Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Chapter 435

The atmosphere had changed. It was eerily quiet.

While duels between high-ranking martial artists were known to broaden the horizons of other masters, today’s match carried a weight far beyond that.

“……”

The audience, numbering in the hundreds, watched in absolute silence. Only a few whispers stirred here and there. Even the wind moved slowly, as if matching the solemnity of the moment.

The humid air shimmered under the scorching sun, wavering like a mirage.

Amidst the almost sacred tension, only the voices of the two warriors standing on the duel stage rang clearly.

“I knew you would come.”

“I didn’t expect to face you, though. Aren’t you the First Disciple of Jeomchang?”

“I started at the same level as the current Second Disciples. It was only after that the Grandmaster took me under his wing. Since Ipwang Fortress selects its representatives based on merit rather than seniority, there was no need for the main sect to send an older Second Disciple against you. If you’re not confident, I can step down.”

The young woman, seemingly in her early twenties, smiled softly, her gaze warm. Around her waist, a dark-colored sword rested against her sash.

Her presence was extraordinary.

She wore a crimson silk combat robe, and her jet-black hair cascaded down past her waist.

Despite her gentle appearance, an unmistakable sharpness radiated from her entire being, as if she had transformed into a single, flawless sword. Her martial talent was beyond exceptional.

This was So Geomhwi, also known as Chui So-ok.

Jeomchang’s future had stepped onto the battlefield. This was one of the reasons the audience held their breath. Ipwang Fortress’s chances of victory were slim.

“No. In fact, this is even better.”

A sharp inhale—Shin So-bin clenched her fist.

A disciple of Seomye, known as the White Qilin of Yeonhwa Nata. Her white sleeves fluttered without a speck of dust, a testament to her noble lineage.

At the same time, Chui So-ok drew her sword.

Srrng—!

The blade carved a smooth silver arc through the air.

“You’re fighting barehanded? What about your weapon?”

At her question, Shin So-bin merely raised her fists slightly to her waist.

“Shihwa Muguk Fist, Sigyeok Path, Hwanik Step… anything will do.”

“I see. They say you are the true heir to Seomye’s martial lineage. I, on the other hand, was taught the Sa-il Sword Style and the Celestial Sun Divine Step.”

Her response was calm, free of arrogance or hostility.

Chui So-ok then turned slightly, directing her gaze toward one side of the audience.

The absolute masters of the martial world were watching from above.

Their presence was overwhelming. Among them were the heads of five of the Nine Great Sects, the Grand Swordmaster of Wudang, and even the Violet-ranked warriors of Ipwang Fortress.

For the first time, those who had orchestrated the Huashan Gathering had assembled in one place.

A suffocating pressure filled the air, unintentional yet undeniable. The sheer force of their divine martial power radiated like an invisible tidal wave.

To a martial artist’s eyes, these were not mere humans. Meeting their gaze felt as daunting as facing an unscalable mountain.

‘The incarnations of divine martial arts…’

Yet, amidst them, one stood out.

Jeong Yeon-shin.

Despite being barely past his teenage years, he stood among them as their equal. An enigma.

That was why, at this moment, his silent gaze upon Shin So-bin seemed so unusual.

Under the sunlight, his long lashes cast a shadow over his face, his brows drawn together in deep focus.

Chui So-ok had seen such expressions before.

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