Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The Divine Beast King resembled Tae Yeom-ryong.

Not just in appearance, but in temperament as well. The moment he heard Jeong Yeon-shin’s harsh words, he merely waved a hand dismissively.

Still seated lazily on a high tree branch, crouched in an unbothered posture.

"I came here thinking the Lord of Seonmok had been manipulated by Peng Yeol-ran, but it turned out to be the other way around. That’s a relief. Things worked out well."

"……?"

"One should never use something they don’t understand. Especially something as troublesome as the Heavenly Tree’s sapling."

He trailed off, his tone languid, as if he were simply stating the obvious.

It was a voice that carried both youth and old age at once.

Even his face, which bore an uncanny resemblance to Tae Yeom-ryong, held that same contradictory air.

His skin was flawless, without a single wrinkle, as if to prove the depth of his martial prowess—

Yet his expression was that of a tired old man, burdened by the tediousness of the world.

Jeong Yeon-shin found that expression distasteful.

Yang Guifei’s grandson would never have the luxury of growing old like that.

He glanced down at Peng Yeol-ran’s severed head at his feet.

The Twin Kings’ Army surrounding them followed his gaze.

Peng Yeol-ran’s lifeless face, pressed into the dirt, devoid of any of her usual charm.

The rotting corpses of the unorthodox Peng Clan’s elders, already filling the air with their stench.

The once-clear mountain road now dyed a dull, blood-darkened crimson.

"I asked if you have ever slain a warrior of Ipwang Fortress."

Jeong Yeon-shin’s voice cut through the silence.

Huangbo Gon smirked as if troubled, his lips curling in a way that reminded Jeong Yeon-shin even more of Tae Yeom-ryong.@@novelbin@@

"That’s a difficult question. I’ve turned more than a few people into pulp over the years."

"Come down."

"Now, now. A swordsman of your caliber should carry his blade with a heavy hand."