Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Chapter 73 – Ma Family

“…Isn’t this excessive?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked after a moment of silence. Just fifty taels of silver was enormous.

It was enough to live like a noble for several years with a family. Yet the rewards listed afterward far surpassed even that.

‘Thousand-cocoon silk martial clothes and the Divine Sword Squad Leader’s martial arts…’

There’s a saying “priceless treasure.” It means unable to measure with value.

Clothing that couldn’t be torn by blades and martial arts from the murim’s highest realm were like that.

The spirit medicine called high-grade by the major sect Desolate Sect was the same.

“Excessive? Not at all.”

The Grand Administrator slightly tilted his broad shoulders.

“If it was just the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, it would be so. The merit of destroying the Hwangbo branch with just three blue ranks is great. I heard it was thanks to your unique martial arts. When even one blue rank is precious force, minimizing the power used to strike the main family ranks third.”

“……”

“You seem unfamiliar with praise. This is interesting.”

His smile deepened. The Grand Administrator seemed a more cheerful person than he appeared.

“Shall we discuss the second? You alone destroyed six Blood Flame Sect branches in Xuzhou. The local blood demons were exterminated. Even a letter came from the Xuzhou government office, praising Desolate Sect as Ming’s divine sword.”

His expression was very satisfied.

“Securing influence over government offices is the main sect’s key task. A blue rank alone earning praise from branch great masters? It’s worthy of being an example to main sect warriors who treat local officials like innkeepers. It’s worth making the rewards large and widely known.”

He praised him to his face. Jeong Yeon-shin’s expression slightly stiffened. Such great praise approached as an unfamiliar awkwardness he hadn’t experienced.

The Grand Administrator opened his mouth while looking at him intently.

“It was your first murim venture as a blue rank? You must get used to it. As a main family blue-ranked master, as the Sect Lord’s direct disciple, even more so.”

“…Thank you for the advice.”

“It’s nothing special.”

The Grand Administrator who laughed it off lightly spoke:

“Among the settled merits, the Clear Night Valley incident in South Zhili ranks first. You burst into the war between the Namgung family and Blood Flame Sect. You are the main sect’s legitimate guardian of the Great Ming Code. If it’s a fight of evil sects designated by the imperial court, you can intervene regardless of circumstances. Thus, though Namgung is merely a powerful family, they should properly show respect.”

WOONG.

Suddenly energy waves sprouted from his body. It was a realm where mind and true qi rose simultaneously.

Jeong Yeon-shin was greatly surprised inwardly.

It meant his level of internal energy cultivation was in the realm of Desolate Sect black ranks.

“Those fundamentally lowborn mongrels watched idly? The secular martial families are like that. They see our main sect as thorns in their eyes. Because cases where the civilian lives protected by our main sect coexist with murim powers’ interests are rare.”

His words continued with strong power imbued.

“They wanted to kill without getting blood on their hands. A rising talent who would become Desolate Sect’s precious sword in the future.”

Great anger formed on his expression. His face was frightening even while speaking of past events.

Jeong Yeon-shin received a teacup from the servant.

While bringing the lightly held cup to his mouth, he waited for the Grand Administrator’s anger to subside.

It was his first time having the dragon well tea said to be so precious, but even after several sips he couldn’t feel anything special.

‘Perhaps I’m far from the tea ceremony.’

It was tea that should be savored leisurely. He realized anew. It was a hobby that didn’t match his life.

“I briefly showed discourtesy.”

The Grand Administrator slightly bowed his head and opened his mouth.

“Though the number of blood demons you killed was many, the main sect gained an even greater justification. We will use the Namgung family as vanguard in striking the Thirteen Evil Sects.”

“You mean seeking cooperation?”

The Grand Administrator shook his head at Jeong Yeon-shin’s question.

“It means we gained justification to force them by martial might. To suppress orthodox sects we must mind the murim’s attention, but with this matter we can change Namgung’s leadership. We intend to deal with those who watched you idly according to murim’s law.”

Though he calmed his energy waves, his smile was chilling.

Murim’s law coming from this context was obvious. It meant acting as the strong.

It meant gripping the Namgung family and hammering them like a battering ram against the Thirteen Evil Sects.

‘Using the grudges of the Sect Lord’s direct disciple as pretext.’

Jeong Yeon-sin felt the murim’s winter. It was severely cold. Even though it was allies’ plan.

[TL Note- Winter here means ruthlessness, not the season.]

The Blood Flame Sect Leader’s words about chaotic Central Plains came to mind. Desolate Sect was already involved as a major force.

The Grand Administrator spoke as if finding it amusing.

“Borrowing a knife to kill, using poison to counter poison. We can argue it any way. They are mongrels who tried to cut you with the Blood Flame Sect’s blade. They’ll have nothing to say if they receive the same treatment.”

Jeong Yeon-sin removed his hand from the teacup.

“That too would be part of the mission?”

“That’s right. Rather than war, it will become life-and-death martial matches. We’ll bind Namgung’s body with justification and only strike their leadership. We’re persuading Namgung branch family masters who will replace the head. We told them if they fight the main sect they can’t avoid extinction, so cooperate if they want to preserve their family.”

“…May I ask about the timing?”

The Grand Commander smiled faintly and opened his mouth.

“It’s not yet time to give a definite answer. Since it’s a mission where defeat won’t be tolerated, if you wish to volunteer, I hope you focus on recuperation. There might be competition in selecting volunteers. Since the main sect warriors also stake their honor, they won’t want to miss the chance to witness and cut down Namgung martial arts. There could be martial competitions.”

“Thank you for your words. Then regarding the Blood Flame Sect main hall…”

“The day is late. Let’s first cross-check with written reports along with the settled merits. Perhaps, those rewards won’t be something I can raise at my level.”

The Grand Administrator issued a polite dismissal with a gentle smile.

“I’ll send the silver and thousand-cocoon silk martial clothes to the Radiant Demon Wing hall in the near future. Since the Divine Sword Squad Leader is away, we’ll send an order sealed with the Sect Lord’s stamp from our Administration Office as soon as she returns. What will you do about the spirit medicine?”

“I’ll consume it after finishing recuperation.”

“Do so. I’ll leave it at the Medicine Hall under Radiant Demon Wing’s Lightning Genius’ name. And.”

He stopped Jeong Yeon-shin who had risen from his seat. His face wore an ambiguous smile.

“Speaking out of this old man’s concern, it seems better for you to keep your distance from the Desolate Ma family.”

“Why…”

Jeong Yeon-shin stared at the Grand Administrator. He spoke of someone else’s maternal family and discussed conduct. It was a different matter. Hadn’t he crossed a line?

The Grand Administrator waved his hand and said:

“I’m hesitant you might misunderstand. These are words of goodwill. Since great prestigious families generally have divided factions… I can only say that your recent murim journey has caused great waves there. It’s awkward to say more since it’s not my family matter.”

“…Thank you for the advice.”

Jeong Yeon-shin slightly bowed his head and clasped his hands.

The Grand Administrator who returned the courtesy scratched his head.

He showed many appearances unbefitting his age, build, and martial might. It seemed to be his innate personality.

“Take care.”

The Grand Administrator bid farewell with a broad smile.

* * *

On the way back.

He said five days remained until summer solstice. Was this year’s June fifteenth closer to early summer than late spring? Dusk was already falling.

A streak of crimson sunlight hazily seeped into his sleeve. It was a sunset that dyed his heart turbulent.

‘The Desolate Ma family… keeps holding me back. Hearing from others to be careful of my maternal family.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought while slightly pulling his robe tight. The wind brushing his cheek and stirring his collarbone was quite cold.

Every time he completed a mission and returned, he had to mind his conduct.

It was an unwelcome matter. When time was lacking even just focusing on merits and reputation.

‘I clearly told grandfather.’

He said not to try wielding blood ties. Hadn’t he firmly declared it after winning the martial match with Ma Se-yeon?

Yet his bloodline became known through the coming-of-age ceremony.

The gazes looking at Jeong Yeon-shin from around changed.

Not as a warrior who would establish a family from a countryside martial house background, but as a noble rising star who had to be associated with the Desolate Ma family’s movements.

The earlier Radiant Demon Wing senior mentioning fights between prestigious families was like that too.

This mustn’t be.

They said family matters weren’t limited to individuals. He might get entangled in unrelated grudges.

Not much time remained. Troublesome matters had to be avoided early.

…Just then, a good measure came to mind.

Therefore.

“Yeon-shin!”

The handsome youth running urgently was welcome.

He was a familiar white-ranked warrior, and his lightness technique running was quite accomplished. He was the branch family relative who had lost to him twice.

He couldn’t be forgotten.

‘Ma Se-in.’

He was grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok’s adopted grandson and the Desolate Ma family’s successor.

He met one of the culprits who had disturbed his mind. Here karma that heaven had seemingly casually thrown was tied.

Something big must have happened, for him to come immediately on the day Jeong Yeon-shin regained consciousness. Perhaps his tactless uncle Ma Jin had told him.

It was just before the end of the day.

Jeong Yeon-shin stepped forward and asked.

“What’s your business?”

“Just, let me catch… my breath…”

Ma Se-in who approached within three steps regulated his breathing.

He was one who overwhelmed Jeong Yeon-shin in inner power quantity alone.

Since his birth environment was different he must have eaten spirit medicine like rice, but he seemed to have run quite long.

Jeong Yeon-shin waited through three exhales.

“Speak now.”

“Ah, well…”

He looked hesitant, unlike his usually proud self.

Jeong Yeon-shin silently urged with his chin. Ma Se-in sighed and opened his mouth.

“The family elders, want to see you.”

“The elders?”

“The senior members and my mother…”

“Let’s go. It’s fine to visit now? You seem to have come urgently.”

He showed quite a surprised expression. He apparently hadn’t imagined such ready agreement.

The two soon began walking together.

Jeong Yeon-shin asked.

“Isn’t it outside the main sect?”

“The main house is. But now many family members have come with grandfather. Everyone is staying in the main sect. We’re using an entire hall, because grandfather wants to take the position of Desolate Sect Elder Council Lord. To build his momentum.”

His tone was considerably softened. He had always been like this since the coming-of-age ceremony.

They exchanged a few more words. Meanwhile, Ma Se-in glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin’s profile.

“I heard you received quite severe internal injuries.”

“And?”

“Your energy waves are the same as before. How can that be when you’re weakened? No… have you grown that much stronger? In such a short time?”

“More importantly.”

Jeong Yeon-shin avoided answering and brought up something else.

“This matter of calling me now. Does grandfather know about it?”

“…No. He went to the Sect Lord’s office.”

Ma Se-in seemed to feel something wasn’t quite right too. But he appeared not to know the circumstances.

The corners of Jeong Yeon-shin’s mouth rose slightly.

“Your hard fist technique was impressive.”

He said casually to Ma Se-in. He recalled the advancing thunder move of the Eternal Blossom Fist that he used effectively anytime.

“They say prestigious families’ martial arts number dozens. Is the family members’ martial arts different from yours?”

“Naturally so.”

“Interesting.”

That was the end of it. Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t speak further.

They walked silently and arrived at the hall where the Desolate Ma family leaders were said to be staying.

Ma Se-in opened his mouth while gesturing to the gatekeepers.

“It’s here.”

The main gate was very large from the start. It was comparable to the Radiant Demon Wing hall.

It was like this even though they were borrowing it. One could guess how lofty their authority was.

‘Hmm.’

He felt gazes as soon as he entered. Not just one or two.

Energy waves seemed contained in every gaze. It was tremendous pressure.

Were they determined to meet today?

Dozens were seated in the front courtyard serving as a banquet hall.

The prestigious family’s unique refined spirit could be felt. Even at a glance, there was no one who wasn’t extraordinary.

Among them, one person particularly stood out.

“You b*st*rd.”

A middle-aged woman wearing jet-black palace clothes parted her red lips.

The silk wrapping her body was dyed with black lacquer. Dignity overflowed from her beautiful face.

She even wrapped herself in noble energy waves as if having learned special energy techniques, and her gaze seemed to look down on all under heaven.

“Are you the child using the Jeong surname?”

She asked while seated in the seat of honor. Had she deliberately mentioned the Jeong surname? Her inner thoughts seemed slightly visible.

Jeong Yeon-shin turned his head without answering.

“Is this your mother?”

“…That’s right.”

Ma Se-in answered glumly.