Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time Chapter 284

lotus (3)

Jeongyeonshin’s eyes widened.

The winter sun’s rays seemed to flicker faintly. I felt dizzy for a moment.

Behind the old-fashioned sandalwood gate, a man and a woman in red martial arts attire with beautiful appearances each make different expressions toward the scholar Go Jin.

Now that I think about it, it seems like there was an orphaned spirit emanating from it. It was the dignity of a noble family.

‘They are direct descendants of the Gongya family?’

He didn’t give up easily. He thought he had an innate sense.

They are the children of a noble family. They cannot help but be different from the noble families who are difficult to call nobles.

I heard that he was a famous aristocrat in Shanxi. As a direct descendant of a noble family, he must have been able to sharpen even his body, which seemed a bit poorly polished, with his senses.

It is not something you should be disappointed about without thinking. That is what Hye-ah and Cheong-gi-rin said in my head.

“Mr. Go!”

“You’re safe!”

The princess and the prince greeted Gojin. Kyunggong, who approached in one stride, moved with lightness.

The hems of their red clothes fluttered as they quickly got closer, kicking up dust on the floor.

Damn it.

They expressed their joy as they set foot on the platform.

The siblings looked alike. They had sharp eyes like blades and a graceful jawline, and they had the temperament to suit the crimson martial arts uniform.

The generous spirit unique to those who grew up well was also evident in the hands that adjusted their clothes.

A woman with hair slightly longer than her brother’s opens her lips first.

She was about twenty years old. Her overall balance was more stable than that of a scholar, and her prayers seemed to be unstoppable. She was the grand princess of the Gongya family.

“I was worried because you hadn’t come back even though it was daybreak. I was just about to look for you, but now that I see you here, I feel relieved.”

It was a low, pleasant voice. The tone of voice of a slightly younger scholar was higher.

“There are many enemies around, so it would be right to bring an escort from now on. Those who left the military without honor are forming a group. The road is rough.”

The smooth, long-haired engineer looked around the teacher’s body, checking for any injuries.

It seemed that Seo-saeng Go-jin had quite a thick following. He smiled awkwardly.

“I apologize for causing you any inconvenience. I was busy meeting up with an old acquaintance… … .”

“I was curious anyway. Your appearance stands out even from afar.”

The Grand Duchess and Jeongyeonshin’s eyes met. Their eye level was similar.

Jeongyeonshin flinched inwardly. She had been stabbed in the back. Her obsidian-like eyes felt somehow deep.

As expected of a grand princess who would inherit the family, it seemed like she was saying that people cannot be judged by their inaction alone. I couldn’t help but reflect on myself, even if only briefly.

“You are my benefactor. On the way to the ceremony, you cut down the green forests I met with one stroke of your sword. You even drove away blood demons several times.”

“My name is Hyuncheonmunju Geomunbi. I am looking for the successor of the unified martial arts.”

Jeong Yeon-shin won the lottery.

The Archduchess who had come face to face immediately raised both her hands.

“My name is Gong Yeo-jeong. Regardless of age, I am a great scholar of the clan. If you are the benefactor of the late Master, you are like a close friend to my family. I hope you will stay in peace and leave.”

The tone was soft but the speech was firm.

Although he was not a member of the Eight Great Families commonly referred to in martial arts, he was the successor to a family that was commonly referred to as a Sega in Shanxi, where there was no Daebangpa.

Her important position seemed to shape her words and actions.

The same was true of the unconscious attitude of prioritizing one’s status as a local aristocrat over the etiquette of the martial arts world.

The master of the nameless one-man martial arts school is not treated with full respect by the successor of a powerful martial arts clan. This is the reality of the current world of martial arts, which has become impoverished due to famine.

Rather, the scholar’s speech was much more free. His wide-open eyes were free of formality. He seemed to be around the same age as Jeong Yeon-shin.

“It’s Gong Yasu! Do any of your ancestors have a noble family?”

“no.”

“This will surely boost the pride of the Han people! I want to introduce it to my friends! If you don’t have a nickname, can I give you one? How about Jade-faced Divine Sword?”

“very.”

“How humble of you? Shall we go on a boat ride on Beihu (North Lake) together? You look like someone your age would be reluctant to join! It’s a common saying, ‘a new sword.’”

“That is absurd.”

It really was. At that time, Ma Gwang-ik-ju was not swayed by the cheerful speech of Gong Ya-su, the Duke of Yi Gong.

It was because I heard words that reached the end of the trajectory of life, not a title that could be given to just anyone.

Not only Jeongyeonshin, but no one in Iphwangseong uses the nickname Shingeom carelessly. It was a name that was only permitted to Danju.

Gojin’s smile, which was nearby, stiffened slightly.

“This is the person who invited you with great care, considering the worries of the Grand Duchess. What is the connection with this high-ranking official? I am truly grateful that he accepted. I can assure you that it will be a great coincidence.”

“If it’s a matter of worry, what if…?”

Grand Duchess Gong Ye-jeong narrowed her eyebrows. Go Jin waved his hand.

“I haven’t dared to speak to the Sword Master yet. However, I believe that what the Grand Princess thinks is right. You can think of it as the teacher bringing you something different.”

“I don’t know yet. It’s so sudden… I’ll treat you generously so that you can get rid of the aftereffects.”

She changed the subject. At the same time, Gojin pretended to apologize to Jeongyeonshin.

“Your Majesty, I am afraid that you may have been offended. There are some personal matters that I have been unable to tell you, so I hope you will understand.”

“It’s okay. I’ll take care of you for a while.”

Jeong Yeon-shin pretended to be the proud Hyeoncheonmunju.

I had talked to Aksurim several times. She told me that it was okay to be a little shameless, but there were a lot of complicated stories.

It was said that one should not think of the old school. A generous personality is as important a virtue as a moderate amount of humility.

Jeong Yeon-shin understood that in the lower reaches of the martial arts world, one’s generosity was proportional to one’s level of martial arts prowess.

‘It’s difficult.’

I still don’t know what kind of tough temperament he had. Behaviors like generosity, magnanimity, and arrogance didn’t suit him.

It was because I was eager to complete my mission with a humble attitude.

However, judging from the expressions of the Grand Duchess and the Duke, it seemed like that was the case.

It seemed to have been accepted naturally. I was truly grateful.

Grand Duchess Gong Ye-jeong turned around.

“I will arrange for you to stay with Mr. Ko in his annex. You are welcome to visit.”

It was a voice that swept through the air with soft resonance. It was imbued with the dignity unique to the successor to a prestigious family.

Four people stepped into the clear air on a winter day.

Jeong Yeon-shin asked in passing.

“The real gatekeepers… … ?”

“Ah, I should tell the warriors I sent to find Mr. Ko to come back. They went out a long way.”

The Duke of Gongya responded calmly. Ma Gwang-ik did not respond.

* * *

Jeongyeonshin unpacked her bags in the cozy room.

The faint scent of wood tickled my nose. The wood of the table and the bed were both smooth.

As the blue silk quilt caught Jeongyeonshin’s attention, there was a knock on the door and Gojin asked to meet her.

“Your Majesty the Sword Master.”

“High school bachelor.”

Jeong Yeon-shin offered Go Jin a seat. He was the head of the Myungryu-dae, who would discuss the affairs of the main castle and move together for the time being.

Since his identity was hidden for a while, he had to leave many tasks to Gojin within the restricted movement path.

“I regret that time is running out.”

“It is only natural that the Lord of the Sword would feel that way.”

“Because I’m a proxy. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.”

Wouldn’t it be better to hide your identity and go to the martial arts competition yourself?

However, it was impossible. The human face mask was easily detected by the discerning eye of an expert.

Moreover, the Shanxi martial arts competition was said to be a social gathering where people could socialize through swords. It was nothing more than a gathering where those who knew each other tested their martial arts skills.

‘Can we make the gatekeeper an elite warrior?’

Jeong Yeon-shin asked herself inwardly. Although she didn’t show it, she was shocked.

Shouldn’t you have left it to your trustworthy seniors?

However, Aksurim was a person who looked younger than Jeongyeonshin, who had grown up to a certain extent. The blood donation was also a problem.

He said that it would be difficult to gain trust because of the tense atmosphere. It was something that the then Ma Gwang-ik-ju could not understand. He was so cool.

“Are your qualifications okay? It would be good if you had some practical sense.”

“In my opinion, she seemed outstanding. They say that the Archduchess’ position as successor has never been shaken within the family.”

“I see.”

“That’s fortunate.”

Gojin said with a slight smile.

And, despite being rude, he carefully examined Jeongyeonshin’s face.

I still couldn’t believe it.

The Duke of Gongyasu is still loved by the entire family as a spoiled brat, but Ma Gwangikju has pulled out incredible lightness and mysterious skills from the same river of time as Gongyasu.

It was a shocking thing.

‘Shanxi has never been the center of martial arts in the world… … .’

The life and death battle between Jegal Se-ga-ju and Ip Hwang-seong’s black three.

It’s a sight that doesn’t come to mind easily, but it still gives me goosebumps.

How will it come to pass? Who will see it? The moment it becomes widely known, it will be a great event that will cause a great migration throughout the vast world.

“The news of the visit of the Lord of the Swords must have reached the leadership of the Gongya family. Since I have praised him several times, I think he will at least welcome him as a guest for the sake of his reputation. I think he will be able to test his abilities there… I think it would be a good idea to iron his clothes in preparation for the banquet.”

“okay.”

“Hmm? If you leave it to the servant, he will take care of it.”

“I see.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, who was reaching out toward the distant bag, took her arm away.

It was my first time coming to the manor used as a family home since leaving Jeonggajang. There was a strange fragrance.

The Duke and Duchess, who seem to have grown up receiving endless love, and the annex, which looks flashy but is also quiet.

‘I need to sharpen my sword. I might run into Zhuge Liang.’

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had sent Gojin away, sat cross-legged.

* * *

The sun and moonlight clashed four times.

Hyuncheonmunju Geomunbi stayed in an unfamiliar annex for four days.

The food was excellent. As a benefactor of Mr. Sega, I was treated with great hospitality.

But that was all. No one from the Gongya family came looking for him.

Two hours had passed and it had been five days, and by this point it was hard to tell if it was being treated with contempt or hospitality. However, it was very familiar.

It seemed like I had returned to the main market. It was a quiet and eerie atmosphere.

The nobles, who had much to protect, were very vigilant. Only Go Jin, a warrior from Iphwangseong, would occasionally come and bow his head with an apologetic expression.

Even though I heard he is quite strong, he is younger than me, so I am not sure if I can ask him to teach me a few tricks without losing face.

As the Archduke was the successor, it was a matter of even greater concern.

“… … .”

The long, copper-colored floor of the annex.

Jeongyeonshin blankly stared at the winter sun sinking into the ground.

It didn’t feel bad to return to the main hall for a moment. I could clearly feel the warmth of the main hall throughout my body.

The mother’s self-created ideals always protected her from loneliness.

Rather, the empty space left by the alumni of Ip Hwang Seong was great. He was the master who created the rapid lightness. He became weak due to the emptiness.

‘Still… I have to do my work.’

Swish.

I slowly stood up from my seat. The time for deliberation on how much to reveal was over.

* * *

“Shin-ga’s white cat, the blanket is sticking out of your bag. It’s annoying. Cheong-ga advises you to put it away properly. Step on the grass gently. This is befitting a servant serving the lord. You spoil the charm of the mountain path.”

“I don’t like the sound of the grass being chewed.”

“Okay. I understand Zhuge Ahai, but why did the big-tongued swordsman get killed along with him? Hey, tell me something useless like you usually do.”

“… … .”

“Without a great master, everything seems strange. I wonder if even Confucius should practice lightness. He should invent something new and amazing.”

“yes?”

“That constellation, Kyunggong, was it called Shili Gwangyo? It seems that the Yeojocheonwanggyeong (麗藻天王經) of the main family is lacking. It was really thrilling.”

“It’s a bluff. If it’s made, even Yang Guifei Senior will give it to you.”

“Baekmyo, Baekmyo. Haven’t you also seen Confucius’s Guangye-gyeol and broadened your horizons through Yanjiang?”

“Even without that, Your Majesty, Your Majesty is perfect.”

“Yes, yes. Anyway, we are the ones who are attracting attention in Shanxi, right? It’s also strange that we are completely unaware of Uncle Zhuge’s tricks. As a result, our scope of activity for this mission is wider than that of the Great Zhou.”

“Yes. If we ever meet the Great Lord, we will pretend not to know him. We will try not to join the Gongye family if possible.”

“With the nature of our great lord, it wouldn’t be strange if something happened. If the great lord was the younger brother of the Confucius who saw him, I would have handed over the position of successor long ago and lived a carefree life. The name of Hwangbo Mangnani would have disappeared, and Hwangbo Cheonma (天魔) would have been exalted alone. If it were the great lord ten years from now, wouldn’t he be called Ip-Hwang Sin-ma (入荒神魔)?”

“Don’t measure the patience of the Great Lord with your senior’s limited perspective.”

“Isn’t the root of the problem of the imperial family a mess? I’m trying to relieve my accumulated anger in Shanxi, so how much worse must our great master be? Isn’t it better than being treated coldly at the Gongye family? The great master is your age, so it’s understandable that you look down on him.”

“If that’s really the case, there will be no place for Senior Yang Guifei to step forward.”

“What a rich speculation. Oh, of course.”