Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Jeong Yeon-shin, the Lord of Ipwang Fortress, and Shin-ui.

Their fifteen-day journey had been eerily uneventful.

Despite the chaos of the world—where swordsmen posed as bandits and thieves used water techniques to control rivers—their group had not encountered a single hardship.

It was as if fate itself had chosen to steer turmoil away from them. Or, more precisely, to avoid the Lord of Ipwang Fortress.

They walked along mountain paths with nothing but silence around them.

It felt like a dream.

And yet, she did not hasten her pace.

It was as if they were simply a master and disciple on a leisurely journey in an age of peace.

They shared rations of preserved food, built fires, rested, and leaned against rough tree trunks when night fell, drifting into sleep.

It was an unusual way to travel, considering the turbulent times.

They did not use fine horses, sedan chairs, or light-footwork techniques to speed their journey.

During this time, Jeong Yeon-shin spent his longest period alone with his master.

No longer merely a subordinate to his fortress lord, he finally experienced what it meant to be a true disciple.

— That’s not fully cooked yet. But… did Master always eat meat? I heard from Cheong-an Sword that the noble clans treat the forest as their kin, not pigs and cattle.

— To train and sustain one's swordsmanship, proper nourishment is essential. The body comes before internal energy. You must not forget your roots.

— You’re referring to the principles of the Jeong Family’s martial arts, aren’t you? I will remember. By the way, wild boars have become scarce since last winter. Luckily, we can still hunt using sword techniques. I was a bit worried since the winter winds have felt harsher lately…

— Your Sword Commanding the Mind technique is already excellent.

— Ah.

— However, there is a fleeting hesitation before you summon your will. You should devote yourself to meditation. If you can close the gap between mind and body, your sword will become even faster.

— Understood. And this meat is still undercooked. Please, have this piece instead.

— Thank you.

Such were the experiences that every martial artist with a master should have in their youth.

For fifteen days, Jeong Yeon-shin cherished those quiet moments.

The time he spent with his master was warmer than he had expected.

So much so that every moment was becoming a precious memory.

At times, as he gazed at the deepened moonlight, Shin-ui would share stories of the World Tree.