WeTried Translations

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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Episode 209: Turmoil (3)

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Jeong Yeon-shin clearly saw the words forming on the Blood Guard Squad Leader's lips. For a moment, he doubted his own eyes.

This was someone who occupied one of the stone seats at Wonpyeong One Sword Hall. There was no reason for them to lower their own dignity.

‘It must just be an unlucky day.’

Jeong Yeon-shin decided to think of it that way. A master at the level of a Black Uniform expert could have an eccentric temperament.

He spotted Ak Su-rim waving from afar and Xiahou Wi-jin merely nodding. Then it made sense at once.

He turned his gaze forward again.

The newly appointed Leader of Demon Wings did not avoid the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit's blood-tinged sneeze.

He had been prepared to support her if she lost her balance, but Cheon So-so maintained her composure.

With her back held straight, she quietly met Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes. Sunlight shimmered clearly in her blue eyes.

"...Let go."

She spoke.

They both knew the match had been decided. Cheon So-so's internal organs might have suffered severe damage.

When the tenth layer of the Deep Jade Heavenly Ice Shield shattered, there would have been serious trouble if the Leader of Demon Wings had not withdrawn the power of Radiant River.

Even the palm carrying the remaining force wave had made her cough up blood when it touched her abdomen.

It was an exceptionally profound palm art. The rumor that Seom-ye had created it struck her anew as astonishing.

Among palm arts, could it not contend for the best under heaven?

‘...Along with the Five Great Palm Arts Under Heaven.’

Cheon So-so thought. Her thoughts flashed like rays of light as five names passed through her mind.

The Wudang Sect's peerless palm art, Ten Brocades Palm.

The Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm, a famed Shaolin ultimate art.

The Tyrant Sword Sect's Sword-Guarding Sovereign Palm.

The Dark Heaven Hand Wall Stance, said to have been created by a later Ming Cult Master shortly before the sect's destruction.

And the Moon-Guarding Piercing Art, renowned within a mysterious sect exclusive to the elven race.

Radiant River did not have as long a history as those arts. Yet it had already proven itself through many accomplishments, and now it had defeated Cheon So-so, a Black Uniform expert.

If Radiant River were ever to meet the Five Great Palm Arts Under Heaven, countless martial artists would eagerly await the result.

If the young Leader of Demon Wings in black robes sought Purple Uniform, would they not clash someday?

‘What am I thinking?’

Cheon So-so shook her head inwardly.

She was about to have to hand over three Blue Uniform experts from the Immortal Wood Spirit Squad.

Determining the greatest palm art under heaven was something only idle spectators would be excited about. It was not something she could concern herself with now.

‘Three Blue Uniforms... I didn't come here intending to lose.’

Her eyes darkened.

For this one day, she would likely be the most unfortunate person in Desolate Fortress. The inevitable loss cut painfully deep. Resentment toward her subordinates also rose within her.

The Immortal Wood Spirit Squad's Kui Star Hand Art was not especially lacking, so why had they insisted on coveting the Seom-ye Martial Lineage?

Meanwhile.

Swish.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly lowered the hand that had been gripping Cheon So-so's wrist. Her tendon lightly brushed his thumb.

It was a bundle of muscle called the palmaris longus muscle. Perhaps because she had drawn up her ice cultivation art, it was intensely cold, and a question suddenly arose in his mind.

Did her martial art have a function that protected the inside of her body? Otherwise, it would be difficult for her body to withstand the ice cultivation art.

Normally, he would never have grasped the pulse gate of a Black Uniform expert.

It was against martial-world etiquette. They said one did not reveal one's pulse gate even to family.

A master with exceptional aura sense could examine an opponent's entire body through the wrist. It was also possible to disrupt the flow of qi. That was why it was forbidden.

Jeong Yeon-shin had unintentionally sensed part of Cheon So-so's qi circulation path.

It was not because he had deliberately tried to examine it.

He had felt it clearly beneath the pulse racing violently during their spar.

‘An ice cultivation art...’

Languid Flame Dragon came to mind.

He possessed severed meridians that would claim his life early. The Sun God Meridian. They said it was a constitution that caused him to die young because he could not bear the blazing yang qi endlessly surging from his body.

Its owner gained sharp martial talent because even impurities in the acupoints and meridians were burned away, but was fated to constantly battle the agony of his entire body burning.

That fellow enjoyed every luxury as the Young Family Head of the Huangbo Family.

A great family was a gathering of immensely powerful clans.

They often acted like royalty in the lands stretching below Beijing. That also meant they were a group with broad knowledge.

They could not have failed to consider the principle that water overcame fire.

If the Huangbo Family had been desperate for talent, they must have tried teaching him martial arts based on yin qi.

Had they not obtained countless supreme martial arts for him?

‘There must have been no improvement. Acquired training couldn't overcome an innate constitution.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. Could he do anything about it?

It was something he had always considered.

He could sit atop Languid Flame Dragon's grave and chew opium poppy, but he would rather see the man live well and die from drink someday.

He had just experienced Cheon So-so's ice cultivation art. Soon, he would help dissolve and absorb a Great Revitalization Pill within Ma Yeon-jeok.

They said one's knowledge broadened with time. Perhaps an answer would emerge someday. Once he had gained insight into many bodies and energies...

Just as Jeong Yeon-shin was organizing his thoughts, Cheon So-so suddenly spoke calmly before him.

"Look at me."

"You shouldn't ignore an opponent you've defeated like that. They could take it as an insult."

"An insult?"

Jeong Yeon-shin did not bother hiding his surprise. While he had briefly been lost in thought, he had found something to learn from Cheon So-so as a martial artist.

The Jeong Family Youth Technique was especially advantageous against yin-cold martial arts, so even if they fought again, he could expect a high chance of victory. Even so, the clear spirit of Cheon So-so, the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit, would not break then either.

"It is a spirit worth learning from. This junior is deeply impressed."

He spoke softly.

To someday reach the rank of Divine Sword Squad Leader, he needed everyone's recognition.

Whatever the outcome today, Jeong Yeon-shin had wanted to create a favorable impression.

For instance, senior and junior Squad Leaders admiring each other's martial arts and spirit.

If they appeared to forge fellowship through martial arts, it would leave a good impression on everyone. He had even prepared himself to offer empty pleasantries, just as he had when dealing with the scholars of the Chief Steward's Office.

‘That was unnecessary. Senior Cheon is a true martial artist.’

The admiration and question rising from deep within him showed on his face.

Radiant River was a martial art with several shortcomings because its mnemonic formula was heavily skewed toward extreme force.

He had not expected a Black Uniform expert at the Squad Leader level to receive even the second strike head-on. It was truly remarkable spirit.

‘If I hadn't pushed myself, I would have been caught by her counterattack.’

Her Protective Qi Technique was terrifying. The numbing recoil still climbing his wrist told him so.

It was not easy to load the second strike of Radiant River into the Neiguan acupoint in his wrist like a fire bomb. He had to endure the warning signs of such a powerful strike within his body first.

It was an idea he had conceived after hearing Cheong Myeong describe Cheon So-so's Deep Jade Heavenly Ice Shield.

Even with acupoints tempered by the Jeong Family Youth Technique, he had to accept a considerable burden. It would be difficult to use it more than once in a single fight.

"..."

Cheon So-so pressed her lips together and fell into thought for a moment as she stared at Jeong Yeon-shin.

It was difficult to guess the true meaning behind his words of admiration.

A spirit worth learning from? Was he mocking her response?

Not befitting a Squad Leader, she had overestimated her Protective Qi Technique and offered her body to a powerful strike. Looking only at the result, it was worthy of ridicule.

That was why the sincere expression on the Leader of Demon Wings' face confused her.

‘This Han Chinese man's temperament is both pure and strange. It suits his outstanding talent.’

She thought it would serve him well against the enemies of Desolate Fortress.

Even now, a strange heat rose from the Yinjiao acupoint in her aching abdomen.

She had striven in training without forgetting that she was a member of her clan, yet an utterly unfamiliar emotion arose within her.

She did not know whether it was irritation or anger.

Cheon So-so struggled to maintain an indifferent expression.

When she glanced down, the abdomen of her long robe was completely wrinkled. It was the trace of Radiant River.

The violently exploding force had created a vortex like Spinning Thread Force. If he had not withdrawn his strength, she might have been torn to pieces. It was a sight that made her accept the result.

She slowly parted her lips.

"...Rainbow Wisdom Sword Do Yun-myeong, Moon-Shooting Bow Ghost Wi Ye-ryeong, Chivalrous Saber Jeong Jun."

Cheon So-so continued quietly.

"Their epithets have all received official recognition from the Chief Steward's Office. They are all Blue Uniforms. Each has learned and mastered your Radiant Sword Flow, Phantom Wing Step, and Ultimate Realm, respectively. I'll complete the paperwork through the Chief Steward's Office and send them to you, so be aware of that."

"Yes, thank you."

Jeong Yeon-shin replied simply.

Cheon So-so closed and opened her eyes once. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly.

"...The three of them are of mixed elven blood. They all have upright temperaments and outstanding talent, so I hope you will treat them well. It is no longer my place to interfere, but..."

"Yes."

"...There is no need to force them to train. If you grant them even a little instruction, they will grow endlessly stronger. Every one of them has abundant experience. They will be especially helpful when facing the Thirteen Heavens. That is the kind of martial arts they have learned."

"I will keep that in mind."

Jeong Yeon-shin gave a short reply and raised a fist-and-palm salute. He tensed both arms so as not to show how exhausted he was.

The right hand with which he had consecutively unleashed Radiant River throbbed painfully. They had exchanged only two moves, yet it was this bad.

Perhaps because his opponent was a Squad Leader of equal standing, the tactic of keeping battles short placed an even greater burden on his body.

"I've spoken too long."

Cheon So-so returned his salute.

"..."

Until then, the area around the sparring platform remained quiet. Silence had swallowed the crowd. No one dared to speak carelessly.

There had only been two exchanges.

Some had wagered on the outcome of the spar.

Not a single person had bet silver on it ending within several moves.

Though short battles between those of the same rank did not necessarily reflect their levels of martial attainment, the Leader of Demon Wings' fighting style, accompanied by a divine art, had produced a result beyond common sense.

Even some masters who had watched Seom-ye's promotion ceremonies several times remained silent.

Only after quite a while did people begin whispering in small groups.

"...It will be difficult to regard Demon Wings as weak now. Isn't their Squad Leader already that formidable? I thought he was only a promising new Black Uniform, but his rate of progress is beyond reason."

"They may clash with a major faction during a group mission. Has Squad Leader Seom-ye ever failed a mission? I feel something quite remarkable might happen."

"There was one time. The capture of the Seventh Apostle. That Blood Flame Sect supreme master."

"He was White Uniform then, so that should be seen as the fault of the previous Leader of Demon Wings."

It was a sparring platform Seom-ye had entered as the Leader of Demon Wings. More eyes were fixed upon him than were present in the crowd gathered here.

Could Demon Wings regain its former prestige?

At one time, it had contended for the position of strongest among the combat units apart from the Divine Sword Squad.

The combat units of Desolate Fortress were each close to a small sect. The achievements Demon Wings would show under its new Squad Leader were a matter of great interest.

"See you at Wonpyeong One Sword Hall."

Cheon So-so, the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit, left those brief words and turned away.

Step.

Her receding footsteps differed from the ones she had taken during the spar.

Her gait had been like fluttering leaves, but now carried a somewhat heavy weight. Her thoughts seemed complicated.

Giving up three Blue Uniform experts was that serious a matter.

For Jeong Yeon-shin, it also brought tremendous relief. No, relief was not enough.

The feeling rising within him, as though filling even the light wheel of his heart, was closer to a sense of achievement.

Three precious swords had entered his hands.

His heart felt fuller than when he had created most martial arts. With this, he had taken another step toward Purple Uniform.

Before long, he would lead twenty-four Blue Uniforms as he raced through the martial world. Jeong Yeon-shin wanted to bestow the title of invincible upon Demon Wings, which still bore the traces of his uncle.

‘I need to consolidate Demon's Light again, weaving together every martial principle of the Seom-ye Martial Lineage.’

Jeong Yeon-shin released his salute and sought his next opponent.

He paid no attention to the whispering spectators.

His priority was finding the Blood Guard Squad Leader, with whom he had exchanged glances earlier. Having become a Squad Leader, he could not name several seniors at once.

He worried that it would look too presumptuous. The only name posted on the challenge letter was Cheon So-so, the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit. He had to designate the next person.

Then confusion appeared in Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes.

‘Where did he go?’

Jin Myeong-jo, the Blood Guard Squad Leader, had vanished.

Had something urgent come up?

Even when Jeong Yeon-shin heightened his aura sense and scanned the surroundings, he could not catch the slightest trace of an unusual aura.

Jin Myeong-jo had disappeared without a trace, as if he had used Concealment Art, despite having stood where two Squad Leaders had been. It was astonishing martial ability.

‘I need to reinforce the link between Record of the Dharma Light Wheel and Demon-Slaying Azure River Hand. If I revise the mnemonic formula a little, there may be room to execute it faster.’

With no other choice, Jeong Yeon-shin decided to head to the Desolate Ma family first.

The greatest task since his return remained.

Using the Jeong Family Youth Technique, he had to help his maternal grandfather absorb the Great Revitalization Pill.

* * *

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.

Sunlight stretching from the end of autumn swept even into the alleyways. Though the road lay beneath bright sunlight, it was cold enough to bite at the skin.

A woman with short ash-gray hair stood with her arms folded, looking down at a kneeling Zhongnan Sect disciple.

"After killing you."

The woman with a divine sword at her waist parted her lips.

"Should I become that child's maid?"

Shame filled her furrowed brow. Though she had not even touched it, hundreds of streams of sword qi seemed ready to burst from her divine sword at any moment.

Her surging emotions had reached a realm where they resonated with the blade.

Footnotes:

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