Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 113

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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 113

 

 

The night before the negotiations.

Due to the negotiations between the two factions, a strange tension filled the streets, so the shops closed early, and it was a time when even the footsteps of passersby had become sparse.

Only two places had lights on along the main road.

Only the inns where the negotiation teams of the Namgung Family and Zhuge Family were staying.

The street where dreary darkness had settled.

The sound of shuffling footsteps could be heard heading toward the inn where the Zhuge Family was staying.

Since the surroundings were quiet, the sound could be heard from afar, so the Zhuge Family warriors guarding the inn examined the darkness with narrowed gazes.

Eventually, an old man emerged from the darkness and revealed himself under the bright inn lights.

His graying white hair was neatly arranged, and wrinkles were deeply carved into his dignified face like the years that had passed.

His benevolent eyes were deep and calm without wavering, and strength could be felt from his firmly closed lips.

However, it was natural for the warriors to frown at the sight of the old man who had approached without permission.

Clothes mixed with purple and blue.

Reflected in the gentle light, it shone with a mysterious violet hue beyond simply being a mixture of two colors.

It suited him strangely well.

And those clothes meant that the old man was one of the leaders of the Namgung Family.

To come to the inn where the opposing camp was staying on this night, and the day before negotiations at that.

Moreover, he wasn’t empty-handed but carried a sword, so this was serious rudeness and no different from disrespecting the Zhuge Family.

“Don’t be so tense. I’ve kept it by my side because it’s a companion I’ve always been with, but I haven’t come to fight.”

The old man smiled, slightly showing the sword in his hand, perhaps knowing himself that it was rude.

But how could they believe him?

The current Namgung Family was a hostile force.

But then.

“Gasp!”

One of the warriors who had been staring intently at the old man was startled and quickly bowed his head.

“I-I greet Geomchi-nim!”

“…!?”

Those words instantly spread as shock among the surrounding warriors.

“Heh heh, thank you for recognizing me.”

The old man’s acknowledgment came as even greater shock.

Geomchi Namgung Ilhak.

Who wouldn’t know that name?

Though he was already a figure from a generation ago, he was one of the masters constantly talked about among those who wielded swords, not only in political affairs but across factions and regions.

Therefore, anyone who met him would bow their head first.

Even if they were enemies.

That was the proper way to treat a senior martial artist who had led the martial world of the previous generation.

However, the tension only grew stronger.

No matter how respected a master he was and the eldest among the Namgung Family negotiation team, he was currently in a hostile relationship with the Zhuge Family.

“Heh heh, to recognize me and show courtesy while not letting down your guard… There’s a reason why the Zhuge name has been resounding throughout Hubei recently.”

Even with the strange hostility directed at him, Namgung Ilhak smiled without showing displeasure.

The good and bad of a martial artist doesn’t lie only in their talent and strength.

The will and intention they harbor are important.

Even if they might be weak, even if they know the opponent is much stronger, if they have the spirit not to back down, such a person has the potential to develop further.

Because they would want to win.

Because they would want to improve.

The Zhuge Family warriors before his eyes had such spirit.

Rather than hesitating after recognizing him, they showed even greater wariness and tried to block him…

‘The Zhuge Family has changed. It wasn’t just a passing storm after all.’

Namgung Ilhak couldn’t help but admire inwardly.

Once, the families of the Central Plains tried to form alliances calling themselves the Five Great or Seven Great, but they were always in competition.

Because everyone’s goal was the same.

The Greatest Family Under Heaven.

Therefore, they were allies yet also enemies.

However, within such relationships, the Zhuge Family was always excluded.

Because no one had ever regarded them as more than a think tank.

A place that would be of great help in becoming the greatest family under heaven if obtained and controlled.

A place that must be destroyed if it couldn’t be obtained, so others couldn’t get it either.

But things had changed.

One can know ten by seeing one.

When even the will contained in the eyes of the warriors guarding the gate was so strong…

How much bone-cutting effort must they have made to become like this?

‘Surpassing the name of Blue Sky Cloth wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t being caught by Ghost Strategy as everyone says.’

Therefore, he became even more curious.

About the person who made him, who had retired from the front lines, volunteer for the negotiation team and come outside.

“I say.”

“Please speak.”

“I’ve come because I have some brief business. Could you inform those inside?”

Namgung Ilhak asked politely.

Since he didn’t try to pressure with his reputation or force with strength, but asked permission from a mere low-ranking warrior, there was no reason not to accept.

“Could you wait just a moment?”

“I shall.”

Namgung Ilhak, who nodded, stepped back one pace from the inn entrance and spoke to another warrior.

“I’ll entrust my sword to you.”

“…Yes.”

“It’s a companion I’ve been with my whole life, so please handle it preciously.”

“I will do so.”

Entrusting his sword.

That was like declaring once again that he had no intention to fight.

Moreover, it was Geomchi’s beloved weapon.

The warrior who received it respectfully with both hands seemed to feel the weight of years contained within it and gulped.

After a while.

The inside became noisy upon hearing the news, and soon a middle-aged warrior came running out hurriedly.

It was Hyeonho Dan Leader Zhuge Domyeong.

Upon discovering Namgung Ilhak standing with his hands behind his back outside the gate, he quickly adjusted his appearance and offered a respectful greeting.

“Junior Zhuge Domyeong greets Senior Namgung Ilhak.”

At the proper greeting, Namgung Ilhak smiled and returned the courtesy with cupped fists.

“I am Ilhak of the Namgung Family. It’s an honor to meet the current Sword Master of the Zhuge Family.”

Current Sword Master.

It was a term used to honor renowned masters of each family.

“You’re too kind… But unfortunately, I am not the current Sword Master of the main house, so I cannot accept such praise.”

At his expressionless words, Namgung Ilhak showed a puzzled expression.

Because he already knew who the current Sword Master he was referring to was.

“Is that so? I heard he’s still young?”

“He came of age last year.”

“To think he just completed his coming-of-age ceremony and is already recognized as a sword master representing his family… His talent and skills must be even greater than what I’ve heard.”

“I could never measure up to Senior’s reputation.”

“Hehehe, you’re quite good at flattery with that face of yours. I’d believe it even if you said it was sincere.”

That was the frightening thing about Zhuge Domyeong.

He had the talent, or rather the expression, to make every word sound like the truth.

“Might I be able to meet him?”

“…”

At Namgung Ilhak’s words, a troubled expression appeared on Zhuge Domyeong’s face.

Though it didn’t show clearly, Namgung Ilhak noticed immediately.

Even if the expression was hidden, the eyes gave it away.

“Don’t worry, I have no intention of influencing the negotiations… It’s just pure interest as a fellow martial artist.”

Pure interest.

That could be possible.

But in Murim, one must always be wary of old men, women, and children.

More often than not, sharp blades are hidden behind appearances of weakness, frailty, and innocence.

“…I understand. It wouldn’t be proper to keep a Senior who has taken the trouble to visit us standing outside like this, so please come inside and wait for now.”

“Hm? Wait?”

“He didn’t come with us from the beginning but joined us later, and is currently attending to other business.”

Zhuge Munhyeon was currently receiving treatment from the family physician along with Mujin.

He didn’t know where they had been or what they had done, but his entire body was covered in wounds.

“I see, understood. Instead, please serve a drink for your guest.”

“Of course.”

 

* * *

 

Second floor of the inn, a medical room made by furnishing one of the rooms.

“Who came?”

“Geomchi has arrived.”

“…That person called Namgung Ilhak?”

“Yes. He came asking to meet you. Right now Uncle Domyeong and the Young Family Head are entertaining him on the first floor.”

“Hmm…”

At Zhuge Pyeong’s excited report, Zhuge Munhyeon, who was receiving treatment, frowned.

What business at this hour?

But since there was precedent, only one answer came to mind.

The night before negotiations, the Namgung family’s top expert from their negotiation team had come to see him.

There was no way to think of it positively.

They had already broken their promise with him.

“Are they trying to suppress me with force?”

“It didn’t seem like that though?”

“What?”

“He left his sword before entering the inn. He also made it clear that he had no intention of suppression.”

“…”

Zhuge Munhyeon’s eyes narrowed as he stared blankly at Zhuge Pyeong’s words.

So what?

Why do you look relieved?

This is the problem with the orthodox sects.

Why do they interpret leaving his sword as having no intention to fight?

If he’s truly a great master as rumored, having a sword in hand or not would be no constraint at all.

Anything could become a weapon in his grasp.

And why believe what the enemy says?

If an assassin said ‘I have no intention of killing you, so don’t worry,’ would you just let your guard down and leave them be?

And how can you tell whether this visit is reconnaissance or what, and just let him inside so obediently?

“Sigh, anyway I should go out and see him. I need to know what his intention is for visiting at this hour, especially the night before negotiations.”

As he got up while putting on his clothes, Mujin, who had been lying beside him receiving treatment, hurriedly followed.

“Why are you coming?”

“Ah, I was hoping to come along and meet him too.”

“What?”

“Well… he is Geomchi after all.”

“…”

“I’m also someone who cultivates the sword, and Geomchi is someone who already made his name with the sword a generation ago… Don’t worry. I’ll just stand quietly beside you.”

At Mujin’s words, Zhuge Pyeong nodded as if in agreement.

He seemed to feel the same way.

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

There were times when young martial artists would gather just to get a glimpse of his face.

They would look like they had gained the whole world if he even said a word to them.

That’s how juniors naturally are.

Don’t they want to at least get close out of admiration for a famous senior?

But isn’t this too much?

The Heavenly Demon is hundreds of times superior to a name like Geomchi.

Yet they curse at him, calling him Evil Seed and whatnot.

Admiration? Respect?

This bastard really…

That excited expression was somehow unpleasant, and it immediately led to action.

Poke.

“Ugh!”

Mujin’s eyes widened as his side was poked, then he collapsed on the spot.

“Oh my, when your body isn’t even healed yet… You should just stay and receive more treatment.”

“…No, no. I can endure this level of pain. It’s not often that I get a chance to meet Geomchi, and if I could hear even one precious word…”

Seeing Mujin’s determined appearance as he gritted his teeth and tried to get up, Zhuge Munhyeon sighed and poked his body with his finger again.

Poke.

Deeper and more painfully.

For some reason, he didn’t like seeing those eyes of admiration and respect when thinking of Geomchi.

“Ahhh!”

Mujin screamed and clutched the spot where he was poked, rolling on the floor.

“See? If you can’t even endure that… You definitely need more treatment.”

“Mu, Munhyeon.”

Poke, poke poke!

After quickly putting Mujin to sleep, Zhuge Munhyeon headed to the first floor with Zhuge Pyeong.

He had been curious anyway since everyone was making such a fuss saying ‘Geomchi, Geomchi.’

Let’s see that face of his.

Just how outstanding is this junior(?) that everyone is making such a commotion.

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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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