Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 141

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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 141

 

 

 

 

 

It was natural for Zhuge Mungi’s face to contort.

 

Watching him, Zhuge Munhyeon could only harbor a sneer.

 

The bad blood between them had never been resolved.

 

Though they were young at the time, when they met at the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion, he had insulted his most precious mother.

 

Not only him, but his mother Dang Yeojin was the same. Even after committing wrongs, she had shamelessly oppressed him.

 

After that, he had left for the Tang Family with his mother.

 

That bastard was now serving as an advisor to a Tang Family branch manager.

 

Though considerable time had passed, with unresolved resentment remaining, there was no way he could view him favorably.

 

Because I am a narrow-minded person.

 

‘Tsk tsk. Even after coming to the Tang Family, his behavior hasn’t changed at all, hasn’t changed. There’s a limit to bringing shame to the family’s honor, taking bribes and all.’

 

No matter how much he’d been reflecting on the meaning of family lately, there was no need to help someone who had abandoned the Zhuge name.

 

But while watching Zhuge Mungi being interrogated, a strange face caught his attention.

 

‘Why does that guy look like he’s about to die? Is it because he’s an accomplice?’

 

Rather, he looked even more anxious.

 

The way he kept glancing at Zhuge Mungi… was highly suspicious.

 

Then, looking at Zhuge Mungi again, he realized.

 

Now that he looked, it wasn’t the expression of someone being accused of a crime, but of someone troubled.

 

Why?

 

What was he troubled about?

 

Zhuge Munhyeon’s face suddenly contorted as he looked back and forth between the two.

 

Somehow, he remembered a much longer life than others.

 

Having been far from nobility since birth, he had risen from the bottom of the Demonic Sect to become Sect Leader, passing through various positions, meeting countless people, and experiencing all sorts of things.

 

So when he observed situations, he could make reasonable deductions. The Demonic Sect was also a place where people lived—surely there had been similar incidents before?

 

‘Hmm… this is somehow…’

 

Without explanation or evidence, only circumstances and suspicion, but his rough guess was this.

 

The settlement with the tavern.

 

Probably someone had taken bribes behind the branch manager’s back.

 

Looking at their expressions, there was a high possibility that Zhuge Mungi didn’t know either.

 

Also, since he was a Zhuge and held the position of branch manager’s advisor, he would have received better evaluations for administrative ability rather than martial arts.

 

Someone who wasn’t even of the same surname and lacked martial skills would naturally be ignored.

 

It was so-called hazing.

 

Especially since the Tang Family was one of the most closed-off places in the Central Plains… life wouldn’t have been easy.

 

Perhaps just becoming an advisor was him doing his best.

 

That’s why his brow furrowed even more.

 

Though it was only speculation, he seemed to understand the general situation, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

 

That would mean helping Zhuge Mungi.

 

While he was having such thoughts, Cheon Giju, holding his breath behind Zhuge Mungi, was experiencing his world turning upside down.

 

‘Damn it all…’

 

From the moment Tang Yung began interrogating Zhuge Mungi with a chilling expression, his heart shriveled and it became hard to breathe.

 

‘Damn! That cursed Building Lord. I told him in advance, so why did he accept guests? And of all people, why did it have to be someone from the Zhuge Family?’

 

Il Bangju Tang Yung.

 

He was the Family Head’s uncle and one of the most influential people in Sichuan.

 

If he, who valued the Tang Family’s honor above all else, found out about taking bribes from the tavern, he wouldn’t let it slide.

 

Being expelled from the Tang Family was certain, and he wouldn’t escape corporal punishment for bringing shame to the family’s honor.

 

“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

 

As the chilling voice pressed Zhuge Mungi again, Cheon Giju shrank his neck like a turtle.

 

Even trying to act boldly, with such an opponent, things wouldn’t go as he wished.

 

His courage had shrunk to the size of a bean.

 

No, though he had worked as a confident Patrol Leader in Hogu, originally his courage was bean-sized and his insides were like a anchovy.

 

Though he wasn’t originally the type to commit such acts, habits were frightening and familiarity was such a thing.

 

At first, just a drink asking for favorable treatment.

 

Later, pocket money slipped to him saying to spend it well.

 

His heart had pounded countless times thinking he was doing something he shouldn’t, but nothing happened.

 

The Building Lord’s mouth was tight, and the branch manager didn’t notice, so he gradually became bolder.

 

Meanwhile, after the son of a declining family came as the branch manager’s advisor, he became even more confident.

 

Though his administrative ability was excellent, his attitude of bowing and scraping, asking to learn even one line of Tang Family martial arts.

 

His bean-sized courage had just grown little by little.

 

But when trouble actually struck, his enlarged courage instantly returned to its original state. His back was soaked with sweat, and cold sweat oozed from his face, making it sticky.

 

His pounding heartbeat thundered in his ears.

 

He could only glance at Zhuge Mungi, who kept his mouth firmly shut despite the interrogation. His fate hung on that man’s lips. If he had known it would come to this, he would have treated him well instead of ignoring him.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Sir.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had only revealed his own name but hadn’t heard the other’s name yet, let out a deep sigh and called to Tang Yung.

 

“What is it?”

 

“From what I can see, that person over there seems to know the inside story better than this one?”

 

“…?”

 

“…!”

 

When he pointed his finger directly at him, Cheon Giju’s face turned ashen, and Zhuge Mungi, whose jaw muscles were clearly visible from clenching his teeth, glared at him.

 

What are you staring at?

 

If not grateful for the help, at least don’t glare.

 

If I really think about the past, I don’t want to help even a speck, but… I’m holding back thinking of your hardships after coming to the Tang Family.

 

Consider yourself lucky that you share the same Zhuge surname as me, you bastard.

 

After sending such a look.

 

“Doesn’t he look very anxious? Like he has a lot to say?”

 

“Ahem.”

 

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, Tang Yung looked at Cheon Giju and cleared his throat. Displeasure was evident.

 

How could a seasoned master not grasp the situation?

 

From Cheon Giju’s behavior of flinching and being startled just from eye contact, Tang Yung also roughly understood the situation.

 

“…Patrol Leader.”

 

“Yes!?”

 

“Are you hot?”

 

“…”

 

“Why are you sweating so much?”

 

Though it seemed like concern for his health, the sharp voice contained the implicit meaning: ‘I am very displeased right now. If you don’t explain why you’re sweating, your life will be difficult.’

 

“Since the advisor is keeping his mouth shut, you tell me. What happened?”

 

“…”

 

Tang Yung’s voice was aimed at Cheon Giju like an arrow nocked on a bowstring.

 

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down from constantly swallowing, and as time passed, his face turned yellow like someone with jaundice.

 

His shriveled heart had sunk much earlier.

 

The moment Tang Yung’s chilling gaze approached, consumed by fear, his strength completely drained and he collapsed on the spot.

 

His head felt dizzy.

 

He couldn’t think of what answer to give or how to react.

 

Just one word.

 

“I-I have committed a crime deserving death.”

 

“…”

 

His words, spoken while bowing his head so low it nearly touched the ground, were tantamount to confessing his guilt, causing Tang Yung’s face to crumple with anger. Even his eyes trembled finely.

 

What kind of disgrace was this?

 

Even if discovered internally, he couldn’t escape responsibility for the crime, but to be rude to guests who had come to visit the family and have the truth exposed was inexcusable.

 

“What do you mean by a crime deserving death? Confess everything in detail with your own mouth.”

 

“Th-that is…”

 

Cheon Giju, prostrated on the ground, trembled like someone struck by lightning, constantly rolling his eyes.

 

“You bastard! Do you intend to keep your mouth shut to the end? Should I personally reveal your crimes in detail!”

 

When the desired answer didn’t come, Tang Yung’s voice grew louder with anger.

 

That was when it happened.

 

“…Bang Leader.”

 

Zhuge Mungi suddenly approached Cheon Giju’s side and knelt down.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“It is my fault.”

 

“What? Are you admitting that you were also involved?”

 

“Yes.”

 

At Zhuge Mungi’s answer, Tang Yung’s cheeks trembled with rage, while Cheon Giju looked bewildered.

 

Even if it showed, it was showing this severely.

 

Anyone could see that Zhuge Mungi appeared to have no involvement whatsoever. Tang Yung seemed to know this as well.

 

Hence his even more furious expression.

 

“There should be no lies in your words.”

 

“That is correct.”

 

“Can you also take responsibility?”

 

“That is correct.”

 

“You bastard! Are you trying to mock me right now! I can tell just by looking at your expression!”

 

Though Tang Yung shouted angrily and berated him, Zhuge Mungi’s expression remained calm.

 

“It is said that the responsibility for a family’s rise and fall rests with the Family Head. Therefore, the most important virtue is to care for them without rest, watch over them, worry about them, admonish and scold them, while also leading them to a better path.”

 

“You bastard… Are you trying to teach me now?”

 

Tang Yung’s eyes grew even sharper, but Zhuge Mungi continued speaking even more boldly.

 

“However, when that intention flows down to reach the branch office, the branch manager must follow the Family Head’s example and discipline and watch over his subordinates.”

 

“…”

 

“Moreover, since subordinates are originally weak-hearted and easily swayed, they tend to make mistakes frequently, so failing to properly watch over them and allowing them to commit crimes can be said to be the fault of their superior.”

 

“…”

 

“I am an advisor who assists the branch manager and helps guide him toward the right path. How can I say that the guilt lies only with the subordinates? If I had taken preventive measures and eliminated the problem beforehand, they would not have committed such crimes as they have now, so ultimately it can be said to be my responsibility.”

 

“Are you saying you’ll take all the blame?”

 

“I am speaking about my responsibility.”

 

“What else could that mean!”

 

“I have merely stated my intention, so understanding what you hear is not my role but yours, Bang Leader.”

 

“You bastard?”

 

“However, please punish me, but I beseech you to show mercy to them.”

 

“Show mercy?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“What is your reason?”

 

“Patrol Leader Cheon Giju started as a lower martial artist and has been with the branch office for well over twenty years. Moreover, all the warriors under his command have also served for nearly ten years. They are people who have lived for the Tang Family at a branch office that is no different from the front lines.”

 

“…”

 

“This Hogu Branch is a place where countless people come and go, so occasionally we must fight against criminals who conceal their identities. Each time, they risk their lives and charge forward to protect the Tang Family’s territory. The scars left on their bodies are traces of their devotion to the Tang Family.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

“Therefore, considering their merits, I ask that you punish only me, who failed to properly watch over and enlighten them, and show mercy just this once.”

 

At Zhuge Mungi’s words, Tang Yung said nothing. He only glared with a stern expression throughout.

 

Embrace rather than corporal punishment.

 

Sometimes it was necessary.

 

And seeing him bow his head while expressing such intentions, Zhuge Munhyeon smiled wryly.

 

After all the help I gave him, he’s making me look bad.

 

Is that your intention?

 

Foolish bastard.

 

If they had suffered hardships all this time, even a beating wouldn’t be enough, yet he’s trying to embrace them.

 

But at this moment, he was quite impressive.

 

After pondering for a long while, Tang Yung looked at Zhuge Munhyeon with an apologetic expression.

 

“My friend.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“The Tang Family has been rude to you who came as our guest. I should properly explain the situation in detail and make an example of them to resolve your displeasure, but would you leave this matter to the Tang Family’s laws?”

 

At those gentle words, Zhuge Munhyeon replied.

 

“How can a guest argue about the host’s decision? And if I may say, it is said that those who reflect on themselves are without fault, and those who blame themselves should not be held accountable. It was said not to blame those who repent on their own, and it would be good to give them a chance just once… I earnestly request a wise disposition.”

 

“Haha, really.”

 

For once, I tried using some literary phrases.

 

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, Tang Yung wore a hollow but pleased-looking smile.

 

With him responding like that, how could I say to kill them all like before?

 

Zhuge Mungi, the resentment still remains… but I’ll let it slide this time.

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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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