Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 235

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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 235

Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled at the sight of Tang Yung excitedly badmouthing the Hwangbo Family.

“That’s enough.”

“Enough of what? Do you know how frustrated I was watching from the side? You’re the one who recommended that guy as Young Family Head, right? Why on earth?”

“Because he’s capable enough.”

“Capable? What’s capable about him?! Even after being disrespected like that, he didn’t get angry but just kept smiling! I wanted to step in and cause trouble myself!”

Tang Yung kept fuming with anger.

What right did he have to be so displeased about another family’s affairs?

But his heart that cared for the Zhuge Family was admirable and appreciated.

Of course, that didn’t mean he could keep listening to it.

This wasn’t a place where only he was present.

“Yeon.”

“What! Why!”

“I told you to stop.”

“Did I say something wrong? Can’t sworn brothers do at least this much?”

“Who are sworn brothers?”

“You and! Me!”

“Sigh, fine. Fine. You can be my sworn brother too.”

“You should have done that from the start.”

It was then that Tang Yung, who had finally become a sworn brother, was feeling satisfied.

“But do you live without looking around? We haven’t even exchanged greetings yet. You came and started right away, badmouthing the Hwangbo Family this whole time.”

“…”

Only then did Tang Yung glance around and speak awkwardly, calming his anger.

“I apologize. I got too excited seeing Munhyeon, whom I consider my sworn brother…”

“Haha! Don’t mind it. Rather, your heart that thinks of the Zhuge Family is admirable.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“But what is this sworn brotherhood?”

“Ah, it means a friend you trust and rely on.”

“Hmm, that’s a good meaning. To think the Young Family Head of the Tang Family thinks of Munhyeon that way…”

It was essentially rude behavior.

Coming to where the Namgung Family was staying and just chattering about other family matters.

And he had been quite angry while doing so.

But in recent times, who could get so genuinely angry for another’s sake?

The current Murim was one that calculated with profit rather than helping with righteousness and chivalry.

‘There used to be many such attitudes before…’

Namgung Ilhak glanced at Namgung San.

I wish our Young Family Head could also become sworn brothers with Munhyeon.

Not staying only within the family’s walls but interacting with people of All Under Heaven, sharing righteousness, building friendships and helping each other…

Such attitudes had disappeared in this era.

If not bound by interests, they would turn away, and when witnessing others’ difficulties, they would rather consider if they could exploit it.

But Tang Yung’s current appearance reminded him of Namgung Ilhak’s own youth, which had been full of chivalrous spirit.

“Let me greet you again. I am Yeon, Young Family Head of the Tang Family.”

“I am called Ilhak of the Namgung Family.”

“It’s my first time meeting you.”

Even though Namgung Ilhak had revealed his name, Tang Yung’s reaction was somewhat dry.

“Geomchi.”

“Oh, right.”

Zhuge Munhyeon, unable to watch any longer, added a word, but Tang Yung didn’t seem particularly surprised.

That was understandable.

It wasn’t because the Tang Family was too proud or lacked manners.

Geomchi was an elder of the Namgung Family.

No matter how great a reputation he had built in the previous generation, his period of activity was two generations ahead of Tang Yung.

Moreover, Anhui and Sichuan were located at the eastern and western edges of the Central Plains respectively.

No matter how great Geomchi’s reputation was, it would be difficult for it to spread to the western edge and be respected there.

But from Zhuge Munhyeon’s position, caught between them, it couldn’t help but be uncomfortable.

He was no longer the Heavenly Demon who thought himself supreme under heaven, but a descendant of a Central Plains martial family.

He should show proper respect to Geomchi.

“If we compare to the Tang Family, he’s about equivalent to Bang Leader Tang Yung.”

“Huh?”

“In the eastern Central Plains, his reputation is actually much higher. Enough that people know him just by name.”

They would be of similar age.

Tang Family’s Bang Leader Tang Yung, and Geomchi.

Since their periods of activity were similar.

“By Bang Leader, you mean that fellow Tang Yung?”

“Yes.”

“Haha! That’s a nostalgic name.”

“…”

At Namgung Ilhak’s words, Tang Yung’s expression changed completely.

It seemed that the connection with Tang Yung, who was used as a comparison, resonated more with him than Geomchi’s reputation.

“Do you know Bang Leader well?”

“Just know him? We were quite close at one time. We fought a lot too.”

“What? You’re close?”

“Oh my, it seems that fellow Tang Yung never told his descendants about me. Well now, I’ll have to visit Sichuan later and give that guy a spanking.”

As he laughed playfully, Tang Yung blinked his wide eyes.

Spank the Bang Leader?

Even Father, who is the Family Head, couldn’t do that…

Surely he wouldn’t say such things without any connection.

“Oh my, I didn’t know you were Bang Leader’s close friend and committed a great discourtesy. I, Yeon, Young Family Head of the Tang Family, greet you again.”

Tang Yung’s attitude when greeting again was completely different from before.

If earlier it was a somewhat blunt attitude that only maintained courtesy toward an elder, now it was full of respect for a close relative.

Truly befitting the Tang Family.

Though somewhat late, even after showing sufficient courtesy, how warmly he treated those within his inner circle.

“Haha! Why greet me again?”

“No, I should do so. Also, since you’re no different from a grandfather to me, I will regard and treat you as such from now on.”

“What a refreshing personality. Good, good.”

Namgung Ilhak burst into hearty laughter at Tang Yung’s boldness, delighted.

How could he not be pleased?

It must have felt like returning to those days when martial families interacted warmly.

“I am San, Young Family Head of the Namgung Family.”

“I am Yeon of the Tang Family.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Following this, he exchanged greetings with the Namgung San and Namgung Yu brothers, and the atmosphere became warm.

Though five were seated, only three were exchanging drinks and conversation.

Namgung San, who sat silently just sipping the clear liquor, felt somewhat left out inside.

How could they all be so natural?

This was a relationship he had never experienced before.

Friends?

There was no way such a thing existed.

In the family, because of his position as Young Family Head, he had to value dignity and prestige, and always had to be careful to show no lacking aspects.

He had no choice but to keep his distance even from his blood brother Namgung Yu.

Because someday when he ascended to the position of Family Head, he would have to treat him as a subordinate.

That’s how he was educated and how he had grown up.

Namgung San had considered it perfectly natural as one who must inherit the future Namgung Family.

Because he had to prioritize the family above all else.

Because that’s what it meant to be the Young Family Head.

But he found himself envious of them, exchanging childish jokes and speaking with open hearts.

‘Friends… No, a relationship that transcends even that – true sworn brotherhood.’

For some reason, he felt diminished.

Watching them somehow filled his surroundings with an even deeper loneliness.

After several more rounds of drinks, Namgung Ilhak casually asked.

“So what do you plan to do?”

“About what?”

“Isn’t your family being disrespected?”

At Namgung Ilhak’s words, Yu Gilcheon, his face flushed either from the alcohol or excitement, made more of a fuss than even Zhuge Munhyeon.

“That’s right, Grandfather! We absolutely cannot stand by and watch! How can they treat us with such contempt when we were once one of the representatives of Central Plains martial families?”

It’s not even about the Dang Family, yet he’s making more of a scene than the person actually involved.

And since when is Namgung Ilhak your grandfather?

“The Hwangbo Family didn’t particularly do anything wrong, so what exactly should we do?”

“What? I saw you being disrespected with my own eyes!”

“You should stop too. What disrespect? From the Hwangbo Family’s perspective, it’s perfectly reasonable.”

“What did you say?”

“If Elder Brother Munho really thought he was being disrespected, do you think he would have just sat there quietly?”

“Hmph! He sat there just fine.”

“He sat quietly because he didn’t consider it disrespect. They didn’t particularly insult the Zhuge Family or turn us away at the gate.”

“Damn it! That is turning us away at the gate! Making us use the same lodging as minor families!”

At Yu Gilcheon’s words, Zhuge Munhyeon shook his head.

“Then were the minor families also turned away at the gate?”

“What?”

“The situation is the same. It’s not about who we are, but simply accepting that this is the Zhuge Family’s current position.”

“But…”

“Elder Brother Munho would know this fact better than anyone. Rather than getting angry at someone’s poor treatment, he’s probably thinking we need to work harder ourselves.”

“Geez, you’re really easygoing. Seriously, only I’m getting angry, only me!”

“Good grief…”

It seems persuasion won’t work.

Well, how could someone born as the Young Family Head of the Dang Family, who has reigned as the king of Sichuan and is only accustomed to being treated well, understand a life without such treatment?

“Anyway, I got to drink some good alcohol. Whether it’s because it was free, or because the Hwangbo Family put a lot of care into it, the alcohol tastes good.”

“Mm, going to leave?”

“I should go now. There are people eagerly waiting for my arrival.”

“Do that then.”

Namgung Ilhak didn’t bother to detain him further and nodded.

He knew that even if the environment was harsh, staying with his own family members would be more comfortable.

“Since it’s late at night, let’s save the greetings with the Zhuge Family’s Young Family Head for tomorrow.”

“Yes, I’ll come visit again tomorrow with the Young Family Head to pay my respects.”

“Hehe, I could come visit too.”

“How could that be? Now that we’ve set aside old grievances and are in the same boat, it’s proper etiquette to come visit where the elder resides to pay respects. My family is particularly strict about proper manners.”

“Haha! It’s quite refreshing to hear you say such things.”

“You joke well too.”

“Joke? Jo-oke? Is that something to say when you mercilessly beat up an elder under the guise of a martial duel?”

“Well, that was…”

It was a martial duel.

Because he believes that when you see shortcomings, you should attack with all your might so they can learn more from it.

“Keke, it seems Grandfather got thoroughly beaten too.”

“Beat me mercilessly without any consideration.”

“That’s just how he is. He learned to respect elders in a strange way, you know?”

At Yu Gilcheon’s giggling words, he felt like he’d become the bad guy for no reason.

Zhuge Munhyeon stood up from his seat with an awkward expression.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

As Zhuge Munhyeon gave a brief farewell and turned around, Yu Gilcheon immediately followed.

“I’ll come along too.”

“Why you too? You should go now and come back tomorrow.”

“Wherever I go with my own feet is my choice. As your sworn brother, I need to see with my own eyes how the Hwangbo Family is disrespecting the Zhuge Family. Mungi, get ready.”

“Yes! Young Family Head.”

“Sigh…”

A sigh escaped naturally.

Why is the Dang Family getting involved in Zhuge affairs?

And why is that Mungi guy, who left saying he hated the family, suddenly caring about the family?

Did he develop some family affection he didn’t have before after struggling in foreign lands?

It was then, as Zhuge Munhyeon was shaking his head and about to leave.

“Young Family Head.”

“Yes.”

“You should go along too.”

“Pardon?”

“Didn’t Munhyeon say it? That you’re already in the same boat. From the looks of it, the drinking will continue there too, and wouldn’t that be less uncomfortable than drinking with an old man?”

“Ah, well…”

“Go on. I’m already getting sleepy with old age.”

Namgung San hesitated for a moment, but immediately stood up at the sound transmission that followed.

[You go and become sworn brothers too.]

It was consideration, in a way.

He was probably trying to create an opportunity for him to become close, for his sake who had only been listening the whole time.

“Then I’ll be going. Yuya, let’s go.”

“Me too?”

“Then you’re telling me to go alone?”

“…Yes.”

Namgung San and even Namgung Yu.

Seeing them following along wanting to become another set of sworn brothers, Zhuge Munhyeon sighed repeatedly.

Ah, these sworn brothers.

They’re annoyingly troublesome.

* * *

The outskirts of Taean, where envoys from minor families gathered to attend Family Head Hwangbo’s birthday celebration were staying.

Being the outskirts, most were small inns, and among them, the place where the Zhuge Family ended up staying was an inn called Choaeru.

“Th-these bastards really…”

Dawn, well past midnight.

Yu Gilcheon frowned as he arrived in front of the brightly lit Choaeru.

It was an inn in name only.

No, it was embarrassing to even call it that.

The signboard’s letters had peeled off from wind and rain, making it hard to read, and the walls were warped from moisture with clear traces of insect damage everywhere.

Even among the inns where small and medium-sized family clans stayed, it looked particularly shabby.

It was blatant disrespect.

However, since no emotion showed on Zhuge Munhyeon’s face, Yu Gilcheon could only let out deep sighs in frustration.

But then it happened.

Crack!

The inn’s old door shattered as some martial artist came flying out and crashed into the ground.

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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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