Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time Chapter 542

◈ Gangho People’s Book (8)

* * *

Sangcheonggung Palace in Mt. Mudang.

It is famous as the residence of a shaman.

It was a place like a palace above the clouds not only for the Ganghoin but also for the nearby commoners who could visit the Dokdo Hall at any time.

Although the Mudangpa sect was very hospitable to the common people, they did not allow many people to approach Sangcheonggung Palace.

The Way does not discriminate between people, but the leader of the shamanist faction is carefully selected and sits in that position.

A Taoist temple as huge as the responsibility of the shaman Jang Mun-dae-ri of the time.

Saaaaa―

At this moment, a hazy mist was covering the air like a blanket, and the air current was clearly thicker than usual.

It is isolated from the outside world.

The shamans and immortals who had served as long-time long-time masters planted a magic curtain, one by one, on the old walls. It was a refined art unique to the Sambong Mumaek who dealt with the natural energy, and was infinitely close to the art of drinking and martial arts.

At the same time, it also meant that something very serious had happened. It was enough to cause shock in the deepest part of the entire Non-Party Faction.

These people, who were seated inside the Sangcheonggung Palace beyond the clouds, were the leaders of the shamans.

A low voice was being exchanged between the old Taoists with pure white beards from the Hyeonjabae and the Samhwachwijeong Taoists from the Okjabae, led by Jangmundaeri Okam.

“… My upper body did not feel the empty words. The disciples of the main sect who have long ears probably felt the same.”

“From the beginning, he was not the type of person to lie. The bloodline of the Ip Hwang Ma family has been like that for generations. Rather than making himself worthless, he would rather make others look bad. Of course, not with words, but with his hands… … .”

“But isn’t this the case? We need to make it clear here. So that no other words come out in the future.”

“I agree.”

“But that blue Taegeuk….”

“Is Taegeuk the exclusive property of the main sect? It is just one of the principles studied in all the Taoist schools in the world before the emergence of the Shamanist sect. It is right to take some time to think about it.”

The inside of the room was also covered in a faint white mist, just like the outside. This was because it was a conversation between the shamans and the immortals of the world who had practiced qigong.

There were many Taoist priests who, without being particularly conscious of it, exhaled a cloud-like energy that flowed out with their internal energy.

But soon the conversation stopped.

This is because Okam, who had been listening silently, opened his mouth.

“Bindo looks like a genuine product.”

Where his gaze was directed.

There was something long on the table in the center.

It was a sword.

Not only were the teeth of the blade missing in some places, but even the sword body was mostly rusted.

However, the hilt of the sword, engraved with a pine tree pattern, was intact. There was even a faint pine scent inside, and it seemed that the peerless swordsman had held and swung it for a long time and turned it into a Buddhist treasure.

“With that function, I met the original spirit of Gaepajosa… … .”

Okam muttered.

“It can’t just be an empty story. What could be impossible for the Three Peaks Master, who united the countless Taoist shamans scattered across the foothills of Mt. Mudeung under one name? Furthermore, the most brilliant talent in the world currently resides in the main mountain. The exquisite Jeongyeonsin. It wouldn’t be strange if anything happened.”

In the eyes of the shaman Jang Moon-dae-ri, a faint light of sky blue shimmered. If you looked closely, you could see the sight of blazing flames.

The air was like a clear flame, as if the dead sword and the departed island spirit were mixed together.

“Primitive eye diagnosis.”

The Taoists in the room quietly chanted the Taoist mantra. Now, everyone had noticed that Okam was beginning to step into the realm of the unparalleled.

The thick beard of one of the wise men moved slowly.

“The position of the new sword master is one where one must swing a sword in the middle of the secular world. Decide carefully. Whether it is big or small, do not forget that the influence of the main sect extends throughout the world.”

The old man’s words were slow. But Okam’s answer was calm and quick.

“It is not a matter of decision, but of recognition. Did the Kaepa Investigation and the Shingumdanju agents truly have a relationship? Also, did the enlightenment of Muhak come and go within that relationship?”

If we acknowledge that fact, then the best swordsman in the world will exist behind the island’s most beautiful woman.

That’s what a sect was. A branch of a family’s sect. Those who had a closer relationship than blood ties through martial arts also greatly valued the ties of their ancestors. That’s why it was called Murim.

The deeper the history of the Buddhist sect, the more this was true, and it goes without saying that it was true for the shaman sect that opened its doors long ago during the founding of the nation.

“… … .”

The sword-wielding Taoists were silent for a moment.

They know well the power that shamans possess.

It is one of the headquarters of Taoism that has a huge influence not only on the Silk Road but also on the entire world. This is the reason why it has kept its distance from the world of the secular world, Iphwangseong. All the old schools were the same.

Now, in front of the name Jang Sam-bong, which takes away the sense of reality, even the most ignorant people have no choice but to be cautious in discerning the truth.

“Let’s do it like this.”

Okam said strongly.

“If this Songmungo sword is truly proven to be the result of Gaepa Josa’s investigation, then the words of the original Shingeomdanju deputy, who was never a lie, are all true. However, it seems that we cannot clearly state this with our own knowledge…”

“Are you saying we should call the disciples of the Taoist sect?”

A young Taoist priest with his face covered by a cotton cloth asks. A woman with long hair flowing down from between her robes.

It was Jang Bong Joo Se-hwa.

The term ‘Do-mun disciple’ refers to the sages who climb the Cheonjubong Peak of Mt. Mudang and practice Taoism.

Although he did not particularly excel in martial arts, he was widely proficient in the secret arts of the Immortal Way and all sorts of miscellaneous knowledge, and there were rumors that he was as good as the commander of the Iphwangseong clan.

If they were us, they would be able to reveal the origin of the old sword. They would also be able to clearly determine the date of the engraving on the handle.

“This is an important matter. It will determine where we will direct our remaining strength in the future. Is there anyone here who is dissatisfied with the results of the Taoist disciples?”

Okam asked. Even though the great general of the time, Hyeon-gong, was heading to Jongnam Mountain, he was still talking about extra power.

“… … .”

There was no answer.

The fog that had filled the room with a whitish haze remained in place. The best swordsman in the world was silently raising his body.

* * *

Gunyeong suddenly meets the new sword master.

The dry north wind was filled with energy. Even the stone fragments that had been rolling on the ground were blown here and there by the waves of energy from the various masters.

He was so surprised that he lost control of his mind.

“Come here, come here!”

This was what the barracks master said as soon as he saw the golden tree-shaped engraved badge.

“I’ve heard of your great name! But I never thought you’d come to a place like this…!”

A man who introduced himself as Jeon Woo-rip.

He was a middle-aged man with eyes full of venom, a sturdy figure, and clad in rusty silver armor. He was said to be the superior of General Hyukryun Mujeong, the commander of the Chohosang Generals who had come to fetch the shaman Jang Moon-in.

That is, it meant Grand Governor.

The pinnacle of the Ming military.

He is the only person who can command the Imperial General, who is directly under the Imperial Family, as his subordinate without being of the Zhou family.

The military organization, which originally ended with the Left and Right Commanders of the First Rank, had long since given birth to new positions due to famine and the emergence of the Northern Powers.

A golden axe, said to have been personally bestowed by Emperor Qianling, was hanging from the middle-aged man’s waist.

Grand Admiral Jeon Woo-rip.

The owner of the most noble axe in the world, the Huangyue.

Jeongyeon Shin is a person I have only heard of through word of mouth.

I heard that he was a strange man who asked the northern commander about his parents’ well-being and survived. This means that he was a grand admiral who personally fought in the field.

It was clear that he was a master of Banbakguijin, as he did not feel any aura at all, just like the new sword master Jinmyeongjo.

A feeling of favor passed over Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.

‘I heard he’s a big shot. He can’t be as light-hearted as he looks… … .’

He put the Iphwangpae in his bosom and glanced around.

It was a different world.

Barracks lined up like a military camp.

In addition, as befitting a battlefield for martial arts masters, there were numerous dwellings built with wood and stone.

It was a very large area used as a single city, but at the same time, it was filled with thicker energy than any other official city in the world, and at the same time, an extremely dry air flowed.

“… … .”

All the unmanned people stared intently at Jeong Yeon-shin and his party. Most of them looked slightly surprised, but their gazes were fundamentally dry. Their temperaments were different from those of the masters of the southern lands.

There are no refined or neat aerodynamic waves.

The energy flowing out of them was as rough as a north wind. But at the same time, I could feel the individuality of each of their internal energy methods that were clearly different.

The military’s martial artists and generals, groups of ronin wielding bizarrely shaped weapons, and even Taoist priests and monks with relatively refined martial arts.

Shin So-bin whispered next to Jeong Yeon-shin.

“There is also the Hyeongsan faction. Why are the noble Taoist priests who should be in Gangnam…?”

-Then is that side a community? The temperament is similar but different.

Jeongyeon Shin asked in a voice.

—If the opponent is a demon, I think they will definitely be stronger. Maybe even stronger than shamans.

A technique for telling a story without even moving your lips. It may not be as effective as the deep study of Beomheo Daesa and Hyeon Gong Jinin, but it is definitely useful.

The world of martial arts is full of strange people. They like public evaluation, but they also hate it. That’s why it was necessary.

‘The conduct of the new sword master.’

When Jeongyeonshin was satisfied with her own attitude, Bukdo’s voice boomed behind her.

[That’s right. It’s the Twelve School.]

The Taoist priests in their blue robes gaze blankly at Jeong Yeon-shin and his group. They were on the roof of a simple wooden pavilion. Jeong Yeon-shin guessed that they were part of the Gongdong faction of the Old Sect.

It was said that the place had a peerless Taoist monk named Houcheon Gwangseongja as its disciple.

Jeong Yeon-shin followed the Grand Admiral with slightly lowered eyes and walked quickly.

The energy wave that was emitted by the momentary Hwanikbo created an invisible stone, but it was crushed without a sound by the front hooves of the war horse of the North. A pair of horses followed Jeongyeonshin calmly like that.

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke calmly, regardless of whether Buk-do listened or not.

“Your Majesty, the author is a person whose safety I cannot guarantee.”

“Are you talking about the North?”

Grand Admiral Jeon Woo-rip smiled faintly. The sly smile of Emperor Qianling, whom I had once seen, overlapped his lips. On the other hand, the energy in his eyes was as sharp as a divine sword.

“It’s okay. Actually, I was wondering if it would be better to just kill him with my own strength.”

“… … .”

“These bastards of the Yojok tribe show their uncanny moves in all sorts of ways. Even Your Majesty would be surprised if you saw them in person. That’s why these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities don’t come often.”

“I am willing to lend a helping hand.”

[Six.]

Before she knew it, she was inside the largest barracks in the military camp. Jeong Yeon-shin ignored Buk-do’s call and sat down next to Shin So-bin.

Meanwhile, Jeon Woo-rip ordered his adjutant to bring out the tea. He didn’t seem to pay any particular attention to the precious map that was placed in the center of the table.

The position of the new sword master was equivalent to the national secret.

Phew!

The map was firmly fixed to the table, even as a cold, strong wind blew into the barracks.

Jeon Woo-rip spoke first.

“General Choho Sang-jang Hyeokryun Mujeong couldn’t keep up with Jeong Gong’s lightness, right? That guy has pretty fast legs, so the royal family has a lot of faith in him… but his footwork isn’t good enough to compete with the ‘Ten-Li Gwangyo’.”

Suddenly, Yong Huimyeong’s advice that I heard from beyond the door flashed through my mind.

―If you must talk to someone, first give them sincere praise. If they are bad at swordsmanship, give them good sleight of hand. If they are bad at appearance, give them strong eyes. Usually, it is effective. It also makes it easier to hold hands for a long time.

As it happened, Jeong Yeon-shin had something he wanted from the Grand Admiral.

“The mouth was fast.”

“…Was the speech good?”

Jeon Woo-rip muttered for a moment and nodded to Shin So-bin.

“Over there?”

“They are my natural companions.”

“Did you just say we’re colleagues?”

“Because I have mastered my martial arts, my hands and feet are in perfect sync. I am probably only slightly inferior to my two seniors, Yeouicheonju and Cheonryongdaeju.”

“I can’t believe it. Was the young successor of the Ip Hwang Shin family really like that?”

Jeon Woo-rip asks again.

I already know. Shin So-bin’s status and military status. The being who resided in the northern part of the vast land of the Ming Dynasty was also well-informed of the situation in the south.

The surroundings were quiet.

Occasionally, outside the barracks, the sound of the horses of the North Road trotting away could be heard like thunder.

As Jeong Yeon-shin was examining Jeon Woo-rip, at this moment, the one and only Grand Admiral in the world was also pouring out an intense gaze to the new sword master.

Jeongyeonshin slowly opened her mouth.

“Since they are both from the same class, it is inevitable that they will work well together. That is what it means to pass the training.”

“Is the Yeoui Heavenly Pearl and the Cheonryong Daeju also like that?”

“You both learned my footwork and hand movements, so it’s only natural. You two have deep martial arts skills, and Sobin has a deep understanding of my martial arts.”

“ah.”

Jeon Woo-rip smiled brightly.

“Your Majesty, you have come to ask me a favor. To get those two out of the Beijing prison.”

Jeong Yeon-shin is not free. Neither as the representative of the Shingeomdanju, nor as an individual.

Because of his high position, he cannot be involved in treason, and the emperor’s will prevents him from taking any action outside the walls.

However, if I went to meet the Zhou royal family without any care, there would be chaos.

Because none other than the great lords of the Shingeomdan were imprisoned in Beijing, a force as powerful as Jeong Yeon-shin could only move in situations where there was no suspicion of treason.

“Unfortunately, I’m the same way. I don’t have much strength down there.”

Jeon Woo-rip’s fingers tapped the table. At the same time, a firm voice flowed out.

“The Beijing nobles are not the only ones who are strong, so we cannot get rid of them. No matter what the price is, Your Majesty.”

“… … .”

“No, time. Yes… Time is the price to pay. At a time like this, it would be self-destructive to break two of the country’s black swords. No matter what, the Beijing guys won’t do something stupid. Just wait a little longer. It’ll only be a year at most.”

Isn’t it just a freebie?

It was when Jeon Woo-rip ended his speech with a question.

On the table.

Whoosh whoosh!

Suddenly, a blue flame appeared on a large map, burning the upper part of the Ming Dynasty for an instant before disappearing.

Jeong Yeon-shin said.

“This way will be faster.”

“…What does that mean?”

“I plan to go alone, but if you offer me support, I won’t necessarily refuse. I think Yeouicheon and Cheonryongdae would work well together.”

The last words were almost a mumble, but no one present could fail to hear them.

“What did you come back from…?”

“Northern Expedition.”

The cold wind that blew through the barracks was howling.

Saaaaa―

Blue sparks and soot mixed together from Jeongyeonshin’s shoulders and flew outside the barracks.

* * *

The day the Ming Grand Admiral made contact with the new sword master.

Even though no enemy had appeared, numerous alarm bells rang throughout the huge barracks. At the end, all kinds of spirits, falcons, and horses galloped across the sky and the ground.

A number that easily reached several dozen. It was a number that would ensure that at least one connection would be made no matter what happened along the way.

The destination was Beijing and Zhongnan Mountain.