Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The vast dueling stage, where promotions and ceremonies were often held, was steadily closing in on the three Grandmasters as they drew closer to each other.

Across from them, the grand observation platform overlooked the battlefield. A shade-covered area cast long shadows, but the distinct pale sheen of marble stood out starkly.

The texture itself was so refined that it emphasized the status and rank of those seated there.

“How do you think it’ll turn out?”

Yeouicheon Lord and Ma Gwang-ik’s Lord.

Ak Su-rim idly tapped the pointed tip of her sleek leather shoe, a hint of amusement in her gaze as she watched the three Grandmasters square off below.@@novelbin@@

“They were set up in a trio to end this quickly, but it seems Myeongryu has no intention of making the first move. How sly.”

Beside her, Yullyeong Grandmaster Yun So-yu responded.

“Myeongryu Grandmaster likely wants to observe Ma Gwang-ik’s movements. His Body Projection Technique was already unmatched among the One-Strike Swordmasters of Wonpyeong. He has never allowed even a speck of dust to land on him, no matter the chaos.”

“So-yeon would be disappointed. She studied real combat more than infiltration techniques.”

Myeolseom Grandmaster and So-yeon Grandmaster had each been developing their own variations of the Hwanik Triple Steps before they were dispatched.

Their mission took them between Xinjiang and Sichuan, resolving the incident in Qinghai. It involved eradicating a martial sect that had turned their techniques into a religious cult.

A dense fog had been seeping from Xinjiang for years. Famine had persisted without end.

Many had taken advantage of the chaos, deceiving desperate commoners into offering themselves as tribute.

“So-yeon’s movement technique suited me best. It gave me the sensation of nobility. Myeolseom’s version was too rough.”

“So-yeon Grandmaster did show great interest in Hwanik Steps... Unlike Myeongryu Grandmaster, that is.”

Yun So-yu trailed off. She had been watching the stage with unwavering focus, clearly bothered by Ak Su-rim’s idle chatter.

Ak Su-rim, sensing the shift in tone, glanced away.

“What’s with the Grand Overseer? He looks like he just returned from Ice Palace.”

“…He’s waiting for Yeouicheon Lord to draw Ma Gwang-ik’s sword.”

The Grand Overseer, Im Jin-myeong, who had been sitting like a brooding bear, finally spoke, albeit sluggishly.

“Only then can it be formally announced. But right now… it’s still hard to believe. Of course, Grandmaster Jeong is not the type to exaggerate, but this is no trivial matter… From Shanxi to Yangyang, if we factor in the time it takes for Myeongryu’s warriors to deliver the news…”

His speech was beginning to devolve into rambling.