Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 137

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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 137

 

 

 

 

 

The inspection went smoothly.

 

There was no one bold enough to cause trouble or create problems within the Tang Family’s territory.

 

Those who had infiltrated were rather restraining themselves and hiding their identities, fearing they might stand out.

 

At most, there were only disturbances from drunkards who couldn’t handle their liquor.

 

However.

 

“Has the Family Head come out?”

 

“We feel secure today as well.”

 

The passersby only greeted Cheon Giju and didn’t even glance at Zhuge Mungi.

 

Since the position of assistant was equivalent to a deputy in the branch manager’s absence and thus not lower than the Family Head, Cheon Giju should have felt uncomfortable with the greetings and put Zhuge Mungi forward, but he accepted it as natural.

 

“Oh, Assistant Zhuge. Where did you say you were planning to host Il Bangju?”

 

“Chukhyang Pavilion.”

 

“Chukhyang?”

 

His face immediately frowned.

 

“Typical of the Zhuge Clan, so old-fashioned… Don’t you know who Il Bangju is? He’s the owner of the Tang Family’s Dark Bang. He has the greatest influence among the five Bang Leaders.”

 

“…”

 

The Tang Family’s Five Bangs.

 

Also called the Upper Two Bangs and Lower Three Bangs, they were the places that represented the Tang Family.

 

Dark Bang, Poison Bang, Medical Bang, Craft Bang, Merchant Bang.

 

They played roles similar to the elder councils of other sects or families, but had much greater authority.

 

Each Bang Leader pledged loyalty to the Family Head, but since they commanded forces within their independent domains, they possessed power close to that of feudal lords.

 

The reason the Tang Family was maintained despite this was due to the blood ties inherited from the founding Family Head, and because the Family Head held all authority over the appointment and punishment of each Bang Leader.

 

Among them, Il Bangju Tang Yung.

 

He was the head of the Hidden Weapon Bang and a great elder within the family who wielded tremendous influence.

 

The reason he had come out to greet the Zhuge Family’s delegation was because it concerned matters of marriage.

 

The union between families.

 

What could be more important than this?

 

Above all, since the Zhuge were once again seizing hegemony in Hubei, it was certain that even within the Tang Family, they were paying attention.

 

“I’ve met him a few times, so I know, but a modest place like Chukhyang Pavilion doesn’t suit him. How can you host such a noble person in such an old place?”

 

“But it’s the oldest place.”

 

“Who doesn’t know it’s old? That’s exactly the problem. Think about it – if you host him in that old place, do you think Il Bangju will be pleased? Move it to Unjang Pavilion.”

 

At those words, Zhuge Mungi’s face contorted with displeasure.

 

Unjang Pavilion.

 

It was a place so large and splendid that it couldn’t even be compared to Chukhyang Pavilion.

 

But it had no tradition.

 

Its popularity was due to its mass appeal.

 

Instead of carefully brewed liquor, they used liquor that sold well, and instead of women with learning and skills that could match scholars, they had women with easy laughter who were good at pleasing moods attract customers.

 

Naturally, men’s hearts were drawn to the latter.

 

Many customers and good business were inevitable.

 

Above all, it was a place rumored to be where Cheon Giju and the patrol warriors took bribes.

 

‘Damn bastards…’

 

The world was truly ridiculous.

 

Since the scoundrels were too afraid of the Tang Family’s power to establish themselves, some greedy individuals were acting like scoundrels instead.

 

But unfortunately, there was only suspicion so far, no evidence had been found.

 

“This isn’t a place for entertainment. Unjang is excessively noisy. Therefore, it’s not good for receiving guests either. Rather, Chukhyang would be…”

 

“Are you still young? How can you be so ignorant of the world?”

 

“…”

 

“When the mood is good, conversations flow better, you know? Stop arguing and do as I say. Got it?”

 

“But to change it suddenly…”

 

“It’s fine. Unjang Pavilion has the capacity to handle even sudden reservations without problems. And when our Tang Family asks, who would refuse?”

 

This meant there had already been an understanding between them.

 

Just as he was about to refuse again, Cheon Giju gave orders to his subordinate as if there was no need to listen to those words.

 

“Inform Chukhyang Pavilion of the situation and tell Unjang Pavilion to hurry with preparations. Since they said they’d arrive in the afternoon, preparations must be thorough. Even if we have to pay cancellation fees, empty the tavern. Tell them the Tang Family will be renting it exclusively from today.”

 

“Yes!”

 

The warrior rushed off quickly.

 

Zhuge Mungi’s words were ignored.

 

“Family Head, emptying the entire tavern? Even if we go to Unjang Pavilion, one back garden would suffice. How can you make such excessive arrangements?”

 

“Sufficient? What’s sufficient? How can you be so thoughtless?”

 

“What?”

 

“This is a gathering to host Il Bangju. Naturally, we must prepare with appropriate dignity. If random people are wandering around, do you think he’ll be pleased?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Tsk tsk, this is why bookworms are no good. You don’t know the field and don’t understand people. I’ll take care of everything, so don’t make other noises. Got it? Damn it, just take the rice cake that’s given to you instead of making so much fuss.”

 

Cheon Giju frowned and showed irritation, even hinting at subtle threats.

 

The patrol warriors around them were the same.

 

Zhuge Mungi had to barely endure his grinding teeth.

 

But he had only just gained the branch manager’s trust.

 

Being merely an assistant, he had authority but no power to command those below.

 

Above all, Cheon Giju’s grip on his shoulder was too painful.

 

He hated his weak self so much.

 

If only his outstanding quality had been strength rather than intellect, he would have immediately brought this man to his knees and scolded him for his wrongs.

 

His gaze turned to the ground in the sorrow of powerlessness.

 

Did he think he had broken his spirit?

 

Cheon Giju, who had been looking at the crown of the bowed Zhuge Mungi’s head, spoke soothingly.

 

“Come now, let’s slowly look around the streets and head to Unjang Pavilion. By the time we arrive, preparations will probably be finished.”

 

“…”

 

Though he remained silent with resentment in his heart, he couldn’t refuse that touch. His steps, now awkward and uncomfortable, were indeed heading toward Unjang Pavilion.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

“What? Get out?”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

“Ha!”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon was simply dumbfounded.

 

He had arrived in Sichuan, but there was still quite some time before the family delegation would arrive.

 

Meanwhile, the inn room seemed too small for Mujin, who was pouring out curses while pushing forward with his training.

 

To avoid disturbing others, a spacious place would be better, so he looked for a place with a back garden, and since he was already at it, he asked people and found the most luxurious tavern in Hogu.

 

Mujin frowned, saying it was excessive.

 

This guy couldn’t even appreciate his master’s heart in wanting him to train freely and to his heart’s content.

 

Of course, it was a bit expensive, but that much was fine.

 

The delegation would come soon, and if he was a descendant of the great Zhuge Family, such luxury was acceptable.

 

Considering how much he had done for the family…

 

But suddenly they were telling him to leave.

 

Saying they needed to prepare because they had to host an honored guest.

 

Were they crazy?

 

He wanted to slap him right then and there, but what would be the point of bothering such a weak tavern worker?

 

Since he had come as a guest of the Tang Family, he didn’t want to cause problems and held back.

 

“Hey, how can this kind of situation exist?”

 

“Good grief, if I tell you to leave, you should leave instead of talking so much.”

 

“What?”

 

“I’m speaking the truth here, does it make any sense for just two people to rent the entire back garden?”

 

It became even more absurd.

 

Whether two or three people rented it, why should these guys judge what was excessive?

 

Who was staying for free?

 

He had paid the expensive back garden rental fee as a lump sum.

 

Since Mujin was a Taoist and didn’t call for courtesans, he had paid the proper amount for the space.

 

“We’ll return the money you paid, so leave quickly. Don’t be unnecessarily stubborn.”

 

“Right now it’s not about the money…”

 

“Hah, you really don’t understand what I’m saying. It’s not like you’re drunk from alcohol either.”

 

“…”

 

As the worker picked his ear with an unpleasant expression, the burly men nearby approached, showing off their builds.

 

They looked utterly brutish.

 

Irritation slowly began to rise.

 

“Young Master Munhyeon, it seems the tavern has its circumstances, so let’s go somewhere else.”

 

When Mujin spoke with an awkward expression, not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble, the irritation surged even more.

 

“There, well said. You could just move to another place, so why are you being so stubborn?”

 

“…”

 

Because of your rotten attitude.

 

At this point, I can’t leave.

 

Honored guest or whatever, I don’t need to consider your circumstances.

 

Zhuge Munhyeon, his smile completely gone, turned his body sharply.

 

“Hey, you bastard! Are your ears clogged? I told you to leave, so why do you keep being stubborn! I said we’ll return the money!”

 

Unable to hold back any longer, he firmly grabbed Zhuge Munhyeon’s shoulder.

 

My shoulder… this bastard has some nerve too.

 

Should I cut him down a bit?

 

“H-hey there. Wait a moment. What kind of rudeness is this? You can’t do that to this person!”

 

Mujin, startled by Zhuge Munhyeon’s cold expression, hurriedly pulled the man’s hand away.

 

Mujin knew Zhuge Munhyeon’s personality.

 

It was impressive that he had held back until now.

 

His suggestion to leave wasn’t out of understanding for the tavern’s circumstances, but because he feared Zhuge Munhyeon might lose his patience and go wild.

 

“You must not know, but this person is…”

 

“Who cares who he is? Stop the nonsense and get lost! Before something bad happens to you!”

 

He tried to reveal Zhuge Munhyeon’s identity, but the man had no intention of listening.

 

Damn it, this is why I told you to write your name in the guest registry.

 

It was because of Zhuge Munhyeon, who had solemnly said that a martial artist away from home shouldn’t carelessly reveal his identity.

 

If he had revealed his name from the start, this wouldn’t have happened.

 

“Anyway, these young brats these days are so extravagant. What does status matter? How dare you be stubborn in Sichuan? You need to get beaten to come to your senses. What are you doing! Drag them out right now!”

 

At the man’s words, the brutish hands of the large men restrained Mujin and Zhuge Munhyeon’s bodies.

 

The forearms wrapping around their arms were thick.

 

They certainly hadn’t neglected muscle training.

 

But at that moment, Mujin saw something he shouldn’t have seen.

 

Both corners of Zhuge Munhyeon’s mouth shot up, creating a bizarre expression.

 

‘Ah…’

 

His patience had hit rock bottom.

 

Infinite Buddha…

 

“Mujin.”

 

“You can’t. These guys aren’t even martial artists…”

 

“Don’t interfere.”

 

“Young Master, just with words…”

 

“With words?”

 

At the questioning tone, Mujin quickly nodded his head.

 

He was hoping to rely on Zhuge Munhyeon’s nature of not carelessly harming those weaker than himself.

 

“Hmm, with words… that sounds good.”

 

“…”

 

Seeing Zhuge Munhyeon grinning and squinting his eyes, Mujin despaired.

 

His smiling was even more unsettling.

 

“Huff!”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon filled his chest to the fullest and shouted powerfully as if expelling all the breath he had taken at once.

 

“Get lost! You bastards!”

 

The shout, no different from a thunderous roar, echoed resoundingly through the back garden.

 

If only that had been all…

 

Crack, crash!

 

As the internal energy contained in his voice burst forth, the trees that had added charm to the back garden snapped and broke, the grass lay flat, and the aftershock extended to strike the main gate—no, the wall next to it—causing it to burst apart.

 

The giant men who had been gripping Zhuge Munhyeon’s arms flew away like paper dolls and crashed into the ground.

 

“I used words.”

 

“…”

 

Sure you did.

 

You didn’t use your hands, but how is that any different from doing so?

 

Zhuge Munhyeon grinned at the dumbfounded Mujin and approached the man who had tried to kick him out.

 

The man who had collapsed was trembling in fear.

 

Consider yourself lucky I held back.

 

If I had used just a little more force, your eardrums would have burst and you’d have gone deaf.

 

“I can’t leave, so if you’re so capable, try dragging me out.”

 

Me!

 

I’m the person who went straight to Wudang and demanded they hand over their Ascension Method.

 

I’ll show you exactly what stubborn determination means!

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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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