Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time-Chapter 395: Hidden in the Shadows (4)

The flow of events was like a storm.

With the sapling of the Heavenly Eye tree that Cheon So-so possessed, she tracked down the Twelve Heavens along her path, discovered the main base of the Amya Battalion, and finally captured So Jeon-ju, interrogating the remnants of their sect, all while the leaders of the major sects of Jeongjong were tearing through the formation and descending upon the battlefield.

The tattered sleeves of a thin nun fluttered.

When she landed from the air, a certain divine aura surrounded her. Despite the exaggeratedly large sleeves of her robe compared to her slender frame, there was nothing unbecoming about it.

The White Qilin of Amipa appeared, embodying the divine presence.

With each step, the surrounding air grew heavy. The rustling sounds of the surrounding trees and brush seemed to fade into silence.

The martial arts of Jeongjong's unbreakable law radiated a majestic aura. Likewise, the Amipa sect, revered as one of the ancient sects along with Shaolin, held immense power.

Though her movements seemed unintentional, the White Qilin's mere shift of foot was enough to suppress the surroundings.

“....”

Even the taunting words of the great Dragon Lord, Wei Ji-geuk, towards the leaders of Ipwang and the Black Sword of the Imperial Palace were silenced. He sat at the feet of So Jeon-ju of Amya, likewise maintaining silence.

‘Why has the divine Qilin come in person?’

So Jeon-ju's eyes reflected confusion, as if the ashes of the past were gathered in his gaze.

Without question, why had such esteemed figures from the royal family come to seek out the Imperial Black Sword? The journey was far from short.

"It's been a long time. I followed you because there is something important to discuss."

The White Qilin spoke softly.

The air seemed to ripple with the low, solid voice that held the natural resonance of an immortal's inner strength.

By her side was the chief of Cheongseong Sect, a young noble.

“Seems like there was no need to hurry.”

He was a handsome youth with the aura of a famed family’s sage. Dressed in a blue and white robe embroidered with intricate designs, the sword at his waist emitted a gentle breeze.

He radiated an air of transcendence. While he may have lacked the commanding presence of the White Qilin, few would dare belittle him.

The Heavenly Wall Sword Master of Cheongseong Sect.

Even though the Cheongseong Sect had recently lost their past leader, they were quickly regaining their stature, aided by the newfound wisdom of their new leader.

"Given that the Black Sword members of Ipwang are gathering together, it's not surprising. Especially when considering your own martial prowess," said Cheongseong’s leader.

So Jeon-ju's eyes widened slightly.

Had they come to meet someone else? The White Qilin and the Heavenly Wall Sword Master were here together.

Two leaders of the ancient sects were present.

“What is this, gathering all these troublesome people in one place? If you're here to eliminate us, it seems rather ambiguous with just the two of you, doesn't it?”

Perhaps to ease the tension, Wei Ji-geuk of the Dragon Lord spoke mockingly. As always, his eyes glinted with an edge.

Seeing the two absolute beings standing side by side was indeed overwhelming.

The two masters of the ancient sects, along with the great Dragon Lords of the Singeom Danju. Before even considering their martial skills, numbers, or overall strength, there was something inherently suffocating about their presence.

Although the leaders of the ancient sects showed no particular animosity, there was an intangible force that weighed down the very air itself.

The spiritual presence of unparalleled masters was undeniable.

Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are publish𝒆d on ƒreewebηoveℓ.com.

Cheongseong’s leader glanced at Wei Ji-geuk.

“A futile worry. You needn’t step in, as there’s no need for you to get involved.”

Even his casual words carried an undeniable authority.

Wei Ji-geuk's lips curled into a smile.

"Did you not greet your juniors? The elders of the ancient sects, with expertise in ignoring the people's plight, have arrived personally. Are you questioning their motives?"

Wei Ji-geuk was no novice.

From his bloodline tied to the infamous sword dragon Wei Ji-myo, to his career in the northern wilds where he never suffered a defeat, his accomplishments were many.

At a young age, he was already being mentioned as a potential leader in the Black Sword Sect’s future.

He was unhesitant with his words, even when speaking to transcendent masters. He only required companions or a sect leader who could match his own resolve.

With each new leader approaching, the pressure slowly began to lift.

“I'm relieved to see you’re well. I trust you’ve been in good health?” Wei Ji-geuk said as the atmosphere lightened.

When Jeong Yeon-shin raised his hands in greeting, the air seemed to lift. In that instant, a faint sound was heard.

A gentle breeze, cool against the skin, flowed as if it brought a fresh breath of summer.

The senior warriors, previously advancing, stopped. Even Wei Ji-geuk, who had intended to be the first to meet with the grand masters, now hesitated.

So Jeon-ju, of Amya Battalion, concealed her shock at the sudden change.

None of the three masters seemed to react outwardly.

The White Qilin, Cheongseong’s leader, and Jeong Yeon-shin met the two grand masters of the ancient sects and Ma Gwang-ik with an equal and calm demeanor, exchanging greetings as if they were all peers.

"I was concerned for the injuries sustained by the Heavenly Wall Sword Master. I hadn't seen you since the last meeting...”

“It was shameful, indeed. I owe you a great deal.”

Cheongseong’s leader responded bluntly.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded gently and lowered his hands in a respectful gesture.

The ancient sects.

Represented by the Nine, they were pillars in the martial world.

Even as figures of legend, they were still revered as living immortals, or beings who transcended mortality.

Their teachings shaped the entire martial world, allowing them to move freely between mountain peaks and shatter stones with their bare hands, wielding immense influence over the people.

The leaders of the ancient sects were revered like living gods.

At the same time, the rank of a master within the Sword Scorpion Unit required both approval within Ipwang Fortress and the favor of the Beijing Imperial Court, as well as support from the people.

Leaving a good impression was critical. After all, there could be an individual among the grand masters of the ancient sects with a loose tongue.

Such tasks were of great importance.

While many of the ancient sects were busy confronting monstrous forces with imperial orders, the implication was clear—these sects shared ties with Beijing.

‘A far more complex matter than martial skills alone...’

Jeong Yeon-shin had long mastered the art of politeness when dealing with the civil servants of the court.

By treating others as equals, even commoners, good reactions were often returned.

“It feels like only yesterday I saw you master your ‘Divine Red Sword.’ There is no need to speak of favors owed. It was simply the right thing to do.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke gently.

Protecting the people was the duty of the Sword Scorpion Unit of Ipwang Fortress. The red and blue sword strikes of Cheongseong’s leader shone brightly, almost blinding to the eyes.

There was no deception in the gesture.

Cheongseong’s leader’s lips twitched ever so slightly.

The current leader of the Cheongseong Sect was a noble-born, heir to an esteemed lineage, who had attained the peak of martial skills through tireless effort. He was renowned for his sharp discernment and would easily see through any falsehoods.

He had never been deceived, not even in his youth.

Cheongseong’s leader slowly spoke again.

“... When I first observed your swordplay at Mount Hwa, I thought it reckless. But now, it seems you were simply shedding your former limitations. Well done.”

The White Qilin smiled softly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“I’ve told you many times along the way, have I not? It was a humble gesture for a worthy cause, one that only strengthens my respect for you.”

Cheongseong’s leader’s voice was quiet but filled with approval. Jeong Yeon-shin’s head tilted slightly to the side.

"Are you referring to the 'Hwasan Agreement' that was spoken of earlier?”

“That’s right. It’s an agreement made between the grand masters of the ancient sects, including the late master of the Sword Scorpion Unit. They made it during their youth.”

Cheongseong’s leader answered in a low tone. The White Qilin smiled again, her expression filled with mystery.

“It’s a bit ridiculous, forced as it was... But an agreement is ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) an agreement. I will tell you, my friend.”

***

Ipwang Fortress, General Headquarters.

The meetings of the higher-ups had been ongoing for days. This had begun since the Black Sword gathering decree from the Master of the Sword Scorpion Unit had spread throughout the fortress.

“There are decisions that can only be made here. We need decisive action,” one voice spoke, firm and clear.

“You can't just dismiss the Master of the Black Sword so easily! What has he done so wrong? Don't just hole up in the Senate, read the state of the world!” another retorted, raising his voice.

“What did you say?”

“Why was the Martial Alliance of the righteous factions in Hanzhong formed? Now these alliances are crossing the line with impunity! If we stay still, it’s obvious we will be picked off one by one! How can the Sect Leader give such an order and mislead us like this?!”

“Do not forget the essence of our sect. Do you know how Beijing’s eyes are on us? And yet you dare raise your voice to me?”

Those gathered around the luxurious purple wooden round table exuded an overwhelming aura.

There were about ten or so individuals. The atmosphere was so heavy that several servants had fainted, and the remaining White Warriors of the fortress had long taken their place.

It was a tense standoff.

In a bright orange and white robe, a middle-aged woman with a pure white sword belt defended the Master of the Sword Scorpion Unit.

Despite her raised voice, there was a calm, dignified energy surrounding her, a sign of her extraordinary achievements.

She was the head of the Ipwang Clan.

Yeon Seol-ha of the Yowol-Baekgeum Sword. The current leader of the Myeolsam Corps and mother of Ma Gwang-ik, one of the most formidable figures in the martial world.

She did not lower her voice even in the presence of the high-ranking officials of Ipwang Fortress.

“Are you suggesting we dismiss the Master of the Black Sword right here and announce it to the entire world? I have serious doubts about whether the Senate is capable of proper judgment at this time.”

An elderly man in a deep purple robe, sitting upright at the head of the table, flashed a faint glint in his eyes.

"Your daughter certainly has no shortage of words!”

“I will not listen to personal remarks. Do you not understand the hardships our warriors across the lands are facing? You are about to ignite the Thunderstrike Bomb, at a time when the situation is already unstable? Do you think we can just replace the Sect Leader with anyone?” she continued, her tone unwavering.

“Do you not know the urgency of the situation? With the fortress at its breaking point, is there anything more important than re-establishing our foundation?”

“There is. The head of the Ipwang Clan now brings the issue of the Senate's dismissal to the General Headquarters. The morale of the fortress is at stake, and anyone who takes the Master of the Black Sword’s position so lightly should be shown the door.”

The mother of Ma Gwang-ik, the White Qilin, spoke as the head of the Ipwang Clan. Her words made it clear that the time of the current Senate leader had passed. A tense silence followed.

It was a place of fierce debate.

When would the Master of the Black Sword be dismissed? If so, when should it be announced? Shouldn't all efforts be focused on tracking the movements of Sect Leader Yong?

“Didn’t the Sect Leader give direct orders to the great warriors? How are we going to retract those? That’s an absolute command,” one of the seated figures muttered angrily.

A broad-shouldered man, whose massive body seemed ready to crush his chair. He was the head of the Hwangbo family, a private figure but with ties to the prestigious Tianlin Sect.

“Isn't the fortress already empty? Are we supposed to hand over the Sect Leader’s residence to the enemies?”

“....”

When the name of the fortress leader was mentioned, the entire meeting room fell silent. The head of the Hwangbo family leaned to the side, rubbing his ears as though he had just woken up.

"Why is the head of the Ma family so quiet? When you speak, it becomes an agenda, doesn't it?" he added, eyeing Ma Gwang-ik.

“....”

A man with a jagged scar across his face remained silent, eyes closed as though lost in a deep trance. Ma Jin, the head of the Ma family, was in a seemingly deep sleep. His prosthetic arm glinted with a metallic shine.

"Lord Ma!"

“Hm...?”

"Are you napping?"

"Thinking about the essence of the Martial Alliance. There are so many useless words that I had to meditate deeply."

It was almost a non-answer, his deep voice tinged with laziness. The meeting room responded with a sharp outburst from the Senate leader.

"You dare nap while our future is at stake?"

The Senate leader, once famous for his dignified manner and wide-reaching influence, had recently become bitter due to the belief that the Master of the Black Sword had damaged the foundation of Ipwang Fortress.

Even a dragon’s reverse scale would have been less dangerous.

But Ma Jin's response was calm.

"If we are to think about the future of the fortress, this is for the better."

"What nonsense are you speaking?"

“Wouldn't it be better to refine my martial arts rather than listen to the ramblings of someone with no sharp teeth left? The smell of my sword’s wind would be much better at clearing away your old scent.”

His response was measured, almost casual.

The head of the Hwangbo family let out a rough laugh, and others, including the chief of the Ipwang Clan and the head of the great generals, sighed in resignation.

“These Ma family members...”

As the Senate leader stood, furious, his eyes narrowed.

Screech!

A sudden sound of a bird call grew rapidly nearer.