Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 2

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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 2

 

 

One day, the tiger that had protected the peace of the mountains with its mere presence disappeared.

The wolves, wild dogs, badgers, and even rabbits that had held their breath under that terrifying aura were intoxicated with joy.

They no longer had to be afraid.

Now they could leave their damp burrows and dance freely, raise their young diligently, and live peacefully.

But when was the world ever so lenient?

The territory of the mountain was limited, and the amount of vegetation to devour was not infinite either.

Naturally, fights broke out among the rabbits.

They had raised many young to feed, so if they couldn’t secure food, they would all starve to death.

Then what about the carnivores?

Acting as if they were the masters, they caused bloodshed here and there, making the mountain far more chaotic than when the tiger was alive.

That was the current state of the Murim.

Forty years after the Heavenly Demon’s death.

Sixty years had passed since entering Taiji Cave.

Like the Yangtze River, the previous generation retreated and the next generation became the new masters of the Central Plains, during which the Righteous Martial Alliance was dissolved.

The Evil Path Alliance had long since collapsed, and the Demon Cult had split due to internal wars caused by those vying to become the cult leader, eliminating the need to unite their will.

The current Murim had become a world of warlords where the distinction between righteous and evil had disappeared, and anyone could join hands with anyone else if it was profitable, regardless of differing ideologies.

And…

 

* * *

 

‘What the fucking hell!’

A baby crying with all its might, though of course to people it sounded like.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

…a vigorous cry announcing the birth of new life.

“My lady, it’s a son. Congratulations.”

At the midwife’s congratulations, the mother who had endured the difficult labor smiled faintly and took the child in her arms.

It had been a late birth and a difficult delivery.

Her entire body was drenched in sweat.

The woman had fainted and awakened several times during the labor pains that continued for two whole days, and finally gave birth to a son.

But the woman cared more for her son who had suffered coming through the birth canal than for her own hardship.

“My son… well done.”

“Waaaaaaaah!”

The child cried again.

Of course, the meaning contained within was.

‘What are you doing! How dare you handle me, Baek Ganghwi, like this! Put me down right now, woman!’

But resistance was futile.

“How amazing. To open his eyes right after birth? In my fifty years as a midwife, this is the first time I’ve seen such a baby. Oh my? The baby is so clever. Look how he stretches out his hand, it seems he wants to embrace his mother.”

“Indeed.”

“He will surely become a great person, my lady.”

The woman smiled as she gently held the chubby, adorable hand.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

‘Let go! I said let go!’

But again, resistance was meaningless.

This damn situation…

What kind of ridiculous circumstances were these?

He had thought it was Ascension to Immortality.

Leaving his familiar body, he had drifted aimlessly like a leaf carried by the wind, like a leaf floating on water.

It was the floating of the soul.

He thought it was the process of shedding the shell of this world and finding his true form.

Then at some point, he felt suffocated being trapped in a dark, narrow space, but only briefly, as his whole body felt crushed with pain and his head felt like it would burst from pressure as he slipped out somewhere.

Yes, how could there be no pain?

It was Ascension to Immortality after all…

That’s what he had thought.

When his vision brightened and he saw the world, he assumed it must be the Immortal Realm.

But something was strange.

Inside a room surrounded by folding screens and hanging cloth.

A low wooden bed with purple silk bedding, and between the warmth from a brazier full of red-hot charcoal, a fragrant smell permeated the air.

Was that all?

There was a medicine pot for heating medicine, brass scissors and warm towels, and various talismans of unknown meaning.

His mind went blank for a moment.

Wasn’t this a delivery room?

Then it wasn’t ascension but… re, reincarnation?

Ah, damn it.

“Thank you for coming to me, my son.”

The woman who seemed to be his mother rubbed her cheek against his.

‘Mmph grrmph… mmm.’

Just as he was about to clench his gums and resist, he felt moisture on his cheek.

‘Cr, crying?’

He absolutely hated it.

Women crying.

But why was it?

The warmth contained in her tears made a corner of his heart tingle.

‘Mmm…’

It was a strange feeling.

An emotion he had never felt in his lifetime.

What should he call this… perhaps a mother’s affection?

Damn, he would need to have experienced it before to make comparisons.

He couldn’t even remember the same moment from his previous life, and after being captured by the Demon Cult as a child and surviving countless life-threatening situations, he had forgotten even emotions. Until reaching the supreme position of cult leader, he had only pursued strength and never loved a woman.

No, he had to be cautious even of women who approached him.

They were all schemes by assassins targeting his life.

But now something hot was rising within him… a corner of his heart felt warm and he couldn’t reject her touch.

‘R, right. She’s crying… there’s no need to push her away. It’s not like my cheek will wear out.’

He briefly entrusted his body to the woman’s hands.

It was an unfamiliar emotion he had never experienced or learned, but it wasn’t too bad. It somehow made his heart feel at peace.

Perhaps it was an instinct he gained from being a baby.

But then.

“My lady, here is the Life Blood Decoction. The Medical Sage personally wrote the prescription.”

“How grateful.”

“Please give me the baby. I’ll show him to your husband and return.”

“Please do.”

The woman handed him over to the midwife.

Why was the warmth being taken away so regrettable?

‘W, wait. Just a little more… Huh? A moment would be fine. It’s because it’s the first time. Because I never got to feel a mother’s affection.’

I shouted desperately, but nothing came out except crying sounds of ‘Waah!’

And so I was wrapped in red cloth and handed over to the old woman’s hands.

Just as I was looking at the woman with wistful eyes, knowing I would return again, a chill suddenly rushed in.

I had been brought outside the delivery room.

Outside, there was a man dressed as a Taoist and a man with a refined appearance wearing scholarly robes.

The moment I saw that, my emotion vanished completely and sparks flew from my eyes.

A, a Taiji Taoist Crown!?

‘Damn you! How dare you be here!’

Suddenly I was filled with rage.

What could be the reason I skipped Ascension to Immortality and was reborn again?

It couldn’t be my fault.

It was because that bastard Yu Gilcheon taught me the wrong Ascension Method.

I wanted to tear him apart right now, but the midwife had not only tightly bound me with red cloth, but also wrapped me in thick swaddling clothes, leaving only my face barely visible.

“Would you like to hold him?”

“Mm.”

At the midwife’s words, the man who seemed to be my father carefully took me in both hands, all bundled up.

He appeared indifferent, but his eyes were full of pride.

What kind of emotion is this?

Paternal love?

Though he didn’t show it outwardly, I could feel that caring and loving heart… I was so entranced by this unfamiliar feeling that I just stared with dazed eyes.

“Haha! Look at that loud voice of his. Your son will probably become a general.”

Just as I was deeply absorbed in paternal affection, the Taoist burst into hearty laughter and spoke.

‘Shut up, Taoist. Don’t touch me, it’s disgusting!’

I glared with eyes full of resentment, but the Taoist found even that adorable and made clicking sounds with his tongue.

‘This bastard is really asking to die!’

“Waaaaaaah!”

I had no choice but to cry.

It was justified rebellion against that damn Taoist.

Just wait, you damned Taoist!

I will accept this fate of birth.

But I will definitely grow up strong and seek out every Taoist in the world to wipe out their entire lineage!

“Hoho! Look at those eyes. So black and cute. The way you’re staring at me like that, you must like me too.”

It’s a misunderstanding, I was glaring at you.

Whether you find me cute or not, I was definitely glaring and making a resentful vow.

But did he sense that feeling?

My father made a very displeased expression toward the Taoist.

“You go too far, elder brother.”

“Huh?”

“How can you say such things?”

“Ah, no, what did I do?”

At father’s cold rebuke, the Taoist looked troubled.

Well done, my father.

Since things have come to this, I’ll grow up considering you my father.

But.

“A general from our family?”

“Ah, right. I misspoke. Sorry about that. Haha!”

Somehow the conversation seems strange.

Was he upset because of the word ‘general’? Why?

“Just wait and see. I will raise this child to be the most outstanding scholar in our Zhuge Family.”

My mind went blank for a moment.

What did he just say?

Zhu… ge?

Did he say Zhuge Family?

Me?

I, Baek Ganghwi, who was the master of ten thousand demon soldiers, the patriarch of the demonic path, earned the title of Heavenly Demon and reigned as the greatest under heaven, became a son of the Zhuge Family?

Those lackeys of the Murim Alliance who only engage in sinister and base schemes? And not even as the head, but from a family that’s satisfied being second-rate for life…

“I’ve already decided on a name.”

“Really?”

“Since it’s the ‘Mun’ generation, it’s Munhyeon.”

“Oh! A virtuous and wise person who governs literature well… That’s truly a good name.”

No! I don’t want it!

What’s this Munhyeon! Munhyeon!

If it’s already decided to be Zhuge, even if you use the generation character, give me a different name!

Munyong emphasizing sharpness! Mungui meaning strong as a ghost! Munmu to learn excellent martial arts… Damn it, the character ‘Mun’ sounds weird with anything attached.

But my fierce rebellion.

“Waaaaaaah!”

Became loud crying that pleased father and the Taoist.

“Haha! Look how happy this little one is?”

“Right?”

“Of course! Just as you said, he’ll definitely become a great scholar. Look, the child is so happy his eyes are sparkling, aren’t they?”

I was glaring, you damn fool!

“Brother, you’re exaggerating. I mean, basic learning is enough. As long as he grows up healthy, I couldn’t ask for more.”

At the Taoist’s words, father smiled warmly.

“Munhyeon! From now on, that is your name! Hahaha!”

Shut up! Shut up! I don’t need such a name!

Baek Ganghwi cried that day as if he had some lifelong sorrow he’d never been able to express.

“Now, let me recite a blessing for the child’s peaceful life.”

“Thank you, elder brother.”

That day, Baek Ganghwi seriously considered whether he should commit an extremely wicked act of filial impiety at the moment of his birth.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

“Oh, midwife! Why is the child’s face so red?”

“Pardon?”

Was it because I cried too hard from the layers of rising anger?

Fever bloomed on my face.

The startled midwife made a fuss about calling a physician, father didn’t know what to do, and that damn Taoist earnestly chanted spells claiming to heal the fever.

Anyway, there was no chaos like this chaos.

Ah, life…

How did I end up…

Of all things, the Zhuge Family.

When my hands should be drenched in blood, I ended up living with ink stains instead.

 

* * *

 

Splurt.

“Oh my, the young master must have strong intestines. It’s such a golden color.”

At maid Sohye’s words, mother Baek Suhyeon smiled, and Baek Ganghwi, no, Zhuge Munhyeon, gave up and let his mind go with a ‘whatever happens, happens’ attitude.

It should only be for a day or two.

A baby’s daily routine was originally just repeating eating, defecating, and sleeping.

At first I was embarrassed, but after defecating about twelve times a day, now it doesn’t bother me at all.

It’s not like growth is something that happens as you wish.

What good was being the greatest person in the world?

What good was having all the memories of a previous life?

Right now, he was just a hundred-day-old baby moving according to others’ whims like a puppet with strings attached. Though he hadn’t been born long ago, he had learned to become detached after passing through self-loathing.

‘Buddha is truly amazing.’

Respect for him naturally grew.

How amazing was it that he took seven steps immediately after birth and proclaimed “I alone am honored in heaven and earth”?

No wonder he tried to achieve Ascension to Immortality.

The Immortal Realm and Paradise must be full of such amazing people.

“By the way, it’s a big problem that his speech is delayed.”

“What do you mean?”

“When he was born, his crying was so loud, but since then he hasn’t even babbled…”

“Perhaps the young master is naturally taciturn?”

“Oh my!”

Baek Suhyeon smiled at Sohye’s words.

Yes, he was taciturn.

Because he hated speaking due to this damned fate.

But Baek Suhyeon showed a pitiful expression behind her smile.

Somehow his heart ached.

Even though he had memories of his previous life, her every expression tugged at his heart.

They say children can read emotions just by looking at their mother’s expressions, and it seemed to be true.

“Miss, please wait a little. He might start speaking faster than anyone else before his first birthday.”

“Do you think so?”

“Of course.”

At Sohye’s words, Baek Suhyeon finally nodded as if relieved.

Hmm, should I make her a little happy?

She’s someone who let me feel a mother’s affection that I never had in my lifetime, so some babbling should be fine.

No, she is my mother since I was reborn through her body.

Zhuge Munhyeon looked into Baek Suhyeon’s eyes while moving his mouth and said.

“Mama, food.”

Her eyes widened.

She was so surprised that she looked back and forth between Sohye and herself repeatedly.

I was surprised too.

I just intended to show some babbling.

How did it come out so clearly… Hmm, this makes Buddha seem like nothing special?

“Did, did you hear that?”

“I did, but… it was too clear…”

Both seemed unable to believe it.

Fine, I’ll do it once more.

“Mama, food.”

Though it was only two words, Baek Suhyeon was so surprised her eyes nearly popped out as she shouted loudly.

“Sa, Sanggo!”

That day, Zhuge Munhyeon achieved the feat of breaking the Zhuge Family’s youngest speaking record.

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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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