WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Episode 207: Turmoil

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Jeong Yeon-shin gave orders regarding the challenge letters, then sent word to the Desolate Ma family.

He asked them to coordinate the family's every major and minor affair and arrange a quiet gathering.

Ju Yeon-jeong, Ma Se-in's mother, weighed on his mind. Born of imperial blood, she was difficult to read and carried herself with authority.

Ma Yeon-jeok's consumption of the Great Revitalization Pill had to be handled in absolute secrecy. Ma Jin would understand the meaning between the lines at once.

'Once the reply arrives, I have to stay by Grandfather's side.'

Yeon-shin thought.

Meanwhile.

"There are four White Uniform martial artists who didn't go on the City of Master Craftsmen mission, plus Hyeon Won-chang, making five in all. Likewise, two Blue Uniform martial artists were not selected for that mission, and there are seventeen Blue Uniform martial artists in total."

Cheong Myeong reported in a clear voice.

Their positions had changed.

Yeon-shin sat in the office chair. Across a finely polished marble desk, Cheong Myeong and Baek Mir-yeo sat as guests.

Their chairs were smaller than the Leader of Demon Wings' grand preceptor's chair.

Even without tea, a tranquil atmosphere filled the room.

Had the matter not been so serious, they might have brought out some Tieguanyin tea.

"Seventeen Blue Uniform martial artists and five White Uniform martial artists... It's an awkward force to call the elite of a major faction. It fits, yet it doesn't. There were originally twenty-six Blue Uniform martial artists and ten White Uniform martial artists. Unranked disciples don't count as fighting strength."

Cheong Myeong's expression remained calm. He showed no particular reaction to the loss of their strength.

It had come from the deaths of comrades who had lived like martial siblings.

There was no sense in lamenting their diminished force, and too much time had passed to grieve anew.

Baek Mir-yeo, seated beside Cheong Myeong, brushed back a lock of hair.

"You saw the accounts, so you understand. It's only natural for the budget to shrink along with our numbers. The problem is that it will limit the missions we can take. Demon Wings can no longer handle Mount Hua Sect's twenty-four Plum Blossom Swordsmen. A small difference becomes a huge gap. A Divine Sword Squad combat unit that cannot fully stop the elites of a major faction will inevitably fall behind in merit."

She spoke softly.

Not a word was wrong. She had assessed their current situation coldly.

Their fighting strength was too lacking to deploy them in major incidents. The merits they earned would naturally decrease as well.

It was directly tied to Demon Wings' prestige, and it also meant that Yeon-shin's path to Purple Uniform had been checked.

That was why they spoke so gravely.

Cheong Myeong's aura was chillingly clear, while Baek Mir-yeo's face was expressionless. They knew Yeon-shin's constitution.

The new Leader of Demon Wings spoke.

"We should count eighteen Blue Uniform martial artists and seven White Uniform martial artists. Let's begin there."

"Why?"

Baek Mir-yeo's brow furrowed. Beside her, Cheong Myeong tilted his head slightly.

Even White Uniform martial artists possessed enough skill to pass as rare masters in the regional martial world.

They were no ordinary martial artists. They stood at the bottom only within Desolate Fortress, a major faction at the upper levels of the martial world, so recruiting them could not be easy.

Blue Uniform masters were even more exceptional. When Yeon-shin had borrowed Cheong Myeong's blue long robe, he had destroyed the Mantis Sect of Shaanxi alone.

They were treasured blades capable of handling a modest sect by themselves.

Desolate Fortress Blue Uniform martial artists were key forces of the main fortress. No Squad Leader would give them up lightly.

That was why Ha Do-un, the Swift Heaven Wing Squad Leader, had reacted so sensitively when Yeon-shin mentioned recruiting White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin.

Now, Yeon-shin felt somewhat sorry about it.

He continued calmly.

"Senior Xiahou, the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad Leader, has promised to guide me. There was a certain transaction. Dawn Tree Sword Kang Chang-mu, Steel-Breaking Saber Wanderer Ho Un-cheol, and Deep Hero Fist Gongya Mi-ryeong will join the main squad. Please prepare to receive them. I'll be busy in many ways, so the two of you will have to handle it."

"You haven't even been back for a few hours...!"

Baek Mir-yeo let out an amused sigh.

"So you meant it? What you said about sending challenge letters to the Squad Leaders. Honestly, I wanted to stop you because losing would be utterly humiliating, but I don't dare now."

Cheong Myeong grinned. It was a smile he had never shown before in the Leader of Demon Wings' office.

Both had watched Yeon-shin shatter his limits again and again. Neither was surprised anymore.

They were simply proud. Baek Mir-yeo's eyes curved as the mood suddenly lightened.

"Someone mentioned you acting like a Squad Leader earlier. They'll come apologize tomorrow."

"Someone that careless went out to receive you?"

Even the faint breeze surrounding Cheong Myeong became softer, its texture blunted.

His unique ability had turned as gentle as a spring breeze. Had Yeon-shin not been wearing a black long robe, Cheong Myeong might have patted his head.

The renowned elven swordsman smiled.

"It only needs to reach around twenty-four. With that many, we can safely take missions where we face the elites of major factions. I know Dawn Tree Sword from the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad. Kang Chang-mu handles a sword quite well. You've drawn an excellent card."

"How is the development of O Wol-hyang's prosthetic arm going with the dwarven race craftsmen we brought from the City of Master Craftsmen?"

Yeon-shin thought of Ma Jin and O Wol-hyang. His uncle had become the Family Head of the Desolate Ma family, while O Wol-hyang, a Blue Uniform master, still served in Demon Wings.

Since Yeon-shin had entered Desolate Fortress, she had treated him like a son. Before losing her left arm in the City of Master Craftsmen, she had been a saber master called the Benevolent Broad Hero Saber.

Baek Mir-yeo smiled faintly.

"They said the qi-powered prosthetic arm will be complete within a month. Don't worry about that."

"That's a relief."

Yeon-shin's relief was immense. He nodded and continued slowly.

"Let's focus on recruiting six Blue Uniform masters. We should calculate how many Black Uniform seniors we'll need to face."

"Wouldn't it be best if they learned the Seom-ye Martial Lineage? It would make them easier to train. A combat unit can never be too strong."

Cheong Myeong grinned, then began counting on his long fingers.

"If we count the combat units whose Squad Leaders are on rest periods... the Blood Guard Squad and the Immortal Wood Spirit Squad each have three Blue Uniform martial artists who learned your martial arts. It caused quite a stir. Those with useful core supreme arts focused on reaching the Ultimate Realm. Those without them learned Radiant Sword Flow, Sihwa Boundless Fist, or Phantom Wing Step. Sometimes, they even lingered around our side to ask for advice. Shin So-bin became popular there."

"Shin So-bin...?"

Yeon-shin asked.

The face of his catlike junior came to mind. She had a lively personality, enough to snap back even at the Languid Flame Dragon.

A girl Yeon-shin's age, she was the cherished daughter of the Shin Family under Desolate Fortress.

Her outstanding talent had earned her White Uniform robes, and people had watched her as a prospect who could succeed Seom-ye. She was said to be staying at her family's residence for the time being.

"I know she began learning my fist art."

Cheong Myeong nodded.

"Regardless of robe color, she could be called the pioneer of your martial lineage. She uses Sihwa Boundless Fist and Phantom Wing Step very well. She practically worships you. I heard she beat up her older sister in Swift Heaven Wing Squad recently. Shin Bin-bin, that is. Apparently, Bin-bin complained that you kept White Qilin at your side as though he were one of your subordinates."

"She requested a duel for that reason?"

"Shin So-bin didn't hold back, and she was eventually dragged back to her family. I saw her expression while she packed... She looked incredibly refreshed. In any case, plenty happened while you were gone."

"The Shin Family has overstepped its bounds. I should bring her back soon."

"That calm tone is terrifying."

Cheong Myeong's smile deepened.

"Let's talk about the Squad Leaders first. The Blood Guard Squad Leader and the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit... They are supreme masters with no clear answer if you meet them as enemies. Their martial prowess is one thing, but the arts they have learned are extremely troublesome. The Blood Guard Squad Leader is a rather mysterious person, and there are all sorts of rumors. Some say they learned evil arts from the Demonic Sect. Others say they are the Blood Flame Sect Master's illegitimate child."

"I know the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit well. She mastered the ultimate arts of the Northern Sea. As a supreme master of ice arts, you must beware of her internal heavy-hand technique. She is a master at freezing an enemy's body from within. Her strikes are as ruthless as those of the Demonic Sect, and she does not form private friendships with Han Chinese. You must request this duel with the mindset of a life-and-death duel. Frankly, I'm very concerned."

Cheong Myeong and Baek Mir-yeo spoke in turn.

'Good.'

Yeon-shin liked moments like this. It felt like returning home after a long time and chatting with siblings.

He had never truly experienced such a thing, yet that was how it felt. They were discussing matters that demanded tension, but his mind softened pleasantly.

Was it because he had returned after facing the hostility of so many at the Martial Alliance Assembly?

He slowly parted his lips.

"If it's evil arts and ice arts, then I have a chance of winning."

* * *

A day later.

Three events occurred at once.

The triumphant homecoming of the Leader of Demon Wings, who had prevailed at the Martial Alliance's grand founding ceremony, had been known even before his return.

The entire main fortress had been excited from the beginning. It was not something newly announced.

If something new had occurred, it meant news comparable to the Leader of Demon Wings' victory.

The transfer of the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad masters became known.

From Heaven-Treading Forest Squad to Demon Wings.

Many had expected Demon Wings to remain weak after a newly appointed Squad Leader took command of the combat unit.

The Divine Sword Squad's foundation had been built by illustrious supreme masters.

The transfers involving Dawn Tree Sword and the other masters shattered that prediction. It became an enormous topic of discussion.

"Why would the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad Leader...?"

"That person is not the sort to let go of what he holds. Xiahou Wi-jin has terrifying pride. I once shared drinks with Xiahou Wi-jin, and it was truly suffocating."

"Could Xiahou Wi-jin have secretly fought the Leader of Demon Wings?"

"Thousand Fists, Dragon-Powered Divine Official lost? Surely not..."

"Whether it was a duel or something else, there must have been some sort of wager. Xiahou Wi-jin would never grant such a great favor to a Han Chinese for nothing."

"Doesn't that mean the Leader of Demon Wings won somehow? What a mysterious person. Every achievement amassed at that age is extraordinary."

Whispers rose from every corner of the vast Desolate Fortress.

Rare elite masters exchanged all manner of stories, while high-ranking officials and merchants who could enter the main fortress overheard them.

A personal profile of the new Leader of Demon Wings began to take shape among the common people.

The second event was the release of the Comprehensive Guide to Breaking the Orthodox Sects.

It was not made public outside Desolate Fortress. The Lord of Desolate Fortress was not a foolish person.

More than a hundred sects had formed an alliance to keep Desolate Fortress in check. There was no need to draw the attention of the entire martial world.

Letters were delivered to the Squad Leaders. They were ordered to gather at Wonpyeong One Sword Hall the next day.

The Black Uniform masters received documents bearing the Lord of Desolate Fortress's seal all at once. Friendships existed among the Squad Leaders as well.

Countless speculations followed an event that was rarely seen.

The Divine Sword Squad Deputy Leader and the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad Leader seemed to have some idea, but neither chose to speak.

They only paid attention to another event.

"[...therefore, this Squad Leader shamelessly requests a duel with Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit Cheon So-so and proposes that, under the conditions stated above, they follow the victor's wishes.]"

A notice from Jeong Yeon-shin, Leader of Demon Wings, was posted throughout Desolate Fortress.

This was not a private matter. He stood as Demon Wings' representative. It was not the time to lower himself by calling her a senior.

That was why Yeon-shin's words were so bold, and consequently so provocative.

Though its contents struck like a thunderclap bomb, the handwriting itself was neat. It was regular script, close to the standard calligraphy of the Ming Dynasty.

The transfer of masters under the Divine Sword Squad was an extremely sensitive matter. They were the pillars of Desolate Fortress.

A Squad Leader had to be conscious of the eyes spread throughout the vast main fortress. It was a matter that needed to convince even those not directly involved.

A Desolate Fortress Squad Leader was a position that represented the main fortress.

It was a highly independent rank, yet one bound by many things.

The quiet transfer by the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad Leader had already used up the one available exception. From the second time onward, public certification from Desolate Fortress's residents was required.

Yeon-shin's words had the impact of a cannonball.

People gathered.

The central Training Hall of Desolate Fortress filled with people. There were enough to count in the hundreds, from martial artists of the main fortress to guests.

Craftsmen, merchants, officials, and servants mingled together. The tremendous pressure pulled the air of the Training Hall taut.

"I came from near Shaanxi. They say the new Leader of Demon Wings possesses peerless swordsmanship. Once people see his age, they say they cannot view Yeon-shin as a person, but as a spiritual beast."

"I'll broaden my horizons with the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit's Frostless Heavenly Ice Art. They say it is the martial art that subdued the martial world beyond the frontier. If I had trained my eye technique more, I wouldn't be this anxious... I'm afraid I won't be able to take it all in."

Curiosity and excitement boiled over.

A clash between Squad Leader-level supreme masters was a breathtaking sight even for those unfamiliar with martial arts.

It was a rare spectacle in one's life. Even Desolate Fortress masters seldom saw such a scene unless it was a Black Uniform promotion ceremony.

The two Squad Leaders already faced one another atop the dueling platform.

The Leader of Demon Wings, whose left arm showed its tendons, and the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit, whose ebony bangs covered her forehead.

Both wore black robes and stood at similar heights. Both possessed extraordinary auras. Their atmosphere was similar as well.

The aura flowing from their bodies warped transparently. Only the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit's ears, rising like the tips of leaves, were different.

As they stood in silence, Yeon-shin spoke.

"Let's begin."

He did not feel particularly grateful. Squad Leaders under the Divine Sword Squad always had to face challenges. They could not refuse a duel offered to them.

Personnel matters in Desolate Fortress were close to combat. Someday, Yeon-shin too would receive a duel request from a junior Black Uniform martial artist.

For now, he knew little of what kind of person Cheon So-so was. After today's duel, he would properly encounter her at Wonpyeong One Sword Hall tomorrow.

For now, he knew only one thing.

It was said that she looked down on Han Chinese as much as Xiahou Wi-jin did. Many called her an eccentric who rarely spoke even at Wonpyeong One Sword Hall.

They said she never spoke with anyone except Ma Yeon-jeok, the Grand Chief Steward, the Divine Sword Squad Leader, and Ak Su-rim.

"......"

As expected, she did not answer. She only raised her inner energy in silence.

Rustle.

The black hem of her long robe swayed from the sudden backlash of her energy art. A sacred white current wrapped around her entire body.

Like an immortal surrounded by the north wind and falling snow, she wore the cold wind around her. It was qi materialization. Her inner energy exuded an immense air of mystery.

Exclamations erupted everywhere. Some even called her the reincarnation of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden.

Yeon-shin knew at once. That was a divine art.

'Light Wheel.'

He commanded the wheel of light held within his heart.

Kiiing!

The sound rang out from within. The core of the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel spun like a whirlwind.

The Spinning Thread Force of inner energy rising from the middle dantian reached the lower dantian beneath his navel. The inner energy stored in his lower abdomen responded like a flash of lightning.

Outside his body, an auspicious aura rose like wildfire.

The next instant.

Whoosh.

Cheon So-so's face filled his vision.

Her movement art was incredibly fast. The distance closed in an instant. She seemed to prefer a swift victory.

Their eyes met, her calm blue eyes flashing with a light like frost caught in a clear sky.

Within the realm of thought accelerated like a flash of lightning, her hair, scattered by the recoil of qi, brushed Yeon-shin's sideburns.

Extremely cold air lashed against his face.

She did not yield the first move.

Whether that was her nature or whether she felt some unease toward Yeon-shin, he could not tell.

Fwaaaash!

It came from the side.

A pure white wind swept in all directions. It looked as though snowflakes were flying.

Yeon-shin had faced ice arts once before, but the hand approaching from beyond his field of vision now was on another level.

His upper dantian tingled strangely. It contained a spirituality that heightened the power of martial arts further.

It was certainly a divine art. Without the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel, he could not contend against it.

Sizzle.

His entire body slowed even before she touched him. It was a level where she could employ an internal heavy-hand technique without contact. It differed from ordinary frost qi.

The cold that seeped into his skin froze his acupoints first, then climbed through his twelve regular meridians. His black long robe crackled as it froze.

It was as though Cheon So-so had drawn in every trace of moisture nearby. The sight was profoundly unreal.

In an instant.

Yeon-shin exhaled through his mouth. It was an extremely short breath.

Light rose within his body.

The Record of the Dharma Light Wheel surged as though it would burn through every minor meridian in his body. The inner energy he had prepared in advance filled his meridians and acupoints.

The movement of his qi was immensely violent. The wheel of light spun at a speed that truly resembled lightning.

Though he had not separately raised Samadhi True Fire, terrifying dynamism stirred within him.

When Yeon-shin seized Cheon So-so's right hand, the frost covering both their bodies shattered and burst upward.

Crack!

Ice fragments scattered through the sunlight shining brightly down upon them, spraying seven-colored radiance.

"...?"

For the first time, Cheon So-so's face showed an expression. She looked slightly dazed.

"Now."

Yeon-shin gripped her wrist with his left hand and moved his lips.

"This junior will make a move."

Saaaaa.

The fragments of cold that had been winding through the air stopped moving. The Leader of Demon Wings' robe fluttered endlessly.

It was a mnemonic formula for suction and emission, born from full-body Force Projection. A special technique, attempted through a different method with the movement art Wind Body, stirred to life.

Ice fragments spread and floated around the black robe.

Kwakwakwakwa!

With his right hand, he formed the mysteries of a sorcery formation. Opposing forces met and tore apart like lightning at the Laogong acupoint and Shaofu acupoint in his palm.

The Blood Arts qi and dharma power separated from the Record of the Dharma Light Wheel created a thunderous roar.

Myriad Flowers Rain, Radiant River.

"...!"

Several knowledgeable spectators sprang to their feet.

Footnotes:

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