Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Chapter 85 – Battle for Possession (4)

Translated by Nine Heavens!

Right after starting the strange wager with the Seventh Apostle.

They wanted to reach their destination as quickly as possible.

Jeong Yeon-shin silently galloped his fine horse together with Namgung Hwa-sin. They continued for a long while.

Only horse hooves and gales hitting their faces roared fiercely.

“…Young Hero Jeong. You seem to have no appetite.”

“Young Hero Namgung seems the same.”

Tension circulated even while tearing jerky while giving the horses rest. They kept their energy sense raised constantly.

Each time they looked back, the Seventh Apostle smiling in the distance came into view. Her beautiful smile felt eerie.

The Desolate Sect blue-ranked masters’ energy sense was sensitive. Both were the same.

However, they weren’t relaxed enough to deal carelessly with a supreme master lurking at three hundred zhang distance.

In the evening they took turns standing watch.

On a cloudy night, Jeong Yeon-shin drew his Desolate Sect sword.

It was night sunk in silence.

The countless stars above buried their bodies in darkness, and the moon wore gray translucent clouds up to its head.

Only dreamlike moonlight hazily descended. The clearing spread between bushes was quiet.

The boy recalled Cheong Myeong.

Swish.

Along with moonlight spreading through clouds, Jeong Yeon-shin’s body swayed briefly.

A small breeze arose at his lightly stepping toes. The next moment, a dash with hidden presence began.

He ran silently as if seeping into the night air.

‘She’s sleeping.’

He found her right away. It was the Seventh Apostle. She had taken off her loose red pure blood robe and covered below her shoulders.

She was sleeping curled up on a thick tree branch.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze sank. Though clumsily imitating an assassin, she would notice immediately.

Without hesitation he stepped with supreme footwork. Once would be enough.

True qi silently exploding from the bubbling well point on his sole raised fierce waves.

At the end of his soaring movement, a gale arose.

Whoosh!

It was an instant. He rose to the Seventh Apostle’s eye level. Her long breath could even be felt on his cheek.

In that moment their eyes had already met. Her red pupils slightly opened were hidden by small eye-smiles.

It was expected. While striking down with his right hand’s swift sword, he raised left arm true qi.

The fourth fist technique not even named yet. Simultaneous operation of Demon Roaring Blood Art and Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm.

The reckless power deployment gradually felt familiar in hand. With just one small realization given, it seemed he could properly enter the way.

Swish!

The Seventh Apostle’s foot flew out. Though kicking up while lying sideways, it was surprisingly fast.

Her right foot extending as if crushing empty air pushed back from the sword blade.

The cold blade of the Desolate sword striking at her neck moved outside Jeong Yeon-shin’s reach.

Swoosh–!

He extended his left hand without minding. It was a palm technique loaded like a fire bullet. He unhesitatingly thrust it at the Seventh Apostle’s face and burst it.

Boom!

The tree shattered with a crack. Due to the very large rebound force, even his shoulder blade felt cold.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s body was in mid-air. Along with the palm technique’s discharge he bounced like a leaf hit by typhoon. While smoothly landing, he returned his sword. Along with a hazy trajectory, the Desolate sword was sheathed.

“Your techniques are becoming more refined day by day. Amazing, our Grand Teacher.”

A languid voice as if not fully awake came from above. It was the Seventh Apostle’s voice. She had avoided even the palm technique.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly parted his lips.

“…True qi extending like rising from the Central Mansion point rests as storm intent at the Meeting point.”

He recited the fifth and sixth verses of Demon Roaring Blood Technique. It was what he had to say.

He turned around just like that.

One technique per preemptive strike was the unwritten rule of the agreement between the Seventh Apostle and Jeong Yeon-shin.

In the world of masters, an ambush was all about the first move. One who allows even a second strike is not an internal master.

‘The sword combination was usable. Enough to cover the palm technique’s weakness.’

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced back while reviewing his strike.

The Seventh Apostle who had already moved to another branch was waving her hand.

She looked relaxed, lying sideways with one arm propping her head.

She slightly brushed back her flowing hair and smiled brightly.

“Come back soon.”

“……”

He turned his head back without answering.

In the distance, Namgung Hwa-sin stood at the treetop with arms crossed.

His figure silently watching under the hazy moonlight was like a painting.

He was guarding against the Seventh Apostle breaking the agreement and striking. He planned to join the attack if needed.

THUD!

Namgung Hwa-sin who descended with accomplished body technique opened his mouth.

“Indeed, your techniques are becoming more precise. It feels like directly witnessing the birth process of divine techniques.”

“Divine techniques…”

Jeong Yeon-shin who trailed off with slight embarrassment shook his head slightly.

“I’m not sure if I can complete it within the remaining fourteen strikes.”

“A supreme master able to face the main fortress’ black ranks. Making life-and-death strike exchanges daily, whatever the result, Young Hero’s gains won’t be small.”

“I’m just grateful you always accommodate me. Getting caught up in my grudge.”

“Too kind. I’m gaining enlightenment from a rare experience.”

Namgung Hwa-sin smiled with a kind face. Sweat was visible on his palm that had been crossed earlier.

He had his hand on his sword while watching the Seventh Apostle’s response. They had built bonds no less than Radiant Demon Wing over several days.

Jeong Yeon-shin gave a small bow as always. White Qilin Namgung Hwa-sin showed great loyalty. He was unlike any Namgung family member he had experienced.

“Young Hero’s face is not like usual. Speak without reserve. We might both become wandering spirits by the Seventh Apostle’s hand.”

Namgung Hwa-sin said with a smile.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded and opened his lips.

“You said we should stay a day in Wuchang. I’m curious about the person you called sister. Flourishing Spirit Flower Master Namgung Mi.”

“Ah…”

Namgung Hwa-sin who let out a small exclamation gave a bitter smile.

“Actually it’s nothing special. The issue was that my mother’s status was an assassin raised by the main family.”

A humid wind characteristic of summer forests crept up brushing their skin.

Above their heads, the moon slowly showing its face through gradually clearing clouds seemed to sneer.

“Assassin…?”

It was while heading toward their camp. Jeong Yeon-shin reflexively questioned then closed his mouth.

“You heard correctly. Many sects claim to walk the righteous path, but it’s realistically difficult for groups wielding authority to maintain chivalry. Wealth, rights, land, martial might. How could forces encompassing all these things pursue only righteousness? The orthodox facade is just a way to protect interests. Behind the scenes, they raise invisible swords.”

Namgung Hwa-sin continued speaking with a composed expression.

“A place called Sword Night, which handles tasks difficult for the well-known main family’s Azure Sky Sword Heaven Group. They carry out things like assassinations and kidnappings. My mother was a Sword Night assassin, who one day caught the family head’s eye.”

“……”

“Thus I was born. My qualities were decent. The family head wanted to make this illegitimate son the leader of Sword Night. I wasn’t abandoned like other illegitimate children, that is, my half-siblings. He even had spirit medicine given to an illegitimate child, which earned me my direct line sister’s hatred. Saying there wasn’t enough internal energy for her to take.”

“You mean the Flourishing Spirit Flower Master, your current martial match opponent?”

“Yes. Sword Night are the swords and servants of the Namgung clan’s direct line. She inflicted all sorts of humiliation on my mother before my eyes. Though my mother seemed not to even think of such things. She was born an assassin after all.”

“……”

“I heard news of mother’s death at Mid-Autumn Festival two years ago. Even her body couldn’t return from the mission. It’s common in Sword Night, but not for me. Assassinate a Thirteen Evil Sects Lord’s direct descendant… She went to carry out an absurd mission. Looking into it, it was the Flourishing Spirit Flower Master’s scheme, who frequently entered the young master’s Azure Sky Hall. They say she secretly stamped the family head’s proxy seal.”

“Document forgery? Isn’t that something even third-rate factions wouldn’t do?”

“The family was turned upside down. More than several Sword Night assassins dying, using the family’s sword privately was the bigger issue. The Flourishing Spirit Flower Master received punishment of hundred days closed door training. It was severe punishment for an all-powerful direct line member, but she went in smiling as if what she did was amusing.”

“……”

“That’s when I left the family and entered the main fortress. The escape process was difficult. I couldn’t even dream of revenge. Because I was inadequate and weak. Sword Night’s training method for making branch families obey the direct line touches the realm of sorcery. Like Blood Flame Sect’s blood demons, one cannot dare raise a sword against their master. Look at this.”

Namgung Hwa-sin raised his hand. It was shaking violently.

“Just imagining cutting my sister’s neck.”

A life struggling through years of oppression revealed itself as trembling hands.

Even his lower lip convulsed pitifully, with none of the rising disciple’s bearing that anyone would nod was promising.

But his composed telling of the past was befitting White Qilin.

He spoke of things he had to overcome. That was enough.

Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t say anything.

He doesn’t know such pain. He was like that from birth. Wasn’t he not hated despite being born killing his mother in a village where superstition ran rampant?

Therefore he knew solitude. Jeong Yeon-shin empathized through silence.

Perhaps that was enough. Namgung Hwa-sin slightly smiled with a grateful look and leaned against a tree.

They had just arrived at the campsite. The gazes of two fine horses tied together swept over them along with the campfire.

“Rest first.”

“Alright.”

Calm words were exchanged.

Namgung Hwa-sin volunteered for first watch. Jeong Yeon-shin lay down without declining.

Using his travel pack as pillow and martial robe as blanket, he closed his eyes.

“……”

The campfire crackled as it burned. Along with the sound of flames clashing, an acrid smell rose. The firewood seemed damp.

‘Should have dried it with Three Samadhi True Fire.’

Jeong Yeon-shin fell asleep with a very small regret.

The occasional whinnying of horses slow to sleep, the Seventh Apostle’s gaze watching while hiding her eyes in moonlight, the tingling sensation of palm techniques taking form day by day.

Such was the boy’s journey.

Until reaching Wuchang with its second post station.

* * *

Jeong Yeon-shin and Namgung Hwa-sin stayed one day at Wuchang’s post station. Ming dynasty post stations included lodging.

They could enjoy decent beds while saving expenses.

There weren’t many cities with post stations on their mission route.

Namgung Hwa-sin predicted the deviation of Namgung Mi whose every action was radical, and Jeong Yeon-shin accepted his words. They decided to rest for a day.

“What is that?”

Namgung Hwa-sin asked. Jeong Yeon-shin lying diagonally on the opposite bed raised his head.

“The Diamond Sutra.”

He slightly lifted the Buddhist scripture bound as a book. He brought it for studying cultivation techniques.

Namgung Hwa-sin nodded with an expression of understanding.

‘Chapter on Adorning Pure Lands.’

Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze back to the scripture.

The effectiveness of Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm created after hearing dharma teachings from Shaolin monks was remarkable.

Having acquired dharma power, he was seeking ways to incorporate it into new heart techniques along with the Desolate Sect Fortress Lord’s Moon Spirit Harmony Verse.

If successful, the palm technique he was currently tempering would also advance.

He could greatly reduce the palm technique’s activation speed.

Like the achievement of Jeong family cave technique always filling his body, if inner power imbued with dharma power operated constantly, raising blood technique alone would be enough.

It was something that would bring advancement in martial arts ranking itself.

─”Should develop a mind which does not dwell anywhere.”

Jeong Yeon-shin who was scanning the text suddenly raised his head. Namgung Hwa-sin across from him did the same.

It was because they sensed the commotion outside. The talking was loud.

Virtuous Teacher Sect, fight, Namgung, Namgung family…

“She’s here. Let’s go.”

Namgung Hwa-sin said. He and Jeong Yeon-shin were already wearing gray hemp clothes.

The Desolate Sect martial robes that drew attention wherever they went were temporarily put in their travel packs. It was in anticipation of this.

The two went outside just like that.

A voice carrying true qi was echoing in the marketplace.

“Here, Namgung family’s Flourishing Spirit Flower Master has taken the evil sect leader’s head! A Namgung family branch will be established where Virtuous Teacher Sect was, so you all should rightfully feel at ease and attend to your livelihoods!”

Then it was an instant until Jeong Yeon-shin spoke of servants and such to diminish her achievements, and returned to the post station with Namgung Hwa-sin.

While discussing how to act for two days, they heard other news.

Flourishing Spirit Flower Master Namgung Mi’s response was bold.

She completely destroyed the dantians of the Virtuous Teacher Sect servants she had left alive. She even damaged their mute points to make them unable to speak.

And they said she took the stage once again.

“Near ink becomes black, as they say. They were in it together. They too were learning Virtuous Teacher Sect’s sinister martial arts.”

The post station servant who received ten copper coins relayed the details.

He was a boy who looked very intelligent from his eyes.

He said when Namgung Mi shed tears pitifully with a face like a heavenly maiden, there was no one who didn’t take her words to heart.

“They were servants of those who acted like they owned the city. We couldn’t distinguish them from disciples. Not common people like you, but evil sect members who shared in Virtuous Teacher Sect’s spoils. But they must have been your children, friends, and fathers. I punished them with a sorrowful heart. Even if you point fingers saying there was no mercy in my methods, I will humbly endure it.”

However, since Virtuous Teacher Sect was such a vicious evil sect, no one blamed her.

The influence of her speech and behavior that seemed to sweetly melt people was also great.

Rather, he said it was a situation where the relatives of the various servants watched those who cheered.

Even the government offices including the branch lord didn’t intervene.

This was so despite her reducing the labor force in the government’s administrative domain.

It proved that the Namgung clan’s influence wasn’t limited to the murim.

Rather, rumors spread of Chivalrous Lady Namgung Mi’s growing fame.

Namgung Hwa-sin’s expression grew heavy.

“This would be a problem even if the main fortress wins the martial matches.”

“If we take their heads in life-and-death matches, at least in this vicinity Desolate Sect would earn public resentment.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered.

Namgung Mi began acting as both heavenly maiden and king in Wuchang.

Her fame in the vicinity was rising endlessly in a short time. Her characteristic smile full of confidence was still vivid in their eyes.

‘Desolate Sect is a group that must always gain public sentiment.’

Even with justification, they exterminated the renowned orthodox Hwangbo family.

Now they seek to behead the Namgung family’s leadership too. Even if the orthodox murim united, these were actions that left no room for argument.

The Grand Administrator said Desolate Sect’s leadership was worried about the Martial Alliance.

To avoid giving cause for the murim’s massive alliance to strike Desolate Sect, they must suppress all missions with righteous justification.

“There’s no reason to hastily respond to this battle for justification. The Divine Sword Group Leader, Elder Council Lord, Desolate Ma Family Head… The elders will handle it. We’ll receive recognition for merit just by doing what we can.”

“Young Hero Jeong…?”

“Isn’t it common to say both sides can benefit in any dispute?”

Jeong Yeon-shin rummaged through his travel pack. The feeling that immediately met his hand was chillingly soft.

It was the touch of the precious thousand silkworm thread. Slowly, he took out a robe red as blood.

It was the Seventh Apostle’s pure blood robe.

“We just need one mask. A demon mask would be good.”

“Surely not?”

“Young Hero Namgung, please tell me. Would it be alright to show no mercy in our methods?”