s attitude toward martial arts differed from that of most people in the martial world.
For most martial artists, cultivating the arts passed down by their sect was simply natural. They accepted it as an ordinary tradition.
The boy was different. It felt like inheriting clothes someone else had worn.
He had felt the same way when the Lord of Desolate Fortress taught him the Moon Spirit Harmonization Formula. The same went for other martial arts.
Even now, he was learning Desolate Fortress protective arts, the Body Movement Scripture, and eye techniques. Still, none compared to the martial arts he had created and cultivated himself.
‘I’ll build them one by one.’
Seom-ye Jeong Yeon-shin’s rapid rise in martial prowess came from his many unique martial arts.
Martial arts created to suit his body perfectly differed in nature from all others. Both their forms and qi were different.
‘Because the mental image behind a mnemonic formula comes from its creator.’
The efficiency of qi circulation was different as well.
His martial arts could stand shoulder to shoulder with peerless arts refined and developed over generations.
The spirit within his upper dantian had grown so vast that it was difficult for him to unite essence, qi, and spirit and attain Three Flowers Gather at the Crown. That was his opening.
He would create martial arts suited to every situation and use them to counter how mid-level experts handled and deployed their cultivated power.
‘The Law Enforcement Squad Leader made me realize the weaknesses of sword arts and Hand Arts. There’s room to restructure the Radiant Sword Flow and Sihwa Boundless Hand as well. It would also be good to improve Demon's Light’s qi circulation.’
There was much to do. Seen another way, it meant he still had great room to grow.
The corners of the boy’s lips rose slightly.
What inspiration would the Martial Alliance bring him? The realm’s orthodox martial arts would gather there in enormous numbers.
Separate from his short-lived constitution, Yeon-shin enjoyed martial arts. It was a disposition that had emerged later in life.
It had begun when the Jeong Family Youth Technique came to replace the warmth of his mother.
“I simply cannot believe it.”
During that brief moment of thought, Yeon-shin’s gaze met a pair of pitch-black eyes.
The Imperial Grandson was looking up at him, cool authority held within those dark eyes.
“Are you truly the young Blue Uniform from that day? It is even more astonishing because the bearing of a supreme master who has fought a hundred battles suits you so well.”
“I am honored.”
Yeon-shin answered calmly. The Imperial Grandson studied him.
“Your talent and quick wits are difficult to believe. When we are alone, you may call me Senior Brother.”
He spoke with traces of laughter still on his face. A noticeable stir came from beside them.
Myeong Yeo, who had already recovered himself, had raised his brows.
He only appeared cold because he was a eunuch of the Eastern Depot. Having faced him at close range, Yeon-shin could tell that the elven eunuch was quite shocked.
“By seniority, you are indeed my senior brother.”
After blinking once, the boy spoke slowly.
The Imperial Grandson also regarded the Lord of Desolate Fortress as his master. He was much older than Yeon-shin as well.
Perhaps because his elven blood was especially strong, he was small only in stature. Unlike Yeon-shin, who had been growing so rapidly lately that he constantly had to adjust his combat measure, the Imperial Grandson’s body had not grown larger.
The Imperial Grandson faintly curled his lips before speaking.
“Myeong Yeo. Give it to him.”
“Yes.”
Myeong Yeo seemed to have fully recovered from his internal injury.
He bowed respectfully, then reached into the front of his robe. Before his palm had even emerged, something began to flap its wings.
Tiny white feathers drifted through the air.
A bird the size of Myeong Yeo’s hand appeared. It was a pure white swallow.
It resembled the one once commanded by the Second Young Master of the Huangbo Family.
“It is an animal raised through a secret art of my clan. It is exceptionally intelligent, possesses a small inner core, and can even circulate qi. This spiritual beast is called White Swallow. I hurriedly procured it to give to the Leader of Demon Wings.”
Myeong Yeo spoke as the swallow tilted its head and stared at the boy. Its little movement was rather cute.
“I have seen members of great families use them. Is it a means of communication between Squad Leaders?”
Even before such a rare spiritual beast, Yeon-shin asked calmly.
Since the founding of the Ming, animals that understood human speech and displayed mysterious abilities had not existed only in legends.
Myeong Yeo nodded.
“Yes. It may look like this, but it is a bird of prey. It will not cause trouble, and you need not find food for it. It is a spiritual beast that can travel only between Squad Leader Jeong and myself. When cooperation is needed, simply tie a letter to its leg and send it flying.”
At that moment, White Swallow hopped onto the boy’s chest. Yeon-shin supported the swallow’s legs in his hand. His upper dantian’s intuition told him what to do.
When he raised the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel at the tip of his index finger and stroked White Swallow’s head, a small ripple rose, as though their qi had resonated.
At the same time, White Swallow burrowed into the front of Yeon-shin’s long robe, as if it had found a nest.
Myeong Yeo’s eyes widened slightly.
“It is not easy to form a master-servant bond with a spiritual beast... Your inner energy must be exceptionally refined and profound, Squad Leader.”
“Should I send it when I cut down an official?”
Myeong Yeo nodded at the indifferent question.
“Yes.”
“Did you not say you were the Chief Eunuch’s close aide? The Leader of Demon Wings must roam the martial world. I wonder whether it will truly be possible for you to follow behind me at all times.”
The Imperial Grandson had introduced Myeong Yeo as the Chief Eunuch’s right hand. Yeon-shin recalled that as he spoke.
“You said such a role would be difficult to undertake.”
A smooth smile formed on the elven eunuch’s lips.
“The powerful never have only one or two hands. The Chief Eunuch has countless right hands.”
It was a statement that made the vastness of the world feel real. The Imperial Grandson did not deny it.
By then, he merely watched the conversation between the boy and eunuch with an indifferent gaze.
Yeon-shin spoke without concern. It was time to finish his business.
“I depart for Hanzhong at noon tomorrow. While traveling, I will not concern myself with the Eastern Depot.”
The martial world of the Central Plains was separate from the world inside Desolate Fortress. All manner of variables existed there.
Even commanding his subordinates and focusing on his mission as the Leader of Demon Wings would take considerable mental effort.
Myeong Yeo nodded.
“The previous Leader of Demon Wings said the same. It is only natural. That is why we, and Desolate Fortress itself, exist.”
“You may leave now. I have kept you too long.”
The Imperial Grandson spoke with his eyes partly closed. His conduct was just as the rumors had described.
They said the Ming’s third heaven was exceedingly fickle. He would take an interest in something, only to lose it shortly afterward.
‘That suits me just fine.’
The boy gave a brief bow as he thought. His connection with the Imperial Grandson would not end here.
One day, might he be summoned to the Forbidden City? Unless it would help him rise to Purple Uniform, he wanted to refuse.
They said even the imperial family could not easily command the Lord of Desolate Fortress, who protected the World Tree. There was no reason to become close to the Imperial Grandson.
The hem of his Black Uniform robe fluttered. Having paid his respects, Yeon-shin turned without hesitation.
Myeong Yeo glanced at the two young men before speaking once more.
“One final word for the Leader of Demon Wings. Under the secret pact between the imperial family and Desolate Fortress, the Eastern Depot has no choice but to support you. Yet it would be troublesome if you overused us. Even if Desolate Fortress Squad Leaders are honored figures, the Eastern Depot has its own work to do.”
“I act only under the banner of keeping the people secure.”
His qi-laden reply rang clearly. His inner energy filled the room softly, making its presence known.
Did the new Leader of Demon Wings understand the value of his backing as the Lord of Desolate Fortress’s disciple, his position as a Desolate Fortress Black Uniform warrior, and martial prowess absurdly high for his age?
The new Leader of Demon Wings walked out without looking back. His steps over the threshold did not hesitate.
He had not taken Myeong Yeo’s words to heart. It was obvious to anyone.
He carried the air of someone who would coldly cut down whoever blocked his path, whether official or martial artist.
Step.
The faint sound of footsteps brushed past their ears. Seom-ye Jeong Yeon-shin disappeared.
“A bold junior brother.”
The Imperial Grandson muttered with his eyes closed.
After asking his leave, Myeong Yeo immediately sat at one side of the table and took out the Four Treasures of the Study.
The Eastern Depot eunuch’s slender hand moved busily. He maintained a straight posture as he held the brush upright.
The passage he wrote in a single flowing stroke contained one person’s profile.
〈 Jeong Yeon-shin.
Leader of Demon Wings, Desolate Fortress.
From Jeong Family Manor, Xinye County, Henan.
His alias and courtesy name are both Seom-ye.
The Lord of Desolate Fortress personally bestowed his courtesy name as the officiant for his coming-of-age ceremony.
Known by another epithet in Sichuan. Called the Dark King Among Flowers, the Prince of Commandery in a black long robe who commands Full Heaven Flower Rain.
Inherited the heart method of the Moon Spirit Divine Technique.
Black Uniform level of martial attainment.
Compared to other Desolate Fortress Squad Leaders, his power is slower to answer his call. Yet his inner energy is extremely deep for his age.
His adaptability, born of senses rare in a thousand ages, exceeds the Black Uniform realm of Desolate Fortress.
Created an independent martial lineage. Value rating: highest.
His inner energy seems influenced by the orthodox Buddhist tradition, while he employs explosive martial arts focused on single strikes. Refer to the attached investigation document on the Seom-ye Martial Lineage.
Martial talent beyond evaluation.
His innate nature is exceedingly arrogant, yet he possesses an inner self that is strangely suppressed.
The Jeong Family Manor’s family culture is presumed to have been poor.
There appear to be other acquired factors, though they require observation over time. He has the temperament of an unperturbed knight-errant.
Appearance comparable to an elf. Suitable aptitude for intelligence work. If appointed to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he would hold great sway in political circles regardless of the other party’s sex.
Based on the evaluation, requesting upper-middle support. It should not take great effort to assist the current Leader of Demon Wings.
Respectfully, Myeong Yeo. 〉
The blue eyes of Myeong Yeo, the eunuch, gleamed. The eyes of his clan, said to perceive all things beneath heaven, scanned the words he had written.
He nodded once to himself, rolled the letter, placed it in a wooden tube, and sealed it.
It was a top-secret document to be sent to the Forbidden City.
* * *
The next day.
The sun that announced the mission’s departure hung high in the sky.
At last, the late summer heat was beginning to subside.
Perhaps because he had fought fierce battles in Sichuan and crossed even the threshold of promotion, Yeon-shin had unconsciously believed that summer would continue forever.
Seeing the day before him, he knew he had been wrong.
The sky stretched out in watery blue. In the gentle breeze, the robes of young martial artists fluttered lightly.
Gray cotton clothes, White Uniforms, and Blue Uniforms swayed in their own ways.
A Black Uniform warrior led the group. As he rode, the unmistakable autumn touched the boy’s hair.
Sunlight struck the golden character for Desolate that completely covered his right shoulder.
“Isn’t it too big?”
Yeon-shin sensed Hyeon Won-chang’s gaze. He seemed to be referring to the new long robe the boy had received just before departure. The golden thread forming the character for Desolate was certainly enormous.
It did not look ridiculous only because of its grand brushwork, like the insignia on armor worn by northern generals.
The long robe Ma Jin had worn, with one cuff blown off, had been packed as a spare.
“...”
The boy holding the reins of his fine horse did not bother to answer.
The Grand Chief Steward had told him that his robe could be made in any design he wished.
So Yeon-shin had deliberately requested an enormous embroidered character. Hyeon Won-chang’s habit had become burdensome.
Whenever there was an opening, Hyeon Won-chang would lift the character for Desolate on his shoulder for others to see. Yeon-shin found it somewhat embarrassing.
‘If it’s huge, anyone will recognize it at once.’
He would hide neither his identity nor his martial strength.
The purpose of this journey through the martial world was to display his presence.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
The horses’ hooves seemed wrapped in a fierce gale. They raced toward Hanzhong, where the Martial Alliance stood, kicking up clouds of dust.
Not a single speck of dust clung to the Black Uniform long robe woven from heavenly silkworm silk. Behind the boy, the black robe continued to flutter.
Another mission.
Jeong Yeon-shin, Leader of Demon Wings, had entered the martial world.
Footnotes:
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