Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The bend in the hill.

A thunderous roar swept through the surroundings like an overwhelming force.

Joo Gwang-shin flinched for a brief moment. He had been carefully observing the gap in Dark Heaven Emperor’s stance when he finally attempted to defy the heavens.

At the mention of Sambong, his gaze lifted upward.

Thick bolts of lightning flickered within the dark clouds.

A rumbling sound pounded against his ears, and beneath it, a supreme master, surrounded by a skeletal aura, endlessly chanted vibrating incantations.

A sight only found at the peak of the martial world.

‘A lunatic pretending to be the King of the Underworld…!’

The grandson of the Tyrant had just ended the life of the ancient monster with an unfathomable technique. The Dragon Head Master of the Nine Schools and Eight Sects could not afford to stand idly by.

Even if his body had aged, even if his injuries from Void Nihility Realm had slowed him down.

Yet it was just a thought.

No opening was visible.

Dark energy spread in all directions, making it seem like sorcery could erupt from anywhere at any moment.

Though Dark Heaven Emperor had ultimately been restrained by his own Empty Moon Dance, Joo Gwang-shin’s sensory perception remained intact.

He could feel the intangible currents surrounding the ancient monster’s body. Defensive formations composed of dozens of protective spells. A body-reinforcing aura that completely severed the external world from within.

It was like an impenetrable fortress.

Even if Joo Gwang-shin were in perfect condition, it would be difficult to break through in one strike.

The Empty Moon Dance he had mastered allowed for rapid movements that could overwhelm the Tyrant in his prime, but it was far removed from the overwhelming brute force that the Tyrant’s grandson had displayed.

It was, in a way, a direct counter. Moreover, his Void Nihility Realm had disrupted his Vital Essence, making it impossible to execute.

‘However…’

He could not simply urge his junior to attempt the Empty Moon Dance again.

It would destroy his body. Even now, his meridians and muscles were burning up, requiring time to cool. It was not something a senior should ask of a younger martial artist.

— Are we not undertaking a great cause together?

The words Jeong Yeon-shin had spoken earlier.

The Dragon Head Master was also a man of the martial world. His reluctance toward blood ties had persisted since their first meeting, but he could not afford to let personal feelings cloud his judgment in matters of great significance.

At that moment, Joo Gwang-shin suddenly launched himself backward.

Hwaak!

[Clear Understanding.]

The ground beneath his feet cracked loudly.

In the middle of the hill, Dark Heaven Emperor stood with both arms outstretched, his quiet intent rippling through the air.

A sudden wave of scorching heat compressed the surrounding atmosphere, rendering it nearly translucent. The intensity of a single attack was beyond belief.

‘He’s gotten even stronger…!’

Joo Gwang-shin, now at the base of the hill, inwardly cursed. That damned old monster.

If not for the presences flanking him, he might have considered retreat.

The young lord and the Mount Hua Sect Leader—two youthful warriors whose voices reached his ears.

A final exchange before they entered an earth-shattering battle.

“I’ve infused Fire Samadhi into Striking Palm. The release direction is omnidirectional. Given the level of mastery in Three Flames Converging Purity, the strike is abnormally fast. It seems there’s an artifact or formation enhancing his spells nearby. You’ll notice a warning sign before he casts—when the fine hairs on your skin rise, use an evasion technique immediately.”

“There’s a pattern. If I strike the focal point, it will disperse.”

“The real problem is linked casting and overlapping strikes. Neither is impossible for that bone fragment. If your body-reinforcing aura isn’t fortified against Fire Samadhi, your insides will melt. This applies to the Three Flames Converging Purity of the Ming Sect as well. You’ll need special footwork to suppress it. Engaging directly would be unwise.”

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. So, in the end, it’s a matter of distance. If I can just get within thirty steps…”

“For now, Lady Nangnang should continue guarding the Abbot. Soon, that bone fragment will awaken with his Empty Moon Dance rendered useless. He’s stabilizing his Vital Essence through meditation… I’m learning a great deal from this.”

“…Yeon-shin, are you breathing more easily?”

“I can move.”

“When this is over, I expect to see you at Mount Hua. I’ll prepare medicinal baths with the herbs of Jaso-dan, and I’ll send a letter to Ipwang Fortress. I’ve already informed Elder Ak.”