Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 115

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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 115

 

 

“That won’t be possible.”

Just when he was wondering how to escape this troublesome situation, it was Zhuge Domyeong who came to Zhuge Munhyeon’s rescue.

Ah, that resolute firmness like a full moon piercing through dark clouds to spread light upon the world!

Perhaps it seemed even more so because of his unchanging expression.

He is always sincere.

“While I appreciate your high regard for the descendant of the Main House, the current martial duel could greatly influence the negotiations. Moreover, Munhyeon is currently recovering from injuries. As the eldest member of the negotiation team, I absolutely cannot permit this.”

Truly befitting an elder of the Zhuge Family.

He’s different from the Young Family Head who thinks it’s good to just pour oil on things out of concern, or those foolish brothers who fan the flames beside him in delight.

Such deep thinking.

A martial duel when negotiations are imminent?

Naturally, the outcome would inevitably have an influence.

No matter how coercive and one-sided the promise was, how could we trust those Namgung Family bastards who cause damage and then act like they know nothing?

At Zhuge Domyeong’s refusal, a cold chill flowed through the inn. With such firmness, even the family members who had been excited without knowing shit from soybean paste became tense.

It was because of his expression.

Today especially, I find that aspect quite pleasing.

Later, I should take a look at his martial arts so he can gain some achievement.

Come to think of it, I’ve been neglectful.

He’s someone who leads the Hyeonho Unit, the main force of the Zhuge Family in name, so his skills shouldn’t be something to be criticized anywhere.

What’s this about Ui Qi?

It would be good if he reached at least the level of Gang Qi.

However.

“Haha! My friend, it seems there’s been some misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

“I had no interest in these negotiations from the beginning.”

“Pardon?”

“Negotiations are for the Young Family Heads to handle themselves. How could I, sitting in the back room, interfere?”

“What you mean is…”

“I was simply curious as a martial artist. Just how skilled is the strong one who raised the name of Zhuge… Who knows? Perhaps I could offer some help with that child’s achievements?”

At those words, I let out a snort.

This guy, this guy.

I praised him as cute, and now he’s trying to pluck grandpa’s beard?

Who does he think I am…

You know I’m Jinpungrang Namgung Hyo, right?

One generation, perhaps even two generations before you, he was the strongest swordsman of the Namgung Family.

I’m the very person that bastard knelt before, bowing his head and begging to please teach him just one technique.

Just who is supposed to help whom…

Meanwhile, Namgung Ilhak added more words to persuade Zhuge Domyeong.

Martial duel!

Namgung Ilhak repeatedly emphasized the word ‘martial duel’ as he spoke.

So what if you burn your very nature over it?

Do you think our Uncle will give permission just because of that?

Look at his expression.

He’s clearly angry, all scrunched up like that.

Your shallow scheme won’t work.

Uncle is someone with a straighter heart than anyone. In the Zhuge Family, that much can be said to be the best.

Now, once again, firmly refuse…

“Hmm, if that’s the case… where would be a good place for the martial duel?”

Zhuge Domyeong asked Namgung Ilhak with an expressionless but serious face.

Zhuge Munhyeon stared at him blankly with unfocused eyes.

“Heh heh, Munhyeon. Since Senior wishes it so, it wouldn’t be proper to keep refusing.”

“…”

“I thought about it briefly, but perhaps it could be of great help to you as well, so try responding to the martial duel.”

Thought about it?

Then that scrunched-up face from earlier was…

Come to think of it, he too is a son of the Zhuge Family before being a martial artist.

Negotiations, martial duel, influence.

It seems he calculated in the Zhuge Family way, considering those three factors.

What the negotiation team was most concerned about would have been the big shot named Namgung Ilhak, and if he wasn’t participating in negotiations… they probably judged it wouldn’t be difficult to handle one Young Family Head of the Namgung Family.

And as a result.

“Heh heh, what are you doing? When an elder offers guidance through martial duel, you should say ‘thank you.’ Such opportunities don’t come often.”

“…”

Zhuge Domyeong spoke expressionlessly.

He always seems sincere.

Ah, such a traitor.

Selling out your nephew to lead negotiations more favorably?

Should I commit the unfilial act of tearing apart that wickedly chattering mouth?

“Wow, I’m envious.”

“A guidance martial duel with Elder Geomchi.”

“Exactly. The world really only favors those destined to succeed.”

“If only I weren’t the Young Family Head…”

At the whispers heard from beside him, Zhuge Munhyeon seriously considered.

Whether he should bury Uncle and those nephew bastards together in one place.

 

* * *

 

“I say, how far do you intend to go?”

“…”

“Oh my, really now. This should be enough. We’ve already gone quite far from the village.”

Namgung Ilhak, following behind, asked questions repeatedly in a pleased voice.

He seems happy to be able to have the martial duel he wanted.

Just wait a little.

I’m looking for soft ground that’s convenient for burying.

Zhuge Munhyeon, who ended up having a martial duel due to Uncle’s earnest request(?) and the envy of his family brothers, decided on a location outside the village for the martial duel.

However, he made it so no one could follow.

 

-As Elder Geomchi mentioned, it would be best if no one knows the outcome of the martial duel.

 

Since he had said those words himself, Namgung Ilhak readily agreed, and the warriors of the Zhuge Family looked very disappointed.

Watching a martial duel between masters could itself be called a great opportunity.

Normally, I would tell them to watch carefully, but right now I don’t even want to see their faces.

Because while fighting, attacks might fly toward Zhuge Domyeong or the brothers instead of Namgung Ilhak.

Damn bastards…

Don’t you guys have any family affection?

How could I… for the sake of the family… hmm, I might be able to sell it.

In the past, I too…

But now this is the Zhuge Family.

We’re righteous sect, you heartless bastards.

“I say, just how far are we going…”

The moment Namgung Ilhak spoke again, Zhuge Munhyeon stopped walking.

“Oh? What a fine location. Perfect for a martial duel. Indeed, as befitting a descendant of the Zhuge Family, you seem to have quite refined taste.”

It was the reed field he had spotted while comfortably riding in the carriage to Yeongsan County.

Swoosh.

The reeds bent by the gentle breeze rubbed against each other.

The dreary atmosphere was perfect for someone to die.

The ground seemed easy to dig, perhaps because it held some moisture.

His childhood training in digging wasn’t ordinary – in one hour, he could easily bury a person.

Turning around with murderous eyes, Zhuge Munhyeon said to Namgung Ilhak.

“Let’s do it, the martial duel.”

“Right now?”

“What, are you planning to start with some tedious sword discourse first?”

“…Hehe. You seem to have a more impatient personality than I thought.”

“I’m that type.”

“Good. However, let’s make this duel an aerial combat.”

“Aerial combat?”

“That’s right.”

Aerial combat refers to fighting using only techniques without internal energy.

“I’ve heard you’re quite talented, but with our years of experience differing by several times, how could I use internal energy?”

It meant he would show consideration as a senior.

Internal energy is ultimately about time.

The longer one cultivates, the better the heart method one learns, the greater the difference in quantity and quality.

This is why one must be careful of old-timers in Murim.

While elderly people in villages grow weaker with age, elderly people in Murim grow stronger through internal energy heart methods.

In other words, the older they get, the more refined they become, so unless juniors encounter fortune, consume spiritual creatures, or take elixirs through family grace, they’re likely to lose against old-timers.

Of course, that’s the usual case.

“It seems you haven’t heard that I made the Regional Lord Gang Mugakju of your noble house sit down in just the second strike of the Three Yielding Ritual he demanded.”

“Haha! Are you planning to compare me to that child?”

Of course not.

He’s a master of the previous generation and the very person who raised the current Azure Sky Sword Master.

But I’m the Heavenly Demon, you know?

“Now, let’s begin.”

“…”

My eyes trembled at his grinning appearance with one hand behind his back and the other extended forward.

What a master he’s being.

He seems to think he can win if it’s a technique battle.

“Sigh, well… then let’s do it that way.”

There’s no need to argue unnecessarily.

Since that’s what he wants.

Once upon a time, I met palm with palm, fist with fist, sword with sword.

I chose the martial arts the opponent was most confident in and crushed them.

Because I could win no matter what it was.

It’s the same now.

“But are you doing this barehanded? Namgung’s main martial art should be swordsmanship, shouldn’t it?”

“Though it lacks a blade, a trained hand is no different from a sword. Is there any need to cause injury?”

He knows how to speak like a quite enlightened martial artist.

He’ll probably realize soon that this decision was a mistake, but since that’s what he says.

“This is the Zhuge Family’s Small Azure Fist.”

“This is Namgung’s Nine Split Divine Fist.”

Since it was a martial duel, it was proper etiquette to reveal the martial art one would use.

I really don’t understand why they do this.

I only know three Namgung martial arts: Boundless Azure Sky, Imperial Sword Form, and Cheonpung Sword Technique.

What difference does it make to tell me the name when I don’t even know what Nine Split Divine Fist is?

Since it’s Nine Split, it probably splits nine times.

Or it’s a fist fast enough to make nine pieces at once.

Zhuge Munhyeon took his stance and simultaneously stomped his foot.

Crash!

“Hehe, too hasty!”

Namgung Ilhak chuckled at the sight of him charging immediately and responded.

That’s understandable.

Usually martial artists take their stances, glare at each other’s postures looking for openings, and only then begin fighting in earnest.

They’re crazy.

Can you find openings just by looking for them?

If things went according to plan, everyone would be the best under heaven, right?

Openings are ultimately something you must find in how you respond when you clash, and movements must change moment by moment.

Just like right now!

Zhuge Munhyeon’s fist flew with fierce momentum, aiming deep at Namgung Ilhak’s chest.

As he moved to grab and deflect the wrist with Golden Catching Hand, I swept low with my left foot.

“Huh!”

Namgung Ilhak, whose center was about to collapse, immediately retreated to avoid the kick.

But do I just kick and stand still?

I followed right up and extended both palms.

It’s a technique called Milky Way Rapids.

When imbued with internal energy, the palm force flows like waves, relentlessly pressing the opponent.

Without internal energy, it’s just striking with both hands.

But the strike at that moment was extremely skillful, and surprised by the flowing combination, Namgung Ilhak responded urgently with wide eyes.

Double palms against double palms.

It’s a textbook response, but from the Heavenly Demon’s perspective, it’s a very disappointing countermeasure.

He talked like he was skilled, saying hands and swords are the same, just without a blade.

He seemed unaware that he had made a mistake at this very moment.

His body was lifted in the retreating motion, while I was supporting myself with both feet on the ground.

Him floating in air, me planted on the ground.

So who would win?

Crack!

Our hands collided, and Namgung Ilhak’s body, having no support, was pushed back with a whoosh.

I struck upward from below, while he extended downward from above. Moreover, I had developed my muscles by wearing heavy iron rings on my arms and legs for a long time.

Since our strength was different from the start, Namgung Ilhak rose even higher.

That point is important.

There’s nowhere to plant your feet in midair.

In other words, no matter how much he racks his brains, there are only a few responses he can make.

He seemed worried that an attack might come at his airborne body, but I wasn’t such a conventional person.

I had never been one.

You have to make unexpected attacks so they can’t react.

Thud!

“…?”

As I lowered my stance and grabbed his trouser leg, Namgung Ilhak made exactly the shocked expression I had expected.

This is when I should give him a wicked smile.

This was the expression I wanted to see.

And I slammed him down with all my might.

Be grateful that this is a reed field with moist ground.

If it had been packed earth, your head would have split open and your spine would have been shattered.

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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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