Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 238

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

Chapter 238

Masters habitually tell their disciples, “Always control your emotions.”

When swayed by emotions, even movements practiced countless times carry excessive force and become unnecessarily exaggerated.

Im Gonyou was in exactly that situation now.

Too much force went into the sword he swung in anger.

The sword’s trajectory drew an excessively large arc, slicing through empty air without cutting anything.

‘Damn it…’

He could see the eyes of Zhuge Munho, who had lowered his stance and leaped into his embrace.

A deep blue light flickered within them.

It was too late to avoid the attack.

Having exposed his chest completely, he had to brace for impact.

But hadn’t he already shown the unsightly spectacle of being struck by his elbow and rolling on the ground?

With everyone watching, he couldn’t hide anything.

‘You think I’ll just take it quietly!’

Im Gonyou aimed for Zhuge Munho’s head with his empty hand that wasn’t holding the sword.

Mutual strike.

Strike while being struck.

Even if he couldn’t win, it was a way to achieve a draw.

No, his strength was superior anyway.

Wasn’t his head bigger due to his larger build?

There was plenty of chance for victory.

The moment he had that thought, Im Gonyou saw an eerily cold sneer forming at the corner of Zhuge Munho’s mouth.

“…Slow.”

A quiet word that only Im Gonyou could hear.

Whoosh!

Following the sword, even the hand aimed at his head sliced through empty air.

And Zhuge Munho’s hand firmly grasped Im Gonyou’s wrist.

Eagle Claw Hand, Seize and Break.

A movement like an eagle diving in a sharp turn to grasp prey with its talons, twisting to break their windpipe.

Crack!

His wrist twisted beyond its limit, and his elbow and shoulder were sequentially wrenched.

“Aaaahhh!”

In pain from his bone breaking, Im Gonyou screamed and wildly swung his sword.

It was a pathetic dance, neither beautiful nor meaningful.

Zhuge Munho had already stepped back gracefully, escaping the attack range.

“Ugh…”

Im Gonyou, with one arm hanging limp, even had tears trickling from his bloodshot eyes due to the excruciating pain.

Zhuge Munho, having created distance, looked at him with cold eyes.

“You bastard… you damn son of a bitch!”

Though Im Gonyou cursed viciously, Zhuge Munho didn’t respond once and immediately launched his body toward him again.

“I’ll kill you!”

Unable to contain his rage, Im Gonyou’s sword was covered with a blue aura.

Swift Activity Three Swords.

This was sword technique learned by the women of Hwangbo Sega, passed down and developed by the Im Family Head from outside connections.

It was characterized by showing soft and flexible movements through light footwork, but there was no way Im Gonyou, who had lost his reason in anger, could properly display this swordsmanship.

Above all, the trajectory was too clearly visible to Zhuge Munho’s eyes.

Having experienced countless martial duels in the training formation created by Zhuge Munhyeon.

Also, because he had desired to become stronger more desperately than anyone else in the family, he had trained in formations whose effectiveness had been increased several times over at the request of the Military Strategy Hall.

Even the iron rings that others would remove occasionally, he had never taken off even once, instead increasing their weight to build his strength.

And he had once asked:

-Munhyeon, what should you do when fighting bare-handed against an opponent with a sword?

At that time, Zhuge Munhyeon had smiled and said:

“…Break their hand and take away their weapon first.”

Zhuge Munho’s eyes flashed sharply as he stepped forward.

Heavenly Mystery Bewildering Steps, learned by all martial artists of the Zhuge Family.

Among those techniques, the single-step movement that shortened the distance to an opponent fastest: Heavenly Energy Flash.

Bang!

With the sound of air bursting, Zhuge Munho’s fist shot out like lightning and struck hard against Im Gonyou’s fingers gripping the sword.

Crack!

The impact sound was crisp, but the shock was by no means light.

“Ugh!”

With a single scream, Im Gonyou dropped his sword.

Not missing the opportunity, Zhuge Munho targeted and grabbed just one finger, then broke it.

Snap!

The bone bent backward and broke.

“Ahhh!”

Another scream followed.

Zhuge Munho immediately grabbed his weakened wrist and once again executed the Eagle Claw Hand’s Seize and Break.

Crack crack crack!

At the disturbingly cruel sound, everyone watching grimaced, and Im Gonyou screamed in agony while writhing his body.

But having lost both arms, it was just meaningless struggling.

Though his two legs remained, with pain filling his mind now, Im Gonyou could make no counterattack and only screamed.

Zhuge Munho once again created distance.

* * *

“Amazing, his offense and defense transitions are fast.”

“Of course, since I taught him.”

At Yu Gilcheon’s admiration, Zhuge Munhyeon wore a satisfied smile.

“But the force in his attacks isn’t that strong. If it were me, I would have finished it long ago.”

At the voice tinged with regret, Zhuge Munhyeon glanced at Yu Gilcheon.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why? Why finish that quickly?”

“What?”

“Elder Brother Munho isn’t doing that because he’s weak. Someone of that level could be finished long ago, as you said. Among the descendants of the Zhuge Family, he’s the strongest after me.”

“What? After you?”

He couldn’t help but be shocked.

If he’s next after a monster, just how strong is he?

Above all, if he has such strong skills, why is he using such weak attacks…

Perhaps his doubt showed on his face, as Zhuge Munhyeon grinned and answered:

“Because he hasn’t received an apology.”

“…”

Seeing Zhuge Munhyeon’s matter-of-fact expression, Yu Gilcheon blinked.

“Why are you so surprised, Dang Family guy? You’re good at it too, returning what you receive. Right?”

“…”

“That’s not all? Everyone’s watching. So he has to do it properly. He needs to break each bone joint carefully while carving in the pain. That way, they’ll never dare insult the Zhuge Family again.”

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, Yu Gilcheon looked at Zhuge Mungi with an expression of bewilderment.

He too shook his head, not understanding the reason.

Because it was completely different from the Zhuge he knew.

It was a teaching that originated purely from Zhuge Munhyeon.

“You, don’t tell me you even taught him that kind of mindset?”

“Mm, I suppose so. I did it that way every time during training. Made him learn it through experience.”

“Ah…”

At those words, Dangyon thought.

This bastard is more vicious than the Tang Family.

And the Namgung brothers nodded silently.

They had already seen it.

The sight of Namgung Ilhak falling victim to such methods repeatedly.

He didn’t knock them down in one blow.

He picked apart weak spots one by one to break them down, inflicting as much pain as possible.

“Mm, do you also fight like that by any chance?”

“Not often, just sometimes? When I’m really angry?”

“Ah…”

Watching Zhuge Munhyeon grin, Dangyon and the Namgung brothers all thought the same thing.

Let’s avoid provoking this bastard’s temper if at all possible.

* * *

Crack!

Another bone broke.

This time it was a leg bone.

Im Gonyou barely stood upright on his remaining leg and said.

“St, stop. I…”

Disgusted, he tried to admit defeat, but a fist that had approached blocked his mouth.

Thwack!

Im Gonyou’s large body was slammed into the ground and rolled again.

Blood spewed from his mouth, staining the floor.

Step, step.

Zhuge Munho slowly approached him.

His expression remained indifferent.

Those watching around him couldn’t dare to intervene at the cruel sight and only swallowed dry saliva.

“Stop, please…”

The collapsed Im Gonyou struggled to escape, but thrashing with one good leg was all he could manage.

His whole body felt like it would shatter.

But more than the pain, the gaze of Zhuge Munho looking down at him with eyes filled with pale killing intent instilled greater fear.

“You were the first to draw your sword. Moreover, you insulted my family, so as Young Family Head, I will naturally deliver appropriate punishment.”

At his voice filled with cold anger, Im Gonyou lost all fighting spirit.

No, he had lost it long ago.

Floundering in fear, he looked pitiful beyond just being weak.

“Zhuge Gongja! Stop this! The match is already over!”

When Chu Jongdo, unable to watch any longer, blocked his path, Zhuge Munho stopped walking and spoke in a voice devoid of any emotion.

“Are you planning to help him?”

“Pardon?”

“If that’s your intention, feel free to step forward. I only show courtesy to those worthy of courtesy. I don’t consider mercy for anyone else.”

“…”

Chu Jongdo could say nothing more and stepped back.

Im Gonyou was already broken.

With both arms and one leg fractured, he would need at least two months of recovery.

No, since they were broken in reverse, it might take even longer.

Chu Jongdo didn’t want to end up in such a state himself.

The crime of insulting a family.

What problem would there be even if he killed him?

The Im Family Head might wage war against the Zhuge Family for revenge, but as long as the Zhuge Family had justification, the Hwangbo Family couldn’t easily interfere.

No, seeing Zhuge Munho now, it seemed he would fight them too if the Hwangbo Family interfered.

Since everyone thought this way, no one stepped forward to help Im Gonyou.

However, one group was different.

“Stop!”

“…”

It was the warriors of the Im Family Head who had come as Im Gonyou’s guards.

Since it was a martial duel being watched by many, they couldn’t intervene and had been watching, but they could no longer leave it be.

They would have to bear responsibility for failing to protect their master.

But then it happened.

Three warriors had somehow blocked their path.

“Ho? Going to save your master?”

“Then go ahead and try. If you want war, we’ll oblige.”

“What’s the big deal about spilling some blood.”

Drawing swords filled with cold killing intent and pointing them while spitting out words one by one were none other than Gwan Hwiping.

The energy that overlaid and shone on their swords.

The condensed energy emitting deep light was at a level beyond the realm of Hyeongi.

“Could it be Tangi? All three of them?”

Surprised murmurs arose from various places.

Reaching the realm of Tangi at a young age, where one could emit energy to inflict harm, was considered possible only for those regarded as the finest among descendants of prestigious families.

Those who had reached the even higher realm of Uigi could truly be counted on one hand, so it was perfectly natural for descendants of small and medium families to stare wide-eyed like startled rabbits.

Moreover, the rest of the Zhuge Family warriors also drew their swords in unison and aimed at the Im Family warriors.

Each one harbored venom in their eyes, and none looked weak.

Though they weren’t from a renowned martial family, this was the moment when the Zhuge Family finally stretched its crouched body and revealed its full strength.

And Dangyon and the Namgung brothers watching from afar looked at Zhuge Munhyeon, unable to hide their surprise.

You, what exactly did you raise?

Who would have thought such a side was hidden behind politeness and propriety?

Who could say they were a family versed only in formations, mechanisms, and strategy?

But then it happened.

Shrill!

Whistle sounds could be heard from various parts of the alley.

“Stop!”

Warriors who came running while shouting cut through the arena and arrived at the scene of trouble.

“Tch, it was just getting interesting.”

Zhuge Munhyeon frowned at the interference of the troublemakers.

They were warriors from the Hwangbo Family patrol unit.

Probably a few who had been patrolling nearby were watching.

It must have been entertaining.

Warriors from small and medium families brawling.

Also, someone among them must have enjoyed watching the Zhuge Family suffer embarrassment.

But as the situation gradually worsened and went beyond expectations, they must have urgently reported to their superior.

Just then, a familiar face appeared.

Hwangbo Suhyeon, who had come to greet each family.

Since she had come, regardless of how the situation developed, she would naturally side with the local faction.

After all, blood is thicker than water.

“Hmm, should I leave it to Elder Brother Munho?”

He pondered for a moment, but he would still lack experience in handling this type of situation.

The opponent was a seasoned middle-aged martial artist.

His skills wouldn’t be lacking, and if he insisted on being stubborn, there would be no answer.

“Let’s go out.”

“What? You’re not going to observe more?”

“A lady who will take their side has appeared, so our side should also lend a hand.”

“Us?”

“Of course. You’re the Young Masters of the Tang and Namgung Families.”

“….”

Dangyon and Namgung San looked at each other for a moment, then shook their heads back and forth.

This bastard… he’s planning to use us.

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