Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 128

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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 128

 

 

 

 

 

There was no need to examine them in detail.

 

Just standing and looking down was enough.

 

The same wounds as those seen at the Black Steel Gate branch.

 

“It appears to be the work of the same person.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Mujin’s words were correct.

 

These were wounds inflicted by a heavy weapon.

 

This meant the culprit was the same one who attacked the Black Steel Gate branch.

 

Skinny and Fatty.

 

Their audacity pierced the heavens.

 

To cause a massacre at the Black Steel Gate branch and then brazenly stroll through the market buying sweets?

 

That box I had mistaken for a musical instrument like a seven-stringed zither was probably meant to conceal a heavy weapon.

 

Considering the size of the box, it wouldn’t be a great club… perhaps a crescent blade or demon-slaying sword?

 

And they had even attacked the Lee Family branch.

 

At a time when the day hadn’t even fully ended.

 

I knew the reason.

 

Those bastards were searching for someone who looked exactly like me.

 

On Ryu, disciple of the sculptor Jeong Jocheong.

 

But why?

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Young Master, the traces faintly remaining in the wounds…”

 

Mujin frowned and stopped speaking, gauging Zhuge Munhyeon’s reaction.

 

Even if others didn’t know, he would have realized.

 

Probably the only person here who could accurately read the energy remaining in the wounds of the dead was Mujin.

 

Having contained demonic nature within his body, he couldn’t help but recognize that familiar scent.

 

Demonic energy…

 

Since it hadn’t been long since they were struck, traces of that energy remained intact in the wounds.

 

Originally, qi is the force of life.

 

It exists in various forms, and depending on one’s heart method, one concentrates on accepting and refining only what is necessary.

 

Thus, when energy matching each person’s heart method accumulates, it shows unique characteristics, the most recognizable being color or sensation.

 

Buddhist martial arts emit a yellowish glow when releasing energy, while Taoist martial arts carry a refreshing quality with a bluish tint.

 

They also differ by type – yang arts contain red energy like fire, while sound arts hold white energy like frost.

 

When distinguishing between orthodox and unorthodox, it’s often done by the feeling carried by the accumulated aura.

 

Unorthodox energy feels somewhat more turbid. This is because it’s simply accumulated without going through the refinement process like Buddhist, Taoist, or orthodox schools.

 

But demonic energy.

 

This follows a completely different path from the previous ones.

 

This is because it goes against heaven – the circulation of heart methods follows an entirely different route.

 

Therefore, those who have learned demonic arts possess an aura that is extremely unique while containing sinister undertones.

 

Of course, this is merely a distinction by color or sensation – in reality, there are far more complex and varied differences.

 

Like how winds blowing from north, south, east, and west each have their own distinct characteristics.

 

Moreover, such characteristics often leave traces in wounds created by those martial arts, and what remained on the Lee Family warrior’s corpse was exactly that.

 

It would fade and disappear soon enough.

 

‘These aren’t guys like Mujin who accidentally fell into qi deviation while learning martial arts and became consumed by demonic nature. If that were the case, they wouldn’t be able to walk around normally. So this means they’re from the demonic path…’

 

No wonder I felt strangely familiar and nostalgic when I first saw them.

 

Had the internal war ended?

 

I had heard they were fighting over the Sect Leader position for a long time.

 

‘Hmm, then this means they’ve started their activities.’

 

My position was awkward.

 

When you think about it, I was like a distant ancestor to them.

 

Knowing their nature, I couldn’t say that attacking the Black Steel Gate branch and the Lee Family was entirely wrong.

 

They had simply been faithful to their duty as members of the demonic path.

 

They probably asked questions, and when they got no answers, tried to resolve it with force.

 

‘Sigh, how troublesome.’

 

My head became complicated.

 

Position aside, I couldn’t even guess why these bastards were in Hubei Province or why they were trying to find On Ryu.

 

Then suddenly.

 

‘Huh? Why am I worrying about such things?’

 

They were from the demonic path.

 

I too had once been from the demonic path long ago.

 

If we had different positions, resolving it with force was tradition.

 

‘Really, what was I worrying about.’

 

A hollow laugh escaped me.

 

Living as someone born into an orthodox prestigious family, I seemed to have already forgotten what my past self was like.

 

If I had questions, I could just meet them and ask.

 

Just as I finished my contemplation.

 

“Young Master.”

 

“…Yes?”

 

Yangmun’s expression had hardened.

 

“These bastards, is this possibly the work of the same person?”

 

“Ah, that’s…”

 

“It is, isn’t it. I heard one has a pale face with a small build, while the other has a bear-like massive frame carrying a large, long box.”

 

“…”

 

His perception was extraordinary.

 

Like Mujin, he must have felt something strange looking at the corpses.

 

He had already heard my speculation about the culprit at the Black Steel Gate branch.

 

Having doubts, he must have asked the Lee Family branch warriors about the culprit. Though he probably didn’t know their identity as demonic path members yet.

 

That’s why this was troublesome.

 

Not because the demonic path members were my descendants.

 

But because they might recklessly charge in and get massacred.

 

“Please calm down first and listen to what I have to say. It seems this matter should be handled together with us…”

 

“No. Knowing their identity is sufficient. What would the Sect Master think if we caught the culprits who caused this massacre in cooperation with the orthodox faction?”

 

“…What?”

 

“Thank you for your help so far. I will surely repay this debt later.”

 

“W-wait a moment.”

 

“We’ll accept help only up to this point. We will handle the punishment ourselves.”

 

I was cut off like a blade.

 

I was thinking it through to give him a warning, but when he glared at me, heat rose in an instant and my words got completely blocked.

 

This damn bastard!

 

Do you think this is a situation to show loyalty to dead people? No matter how angry you are, even if it’s not the orthodox way, you should accept help when necessary!

 

You’ll all die if you meet those guys.

 

But I had no chance to say anything.

 

Having learned about the culprits, Yangmun ground his teeth with audible crunching sounds and gathered his subordinates.

 

“Begin investigations immediately! We must find them. And we will make them pay for attacking Black Steel Gate and killing Dongdo.”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Move out!”

 

Yangmun gave his orders and left the branch office with the warriors.

 

For demonic faction members, they’re pretending to be quite righteous.

 

Who doesn’t know they’re scheming to catch the culprit themselves and gain favor with the Black Steel Gate Master?

 

“Th-those… Hah, those crazy bastards.”

 

They seem to have some sense, but apparently don’t know their place.

 

If just two guys could massacre an entire branch office, do you think you’re at a level to handle them?

 

You’ll just add to the body count, you fools!

 

I clearly tried to tell them.

 

It’s their fault for not listening.

 

“Young Master, what should we do now?”

 

“What?”

 

“Shouldn’t we help too? They seem like opponents too difficult for the Black Steel Gate branch to handle alone.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

At least Mujin is level-headed, which is fortunate.

 

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you’ll never be defeated in a hundred battles.

 

If you know your enemy and yourself, you won’t die, so you must always be able to view situations coldly.

 

Not like those demonic faction fools who rampage without knowing their place.

 

Therefore.

 

“Let’s wait for the Gaebangdo that Yacho is sending.”

 

“What? But what if they find the culprit first?”

 

“What do you mean what? They’ll all die.”

 

“What?”

 

Mujin was startled by the indifferent answer and soon showed a displeased expression.

 

His disappointment was clearly visible.

 

Even though there are distinctions between orthodox and unorthodox factions, he seemed displeased that someone he had always respected was turning away from obvious death.

 

I’m not some apostle of justice, so why should I care about other people’s business?

 

“Mujin.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“Watch your eyes. You’re suddenly making me feel bad.”

 

“…”

 

At those words, Mujin subtly lowered his eyes but instead pouted his lips.

 

This kid really…

 

But receiving such looks from my disciple didn’t feel very good.

 

“Mujin.”

 

“…Why?”

 

“Don’t worry, they won’t find them.”

 

“They won’t find them? Do you think those guys have already left Dangyang County?”

 

“No, they’re still hiding nearby.”

 

“What?”

 

“Because they’re from the demonic path.”

 

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, Mujin tilted his head with a blank expression.

 

“I don’t understand what you’re saying at all, Young Master.”

 

“Demonic path practitioners, you see. They’d rather die than give up before getting what they want.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The fact that they attacked the Second Family Head after the Black Steel Gate means they still haven’t found On Ryu.

 

They couldn’t have left for somewhere else.

 

Because that’s the demonic path way.

 

They must complete their mission even if it costs their lives.

 

Living with the principle of might makes right in their hearts, their desire to obey superiors is greater than their fear of death.

 

They’re trained to blindly follow the strong’s orders, so they’ll die if told to die.

 

At least until they rise to a position of strength themselves.

 

“And think about it. Would they easily show themselves just because the Black Steel Gate is searching? If they had killed everyone like they did at the Black Steel Gate branch, maybe, but they know their faces were revealed when they failed to attack the Second Family Head. Surely they’re not stupid enough to not think of that much? Even a neighborhood dog wouldn’t be that dumb.”

 

“Ah! Then?”

 

“When the Black Steel Gate’s investigation begins, they’ll actually become more cautious. They’ll hide and watch the situation.”

 

“I see.”

 

Finally, the disappointment disappeared from Mujin’s eyes and respect filled them again.

 

It’s so difficult to appear as a good teacher to my disciple.

 

“But why are you waiting for the Gaebangdo?”

 

“Because we need to make the hidden ones crawl out on their own.”

 

“Crawl out?”

 

“Yes.”

 

At that confident answer, a smile spread across Mujin’s lips as he blinked.

 

“Truly befitting of you, Young Master. You had a plan all along?”

 

“…”

 

Mujin’s praise made me let out a hollow laugh.

 

Aren’t you going to ask?

 

What kind of plan I have?

 

Aren’t you curious about why I know so much about the demonic path?

 

Mujin’s eyes were just sparkling brightly.

 

Everything you say must be right, so I’ll follow unconditionally.

 

That’s what his gaze seemed to say.

 

“…”

 

Although I had explained my reasoning, this kid showing blind trust in me somehow seemed more like a demonic path practitioner.

 

I never brainwashed him like that…

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

The streets are ominous.

 

Black Steel Gate warriors appeared on the peaceful streets and stirred up trouble everywhere, claiming to search for the culprit.

 

Those small and bear-like men.

 

Of course, the perpetrators themselves couldn’t be unaware of this fact.

 

Since they’ve been staying in Dangyang County all along.

 

“Tch, this has become troublesome. Because of those damn formations and mechanisms…”

 

The small-statured man frowned.

 

He never thought the Second Family Head would have connections to the Zhuge Family.

 

Because he had no interest in Central Plains politics.

 

He thought he just needed to break through whatever was blocking them and complete the mission. But the defensive power of the formations and mechanisms was unexpectedly strong.

 

Because of that, their identity was revealed by the Second Family Head survivors.

 

“Elder Brother, what do we do now? Should we just kill everyone from the Black Steel Gate and Second Family Head?”

 

“Kill what! Haven’t you come to your senses even after causing this mess? Do you want to bring in the Zhuge Family along with the Black Steel Gate?”

 

“I just…”

 

“Ugh, you fool. We just need to ask questions, so why are you so desperate to kill people! How many times do I have to tell you that capturing one or two guys to get information and then killing them is different from killing many?”

 

“That’s true, but if we capture and kill many, we’d learn more…”

 

“Shut up!”

 

At the small man’s angry voice, the bear-like man Yang Ung shrank his shoulders with a cowed expression.

 

“You’re really driving me crazy. How do you cause such a mess the moment I take my eyes off you?”

 

“Sorry, Elder Brother.”

 

“Hah, anyway, don’t do anything this time. Don’t even wander around! Got it?”

 

“Then what about the sweet confections? I’ve been cooped up in this small room for days already…”

 

“Cut it out! What did you do so well that you’re whining about sweet confections! Those bastards have bloodshot eyes searching everywhere, do you want to spread rumors that we’re here?”

 

“…Fine.”

 

Yang Ung pouted his lips in a way that didn’t suit his large frame, making a sullen expression.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Did you hear?”

 

“What?”

 

“I heard from the Lee Family Head Warrior who was attacked this time, the culprit is looking for someone called On Ryu?”

 

“On Ryu? Who’s that?”

 

“You know, that guy who lives at Chima Mountain Pass.”

 

“That guy’s name was On Ryu? Not Hyanwon?”

 

“That’s what they said.”

 

“Huh, that guy… I thought he was suspicious ever since he built a hut and lived alone on the mountain, what kind of crime did he commit to have connections with such vicious people.”

 

“Watch your mouth. If we get caught up in this by carelessly talking about that guy, we’ll be the ones suffering.”

 

They could hear passersby whispering about On Ryu, the person they had been searching for.

 

And.

 

Kwaaaaang!

 

They no longer had any reason to remain hidden.

—————
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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