Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 133

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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 133

 

 

 

 

 

Outskirts of Dangyang County, the beggars’ hut.

 

It was merely a shabby space with straw mats draped over wooden posts, but it was still an official branch.

 

The Beggar’s Sect had always been this way.

 

One day an abandoned old Guandi Temple, another day a deserted manor in the mountains, or under a bridge.

 

As long as they could avoid rain and briefly lay their bodies down, they used it as a branch.

 

According to what he once heard from someone who had made quite a name for himself in the Beggar’s Sect, this could be considered quite a strategic action.

 

The Beggar’s Sect.

 

They gathered information and rumors.

 

In that process, digging into people’s backgrounds was routine, and they didn’t hesitate to sneak into someone else’s house.

 

Thus, grudges often formed.

 

Who would be happy about being followed?

 

Moreover, the secrets they knew were more intimate than expected and sometimes shameful, so occasionally even those belonging to the same righteous faction would secretly attack to silence them.

 

Therefore, rather than establishing grand branches, they moved from place to place when necessary, prioritizing simplicity above all when setting up branches.

 

Because they believed people were important, not the location.

 

And now, in Hubei Province where the main headquarters had established itself on Yungzhong Mountain with the Zhuge Family as their backing, similar Beggar’s Sect branches were gradually increasing.

 

Just as the Beggar’s Sect had done long ago.

 

Particularly, Dangyang County was located at a border point, so they could freely establish branches.

 

The Yacho group, who were secretly active in Black River Gate territory while avoiding the eyes of the Black Cat Sect, also seemed to frequently come and go.

 

“Hmm, there used to be quite a lot of places like this.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had arrived at the branch, briefly recalled old memories and became immersed in nostalgia.

 

“In the past?”

 

“…”

 

“How do you know about the past… Sometimes when I look at you, you speak like an old man who has lived his entire life in Jianghu.”

 

Mujin tilted his head.

 

Damn Taoist bastard.

 

Can’t you see I’m being sentimental right now?

 

I was just talking to myself, so why are you butting in from the side and ruining the mood?

 

But since he kept looking at him strangely, Zhuge Munhyeon quickly changed his words.

 

“…From books.”

 

“Ah!”

 

“Ahem, let’s go inside for now.”

 

“Yes.”

 

As Zhuge Munhyeon, who had changed the subject, shook off his nostalgia and approached the hut, Maeng Jin, a subordinate of Yacho whom he had met before, ran over happily.

 

“Welcome, Young Master. I heard about the Chima Mountain incident. You must have had a hard time.”

 

“Hard time, what hard time. What about that fellow On Ryu?”

 

“We have him inside.”

 

“I’d like to have a quiet conversation.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Maeng Jin immediately bowed his head and sent hand signals to the beggars scattered nearby.

 

The beggars who had been sitting or lying down carelessly here and there got up and moved away from around the hut.

 

Though they seemed to sit, lie down, and scatter randomly, Zhuge Munhyeon was somewhat surprised and observed where they positioned themselves.

 

Like a carpenter who goes to an inn and examines the craftsmanship of the planing by touching the tables, it was a habit developed from living as a descendant of the Zhuge Family.

 

“It’s a good formation.”

 

“Haha! To have the divine descendant of the Zhuge Family, famous for formations, say such words fills me with deep emotion. It’s the Net Formation, one of the Dog-Beating Formations. Any passing bastards will run away just from feeling the momentum.”

 

“Hmm… Wouldn’t that be problematic?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Originally, what the Beggar’s Sect enjoys is wandering around and beating up dogs that bother people, but wouldn’t it be troublesome if they run away after sensing the momentum?”

 

“…What do you mean?”

 

“Dogs are beasts with strong instincts, so they growl and bare their teeth or get scared in advance even at faintly flowing killing intent. This wouldn’t be different for martial artists who have trained their senses to the extreme.”

 

“…”

 

“It’s a good formation, but the momentum is too strong. Like that, it would easily expose that a formation is deployed, making them prepare countermeasures in advance… It would be good to move the person lying on the left about three zhang to the side, and pull back the third sitting person about two steps.”

 

At his appearance of becoming absorbed for a moment and muttering like he was talking to himself, Maeng Jin’s blinking eyes widened.

 

It was hard to believe.

 

If someone else had said it, he would have laughed, but he had heard several times that Violent Dragon was the best among the Zhuge Family descendants.

 

Then it was possible to see through a formation at a glance and suggest improvements…

 

Wasn’t the Zhuge Family the best under heaven when it came to formations?

 

They were experts among experts.

 

“Well, for a more in-depth analysis, I’d need time… Send a diagram of the formation to the Military Strategy Hall of the Zhuge Family later. They’ll modify it so you can use it according to the personnel forming the formation.”

 

“Thank you!”

 

Maeng Jin, who couldn’t hide his amazement, hurriedly bowed his head.

 

Formation modification.

 

Moreover, if it was touched by the formation experts of the Zhuge Family, it would transform into a completely different form.

 

It was a windfall.

 

Unlike other sects, the martial artists of the Beggar’s Sect were generally of low level.

 

This was because they had accepted even riffraff wandering the streets regardless of their talent, in order to secure even a little more information and increase the number of disciples.

 

Their achievements were also low. Being naturally lazy, they had little motivation for training except for lightness skills.

 

Therefore, they often fought by joining forces.

 

They made up for the lack of masters with numbers.

 

For this reason, formations that allowed them to combine forces and exert power beyond what they possessed occupied a very important position for them.

 

But if Zhuge modified it?

 

The formation would become stronger.

 

It was natural that casualties and deaths would decrease even when going into battle.

 

So it could be called not just a windfall, but a fateful encounter.

 

“Hmm, I should have told the Military Strategy Hall earlier. Come to think of it, I hadn’t paid attention to it.”

 

“Not at all. I’m grateful just for the help you’ve given us.”

 

“What are you talking about? The Beggar’s Sect and Zhuge are no different from family.”

 

“…”

 

Though Zhuge Munhyeon spoke casually and entered the hut, the gratitude Maeng Jin felt was indescribable.

 

As it would be for everyone, the expression “family” held quite significant meaning for the Beggar’s Sect, who had lived putting donated food into a single begging bowl and eating with their heads together.

 

To them, the begging bowl was a lifeline and family meant those who willingly shared food, so they willingly protected each other’s lives and made sacrifices.

 

“Ah, this isn’t the time for this.”

 

Maeng Jin, who had been lost in emotion, suddenly came to his senses and looked at the formation spread around the hut.

 

“Black Dog!”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Take the mat and move just three zhang.”

 

“…Why?”

 

“Just do it when I tell you to. I’m modifying the formation.”

 

“You knew how to do that too? I thought you were a complete idiot.”

 

“You bastard! Just do it when I tell you!”

 

“Ugh, how annoying.”

 

The beggar called Black Dog grumbled and dragged the mat to move positions.

 

“Weak Bones! You move back two steps.”

 

The moment another beggar moved positions with difficulty, Maeng Jin felt incomparable joy.

 

Immediately, the formation’s aura weakened.

 

I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this…

 

This wasn’t the time for such thoughts.

 

Before Zhuge Munhyeon could possibly change his mind, I had to send a messenger pigeon to Yacho.

 

To urgently contact the Military Strategy Hall.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

The hut wasn’t very large.

 

There were no particular divisions of space – it was simply one room with a ceiling and walls.

 

Moreover, the straw mats forming the roof and walls had holes throughout, letting sunlight in, so it wasn’t dark.

 

Swish.

 

When he pulled back the straw mat, the man inside startled and looked up.

 

Jeong Jocheong’s disciple, On Ryu.

 

He looked older than expected, with a weary expression as if exhausted by life.

 

“Don’t be nervous.”

 

“…I was just slightly startled. I heard that a guest would be coming to see the Beggar Sect members.”

 

Seeing the man sigh in relief, Zhuge Munhyeon smiled.

 

Since he didn’t look frightened or anything, it seemed the Beggar Sect members who brought him here hadn’t been rough.

 

“I am Zhuge Munhyeon.”

 

“I am On Ryu.”

 

“I heard that some unsavory people were looking for you, so we had no choice but to bring you here. I hope it hasn’t been too uncomfortable?”

 

When he asked, On Ryu shook his head.

 

“Fortunately, they were courteous. Also, this isn’t the first or second time I’ve been chased by unsavory people… I’m grateful for the rescue.”

 

“Ah…”

 

No wonder his eyes were filled with emptiness.

 

Treason.

 

The label of the incident his master was involved in would have followed even his disciple.

 

The fact that he survived proved that the investigation found no connection whatsoever, but the way people around him looked at him wouldn’t be very favorable.

 

Those with power who get caught up in treason can be reinstated and live comfortably if cleared, but those beneath them find their lives difficult just from being involved.

 

People would have criticized him even though he caused them no particular harm, and the officials wherever he stayed would have watched his every move, blinded by ambition for advancement.

 

It’s not an easy life.

 

To endure while constantly being watched.

 

So at some point, he must have lost his spirit.

 

A life lived because he couldn’t die, a life lived without meaning.

 

It wouldn’t have been pleasant.

 

But that alone doesn’t explain why the Demonic Sect was chasing him.

 

Those bastards who don’t have even a speck of loyalty to the country wouldn’t make an issue of treason, so there must be another reason…

 

But it would be better to ask about that after more conversation.

 

“What about your master?”

 

“He suffered hardships during the treason investigation, fell ill, and passed away.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Suddenly, disappointment washed over him.

 

He had wanted to find that master, but he was already dead.

 

On one hand, it made sense.

 

How long could someone live after enduring such torture and developing a serious illness in prison?

 

‘What a waste. I thought I might learn something.’

 

“I see.”

 

“Since then, I’ve abandoned the name On Ryu and have been living under the name Hyanwon, engraving inscriptions on martial artists’ weapons.”

 

“I heard something about that.”

 

“But how did you come to look for me? I have no connection with the Zhuge Family, so it wouldn’t be for protection… Perhaps you want to commission some work?”

 

At On Ryu’s words, Zhuge Munhyeon honestly revealed his purpose for seeking him out.

 

“Initially, I was looking for your master.”

 

“My master?”

 

“Yes. I had something I wanted to ask him. I searched for his whereabouts with the Beggar Sect’s help, but could only find you.”

 

“I see. So you rescued me in the process.”

 

“Yes.”

 

On Ryu, who had paused briefly, asked again.

 

“Could you perhaps tell me what you wanted to ask my master? It’s proper to repay the debt of being saved, so if there’s anything I know, I’ll help.”

 

“Well…”

 

What Zhuge Munhyeon needed was Jeong Jocheong.

 

Someone who had been a court sculptor.

 

Since he heard the man possessed the finest sculpting skills of his time, he thought he might know something about the inscription carved on the Silver Cold Staff.

 

But his disciple had already lost the light in his eyes.

 

What could he expect from someone who had lost the will to live and was merely surviving day by day?

 

Without much expectation, Zhuge Munhyeon took out the Silver Cold Staff from his waist and held it out.

 

“Actually, I wanted to ask your master about this…”

 

“Gasp!”

 

The change was instantaneous.

 

The moment he saw the Silver Cold Staff, vitality returned to his previously empty eyes.

 

…What a surprise.

 

He barely managed to stop himself from reflexively throwing a punch at the sudden change.

 

Habits are truly frightening.

 

“This can’t be!”

 

“…”

 

On Ryu’s eyes trembled finely as he held the Silver Cold Staff with both hands and examined it.

 

What, what is it?

 

Do you know something?

 

When someone who seemed to be barely living suddenly shows a lively expression and gets excited… it really builds up expectations.

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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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