Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 218

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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 218

The date for the small gathering was set for the day the Dang Family would arrive at Yungzhong Mountain.

They would depart from Sichuan, take a boat to arrive at Yichang, where Zhuge Munho would personally go out to meet them.

Wudang only needed to send word and could depart later without being late.

Since it wasn’t far.

Small Leader Sayo was to personally carry out the communication.

For them too, this matter was extremely important.

It could become the starting point for expanding Gaebang’s territory to Sichuan.

Since they had already given a favorable impression to the Sichuan Dang Family through Zhuge Munhyeon, they judged that gathering the scattered Gaebangdo in Sichuan wouldn’t be too difficult.

Everything began under the Young Family Head’s leadership.

There was no discord.

The Family Head and the family elders were giving their full support.

* * *

“Hmm, so it’ll be two months from now?”

“Right.”

Outside the main manor, at the Byeongjudang Master’s manor.

Zhuge Junggi, who had stuck his lips out quite far, nodded with a very displeased expression.

“Things are progressing well, but why do you look so dissatisfied? You made good plans and even got permission from all the elders? I heard the Family Head even granted you the position of Executive General for this matter.”

Executive General is a temporary military position granted by the Zhuge Family.

It’s a position that can oversee and make suggestions about all the family’s assets until a specific purpose is achieved.

The problem was.

“Then why do I have to act as a messenger too?”

“What?”

“Damn it, I’m already suffering with my head splitting from the useless work that started with you and the Young Family Head, so why do I have to be a messenger on top of Executive General duties! You could come directly to hear about progress like this!”

“….”

Zhuge Munhyeon stared quietly at him as he grumbled angrily.

This guy is really a smart fool.

Who told him to act as a messenger?

“Junggi.”

“What! Why!”

“You’re the Executive General, right?”

“Exactly! So why am I also handling messenger duties?”

“Sigh… As Executive General, can’t you select even one person to use?”

“Of course I can select…”

Zhuge Junggi’s words, which had been carrying anger drawn up from his core to refute, were cut short.

He was the Executive General.

All the assets he oversaw included human resources too.

In other words, whenever needed, he could coordinate with each hall, each office, each institute to make selections.

Whether it was someone to assist him, someone to help with events, or even messengers.

He had momentarily forgotten.

Because the person he needed to deliver messages to was Zhuge Munhyeon.

‘This damn…’

Zhuge Junggi’s face contorted as he realized his own stupidity.

“Anyway, you’ve made solid plans. First hold a small meeting, then gather the Nine Sects through Wudang, while the Dang Family and Zhuge gather the martial families? Not bad. You two must have worked hard?”

“Ahem, it wasn’t really that much work. There are still detailed matters remaining.”

“Hmm, you’ll have to make it more concrete gradually. And I’ll take care of Wudang myself.”

“Huh?”

“There happens to be a Wudang Taoist at the main house.”

Zhuge Munhyeon glanced at Mujin, who was helping with Dan Yeonhwa’s training in one corner of the courtyard.

“Ah…”

“Keep that in mind, and go back now.”

“What will Elder Brother do?”

“Huh?”

“Are you planning not to help and just leave it all to us?”

“I’m already helping.”

“What? When?”

“The letter sent to the Dang Family will include my name as an excuse, won’t it?”

“Well…”

It was an undeniable fact.

Right now, the name Zhuge Munhyeon alone appeared as tremendous goodwill to the Dang Family.

“And you’ll continue using my name afterward too.”

“….”

That too couldn’t be denied.

Right now, the fame of the name ‘Zhuge Munhyeon’ was much greater than the prestige of the Zhuge Family itself.

He had long since left the well of Hubei and grown enough to represent the entire family.

“Isn’t that sufficient as a guest scholar’s role?”

“But still, whether Elder Brother is present or not makes a big difference. Elder Brother Munho relies on you too.”

“Until when?”

“What?”

“Elder Brother Munho is someone who must become the Family Head. He shouldn’t try to depend on me. He needs to get used to doing it himself.”

“That’s true, but since this matter is what it is…”

“Don’t worry. Elder Brother Munho isn’t that stupid. You’re beside him too.”

“….”

At the words defending him with a chuckle, Zhuge Junggi pouted for no reason.

He felt good as if he’d been acknowledged, but…

“From now on, decide minor matters yourself. When possible, receive the Family Head’s instructions. Just send a messenger to inform me of decided matters. Things I need to do as well.”

“…Okay, I’ll do that. But what are you planning to do, Elder Brother?”

“I naturally have to do what I must do.”

“What you must do?”

“I told you. I’d do the physical work.”

“…?”

“You won’t need to worry about Wudang and the Dang Family. They’ve already leaned toward our side. But we need to consider what comes after. I don’t know how the gathering will be decided, but when martial artists gather, what will they look at first?”

“You mean martial power?”

“You understand well. Strategy, tactics, formations, mechanisms – these are areas the Zhuge Family specializes in and everyone knows about. But what’s really important to martial sects is whether they possess strong power or not.”

“That’s true.”

“Sometimes that power is determined only by the martial artists representing the faction… but sometimes it’s based on the strength of the martial artists under them.”

“Hmm…”

Zhuge Junggi nodded.

It was what the current Zhuge Family lacked most.

Traditionally, all sects in the Central Plains possessed martial units that others would acknowledge.

Like Wudang’s Taiji Swordsmen, Huashan’s Plum Blossom Swordsmen, Shaolin’s Arhat Monks, Namgung’s Changgung Sword Unit, and the Peng Family’s Thunderbolt Unit.

Overwhelming forces that could instantly change the atmosphere just by being deployed to the battlefield.

In contrast, Zhuge had… nothing.

Only the Hyeonho Unit.

Compared to other factions, it fell short in both quantity and quality.

“Don’t tell me you’re planning to create a new martial unit?”

“Correct.”

“Does that make sense?”

“We have to make it make sense.”

“Just two months away?”

“Two months until the small gathering. There’s more time left before the grand gathering opens after that.”

“Even so, at most it’s half a year. Creating a martial force comparable to other powers in such a short time doesn’t make sense.”

“You think so?”

“What?”

“Don’t underestimate human potential. When people work like crazy, sometimes they accomplish unimaginably great things.”

“What kind of…”

The words ‘Are you insane?’ rose to his throat, but Zhuge Junggi couldn’t bring himself to spit them out.

Zhuge Munhyeon wore a faint smile.

He was full of confidence as if he would naturally accomplish it.

‘What is this guy trying to do now?’

But he wasn’t worried.

The man he had observed until now had always realized things that everyone called insane acts.

Logic?

That kind of thing doesn’t work on this person.

He’s the type who somehow manages to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to.

“Sigh, I really don’t understand what kind of person elder brother is.”

“Kukuk, don’t try to understand me too deeply. It’ll only complicate your mind.”

Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled at the sight of Zhuge Junggi shaking his head and sighing.

“Anyway, keep this in mind. The future of the Zhuge Family depends on the success or failure of this matter.”

“Damn, I know that too.”

The future of Zhuge.

The moment they decided to lead the gathering, it was no different from walking on a blade’s edge.

If it goes well… they could escape the prejudice of being a military strategist family.

Even if they couldn’t become the Murim Alliance Leader like someone’s wild words suggested, they would receive equal or better treatment than other martial families.

They’re smart and excellent in martial arts too.

But if the gathering ends in failure?

The Zhuge Family would receive worse treatment than before.

That’s what you get for trying.

Or they would be ridiculed for being a family without the capability dreaming uselessly big dreams.

Perhaps the Zhuge Family had wagered a fortune on a gamble with slim odds.

“Well then, go back now. I’m going to be quite busy from now on too.”

“…”

At the following dismissal, Zhuge Junggi sighed repeatedly as he left the manor.

Indeed, who was worrying about whom?

Zhuge Munhyeon was right.

Each person had to do what they were good at.

Himself and the Young Family Head making plans, Zhuge Munhyeon trying to build up martial power.

If either one slipped up, it would be straight to hell.

So they had no choice but to do their absolute best.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Munhyeon watched Zhuge Junggi walking away, then quietly turned his gaze.

“Haah…”

“…”

“Haaaaaah…”

In a corner of the manor.

It was Mother.

She was letting out long, long sighs that seemed to sink the ground while watching the affectionate scene of Mujin and Dan Yeonhwa training together sweetly.

‘She should just give up…’

A bitter smile formed.

But the Family Head and other adults had shown very satisfactory handling of the matter.

In reality, Father bore all the damage and ended up using separate rooms, but Zhuge Munhyeon no longer had to listen to nagging.

Marriage was difficult for now because he had to be in a pivotal position for the family’s future.

When told that way, Mother had no choice but to accept it.

Since the Family Head had no wife and Second Uncle and his wife had passed away long ago, she as the third was being treated equivalent to the ‘family matriarch.’

Though he felt unnecessarily sorry…

‘Time will solve it.’

Zhuge Munhyeon smiled bitterly and turned around.

“Mujin, Yeonhwa.”

“Yes!”

“Did you call for me, Master?”

“Let’s go to Cheonseong Pavilion.”

Called upon, they immediately stopped training and prepared.

“Are you starting now?”

“Yes.”

“I should steel my resolve as well.”

“Please do.”

“Haha! Don’t mention it… It’s rather an honor to be able to help.”

Mujin showed firm determination.

The discussion with him was already finished.

Thinking he was receiving help, he showed enthusiasm beyond what he had originally wanted.

“Yeonhwa will participate as a trainee from now on.”

“Yes!”

She also nodded with a resolute expression.

Though he had taught many others before, she was his official first disciple.

Mujin was the Heavenly Demon’s disciple after all.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes!”

Zhuge Munhyeon walked vigorously toward Cheonseong Pavilion with them.

“Uh, um… haaaaaah.”

Baek Suhyeon, who was watching their retreating figures, continued to sigh.

“Madam.”

“Hm?”

“Would you like to visit the pharmacy?”

“Pharmacy?”

“Yes. You might develop heart disease at this rate.”

“…”

At Sohye’s worried words, Baek Suhyeon slowly nodded.

It seemed she needed to receive counseling.

That damn son who had absolutely no interest in women…

“Wait a moment, Sohye.”

“Yes?”

“Didn’t you say the Dang Family was coming earlier?”

“That’s right. They said they’d attend the small gathering. I think they said about two months from now…”

“Two months from now… you say?”

Suddenly, life began to return to Baek Suhyeon’s eyes.

She hadn’t given up yet.

Dan Yeonhwa wasn’t the only woman around, after all.

* * *

On the southern foothills of Yungzhong Mountain, a large-scale training ground located a short distance from the main manor.

This was Cheonseong Pavilion, where the future pillars of the Zhuge Family who had not yet undergone their coming-of-age ceremony received training.

Originally located within the main manor, it had been relocated and expanded when the Zhuge Family’s influence within Hubei Province gradually grew and the demand for more martial artists increased.

But today was different.

Instead of the usual trainees, there were adult martial artists of various ages and genders.

They were selected from all the martial artists belonging to the Zhuge Family.

In the tense and restless atmosphere, the martial artists looked up at the platform.

Zhuge Munhyeon.

The martial artist who had become the greatest master of the Zhuge Family before reaching adulthood, whose name was shaking not just Hubei but the Four Seas.

The martial artists concentrated intently, not wanting to miss a single detail of his expression, lips, or gaze.

Of course, Gwan Hwiping was included among them.

But then it happened.

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s gesture, a cart pulled by a strong horse rattled into Cheonseong Pavilion.

‘What’s that?’

‘It looks quite heavy?’

Just as everyone was wondering, the workers who had come with it pulled away the cloth covering the cart.

Black metal objects.

It was filled with iron rings that looked heavy at first glance.

“Uncle, both of you.”

“Yes.”

“Please lock the doors.”

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, Hyeonho Dan Leader Zhuge Domyeong and Cheonseong Pavilion Master Zhuge Dohyeong, who had been positioned to one side, personally closed the doors and barred them.

Thud!

Then they stood guard in front like sentries.

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had satisfyingly surveyed the puzzled expressions of the martial artists, spoke while pulling up both corners of his mouth in a bizarre smile.

“Everyone… welcome to hell.”

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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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