Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 170

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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 170

 

They weren’t bandits.

 

Just looking at their attire was enough to tell.

 

Though parts of their clothing were made of animal fur, the fur was exceptionally fine. Seeing how it gleamed with light, it was well-maintained fur.

 

There was no way mere bandits would wear such luxurious-looking items, and the weapons they held weren’t cheap thin blades or moon blades either.

 

Several had claw gauntlets hanging from their waists. Made to imitate beast claws, they were four-claw gauntlets.

 

Though powerful, they were surprisingly difficult weapons to use.

 

In other words, there was a high possibility they were martial artists from the Beast Palace.

 

Since Jade Mountain was within their territory.

 

The man who had spoken first, a martial artist wearing a pair of flying daggers, swept his eyes over the traces where Zhuge Munhyeon’s group had stayed.

 

“Camping in the depths of Jade Mountain… Looking at your attire and belongings, you don’t seem like herb gatherers or hunters. Who are you?”

 

As his gaze sharpened, Tang Yihwa smiled amiably and attempted conversation, just as she had done before.

 

She was trying to avoid unnecessary conflict.

 

“We came from the Prestigious Trading Company in southern Sichuan.”

 

“Prestigious Trading Company? You’re merchants?”

 

“That’s right. We came to look for Jade Mountain’s blue marble…”

 

The man chuckled at her words.

 

“Looking for marble in a mine that’s been closed for twenty years and lost its commercial value long ago… You expect me to believe that?”

 

“Even if it’s a closed mine…”

 

“There might be something left?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“Fine, but why camp here?”

 

“Ah, that’s… We’re not used to mountain life, and it suddenly got dark.”

 

“For that to be true, your camping preparations are too well done. And this place is far from the abandoned mine.”

 

“That’s… we’re very prepared… and we panicked when it got dark and got lost while looking for the way…”

 

The opponent remained calm while Tang Yihwa stumbled over her words.

 

She was slightly flustered since her excuse wasn’t working.

 

“I know it’s hard to believe. But I have permits and travel passes issued by the Southern Heaven Fortress…”

 

However, she didn’t seem to give up and tried to state her position again.

 

It was already too late.

 

Reading the situation, the opponent had likely already gained certainty after seeing the camping spot and the items scattered around.

 

The camping location was too strategically positioned to be coincidental. It could shelter from rain if needed, and also defend against beast attacks.

 

Moreover, they had items for cooking and thick blankets to ward off the cold… Anyone would find it suspicious.

 

So now it was his turn to step forward.

 

Tang Yihwa had fulfilled her role sufficiently.

 

“That’s enough.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

“There’s no need to explain. They’ve already figured everything out and are just testing us.”

 

“But, that’s…”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon restrained Tang Yihwa and stepped forward.

 

Though the man had responded to her words, he didn’t believe a single word of it.

 

Facing the man, Zhuge Munhyeon tilted his head slightly and asked.

 

“Beast Palace?”

 

“…?”

 

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, a strange light flashed through the man’s eyes before disappearing.

 

The atmosphere changed instantly.

 

It was only a single step, but his position created an odd sense of unease.

 

And another man was also slowly moving, forming a slightly distorted inverted triangular formation.

 

Two men in front and a woman behind.

 

‘Formation Technique?’

 

They had instantly arranged themselves in the most effective formation to deal with the enemies they faced.

 

The man who had spoken informally and asked if he was from Beast Palace was probably the most skilled.

 

Since he was positioned at the front.

 

The man’s eyes sharpened.

 

“Beast Palace Greedy Wolf Group Leader Meng Xun.”

 

When he revealed his identity first, Zhuge Munhyeon smiled and nodded.

 

Claiming to be merchants would be meaningless and would only increase their suspicion.

 

It was better to choose the direct approach.

 

He had no particular intention of fighting them anyway.

 

“Zhuge Munhyeon.”

 

“Zhuge Family?”

 

“That’s right. Over there is Taoist Mujin of the Wudang Sect. And this is Tang Yihwa, daughter of the Tang Family.”

 

“Hmm….”

 

Not expecting them to reveal their identities so readily, Meng Xun frowned and paused as if thinking.

 

Though they were a force in Yunnan, they weren’t ignorant about the Central Plains.

 

They knew enough about the Tang Family of neighboring Sichuan, and had heard the names of the Wudang Sect, which claimed to be the leader of the Nine Sects, and the Zhuge Family, one of the martial families.

 

‘Hmm, the Zhuge Family… I thought the one in front would be the most skilled, but is it actually the Wudang Taoist? I see. The son of the Zhuge Family is trying to mediate. They’re known for their excellent strategies.’

 

Meng Xun revised his earlier thoughts and responded again.

 

Though they had entered Yunnan territory, they too had no need to create unnecessary friction.

 

Especially if a daughter of the Tang Family was involved, it could become a problem later.

 

When Meng Xun gestured, his subordinates stepped back and removed their hands from their weapons.

 

It was a way of showing they had no intention to fight.

 

“So these distinguished people were camping outdoors. Was there really a need to disguise your identities?”

 

“If we revealed ourselves properly, we’d be surrounded by watchful eyes everywhere and wouldn’t be able to travel freely.”

 

“That’s true. But you said you’re traveling?”

 

“Something like that.”

 

“You’re reckless friends. Consider yourselves fortunate we’re not at war. If we were in conflict with the Central Plains, you wouldn’t have made it back home.”

 

“Grateful words. That’s reassuring.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon nodded with a much more relaxed expression, smiling.

 

“Anyway, Byeoksan is a dangerous place. If you want to have a comfortable journey, go down to the village. There will be much more to see there. If necessary, I can introduce you to a few places. If you want, I’ll treat you as guests of the Beast Palace.”

 

“I’m grateful, but I’ll decline. I don’t want to voluntarily enter a tiger’s den.”

 

“Hah! You’re an interesting fellow.”

 

Maeng Hun burst into laughter at Zhuge Munhyeon’s jest.

 

Tiger’s den.

 

Even though the young fellow was speaking informally, he didn’t feel particularly bad about it. This was someone who used strange expressions that were both wary and respectful at the same time. Should he say that his eloquence was excellent, befitting the Zhuge clan?

 

The identity they had revealed was probably genuine.

 

Not only was the man eloquent, but he had also glimpsed a Taiji token at the waist of the Wudang Taoist who formed the other axis of their formation.

 

‘The items that woman has must definitely be made by the Tang Family.’

 

The armor that showed slightly through Tang Yihwa’s clothes, and even the hammer in her hand.

 

There was no room for doubt.

 

And if they had other purposes, they wouldn’t have bothered to reveal their identities as Wudang, Tang Family, or Zhuge.

 

“Instead, leave Byeoksan.”

 

“What?”

 

“This place is currently under the control of the Beast Palace. I support you young people broadening your horizons, but others are different.”

 

Fortunately, Maeng Hun seemed broad-minded.

 

No, he was quick-witted.

 

He had been observing them the entire time and gauging their abilities.

 

He probably judged from just their camping appearance that they weren’t people who would pose a threat.

 

He also likely thought it was better to handle this with natural advice rather than create friction.

 

However, there was one thing.

 

“This might be rude, but I have a question. Can you answer it?”

 

“A question?”

 

“Yes. Since I have to be driven away from a place I just arrived at yesterday, I’d like to know the reason.”

 

“Hmm, fine. I’ll answer you. You don’t seem to have any ill intent.”

 

“What’s the reason for controlling Byeoksan? Even though it’s Beast Palace territory… as you said, it’s just a place with closed mines, isn’t it?”

 

“That’s…”

 

Maeng Hun pondered once more.

 

It wasn’t right to carelessly reveal the sect’s affairs.

 

But since he had already decided not to fight, it didn’t take long to reach a decision.

 

“Well, since you said you’re traveling, it wouldn’t be bad for you to know to some extent. You’ll hear these rumors anyway when you go down to the village.”

 

“…?”

 

What on earth was he talking about?

 

What did they need to know?

 

Had something happened to the Beast Palace?

 

“Not long ago, a Taoist from the Central Plains who had been staying in Byeoksan infiltrated the Beast Palace.”

 

“What? A Taoist who had been staying in Byeoksan?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

He immediately realized the identity of that Taoist.

 

It was Chiljaengja.

 

But why was he at the Beast Palace…?

 

However.

 

“He was planning to steal our palace’s secret treasure.”

 

“What? You’re saying the Seventh Young Master was trying to steal?”

 

“….”

 

The words burst out in shock.

 

But those words instantly changed the atmosphere.

 

Maeng Hun’s eyes turned fierce, and his subordinates all drew their weapons at once, surrounding the three while pointing them threateningly.

 

Ah, damn it…

 

I was so surprised that I misspoke.

 

How could I not be shocked when I heard that the Taoist from Gongdong Sect had infiltrated with the intention of robbing the Beast Palace’s secret treasure? Moreover, he was the person I needed to find.

 

Ah, that crazy Seventh Young Master.

 

Why did the Taoist think of robbing the Beast Palace and create this mess?

 

With a voice that had become as cold as his gaze, Maeng Hun asked.

 

“…I never said that Taoist’s name was the Seventh Young Master, did I?”

 

“Ah, that, that’s…”

 

“So there was an accomplice after all. I was only suspicious before.”

 

There was no way out of this.

 

For someone supposedly from the Zhuge Family, he was so thoughtless. Damn it…

 

As killing intent began to swirl instantly, Zhuge Munhyeon made an awkward expression and tried to appease Maeng Hun.

 

“Look, don’t be like this. I just heard rumors that the Seventh Young Master was here and made an assumption.”

 

“We’ll find out when we investigate.”

 

Maeng Hun, who had been as generous as Buddha just moments ago, no longer seemed willing to listen to his words.

 

“You’ll need to come to our palace and cooperate with the investigation.”

 

“….”

 

At the sight of them forming an encirclement and pressuring with exposed killing intent, Zhuge Munhyeon sighed repeatedly.

 

My mouth is too loose. My mouth…

 

I don’t want to fight with the Beast Palace.

 

“Young Master Munhyeon. What should we…”

 

Mujin, who was responsible for one axis of the Pin-shaped formation, asked about his intentions while drawing his sword and staying alert.

 

Whether to fight or be taken away.

 

Wait a moment.

 

I’m also thinking hard right now.

 

About which would be better.

 

“Put down your weapons. And surrender quietly. If you resist, we’ll drag you by force.”

 

Along with Maeng Hun’s threat, the encirclement closed in.

 

“Young Master Munhyeon!”

 

Mujin urged him.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

One of Maeng Hun’s subordinates, who had been closest to them, quickly rushed toward Zhuge Munhyeon.

 

The formation would have been like that.

 

Since he was hesitating without making a decision, they probably thought to first take away his weapon.

 

They were probably trained that way, and were faithful to their mission.

 

The problem was that Zhuge Munhyeon’s instinctive reflexes activated without him even knowing.

 

Crack!

 

The moment he tried to snatch the Silver Cold Staff, Zhuge Munhyeon’s elbow struck out as he quickly twisted his body.

 

Thud.

 

Even though it was a reflexive movement, its power was not weak.

 

The warrior who was struck hard in the face couldn’t even let out a small scream and collapsed to the floor.

 

“Ah, this was a mista…”

 

He tried to hastily make an excuse, but Mujin, who had misunderstood his movement as a decision, swung his sword like lightning.

 

Like clouds flowing across the sky.

 

It was the Flowing Cloud Swordsmanship that Wudang took pride in.

 

Clang clang clang clang!

 

As the harsh metallic sound deflected the weapons of the warriors forming the encirclement upward, the hammer that Tang Ihwa swung drew a large arc.

 

Whoosh!

 

One part of the encirclement was deeply dented by the powerful hammer strike.

 

“Young Master Munhyeon! Let’s go! I’ll open the path.”

 

“…”

 

Mujin nimbly leaped through the gap in the collapsed encirclement.

 

They had suddenly become fugitives.

 

“Chase them! Send a signal to alert everyone!”

 

Maeng Hun came chasing after them like a shot.

 

Ah, the Zhuge ancestors said that force is what the inferior use, while the superior solve problems by moving their mouths.

 

It was a moment when his innate reflexes felt more regrettable than ever.

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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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