Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The Ascension Ceremony in Ipwang Fortress is presided over by the Fortress Lord.

It is akin to the imperial examination's Palace Examination, where the Emperor himself oversees the final assessment. Every rank, from the Azure Robe and beyond, follows this tradition. Discussing ascension to the Violet Rank in the absence of the Fortress Lord is out of the question.

No matter how esteemed the Tyrant of Ipwang may be, he could not disrupt the laws.

This was why the current Lord of Ma Gwang-ik could rightfully refuse the former Commander of the Divine Sword Corps’s robe. The color alone was burdensome. His current plain black robe was preferable.

His original robe had been torn apart by the Zhuge Clan Lord, and the one he now wore had been gifted by the Eldest Daughter of the Gongya Clan.

Ma Yeon-jeok's lips curled into a smirk.

In the hands of this youthful old man, the pink robe seemed even more dazzling than usual.

It was because the technique he had just performed had gathered the starlight of the night sky like bundles of silk thread.

"Five Qi Converging into One, Martial Transcendence. Once you internalize the martial arts you've created, your perspective will change. You’ll likely don Violet robes before then… but for now, let’s leave it for later."@@novelbin@@

Jeong Yeon-shin, watching his grandfather drape the robe over his shoulders once more, spoke up.

"When will I see you again?"

He asked because it seemed his grandfather was preparing to depart.

Ma Yeon-jeok had already given him a rough explanation of the Violet martial world—calling it a Den of Demons, a realm where those who once fought alongside the Ming progenitors still battled against supernatural foes.

Having traveled all this way upon hearing of his grandson’s crisis, it was only natural for him to return as soon as possible.

Ma Yeon-jeok patted his grandson’s shoulder. A few firm taps, warmth radiating from his large palm.

"I cannot interfere in your journey through the martial world any further. While I will lend my strength from afar for your ascension and longevity, I cannot ignore the affairs of the world or step away from my duty. This old man has always been the Commander of the Divine Sword Corps. Even after handing down the Godpiercing Sword to that wretched Yong Clan brat… even when I lost my daughter…"

There was much left undone.

After a brief pause, he withdrew his hand from Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder.

"When you ascend to Violet and take on the same duty as I did, we shall meet again. It is rare for an era to require two peerless masters, but in these chaotic times, who can predict what will come?"

"Then, I suppose it will be sooner rather than later."

The two—proud in their own ways—exchanged a knowing smile.

Wooong—