Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time - Chapter 202

WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Episode 202: Demon Wings (3)

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‘If he chokes to death on opium poppy, there won't be a more pathetic sight.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

The Languid Flame Dragon had always drifted about half out of his mind. He treated opium poppy like air and enjoyed drinking as well.

The shadows beneath his eyes had deepened, but Jeong Yeon-shin did not dismiss what he had said outside Hanzhong's finest tavern as an exaggeration.

He was called the Flower Prince, a man who had sampled every pleasure under the heavens. There was no way he could be in his right mind.

Jeong Yeon-shin did not dwell on his strange reaction.

Instead, he met the eyes of his dependable senior, Ak Su-rim.

The Desolate Divine Spear did not meet his gaze. Her eyes rolled upward like jade beads, as though she could not immediately think of anything to say.

She seemed deeply lost in thought.

Jeong Yeon-shin wondered whether he had unexpectedly pointed out a blind spot. He never imagined she might be concealing her embarrassment.

‘I've given her some martial insight, perhaps?’

Essence, qi, and spirit.

What became of the mind of a master who attained Rejuvenation after their qi had restored their aged body to youth?

It was not a question anyone could easily think of. The realm where essence, qi, and spirit became one, also called Three Flowers Gather at the Crown, was said to be profoundly mysterious.

Jeong Yeon-shin had heard it from Ma Jin. One had to cultivate body and mind until they became one with qi, then penetrate the upper, middle, and lower dantians.

‘It's a realm I must reach as well.’

It was a serious thought.

The new Leader of Demon Wings was acting as a Squad Leader despite having an ability to handle inner energy that fell short of a Black Uniform martial artist.

That was possible because of the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel, his instinctive senses, and martial arts suited to his body better than any others.

Enemies and seniors alike were often surprised. Three Flowers Gather at the Crown was that exalted a state. It was exceedingly rare beneath the heavens.

Naturally, it was not a subject commonly contemplated.

Why had the Desolate Divine Spear Ak Su-rim's conduct become so lighthearted? Did the mind follow the body?

What became of essence, qi, and spirit when one achieved Rejuvenation in the state of Three Flowers Gather at the Crown? The question forming in Jeong Yeon-shin's mind grew increasingly difficult.

“...No one knows that.”

Ak Su-rim finally spoke after a long silence. Her eyes had lowered noticeably, her expression calm.

A distant junior had pointed out conduct unbecoming of her age. The restraint in her expression only made her seem even less suited to her years.

Her small fist was tightly clenched. Veins stood out on the back of her hand.

Jeong Yeon-shin thought,

‘She has found the beginning of some realization.’

He listened quietly, while Xiahou Wi-jin, the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad Leader, continued laughing.

His laughter came with a booming voice.

This was amusing. He did not even realize he was provoking her.

“Age reverting to youth and Rejuvenation do not come simply because you are strong.”

Ak Su-rim spoke slowly. Her voice was somewhat restrained.

Jeong Yeon-shin brightened a little and nodded.

“I know that.”

“You should regard it as a fortuitous opportunity. A kind of heavenly fortune. It isn't something that can be achieved through high martial attainment alone.”

“Then...?”

“There is a sensation where essence, qi, and spirit align perfectly. Those who cultivate it deeply each acquire special qualities. The ability I gained happened to be Rejuvenation. The Divine Sword Squad Leader became skilled at wielding the Formless Sword.”

Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes widened slightly.

It was something he had never heard before.

‘Senses still apply even after Three Flowers Gather at the Crown.’

The Divine Sword Squad Leader's inner energy sword came to mind.

It had been divine might.

The sight of the dazzling sword drawn to kill the Namgung Family Head. The Formless Sword, made of seven-colored light, had seemed like the authority of some transcendent being.

The martial prowess of a peerless master who had refined qi to its utmost limit was that mysterious.

Ak Su-rim quietly watched Jeong Yeon-shin's thoughtful face.

“Getting back to it, you asked whether Rejuvenation affects the mind, right?”

“Yes, Senior.”

“Isn't that obvious? I turned back time through heavenly fortune. Wouldn't it be even more ridiculous if I lived like an elder in the body of a child? No one had anything to say when I wanted to enjoy myself a little. Those who did disappeared as well.”

Ak Su-rim chuckled with the face of a young girl, tucking her short black hair behind one ear.

She had completely regained her ease. The spear blade behind her back gleamed sharply in the sunlight.

A divine spear.

Its blade was white and keen.

‘She had been acting absurdly.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. They said there were many strange people in the martial world, and the Desolate Divine Spear Ak Su-rim had the qualities of an eccentric as well.

She was unlike his maternal grandfather, Ma Yeon-jeok. It seemed he could set his worries aside.

If anything, he should hope his maternal grandfather gained the ability of Rejuvenation anew.

“Thank you for your words. They have helped me greatly.”

As they walked, Jeong Yeon-shin briefly cupped his fist toward Ak Su-rim. Three Flowers Gather at the Crown and Rejuvenation were subjects rarely encountered even in the martial world.

It was a conversation they could have only because they were seniors and juniors of Desolate Fortress. Even if it did not help him immediately, it was knowledge worthy of the realm of secret teachings.

“What are you thanking me for? It's nothing.”

She shook her head lightly. The sheen of her black hair rippled with the small movement.

“It only makes me regret again that there is no Seom-ye Martial Lineage beneath me.”

I had wanted to exchange a few moves with our Seom-ye.

Ak Su-rim swallowed those words.

* * *

They acquired horses at the relay station in Hanzhong.

The relay station in Hanzhong, Shaanxi, was enormous. It was a strategic point where Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Huguang met.

By showing their Desolate Fortress tokens to the drowsy keeper, they were able to borrow more than thirty fine horses.

Everyone mounted up, including Jeong Yeon-shin's group, Ak Su-rim, Xiahou Wi-jin, and the masters of the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad.

They had each completed their respective duties as Martial Alliance envoys or Seom-ye's guards.

The journey continued.

Thud thud thud thud!

Hooves thundered as they crushed fallen leaves.

The group rode without rest. Even on fine horses, the world was vast.

Though Hanzhong, their point of departure, was relatively close to Xiangyang, where Desolate Fortress's main fortress stood, they still had to pass beneath the moonlight again and again.

During that time, Jeong Yeon-shin became acquainted with the masters of the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad.

Like their Squad Leader, Xiahou Wi-jin, they were brave people.

Their name suited them exactly. Heaven-Treading Forest meant treading upon the martial world, and they possessed the temperament of people who seemed to have carved Desolate Fortress's duty into their very bodies.

It was easy to become friendly thanks to Hyeon Won-chang, who had admired them since before entering Desolate Fortress. The Imperial Hero served as a bridge between both sides.

“At that time, this Hyeon shouted it aloud. Seom-ye Jeong Yeon-shin of Desolate Fortress had taken the head of an elder from the Tyrant Sword Sect.”

“So the rumors were true. It was hard to believe that someone had accomplished such a feat while holding White Uniform status.”

“With such talent, isn't it only natural that he has risen to become the Leader of Demon Wings?”

A bonfire burned in the center of a clearing where they had stopped their fine horses and gathered around.

Since the group consisted of masters, the pile of firewood stood high, as tall as an ordinary grown man.

Crack. Pop.

Sparks occasionally burst and danced beneath the moonlight.

On that night, when the darkness was faintly brightened, they drew near Xiangyang.

More than eight days had passed since they began riding. They had traveled diligently for eight days and nights, so they would arrive at Desolate Fortress the next day.

“Seom-ye, you'll have a great deal to do, won't you? Work will come pouring down on you the moment you return.”

Ak Su-rim spoke while sitting cross-legged, her spear laid across her thighs.

The light gathered along its shaft flickered with the roaring flames.

She continued.

“Reorganizing the personnel will be no ordinary matter. A martial unit under the Divine Sword Squad should be regarded as equal to the elite corps of a typical major faction. Replacing its leader is much like changing a sect leader. You must establish new rules to your liking, refine the martial arts of the unit, and teach your subordinates to raise their attainments.”

“Yes, I know.”

Jeong Yeon-shin sat with a straight back, the Languid Flame Dragon and Namgung Hwa-shin at either side. Miss Ye and Jegal Cheong-a sat behind him.

From time to time, Jeong Yeon-shin felt a gaze on the back of his head. It was a presence sensed through aura. It did not come from Jegal Cheong-a, but Miss Ye.

Unlike when they had met alone, she had become noticeably quieter. Yet her power fluctuations had grown denser, as though they were directed solely at Jeong Yeon-shin. Was she shy?

Jeong Yeon-shin did not show it and spoke.

“The personnel reorganization is the problem. We need more Blue Uniform masters to maintain the unit's strength, but...”

His voice trailed off.

The Returning Wings Squad, which had traveled with them to Sichuan, had long since disbanded. Everyone had to carry out missions in the martial units to which they originally belonged.

Even if they had volunteered for the journey to Sichuan out of respect for the founding master of a martial lineage, transferring affiliations was another matter.

There were the wishes of the individuals involved, as well as the need to reach an agreement with the Squad Leaders of their respective martial units.

Ak Su-rim smiled.

“You can hold martial contests against the Squad Leaders to take people from their units. Like a martial contest to win a bride. Display your martial arts and take whoever you want. The main fortress has likely already prepared the martial contest system.”

“I've heard about it, but must I defeat my seniors to gain subordinates?”

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the gathering place of the Black Uniform masters.

Wonpyeong One Sword Hall.

Not one of the owners of the stone seats surrounding the round table had been weak.

It made Desolate Fortress's position as the strongest major faction beneath the heavens feel real.

Competing in martial arts against the seventeen Squad Leaders of the Divine Sword Squad.

It was something martial artists throughout the world could only dream of. But what if there were stakes attached to those battles?

Every one of them was a supreme master who had achieved Three Flowers Gather at the Crown.

‘I have created a sword art worthy of a divine mastery, so perhaps I'm no longer at the very bottom.

‘If I defeat even two or three of them, it will be a great help. I may be able to take in four or five Blue Uniform masters.’

The new Leader of Demon Wings had been a Blue Uniform martial artist of Desolate Fortress until recently. He knew the martial prowess possessed by those in blue robes.

They had strength approaching that of the masters who formed the elite forces of major factions.

‘From now on, I must face an entire great sect alone.’

The Thirteen Heavens, or the Eight Great Families.

Even if he did not invade the enemy's headquarters, he would have to contend with elite groups traveling the martial world.

It was fine. If he achieved his goal, he would be given strength befitting his position. Then he would be able to confront any group.

Once Jeong Yeon-shin gathered a proper Demon Wings behind him, the force of his breakthrough would surpass imagination.

Only then would he become someone who protected the lives of the people from the martial world.

“What an impudent junior. Your intentions are easy to read.”

Xiahou Wi-jin, who had been sitting sprawled across from him, spoke with a broad grin that revealed all his teeth.

He looked as ferocious as a beast. Watching Jeong Yeon-shin silently bow toward him, he said,

“Some among them belong to your martial lineage. If you want to take them, be prepared. If you can't endure three moves, I'll overhaul their martial arts first.”

Three among the roughly thirty masters of the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad smiled awkwardly. One was a Blue Uniform, while two were White Uniforms.

Their auras had been honed to no ordinary degree. One of the White Uniform martial artists was the man who had followed the Returning Wings Squad all the way to the City of Master Craftsmen.

“Wake up. Do you think I'll let them go so easily?”

Xiahou Wi-jin snorted.

He said they would have exchanged moves at once if they had not been on the road back.

Thousand Fists, Dragon-Powered Divine Official Xiahou Wi-jin took great pride in his race. He was famous for treating anyone who was not of the elven race with contempt.

His attitude toward Jeong Yeon-shin was, if anything, unusually generous.

That was because he had watched every part of what the new Leader of Demon Wings had done at the Martial Alliance Assembly.

For that reason, the journey remained peaceful.

It stayed that way until the sun rose, they passed through Xiangyang's gates, and reached Desolate Fortress's main fortress.

Jeong Yeon-shin gripped the reins and urged his fine horse onward.

A few maple leaves brushed past his face. A familiar scent rode the clear autumn wind.

It was the scent of a tranquil residence, a place that felt more like home than Xinye County.

The towering white fortress walls drew near.

Desolate Fortress.

He had finally returned.

* * *

Ak Su-rim and Xiahou Wi-jin showed little interest in the people from the Martial Alliance Assembly. The two Squad Leaders spoke only to Jeong Yeon-shin throughout the return journey.

They did the same after passing through the main gate, leaving their subordinates behind, and setting off on foot.

“Squad Leaders must report upon returning. After completing each mission, we meet the Lord of Desolate Fortress.”

Jeong Yeon-shin headed for the Lord of Desolate Fortress's inner fortress alongside Ak Su-rim.

There was no time to savor the scent of his martial home. Xiahou Wi-jin's footsteps, which had boomed behind him, became careful.

Jegal Cheong-a was the same. Only Miss Ye's footsteps, light and soft, continued to sound.

There were three well-known Black Uniform masters among them.

Though they entered with outsiders, the martial artists guarding the entrance to the inner fortress did not stop them.

Only Jeong Yeon-shin received somewhat unfamiliar looks. They were mostly filled with curiosity and admiration. They said it was something every new Squad Leader had to experience.

“You'll be surprised when you see how far your martial lineage has spread.”

Ak Su-rim said with a smile.

Step.

The five of them climbed the stairs. No one spoke as they ascended.

They only reached the top after taking more than a hundred steps.

A massive stone door stood before them. As they approached it, it opened on its own. It was a sight Jeong Yeon-shin had grown fairly accustomed to.

Rumble.

A magnificent sight spread before them.

Massive old tree trunks twisted and rose naturally, forming desks, tea tables, and beds.

Sunlight streamed through the broad opening in the wall, clear and bright. A reclining woman came into view.

Beauty that seemed to embody immortality, and eyes that appeared to contain the principles of all things beneath the heavens.

Whoosh.