Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 100

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 100

 

 

What caught Zhuge Munhyeon’s attention wasn’t the fake Taoist who had been there.

Returning essence to spirit, spirit entering the profound.

The content of the talisman was like the first process of forming a divine spirit.

Above all, the Immortals living in water where that fake Taoist claimed to have learned his arts.

Others would dismiss it with an “Oh, come on.”

Who would believe such a thing?

They’d probably regard it as the wild old tales of an elderly man telling stories to gathered grandchildren.

But having already experienced the extraordinary phenomenon of reincarnation, and having learned of otherworldly beings through the Heavenly Records, it was content that piqued Zhuge Munhyeon’s interest.

Those who called themselves Half-Immortals.

Who used Wudang to pass him the Mountain Destruction Technique, intending to kill him…

Crack.

Just thinking about it made his anger flare again.

What right did those bastards have to arbitrarily break his will to ascend to immortality?

Just let me meet them.

I’ll definitely tear them apart…

Ahem, that’s not what’s important right now.

At this moment, Zhuge Munhyeon became intensely curious about that Immortal bastard living in the water.

Perhaps a Half-Immortal.

Perhaps someone who knows the method of ascending to immortality.

But unfortunately, Yangpunggae couldn’t remember the exact location.

Time, age…

It was understandable that his memory would be hazy.

“Hmm…”

He understood, but couldn’t help frowning.

But!

‘East Lake, he said?’

Soon a smile formed on his lips.

Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province.

East Lake was located there.

It was so massive that it occupied half the city center, so some called it the City Sea.

Mount Tai may be high, but it’s still a mountain under heaven.

No matter how big, it’s still a lake.

If he searched and searched again, there’s no way he couldn’t find it.

There was no guarantee that the Immortal bastard living in the water would still be there, but now that he had a goal, how could he not go see?

Of course, that place was within the Black River Sect’s territory.

“It’s not like I’m going to fight.”

If he were to use force to seize territory, that would be different, but there was no reason to stop a simple visit.

In the midst of all this, how would those bastards even know that two martial artists had entered that big city? How many people come and go in just one day…

As long as he didn’t cause trouble, it would be fine.

After all, the goal wasn’t to fight the Black River Sect but to search East Lake.

Still, if by the slightest chance, if a fight broke out?

‘Just try to interfere. I’ll take this opportunity to sweep away even their main headquarters.’

Vicious killing intent flashed in Zhuge Munhyeon’s eyes and his lips twisted grotesquely.

Even if he went on a rampage, it would be difficult for the Black River Sect to declare all-out war against the Zhuge Family.

The Zhuge Family’s power had now reached that level.

They encompassed northern Hubei and even had Wudang on their side.

No one could ignore them.

They could truly be called the master of one province.

So if anyone interfered with his search of East Lake, whether it be the Black River Sect or whoever, he would absolutely not forgive them.

It was around the time he was having such thoughts.

“Y-Young Master. It’s Danpung County.”

One of the bandits limped over to inform him that the boat had arrived at the entrance of Danpung County.

But the riverside was full of people.

Those wearing rags were from Gaebangdo, and those dressed properly would be martial artists from the nearby Zhuge Family branch.

As the assault ship, a roofed vessel designed for close combat, approached the riverside, the tense crowd drew their swords and clubs, taking battle positions.

Since the assault ship was a roofed boat designed to block flying arrows, they couldn’t recognize who was inside.

So Zhuge Munhyeon went to the sunlit bow and waved his hand broadly while laughing.

Hey guys, don’t be tense. It’s me.

Ham Young, the Hyogam Branch Manager whom he’d seen recently, and the martial artist beside him were startled and jumped into the water.

No, why go to such lengths…

He was going to come anyway, so was there a need to swim over? Just ruining their clothes for nothing.

Well, their urgency was understandable.

They’d seen his face on what they thought was a bandit’s boat.

After lowering a ladder, Ham Young and the Zhuge Family martial artist climbed aboard looking like drowned rats, panting and expressing their joy.

“Huff, huff… Young Master. What on earth is this about?”

“Deputy Branch Manager Yeomcheon of Mayang pays respects to Young Master Munhyeon.”

The two greeted him as soon as they boarded.

But Yeomcheon?

“Ah! I wondered who it was, but you’re the one who was at Yanghyeon Branch.”

“I’m honored you remember me. I was recently promoted to Mayang Deputy Branch Manager.”

“Ah…”

It seemed the place Ham Young had called for help during the Danpung County incident was indeed Mayang Branch.

Well, it was the closest place to Hyogam County.

But their joy was brief, as Ham Young, who had been looking under the assault ship’s roof, showed a shocked expression.

People with frightened expressions.

They were common folk, not bandits.

And there were even bandits steering the boat while injured, and prisoners tied up with rope…

“Gasp! Don’t tell me you succeeded in subjugating the water bandits?”

“That’s what happened.”

“B-but how on earth?”

“…”

Don’t ask, it’s complicated to explain.

“Haha! What did I tell you? I said he wasn’t someone who would just disappear, didn’t I?”

It was Yeomcheon who resolved the awkward situation.

“Didn’t I say that since he’s someone overflowing with chivalrous spirit, he would definitely be investigating the area on his own?”

“But how did he find the bandits’ stronghold faster than us…”

“Oh my! Such words are rude. Are you saying that our Young Master Munhyeon, not even being a Bang Leader, has less capability than a Beggar’s Sect branch?”

“Th-that’s not what I meant…”

“He’s someone whose abilities are so outstanding that they’re unmatched even within the Zhuge Family. Have you forgotten who saved the current Bang Leader Purple Ghost and Rear Beggar Sayo?”

“…”

“Young Master Munhyeon single-handedly activated a formation to turn away the Nine Wall Sword of the Namgung Family, devised earth-shaking strategies with Lord Wonju to defeat three hundred Namgung Family Azure Sky Swordsmen, and defeated the elder Mok Jaun in just two moves. For such a person, finding a mere water bandit stronghold is nothing difficult, and subjugating it alone is nothing so surprising…”

Praise should be done in moderation.

At this rate, he might offer sacred water and pray for longevity, making him feel embarrassed.

Come to think of it, it was the same with the Demonic Sect.

Some of those bastards used to regard him, the Heavenly Demon, like a god.

But thanks to that, he could avoid Ham Young’s uncomfortable questions, so it was fortunate.

“Anyway, this worked out well. We needed someone to handle the water bandits we captured. Seeing as they were involved in human trafficking, they’re probably classified as serious criminals, so you can hand them over to the nearby authorities. And while you’re at it, please take care of the villagers’ safety too.”

Since he saved them, he had to take at least minimal responsibility.

Saving them only to abandon them afterward didn’t suit his temperament.

He was now a descendant of the righteous faction, after all.

“The cost of repairing the damaged village should be covered by the wealth secured from the water bandit stronghold.”

“To think you secured the wealth from the stronghold in that situation—truly cold-headed. And you’re going to use it for village repairs? How can you be so selfless… I cannot help but admire you.”

Yeomcheon, whose feelings toward Zhuge Munhyeon bordered on devotion(?), was busy making moved expressions at whatever he said.

He wondered if they might build a shrine like the Guandi Temple later.

And who was being selfless?

Being human, he had secretly pocketed some of it.

He had to eat, after all.

And occasionally drink too.

“Ah, and please report to the main house that I simply helped the branch office and Beggar’s Sect cooperate to subdue the water bandits.”

“Pardon?”

“Do it that way.”

“Y-Young Master. But this achievement you accomplished entirely alone, how could we…?”

“What does it matter whose achievement it is? It’s all the Zhuge Family’s achievement.”

“Y-Young Master…”

Perhaps moved by his lack of greed even for achievements, Yeomcheon looked ready to shed chicken-dropping tears at any moment.

You fool, I’m not giving you credit.

I’m just worried Mother might worry if she hears the truth.

And.

“Then I’ll leave the cleanup to you. I came out to get some fresh air, after all.”

“Then I shall escort you.”

Escort?

That won’t do.

I’m planning to go to Wuhan across the river, which is in Black River Sect territory.

“There’s no need to trouble yourself. Deputy Branch Manager, please do your best to stabilize the village.”

“But…”

“Deputy Branch Manager.”

“Yes, Young Master!”

“Though the area south of Wuhan Pass is said to be demonic faction territory, the other regions are places the Zhuge Family must look after. As a martial artist of the righteous faction, caring for the common people is a very important duty.”

“…!”

“Now, let’s move the people first.”

“Understood!”

Greatly moved by his constant concern for the common people whether awake or asleep, Yeomcheon and Ham Young answered with expressions of firm resolve.

Thanks to speaking quite impressively, he finally managed to shake off the troublesome matters.

Finally able to breathe, Zhuge Munhyeon looked toward the stairs leading to the ship cabin below deck.

“By the way, why is there still no word from this guy?”

Mujin, who had been organizing his demonic energy in the cabin after unsealing the third seal.

“It seems I’ll have to leave him behind for the trip to Wuhan.”

Wuhan was demonic faction territory.

Even if he changed clothes to hide his identity, his aura would inevitably show through.

Especially if there was someone who noticed the unique immortal fragrance that disciples of Taoist sects possessed, it could cause unnecessary trouble. Third-rate thugs might not notice, but renowned demonic faction masters could become suspicious just from the eye light in one’s gaze.

“That would be troublesome. I’m planning to go there as quietly as possible.”

To tell him to stay at the branch office, Zhuge Munhyeon went down to the cabin and slowly opened the door.

Swoooosh…

“Gasp!”

The moment the door opened, Zhuge Munhyeon was startled by the ominous energy that spread out from inside.

And then came a voice.

“Have you come?”

“…”

“Phew, I’ve finally absorbed the demonic energy from the third seal. So this is what you meant by walking in darkness. It feels like I’m not myself.”

Seeing Mujin clenching his fist in the darkness of the cabin, Zhuge Munhyeon almost threw a punch.

‘His, his eyes…’

His pupils, from which the blood-red light had disappeared, had lost their whites and retained only blackness, gleaming like obsidian, and instead of immortal fragrance, a subtle killing intent flowed from his body.

Damn, something seems to have gone wrong…

It felt like he had really raised a demonic Taoist from the Wudang Sect.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Hm?”

“You have a strange look in your eyes…”

“Ah, no. It’s nothing.”

“Haha! I thought I had done something wrong. Infinite Buddha.”

Seeing him grin and mutter the Taoist invocation, there seemed to be no particular problem, but why were his eyeballs that color? Was this a side effect?

But since it was opposite to himself, who had refined demonic energy to form a spiritual body, how could he know?

“The power of Primordial Unity… It shouldn’t be forcibly separated but allowed to flow naturally. Infinite Buddha. I’m grateful for your precious teaching.”

“R-right.”

At his appearance, bowing his head with sincere gratitude while wearing a smile, Zhuge Munhyeon could only smile awkwardly.

He accepted it, he’s grateful—that’s fortunate.

But it really is okay, right?

“I will continue to stay by your side and learn diligently.”

“…”

Mujin smiled with eyes full of killing intent.

He was unmistakably a demonic faction martial artist, and could even be called a fallen Taoist.

Especially those eyes…

Approaching with a bitter smile, Zhuge Munhyeon cut Mujin’s hair tie and let his hair fall loose.

“Huh? Why are you doing this?”

“Shut up! Go around like this from now on.”

“Pardon?”

“Never show your eyes in front of others. Got it?”

“But what’s the…”

“It’s an order!”

“Suddenly giving orders… How strange of you. Anyway, I understand. Since you command it.”

Even at Mujin’s grumbling but nodding appearance, Zhuge Munhyeon felt frustrated.

Damn, what do I do about those eyes?

It would be troublesome if the Wudang Sect demanded compensation for ruining a promising disciple…

But there was no point worrying about something that hadn’t even happened yet.

And… if worst comes to worst and he gets expelled, I’ll just take him in.

“Let’s go.”

“Hm? Where to?”

“Dongho Lake.”

Mujin, who had been staring at Zhuge Munhyeon’s wicked smile, sighed and shook his head.

Always so sudden.

As always…

But since his steps had always been in the right direction all this time, how could he not follow?

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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