Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time-Chapter 445: The Sun-Setting Banner (7)

A young girl's voice rang out.

"If you've seen enough, get lost."

Her tone was extremely high-handed.

Thunk.

A spear shaft was firmly planted in the sunken ground.

"Yangyang is not a place where martial artists can come and go as they please."

Standing effortlessly on the tip of the silver spear, shaped like a flag, the girl scanned the members of the Murim Alliance.

As she slowly moved her head, the ends of her black hair brushed against her nape, making a faint swick sound. Each strand of her hair carried immense internal energy.

Meanwhile, the sleeves covering her arms were pitch-black, extending almost to the ground. Some of the martial artists caught sight of the yellow character inscribed on her shoulder, and their expressions brightened.

"Senior Ak...!"

One of the men, overcome with emotion, exclaimed aloud—only to collapse with a loud thud.

An invisible shockwave from an external energy attack had struck his forehead.

The members of the Murim Alliance, who had looked relieved only moments ago, suddenly paled.

"Why are you doing this?!"

"Without a single word of warning, you attack...!"

As they shouted in protest and unsheathed their weapons, Ak Su-rim sneered.

"This is chaos."

"What...?"

"The prestige of my family must have fallen quite a bit. In the past, no matter who they were, they'd all take a step back when they saw this flag."

She tapped the spear's shaft with the tip of her leather shoe.

"We greet the Divine Spear. I am the young lord of the Zhuge Clan."

Zhuge Cheong-ah dismounted swiftly and brought her hands together in a respectful salute toward Ak Su-rim.

Despite her ragged breathing from the long pursuit, her bow remained composed and precise.

Even after losing her direct family members, she still carried out her duty as the young lord. A flicker of curiosity passed through Ak Su-rim’s eyes as she glanced at her.

"I remember you. You used to be under our Seomye before returning to your family, didn't you? And now, you're the young lord?"

"I understand why you are angered. However... I beg of you, please consider our circumstances—"

"You tried to bring those things into Yangyang. I planted a flag telling you to stay away, and yet you still tried to cling and call me ‘senior.’"

Ak Su-rim gestured beyond their shoulders.

In the distance.

A pale storm rapidly expanded, darkening as it grew.

Even the plains trembled with deep rumbling vibrations. It was the aftershock of a large-scale aerial maneuver technique unleashed by the sorcerers of Taemo Fortress.

Just from their propulsion alone, they created a storm that resembled a natural disaster. It was undeniable proof that multiple masters of sorcery were present.

Some among the Murim Alliance, who had initially argued against Ak Su-rim by relying on the principles of martial honor, furrowed their brows. A few had an ah expression, as if realizing something too late.

"Leave. The fortress has no time to mediate conflicts between martial sects. And certainly not for insignificant matters like this, where civilians won’t even be affected."

"I beg your pardon, but you mentioned a lack of capacity. May I ask why?"

Zhuge Cheong-ah asked cautiously.

For a moment, a slight furrow appeared between Ak Su-rim’s brows.

"Being short-handed isn’t anything new. But this time, the Lord of the Fortress may be facing the infamous Prince Ban. I can't say more, so turn back now."

Despite her seemingly lighthearted tone, there was the overwhelming pressure of someone who had carved her way through countless battlefields.

Ak Su-rim, who had reclaimed her title as the Black Sovereign of Ipwang Fortress, radiated an unmatched aura of internal mastery.

"This is..."

Gongsun Min, the young lord of the Gongsun Family, who had been warily glancing back and forth, now looked troubled.

His hand anxiously fidgeted with the hilt of the sword at his waist.

The Divine Spear of Ipwang Fortress had drawn a clear line. And there was no one here who could claim authority over the matter in the name of the Hanzhong Murim Alliance.

After all, when Ak Su-rim had left her family in the past, she had been pursued by some of the strongest spear masters of the Ak Clan. No prestigious family would sit idly by while one of their high-ranking heirs abandoned their lineage.

[Now, that's good news. In that case, can we take them with us?]

A hoarse voice interrupted.

In an instant, Ak Su-rim struck the air with her palm.

A semi-transparent force slashed through the atmosphere in a perfect line, causing her sleeve to flutter from the force.

[Oh my.]

With exaggerated theatrics, a flash of white light flickered in the air. The moment it collided with Ak Su-rim’s energy, it vanished.

Simultaneously, a figure was revealed beyond it.

The previously invisible presence had been shrouded by some kind of unseen garment, which now seemed to peel away after the brief exchange.

"Taiwei Star..."

Zhuge Cheong-ah gasped in recognition, muttering under her breath.

The Murim Alliance members immediately erupted in turmoil.

Each of them whispered the same phrase in stunned voices.

The Three Celestial Seats of Taemo Fortress.

The term referred to the three immortal-like sorcerers who served directly under the fortress lord. Among the highest ranks of the martial world, they were considered ultimate weapons in large-scale battles.

Their expertise in sorcery and magical knowledge was said to rival even the Zhuge Clan’s master.

Legends told of how the three had once blocked the master of Mount Heaven Sect’s Moon Piercing Sword Technique together.

Since the Fortress Lord of Taemo preferred to travel alone, these three were often regarded as the real power holders of the Thirteen Heavens of Taemo Fortress.

[Hmm.]

An old man with gentle wrinkles gazed down from the sky.

His appearance was peculiar.

He wore a Daoist robe, the kind usually worn by sages, but the collar was so high it reached his chin.

Near the lower hem, on both sides, golden phoenixes were embroidered as if they had been painted with molten gold.

It was an attire so extravagant that even a king would not dare wear it.

Ak Su-rim tilted her head.

"...Are you playing at void manipulation?"

[Not at all. We of the Celestial Realm do not wield our energy so crudely. This is merely an art of controlling the wind through sorcery.]

A practitioner of the Celestial Realm.

Hovering in midair, the old master of Taemo Fortress claimed to be an immortal with a deep, resounding voice.

If he spoke this way even before common folk, it was no wonder they fell for it.

Even in times of famine, countless people would voluntarily offer him food, believing in the blessings he might bestow.

He would never have to resort to looting from civilians. Instead, the fortress simply accumulated offerings from their unwavering faith.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Ak Su-rim’s lips.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

"And who do you think you're fooling with this immortal nonsense? Lying is second nature to you, isn't it?"

[The boundary between this world and the next exists only in human perception. If I believe this mortal shell to be that of an immortal, then the techniques I have mastered naturally respond to that belief. The same applies to the common folk who view this fortress as a land of celestials. They simply choose to believe it. In this chaotic era, the fortress does not go out of its way to shatter their hopes—]

"For someone pretending to be a °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° celestial, you sure talk like a Shaolin monk. Old man, your philosophy is too shallow for me to tolerate. Get lost."

[...]

Taiwei Star silently stared at Ak Su-rim.

Perhaps because he was still floating high in the air, the energy radiating from his body became increasingly eerie.

Some of the Murim Alliance warriors, unable to endure the writhing air, started scratching their skin uncomfortably.

A mortal enemy stood before them.

Yet, Ak Su-rim merely met Taiwei Star’s gaze with an unblinking stare.

"What?"

[...For today, I will take my leave. But should you summon the Lord of the Fortress behind you, I may be forced to unleash my trump card here and now. I am only here to take the emblem they guard.]

Simultaneously, Taiwei Star raised a hand.

A coffin, resting in the midst of the Murim Alliance, slowly rose into the air.

A voice immediately rang out.

"The Lord of the Murim Alliance!"

It was Zhuge Cheong-ah.

For once, her voice was raised.

"The Sword Saint is still alive inside that coffin!"

[So, you truly wish to hasten your demise!]

Taiwei Star roared.

But he did not strike Zhuge Cheong-ah.

Instead, he drew a yellow talisman and aimed it at the Black Sovereign of Ipwang Fortress—the one warrior capable of charging through this chaotic world wielding nothing but a single spear.

A yellow-hued Guaihuang Paper.

Paper soaked in the brewed essence of pagoda tree blossoms and then dried.

For practitioners of sorcerous martial arts, it was akin to a weapon. The paper, stained with the essence of the huaihua flower, exhibited exceptional efficacy in gathering internal energy.

For those who referred to internal energy as sorcery and used it to manipulate strange harmonies, it was even more vital.

Naturally, it was the primary weapon of the Thirteen Heavens of Taemo Fortress.

"The Sword Saint? If it's that old man, that's a different story."

As soon as Ak Su-rim stepped down from the flag and lightly kicked the spear shaft, the silver spear embedded in the ground exploded with a cloud of dust before vanishing from sight.

Sweeaaak!

The thrown spear, propelled by her kick, shot straight toward Taiwei Star.

At the same time, the old master's form flickered.

It was an illusionary displacement technique, similar to Shifting Form and Displacing Shadows.

Taiwei Star reappeared behind Ak Su-rim like a mirage in the summer heat.

For an instant, the bright daylight became even more blinding.

The flames that bloomed red from Taiwei Star’s hands consumed Ak Su-rim’s body.

A dry, cracking sound rang out as the ground withered beneath her feet, charred dust spreading outward.

The martial artists of the Murim Alliance, stunned by the sight, instinctively took a step back.

Typically, even among highly trained warriors, few could wield Samadhi True Flame with such overwhelming force and fluidity.

It was an ability far removed from conventional martial techniques—only a select few sorcerous martial artists, who claimed to be immortals, could wield such power so swiftly.

For that reason, some within the martial world dismissed these sorcerers as scholars rather than warriors, scoffing at their techniques.

After all, their path was fundamentally different from those who trained both body and mind in harmony.

[Since the divine bloodline descended from the heavens and this nation was founded...]

At some point, Taiwei Star had ascended back into the air.

Even after setting the Divine Spear of Ipwang Fortress ablaze, he remained vigilant.

[The practice of treating one's body as a microcosm rather than relying on the grand harmony of nature has gradually become an outdated martial art. Only the fortress and the Holy Church realized this early on. Even the Emperor of Gunreung, who holds all the secrets of the world in his grasp, busies himself boasting about his physical prowess in Shaolin. Truly, a lamentable state of affairs.]

Rustle. Rustle.

Several more yellow-stained talismans emerged between the old man’s fingers.

With his other hand, he gestured toward Ak Su-rim, intensifying the heat’s pressure.

With a deep boom, the scorched ground formed a series of concentric circles.

He continued speaking as he stared into the flames still burning fiercely.

[If you wish to lay a hand on me, bring Youngcheon Sword Demon of Simmuryun here. If not, then find an unparalleled master who can wield the mysteries of sword arts through a spear. Even then, none will be able to overcome me, who has prepared for every possible variable. The previous master of the Zhuge Clan learned that lesson at great cost. Regardless, the fortress has begun to stretch its limbs to bring order to this era of chaos...]

[That is enough. Provoking the Divine Spear of Ipwang any further will bring no benefit.]

A voice rang out beside Taiwei Star.

A man had suddenly appeared, speaking in a clear, composed tone.

Unlike Taiwei Star, his face was youthful—one might even call his features handsome.

His complexion was so pale it seemed untouched by sunlight, contrasting with the dark robes draped over his shoulders.

Just by his mere presence, the lingering heat of late summer cooled.

Faint arcs of blue lightning crackled along the edges of his black robe, surging unpredictably.

He was the foremost among the Three Celestial Seats of Taemo Fortress.

"Heavenly Market Demon Star..."

Even Zhuge Cheong-ah unconsciously took a step back.

A direct disciple of the Taemo Fortress Lord, he had lived since before the founding of the nation. His age was said to rival the head abbot of Shaolin.

Though his master’s years were legendary, Heavenly Market Demon Star himself was treated as a senior wherever he went in the martial world.

If not for the presence of the young lord of Taemo Fortress, he would have long since inherited the sect.

Shrrrng—

Gongsun Min, trembling, barely managed to draw his sword.

The presence of both Taiwei Star and Heavenly Market Demon Star confirmed one thing—the death of the Gongsun Clan’s patriarch, who had been guarding the rear.

The Three Celestial Seats were renowned for their unparalleled mastery of combined sorcery.

If two of them worked together, even assassinating the head of the Eight Great Clans was not impossible.

Their impeccable appearance, despite such an act, was exactly what one would expect from Taemo Fortress.

Not only did they possess near-transcendent regenerative arts, but they were also known for their obsession with outward decorum.

[Do not resist. The Zhuge Clan's invaluable knowledge should not be lost.]

Heavenly Market Demon Star—Hyeokryeon Daeso—spoke calmly, attempting to dissuade them.

"This is good."

A voice echoed from within the raging flames that had swallowed Ak Su-rim.

It was a childlike murmur, almost cheerful.

A moment later, a streak of red light shot toward Taiwei Star with a sweeaaak!

Puhhk!

Taiwei Star’s body bent forward.

At some point, a spear had pierced cleanly through the center of his abdomen and stopped midway.

It was wreathed in flames.

A ferocious spear strike, wreathed in Samadhi True Flame, flickered with a semi-transparent glow.

Instead of blood, only pale smoke rose from his wound.

Guhhluk!

Taiwei Star coughed up blood.

Standing beside him, Hyeokryeon Daeso, who had witnessed the attack firsthand, let out a sigh—not of rage, but admiration.

[You transferred the art of Samadhi True Flame into your spear as a defensive technique? Your internal energy barrier is formidable, but your ability to wield internal energy is truly astonishing. Truly, you are worthy of being called the greatest Black Sovereign of Ipwang Fortress.]

Heavenly Market Demon Star, Hyeokryeon Daeso.

The acting representative of Taemo Fortress.

His demeanor was effortless, exuding a sense of noble refinement.

Fwoosh—

As the flames weakened, a curved smirk appeared on Ak Su-rim’s lips.

"They say only the insane are obsessed with martial arts."

[Rationality is the first virtue that masters of the fortress must cultivate.]

"Yeah, right."

[Do not mistake my words for an insult to your martial prowess. It is merely that we have prepared far greater things. Even restoring Taiwei Star here would be no difficulty. Had you aimed to kill him with absolute resolve, my expression might have changed somewhat.]

Hyeokryeon Daeso spread his arms.

Beyond the elegantly fluttering sleeves of his robe—

Eight talismans, four in each hand, now rested between his fingers.

Taiwei Star let out a dry chuckle.

[You have no spare spears, and the distance is too great for you to use aerial retrieval techniques... Do you believe your range surpasses that of Shaolin's abbot?]

His voice, interrupted by intermittent coughs, carried an air of theatricality.

The arrival of Taemo Fortress, revealing itself as if they were heroes born in times of chaos, was laden with arrogance—even though this was merely the outskirts of Yangyang.

Hyeokryeon Daeso tilted his head slightly.

[We came knowing the Lord of Ipwang Fortress was not here. Fortunately, we were able to halt the pursuit here. Perhaps, with some luck, we may even leave with the Divine Spear’s head...]

His words stopped abruptly.

Because before him, a young man stood atop a sword, pressing a hand against Taiwei Star’s face.

No one had reacted to his approach.

Expressionless.

The noon sunlight poured down like iron bars.

Beneath it, the golden sheen of his violet robes glimmered.

Swish—

The young man’s palm reached Taiwei Star’s forehead.

At that moment—

Puhwaak!

With a single impact, Taiwei Star’s head shattered.

Bone fragments, pale fluids, and blood sprayed outward, catching the sunlight like a dream.

Hyeokryeon Daeso, eyes wide in shock, flared his energy in both hands.

A technique recognized by all as supreme.

He was about to summon lightning in broad daylight.

But—

[What...?]

Nothing happened.