WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

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◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈

Chapter 28: Zhongnan Sect (3)

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It was then.

Dong, dong, dong!

The bell, which should have rung clear and bright, echoed with urgency.

The expressions of the Zhongnan Sect members gathered here changed at once.

“Tyrant Sword Sect!”

“They have come again.”

Weiji Myo-hwa hastily turned toward the mountain gate.

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan, who had somehow come to stand beside Weiji Myo-hwa, stroked the hilt of their sword.

“Junior Brother Jeong, take good care of Hye-ah.”

“Have the guests wait here.”

They sped away using astonishing Body Movement Scripture. Their speed was incredible.

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan, in particular, nearly vanished in an instant.

After briefly watching Weiji Myo-hwa until only the ends of her hair could be seen, Jeong Yeon-shin turned to Jeong Joong-san.

“It does not seem like this is the first or second time. Is this how you fight?”

“You never know where or how they will clash. The key experts often pass one another and strike elsewhere. Like now.”

Jeong Joong-san’s expression darkened. The Zhongnan Sect’s circumstances seemed poor.

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan, surely one of the foremost experts among the Nine Sects, was guarding the sect’s main mountain.

It clearly revealed their lack of manpower.

“I have seen the Tyrant Sword Sect Master many times. The enemy who exterminated my family strolled leisurely into my sect. How I felt then...”

Jeong Joong-san brushed a hand over his forehead.

The immature older brother from Jeong Family Manor was nowhere to be found. In that place stood a Zhongnan Sect disciple filled with worry.

Hyeon Won-chang lightly kicked the ground.

“Trouble the moment we arrive.”

“Is it not time for the Desolate Fortress Divine Hero to step in?”

“Even if young hero Jeong says so, it cannot be done. A martial artist of the Nine Sects becomes a corpse without pride. Did we not experience that earlier? If not for the Sword Dragon, there would have been a great disaster.”

“They do not seem to have much room to spare.”

Hyeon Won-chang could not refute Jeong Yeon-shin’s final words.

The shouts were growing louder. The front line was being pushed back.

“It seems the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan has been held up.”

“I heard the Tyrant Sword Sect has an Elder Council as well. They say it is a sect with some history among the Thirteen Heavens. Even a peerless master needs time when several experts of the previous Tyrant Sword Sect Master’s generation join forces. It seems they have fought this way until now.”

Jeong Yeon-shin rarely analyzed enemies.

It was only natural. The Tyrant Sword Sect itself was the Jeong family’s enemy, so Jeong Yeon-shin needed to know everything worth knowing about them, as though dismantling a martial technique.

“Do not speak carelessly of the Elder of our sect.”

It was an unfamiliar voice.

Jeong Yeon-shin had already faintly sensed them.

Perhaps to protect Hye-ah, whose talent had been recognized by the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan, five hidden martial artists revealed themselves atop Sunsim Pavilion.

Every one of them carried an upright bearing. They differed from unorthodox sects like the Tyrant Sword Sect.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly spoke.

“I do not believe I said anything rude.”

“Words and conduct can be received differently depending on the person. Do you truly not know that Desolate Fortress cannot become an honored guest of the martial world?”

Another martial artist spoke. There was no sign of backing down easily.

‘Desolate Fortress has many enemies.’

Jeong Yeon-shin felt it anew.

It was a sect that intervened in the conflicts and interests of the entire Central Plains martial world.

Even the leaders of orthodox sects like the Nine Sects would not look favorably upon them.

Furthermore, the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan had displayed the Sword Master’s legacy and shown expectations.

It was said to be the Zhongnan Sect’s long-cherished wish. Even if it was not an ultimate art of their own sect, their feelings would naturally be different.

It would have been stranger if young martial artists, whose vigor surpassed their cultivation, felt no jealousy.

It was clear from their expressions. Their displeasure showed plainly.

“The key experts have gone down, have they not? It looks as though every available hand is sorely needed.”

“Every available hand is sorely needed? Do not insult our sect...!”

Hyeon Won-chang’s words had indeed crossed the line a little. Yet the angry reaction lasted only a moment.

The Zhongnan Sect martial artists who had raised their fighting aura turned their heads to the side.

Jeong Yeon-shin and Hyeon Won-chang did the same.

People were approaching from afar.

There were five martial artists carrying swords, and their momentum surpassed that of the five Zhongnan Sect martial artists. It was difficult to believe.

Jeong Yeon-shin had passed several halls to reach this place, yet Tyrant Sword Sect martial artists had appeared here.

“Kill the child first. They are inheriting the Sword Immortal’s true transmission.”

The man in orange martial robes, who appeared to be their leader, spoke indifferently.

The four at the man’s sides did not even reply. They kicked off from the ground and charged forward, the sound of wind tearing in their wake.

They were martial artists powerful enough to leave footprints in rock.

“How dare you!”

With a boom, the blue stone tiles of the roof shattered. The Zhongnan Sect martial artists tore through the air.

Craack! Whoosh!

The collision of inner force sent fierce winds lashing through their hair.

Though four clashed against five, neither side gained an advantage.

Then the martial artist who appeared strongest strode through the battlefield. The Zhongnan Sect martial artists looked hard-pressed merely to hold back the four.

Mocking their twisted expressions, the approaching martial artist met the eyes of Jeong Yeon-shin, who had hidden Hye-ah behind him, and smiled.

“You brats of Desolate Fortress. What business do you have in the Nine Sects? Is it because our sect has the advantage that you seek to balance things again?”

Jeong Yeon-shin did not respond to the enemy and looked instead at his second brother.

“They crossed several peaks to get here. I do not think the Zhongnan Sect is this hopeless. These people appear to have infiltrated amid the battle to harm Hye-ah. Is that right?”

“Y-Yes. There is no other possibility.”

As Jeong Joong-san nodded dazedly, Jeong Yeon-shin looked at Hyeon Won-chang.

“Please assist me.”

“Do not worry about the rear.”

Other than the composed Jeong Yeon-shin, the only ones who seemed relaxed at that moment were the Tyrant Sword Sect martial artist before them and Hyeon Won-chang.

Hyeon Won-chang even wore a faint smile, looking strangely pleased.

“Then.”

Jeong Yeon-shin had not responded to the enemy at all. The moment the Tyrant Sword Sect martial artist gave a short, incredulous laugh, the qi of the Jeong Family Youth Technique raced through Jeong Yeon-shin’s entire body.

Heavy energy rose from his legs, sending dust into the air.

The next moment, True Step struck the earth with monstrous power beyond anyone present.

Dust exploded violently in every direction.

Boom!

The Tyrant Sword Sect martial artist’s astonished face was covered by the pure-white Desolate Sword.

The force wave of the True Wall of the Poetry-Painting Limitless Fist surged from Jeong Yeon-shin’s fist, shoving the air askew.

Clang! Boom!

A fierce wind swept in all directions with the collision.

The other battles halted for a moment.

As the leader of the group, who had barely blocked Jeong Yeon-shin’s strike, staggered backward, two of those crossing swords with the Zhongnan Sect disciples leaped toward Jeong Yeon-shin.

Jeong Yeon-shin did not stop. Sensing Hyeon Won-chang charging in from the side, he launched another sword strike.

Clang!

It was an astonishing force wave.

Amid the scattering blades of grass, Hyeon Won-chang’s reverse-gripped sword flashed with radiance.

Having entered a life-and-death duel, Hyeon Won-chang was entirely unlike usual.

Clang! Crack!

The formless technique unique to Demon's Light deflected the enemy’s sword and drove into the chest just below the collarbone.

Jeong Yeon-shin did not know when Hyeon Won-chang had mastered it to such a degree. The force of Hyeon Won-chang cutting down enemies with an indifferent expression was immense.

The energy called killing intent seemed to pierce Jeong Yeon-shin’s skin.

Jeong Yeon-shin realized anew that Hyeon Won-chang’s life had not been ordinary either.

Clang! Boom!

The thought arose without conscious awareness. Thanks to Hyeon Won-chang, Jeong Yeon-shin was able to maintain the one-on-one fight steadily.

Jeong Yeon-shin pressed forward without pause, pouring out every secret martial art at his disposal.

The quick-sword form of Demon's Light gave the enemy no room even to breathe.

Whenever a strike threatened to prove fatal, Jeong Yeon-shin dodged with a step of Phantom Wing Step and counterattacked at once, until at last he drove the Desolate Sword into the enemy’s heart.

Crash!

Letting Jeong Yeon-shin, whose upper dantian had opened, seize the initiative was like conceding several moves in a game.

The enemy did not know that. The Tyrant Sword Sect martial artist’s trembling lips moved.

“This... a sword without depth...”

Spurt!

As the sword tip was pulled free in a single motion, time seemed to freeze.

Every battle stopped. The gathered gazes held shock and reverence.

Amid the loud wind sweeping over the peaks, Jeong Yeon-shin flicked the sword once and spoke.

“It has no depth. I know that too.”

It was the Quick Sword Formula created because he had been unable to learn a proper sword art.

Looking around, Jeong Yeon-shin saw that Hyeon Won-chang had already finished off the remaining Tyrant Sword Sect martial artists.

In military terms, it was like defeating an enemy detachment.

“...We reacted too sensitively. Please forgive our rudeness.”

“May I ask who taught you?”

“Jeong Yeon-shin of Demon Wings. I will not forget that name. It will soon resound throughout the martial world anyway.”

The Zhongnan Sect martial artists who trained in the mountains had a pure side to them.

The very people who had shown pride and jealousy only moments earlier could not hide their admiration once they had received the grace of having their lives saved and witnessed Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial prowess.

They tried their best to strike up a conversation until the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan and Weiji Myo-hwa returned after settling the battle.

“Zhongnan owes you a debt.”

“I protected my kin.”

At Jeong Yeon-shin’s words, as he gently held Hye-ah in his arms, the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan shook their head.

“Hye-ah is a child who will succeed Myo-hwa and become a pillar of our sect. Even if you merely did what was natural between uncle and niece, it is still a favor to our sect.”

“I would be grateful if you see it that way. Then, if you will permit it, may I train here for a moment? You need not leave. The sensation that arose has gripped my heart and will not release me.”

Inspiration seemed to vibrate from the crown of Jeong Yeon-shin’s head.

Jeong Yeon-shin had inwardly regretted that the place was unsuitable, but the moment the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan mentioned the favor, he immediately made the request.

“Have you gained martial insight...!”

It seemed to have been a good decision. The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan quickly moved everyone back.

At the same time, Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at the Sword Master’s cliff and drew the Desolate Sword.

‘Every real battle brings something new.’

Thanks to the Tyrant Sword Sect, Jeong Yeon-shin was able to refine this realization.

Sunlight rippled in streaks along the pure-white blade extending beneath his lowered hand.

Soon, following Jeong Yeon-shin’s swinging arm, the sword began to trace a peculiar line.

It was merely a smooth trajectory without any particular momentum.

It only seemed as though a little more sunlight had been caught upon the blade.

“...!”

The Sword Immortal of Zhongnan’s eyes widened beyond measure at that alone.

However, Jeong Yeon-shin’s Desolate Sword could go no farther and sank.

A rough breath escaped. Merely moving the sword according to the flashing mental image was not enough.

The qi did not rise as desired.

Just as Jeong Yeon-shin had always created martial arts suited to his own body, the sword marks upon the cliff seemed to tell him to find a sword of his own.

“I will not take the Sword Master’s legacy.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke after steadying his breathing with the Jeong Family Youth Technique.

“That is like saying... there is a sword path like this, so think a little more broadly. That is what it seemed to tell me. It is only what I felt.”

Jeong Yeon-shin himself did not know what he was talking about.

Young Hye-ah, Hyeon Won-chang, and Jeong Joong-san seemed to feel the same way.

Only the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan nodded as if they understood the true meaning.

Weiji Myo-hwa stood beside them with an inscrutable expression.

“They say the traces left by a Grandmaster who established a school of their own contain spiritual energy. It means they transcend the boundaries of martial arts and sorcery arts. The Sword Master must have been the same, and you have communed with it. Heavenly fortune and talent have met within you.”

“Ah.”

Jeong Yeon-shin let out a brief exclamation and gently closed his eyes.

“They said the Sword Master resided in Zhongnan during their later years. Then the Sword Master must have formed ties with Zhongnan Sect experts. The Zhongnan sword arts are strongly reflected in it, so it does not suit my body and would not be efficient to master.”

In the first place, Jeong Yeon-shin could create martial arts suited to his own body. The speed of his martial progress was different.

That was why Jeong Yeon-shin did not imitate the martial arts of others.

“Young hero Jeong, could you explain what you mean in more detail?”

Weiji Myo-hwa’s pale face calmly regarded Jeong Yeon-shin.

Her gaze did not waver. The Sword Dragon, who was said to roam the heavens beautifully, looked only at Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Restoring the sword form called Nine Yang Single Form is entirely the Sword Dragon’s task. I may be able to help a little.”

“Young hero...?”

“Wait. My training is not yet finished.”

Weiji Myo-hwa pressed her lips together.

Jeong Joong-san’s lips moved as though no one had ever treated Eldest Senior Sister this way, but Jeong Yeon-shin’s consciousness immediately sank into the Desolate Sword.

When he saw the sword marks on the cliff, Jeong Yeon-shin had undergone a strange experience.

It had been an illusion as though heaven and earth were overturned and crushed into a single line. All of it had been inspiration.

It should have been enough to extend a sword faster than one’s opponent, yet Jeong Yeon-shin now clearly understood why sword arts like the Taiji Wisdom Sword and Mount Hua Sect’s Plum Blossom Sword were counted among the greatest in the martial world.

Profound sword arts differed from swordsmanship that merely wielded a sword.

The martial intent contained within the mnemonic formula melted into qi and swordsmanship, producing harmonies unseen in the world.

Mount Hua Sect’s Plum Blossom Sword, which could make fragrant flowers bloom from a sword, was like that.

The sword arts of martial artists were formal methods that synthesized such elements.

Until now, Jeong Yeon-shin had not understood the sword.

‘Because I had nothing, I had no choice but to cling to the Quick Sword Formula.’

It was because it lacked depth. Now Jeong Yeon-shin understood.

Wooong.

A sword resonance rang from Jeong Yeon-shin’s grasp.

The Desolate Sword rose into the sky, wrapped in streaming sunlight along its long body.

The blade drew a graceful line, caught the light, and fell. The Desolate Sword transformed into a single light sword, its pure-white trajectory clearly dividing heaven and earth.

It was a sword dance.

At that moment, the legacy left by the Grandmaster known as the Sword Master shone from the hands of a young Grandmaster.

A sword that did not stop at inheritance, but rose to another sky beyond it.

Tears flowed down the wrinkled face of the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan, upon which the long years had settled.

“Sword Master...”

Footnotes:

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