Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Rain poured down in fine, steady streams.

It had begun just moments after a thunderous roar shook Unhoe Peak, where the leaders of the great sects had gathered with Ma Gwang-ik.

Shaa—

Two men, both wearing wide-brimmed hats, crouched hidden in a thicket.@@novelbin@@

Above them, lush green leaves formed a dense canopy. In front of them, the village at the foot of the mountain was clearly visible.

Despite the water pooling at the edges of their hats and dripping down, both men remained calm, their gazes as steady as if the downpour were nothing.

Behind them, Unhoe Peak loomed endlessly into the sky.

"What a disaster. Things are in chaos both atop and below the mountain."

The older man, a swordsman with a sheathed blade at his waist, spoke. His dry voice was quickly swallowed by the rain, making it the perfect location for a discreet conversation without expending internal energy for sound transmission.

"I would have preferred to see the situation above first," the younger man responded with a grin.

Despite the heavy rain, the small brush and notebook in his hands remained completely dry, a clear sign that they were imbued with a faint spiritual aura.

"These days, the true nature of the current Ma Gwang-ik is the hottest topic among those well-versed in Dochalwon—no, in imperial affairs as a whole. Rumor has it that the Commander of the Eastern Depot has been quick to establish ties with him, recognizing his sharp nature. Yet, others speak of him as a mere butcher, no different from common swine in the eyes of the Grand Inspector…"

"He is the descendant of the previous Leader of the Society of Sacred Swords. That alone makes him a man of virtue, does it not?"

"Well… Either way, I never expected to be reporting on Ipwang Fortress’s Black Forces from here. Writing about high-ranking figures makes my fingers itch. But if Unhoe Peak is indeed thrown into turmoil, they'll be coming down soon, won't they?"

The young man twirled his brush between his fingers as he spoke. The older man, who had been replying idly, shook his head.

"Do not forget what happened to Eunuch Myeong-yeo. Acting rashly is dangerous."

"Well… I don’t intend to add my personal opinions to the report. Considering our subject is the grandson of the Tyrant Hero, I will tread carefully."

"The duty of Dochalwon is to report what is seen and only what is seen. If you wish to survive long in the imperial court, stick to the truth. That alone is a privilege we hold. Ma Gwang-ik is a candidate for Ipwang Fortress’s Purple Rank—his appointment is now a matter of national importance. If you get caught up in the wrong matters, no matter how noble your lineage, you may still find yourself dragged to the execution grounds."

"Ah, come now, would I really lose my head over this? Even Eunuch Myeong-yeo was only demoted to Labor Overseer in the end…"

"You are being far too complacent."

"…Excuse me?"

"The Purple Rank is not a mere title. It is a weapon of war, one that the entire nation acknowledges as a supreme, unrestricted force. It is not only Ipwang Fortress and Dochalwon but also the Eastern Depot, the Embroidered Guard, the Five Army Commanders, and even the Chief Censorate that weigh in on such appointments. Do you think the life of a mere Dochalwon recorder holds any significance in such matters? Especially when that Tyrant Hero’s grandson could barge in at any moment?"

"Ah…"