Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 146

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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 146

 

Samyang Hall.

 

This was where meetings were held whenever the Tang Family had important matters, and there was a procedure that visitors to this place had to go through without fail.

 

It was the reception ceremony (: courtesy of welcoming).

 

They had sent Tang Yung to perform something similar to a formal reception, and received a brief introduction to the pavilion’s structure and the Tang Family.

 

What remained was.

 

“Welcome, you must have had a hard journey.”

 

Tang Hyeokseong, the Tang Family Head, sat on a single massive chair placed atop a platform built so high that steps were needed to reach it.

 

He appeared to overflow with dignity.

 

Though he held the martial name Snake Lord , he was far more often called the King of Sichuan.

 

After his greeting ended, draped in a green dragon robe embroidered with golden thread patterns over his shoulders.

 

“This is a gift from the Family Head of the Main House to the Master of the Tang Family.”

 

The delegation’s general manager respectfully presented the goodwill gift, holding it with both hands.

 

To the Tang Family’s general manager, of course.

 

Though they had hands and feet, neither host nor guest moved an inch.

 

Tang Hyeokseong glanced at the gift inside the box that clicked open, then spoke with a face full of smiles.

 

“The Heart Origin Secret Records? I’ve received a precious gift from the Zhuge Family. Please convey my gratitude to the Family Head.”

 

He guessed it correctly in one try.

 

Identifying what book was contained in the box with only the lid opened was almost miraculous.

 

No matter how good one’s eyesight, it shouldn’t be visible.

 

In other words, this was all formality.

 

What gifts would be exchanged had already been negotiated by the General Affairs Departments of each family.

 

I couldn’t understand why they went through such elaborate procedures that weren’t even necessary.

 

You could call it empty ceremony and pretense.

 

They knew who was coming, what would be given, and the purpose of everything, yet they still gathered everyone together to create such an occasion.

 

Anyway, these Orthodox Sect bastards really loved utterly useless procedures. If I hadn’t learned etiquette, ceremony, and proper conduct at the Zhuge Family, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to endure even a moment of this.

 

“This contains the Four Pillars of the Young Family Head from the Main House.”

 

What was presented next was a red booklet containing Zhuge Munho’s Four Pillars.

 

Its exterior was wrapped in silk and tied cutely with blue and red thread.

 

“Please convey that I will gratefully receive this and give careful consideration before providing an answer.”

 

“Yes, Family Head.”

 

“Zhuge is still Zhuge, and since the Wudang Sect has also come to visit, this Family Head is boundlessly pleased.”

 

“Mujin of Wudang pays respects to the Family Head.”

 

“Indeed, is Master Heoyoja in good health?”

 

“Though I haven’t seen him recently as he’s in seclusion, he was in good health when I left the mountain gate.”

 

Heoyoja was the martial name of Yeongyu, the Wudang Sect Leader.

 

Was it a name chosen because the Dao originally seeks to fill empty places?

 

“I once had the honor of meeting him. I have always held him in respect.”

 

“I thank you on behalf of the Sect Leader.”

 

“Heh, what gratitude is needed? I only spoke the truth. When you return later, please tell him I asked after his well-being.”

 

“Yes, Family Head.”

 

The greetings with Mujin, who had come along as an ornamental accessory to make the Zhuge Family look good, were finished.

 

Gift presentation, message delivery, greetings.

 

With this, the mission was complete, and the tedious reception ceremony was over.

 

However.

 

“Then you must be Zhuge Munhyeon?”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

At Tang Hyeokseong’s question, Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been bored to the extreme, suddenly raised his head.

 

He hadn’t expected to be called upon so suddenly.

 

‘Are there still procedures remaining?’

 

As he tilted his head in confusion, the Tang Family leaders seated according to the protocol for receiving delegations frowned.

 

The delegation members were also flustered.

 

It was behavior that went against etiquette.

 

When called, he should have politely answered, ‘Yes. I am Zhuge Munhyeon, Family Head,’ with proper courtesy…

 

Even now…

 

“Ha ha! That’s fine. No need to feel embarrassed. These things happen.”

 

“…”

 

Tang Hyeokseong laughed, displaying infinite magnanimity.

 

Hmm, far from being angry, he didn’t even show displeasure… Had the Tang Family changed greatly from what he remembered?

 

Even smoothly overlooking mistakes.

 

Well, time had changed that much, and all those stubborn old fools would be in their graves by now, so their descendants might have different personalities.

 

Zhuge Munhyeon, having regained his composure, belatedly cupped his fists and answered.

 

“I am Munhyeon of the Zhuge Family.”

 

“Mm, I heard rumors that your martial arts are quite excellent, and your appearance is equally outstanding.”

 

“You flatter me.”

 

Inwardly, he felt pleased.

 

No one dislikes being told they’re handsome.

 

He was grateful to his mother.

 

“Eighteen years old this year?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I see. Having the Eight Gates Genius as a father, your mind must be exceptional, and resembling the Dangang Flower, your appearance is outstanding… Did you perhaps inherit that musical talent as well?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“The Dangang Flower’s pipa performance was truly something that could be called peerless.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Dangang Flower.

 

It was the first time he learned that his mother had been called by that name.

 

But why was he speaking as if he knew his mother?

 

Dangang District was far from here…

 

However, he couldn’t just stand there dumbfounded when his mother was being praised.

 

“Though lacking, I have learned to play the guqin… but I’m still far from matching the skills of my maternal grandfather or my mother.”

 

“Is that so? From what I heard, at five years old with tiny fern-like hands, you played the seven strings and reached the realm of hearing with eyes?”

 

“…”

 

At Tang Hyeokseong’s words, Zhuge Munhyeon tilted his head once again.

 

There had been such a time.

 

To somehow escape Father’s clutches trying to make him grow academically.

 

I learned later that feeling sound as if seeing it with eyes rather than hearing with ears was called the realm of hearing with eyes.

 

It was a level distinguished by artists.

 

But where on earth did you hear such talk?

 

Did you perhaps plant spies in the Zhuge Family?

 

“Could you play something for us?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“The Dark Bang Leader has already confirmed your martial arts, so I’d like to examine your musical talent.”

 

“…”

 

Why bother?

 

But as soon as Tang Hyeokseong finished speaking, servant girls brought in a heavy-looking seven-string guqin.

 

It looked luxurious at first glance.

 

From the subtly revealed reddish hue and distinctive fragrance, it was definitely made of the precious rosewood. According to folklore, it’s more valuable than gold… As expected, the Sichuan Tang Family is wealthy.

 

Anyway, when they’ve set up the stage like this, I can’t refuse.

 

What’s the big deal anyway?

 

Building goodwill with the Family Head will make it much easier to visit the craft bang later.

 

Most importantly, I’m not someone who worries about the future but lives faithfully in the present.

 

“Whoo…”

 

Sitting before the seven-string guqin, Zhuge Munhyeon slowly steadied his breathing.

 

For a good performance, it’s best to calm the mind and concentrate all attention on the fingertips.

 

‘Hmm, since this is a gathering for marriage between families… High Mountains and Flowing Water would be good.’

 

High mountains and flowing water.

 

This carries the meaning of zhiyin, a true friend.

 

It’s said to be the piece that Boya, who was a guqin performer, played for Zhong Ziqi, though take it or leave it.

 

First, the mountain…

 

Ting~!

 

As the performance began, the audience fell silent and only the guqin’s sound resonated throughout the Great Hall.

 

The hands naturally moving across the strings created the grandeur of towering mountains, then softly continued to express calmly flowing water.

 

Boya became Zhuge, and Zhong Ziqi became the Tang Family.

 

When the performance ended, Tang Hyeokseong, with a deep smile on his lips, closed his eyes for a long while, savoring the lingering echoes of the guqin.

 

“A fine performance indeed.”

 

“You flatter me. I played with the hope that Zhuge might become zhiyin with the Tang Family.”

 

I managed to say something befitting a descendant of a scholarly family.

 

“I hear you’ve done quite a bit of scholarly study as well?”

 

“Well, being from the Zhuge Family…”

 

“How far have you read?”

 

“Shamefully, I’ve only managed to read up to the Four Books.”

 

“Only up to the Four Books? That alone is remarkable. The Four Books means you’re at the level of those preparing for the imperial examinations… Also, I hear you’re quite exceptional with formations and mechanisms? I’m told you single-handedly broke through Wudang’s secret cave.”

 

“…That is true.”

 

“Indeed. After hearing your performance, I believe your scholarship, formations, and mechanisms must be even more remarkable.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon made a displeased expression, feeling something strange.

 

He knows far too much about me.

 

Did this man really plant spies?

 

It’s certainly suspicious enough.

 

He is from the Tang Family, after all.

 

‘Just which bastard was the rat? Damn him for selling out the family…’

 

But then.

 

“Give my regards to your mother. Tell her I will deeply consider her son’s Four Pillars.”

 

“…?”

 

His mind went blank for a moment.

 

Your mother… son’s Four Pillars?

 

What is he talking about now?

 

Munho isn’t Mother’s son…

 

Zhuge Munhyeon’s face instantly hardened.

 

Only then did all the scattered doubts come together as one.

 

Why Mother had looked so pleased when he said he was going to the Sichuan Tang Family, why Tang Yung had been so curious about his personal affairs when they met, and how Tang Hyeokseong knew so much about him in such detail.

 

He had fallen for Mother’s scheme(?).

 

Those Four Pillars the General Manager delivered surely didn’t contain only Zhuge Munho’s.

 

And the reason Tang Hyeokseong knew so much was undoubtedly because Mother had sent a letter in advance.

 

His guqin skills, scholarship, formations, and mechanisms.

 

Since she was someone who knew no limits when bragging about her child, his face burned thinking about what might have been written in that letter.

 

In other words, right now he was… being presented for marriage consideration to the Tang Family Head and his retainers.

 

‘Ah, Mother… are you really going to do this?’

 

Finally understanding everything, Zhuge Munhyeon was too embarrassed to lift his face.

 

“I hope you’ll be comfortable during your stay. Now then, we’ve prepared a banquet, so please enjoy yourself leisurely.”

 

“…”

 

The first matchmaking meeting was over.

 

This is so damn ridiculous…

 

I just came here to learn about the Silver Cold Staff.

 

* * *

 

What the hell is this supposed to be?

 

I’m no different from a captured monkey.

 

“Young Master, look over there. Everyone seems quite interested.”

 

“….”

 

Mujin, who was sitting with him, kept giggling and winking.

 

Numerous young women from the Tang Family filling one side of the banquet hall kept glancing at him.

 

They had been deliberately invited.

 

That friend is from the Zhuge Family, and he’s of marriageable age. Anyone interested?

 

That was the purpose.

 

Ah, this damned banquet hall.

 

So this was why his name was prominently placed in a gathering full of women…

 

In all his life, this was his first time experiencing such humiliation.

 

“How devious of you.”

 

“What?”

 

“Four Pillars reading? Was marriage the real purpose?”

 

“Ah, no, I didn’t know…”

 

“You’re truly popular beyond compare. I’m envious, so envious. Is this what youth is like? Amitabha.”

 

“….”

 

Mujin kept provoking him.

 

While occasionally stealing glances at the women’s faces.

 

Why are you blushing, you lustful Taoist bastard!

 

Always pretending to be a well-behaved cat while secretly cracking sunflower seeds behind everyone’s back.

 

However, if he was going to pick a fight, it was only proper to respond.

 

“Mujin.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“We’ve become quite close, haven’t we?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I’ve been considerate of your difficult cultivation and went easy on the loving discipline, but it seems your liver has swollen so much there’s no room left, so it’s popped out of your belly.”

 

“Th-that’s not…”

 

“You’re a man too, so I’ll let other things slide… but don’t you practice energy circulation while eating?”

 

“Even during meals?”

 

“Of course, naturally.”

 

“No, how can one do such harsh things with delicacies before us? I’m too busy putting these delicious things in my mouth.”

 

“Should I put my fist in instead of food?”

 

“No.”

 

“Start now. Before I force it in.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

Mujin couldn’t even break even and paid the full price for his provocation.

 

He would probably have to starve pitifully.

 

Bad kid.

 

After venting his irritation and grumbling once, Zhuge Munhyeon deliberately ignored the women’s gazes and examined the faces of those attending the banquet.

 

This was after hearing from Tang Yung about someone called Craft Bang Leader Tang Munqing.

 

If you attend the banquet, try striking up a conversation.

 

‘Bronze-colored skin… Ah, that must be him.’

 

No other distinguishing features were needed.

 

Just the skin color alone was enough to tell.

 

Bronze-colored skin and hair darkened by the heat of the brazier.

 

Above all, craftsmen have a certain air about them.

 

Just like Baek Mu, they had no pretense, as if declaring ‘I am a craftsman.’

 

Even their clothes had that casual feeling of being thrown on carelessly.

 

‘Well then, shall I invite him for a drink?’

 

Zhuge Munhyeon approached his target.

 

However.

 

“Haha! You must have heard rumors about me.”

 

“…?”

 

“Well, I did have quite close ties with the Zhuge Family back in the day.”

 

An elderly man who had retired to the back room of the Tang Family due to his advanced age grabbed Zhuge Munhyeon’s sleeve as he passed by.

 

Then he pulled him along.

 

To where similar old men were gathered.

 

“Come here. When I used to travel the martial world long ago, I had many connections with the Zhuge Family.”

 

“Here, have a drink with me.”

 

“…”

 

He had been caught in the wrong place.

 

He couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

 

Given his position.

 

And he had to listen to their outdated reminiscences all night long.

 

Ah, these much younger ones blocking an elder’s path.

 

He couldn’t just beat them all up either.

—————
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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