WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Episode 228: Treasured Sword

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Saaah...

Haze-like strands of light slowly dispersed from the body of Jeong Yeon-shin, the Leader of Demon Wings. They rose in starlight-like fragments over the hem of his jet-black long robe.

It stood in contrast to Seom-ye's calm eyes.

Every master possessed a distinct presence, and the new Leader of Demon Wings carried an air that was both resolute and mysterious.

Even those well-versed in the martial world found him difficult to predict.

Earlier, he had sent a sound transmission without noticeably moving his lips.

The Leader of Demon Wings appeared to be a silent Black Uniform officiant. It meant his tempestuous disposition had been directed only at Do Jin and Xiahou Shan-shan.

'Watching a promotion ceremony as a Squad Leader really isn't anything special. The Annihilation Squad Leader must have seen me this way too, right?'

Jeong Yeon-shin thought quietly. Was there any need for me to be here at all?

'I'd rather wrap this up and head to Shaanxi...'

His lips tightened slightly. There were many people connected to the Zhongnan Sect, not only his blood relatives, Jeong Hye and Jeong Joong-san.

There was the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan, Jong Yeo-il, Great Elder Ye Yil-sin, Sword Dragon Weiji Myo-hwa, and the Zhongnan disciples who had fought alongside the Tyrant Sword Sect. It felt as if a stone had settled over his heart.

"Hngh..."

Do Jin's wrist, normally loose and flexible, had gone stiff. The Leader of Demon Wings, who held the blade between two fingers, flicked his index and middle fingers to the side.

It was a casual gesture. With a twang of sword resonance, the sword slid away.

"...!"

Do Jin nearly lost his sword and instinctively understood what had happened.

The teachings of a renowned sword lineage, honed over many years, had scattered in an instant.

A cold sensation numbed his head. He was close to panic. Preventing an accident was one matter, but repeating the strike would have been difficult. His attack had been effortlessly countered.

It was naturally a tremendous shock to a swordsman. Perhaps it was fortunate that the opponent was a Black Uniform master.

Seom-ye, the Leader of Demon Wings, was now someone Desolate Fortress had come to accept naturally.

'Worthy of the name...'

Do Jin groaned inwardly. As a Law Enforcement Squad martial artist, he had been curious about the master who had broken through the Squad Leader's counterform.

That curiosity had merely been set aside because of his romantic feelings.

Xiahou Shan-shan, who had been crouched low, rose awkwardly. She quickly brought her hands together in a fist-and-palm salute.

Whoosh...

She released a deep breath of inner energy. The breath held in reserve for a brief, decisive battle flowed out with a faint aura.

Only now had Xiahou Shan-shan begun to breathe. Right after being shocked by Do Jin's sword strike, she had witnessed the Leader of Demon Wings make a move from close by.

Even by her own judgment, it was enough to overwhelm her.

'To catch that with an Empty-Hand Blade Catch...!'

She had seen a technique that was difficult even to attempt without an immense gap in ability. It was the art of catching a swordsman's strike between two fingers.

One had to see through the opponent's sword path completely, unravel the force wave gathered in the sword strike with a single Force Projection, then withstand the sword's power with nothing but the strength in one's fingers.

The entire process had happened in an instant.

The Leader of Demon Wings' Protective Qi Technique did not appear as dense as the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit's Deep Jade Heavenly Ice Shield.

That meant he had been certain of succeeding at the Empty-Hand Blade Catch. Perhaps that courage alone was extraordinary.

Either way, it was enough to crush the spirit of any martial artist with even modest knowledge.

Xiahou Shan-shan's lips rose awkwardly.

"Uh... thank you, Leader of Demon Wings."

Being blood kin of the Desolate Xiahou Family meant nothing before a Black Uniform. The difference in age was no different. It was a position far more dignified than any noble bloodline.

Even if Xiahou Shan-shan had watched Seom-ye take the Desolate Exam as a White Uniform martial artist, she could not show an improper attitude.

She remembered him being so cute back then.

Perhaps the thought showed in her eyes. The Leader of Demon Wings' lips crooked to one side. It looked like a slight frown, almost a pout.

"You need to watch the sword properly. More important than the point of impact is the enemy's line of attack."

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke somewhat brusquely.

She had offered thanks. It became difficult to urge her off the sparring platform again.

As a Black Uniform, he thought it was only right to offer a brief piece of advice. She would leave on her own.

Swish.

Xiahou Shan-shan gave her clasped hands a short shake, expressing her thanks again. The Leader of Demon Wings was a rising talent who had grown at an unprecedented pace.

To masters of other martial units, Seom-ye was an unfathomable figure in many ways. Even the chance to exchange a few words was precious.

Her lips curved into a smile.

"I've heard now and then that the Leader of Demon Wings possesses secret arts not even passed down to the Seom-ye Martial Lineage. Could what you showed just now perhaps be one of them...?"

"Are you interested in my martial arts?"

"I was, once. They were difficult to learn. More precisely, cultivation was manageable, but they were hard to use in practice. You'll teach the Demon Wings under your command personally. Wouldn't learning directly make some difference?"

There was something strange in her tone. Her black eyes, studying Jeong Yeon-shin, were the same. It was as if she were probing at something difficult to give up.

Fist Ripple Demon Xiahou Shan-shan came from a renowned martial family and belonged to the powerful Annihilation Squad. She could not truly be considering changing units, yet there had to be a reason she asked.

Was it a lingering attachment? Or perhaps simple curiosity.

'There's no need to dwell on it.'

Jeong Yeon-shin did not answer immediately. After looking at her silently, he slowly opened his mouth.

"The gates of Demon Wings aren't always open. We don't need any more. There are enough now."

"Ah."

Xiahou Shan-shan let out a small exclamation.

Do Jin, who had been lowering his sword uncertainly, opened his mouth.

"My thanks to the Leader of Demon Wings..."

"I said get down."

"Yes."

Do Jin answered as crisply as the sword strike he had aimed at Xiahou Shan-shan.

The two soon clasped their hands again and descended from the sparring platform.

The people who usually drew attention at a promotion ceremony were those being promoted, but the new Squad Leader's mystique had gone beyond all measure. Most gazes remained fixed on the platform.

Only a few people looked toward Do Jin, the Radiant Wind Sword.

Rustle.

Jeong Yeon-shin, the Leader of Demon Wings, adjusted one side of the sleeve hanging at his side.

Unlike before, a cold and severe air filled his bearing. The jet-black hem suited his indifferent face very well.

"Next."

The word made the promotion candidates shrink back. A small murmur rose.

Masters who had missed their martial unit's group missions while carrying out solo assignments climbed onto the platform with heavy steps.

"Seon Si-ryeong of the Swift Heaven Wing Squad."

"Jong Hwi of the Martial Extreme Squad."

* * *

The scene the Leader of Demon Wings had shown earlier had a considerable effect.

Desolate Fortress's promotion ceremony began to proceed at an unprecedented pace.

It had not been Jeong Yeon-shin's intention, but one-strike matches occurred constantly. Outstanding martial artists displayed their arts with all their strength before leaving the platform.

Whenever a swift sword was unleashed, the atmosphere grew so tense that everyone seemed to hold their breath.

"The Squad Leader doesn't seem to be in a good mood."

"You're right. His face is stiff. I haven't seen him look like that in the short time I've known him."

Below the sparring platform, in the middle of the spectator seats, Languid Flame Dragon and Jegal Cheong-a spoke together.

They were scions of two of the Eight Great Families. They also shared the fact that they came from powerful regional clans and had come to Demon Wings after seeing Seom-ye, Jeong Yeon-shin.

"It seems something bad happened, but someone of my standing would find it difficult to ask."

"You carry yourself freely, as expected of the Jegal Family. You're right. This young master knew his place too, so haven't I lived getting pushed around by unranked disciples?"

Languid Flame Dragon did not seem worried about the Squad Leader. Perhaps he had some faith.

Chewing opium poppy, he glanced in one direction with half-lidded eyes. It was the direction of the Demon Wings pavilion.

"Those little things have their whole lives ahead of them..."

"..."

The young woman of the Jegal Family lowered her eyes slightly.

She brushed the black hair tied in sky-blue silk past her neck and stared blankly at Jeong Yeon-shin on the sparring platform. She wore a gray cotton martial uniform.

As a guest martial artist recognized by the Lord of Desolate Fortress, Jegal Cheong-a could have worn a White Uniform.

Yet she had refused at once. She did not want to remain apart from the others. If she wished to get closer to the roots of the group, she had to begin from the same starting point. Naturally, she had asked for and worn the attire of an unranked disciple.

In truth, despite not having joined long ago, she had won the hearts of the unranked disciples.

Unlike Languid Flame Dragon, she did not swagger around despite being a child of a renowned family rare under heaven and possessing lofty refinement and knowledge.

'It feels as though Young Master Huangbo's very presence helps. Squad Leader Jeong's unspoken recognition is a great help too...'

Put simply, she held the advantage by comparison.

While the Leader of Demon Wings was busy with official affairs, Jegal Cheong-a had already settled into Demon Wings in her own way. Her role was also clear.

As a master of eye technique, she would be able to strengthen Demon Wings' combat power in many ways. Could the danger from mechanism formations not be considered gone now?

The unranked disciple Jegal Cheong-a thought carefully. Demon Wings already possessed strength comparable to that of a decent mid-level sect.

'I was once the eyes of my family, and Moon-Shooting Bow Ghost Wi Ye-ryeong will manage the distance in field battles. The Blue Uniform masters are unquestionably exceptional too. Their numbers are no longer lacking. Once the Radiant Art Formation is added...'

Demon's Light and the linked ultimate arts of the Seom-ye Martial Lineage were truly extraordinary. Even Jegal Cheong-a, a direct descendant of one of the Eight Great Families, rarely found something so astounding.

The Radiant Art Formation created by the Leader of Demon Wings had drastically reduced training time.

That only applied to martial artists who had already cultivated either Demon's Light or the Seom-ye Martial Lineage, but Demon Wings' masters had already learned one of the two deeply.

They themselves changed day by day. It was truly frightening momentum. It inspired wonder no less than the Leader of Demon Wings' personal achievements.

It was a change the world did not know about. They would soon enter the martial world in large numbers. How would it receive them?

'Squad Leader Jeong said he had never gone on a group mission...'

Putting aside her thoughts, Jegal Cheong-a quietly spoke.

"Young Master Huangbo does not seem worried. You still have to cross two ranks."

"Me?"

Languid Flame Dragon snorted and jerked his chin.

"That one's more of a problem than me. Look, the one going up now. His conduct is slick from the start."

A tall young man was walking toward the sparring platform with an easygoing smile.

The sword at his waist was a treasured sword that anyone could see was extraordinary, while the blue silk headband around his head was neat and immaculate.

A golden dragon worked into the center of the headband over his forehead gleamed flamboyantly. It was the hero's headband that the Imperial Hero often boasted of having worn when first meeting Seom-ye.

Upon the vast central sparring platform, Hyeon Won-chang climbed up with his opponent.

The promotion ceremony had been underway for a long time. More than two hours had passed. He was the first promotion candidate from Demon Wings.

"Hyeon Won-chang of Demon Wings."

Hyeon Won-chang greeted Jeong Yeon-shin with his eyes before speaking. The words were directed at the opponent standing across from him.

"I am Kang Un-chan of the Chief Steward's Office. I've seen Squad Leader Jeong from a distance a few times."

The man with the air of a scholar returned the salute with clasped hands.

The black sheath of the Desolate Sword at his waist and his remarkably composed face stood out.

A quiet, settled presence cloaked his whole body. The White Uniform martial attire looked almost like a scholar's robes.

Yet his thick eyebrows and well-trained muscles gave him an intensely wild bearing.

One would think of a person accomplished in both letters and martial arts after a single glance. The aura of his power was also quite heavy.

'He won't be easy.'

Jeong Yeon-shin thought so, but did not show it as someone who had to remain neutral.

For a brief moment, he imagined using an invisible Finger Wind to throw Kang Un-chan off balance.

Lately, along with the pain of his limbs growing longer, such stray thoughts had increased as well.

'I'm not even my maternal grandfather.'

Jeong Yeon-shin reproached himself inwardly.

Such a violent temper was far from his own. He would probably never be able to resemble his maternal grandfather.

He needed to preserve the humble and calm nature he had possessed since childhood. If he simply remained faithful to the tasks given to him, he would be able to do so.

Step.

Jeong Yeon-shin retreated a few steps and spoke briefly.

"Begin."

"Thank you for officiating."

Kang Un-chan gave a respectful fist-and-palm salute toward the Leader of Demon Wings before turning his head. His eyes immediately met Hyeon Won-chang's.

"I've always envied you. I doubt I am alone."

"What do you mean?"

Hyeon Won-chang asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Did you not meet a good companion? You took the Desolate Exam alongside the current Leader of Demon Wings and entered the same martial unit. Riding favorable fortune is clearly also a martial artist's ability. Young Hero Hyeon is truly outstanding."

There was no mockery on his composed face.

It was not petty envy. Kang Un-chan truly believed it. This was a world where words like heavenly fortune and heavenly mandate were common.

Hyeon Won-chang did not care much. The Radiant Art Formation personally taught by Jeong Yeon-shin was being put to the test at this very moment, before hundreds of people.

He had ultimately failed to lift the seventy-percent restriction. If he did not want to tarnish the Radiant Art Formation and Jeong Yeon-shin's name, he had to display his best ability.

'My senses are at their peak. Very good.'

He only half listened to Kang Un-chan's courtesy before the match. Was it the Chief Steward's Office's nature? Kang Un-chan seemed like a talkative person.

"Even enduring that envy is a martial artist's virtue, I realized. I had many thoughts. Deluded thoughts that if I had been there too, I would have become stronger, that the extent of my achievements would have differed, that I would have learned more and provided support differently from Young Hero Hyeon... They would surely have been true, but they hold little meaning. In the end, your place belongs to you."

That was when it happened.

Thud!

Kang Un-chan's neck suddenly bent downward. An invisible force wave cut through the air and struck the back of his head. A heavy impact rang out.

The point of impact was precisely the back of his head. Kang Un-chan lowered his posture and staggered. It looked as though an invisible ceiling had collapsed, nearly forcing him to his knees.

Whoooong...

The remaining force of the wave flowed out. A breeze swept across the floor of the sparring platform. Pale dust scattered soundlessly, deepening the silence.

Hyeon Won-chang turned to look at his Squad Leader.

"..."

The Leader of Demon Wings stood alone with arms folded, eyes slanted slightly downward. Jeong Yeon-shin looked as refined as ever.

Footnotes:

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