Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time-Chapter 466: The Great Divine Ceremony (1)

The grand circular window, adorned with antiquated charm, gleamed a pristine white.

Transparent sunlight flowed gently through it, making the room's most vivid light shine as if it were a painting of someone's face. The owner of the room had chosen it to be so.

Within the room, the dense magical energy floated like mist.

Beside the bed, Baek Mi-ryeo sat cross-legged in meditation.

Her face, eyes closed as if lost in deep thought, was framed by her exceptionally dark hair, which cascaded down her back, brushing the floor, even as her blue warrior attire draped over her shoulders. On both knees, she had laid the long Ip-hwang sword. She was a swordswoman.

The golden rug, laid out under the bed, was untouched, with no signs of wear or indentations. It was in stark contrast to Baek Mi-ryeo's state of mind.

“......”

Her pale eyelids twitched, trembling slightly. This had become a recurrent occurrence.

—The new purple-clad master is dead.

A few days earlier, So Cheonmujuk had entered her room unexpectedly and bluntly stated this.

Moreover, using a strange technique that seemed as elusive as a mirage in the vast desert, So Cheonmujuk had even shown her the circumstances surrounding the event.

The river flowing arrogantly, a blind man walking across the surface, a giant iceberg, the Dark Heaven Emperor... and Jeong Yeon-shin. The marketplace, where his body had been dragged out in silence after being subdued by the Bloodflame Cult's leader, was marked with a large stake belonging to the cult.

There were even rumors that the Taemosan Fortress had secured the divine sword of the Lotus Blossom.

Afterward, she had been re-imprisoned.

She had found herself in the middle of the Mingma Duel Formation, which So Cheonmujuk had personally demonstrated. True to its name, the formation severed the space itself, making escape impossible from the blue cloaked Ip-hwang Fortress.

Suddenly, Baek Mi-ryeo's internal breathing faltered.

It was deep meditation.

“So, the successor has arrived,”

The polite voice of a middle-aged woman echoed from outside the door. The spiritual pressure radiating from her presence was overwhelmingly strong.

In Ip-hwang Fortress, even a person wearing the blue attire would still be a high-ranking figure. Her aura subtly carried a touch of dark magic as well.

The attendant, despite her lower rank, held great martial power, disguised beneath her true identity.

She had been assigned by the Bloodflame Cult's leader to oversee Baek Mi-ryeo as a successor to So Cheonmujuk. It was an unexpected respect, considering Baek Mi-ryeo’s family background and the fact she was from a branch family.

“......”

Yet, despite the attendant’s call, Baek Mi-ryeo did not open her eyes.

Her meditation was not rooted in martial practice. It was fueled by deep guilt and the sorrow of losing everything.

Just like Jeong Yeon-shin’s Ip-hwang sword and the Northern Sword, shattered during a mission.

The crime of driving the great lord to death.

The crime of not being able to commit suicide before his eyes.

The crime of robbing him of the short life he had left. The world, once wide before the young lord, was still open, though never seen by him.

‘...The crime of losing to the long-past past.’

Her meditation grew deeper.

Suddenly, the hinge of the opposite door creaked—producing a sharp sound. The blackened leather shoes with golden dragon stitching stepped heavily into the room.

“Are you ready for revenge?”

The voice seemed to glide through the dark mist like a smooth shadow.

It belonged to a woman.

Baek Mi-ryeo’s eyes finally opened.

“Ready?”

“Ready to accept the martial arts of our leader. To merge Jeong Yeon-shin's skills with my own. Even now, it is a blessing far beyond what you deserve.”

Her face, even through the dark fog of magic, remained clearly visible.

Her features were mystical, reminiscent of Jeong Yeon-shin’s striking beauty. The Bloodflame Cult's leader, So Cheonmujuk, gazed down at Baek Mi-ryeo, lifting one side of her lips slightly.

“......”

“I can’t wait forever. Though you may think differently, I’ve been considerate of you. The lavish palace room, the conduct of your subordinates... Nevertheless, you’re a practitioner of the grand ceremonial sword.”

Black hair flowed down from her shoulders, even darker than Baek Mi-ryeo’s.

It resembled the imperial crown more than human hair. Her sharp nose, cutting through the mist, carried a boldness of spirit.

If Jeong Yeon-shin had lived a few more years, he might have looked like her. This thought passed through Baek Mi-ryeo’s mind. She slowly parted her lips.

“...I won’t treat you as a master.”

Her voice was cold.

Instead of an answer, a soft laugh echoed in the air.

The next moment, So Cheonmujuk vanished before Baek Mi-ryeo's eyes and reappeared, sitting cross-legged behind her.

A few strands of black hair rose high and brushed lightly against Baek Mi-ryeo's shoulder before falling away. Baek Mi-ryeo flinched slightly.

“It shouldn’t be worse than what Jeong Ga made. Though... it doesn’t matter if it’s important to you. Your assessment isn’t of great concern.”

The voice, barely mixed with breath, caressed her neck like a whisper. The magical presence of the Bloodflame Cult hung in the air. Baek Mi-ryeo’s eyes slowly closed again.

***

Hangzhou, Mok Family Manor.

It was an immensely vast estate, one of the most bustling locations in the eastern lands.

The walls encircling the estate were relatively low but as solid as fortress walls, reinforced further by the dense crowd surrounding them, creating an imposing atmosphere.

Most were vagrants hired by wealthy landlords and affluent families. Some local sects of Hangzhou voluntarily took on the role of guards, and inside the manor, the crowd was just as dense as outside.

More than a hundred commoners were busily moving between the courtyard and inner quarters.

“Master Shin! I brought a bundle of Gae-hwang Grass. Where should I place it?”

“The master is in the inner chamber right now. Leave it in that storage area for now.”

“Oh, so today’s overseer is Scholar Yun! Then tomorrow...”

“Lord Yeonam of the merchant guild will be handling affairs.”

The estate belonged to a man known by the moniker Eternal Candle Divine Physician.

Because the physician’s surname was Mok, the estate was called the Mok Family Manor. It was built by Hangzhou’s wealthy families and countless citizens who voluntarily came together. Though constructed in a short time, it had already become more crowded than the West Lake, a famous scenic spot.

He had already treated nearly all of Hangzhou’s people afflicted with strange and incurable diseases using peerless medical skills.

It was their way of repaying the grace they had received.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Some even considered the divine physician to be a transcendent being of higher rank than the Dark Heaven Emperor and stayed in the manor, hoping to receive blessings. They each voluntarily took on various chores.

Everyone present was from Hangzhou.

No matter what kind of chaos unfolded outside, it was natural to remain wary of outsiders. Naturally, all attention was drawn toward the group approaching the entrance of the Mok Family Manor. The footsteps of the warriors slowed.

Step.

A group pulling a large coffin loaded onto a cart.

Their disciplined steps stirred up dust. Anyone could tell they were warriors of the orthodox faction.

Dressed primarily in green and blue martial robes, their originally pristine appearance was now marred with sword wounds and dust.

Leading them at the front was a scholarly-looking girl—Jeong Sim-an Jegal Cheong-ah.

A few steps behind her, a noble swordsman walked as if guarding her. His short-cropped hair and light green silk robe marked him as the young master of the Gongsun family, an influential branch of the Eight Great Houses.

“If only the horses hadn’t died...”

Gongsun Min wiped his shadowed eyes with the back of his hand. At his words, Jegal Cheong-ah shook her head.

“The horses were lost to the Green Forest Cavalry. We fought through one of the Thirteen Heavens. To have arrived this quickly is already fortunate. Rather, it’s a relief we didn’t encounter any high-ranking figures.”

“You are right, Young Mistress Jegal, but...”

Even in their current state, they still carried themselves with dignity. However, their appearance resembled that of defeated soldiers.

At Jegal Cheong-ah’s signal, a warrior swiftly approached from a distance. He had gone out on reconnaissance.

Even as she continued walking toward the Mok Family Manor, she promptly asked him,

“What did you find out? First, Jeong Gong’s whereabouts.”

“According to rumors, he arrived here about three days ago. From what the warriors of Ipwang Fortress say, it’s been three days since the new Violet ranked swordsman clashed with the Prince of Gungmyeong after the defeat of Illyeon Sword Squad. That was the beginning.

After Jeong Gong set out, it took another three days for most of the Celestial Five Swordsmen and the former young lord of Taemosan Fortress to be slaughtered.

Jeong Gong’s movements lasted a total of six days.”

“How could he have moved that quickly...?”

One among them sighed before falling silent, recalling that Taemosan Fortress had publicly declared Jeong Yeon-shin’s death afterward.

“...”

The warriors of the Martial Alliance exchanged glances, gauging Jegal Cheong-ah’s reaction.

Everyone knew that their temporary commander had briefly served as a guest warrior under Ma Gwang-ik, Lord of Ipwang Fortress.

If she had learned even a single sword move from the new Violet-ranked swordsman, it was fair to say that, however faintly, they had a teacher-disciple relationship.

The death of Ipwang Fortress’ new Violet-ranked swordsman.

Jeong Yeon-shin was a controversial figure in many ways. His martial prowess, which had skyrocketed in a short time, was already enough to cause a stir.

There were even rumors that, blessed with a talent bestowed by the heavens, he had created countless martial arts techniques.

More dangerously, some whispered that he was the one who had compiled The Annihilation Four Fiends Compendium, a work spreading throughout the entire martial world.

There were even absurd rumors that he possessed an undying body and had reappeared in Hangzhou.

In such chaotic times, obtaining clear and accurate information was difficult. Any rumor was hard to trust.

A moment of silence passed, but Jegal Cheong-ah did not stop walking. Upon her shoulders rested the lives of people like the Sword Saint Hyeon So-baek and many others.

That responsibility was like a counterweight, the same kind that Jeong Yeon-shin had once borne on his back.

“I heard the divine physician has quite the temper... Of course, this is for the commander to handle, but I wouldn’t even know how to start the conversation. There are probably already a great number of patients lined up.”

Gongsun Min muttered as he ran a hand over the sword at his waist. It was a weapon that had once been borrowed by Yeonhwa Nata. It was also a Gongsun family heirloom.

“We’ll have to wait. We can’t cut in line.”

Jegal Cheong-ah replied curtly and strode forward.

It did not take long for them to converse with the scholar acting as the Mok Family Manor’s overseer, settle their affairs, and be assigned a temporary residence within the estate.

The members of the Martial Alliance quietly entered the annex at the corner of the manor.

Only then did the commoners of Mok Family Manor start talking.

“They really are orthodox warriors.”

“Looked like there were quite a few noble martial families among them. I thought something big was about to happen.”

Seeing that the newcomers were not causing trouble, the people who had initially been wary of the obviously skilled outsiders let out a breath of relief. After all, the number of martial artists who barged in and demanded treatment for internal injuries was like a swarm of clouds.

Even now, there were more than a few swordsmen lurking around. The tension in the air was as sharp as a drawn blade.

And so, night began to fall.

***

It was evening.

The orange breath of the setting sun stretched lazily across the manor walls.

Amidst it all—

Suddenly, a man pounded on the doors of the annex where the Martial Alliance group was staying. The warrior standing guard just in front of the door widened his eyes.

He hadn’t sensed anything passing by him at all. It was as if a tree branch had swayed in the gentle wind.

A master...!

His shock only deepened when he saw the intruder’s face. Long ears, a beauty beyond the mortal realm.

The rumored Eternal Candle Divine Physician.

Despite being clad in dust-covered yellow robes, he carried the presence of an ancient tree. It was as if he emanated the very essence of wood itself.

The warriors of the Martial Alliance, those with keen martial senses, felt an overwhelming clarity in his presence.

“Come here.”

The physician, known as Shinui, called for their leader, stating that he wished to test whether he should even bother offering his medical skills to those who had stirred up such a commotion.

The Alliance Leader’s life was at stake. The guard dared not act recklessly. Shinui’s harmoniously balanced features and scent, reminiscent of fresh grass, only added to that restraint.

Jegal Cheong-ah immediately stepped outside. The other warriors of the Martial Alliance swiftly grabbed their weapons, bursting out of their rooms one by one. Gongsun Min followed suit.

Thud! Thud-thud!

“You’ve nearly broken the door down. You’ll be compensating for that, won’t you?”

Clicking his tongue, Shinui muttered an afterthought. Martial artists—always the same.

“Ah.”

Jegal Cheong-ah had barely parted her lips when Shinui, as if struck by realization, let out a quiet exclamation and jerked his chin toward the wide-open door behind them.

There lay the coffin that the Martial Alliance warriors had carried as if it were a sacred relic.

“Is that what you came for?”

“Yes, Elder Mok. My name is Cheong-ah of the Jegal family. As a strategist of the Hangzhou Martial Alliance, it is my duty—”

“No.”

Jegal Cheong-ah’s words were abruptly cut off. The man known as Shinui was already shaking his head.

“There’s nothing medicine can do. That’s the state it’s in.”

“...I have heard that the Eternal Candle Divine Physician wields miraculous medical arts. If you would examine it yourself...”

Jegal Cheong-ah’s voice was composed, but Shinui frowned.

“You want me to waste such precious skills on those who spend their days brawling? And that’s not my concern to begin with. If you want this situation resolved, go find the one who did this. Or wait for them to die.”

“That is impossible. If another price must be paid, we are prepared to offer anything.”

“You weren’t even next in line to be seen. I merely stepped out to get some fresh air, to steady my hands before acupuncture. I happened to pass by, nothing more. Don’t waste my time.”

Just then—

Dozens of masked figures dropped down from the walls.

The soft thuds of their feet pressing into the dirt resounded.

They had taken advantage of the warriors’ momentary lapse in vigilance to launch a surprise attack.

It was obvious at a glance—they were trained martial artists.

It was a common occurrence.

Extraordinary skill inevitably drew greed. Even more so when it was the ability to heal.

Naturally, this was far from the first time.

One only had to look at Shinui’s relaxed demeanor to know that. Unlike the warriors of the Martial Alliance, who immediately reached for their weapons, he remained unfazed.

He looked as if he had long grown accustomed to such incidents happening every time he went for a stroll.

“Shinui, ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) you always say the same thing.”

One of the intruders rested a hand on the hilt of his sword.

Judging by his attitude, he seemed to consider the Martial Alliance warriors—who had just been refused treatment—as potential allies.

“Don’t waste your time? What nonsense. There aren’t even that many patients left around here anymore, are there?”

“And?”

Shinui, hands clasped behind his back, asked indifferently. The sparse blades of grass at his feet trembled ever so slightly.

The aura he exuded was like an impenetrable fortress.

“They say you can reattach severed limbs in a mere quarter-hour. Hoarding a gift like that is a crime.

I’m not saying you have to come with us. Just don’t discriminate against those who wield swords. Don’t erase our names from your patient registry.”

The masked man’s demand made Shinui chuckle.

“At this time of day, there are always a few commoners who come up here suffering from indigestion. They come first.”

“You, who supposedly reattach severed limbs in a single day—how could you...! Are you mocking martial artists?”

“If a commoner with indigestion gets a good night’s sleep, by morning, rice stalks will have grown a few more inches. Even in times of famine, it’s the same.

And you? What do you produce? What do you contribute to this land?”

Shinui’s tone was as casual as ever, but there was something scathing about it.

The warriors of the Martial Alliance, including Jegal Cheong-ah, recognized it for what it was—a deliberate provocation.

No martial artist could simply brush off such words.

Even the formidable warriors who had come seeking sword treatment found their breathing subtly disrupted. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Jegal Cheong-ah hesitated to speak.

Shinui was an enlightened figure, a person of clarity.

Flattery and deception would be meaningless to him.

She had to think carefully—was there a way to earn the cooperation of this eccentric physician without resorting to force?

“In all my years, I have found that martial artists are worth less than cattle.

I am one who heals.

How could I possibly prioritize those who kill?”

Shinui smiled faintly as he spoke.

“That is the mark of a true physician.”

The sudden murmur echoed in everyone’s ears.

There was no trace of pretense, only pure admiration.

It was a voice filled with sincerity.

It came from above.

Every head turned toward the wall.

A young man, breathtakingly handsome to the point of disbelief, was perched atop the wall.

His posture was casual, as if he had just dropped down from the sky.

One arm, still fresh with energy, was slung over his shoulder, pulsing with barely contained internal energy.

Beyond him, the twilight sky dimmed into obscurity.

It was as if the setting sun itself had been replaced by his presence.