Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time-Chapter 326: Boundless Sky (5)

Could a demon from the Shan Hai Jing be striking the mountaintop?

At this moment, the waves pounding the cave were incredibly fierce. Powerful shockwaves kept erupting.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.

The brush strokes of the scholars transcribing the precepts came to a sudden halt, as if the incessant murmurs had been silenced.

The sense of fear, born from the incomprehensible, seemed to creep slowly through the underground plaza.

Thud! Thud―! Boom!

The sound waves that had been relayed from above began to disappear one by one. The speed was unimaginably fast.

The energy ripples that had filled the air like concentric circles in a translucent pool of water vanished without a trace.

It no longer felt like the harmony of a human being. It was more akin to the remnants of disaster itself.

“It has come... The greatest and most greedy swordsman from Yodong...”

Salhyup Geum Jon-hwi murmured, almost nostalgically, as if recounting a tale.

Perhaps it was his way of regaining his calm, like seeking stillness in a chaotic storm. Even in a critical situation, he did what he had to do—just like an elder of Ipwang Fortress, maintaining his honor.

At least, until then.

Jeong Yeon-shin did not take his eyes off the sword mark left by Mo Yong-gaju.

The flawless, smooth trace seemed to draw in the soul. Even Jeong Yeon-shin’s upper energy center hummed in resonance with it.

It was divine work. The sword itself was a work of art.

Salhyup’s words began to make sense in that moment. The elders of the Salmun had been staring vacantly at the sword’s trajectory, rendered nearly senseless.

The marks left by the clan heads who had devoted their entire lives to their swords exuded a mystical aura—an aura said to embody divinity.

‘There is no distraction on the cut. All I feel is...’

The calm certainty that nothing could escape his sword.

A belief that his sword would be guided by destiny, like a shooting star.

It was said that sword masters of this level communicate through their swords. Mo Yong-gaju’s arrogant thought came through clearly.

It was a mentality befitting a ruler of the martial world, far removed from the humility cultivated by the great master Ma Gwang-ik. It was an unshakable self-assurance that could only belong to someone of supreme confidence.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly lifted his head.

The dim cave ceiling.

Without the special method of mental perception, he couldn’t even see the walls that vibrated along with a particular resonance. It was the power of a sword strike from heaven, incomprehensibly grand.

A truly transcendent strike, the kind that defies conventional norms.

The method of striking through mountains to hit cattle.

No matter what obstacle stood in the way, it was a technique that transmitted the force directly.

It was usually executed with a spreading arc, but the unparalleled swordsman on this cliff, with a sword strike from dozens of layers above, transcended conventional limits.

The sharp sword energy hit like an earthquake, traveling directly down the line.

Boom―! Boom―!

After a few more strikes, the sound faded, like a demon hunting its prey before moving on.

It was then that a strange sense of relief filled the underground plaza.

“We’re still safe. They won’t know where we are for now,”

Salhyup Geum Jon-hwi nonchalantly tapped the ground with his foot.

“The divine technique of the Heavenly Demon is concealing our presence. Even if the greatest swordsman is here, if I release my energy and perform my sword dance, they won’t sense a trace. It’s just... a pity that those who set up the main framework of our plan were slaughtered.”

His voice became bitter at the end. There was a hint of sorrow, an emotion unusual for one like him.

Jeong Yeon-shin simply nodded slightly.

Once again, the divine treasure. The artifact that harmonized with his martial arts. As his own martial arts grew stronger, and his vision widened, he had encountered many of the martial world’s secrets.

‘Will she be alright?’

Before heading to Taewon, he recalled the pebble he had given to Zhuge Cheong-ah—an artifact imbued with the unique clarity of the Zhuge family. It had inspired the creation of the Seonryong Leehwa technique.

The girl, who had lost her elder brother and father, had stared at the pebble for a while before cautiously accepting it.

"Thank you for trusting me. I will reveal all my abilities... The Lord should protect them."

That was the last he had heard.

Jeong Yeon-shin had intentionally left her the freedom to act alone, allowing her to make her own decisions.

With Seonryong and Bokryong's deaths, Zhuge Cheong-ah had become the only direct heir to the Zhuge family, carrying the weight of the clan’s future.

Becoming a guest warrior for Ma Gwang-ik had been a way to showcase the alliance between the Murim League and Ipwang Fortress.

The warning about the Thirteen Heavens would never take precedence over the survival of the Zhuge family.

‘Where did she go?’

Perhaps she had returned to Ipwang Fortress with the two senior lords, or perhaps she had gone back to her home.

Regardless, he hoped she had found peace. Once the current matter was resolved, they would surely meet again, one way or another.

As Jeong Yeon-shin fell into a brief reverie, Hyeon Won-chang grabbed Salhyup’s sleeve and led him toward one side of the cave.

It was done while requesting Jeong Yeon-shin’s consent through a mental message.

“The final clause of the Salmun secret was a lie. In the end, I had to open the golden seal using my own power and the Lord’s techniques.”

“Does that mean you haven’t fully unlocked it?”

“I will # Nоvеlight # explain everything later. Maybe over a glass of wine, when things are calmer.”

Hyeon Won-chang only turned his gaze to Salhyup after seeing his lord nod in agreement.

“Brother, I need to discuss something with you. It concerns your future and is unavoidable,” Hyeon Won-chang said.

“Is it urgent? Even with the divine artifact, our position hasn’t changed. Before the monstrous swordsman from Yodong arrives, we need to move the disciples to the safe house. No one knows the extent of the power these unparalleled masters are hiding. They could easily cleave a cliff in half without it being strange,” Salhyup replied with a sense of urgency.

“This is crucial. Before the elders arrive, you must hear this. They have deceived you while hiding something important...” Hyeon Won-chang’s voice trailed off, as though he was communicating telepathically.

Occasionally, the irregular changes in Salhyup’s breathing confirmed the importance of the matter.

At times, Hyeon Won-chang would tap his shoulder lightly, a gesture that suggested familiarity from their childhood.

Jeong Yeon-shin watched them, thinking, Hyeon Won-chang truly values his family.

“......”

Briefly thinking of his own household, Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze back to the sword marks left by Mo Yong-gaju.

The long, running sword trace was the perfect object of focus, rich with meaning.

The powerful swordsmanship, quick strikes, and the precision of his technique all pointed to a unique application of energy that should not be overlooked. Even the way the sword handle was gripped could reveal significant insights.

Ma Gwang-ik had always favored such elegant martial arts. It had been the moment he had successfully escaped using Jeong Ga-donggong that he had realized how unique his style had become.

Even when separated from his true family, Jeong Yeon-shin had never felt truly alone. His mother’s love always embraced him, no matter where he was.

How long had it been since?

From one side of the underground plaza, dozens of footsteps grew louder, and familiar voices reached his ears.

“Well, you’ve certainly grown. It’s been at least ten years, hasn’t it?”

“Lord!”

Two figures emerged from the group of companions.

One was a short-haired man with a sharp stride, who had the presence of a legendary swordsman. The other was a girl who leaped forward with feline-like grace, the true successor of Seomye Mu-maek.

Tae Yeom-ryong and Shin So-bin arrived before their lord.

“The prayer has changed again. Perhaps not during your growing years, though,” Tae Yeom-ryong said lightly, as he threw a sharp comment, while Shin So-bin followed with a more casual greeting.

Jeong Yeon-shin could faintly smile at the familiarity of their voices.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Shin So-bin leaned in close, mimicking the gestures of Baek Mi-ryeo, lifting her long eyelashes as if trying to play the role of a sister.

“You must’ve had a tough time. Just hearing about it made it sound like an extraordinary journey. I wonder if I’ll get scolded by Senior Yeon-soo or Senior Cheong-an for not assisting properly. No, even I feel uneasy about it. May I take a quick pulse?” she asked, as if checking on him.

“Baek Mi-ryeo hasn’t grown up yet,” Jeong Yeon-shin mused quietly.

“Pardon? Who’s doing what now?” she asked, confused.

“Even though you’re around the same age as your lord, you haven’t learned to slow down yet. In times like these, even lying on the bed should make one’s heart weary. Especially with our lord’s karma, there’s no doubt that your legs will grow stronger with each passing night. Soon enough, martial artists in the world will fear your footwork more than even the sword of Yeonhwa-nata...”

“While being a killer, did you also bite down on a poppy seed?” Jeong Yeon-shin murmured, having observed their playful back-and-forth.

Ma Gwang-ik’s reunion in Ipwang Fortress was noisy yet natural.

As the old assassins of Salmun walked cautiously, keeping a watchful eye on Jeong Yeon-shin, Ma Gwang-ik’s two subordinates studied their lord’s clothes, noting the muscles and the pulse of energy that radiated from his movements.

Even in a fleeting moment, the seasoned warriors of Ipwang Fortress assessed a great deal. Their eyes moved away after a few breaths, as if nothing had happened.

By that time, the conversation between Salhyup Geum Jon-hwi and Hyeon Won-chang had concluded.

“I’ll lead the disciples. You, Jon-hwi, go and retrieve the small bronze box. It’s very tiny. There’s only some parchment inside. No map, but you’ve already learned the terrain well. I’m counting on you,” Hyeon Won-chang ordered.

“I’m not one of the Salmun. I don’t want to get involved any further...” Geum Jon-hwi responded.

“Now I have no one else to trust. What else can I do?”

Geum Jon-hwi’s sardonic tone was oddly familiar to Hyeon Won-chang.

His voice was a little cold. He had realized that the key to ensuring his succession had been lost in the chaos of the Heavenly Demon’s Rebellion.

He trusted his younger brother. As he pressed his black hood further down, Salhyup remained silent in the presence of the elders that had gathered.

“Retrieve the box? Are you sure you want to let Jon-hwi guard the sacred treasure of the sect?”

“Outsiders should not speak such dire words. The test hasn’t even finished yet.”

Geum Jon-hwi did not respond to their accusations.

“Did you not feel the presence of the monster swordsman? Elders, we need to evacuate the disciples now, and Jon-hwi, the only direct descendant, should carry the treasure. The legitimacy of this claim means that he can challenge the lord’s position. How dare the elders speak of outsiders in front of him?” Geum Jon-hwi’s voice became sharp.

“Listen here, Jon-hwi!”

“The greatest swordsman from Yodong is here. No matter how many times we think about it, we must hurry. That monster could split the mountaintop at any moment. Let’s move the disciples to the safe house.”

Originally, an assassin’s safe house was never just one location.

The phrase ‘A cunning rabbit has three burrows’ was an essential teaching in the assassin’s world. They always prepared multiple escape routes.

“Disciples, over here! The newly arrived must send their signals! We’ll meet at the southern entrance of the main safe house!”

It was the battle strategy of a warrior’s group.

In the guise of an assassin, Geum Jon-hwi commanded his subordinates like a general. Following his gestures, dozens of assassins crossed the underground plaza.

Within that group, Salhyup’s presence could be felt, his forceful energy spreading throughout.

The vast underground cavern became more bustling.

Among those watching from one side, Tae Yeom-ryong clicked his tongue.

“Seems like the Namgung guy is back. I’ll watch the assassins come up to the surface.”

“In the midst of the confusion, the strongest swordsman in Yodong has finally arrived. Right, Grand Master?”

It was then.

Suddenly.

Boom! Crash! Crash—!

A thunderous sound echoed through the cave ceiling. Stones rained down from above.

The faces of the Salmundo sitting at the stone desk shifted. The earlier reports on the tracks of the head of the Mo Yong clan and the leader of the Sim Mu-ryeon sect could not compare to this.

“The Jinmen Array has just been broken.”

“I’m transmitting immediately. The system of Sa Ham Byeok’s mechanism seems to have been destroyed.”

Their tone had changed. Though their voices were level, the urgency was unmistakable.

The figures were drawing in energy through the Baihui point as they opened their mouths, absorbing the energy waves from the cave.

“The Dark Sword’s energy has been severed. The energy is no longer detectable.”

“Breaking the Golden Immortal’s Sound Array! The upper sections are all breached!”

“It’s coming!”

Woo—wooo—wooo—!

In the next moment, a booming echo swallowed their voices. It was as if a dragon from the myth of fire was roaring through the underground plaza.

Was it trying to crush the cave walls completely? An overwhelming pressure pressed on their eardrums, and unseen forces were rapidly expanding outward.

Something was coming.

Boom!

With the explosion, dust exploded into the air. The ground shook violently as dust covered everything around them.

Tae Yeom-ryong was the first to react.

“Don’t waste time, we’d better retreat.”

With a voice carrying the heat of a powerful wave, he cut through the shockwave. Without even casting a glance at the Salmundo, he glanced over at Hyeon Won-chang and Shin So-bin and urged them to retreat.

It was a message for everyone. The madness in his eyes prevented any unnecessary burdens from falling on Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Isn’t this a place full of webs? Hide anywhere in the Salmundo’s secret hideout.”

The air was thick with dust, and they could only vaguely make out silhouettes.

Thankfully, it was thanks to the sunlight that began pouring from above, but no one here seemed to consider it a stroke of luck.

Zzzziiing—

A chilling sword aura scraped through the air. Amidst the dust that barely blocked the sunlight’s piercing rays, the presence of the sword’s edge began to fill the vast cave.

The transcendent sharpness started to dominate the space. Before long, the figure of the sword wielder, their blade extended, stood calmly in the air, gazing down at the group below.

“......”

It manifested.

The unmatched swordsman who had long coveted the legacy of the Celestial Demon.

Wrapped in gray dust like a veil, the figure was not visible, but its presence was undeniably felt. It suffocated the air, as though forcing one to hold their breath.

“I’ve found you.”

A deep voice rang out.

The force carried within those words swept through the room like a faint dragon’s whirlpool.

No one responded. The silence only grew deeper.

They were at the feet of the greatest swordsman in Yodong.

The head of the Mo Yong clan.

The Starry Bright Sword Master, Mo Yong Jung-rak.

There was no need to mention his reputation. The Eight Great Houses were long-established absolute masters.

The certainty that one’s life would be cut short the moment they made a sound, as if it were the law of the martial world, was overwhelming.

It was too late the moment they faced him. No one dared break the silence.

Only—

At this moment, a figure silently rose, floating towards the shadow of the peerless master who stood gazing down at the underground plaza.

A black robe fluttered at the ends, and the figure stood tall, feet planted upon the long sword, with arms hanging down.