Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

Chapter 64 – The Blood Flame Sect (3)

The Blood Flame Sect was exactly the evil sect the imperial court had declared. They were people whose words and thoughts couldn’t be grasped.

As large as their sect power was, their doctrinal content should commonly leak out, yet even the imperial court couldn’t completely uncover their teachings over long years.

Jeong Yeon-shin quietly asked.

“Were you calling me?”

“Yes, Grand Teacher.”

The Blood Swordmaster answered while kneeling and prostrating.

“……”

The Jeong Family was foremost in Henan’s Xinye County.

To not look ridiculous wielding authority, one needed cultivation.

Even cast-out children couldn’t let go of scholarship.

Jeong Yeon-shin had learned even superficially the Book of Changes among the Four Books and Three Classics.

They said all things under heaven had clear cause and effect. The same was true for murim events.

Tracing back incomprehensible results, there were incomprehensible causes.

They said the Blood Flame Sect of madmen was an unfathomable group. Radiant Demon Wing’s talent was also so.

He created opposing martial arts for the Blood Flame Sect that no one since Bodhidharma had managed.

He even created sword techniques causing wide-area killing through sword sounds. The sword song especially had no precedent.

It was something far beyond his martial arts level.

Therefore the kidnapping was also natural. Cheong Myeong and Baek Mi-ryeo had said early on.

If other sects learned of Jeong Yeon-shin’s talent, they would have no choice but to persuade or kill him.

The Blood Flame Sect had simply chosen the former.

“I announced it widely in the main hall.”

The Seventh Apostle raised her lips. Her smile didn’t approach as purely beautiful. Perhaps due to the madness that seemed to flay skin.

Her single red eye scanned Jeong Yeon-shin. She slowly whispered.

“Your track record of achievements fast enough to be strange, creative talent at a level nonexistent under heaven, character that carries no delusion in cutting down enemies. What would happen if we plant blood techniques in your body? Our sect might see the birth of a small sect leader after a hundred some years.”

They said blood techniques were martial arts in the realm of sorcery.

He had heard that the moment one learns them, the energy nature of all meridians from the Hundred meetings point to the brain becomes twisted.

It creates a state conducive to injecting Blood Flame Sect doctrine.

A martial religion of madmen.

Because they had brainwashing in mind, they repeatedly broke conventions. They didn’t hesitate to elevate their sect’s enemy as Grand Teacher.

It couldn’t be understood through normal reasoning. It was fitting for an evil sect.

Jeong Yeon-shin calmly replied.

“It’s not even funny to talk about small sect leader. I’ve cut off many of your sect members’ necks.”

“Children who faithfully sprinkled blood for the doctrine have shed their flesh and gone to the Peach Blossom Land. Our retaliation isn’t just revenge. It’s burning spirit money with blood. While hoping for blessings to fill the Peach Blossom Land.”

TL Note- Peach Blossom Land basically means Utopia.

“There’s no history of long-living rulers welcoming successors gladly.”

“That’s exactly groundless worry. Only that person will sit eternally on the Sect Leader’s throne.”

Seventh Apostle made an eye-smile with her outer eye.

“The meaning is exactly as the words ‘small sect leader’ say. Become my little sect leader as Grand Teacher.”

“Grand Teacher!”

“Please perfect the blood techniques further!”

Many were gathering around now. Perhaps because the Blood Swordmaster had paid respects in the middle of the street.

A circle of crowd full of red hair formed. It was a bizarre sight.

As if pleased, true qi carried in her voice.

“I spoke of your talent. Our sect has an old doctrine. The third phrase of the Flame Festival.”

“Overcome stubbornly!”

The sect swordsman who had called Jeong Yeon-shin Grand Teacher shouted. His expression was solemn.

When Seventh Apostle slightly nodded her head, he lowered his head as if overwhelmed.

Seventh Apostle spoke while carefully watching Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.

“It’s a verse about red hair. It’s heaven’s punishment received the moment one learns blood techniques in the Central Plains. Because all sorts of mongrels who see red hair try to catch and kill sect members.”

“Don’t you frequently catch and kill commoners?”

Jeong Yeon-shin said what needed saying among hundreds of Blood Flame Sect members.

Their reactions would determine how to conduct himself. But no one responded. Even Seventh Apostle was the same.

Jeong Yeon-shin felt like he had fallen alone into a different world.

Seventh Apostle continued speaking with a thin eye-smile.

“Originally it would have been natural. The glorious traces of blood techniques becoming heaven’s punishment was due to two types. Orthodox sects who praise themselves as righteous. The imperial court who calls us evil sect.”

“……”

“You’ll help overcome it. You could change blood techniques’ energy accumulation verses to make controlling internal energy easier, right? The talent that created dharma martial arts. You can make these children’s red hair black.”

It meant making Blood Flame Sect members indistinguishable by appearance. It meant committing something tantamount to calamity.

As soon as Seventh Apostle finished speaking, several people jumped up.

“Overcome stubbornly!”

“Perfect the divine blood techniques!”

“Grand Teacher! Aah! Grand Teacher!”

Madmen. Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

They call blood techniques divine while demanding development of verses.

They say they must overcome while asking to change hair color. Weren’t these all contradictions?

He thought evil sects would rather be conservative. Not so.

Their temperament was close to chaos. They were ones satisfied with whatever seemed good.

They made Jeong Yeon-shin a Grand Teacher wanting to spread wings in the Central Plains.

Though their intentions were obvious, the gazes looking at Hwangseong’s prodigy already contained admiration.

Seventh Apostle smiled amid the frenzy.

“Young great master. You will pave our sect’s future.”

Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t answer. Lost in thought with lowered gaze, he just stood silently.

Only after causing quite a commotion did they disperse.

Only then did Seventh Apostle reach out her hand again. Waves of true qi gathered like usual could be felt in her long fingers.

The density touching him was tremendous. It seemed a realm where mental focus had no burden in inner power operation.

She gently gripped Jeong Yeon-shin’s sleeve. As if he could never escape.

Seventh Apostle moved her lips.

“Let’s go. My small sect leader. Our Grand Teacher.”

Jeong Yeon-shin followed silently.

A stream of wind brushing his cheek in the Blood Flame Sect main hall suddenly felt welcome.

Perhaps because he had early awareness of his short life. Or maybe his innate heart was quite firm.

The Blood Flame Sect was a completely different world. His thoughts had to advance.

‘Wouldn’t energy accumulation martial arts be unique too.’

They said it was regenerative ability.

Maybe, just maybe. Could he change fate through martial arts instead of the World Tree fruit?

The young great master walked silently.

After passing several hall complexes with Seventh Apostle, a palace-like great hall appeared.

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been engraving every detail of enemy territory in his eyes, counted the wide stairs’ steps at once.

Thirty-six. It was a number with many meanings.

‘Taoism’s thirty-six evil stars. Buddhism’s thirty-six afflictions.’

They said sects based on religion had many symbolic structures internally.

Not rarely were they used as clues in interpreting secret martial arts.

He climbed the stairs trying not to let Seventh Apostle catch his glancing.

The moment he reached the end, a bright red painted gate opened by itself.

“Come closer.”

The voice was smooth.

A white-haired handsome man sitting alone on a high throne chair gestured.

His snow-white face and sophisticatedly high nose bridge gave him noble features like imperial family, but he was sprawled indulgently with one leg up on the wide chair’s seat.

No particular momentum could be felt. Yet he was the Blood Flame Sect Leader counted among the world’s top in martial arts.

‘Surely not.’

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled Desolate Sect’s lord enjoying the wind with a gentle smile.

It was right before sparring with Ma Se-in, the maternal family’s successor. He had realized the presence of the precious sword at her waist very belatedly.

“The Sect Leader has spoken. Did you not hear?”

One of those lined up long on both sides of the Blood Flame Sect Leader spoke. The tone was overbearing.

He was a middle-aged man with pitch-black hair.

Unlike the Blood Flame Sect Leader, he wrapped his entire body in mighty spirit, enough to instantly know he was another Apostle.

“Is there an Apostle above Grand Teacher?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked without changing his tone.

He called himself Grand Teacher.

Seventh Apostle beside him burst into laughter.

Her echoes resounding eerily off the luxurious hall were tinged with ecstasy.

The laughter didn’t stop even in front of the Sect Leader.

“Your question is valid. Grand Teacher and Apostle ranks aren’t different.”

She answered with a radiant face.

“It’s disgusting how this Desolate Sect mongrel claims to be our sect’s Grand Teacher. His position isn’t even decided yet.”

The middle-aged man spoke with a calm expression.

The Apostle showed all sorts of behavior before the Sect Leader.

Unlike the Blood Swordmasters and sect members, it was an unbelievably free-spirited atmosphere.

He continued speaking slowly.

“I’ve already received the Sect Leader’s permission. If what I’ve heard about your talent is true, even if granted blood techniques, you won’t be able to cleanse your mind and body with our sect’s spirit. You will have to undergo countless trials from now on.”

“Third Apostle. Listen well.”

The expression disappeared from the Seventh Apostle’s face. Energy waves that seemed about to convulse spread from her entire body.

“Your child isn’t fit to be small sect leader. Don’t be jealous.”

“You speak of trite matters.”

It was the Blood Flame Sect Leader’s voice.

He gestured languidly. Simultaneously, his snow-white flowing hair shook slightly. It moved as if alive separately.

WHOOSH!

A cool breeze blew. The energy filling the Sect Leader’s hall in surges was instantly swept away.

Even the Seventh Apostle’s bewitchingly sharp momentum unique to her vanished without a trace. It was a highly accomplished technique hard to guess the key points of.

[Note- If you’re reading this elsewhere, please consider reading on nineheavens.org to support the original translator although i get nothing out of this, but more readers on original site is always welcome.]

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly felt his wrist tighten. Strength had entered the Seventh Apostle’s hand gripping his sleeve.

“First.”

Under the Sect Leader’s protection, the Third Apostle spoke slowly.

“I must experience your martial arts. With rumors abundant and the Seventh Apostle enchanted by you, it’s only right I see and speak of it. It’s a very basic matter.”

“Your circumstances are complicated. Let’s get on with it.”

No one became angry at Jeong Yeon-shin’s reply.

The Blood Flame Sect’s leadership was calm like clear water.

No matter how twisted their direction, they each seemed to have built up high levels of cultivation.

Apart from martial arts, they were frightening as people.

“No need for long talk. Come.”

The Third Apostle stretched out one arm.

WOONG!

Blood technique energy rose from his palm center. Faintly red energy flows began stacking in layers to form a circle.

It wasn’t bell technique power. Not a combination of technique and true qi, but a barrier created purely with internal energy alone.

‘Unity of attack and defense.’

Jeong Yeon-shin saw through his technique. Extremely sharp energy stormed. It was a storm of sharpness raised with true qi.

It must be far inferior to striking out with both internal energy and hand. Even so, it was an unrealistic feat.

“His true qi operation realm has reached a level to discuss the heaven.”

“Isn’t that a realm one would expect to see from those black-clothed fellows of Desolate Sect?”

Those lined up didn’t hide their exclamations.

Jeong Yeon-shin stared blankly at the internal energy barrier that appeared across the distance. The Seventh Apostle whispered in his ear.

“It’s the test our sect’s rising talents take when promoted to Blood Swordmasters. They say spirit medicine is granted even for enduring one breath.”

“What happens if I tear it?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly.

WHOOSH.

He stepped forward while casting the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm. Clear energy waves spread in all directions from his right hand raised to chest level.

He didn’t drag it out. He formed a cultivation path and struck down at the barrier.

WHOOSH

The moment it hit, red wind began sweeping in all directions.

Visible red energy flows stormed omnidirectionally from Jeong Yeon-shin’s hand.

The cultivation path embedded in the barrier emitted chilling blue light. It unraveled and tore apart the wall of internal energy built to a lofty realm.

It didn’t even take an instant to vanish. As the red wind scattered, silence briefly flowed.

“…If it’s truly a martial art created by him.”

The Third Apostle opened his mouth.

“Truly a dangerous fellow…”

He stepped back one step.

Unlike his retreat, his facial expression carried sharpness. Jeong Yeon-shin noticed immediately.

Some evil scheme seemed to be coiling in the Blood Flame Sect Apostle’s mind.

That’s when the Blood Flame Sect Leader parted his lips.

“That power, true qi operation method.”

“…?”

“Indeed it was something not to worry about.”

As he began speaking, the atmosphere in the hall changed. Even the Apostles became sect members listening to doctrine and lowered their heads one after another.

“Learning peerless martial arts through verses alone? Great sects would have no reason to watch for talent when taking in disciples.”

“……”

“Your technique goes further. I can feel an independent interpretation of dharma power’s Breaking Evil Manifesting Truth has melted in. Internal energy taking on specific properties isn’t just because qi circulation paths vary greatly. Mental focus is important. That’s why one needs a master.”

The Blood Flame Sect Leader said with a smile. As if he were Jeong Yeon-shin’s master.

‘The words are right.’

Jeong Yeon-shin inwardly agreed. The Seventh Apostle had already said it when taking her eye.

That even with a little dharma power imbued in martial arts, advancement is difficult.

She said one had to be born with thousand-year talent to cultivate it.

If Buddhist martial arts were easy to learn, the Blood Flame Sect would have been exterminated long ago.

Those words were right. No one else could learn it.

Jeong Yeon-shin wasn’t a fool. Of course he created a manual and handed it to Desolate Sect’s martial arts catalog.

The Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm was a rare supreme martial art. He gained great merit.

However, the last news he heard diminished the achievement. Word was that even Squad Leaders couldn’t achieve any progress.

“You alone were the problem.”

The Blood Flame Sect Leader smiled faintly.

“Now you’ve come to our sect like this.”

“……”

“You broke through the test with outstanding skill. The Grand Teacher should receive a reward. Bring it.”

As he clapped once, one person walked out.

Judging by careful footsteps, they seemed to be a servant.

They held up a tray covered in golden silk at head height. An classical box placed on top caught the eye.

The Blood Flame Sect Leader made a small gesture. As the servant knelt and lifted the tray, the Leader opened the box and took out a crimson pill.

“What is it?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly.

Simultaneously, a strange atmosphere sprouted from the Blood Flame Sect Leader’s body. It wasn’t normal.

When he slightly raised his beautiful chin, there was an allure that exploded and bloomed like true qi.

There were countless anecdotes about the Blood Flame Sect’s master. They said he sank teeth into necks and absorbed true qi and blood.

They said there were many victims who died smiling even then.

The Blood Flame Sect Leader curled his lips and said:

“It’s a poison that narrows meridians. Our sect’s secret art.”

There was devil nature in his smile. It was a bewitching smile.

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