Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 178

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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 178

 

Thud!

 

From the external impact, small ripples formed in the water contained in the cup on the desk.

 

“Hmm.”

 

Dan Chuyeong, sitting alone in the silence, smiled as if finding it interesting.

 

Even without mastering the divine ear ability, he possessed ears keen enough to hear the situation outside.

 

He could tell without seeing directly.

 

Already five.

 

The sounds and vibrations were getting closer and closer.

 

The incense clock he glanced at had burned down to the first mark.

 

The Seven Pulse Soul Severing Powder would begin its attack two hours after consumption.

 

The incense clock was meant to measure that time, and had a total of seven marks carved into it.

 

In other words, one period had passed.

 

“Five in one period… I thought he wasn’t an ordinary fellow, but he’s faster than expected.”

 

Dan Chuyeong wore an expression of interest.

 

Had there been no one who requested the Heaven’s Trial until now?

 

Most died vomiting blood from their seven orifices before reaching the end, but a few obtained what they desired.

 

However, most of those who succeeded barely preserved their lives at the very end of the incense clock.

 

But halfway through in just one period…

 

“I heard he’s from the Zhuge Family, which is strange. That clan has never gained a notable reputation through martial prowess. Isn’t that right?”

 

Dan Chuyeong asked while looking toward the dark part of the Great Hall.

 

Middle-aged, white Taoist robe with dried bloodstains scattered here and there, and a headband around his forehead with a flame mark burning vividly.

 

A Taoist.

 

And in the Central Plains, the only place where Taoists wore headbands instead of Taoist crowns was the Gongdong Sect.

 

In other words, it was the Seventh Master who had tried to steal the Beast Palace’s secret treasure.

 

“Why are you silent? I heard from the Tam Group Leader that they seemed to be looking for you at Byeoksan?”

 

Dan Chuyeong asked, but the Seventh Master could only frown in silent response.

 

What could he say?

 

He didn’t know them.

 

Moreover, wasn’t this a situation where he didn’t know why they had come looking for him or why they had suddenly requested the Heaven’s Trial?

 

‘Why on earth…’

 

He wasn’t unfamiliar with the Heaven’s Trial.

 

It was a test undertaken at the risk of one’s life.

 

What connection could there be for them to come looking for him and even conduct a Heaven’s Trial against the Beast Palace?

 

And Zhuge at that…

 

That place had no famous martial artists.

 

It was a place that had been poorly regarded in martial arts for generations.

 

How could a person from a family clan that had prospered through wisdom risk their life on something with no possibility?

 

What connection could there be with him…

 

“Are you going to keep your mouth shut?”

 

“…I don’t know anything about it.”

 

“You don’t know?”

 

“That’s right. I have no connection with the Zhuge Clan. There’s no one there who would come looking for me.”

 

“Then that bastard risking his life for you is completely insane.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

The frustrated Seventh Master could only let out a groan and nothing else.

 

There’s something you need to know.

“Well, fine. Let’s see then. What reason brought him here. If he can make it this far, that is.”

“Fine by me. Let’s see what you’ve got. What brought you to this place. That is, if you can even make it this far.”

Dan Chuyeong’s eyes, wearing a smile, were filled with curiosity about the Zhuge Family martial artist.

 

 

 

 

At those words, Chiljangja’s head snapped up, and his eyes trembled slightly.

“The Leader of the Elder Council? Su, surely Black Rock hasn’t stepped forward?”

“The head of the Senate? D-don’t tell me even Black Rock has stepped forward?”

“Isn’t it natural? Excluding me, he’s currently the most outstanding.”

“Isn’t that obvious? Aside from me, he’s currently the most outstanding one.”

“Th, this is insane! How could you do this against a young martial artist who’s just sprouting!”

“Th-this is insane! How could you do this to such a young, promising warrior who’s just starting to bloom!”

Despite being captured, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes and shout.

 

Having stayed in Yunnan for a long time, he had frequent exchanges with the Beast Palace until he turned to thievery.

 

Having stayed in Yunnan for a long time, he had frequent exchanges with the Beast Palace until he turned to thievery.

Therefore, he was acquainted with most of those called masters.

 

Therefore, most of those called masters were acquainted with each other.

That’s why he knows Black Rock Wi Jungsan.

 

The guard captain of the previous Palace Lord.

 

Therefore, one knows the dark and heavy mountain.

No matter how much internal energy was dispersed through Power Dispersal poison, the experience he had gained in understanding martial arts over those long years was too vast for a young martial artist to overcome.

 

That martial art is known to be the strongest except for the current Beast Palace Master.

This was no different from telling him to die.

 

“Palace Lord! This cannot be! That child bears the Zhuge surname. If he comes to harm in Yunnan, who knows what might happen?”

 

“…”

 

“If you’re not trying to make enemies with the Zhuge Clan…”

 

“Make enemies?”

 

“What?”

 

“Should I be afraid?”

 

“Palace Lord!”

 

“Yes, the Zhuge Clan once had quite impressive power. When the Martial Alliance was intact, that is. Managing All Under Heaven from behind the Alliance Leader, they possessed absolute power. At one time, my ancestors also had to watch their expressions. But what about now?”

 

“…”

 

“Does the Martial Alliance still remain in the Central Plains?”

 

“Th, that’s…”

 

“I’m asking if the Zhuge Clan maintains their past glory.”

 

“Is the Murim Alliance still around in the Central Plains?”

“Th-that’s…”

“You’re asking if the Zhuge clan is maintaining its past glory.”

Dan Chuyeong’s face was filled with mockery.

 

And why wouldn’t he know?

 

He was the ruler of the Beast Palace, the largest force in Yunnan, called a master beyond the Central Plains.

 

Even if news didn’t travel quickly, he would be well aware of the situation in the Central Plains.

 

No, even if the Zhuge Clan had been intact, his choice wouldn’t have changed.

 

He wasn’t afraid.

 

Even if he had to fight against the entire Central Plains.

 

“Seventh Master, it would be best not to speak of backing in front of me. I’m sparing you due to our past exchanges, not because I can’t kill you.”

 

“…Hmm.”

 

“Let’s watch and see. Perhaps your life depends on that fellow from the Zhuge Family. I’m curious too. Whether he can truly make it to my presence.”

 

Dan Chuyeong’s laughter echoed softly through the pavilion, and the Seventh Master’s complexion grew increasingly dark.

 

‘Amitabha Buddha. Child of Zhuge, why on earth did you come to this place? Why are you trying to throw away your life in connection with me?’

 

This was not what he had wanted.

 

Since he was already under investigation, perhaps he might be able to persuade the Beast Palace.

 

‘Amitabha Buddha. Heavenly Venerable, please watch over the child of Zhuge…’

 

There was nothing else he could do but repeat these words over and over in his heart.

 

* * *

 

Thwack!

 

From the swung fist, Zhuge Munhyeon stepped back for the first time since beginning the Azure Heaven Technique.

 

‘I thought I had dodged it.’

 

It was a completely unexpected counterattack.

 

The old man who was the final gateway blocking the main pavilion.

 

He had only thrown a single punch at Zhuge Munhyeon who had rushed forward after defeating nine others.

 

Dodging it wasn’t difficult.

 

But the moment he thought he had dodged, an invisible fist struck his jaw.

 

His jaw was throbbing.

 

The bone wasn’t broken, but it hurt as if it would break, making him angry.

 

“Quite impressive. I didn’t expect you to defeat nine in two moments.”

 

“…”

 

The old man smiled, crinkling his eyes as if looking at a promising junior scholar.

 

“I am called Wi Jungsan.”

 

“Wi Jungsan?”

 

“Don’t worry about it. You wouldn’t have heard of me.”

 

“…I don’t worry about such things. I’ve never cared who my opponent is. To me, you’re just the final gateway.”

 

“Ah… that’s true. What does it matter who the opponent is?”

 

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words as he rubbed his aching jaw, Wi Jungsan burst into hearty laughter.

 

Indeed, that was true.

 

Whoever it was, what did it really matter?

 

He just wanted to reveal his name.

 

He’s skilled enough for that.

 

‘How truly surprising. Has there ever been anyone who passed through the Azure Heaven Trial so easily and quickly?’

 

Not in Wei Zhongshan’s memory.

 

The Azure Heaven Trial.

 

It’s used to give opportunities to outsiders, but it’s also used when training junior scholars.

 

Ten-man martial duel, hundred-man martial duel, thousand-man martial duel.

 

Sometimes it takes the form of individual combat, sometimes it takes the form of one against many.

 

Of course, they don’t consume the Seven Pulse Soul Severing Dan.

 

Also, three leaders of the Warrior Corps, six elders, and up to himself.

 

This kind of combination is a first.

 

Yet he arrived before him so easily, with the main pavilion right before his eyes.

 

‘How amazing. How did his understanding of martial arts become so deep at that age?’

 

It’s admirable, but he can’t treat him carelessly.

 

Rumors about the Azure Heaven Trial will spread in an instant.

 

All of Yunnan will know.

 

Since it’s been quite a while since an outsider came to challenge.

 

If he’s defeated, it’s obvious that the Beast Palace’s pride will crumble.

 

So he absolutely cannot easily open the path.

 

No, it absolutely must not be opened.

 

Even if it’s a talent too precious to lose to poison.

 

‘You were unlucky.’

 

Wei Zhongshan, hiding his regretful feelings, finished preparing to respond to the approaching Zhuge Munhyeon.

 

“Phew, I was already feeling disappointed that the Beast Palace only prepared inadequate things for the guest, but I received the gift well.”

 

Inadequate things.

 

Wei Zhongshan, realizing he was referring to the previous opponents, wore a faint smile.

 

“So, did you like my gift?”

 

“It cleared my mind. Enough to make me think I should give my all.”

 

At those still bold words, Wei Zhongshan couldn’t hold back his laughter.

 

He’ll give his all?

 

Then does that mean he was holding back until now?

 

Well, he knocked them all down before the pleasant conversation over tea even ended, so he has reason to be confident.

 

“Since you say you’ll give your all, I’ll look forward to it.”

 

“But will you be alright? Due to the power dispersal, your internal energy won’t protect your bones, will it?”

 

“Haha! Is the cat worrying about the mouse? While clenching your fist so tightly.”

 

“Because I realized you’re no ordinary person.”

 

“You… your eloquence is truly the best under heaven. Come, we’ve talked long enough.”

 

“I was about to.”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon moved his steps.

 

He approaches in a straight line, neither fast nor slow.

 

However, his advancing form showed no wavering and his stepping feet showed no hesitation, so Wi Jungsan broke into a broad smile.

 

‘Amazing. Does it not seem like even a single step has transcended the realm?’

 

Generally, martial artists think they are at their peak when they can shoot sword energy and create gang qi, but what must precede that is the foundation.

 

Performing the basics perfectly is quite difficult.

 

Even those who have transcended realms cultivate to perfectly execute those basics, yet the young man before his eyes was walking as if he was in an even more superior realm than himself, was he not?

 

His heart pounded.

 

Such an outstanding young expert.

 

Even goosebumps rose.

 

He was so excited he could not contain himself.

 

“Today I have met the most outstanding junior scholar of my life!”

 

Finally, Wi Jungsan spread his shoulders wide to make himself appear massive, then charged toward Zhuge Munhyeon like lightning.

 

“You’re quite hasty…”

 

Zhuge Munhyeon grinned, stopped walking, and pulled his fist back to his waist.

 

Then immediately thrust it forward.

 

Bang!

 

Even though they contained no internal energy, the moment their fists collided they created an explosive roar.

 

‘Damn…’

 

Zhuge Munhyeon was inwardly surprised.

 

Old man, what makes his bones so hard?

 

Not only his wrist and elbow but even his shoulder ached.

 

And using that collision as a starting point, Wi Jungsan fiercely deployed the martial arts of Beast Palace, while Zhuge Munhyeon responded with Star Fist.

 

The old tiger could not give up the territory he had guarded for so long, and the young tiger needed new territory, so their hands and feet toward each other inevitably became fierce.

 

Beginning their brawl, they were two beasts meeting and fighting in the field.

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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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