Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 177

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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 177

 

The Cheongcheon Resolution is difficult to obtain, but even if obtained, it comes with dangerous restrictions.

 

First, pass the trial using only pure martial prowess without using internal energy.

 

Second, if you fail to reach the destination within the designated time, it will be considered a failure and you must forfeit your life as responsibility for the challenge.

 

What satisfies those conditions is swallowing the God-Destroying Poison, the Seven Meridian Soul-Severing Powder.

 

Power Dispersal (: Internal energy scatters.)

 

And delayed poison.

 

Therefore, the Cheongcheon Resolution is the best method to resolve problems with the Beast Palace, but those who know its contents do not challenge it recklessly.

 

Zhuge Munhyeon had never experienced it either.

 

When he heard about it during a drinking session with the Beast Palace Master he was close with in the past, he once considered trying it but was refused.

 

The man jumped up and stopped him.

 

Well, who would engage in a fight they’re bound to lose anyway?

 

‘Hehehe, I’ve wanted to try this for a while, and now I’m finally challenging it.’

 

His heart was pounding.

 

A challenge against something new.

 

How could he refuse that exhilaration of accomplishing what others would absolutely never do? And for that exhilaration, how could he spare his life?

 

“Ten people?”

 

He raised his head to look at the main pavilion on the hill.

 

Each one stood at intervals like gates, waiting for him.

 

He had to overcome them all to reach the main pavilion.

 

Within the designated time.

 

It wouldn’t be easy.

 

They must have carefully selected and chosen the best.

 

They wouldn’t go easy on him just because their opponent was young.

 

The Cheongcheon Resolution was a matter of pride for both the challenger and those who had to block him.

 

Above all, if they were broken through by a young man from the Central Plains, their heartbreak would be beyond words.

 

He acknowledged it.

 

If they had tried to go easy on him, it might have hurt his feelings instead.

 

However, what was puzzling was his own situation.

 

‘Why isn’t it scattering?’

 

Seven Meridian Soul-Severing Powder.

 

When poisoned by it, Power Dispersal begins immediately.

 

His internal energy had already scattered.

 

However, a strange energy that had been sleeping within that internal energy remained in his dantian.

 

It was spirit energy.

 

When he couldn’t form a primordial spirit and had difficulty pushing the bamboo rice spirit energy obtained from Dongho Lake into his middle dantian and sealing it, that which had remained in his blood vessels and mixed with his internal energy.

 

But when his internal energy scattered, only the spirit energy remained as if filtered through a sieve.

 

‘Is spirit energy unaffected by Power Dispersal?’

 

Though he had doubts, he soon shook off his concerns.

 

How would I know when I’ve never experimented with it?

 

Even if I wanted to ask someone, that Immortal isn’t by my side, so it’s a solitary concern.

 

Besides, carrying around unsolvable problems only complicates my mind.

 

I’ve never lived a life walking down straight, well-paved paths anyway.

 

If no one has walked a path, I just need to walk it myself.

 

I don’t know what lies at the end, but there’s no need to worry about something I can’t know without going there.

 

‘But what should I do about this? These guys must think I have no energy at all.’

 

I pondered for a moment.

 

Like me, they would have drunk the Power Dispersal poison as well.

 

They equally have no Internal Energy.

 

The only difference is that their power will return with time, while I’ll die if I don’t take the antidote.

 

In other words, if I use Spirit Energy, I could pass through them and reach the main pavilion in one go.

 

“That won’t do.”

 

It’s a matter of pride.

 

I’ve lived my entire life protecting that one thing, so destroying it myself makes no sense.

 

Why would I use tricks against these guys?

 

Having made up his mind, Zhuge Munhyeon approached the nearest Martial Artist.

 

He was the youngest among those acting as gatekeepers.

 

When those calling themselves Murim people keep surpassing realm after realm, time naturally passes. The weak get weeded out, but the strong continue to survive and age.

 

That’s why Murim masters are mostly old.

 

In other words, the younger they are, the weaker they are.

 

Well, they wouldn’t put forward a strong opponent from the start. They’d want to gauge my abilities first.

 

“Central Plains person.”

 

“…?”

 

“Is that an iron club behind you?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

When I responded boldly in informal speech, the Martial Artist’s eyes twitched.

 

It’s because he appears much older than me.

 

But I’m not generous enough to show respect to someone who speaks informally first.

 

“You’re as insolent as you look.”

 

“I suppose I am.”

 

“…You thunderbolt of a brat.”

 

“…”

 

“However, considering your age, I’ll give you one last chance to do your best. I’ll allow you to use weapons.”

 

He spoke as if doing me a favor, spreading his hand and gesturing.

 

It’s a provocation.

 

A guy with no manners.

 

In situations like this, introductions should come first.

 

Ah! Was his name so insignificant that he was embarrassed to reveal it?

 

Hmm, such deep meaning…

 

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had arbitrarily judged his inner thoughts, shook his head.

 

“Unfortunately, this fellow has no intention of being used.”

 

“…Are you really going to drink the penalty wine?”

 

“I have no choice. Right now, this guy seems like he’s about to cry.”

 

“What?”

 

That’s what he was worried about.

 

The Silver Cold Staff was a peculiar thing that responded to Spirit Energy rather than Internal Energy.

 

Even though it was weak, with only Spirit Energy remaining now, if this fellow got excited and arbitrarily made ‘humming’ sounds, it would cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

 

So this time it would be empty-handed combat.

 

The moment the martial artist’s face turned bright red, perhaps thinking his slight smile was mockery.

 

Thud!

 

With the sound of kicking the ground, Zhuge Munhyeon’s form moved.

 

“Gasp!”

 

The martial artist tried to respond urgently to the swift movement that was so fast he could only stare ahead like a blind man for a moment.

 

“Too late.”

 

With a voice whispering by his ear, the martial artist’s body was lifted high as his ankle was kicked, spinning greatly.

 

It was nothing special.

 

He simply closed the distance in an instant with the Heavenly Energy Flash of the Heavenly Mystery Bewildering Steps, penetrated from the side, grabbed his sleeve, and deployed the Coagulated Blood Divine Claw that the Zhuge Clan prided itself on.

 

Thump!

 

The moment the martial artist grimaced from the impact of his back hitting the ground.

 

Thwack!

 

Zhuge Munhyeon’s fist struck his face hard.

 

The martial artist lost consciousness and collapsed on the floor. There was no technique name.

 

“With this, I’ve passed the first gate.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon immediately walked toward the second martial artist.

 

At this sight, the audience fell silent.

 

No one had expected him to defeat the first expert selected for the Cheongcheon Resolution so quickly with just one move.

 

The second martial artist also seemed somewhat surprised, but soon recovered his composure and spoke as if acknowledging Zhuge Munhyeon’s skill.

 

“Not bad.”

 

“You’ll soon learn it’s more than that.”

 

“Your tone is as arrogant as your skill.”

 

“It’s only arrogance against the weak.”

 

He was a son of the Zhuge Family who had no intention of losing, not only in fighting but now even in words.

 

However, the martial artist seemed to accept those words as sufficient demonstration of skill and said with a smile.

 

“I am Mok Cheolyeong, Group Leader of the Flying Dragon Unit of Beast Palace.”

 

“Zhuge Munhyeon. Since I’m poisoned and don’t have time, let’s save other explanations for later.”

 

With a brief exchange of names, Zhuge Munhyeon rushed toward Mok Cheolyeong.

 

At his rapidly approaching figure, Mok Cheolyeong chuckled and clenched his fist.

 

One demonstration was enough to gauge his skill, and he knew well enough that if he faced him carelessly, he wouldn’t avoid the same fate.

 

Mok Cheolyeong did not underestimate his opponent.

 

As he clenched his fist, thick muscles bulged, and his right fist shot straight forward.

 

Thud!

 

Zhuge Munhyeon rolled his true energy as if to engage in a frontal confrontation and extended his fist in the same manner.

 

‘This crazy bastard…’

 

Mok Cheolyeong could only be dumbfounded.

 

Not all of the numerous martial artists in the Beast Palace belonged to the Warrior Corps.

 

They selected those with exceptional abilities from among the general palace members to organize Warrior Corps for special missions.

 

Among them, three corps.

 

Black Tiger, Golden Scale, Flying Dragon.

 

They were created with a focus solely on martial power.

 

These were the core Warrior Corps that could change the tide of war, and Mok Cheolyeong was the leader of one of them.

 

And yet this person wanted a frontal confrontation with someone like him?

 

With that small and frail frame, no less?

 

Unless there was some other scheme, there was no chance he would lose in a fistfight.

 

No, even if there was another scheme, it would be the same.

 

‘I’ll shatter your fist bones!’

 

Mok Cheolyeong’s fist became even more fierce.

 

Kuuung!

 

Though they were clearly made of bone and flesh, the sound of the two fists colliding was loud enough to startle the onlookers.

 

But the most surprised among them was Mok Cheolyeong.

 

“Kuk!”

 

His hand bones were crushed.

 

The shock flowed through and even broke his wrist.

 

In contrast, his opponent was perfectly fine.

 

As if he had taken no damage at all, he pressed forward with another strike.

 

He had been defeated in a fist-to-fist battle.

 

Forced to step back from the incoming Second Strike, Mok Cheolyeong hurriedly responded.

 

But it was the same technique as his own.

 

A fist.

 

As if the contest of strength wasn’t over yet, he thrust his fist straight forward.

 

He couldn’t retreat.

 

If he didn’t counter with his own fist, it would be admitting his inadequacy.

 

“Fine! I’ll take you on!”

 

Stopping his retreat, Mok Cheolyeong responded to the fight with his intact left fist.

 

‘The bastard has some pride. I’ll at least remember your name, Mok Cheolyeong.’

 

A smile formed on Zhuge Munhyeon’s lips.

 

Kuuuung!

 

The two fists created an even louder sound than before.

 

And then.

 

Crack.

 

It was accompanied by the sound of bones breaking.

 

Once again, Zhuge Munhyeon stood perfectly fine, while Mok Cheolyeong let his left arm hang limply, the bone completely shattered.

 

Since his right arm’s wrist was also broken beyond use, he had essentially lost both arms.

 

Though he could still fight with his legs remaining, his pride had already been completely crushed.

 

“I’ve lost.”

 

He readily admitted defeat and stepped aside to clear the path for Zhuge Munhyeon.

 

His tone carried respect for the victor.

 

“My wrist stung quite a bit.”

 

“….”

 

“You’re not weak. I was just a little more trained, that’s all.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon whispered softly like he was speaking into his ear as he passed by.

 

Mok Cheolyeong turned his head sharply to look at him and couldn’t help but wear a hollow smile.

 

Recognition…

 

It didn’t feel unpleasant.

 

It was the winner’s consideration.

 

It wasn’t something he couldn’t accept graciously.

 

“It won’t be easy from here on. The remaining ones are elders and senior elders.”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon nodded slightly and moved forward.

 

It meant that everything so far had been just a warm-up and the real thing would start next, but he wasn’t particularly concerned.

 

Elders and senior elders?

 

Even if they had accumulated countless experiences throughout their lifetimes, once internal energy was excluded… they were nothing but green youngsters to him.

 

How could the experience of being trapped in Yunnan fighting similar opponents compare to traveling All Under Heaven and facing masters?

 

Most importantly, having already fought their predecessors, Zhuge Munhyeon knew the weaknesses of the Cheongcheon Resolution better than anyone.

 

Beast Palace.

 

Though they were said to possess great martial prowess, in reality, the strongest among their martial arts was the Human-Beast Combined Attack Technique.

 

The moment their martial arts displayed their greatest effect was when they were together with the beasts they had raised since birth.

 

A type of martial art where humans and beasts multiplied each other’s strengths and compensated for weaknesses.

 

But right now, they were alone.

 

In other words, only half-complete.

 

On top of that, they weren’t even attacking in groups but waiting for him one by one… naturally, the situation was advantageous to him.

 

Of course, they wouldn’t know this even in their dreams.

 

Still, it seemed he would have to struggle a bit.

 

Since they were elders and senior elders after all.

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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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