Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time-Chapter 340: Ranked Competition (1)

The streets of Guando were teeming with people.

Yet, it was quiet.

A merchant caravan carried half-empty wagons, their contents already dwindling. Vendors stood behind stalls with sparse displays of fruit and grain, while a few errant drifters loitered near the inns, forcing the junior attendants to cautiously navigate around them in their attempts to attract customers. But all of this faded into the background of Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

He was recalling the steps of the Lord of Yeouicheon.

The way the air split and rose along the tip of the foot. The ripple of force distorting alongside the leg muscles.

As the creator of Hwanik Steps, he could dissect the modified footwork instinctively. The subtle mnemonics layered into the technique naturally unraveled in his mind, flowing backward through his calculations.

The structure of the Gyeongpa Step felt somewhat sluggish at first glance. Yet, that made it even more remarkable.

There was a pattern in how the energy entwined above and below the patella. It resembled the precise interlocking of finely crafted gears.

How far down did she lower her perspective?

It was fundamentally different from the carefree approach of the previous Bright Wing Lord. Unlike an intuitive flow, this was akin to teaching a beast how to drink water.

She anchored her center of gravity in six directions and channeled the energy of Yongcheon Acupoint all the way down to the Tri-Essence principle. By narrowing the range of movement, she made it more accessible for beginners...

The original Hwanik Steps, as Jeong Yeon-shin had designed, were structured to be adaptable in all directions. The technique allowed for countless variations depending on the situation, even making it easy to dissipate an opponent’s force by stepping backward. The flow of internal energy could be adjusted dynamically in real time.

But the steps of Bukgung Ah, the Lord of Yeouicheon, were different.

She had fixed her direction. To make it easier for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, she restricted the step orientations to just six paths. She distilled the propulsion force into three core forms.

Rather than maximizing adaptability, she had narrowed the range of applications in favor of faster mastery. All that remained was the echo of simple movements—advancing, retreating, and leaping.

"They say Senior Bukgung is the greatest prodigy of her generation."

Jeong Yeon-shin found himself inwardly astonished. Was this the essence of a living Buddha?

He recalled the story of Lord Ling of Wei from The Analects, which he had read at Jeong Household Manor. A lesson in self-sacrifice.

She had killed her own dignity to teach her subordinates. To endure simplicity as steadfastly as stone—such patience could only be seen as boundless kindness.

"And I'm supposed to be competing against someone like this for the seat of the Sword Corps Leader?"

For a moment, he was overwhelmed.

He was beginning to grasp the sheer difference in their breadth of perspective. He had never considered structuring a technique with such principles in mind. Even the Light and Shadow Principles had been his limit.

Among those of the Purple Rank, renowned for their peerless skill, the one with the greatest public trust would be the one to take the Seat of the Sword Corps Leader.

He had once thought the Black Rank’s Triarchy—a wall he needed to surpass—was something he was already on equal footing with. But now, it felt even higher than before.

Hm?

A sudden thought made him tilt his head. Then how did my grandfather...?

"Hey, are you meditating? Need more time?"

Bukgung Ah, the Lord of Yeouicheon, tilted her chin slightly upward. She was urging him on. The sunlight cast a sharp highlight along her pronounced nose, making her expression all the clearer.

There was a distinct aggressiveness to her, characteristic of northern royalty.

It was only natural that she couldn’t sense Jeong Yeon-shin’s Qi Flow.

Likewise, he had never truly felt the Energy Waves of Jin Myeong-jo, the Lord of the Blood Command Division.

But having observed the Heavenly Blood Suppression Art sealing his Qi firsthand, he had managed to imitate the method through sheer estimation. As a result, he was confident in his ability to completely suppress his Energy Waves even before the Sword Corps Leader himself.

"...Let's do this another time."

"What?"

Jeong Yeon-shin’s refusal was curt, almost dismissive.

Though his stance lacked the servility expected of someone addressing a High-Ranking Black Rank Commander, his gesture was, conversely, impeccably respectful—both hands raised in a formal martial salute.

There was no attempt to conceal his admiration.

"I sincerely thank Senior Bukgung. You have opened my eyes."

He had glimpsed the depths of the foundation. He now understood just how refined his own martial technique mnemonics could become. Seeing firsthand the boundless vessel that was his senior, whom he had only ever heard about, was an enlightening moment.

He had expanded the boundaries of his Conceptual Perception, and one day, this insight would become a source of inspiration.

If they had not both been of Ipwang Fortress’s Eastern Division, he would have called her a Great Hero—as he once had for Wei Ji Myo-hwa, the Sword Dragon of Zhongnan Sect.

At the same time, Bukgung Ah's brow lifted slightly.

She seemed caught off guard.

A High-Black Rank Expert, someone on the verge of the absolute pinnacle, could perceive the emotions behind a person’s words without error. His sincerity was plain to see.

What the hell? He's serious?

Looks like the modified Hwanik Steps actually impressed her. She’s always wanted to make martial arts more widely accessible. And the Lord of Yeouicheon...

Hyeon Won-chang, who had been watching from the side, could somewhat guess what had thrown her off.

As an Ipwang Martial Scholar well-versed in the affairs of the fortress, he knew Bukgung Ah’s personal reputation.

She was widely known as a madwoman.

Her temper was so unpredictable it felt like she had cultivated Demonic Martial Arts instead. The Arena of One-Sword Wonpyeong had been demolished multiple times thanks to her tantrums. She had even napped amid the ruins of the Black-Rank Gathering Hall without a care in the world.

"She doesn’t have many close associates."

During the peak of the previous Bright Wing Lord's reign, there had been those who argued that Ma Jin, rather than Bukgung Ah, should be placed in the Black Rank’s Triarchy.

It had all come down to personal biases. Just as different regions counted different martial artists among the Top Ten Masters of the World.

Hyeon Won-chang, Tae Yeom-ryong, and Shin So-bin each had peculiar expressions.

Because Bukgung Ah now looked as if she were a devout Buddhist gazing at the Maitreya Buddha.

"You. What's your name? ...No, wait."

Bukgung Ah suddenly fell silent.

A faint blue light flickered in her gaze. For a brief moment, something shifted as she scanned the young man’s entire body.

"Your physique... there's no way you're just some nameless nobody. I want to take a closer look."

"I understand you are currently patrolling Yangyang. My fatigue from travel is still deep, so allow me to make a promise. I will send word to you soon."

Jeong Yeon-shin deflected the question with a polite apology. At the same time, as he withdrew from his martial salute, his elbow subtly pressed against the edge of Chilsa-do’s sleeve—just as they had begun to raise their hand.

They had been moments away from striking at the suggestion of wanting a closer look at his body.

Simultaneously, Chilsa-do shuddered, as if lightning had just struck their arm.

Jeong Yeon-shin paid it no mind.

"I'll see Senior Bukgung again at the One-Sword Wonpyeong Arena."

It wasn’t the time for anyone to learn that he had undergone rebirth through bone transformation. Even a small rumor about such a thing would inevitably cause an uproar. It would be best for the truth to come out only after he had arrived at Bright Wing Hall.

Getting Chilsa-do safely into the Division Leader's office came first. That way, at the very least, the minimum level of security would be ensured.

"Ju Yeon-jeong..."

A memory surfaced—his grandfather, who had shattered the dantians of collateral imperial descendants without hesitation.

Could he now wield such authority, just as his grandfather had? Rather than being swept along by duty and circumstance, could he be the one to shape them to his will...?

"It has been an honor to meet such a distinguished senior. Your cultivation of mind and body is truly without equal."

Jeong Yeon-shin bowed respectfully before stepping past the Lord of Yeouicheon. His crisp, well-enunciated voice left a lingering resonance of admiration.

"Where is he even drawing this reverence from?"

Bukgung Ah—who was better known for her explosive temperament—turned back to look at his retreating figure with an uncertain expression.

But then, the ancient instincts born from her northern royal bloodline halted her.

There was no trace of falsehood.

All that followed the young man's departing heels was the effortless freedom of Hwanik Steps.

Saaah—

As the wind blew past the market stalls, scattering feathered ornaments ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) from nearby stands, it brushed against Bukgung Ah's brow before sweeping upward.

And in that moment—

Jeong Yeon-shin’s party stepped through the gates of Ipwang Fortress.

The white marble citadel, bathed in sunlight, awaited them.

Silent as always.

***

Jeong Yeon-shin entered the fortress without revealing his identity. The credibility of his companions ensured that no one questioned him.

Hyeon Won-chang and Tae Yeom-ryong were both Blue-Rank martial artists, each capable of independent missions. Their status alone marked them as key assets of Ipwang Fortress.

Shin So-bin, also known as White Qilin, was a direct descendant of the Ipwang Shin Family—her face was widely recognized, even more so than many officially registered warriors. In a place like Ipwang Fortress, where all kinds of people came and went, the presence of two unfamiliar figures could still go unquestioned as long as they were accompanied by someone of her standing.

Unlike Tae Yeom-ryong, who was somewhat kept at a distance, Hyeon Won-chang and Shin So-bin had many acquaintances. Their connections extended far beyond just Bright Wing Hall, reaching into the various combat divisions and the General Command Office.

“You’ve finally returned, Grand Snow Sword. No trouble along the way?”

“You have no idea how peaceful the fortress has been. I assume Bright Wing Lord had other matters to attend to?”

“White Qilin, you’ve grown even taller.”

“Wait a moment, that woman....”

A group of warriors approached, their arms marked with the rough-carved character for ‘Huang’, their faces filled with familiarity and warmth.

Martial artists usually remembered others by build and posture. It wasn’t easy to recall a boy who had undergone such drastic rebirth through bone transformation.

Without the presence of the youngest Black-Rank, conversation flowed casually.

Hyeon Won-chang stepped forward, subtly shifting his stance to block their view.

"Let's catch up later. This mission was particularly grueling."

"We've heard the stories. Word traveled all the way from Shanxi. So, is it true? That thing about..."

"Let’s talk over drinks. I’ll prove that my restriction of seven cups was no bluff. My alcohol tolerance has changed."

“You’re still going on about that?”

Tae Yeom-ryong smirked, as if he had heard the most ridiculous statement. So little trust, it seemed.

Jeong Yeon-shin, having observed them for a moment, glanced at Chilsa-do and spoke slowly. She had kept her entire energy perception locked onto him ever since they had entered the fortress.

Like drifting threads, her latent power brushed against his senses, rippling faintly alongside the deep crimson fabric of her fluttering robe.

"You."

"Speak."

"Wait quietly in my office."

"Office? You mean your room?"

"The others will take you. Don’t cause trouble. I’ll tell you about the martial formulas when I return."

"The formulas? From the very first line?"

"Yes."

"And if I suffer qi deviation and forget again? Will you repeat everything from the beginning?"

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Her lips parted slightly.

"Didn’t you say before—martial knowledge is not to be carelessly passed down? No manuals, no written records."

The way she murmured the words was unnerving. Even with a cloth blindfold covering her eyes, it felt as though a reddish glow flickered behind it.

"...Wait quietly and don't cause trouble."

Leaving Chilsa-do in the care of Hyeon Won-chang and Shin So-bin, Jeong Yeon-shin turned on his heel and left.

The mystical power of the Bloodflame Cult's relic was remarkable. Even here, most of the fortress’s warriors mistook Chilsa-do for Ye Sojeo.

It seemed that only Ju Yeon-jeong—one possessing both noble lineage and the martial prowess of a supreme expert—would be able to see through the illusion.

"I'm heading to the General Command Office."

With those words, Jeong Yeon-shin swiftly moved forward.

He had no desire to get caught up in conversations with other warriors in the fortress. Looking around the inner stronghold, he figured that mixing Hwanik Steps into his Ten-Mile Lightwalk wouldn’t be an issue.

Hwaaak!

Familiar energy rippled throughout the fortress. Many of the people passing by were using his footwork technique.

Everywhere he looked, they were all employing Hwanik Steps—even though his martial arts weren’t particularly suited for those with poor physical control.

"Incredible."

Jeong Yeon-shin felt the extent of Bukgung Ah’s influence more than ever. It was no less impressive than that of Heavenly Blood Suppression Master, Jin.

Yeouicheon.

Nothing was impossible for those who possessed it. It was said to be the second-strongest martial force within the Divine Sword Corps, only below the Shingeom Squad.

It was also rumored to be on equal footing with Annihilation Squad, making it difficult to say which was superior.

Could Bright Wing Hall surpass them? Even if he became the next Divine Sword Division Leader, he intended to make Bright Wing Hall his personal force.

"The Light Illusion Formula... There's room for improvement."

The Lord of Yeouicheon had shattered his common sense. Now that Jeong Yeon-shin had seen the depths of true mastery, he forced himself to shake off the weight in his heart and landed atop the General Command Office's rooftops.

Even without using his full agility, he moved at alarming speed.

His completely transformed body often left him with a dreamlike sensation—as if he were submerged in a world where nothing was impossible.

Only when his sense of unity with his own body was momentarily severed did that feeling ever fade.

"So the One-Sword Wonpyeong Arena was destroyed again. No wonder they’ve all gathered at the General Command Office."

Even through his footsteps, he could sense it—a weighty presence climbing along the beams.

Something was happening.

There were more Black-Rank martial artists gathered here than usual.

Divine Sword Division Vice Leader, Blood Vessels Division Leader, Yullyeong Division Leader, and one aura that was unfamiliar but oddly familiar, plus another entirely foreign presence.

Including Lord of Yeouicheon, who was still outside the fortress gates, that made six high-level presences.

It was an absurd level of power concentrated in one place.

Was a faction war about to break out? If they already anticipated his return, his arrival would make seven.

And then—

A voice rang out faintly in his ear, breaking him from his thoughts.

[So what I’m saying is—explain it to me! Do you know how many days I’ve been making this request? Where is the esteemed Lord of Ipwang Fortress? How can you treat someone of my status with such indifference? A proper reception should be...]

In that instant, the radiant wheel in his heart spun.

A state of Three Flowers Converging Essence.

His true energy surged through his entire meridian system, following the direction of his intent.

Kwooooooosh!

A shockwave burst from the tip of his foot, sending roof tiles rippling outward like waves, scattering in all directions.

The roof shattered in a wide circular blast, rising into the air in a cloud of pale dust.

In the fleeting instant that followed, Jeong Yeon-shin erased the image of his grandfather from his mind—overcome with shame.

And then—

He descended into the grand chamber in a spectacular entrance.