Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Step—

The Tenfold Gate Masters, who had been surrounding Jeong Yeon-shin, came to a stop.

Twelve identical figures. White armor, symbolizing an army of ten thousand, reflected the silent sunlight pouring down.

"……."

In Jeong Yeon-shin’s grasp was a small axe.

It was the sofu (small axe) that had been knocked away earlier by Hwan-gang’s forceful strike. The axe’s blade was marred with several fine cracks, yet it still seemed serviceable.

Perhaps it was because it had absorbed the shock of Hwan-gang’s sudden technique rather than being struck by an intentional, refined force.

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the axe strike of the Tenfold Gate Master.

‘There was no formality to it.’

A wild, unrestrained swing. A loosely constructed internal energy barrier. A casual movement that deflected a light attack.

And yet, it had properly blocked Hwan-gang’s force. There were no signs of any profound technique being applied.

‘Now that I think about it…’

The first martial technique Jeong Yeon-shin encountered in Ipwang Fortress was Ma Gwang-ik’s Decision.

It taught the proper way to utilize the body—an art renowned for accommodating any kind of weapon. Yet, the primary means by which he had been cutting down enemies thus far were his fists and sword.

Lowering the sofu slightly, Jeong Yeon-shin pondered—would delving deeper into another weapon bring him closer to the realm of Empty Moon Dance?@@novelbin@@

At that moment—

[Your swordplay and footwork are undoubtedly precise.]

Twelve voices spoke in unison, encircling Jeong Yeon-shin. It was not eerie—it was simply overwhelming.

Their faces all bore the same smirking expression.

[But what do you intend to do with that? The art of axe-wielding is something one must cultivate on the battlefield.]

"This place is a battlefield, isn't it?"

Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly. The sofu in his left hand spun in place.

A faint force stirred at his palm’s center as he rolled the axe, and it followed his intent more smoothly than expected.

The reflection from its blade caught the face of one of the Tenfold Gate Masters.

A satisfied smile stood out against the hazy backlight. The man did not appear to be someone who had just lost his disciples to Jeong Yeon-shin.

[I am twelve—so your words are indeed true. Finding a battlefield like this under heaven is rare.]

"You have a generous spirit, Master. I appreciate the goodwill."

[…Goodwill?]

Jeong Yeon-shin did not respond.

It had been some time since he activated Sight of Heaven. His gaze, once reflecting the sky’s light, gradually deepened into a rich blue hue as he scanned his enemies.

‘Fascinating.’

From an internal energy study perspective, all twelve of them were no different from the Tenfold Gate Master he had clashed with earlier.

The energy waves emanating from their bodies were identical. They were like smoke given shape—only slightly blurred in form.

‘Empty Moon Dance.’