WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈
Episode 187: Bond (2)
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“...”
Jeong Yeon-shin stood silently. The blood was an ugly sight to leave on display before everyone.
He watched Miss Ye bow her head as she wiped his abdomen. Her cascading ebony hair hid her face.
She had called the boy the only one. It was an odd turn of phrase.
There was much room for interpretation. Seom-ye, the Leader of Demon Wings, had become a remarkable figure, whether he realized it or not.
The youngest Black Uniform master of Desolate Fortress, the one who had broken the peerless sword technique Hidden Fragrance, Drifting Flower, the boy who had planted Desolate Fortress’s flag in the heart of the Martial Alliance, the martial artist building a winning streak at the grand founding ceremony... He had already achieved much in Hanzhong alone.
His reputation was said to be spreading like wildfire. It could not have been otherwise.
Yet Miss Ye’s words held something beyond that. He could sense a kind of reverence.
The boy clearly recognized it.
As his limbs lengthened, his Baihui acupoint had widened even further. Recently, it had begun to catch fleeting traces of people’s emotions.
At that moment, the goodwill reaching the aura sense in his upper dantian was truly boundless.
It was as though sweet candy were melting in his mind. Had someone besides Cheon Ju-jin read the intent contained in Yeon-shin’s sword forms?
Swish.
A plain cotton cloth wiped away the blood on his abs. Her slender wrist moved carefully, and the fingertips wrapped in cloth brushed softly over his abdomen.
She was exceedingly delicate. Even if she was merely tending to a distinguished guest, as someone of her standing should, it was remarkable.
‘The Ye Clan. She said her childhood name was Ye Ha-rin.’
He had neither debts nor grievances with her. Her words and conduct came across exactly as they appeared. She was a transparent sort of person.
She showed goodwill without hesitation, and whatever lay in her heart, it was strong enough to reach his upper dantian.
He had met Jegal Hyeon, the outstanding Immortal Dragon. He had also seen Gongsun Min’s clear, innocent eyes.
Now, it was difficult to begin with prejudice simply because someone belonged to the alliance. Even Cheon Ju-jin seemed intent on guiding the Martial Alliance with a fair and righteous purpose.
The boy slowly parted his lips.
“Thank you.”
“...That’s the second time I’ve heard that. Can that happen? I feel a little strange.”
Her breath caught briefly, then a faint smile entered her soft voice. She truly was an unusual person.
The first time must have been after he met Baek Seo-gun, the Spirit Sky Sword Ghost. She had once explained Namgung Hwa-shin’s circumstances to him in detail.
Cheon Ju-jin, who had silently watched the two of them, spoke.
“I’ll see you later. I’ll send word.”
“Yes, Jin-in.”
“I hope you take the Great Revitalization Pill. The family must not win. Nor can Eon Hwa-ryeon be allowed to take the Great Revitalization Pill. You can do it.”
After offering those words of encouragement, he stepped down from the dueling stage. The steps carrying him away still seemed strong. He retained tremendous inner energy.
It was likely the endurance unique to orthodox martial arts. Mount Hua’s spirit was majestic and unimpeded enough to conceal even internal injuries.
Yeon-shin would have to surpass that level to reach Purple Uniform.
He watched the Sword Absolute’s retreating back before lowering his gaze. Miss Ye’s hair filled his vision with black.
She was wiping the external oblique muscle at his flank. It was taking a long time. Was it because the power of Hidden Fragrance, Drifting Flower had mingled with the wound?
“That’s enough. Your opponent is waiting.”
“...Mm, all right.”
Miss Ye’s hand slowly withdrew. The sensation traveled unhurriedly from her palm to her fingers, then to her fingertips.
Her small head gradually rose. The piece of cotton cloth in her hand had been dyed red. It was Yeon-shin’s blood.
He had not lost much blood. The Jeong Family Youth Technique had stopped it immediately. Without even using his fingers, the boy had sealed his own acupoints.
When it came to his body, he had been an expert since his days in White Uniform. It was also the foundation of his continual growth.
“Don’t worry about this. I’ll take care of it.”
Miss Ye spoke.
Rustle.
She neatly folded the cloth soaked in the boy’s blood and tucked it into her robes. Her conduct was exceedingly proper. Anyone would have taken her for a young lady of a prestigious family.
She smiled.
“I think we’ll see each other often even after the grand founding ceremony ends. There are discussions being held within the alliance.”
“Nothing unusual should happen to me before then.”
Yeon-shin answered calmly. At the same time, Miss Ye’s smile deepened.
“Don’t exaggerate. Other than the First Fist of the Eon Family, where could you possibly find an opponent now? It’s nearly over. I’ll be going.”
“All right.”
“Try not to get hurt anymore. No, that won’t do. It can’t be helped if you get hurt again. Just don’t be in too much pain.”
“...”
“May you win, young Squad Leader.”
She slowly turned away. Her white sleeve, trailing like a palace robe, brushed Yeon-shin’s hand.
The soft fabric swept over the back of his hand. It was a light touch. Miss Ye soon walked away with gentle steps.
She was a very strange person.
The boy silently watched her retreating back for a moment. Then he slowly stroked his sword hilt.
With an indifferent expression, he looked to the side. A middle-aged saber wielder was approaching from across the stage. The light in his eyes was stern.
He looked as if he had been waiting for this day. His neatly tailored yellow martial robe and spotless saber hilt stood out.
Most martial artists participating in the grand founding ceremony were dressed like that. The cheers from the spectator stands grew louder.
Cheon Ju-jin had been today’s first opponent. Eleven more awaited him.
The middle-aged martial artist stopped ten steps away and clasped his hands.
“Peng Wen-il. I come from Hebei. I have trained in the Five Tigers Severing Gate Saber.”
“Jeong Yeon-shin of Huguang. I created Azure Flame, First Form.”
After answering briefly, the boy gripped his sword hilt.
The Hebei Peng Family was one branch of the Eight Great Families. Since the world had entered troubled times, the leader of its martial force had not come.
Masters at the Black Uniform level were said to be rare even among the Eight Great Families.
Still, the Five Tigers Severing Gate Saber was a renowned ultimate art. He could not take it lightly, especially for the Comprehensive Guide to Breaking the Orthodox Sects.
“Come.”
The young Leader of Demon Wings spoke.
The flag of Desolate Fortress was still planted at one side of the dueling stage.
Just as the Imperial Hero had confidently declared, the Desolate Banner had yet to fall. It had now become a landmark of Hanzhong.
Whoosh!
Aura spread between the two martial artists.
Hyeon Won-chang’s White Uniform long robe, tied to the flagpole, fluttered as it revealed the word Desolate.
* * *
The winning streak at the grand founding ceremony continued. The Leader of Demon Wings was building an undefeated record.
It was the third day.
Thirty-five people had been defeated. Few among them lacked renown.
The grand founding ceremony had been underway even before Seom-ye, the Leader of Demon Wings, entered it. Only one day remained.
That meant the wheat had already been separated from the chaff. It was why the young Leader of Demon Wings’ streak was causing such enormous excitement.
“I bet my entire fortune on the Sword Absolute and lost it all!”
“The odds for the Leader of Demon Wings have dropped terribly. They’re about even with Lady Eon now.”
“Didn’t I say Seom-ye would win from the start? That rising star is already an exceptional master rarely seen under heaven. Since this tournament limits seniority, who could possibly stop that momentum?”
“Pour! Keep pouring!”
It was a refreshing early evening. The building rose in tiers around a broad square opening in its center.
It was full of life. The sunset seemed trapped within the lanterns hanging in rows on all sides.
Azure Crane Tower. It was Hanzhong’s finest inn, which also served as a tavern.
The atmosphere was boisterous. Entertainers seated to one side played zithers, but their melodies struggled to rise above the noise.
Any trace of elegance had vanished long ago. Only the orange glow of the lanterns, which had driven away the dusk, shone faintly.
The people of this continent enjoyed gambling. It was an old custom. There were records of gambling from before the distant Qin and Han eras.
Since the Martial Alliance’s grand founding ceremony was a festival that would not come again, people sought to seize the chance for a sudden fortune.
Fights often broke out amid the thick scent of alcohol. Arguments were commonplace.
“Did you not see the Leader of Demon Wings’ sword light that day? Mount Hua Sect’s sword art crumbling all at once!”
“I heard from a martial artist I know well. He said the Sword Absolute’s true martial prowess was not limited to that. Something unfortunate must have happened.”
“Stop believing everything you hear. Are you saying Desolate Fortress’s Squad Leader poisoned a Mount Hua Sect Taoist?”
“That isn’t what I mean. I mean the Eon Family Fist is comparable to Mount Hua’s blade blossoms. Did you not see the Leader of Demon Wings’ bare body that day? One must not decide victory or defeat carelessly!”
“Bare body? You saw his bare body? What was it like?”
“You’re joining in at this point? How devious.”
One day remained until the grand founding ceremony ended. Everyone’s attention was fixed on it, young and old alike.
All sorts of talk bloomed. The drinking party on the top floor of Azure Crane Tower was no different.
“So, what was his body like?”
The woman sitting with her legs sprawled asked. Her narrowed eyes gave her a languid look.
The First Fist of the Eon Family. Fist Exemplar Eon Hwa-ryeon.
She sat before an extravagant spread of food and drink.
Her arm muscles were clearly defined from the deltoids of her shoulders, while smooth tendons stood out beneath her skin.
She wore a sleeveless orange martial robe. One knee was drawn up while her other leg stretched out loosely.
Resting her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand, she looked across the table.
“He seemed to have trained external arts.”
A woman with long braided hair spoke. It was Ak Ye-rim of the Shandong Ak Family.
“Or it may have been a youth technique. Since he practices both inner and external arts, it is a higher martial art. For someone that young to stand out, their foundational art must do its job. In any case, you’re saying his body has been tempered very well.”
“He is strong. Even the First Fist may find it hard to guarantee victory. The match might not be decided in ten exchanges.”
“Is the child’s sword truly that sharp? Sharp enough to cut through Jinju’s finest Protective Qi Technique?”
“I don’t know that much. My martial arts are far beneath his. If I speak further of him with the eyes of an inferior, I will only cloud the First Fist’s judgment. Still... the sword form that clashed with Cheon Ju-jin’s Hidden Fragrance, Drifting Flower was truly astonishing.”
“You judge yourself well. Your growth is impressive. But seeing you after so long, you’ve lost much of your charm. It’s a little regrettable. It feels like only yesterday that you clung to me, calling me elder sister.”
“...That was a long time ago.”
“Yes, it truly was long ago.”
Eon Hwa-ryeon lifted a large jade bottle to her mouth.
Several streams of wine ran down from her lips as she gulped down Dukang Wine. The rich aroma unique to Shaanxi liquor washed over the room.
“More importantly, Jegal Cheong-a said something strange to the Leader of Demon Wings...”
“Would you be quiet for a moment?”
It was well known that the Fist Exemplar’s words and conduct were strangely rough. Every powerful exceptional master had their own distinct way of behaving.
Perhaps such personalities, difficult to understand by common sense, were what allowed them to reach their realms.
Ak Ye-rim obediently fell silent.
Then.
The corner of Eon Hwa-ryeon’s mouth lifted slightly.
“Listen carefully. I’ve always just sat around here, but today I’m having an interesting experience.”
“Pardon?”
“I was beginning to tire of the food here. Now I’ve found some entertainment. I was too lazy to get up, but I did want to meet him once.”
“What...”
“Circulate your inner energy toward the Fengchi acupoint. You know what I mean.”
Without a word, Ak Ye-rim activated the hearing training of Sensory Training. At the same time, she frowned slightly.
The inn’s clamor struck her ears. Every sound became distinct. Voices from outside Azure Crane Tower also mixed into what she heard.
“...I heard this is the best place in the city. They say both the liquor and food are delicacies.”
“Do we really have to go to an inn?”
“If your body needs loosening because your muscles have stiffened from ultimate techniques, there is nowhere better than here, in this young master’s view. They have every delicacy under heaven, don’t they? Didn’t the Spirit Sky Sword Ghost say last time that once your body has been trained to that level, even the effects of ordinary alcohol can become medicinal? With a Squad Leader’s inner energy, it should loosen your body quite pleasantly.”
“Pleasant, my foot. You’re probably planning to get some opium poppy while you’re at it.”
“Don’t be so sarcastic. I’ve explored all kinds of grain wine and pleasures for years. This young master has his reasons...”
Ak Ye-rim raised her brows. Those were the voices of the Languid Flame Dragon and the Leader of Demon Wings. They were near the entrance beneath Azure Crane Tower. It seemed Seom-ye had come to drink at the urging of the Huangbo Family wastrel.
‘That Huangbo idiot, bringing a young boy...’
The Languid Flame Dragon and the Clear Qilin had been old friends. As the former fiancée of Namgung Se-jin, she also knew the Languid Flame Dragon.
Ak Ye-rim had been conflicted for a long time. She had spent day after day contemplating Seom-ye.
She had seen the boy speaking with Jegal Hyeon on West Peak Road, and witnessed the shadow of the Imperial Sword Art released from his raised sword.
It had been a sword form that honored the Clear Qilin. Her heart had been slowly, very slowly, opening to him. That made the corrupting influence of the Languid Flame Dragon all the more concerning.
That was when it happened.
Eon Hwa-ryeon suddenly snickered.
“There’s a rascal mixed in with them. He’ll grow up to become someone like me. His talent is outstanding too.”
At that moment.
Ak Ye-rim felt a distinct gaze. A blade-sharp gaze fell upon her.
Whoosh!
The source of the aura was unmistakably clear. It felt as though the young Leader of Demon Wings’ eyes had swallowed this entire place.
The rippling inner energy that cut against her skin told her as much. His presence was truly terrifying.
Within the unmistakable domain of an exceptional master.
“For the Languid Flame Dragon, hasn’t he turned out well enough?”
The boy spoke calmly. His words were utterly unrestrained.
Footnotes:
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