Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time Chapter 554

◈ Five swords, six stars

* * *

A peerless master who has absorbed life into one meal.

A person who possesses the Dali Gongwolmu.

A being who cannot go under the Northern King or become a monarch under him.

Since he has already attained the status of an absolute being, he has no choice but to ascend to the throne of the Northern King himself or wander the northern lands alone.

It was the same reason why there should not be more than one king in a territory. No king wanted to have a threatening presence near his bedroom.

Jeongyeonshin thought.

‘The climate is different.’

It meant that he could appoint a peerless master as his great general, and that it was a breakthrough in itself. It meant that he would become invincible as the Northern King.

Besides, Geomseong was originally one of the best swordsmen in the world.

At one time, he was compared to the new sword master, and even now, he was a strong man who was difficult to judge the outcome with just a few strokes of his hand.

Of course, King Yeolu of the North would have abandoned his camp and come running. But now that we are facing each other like this, I am at a loss as to what to say to persuade him.

Woof!

First of all, Jeongyeonshin surrounded herself with a wide, translucent curtain.

“Would you like to recognize me?”

Geomseong nodded at his question.

“It is an alliance that has already become meaningless, but thanks to the information power of the Zhuge family, I knew about your transformation.”

The old swordsman said that and tapped Jeong Yeon-shin on the shoulder. Before he knew it, he had put his iron sword back into its sheath like a ghost.

“I also know that you saved my life by helping the nobles of Taemosan Mountain. That brash boy has grown into a man. I, to my shame, have grown into an old man.”

“The image of the old man now is my dream.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke with sincerity. The appearance of the old swordsman who had found his time was not shabby at all.

Rather, it was as if I was wrapped around my whole body by the weight that only time can give, as if I was looking at a precious norigae that Jeongyeonshin could not have as a child.

“… How pitiful.”

The corners of Geumseong Hyeonso Baek’s eyes quickly turn red. Just like when he saw Jeongyeon Shin’s constitution at a glance.

The old swordsman still had a lot of affection.

“But this old man has grown into a great man, and it is too much to be pitied. Hey, can I hug you for a moment?”

A while ago, the Murim Alliance tried to hug Jeongyeonshin without asking.

Although Jeong Yeon-shin is not going through as much of a storm and stress as he did back then, he somehow felt embarrassed and changed the subject.

“I’m glad you’re still so upright. By the way, I want to take off my mask, but please forgive me for not being able to. Eyes are following me everywhere… … .”

“You are restless. Yes, I have heard of your behavior here. King Ye-Lu of the North. Isn’t he a very dangerous person?”

“Aren’t you surprised?”

Geomseong smiled brightly at Jeongyeonshin’s question.

“I have experienced many more amazing things. I would not be surprised if you asked me to become your liege lord under the King of the North right now.”

“Please be my champion.”

“… … .”

The silence in the vicinity becomes complete at the calm words. Geumseong slowly closes his mouth. Jeongyeonshin feels anxious for the first time in a long time.

A suggestion that I could make because I considered myself a Shingeomdan master.

Put your mission ahead of your pride and dignity.

The silence was long.

* * *

A huge stone chamber in broad daylight.

The ceiling was wide and open, but inside the room, a cold darkness flowed. It was not the coolness from the north wind, but the aftereffects of some martial arts.

“The greatest male master under the sun… They say he can summon the night with a single blow, and the rumors are not exaggerations. It’s a martial art that pushes away the sunlight. What’s the secret?”

An old beggar wearing a shabby robe mutters. At this moment, he seems to be deeply immersed in the dark air.

Soon after, a man’s voice filled the room, even though it was clearly a place where no one was visible except for an old beggar.

Only one thing was clear.

Just as the Northern Tao of the World prioritized the killings in the Gangho Inmyeongrok, the Southern Emperor was the first person whose name was written on the list of deaths created by the Ming Dynasty. He is the best in the North now that the god of death has disappeared.

[The leader of the southern rascals, you are as fearless as the gods of our land.]

A voice that feels like frost is breaking. In an instant, one of the rays of light that was pouring down from the sky turns into dark smoke.

Then, it slowly descended into the open-roofed stone chamber, thickening the darkness within.

A sight where the providence of the world is distorted.

Even though it was just a single word, it was like a superb sound.

Anyone familiar with the history of martial arts might inadvertently compare it to the ‘Geomga’ of Yeonhwanata Island, but it was none other than Gaebongju Ju Gwang Shingae who was like that.

“… … .”

His eyes fluttered slightly, but only for a moment. The old beggar laughed heartily.

“Today’s work is really good! After shaking off the Dragon King, I arrived at the residence of the Northern First Man. I felt a strange sound wave connecting her to this place, so I walked, but I think they will nod their heads this time.”

[I guess I need to change the path of the wind. Your words are helpful. Keep talking.]

“Who will nod their head? Don’t be surprised to hear that. It’s none other than the leaders of the Old Gate Sect! They are afraid of this old man’s mouth and often turn away from the world’s dragon head ark, but their martial arts are no less than those of the northern kings of this land…!”

Namje, who was in the darkness, waited silently until Jugwangsinkai finished speaking before speaking.

[Are you planning to flee south? I know that your footwork is superior to that famous Southern Five Swordsman.]

“There are five swords in the world.”

[It’s not as good a name as the Six Star Lords. At least here.]

“Are you talking about the six Northern Kings who are said to be particularly extraordinary? I heard that you and the Northern King are included in that list… Are you thick-skinned? I’m sorry, but you are a name that is quite unfamiliar to our martial arts world.”

[Are you that ignorant of the local affairs? It will be difficult to withstand our surprise attack. This is useful information. Tell me more.]

Yongdubangju, a word that sends shivers down the spine of the open-minded Jukwangsingae.

It is being analyzed piece by piece.

Namje is not arrogant. If you cut through all the stories, he only spits out the truth. For one great victory.

The old beggar was silent for a moment, then he stamped hard on the floor. This was to create a light wave of light energy.

thud!

The dust raised by the clouds was immediately swallowed up by the darkness inside the room.

Even the shock wave that rose up in the backlash was shattered into pieces in an instant, and the space was already such that no movement was permitted.

Gongwolmu (common warfare)

Emperor Nammyeonneungje

It is a function that is activated without warning.

A “kugu-kung” sound came from the legs of the Jukwangsingae who had been kicking ahead. It was the sound of the self-defense weapon being crushed.

“… … !”

An absolute zone created by the current Northern Leader.

A move of attack and defense combined, in which none of those who have even slightly uncovered the mystery are alive.

[You are the greatest shaman in the world. Of course, I don’t think I can capture you alive. You will most likely commit suicide. That’s why your words right now are so valuable.]

A forced smile appeared on Ju Gwang-shin’s wrinkled lips.

“… They say that the right arm of a warrior is always ready for even the smallest things. Anyway, since you were even calculating my footwork, you must have known that this beggar will turn his back on me from now on, right?”

[Of course I know. And if I break your strong legs, your lightness will be insignificant.]

“I know that’s unlikely, but even if the tyrannical Ma Yeon-jeok rebels and becomes stronger, it would be difficult for you to accomplish this…?”

Woodduck.

Joo Gwang-shin-gae turned his ankle slightly and attempted a provocation. Fortunately, the opponent responded.

[He was interested in me too. I wish he had brought me to him.]

“I bet you couldn’t have treated his Gongwolmu with composure. This isn’t a lie. It’s a clear fact…”

[Remember. Don’t you have anything else to say? I’m listening. Hmm…? The rascal came with a tail.]

Namje muttered to himself as he interrupted Jugwangsingae’s words. In that moment, Jugwangsingae’s smile deepened.

“I’ve been caught. This is the first of the three great masters of the Ming Dynasty. Why would I have mentioned Banrohwandong for nothing? Throughout the history of martial arts, there has never been a time with as many strong people as there are now, so I should take advantage of this situation….”

At that moment, the voice of a very young boy came rushing down through the sunlight.

“Jump!”

As if it had been prepared for a long time, it was activated without delay, along with vulgar language.

A dance of the royal family in the royal palace.

It was high in the sky.

A child, who appears to be about eight years old, is floating, blocking out the sun, wearing full body armor.

He was even wearing a red-and-yellow helmet, a symbol of his noble status. He was twisting his waist like a jockey before throwing a javelin, and his hands were stretched far back.

[Heavenly Heart Beomilyeong (天心氾一翎).]

Immediately after the unique thoughts of a peerless master flowed out of his body like an echo.

In an instant, a thick ray of sunlight gathered in the sky and became long like a spear, and burst into a circular shockwave from the child’s hand and struck the room.

Kwaaaa …

The nearby land was turned upside down like a tidal wave, and all directions were dyed in a hazy color. Of course, a truly deafening roar was heard, scratching the surrounding area in a wide area that was barely visible.

A move that uses the brilliance of heaven and earth as one’s own power.

The sunlight rippled like waves in the space where the windows were thick and vertical, a kind of career wave.

The Gongwolmu of the third generation of royal guards, Eunggong, did not end with just one performance.

Infinite chain of attacks. The shockwaves of sunlight continued to strike the dark chamber, and the impact of the waves sent out large, earthquake-like cracks that spread out across the stone chamber.

The fields were turning into sunken craters.

Kiiiiiing!

Meanwhile, a strange frictional sound arises from the pillar of infinitely concentrated light.

Still, the low laughter of the male emperor flowed out from the intact stone chamber.

* * *

A gigantic city with cities scattered throughout the mid-slopes of the mountains.

It was a place where the distant roar of a lion was a daily occurrence in the air, a literal growl that spread faintly like thunder beyond the clouds.

Every time that happened, the small children would often walk towards the house with the black, sharp corners of the roof.

Their houses had many curves and sharply angled roofs, giving them an artificial yet combative appearance that suited the rugged mountainside well.

Gwanghonsan (Mineral Soul Mountain).

Those who are overwhelmed by its size are also called the Guanghon Mountain Range. This is mainly the case for Han Chinese who came from distant lands.

It was surrounded by a very deep valley, but there was no water flowing at all. The scenery was just plain yellow soil. So it wasn’t a valley.

Only the cold air was thick.

It was the same with the city of Gwanghonsan called Honmyeol.

As befitting its very strange name, people were staring blankly at the group entering the city’s entrance at this moment.

“Your gaze is hot?”

The girl, her gray cloak hanging loosely like a palace robe, muttered.

A height that reached as high as the shoulder blades of King Yeolu of the North, who was walking one step ahead, a jawline that smoothly fell to the sides of his face hidden by a silver mask, and round ears.

Anyone can tell that he is Han Chinese.

It was Shin So-bin who went by the name of King Cheon-geuk.

“Look at your attire. Aren’t you dressed like a fugitive from somewhere down in Beijing? Your clothes are very typical.”

Likewise, a middle-aged masked swordsman, Mama Gwangmyeoldo, attacked her.

But Shin So-bin didn’t bother to confront him. It was always like that from the beginning of her journey until now.

However, Mama Gwangmyeoldo was unable to establish his prestige through particularly rough means.

This was because all attention was focused on the old swordsman walking alongside King Yeolu of the North in front.

The old man introduced himself halfway, but he still followed me here. Gwanghon Mountain Range. Even though there were two Northern Kings living there.

Mama Gwangmyeoldo’s eyebrows furrowed as he glanced at the old swordsman.

‘Are you really a great warrior?’

A figure with a single iron sword clanking at his waist like a ronin. A skinny body with no good looks.

It is clear that they have suffered greatly or have not been given the opportunity to eat for a long time.

But it was difficult to gauge the level.

A long, lightning-quick thought crossed Mama Gwangmyeoldo’s mind.

‘There aren’t many masters who have mastered the Banbakguijin as deeply as he has. Among them, the southern figures who would come to the north would be the Iphwangseong’s Bohyeol Daeju, Gongmyeongmyeongju, Jinju Unga Kwonryong, or Hyeongsan Daejeja… Among the elders of the great sect, there must be few who maintain the Samhwachujeong. Where did they find someone like that?’

Regardless of the question that had no immediate answer, Yalul and his party had one goal at this moment.

Southern pacification.

Based on Jangseong, it is the north, and it is the land where four northern kings reside, including Chigeukwang and Yongeumsa Temple King. It is the land that corresponds to the south of the vast northern rivers and lakes.

I couldn’t believe it, so I asked several more times, but it was true.

The other monarchs had long been in the inner circle of their respective northern kings, and they wanted to enjoy a position of supremacy by the new king’s side.

He offered some earnest advice.

“… Think about it now. Haven’t the other northern kings been avoiding you since the time of King Yeolyeolshin? It seems like they clearly realized how dangerous this land is.”

Only then did the voice of the Northern King Yelü flow out slowly from behind the silver mask.

“I only stayed for a short while. But there are those for whom staying is no different from retreating. I’ve been dawdling around long enough.”

It was a plain story.

Now Mama Gwangmyeoldo was a little further away from the group. He was slowing down his pace a little, but it felt very natural, somewhere between the forward and backward steps.

‘You have to stand in line in the wind and waves.’

He is a master of survival.

It was the same when he was struck by the lightning-like Igi-geom of the new sword master, and it was the same now, right before he faced the other forces of the Northern King.

Hwaaaa …

The entrance to a mountain city that is now filled with brave onlookers. A place where the pale-faced and scarred Yao tribe outnumber the Han and Ming tribes.

[Comrades of Gwanghonsan, look.]

A dark cloud covers part of the blue sky.

It was clearly a wave of internal energy accumulated by the person. However, it also had the appearance of a dark cloud following the dragon.

[The incompetent Northern King has finally abandoned his own camp and come here. I am a monarch and great warrior who serves the Yongumsa Temple King, and now I wonder if the author is truly the Northern King.]

A voice that constantly echoes like a six-way battle due to the absurdly large amount of energy.

Sarak.

A tall boy walks through the grass.

A large new figure was revealed, accompanied by a voice that seemed to echo from a deep cave.

Bright yellow eyes shine through the gaps in the thick, dark smoke. Inside, the pupils are elongated like northern spears.

Her flawless body, as if she had undergone a complete transformation twice, and her face, as pure as white porcelain, stand out.

His name was Geomdan.

A monarch and great warrior known as a half-dragon-body like the new sword master.

Far behind him was his Northern King. On the shoulders of the huge statue towering over the center of the city, a woman lying with a war horse in her arms must be the Yongumsa Temple King.

Before she knew it, Mama Gwangmyeoldo had cleverly stopped in a place out of her sight.

Could it be because the Northern King Yelü was restrained for a while?

The Yongumsa Temple King didn’t seem to care what Geomdan did.

If he had not believed in the law that Tusin had established, he would not have allowed his subordinate, Geomdan, to approach him, clearly more than the Northern King Yelü.

[How should I treat the author?]

The swordsman looks around the city and asks questions. He symbolizes the vessel of the Northern King, and sometimes he is identified with the king he serves, so he attracts the attention of the people.

That was when.

Before King Yeolu could say anything, the old swordsman next to him stepped forward. The swordsman’s questions followed immediately.

[Is the old man a warrior?]

“Let’s play a game.”

[Unreadable. You are strong.]

In an instant, the swordsman’s body was surrounded by dark smoke. The incredibly thick aerodynamic force within it rubbed against itself, making a crackling sound.

Like the ultimate lightning of the Yeonhwana Island, which always displays great power.

[I’m younger so I’ll make the move first.]

The swordsman’s left foot whipped like a whip and cut through the air.

A dark ripple suddenly erupted from behind the heel, and for a brief moment, the trajectory of the sword shook slightly up and down five or six times.

It was a sudden change in the speed of the attack that was faster than sound.

Immediately afterwards, the back of the old swordsman’s hand shot up.

Oh my god!

He raises his ankle precisely and his hand, which is bent like a flame, turns into a sharp knife.

At the same time, he cut straight at the Yongcheon point on the sole of his foot that had not yet fully risen, and with a slap sound, he thrust his hand sideways in front of the leg where the translucent self-defense energy had been removed.

Phew!

A faint cold wind blew.

In that moment, the sword was blown away by the sword wind while still in a posture with its legs outstretched. Of course, a strong wind like a typhoon occurred later.

A sound like roasting beans erupted loudly from his skin, trapped in the cold wind.

“You’re too young to really do anything.”

The old swordsman asked, carrying his backpack on his back.

“Your Majesty, did I do something wrong?”

“No.”

The Northern King Yelü answered.

It was an awkward speech, as if he was dealing with a stranger. It also felt like the owner of a manor who had received too many guests, but Yalul soon asked as if adding more.

“Can you tell me what kind of martial arts it is?”

“Of course it’s the Samjae Sword Technique, right? It’s the origin of all sword techniques in the world. You can use it with your hands and feet as well as your sword.”

“ah.”

Before he knew it, behind King Yeolu of the North, the Mama Guangmyeol Sword was standing upright.

It was the new Northern King’s power.