Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time-Chapter 342: Ranked Competition (3)

The young man broke through the round table of Ipwang Fortress's high command.

He was an exceptionally handsome man. His ink-black brows and eyes, as if painted with a brush, drew the attention of everyone present.

Sunlight poured down on his distinct features. There was a dreamlike aura about him. His high-bridged nose and composed lips stood out.

Despite having just engaged in a fierce exchange, his neatly flowing hair left a deep impression.

At the tips of his jet-black hair, which reached down to his shoulder blades, streaks of achromatic lightning constantly flickered.

It was the aftershock of the techniques he had just unleashed.

"......."

The distinguished figures in the room remained silent for a long time. Had it been a direct clash, the outcome would have been different.

There was a vast difference between escaping a formation and properly withstanding its full force.

But what if that space had been filled with the Black Ranks of Ipwang Fortress?

A sharp glint flashed in Ju Cheol’s eyes as he locked gazes with Jeong Yeon-shin.

His reputation as Blood Extreme Demon God, once held in high regard, had just taken a hit, but evaluating the rogue who had struck him took precedence.

How many within Ipwang Fortress could replicate what had just transpired?

Ju Cheol read the shifting atmosphere, quietly soothing the meridians disrupted by the shockwave of their exchange.

He had seen it clearly.

Neither Blood Extreme Demon God nor Ipwang Divine Spear had lifted a single finger against the intruder. Unlike Ju Cheol, Yullyeong Unit Leader Yun So-yu, who had managed to draw her sword, had also flinched strangely after the exchange.

Even Commander Im Jin-myeong, a master of the highest caliber, was fully absorbed in observing the young man rather than making a move.

It meant he was not an enemy.

That alone spoke volumes.

"Someone like that existed within the imperial army’s loyal war arsenal?"

The one who had intruded so arrogantly, speaking with an innate sense of superiority, was a mere youth who appeared to be no older than twenty.

It meant he was not someone who could be measured by common standards. He was akin to Public Azure Stone Essence or a Flood Dragon—a phenomenon beyond normal comprehension.

He had heard rumors before.

"Wasn't the current Lord of Ma Gwang-ik... just a young boy?"

Spitting out blood-streaked saliva, Ju Cheol muttered to himself.

But the young man only glanced at him briefly before turning his head.

The unfamiliar yet striking young man instead locked eyes with a girl who had been staring at him intently.

"Are you alright?"

He was inquiring about the condition of none other than Ipwang Divine Spear.

It was as if he naturally possessed access to rare information.

Only a select few knew that she had sustained serious internal injuries after falling prey to the Divine Male-Female Art.

The rumors that had spread widely merely stated that the three Black Ranks of Ipwang Fortress had executed Zhuge Clan Leader.

Ju Cheol was certain now. The characteristic arrogance of the Black Ranks, who always kept their distance from outsiders, emanated from this young man as well.

As a direct heir of King Ming’s Palace, he had memorized the entire high command roster of Ipwang Fortress. There was no one else who came to mind other than Lord of Ma Gwang-ik.

"But how...?"

It was utterly baffling.

The young man's immeasurable martial prowess and unfathomable appearance defied all expectations. Even more bewildering was seeing Ak Su-rim, normally indifferent to even the imperial family, gasping in admiration with her jewel-like eyes.

"Seomye, is that really you?! What happened to your voice?"

Step.

With her short legs, she took a step closer.

Her shoulder-length hair swayed slightly. It seemed like a faint trace of immense energy had leaked out. Her Three Blossoms Convergence Qi was not fully under control.

"Did it hurt? I thought I was going to die."

Ak Su-rim reached out a small hand, her fingertips almost brushing against the young man's face.

Her touch, which traced the air along his jawline, carried an astonishment that was close to reverence.

The flickering radiance around him shimmered and distorted at her fingertips, like sacred smoke dissolving into the air.

The surrounding figures murmured in unrest.

Anyone could grasp the unspoken implications—this was nothing short of a rebirth.

"Thank heavens I don't see that old geezer's face on you. If you just eat properly and frequently, you might even become more beautiful than the Lord of Geum Si Sect. Though she had that look thanks to a Flood Dragon’s inner core."

"My comrades said I’ve become more manly."

"What? You're comparing yourself to those fledglings? Do you think they have the same discerning eye as a senior?"

She beamed and chattered away, her casual words carrying a warmth that felt nostalgic.

Jeong Yeon-shin felt relief seeing his senior in good spirits.

The image of her fighting Zhuge Clan Leader in a life-or-death duel was still vivid in his mind.

He sometimes woke up recalling how, as a senior, she had taken the decisive killing strike in his stead.

"Lord Jeong! Lord Jeong has...!"

The awe-struck Commander burst out in astonishment, but Ak Su-rim, now animatedly gesturing, cut him off.

She now sounded more like the youthful girl she appeared to be.

"Before you got taller, you were already as strong as black iron, but what the hell did you do to your body?"

"I want to see you compare strength with a Shaolin monk!"

"What happened after you left the Zhuge family?"

"If you just disappear again after leaving another cryptic message, I swear I’ll...!"

"Senior Ak and my grandfather..."

If mental discipline followed one's physical state, then—

Jeong Yeon-shin was certain.

He had truly become an adult.

Even if the world denied it, the fact would not change.

He carefully brushed aside the lengthy questions and answered the short ones in turn, before finally turning his gaze to Commander Im Jin-myeong.

Now, Ak Su-rim’s small frame no longer obstructed his view.

Gone were the days when remarks like, "Hey, where are you looking?" could hold an adult’s attention.

"I have returned to report. The warriors of Ma Gwang-ik who accompanied me are all unharmed, and the mission..."

"Was a success."

The Commander finished his sentence with a smile.

"We received intelligence from the main headquarters some time ago. The death of Zhuge Clan Leader has sent shockwaves throughout the martial world. Even with Shanxi being so vast, rumors are leaping from fortress to fortress."

"It has already reached Yangyang?"

"It is spreading at an unprecedented speed. Unlike Hwangbo Clan Leader, who was killed by mid-ranked Black Ranks, this time, the one who beheaded the formation-mastering Zhuge Clan Leader was the youngest Black Rank in history... and it wasn’t just one or two sects that witnessed it firsthand. Even Governor Kang Su-hwi himself has requested the northern deployment of Lord of Ma Gwang-ik Seomye. That has only fueled the impact further."

Jeong Yeon-shin did not reply.

Though he was aware of his seniors’ gazes, who were subtly observing his side profile and back, this was the time to move past awkward pleasantries and get to the main point.

"For Ipwang Fortress’s laws to remain intact, proper procedure must be followed regarding military merits. I heard that the Lord of the Fortress is away, so I must submit my report to the Commander properly..."

"A written report will suffice. Since there were no casualties, there is no reason to detain you further. Return to Ma Gwang-ik Pavilion and rest. You may send the mission statement through your subordinates."

Commander Im Jin-myeong had always shown excessive respect toward Jeong Yeon-shin—ever since he had been officially appointed as the direct disciple of the Lord of Ipwang Fortress.

Even now, in front of multiple high-ranking warriors, he was subtly extending him favors with a natural grace.

Jeong Yeon-shin, ever perceptive of social cues thanks to his upbringing in Jeong Clan, discreetly scanned the expressions of his respected seniors before opening his lips.

"...Very well."

Bringing up the matter of the Lord of Mo Yong Clan here would mean enduring Ak Su-rim’s nagging for quite some time. Ju Cheol, the so-called Sword Guard Lord, who radiated the heavy energy characteristic of imperial martial arts, was also an annoyance.

No matter how fast rumors spread, they could never outpace the light movement techniques of true masters.

The distance from Taiyuan in Shanxi to Hoguang in Yangyang was immense. It made sense that news of Mo Yong Clan Leader’s death had yet to reach this place.

When Jeong Yeon-shin underwent rebirth through near-death, the only outsiders present had been the assassins of the Blood Gate.

"My Baek Yeon was taken by the Lord’s Divine Eagle."

Like the swallows the high-ranking officers used for communication, the Sword Lord had a white hawk endowed with intelligence.

A divine beast known as Divine Eagle, a predator that suddenly appeared in the sky, let out a long cry to call for Baek Yeon before soaring away with him.

It had happened while Jeong Yeon-shin was descending to Yangyang with the Seven Evil Sabers. He had left it alone, sensing that something had transpired.

"Before you go, one thing."

As he turned to leave, Jeong Yeon-shin stopped and addressed Commander Im Jin-myeong.

At the same time, he nodded respectfully toward Senior Jin of the Crimson Blood Unit. The first to recognize his identity, Blood Extreme Demon God, had distanced himself, seemingly bothered by the half-collapsed roof.

It was a demeanor the young man sought to emulate.

"The Lord’s Divine Eagle came to me—"

"It came to us as well. We were just discussing that matter."

Ak Su-rim smiled and placed a hand on Jeong Yeon-shin’s side, pushing him toward the door. He didn’t resist and took a step forward.

His body was fine, but after experiencing so much, his mind was exhausted.

"Take some time to rest. Those returning from missions should focus on internal cultivation, not rush back to the training hall."

"I haven’t properly greeted my seniors yet— Why are you following me?"

"To see you eat. The Ma Gwang-ik Pavilion’s chefs were skilled, weren’t they?"

"I eat just fine."

"Boys your age say that and then skip meals, wasting away into nothing."

No one spoke until the young man and girl disappeared beyond the meeting hall.

The commander and the officers seemed to be silently absorbing the lingering shock.

"The grandson of Paehyeop."

Ju Cheol was different.

"So the next Purple Rank will be among the Three Grand Black Ranks after all."

Ignoring the gazes around him, he muttered to himself.

He recalled the rumors circulating within the imperial ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) court and noble houses.

It was said that Paehyeop’s bloodline had grown thick enough in this generation to surpass his grandfather.

And today, the Lord of Ma Gwang-ik had proven it.

With a seismic revelation, he had engraved his presence at the highest echelon of Ipwang Fortress.

A figure who should have only emerged generations later had displayed undeniable might and authority before countless seniors.

Not only did he exchange blows freely with the imperial martial elite, but his status was now rising toward the Purple Rank—and even the seat of the Sword Lord.

That prestigious rank was not simply inherited but earned through formal procedures and the majority vote of the commanders.

From now on, whenever discussions arose about the future of Ipwang Fortress, the name Jeong Yeon-shin would never be left out.

Even if the time he had spent accumulating merit was laughably short compared to other elite Black Ranks from noble families.

"Despite having Ma family blood, he remains so composed. His discipline is truly remarkable."

Ju Cheol thought to himself.

He had to win that young man’s favor.

The position of a Black Rank commander allowed one to choose their duties.

Some high-ranking officials burdened with the troubles of the martial world even showered Black Rank warriors with wealth in exchange for passing along their requests favorably.

"It would be wise to discuss this again tomorrow. I shall take my leave."

"Then do so, Sword Guard Lord."

For once, Commander Im Jin-myeong smiled as he clasped his hands together.

He had gained a warrior of unparalleled potential in the newly reborn Lord of Ma Gwang-ik.

Clicking his tongue inwardly, Ju Cheol turned away.

Step.

The spring breeze swept across the ground.

Dust from the hall scattered toward the sky, now wide open.

***

Lord of Ma Gwang-ik’s Office.

The air was thick with the scent of steel and ink.

The walls were lined with Ipwang Ma Clan’s treasured swords, their racks exuding the scent of oiled metal.

A young man sat at a marble desk, grinding ink and writing on a scroll.

Across from him, one of the Seven Evil Sabers lay diagonally on a cot, watching him with crimson eyes.

Whenever he raised his head, she would flash a smile before pretending to look away.

"I need to do something about that woman too."

A day had passed.

The current Lord of Ma Gwang-ik had heard many reports.

While he had been engaged in battle, many warriors of Ipwang Fortress had suffered through arduous training in Revolving Blade Steps.

The number of warriors slain on missions had skyrocketed.

It wasn’t just the White Rank warriors, who mainly hunted bandits, but also many Blue Rank masters assigned to mid-tier sects. They simply never returned.

The famine had robbed the martial world of fear.

The terror of being executed no longer outweighed the fear of starvation.

This posed a severe crisis for Ipwang Fortress.

Even though they compensated for their dwindling numbers with their reputation as the strongest martial organization, the world was beginning to disregard them.

Sooncheon Lord Ha Do-un.

Sunwood Lord Cheon So-so.

Heavenly Forest Commander Ha Hu-wi-jin.

These three had been sent to capture the Young Lord of Ming Cult, but there had been no news from them.

He first heard about it from Ak Su-rim’s drunken mumbling.

A mist was spreading from Xinjiang to Qinghai and now into Sichuan.

And with the absence of the Lord of Ipwang Fortress, some Thirteen Heavens factions were making moves against the capital itself.

This meant they couldn’t afford to send reinforcements elsewhere.

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"I’ll have to go and retrieve them."

Jeong Yeon-shin forcefully pushed aside his thoughts about the life and death of his seniors and stood up.

In one hand, he held a report detailing the Shanxi mission.

It documented the Zhuge Clan Leader, Yan Hualian, the Shanxi warlords, and the Mo Yong Clan in precise detail.

This would serve as his declaration of war.