Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 229

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 229

“The tea tastes good.”

“Indeed it does. It seems the Namgung Family values their guests highly.”

“That’s all thanks to Scholar’s great reputation.”

“What reputation could a scholar who has retired to the countryside have?”

“But won’t you continue to speak so formally? Sangyun and I have decided to treat each other like brothers…”

Zhuge Munhyeon said while looking at Lee Sangyun sitting beside him.

“That’s right. Isn’t Elder Brother being uncomfortable?”

“Oh my! Still, one cannot act that way toward a benefactor.”

Lee Sangyun, whose face had brightened considerably compared to when he was captured by the bandit gang, took his side, but Scholar Yi Yongbaek shook his head.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly.

During the journey to the Namgung Family, he had grown quite close to Sangyun.

Now calling each other elder brother and younger brother came naturally.

Though he had been uncomfortable at first, through earnest effort, Munhyeon had managed to make him open his heart.

He had put in some effort, spent some money, and praise flowed from his lips as if oiled.

Fortunately, perhaps because they both shared the common ground of being descendants of scholarly families, their learning was similar and they communicated well.

Unexpectedly, they even exchanged poems…

“He’s a child I finally obtained in my old age, so you can’t imagine how worried I was when I heard he’d been kidnapped.”

“I understand. I know that feeling well.”

“Young Master Zhuge does?”

“Actually, my parents also had me at a late age, so they’re always full of worry.”

“Is that so? What a connection this is. Ha ha ha!”

Yi Yongbaek deliberately mentioned their connection and burst into laughter.

It was natural since he had saved his son.

A beloved benefactor no matter what he did, a grateful benefactor no matter what he did.

As expected, everything was going according to plan, and he was fully prepared to meet the head of the Namgung Family.

Yi Yongbaek, who had deep ties with the Governor of Anhui Province.

He was a good means to cross the threshold of the Namgung Family.

If he came alone asking them to open their doors, they would absolutely refuse.

How much resentment had built up over the years?

It would be fortunate if they didn’t shout at him to get lost.

‘I was thinking of using Geomchi, but how well this worked out.’

This was the plan he had made when first heading to the Namgung Family.

He had intended to visit Namgung Ilhak the Sword Tooth, who had once come to him requesting a martial duel, show his face, and through him try to meet the Family Head.

Of course, he had been prepared for minor conflicts in that process.

But luckily, he had met Sangyun.

Heaven is on my side.

By becoming close with him, meeting his father, and having him lead the way, there was no need to go through unnecessary procedures.

Without needing to meet Geomchi, he could directly request an audience with the Family Head.

Though he didn’t know how things would unfold afterward.

It was while they had been chatting for some time.

“The Family Head is coming.”

With the words of the martial artist guarding the reception hall, the door opened and a middle-aged man entered.

The head of the Namgung Family, Namgung Cheongeuk.

Though he wore splendid clothing, that didn’t catch the eye.

The overwhelming presence emanating from his entire body was suffocating, and attention was drawn to his gaze that pressed down on everyone present.

However, Yi Yongbaek and Sangyun seemed to feel nothing at all.

In other words, his aura was focused solely on him.

‘Indeed… so this is the master of the Namgung Family?’

He couldn’t help but admire.

A well-forged sword.

It was a heavy sword that contained not only sharpness that seemed ready to cut at the slightest touch, but also weight.

Judging by the aura he felt, it was comparable to the Heavenly Demon.

‘As expected, a prestigious family is a prestigious family. Even as time passes, the aura befitting its master is tremendous.’

Such a thing would be difficult with natural talent alone.

It would require constant effort as backing.

Though the attack on Hubei remained as bad blood in his heart, he had to acknowledge what deserved acknowledgment.

He was someone who didn’t stop and continued to strive.

As soon as Namgung Cheongeuk entered, Zhuge Munhyeon rose from his seat along with the Yi father and son to greet him.

That was proper etiquette.

Because I am a descendant of a learned family.

“Ha ha! Welcome, Scholar Yi.”

“I meet you again, Family Head.”

Though seeing Zhuge Munhyeon must have filled him with displeasure, Namgung Cheongeuk greeted them with a bright smile.

“How fortunate. Now that your son has returned safely, you must be greatly relieved.”

“It’s all thanks to the Family Head’s consideration.”

“…What help could I have been?”

“Not at all. I’ve already heard the story from Young Master Zhuge who saved my son.”

“Ah, I see.”

Namgung Cheongeuk glanced at Zhuge Munhyeon.

As expected, he was seasoned.

In such cases, there should have been at least some sign of confusion.

Since he wouldn’t know the exact details yet.

But he nodded with an ambiguous answer that was neither affirmation nor denial.

Still, he couldn’t hide his eyes.

The gaze that swept past him was filled with the meaning ‘What are you thinking, you bastard?’

“I heard you said it was an urgent matter and directly requested cooperation from the Zhuge Family?”

“…Oh my, it seems Young Master Zhuge made unnecessary flattering remarks.”

“Unnecessary flattering remarks? Absolutely not. How could requesting help from another family be easy? I’ve heard that martial families especially have strong pride and don’t carelessly entrust matters to others.”

“Pride isn’t more important than saving a person’s life.”

“Your words leave me not knowing where to put myself. Thanks to you, Young Master Zhuge safely brought back my son… I can only admire the Family Head’s judgment.”

“Ha ha! It seems I should thank the Zhuge Family once more. They sent none other than the renowned rising star of Hubei, relieving everyone’s worries.”

“The rising star of Hubei?”

“Didn’t you know? He’s the friend who stirred up Hubei Province with the title Violent Dragon.”

“Oh! I see. No wonder… He’s truly a remarkable person. From our conversation, his scholarly talents were outstanding, but to think his martial arts are excellent too.”

Praise continued in their exchange of words.

But Namgung Cheongeuk’s heart must have been incredibly complicated.

Requested help from the Zhuge Family?

What kind of bullshit was that?

Due to his past defeat, he probably wouldn’t even want to piss in the direction of Yungzhong Mountain.

But he continued his warm conversation with Yi Yongbaek without even frowning once.

‘A formidable man is a formidable man. Seeing how he’s not flustered at all.’

While admiring Namgung Cheongeuk’s composure, he felt a bit worried.

His exterior and interior were different.

Moreover, a person who could so easily hide his true feelings was very difficult to converse with.

‘Persuasion won’t be easy.’

Zhuge Munhyeon, with a bitter smile, quietly waited for their conversation to end.

“Well, I’m thinking of visiting the Governor as well to express my gratitude. That Zhuge and Namgung provided such great help.”

“You’re evaluating our modest help too highly.”

“Modest help? You’ve extended such benevolence all the way to Henan, so these are words that must be said.”

“Hehehe.”

How heartwarming.

But I can imagine how sharp the blade hidden within must be.

Right now, Namgung Cheongeuk has essentially been blindsided.

Rumors will spread.

That he sought help from the Zhuge Family.

He’s probably sharpening the blade in his heart with that continued laughter.

“Therefore, I intend to host a banquet to celebrate my son’s safe return, inviting the Castle Lord and all those who provided assistance.”

“Oh, I must certainly attend.”

“Of course! You absolutely should. If I could, I’d like to send invitations to the Zhuge Family at Yungzhong Mountain as well, but I’ll express my gratitude later and for now invite at least Zhuge Gongja.”

“Understood. I’ll have preparations made. And before that… I’d like to have a brief conversation with Zhuge Gongja who responded to my request.”

“You mean now? I’ll take my leave then. Though I’d love to stay, there must be matters between martial families to discuss.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Then I’ll see you at the banquet.”

After exchanging greetings and rising, Namgung Cheongeuk didn’t bother escorting them to the door.

“Jangho, escort this lord.”

“Yes!”

Namgung Cheongeuk’s guard Jangho guided them.

“Elder Brother, I’ll see you later. When you finish speaking with the Namgung Family Head, come to the manor. There are many good books in the library.”

“I’m already getting excited and my heart is racing?”

“Hehe, I knew you would. I’ll get permission for you to enter the Castle Lord’s private library as well.”

“The Castle Lord’s library?”

“Of course! Gaksu and I are the closest of friends.”

“Haha! Looks like I’ll benefit from my younger brother’s connections?”

Zhuge Munhyeon responded with laughter to Lee Sangyun’s words.

Gaksu is the Castle Lord’s son.

After seeing them off as they waved and departed, Zhuge Munhyeon sat back down.

No trace of laughter could be found anymore.

Namgung Cheongeuk, looking like he wouldn’t bleed a drop even if stabbed, glared at Zhuge Munhyeon as if to kill him.

Why put so much force into those eyes?

He’ll bore a hole through my face.

“…You bastard, what are you thinking?”

After a long while, a cold and heavy voice flowed from his lips.

The aura that burst forth filled the reception hall, but Zhuge Munhyeon didn’t even blink and wore a smile.

“There’s no need for many ears, is there? I don’t seem like much of a threat anyway.”

“…”

At his grinning words, Namgung Cheongeuk’s eyes twitched before he waved his hand, and the warriors guarding the reception hall bowed and withdrew.

A private meeting.

Only the two of them occupied this spacious reception hall.

But why does it feel much more stifling than when there were many people?

“Speak. What is your intention, you bastard?”

“Shouldn’t you thank me first?”

“What?”

“It seems I’ve solved a troublesome problem for the Namgung Family?”

“You, you bastard!”

Perhaps due to his rising anger, his aura immediately turned fierce and the wooden table cracked with a snap.

“Calm down. At this rate, you’ll get hurt. You wouldn’t want that, would you?”

“…”

At his continuously smirking attitude, Namgung Cheongeuk gritted his teeth.

He wanted to smash that head open, but he knew he couldn’t use force.

He was in no position to harm him.

Right now, he was Scholar Yi Yongbaek’s benefactor and furthermore, a guest of the Anhui Castle Lord.

“You’ve used your head quite well. Did you beggars know about the main house’s situation?”

“How could we? This was just a coincidence. Who would have known we’d encounter the kidnapped scholar’s son on the way?”

“A coincidence?”

“Of course.”

“Then you mean that coincidence not only created a situation for a private meeting with me, but also maneuvered things so I can’t lay a hand on you?”

At Namgung Cheongeuk’s words, Zhuge Munhyeon’s smile deepened.

Indeed, not just anyone sits in the high seat.

To read through his scheme at once – truly worthy of being called Anhui’s hegemon.

Meanwhile, he’s cleverly manipulating his aura to suppress only the energy channels without causing injury.

Quite impressive.

To be able to use the aura extended from his body so freely…

“Could you withdraw your energy? It’s stuffy and I can’t speak properly.”

“…”

As Zhuge Munhyeon frowned and grumbled while sipping tea, Namgung Cheongeuk’s eyes trembled.

Stuffy?

Bullshit.

The bastard is currently pushing back against his aura.

No, he was casually deflecting it.

‘Uncle’s words weren’t lies.’

He recalled the words of Namgung Ilhak the Sword Tooth, who once met him at a negotiation table.

That it would be better to maintain friendly relations with the Zhuge…

“Tell me. What intention do you have in wanting to meet with me?”

Namgung Cheongeuk immediately withdrew his aura.

The usefulness of Yi Yongbaek and Lee Sangyun father and son ends right here.

Now it was time for persuasion.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————