Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 243

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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 243

As they removed the massive bolt and threw open the main gate of the great manor, a straight path leading to Taean stretched out before them.

Usually, this path was shrouded in thick mist, but today it sparkled brilliantly in the radiant sunlight.

Along both sides of the long, winding road, flags of all the families attending the birthday celebration were lined up, fluttering in the gentle breeze.

And finally, when the congratulatory delegation appeared in the distance on the road, fireworks exploded from all directions, shaking heaven and earth as they led the procession.

Musicians stationed throughout played their respective instruments – the qin and flute – while dancers in flowing garments danced amid the shower of scattered flower petals.

This was far too grand to be called a mere welcoming ceremony for the congratulatory delegation.

It was a spectacle that surpassed a simple event and rivaled a festival.

* * *

“What a truly magnificent sight.”

Zhuge Munho, seeing such a spectacle for the first time in his life, was bewildered, not knowing where to rest his eyes.

Though he had never been to one, he doubted even an imperial palace banquet would be quite like this.

“Ah, this is your first time, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“That’s fine. Everyone’s like that at first. You’ll get used to it if you see it often.”

“Often…? Are you saying events of this scale happen frequently?”

“Well, it’s rare to hold them this grandly… but we do organize them ourselves from time to time.”

“Then the Namgung Family does too?”

“Would it just be us? The Tang Family, Paeng Family, and some mid-tier families also hold such events.”

“Ah…”

“This is a kind of display of power and influence.”

“…”

“Isn’t there a saying? A person’s success shows in their attire, and a family’s prosperity can be seen in the guests who visit.”

“Is that so?”

“Heh, this fellow. Who else but the Young Family Head of an upright and incorruptible scholarly family would frown like that? Looking at me like that makes me feel like a materialist. What? Are you a white heron who can’t play with crows?”

“Ah, I apologize. I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I’m joking. You’re always too serious.”

At Namgung San’s mischievous squinting, Zhuge Munho smiled bitterly.

But still, he couldn’t understand it.

Was outward appearance really so important?

At least the Zhuge Family had always valued how solid the substance was rather than external appearances.

“I know, I know. It’s all pointless activity. But sometimes there are times when you must show off. With such grand welcoming ceremonies, we need to plant the impression that ‘our family is at this level’ so that merchant groups and escort agencies will come to us with confidence.”

“I understand what you mean.”

“Good man. You’ll gradually get used to it. Someday you’ll realize too how important what shows on the outside can be sometimes. Ha ha ha!”

Namgung San laughed heartily while looking at Zhuge Munho, who seemed so naive.

He was actually better.

Zhuge Munho was much more comfortable to deal with than Zhuge Munhyeon, who was conversing with Dang Yeon.

For some reason, just standing in front of Zhuge Munhyeon made him feel intimidated…

“By the way, we’ll have to part ways here for a moment. We need to enter by family groups.”

“Yes, Elder Brother.”

Namgung San bid farewell to Zhuge Munho and moved ahead.

Dang Yeon, who had been deep in conversation, also separated from Zhuge Munhyeon and joined his own family’s formation ahead.

Since they were representing their respective families, they had to go through separate entry procedures and couldn’t move together in a mixed group.

Left behind, Zhuge Munho suddenly looked at his companions.

Gwan Hwiping, and the warriors of the Zhuge Family.

For some reason, they seemed intimidated and were reading the atmosphere.

How could they be any different?

They had been confined to Yungzhong Mountain throughout their birth and upbringing, only recently expanding their territory to Hubei.

Except for the time of war with the Namgung Family, they had never left Yungzhong Mountain since then.

It was natural to be curious.

It was natural to be amazed.

Also, like himself, they had never received such a grand-scale welcoming ceremony, so it was perfectly natural for them to shrink their shoulders and look around nervously like frightened turtles.

Perhaps the Hwangbo Family had prepared such a splendid event precisely to make the attendees feel such emotions.

When he shifted his gaze, he could also see Zhuge Munhyeon.

Unlike the others who were looking around nervously while constantly expressing admiration, his expression was extremely displeased.

Meanwhile, his lips were full of mockery.

“Those bastards really went all out with their money-wasting.”

“…Huh?”

“How frivolous, how frivolous. What’s with the musicians on the roadside and what are those dancers about?”

“…”

“They really do all kinds of crazy shit, don’t they? I guess they only built muscle and left their heads empty, so they don’t know the saying ‘frugal yet not shabby, splendid yet not extravagant’?”

The moment he heard those words, it felt like lightning struck his head.

Frugal yet not shabby, splendid yet not extravagant.

It means being modest without being crude, and magnificent without being wasteful.

It was a phrase emphasizing the aesthetics of the golden mean – neither lacking nor excessive.

It also contained the meaning that what’s inside is more important than outward appearances.

“Crazy bastards, they say you can know ten things by seeing one… There were quite a few vagrants wandering around Taean too. How much better would it be to save this money and help the poor people around here?”

“Ah…”

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s tongue-clicking words, Zhuge Munho reproached his own wicked heart.

What had he been thinking?

What exactly had he been envying?

Just because the majority was the same didn’t mean they had to become identical too.

They were them, and Zhuge was Zhuge.

How shameful.

While he had been intoxicated by the outward splendor, Zhuge Munhyeon had been seeing the shadows behind it.

‘My very mindset was inferior to that guy’s.’

A clear light, different from before, circled in the eyes of Zhuge Munho, who had reflected on himself.

“Munhyeon.”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“…?”

“You always push this elder brother to realize things.”

Zhuge Munhyeon tilted his head sideways and stared at Zhuge Munho, who had been grumbling for a while but suddenly smiled and thanked him.

Grateful?

Pushed him?

When did I?

After leaving Mujin behind, now the Young Family Head was gaining enlightenment on the street.

“I will remember your teaching directed at me.”

“…”

Though Zhuge Munho smiled brightly, Zhuge Munhyeon frowned.

“Don’t just look at the surface but look at the substance, right? Your words about not blindly chasing after splendor but examining what lies in the darkness beneath – I will definitely keep them in mind. Regardless of how others are, I will walk my own path, our Zhuge Family’s own path.”

“Ah… Ah?”

I wondered what he was so grateful for, but now I understand.

He must have misunderstood.

After hearing his grumbling.

He was just purely envious and his stomach hurt from irritation…

Even though their circumstances had improved considerably, the current Zhuge Family couldn’t even dream of such an event.

Oh my, how much money did those fireworks cost?

Don’t tell me they used gold thread for those banners?

Just how many musicians and dancers did they mobilize?

I’m envious.

Really envious.

I wish our Zhuge could become wealthy soon so we could spend money lavishly too.

But unaware of such inner thoughts, Zhuge Munho straightened his previously hunched shoulders and spoke to the Zhuge Family warriors.

“Everyone, lift your heads and walk proudly.”

“…!?”

“Each of you represents the Zhuge Family. Don’t envy flashiness or be deceived by superficial displays. First think of those who suffered to create this grandeur. Look at Munhyeon. Learn from his composure. Don’t be swayed. We are Zhuge. A family of gentlemen. Don’t be ashamed of worn scholarly robes. That is our tradition and a symbol showing our humility and frugality.”

Everyone simultaneously looked at Zhuge Munhyeon.

His leisurely gait, arrogant expression showing no trace of envy, and those unwavering eyes without a hint of disturbance.

His attitude straightened the bent backs of the Zhuge Family warriors. Their eyes, filled with newfound strength, sparkled like stars.

Right, I too am a representative of the Zhuge Family.

Such thoughts helped them compose themselves.

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been blankly staring at their chests puffed with pride, secretly let out a sigh.

‘They’re just engaging in pointless mental victory. Is being humble and frugal something to be proud of? If you’re envious, just admit you’re envious. Why pretend otherwise?’

Just wait and see.

Before ascending to immortality, Zhuge will do this once too.

He would invite more families and decorate the streets with even more musicians and dancers.

Just one street wouldn’t be enough.

He would make flower petals rain throughout all of Hubei Province while people shouted ‘Long live!’

He resolved.

Perhaps it was a very modest goal he wanted to achieve before fulfilling his wish of ascension and leaving the mortal world?

Pyung! Peoong!

Just then, fireworks shot high into the sky and burst magnificently.

“Wow….”

Those who stopped walking and looked up exclaimed in admiration.

Zhuge Munhyeon resolved even more firmly.

I!

Will definitely!

Set off even bigger ones than those!

* * *

“Family Head, the entry of major families has concluded.”

“Have lodgings been assigned?”

“Yes. As you commanded, we distributed guest halls according to each family’s status.”

“Well done.”

Hwangbo Yun, who had been nodding at the General Manager’s words, suddenly asked as if remembering something.

“What about Zhuge?”

“They were placed in guest halls together with the minor families.”

“Hmm….”

“Is there anything else you wish to command?”

“No. You’ve worked hard. Don’t neglect the treatment of those who entered the manor. Pay special attention to the three families in particular.”

“I will do my utmost.”

“You may withdraw.”

All entries had concluded.

Dozens of families, merchant groups, escort agencies, and military academies invited to the birthday celebration.

All were places recognizable by name.

Now the main banquet of the birthday celebration was about to begin.

“Yeonwu.”

“Yes.”

“Have you observed?”

“It seems we misunderstood the situation.”

“Hmm… So Zhuge is at the center after all?”

“Yes.”

“Hah, such shameless fellows… To rally around a mere scholar family that only reads books.”

Hwangbo Yun frowned.

At first, he was certain they had latched onto the Tang Family.

He thought they were fox cubs hiding behind that power, fawning and borrowing the tiger’s .

But the reality was different.

He learned through last night’s incident.

The Young Masters of the Tang and Namgung families had visited the inn where the Zhuge Family was staying.

Despite being in different districts.

Moreover, the Zhuge Family had led the entire situation.

And the next day, he sent a warrior from the Law Enforcement Court as a messenger.

While it was to announce the resolution of the matter, there was an underlying purpose to investigate.

They had held a drinking session all night.

And they didn’t return.

Even then, the Young Masters of the Tang and Namgung families only watched silently.

“But I don’t understand. The Tang Family aside, why did the Namgung Family side with those scholars?”

“Shall I investigate?”

“Hmm, something important must have been exchanged. There must be a reason why those who were bitten by a mouse changed their minds.”

“I’ll have Yangmun Hall mobilize the spies active in Anhui.”

The Three Halls – separate organizations operating independently from the Council of Elders under the Family Head.

Seongmu Hall for martial affairs, Yangmun Hall for scholarly matters, and the Treasury managing finances.

Among them, Yangmun Hall wasn’t a place that studied academics like the Zhuge Family, but managed secret manuals, created new martial studies, and handled strategy, intelligence, family laws, and dispute mediation.

Also, spies were literally secret agents who covertly observed opposing camps.

“Since we need to know quickly, spies alone won’t suffice. Replace all the servants and maids attending to the lodgings of the Zhuge Family and the two families with Yanbi from the Treasury.”

“Understood.”

Hwangbo Yeonwu, who had been bowing and watching for an opportunity, spoke up.

“Father, while we’re figuring out what made them unite, how about using Jungakgye on the Zhuge Family?”

“Jungakgye?”

“Yes. Due to aunt’s matter, the Zhuge Family’s reputation will soon hit rock bottom. Let’s add one more infamy on top of that.”

“Hmm… Do you have a plan in mind?”

“Yes.”

As Hwangbo Yeonwu approached and whispered in his ear as if someone might overhear, Hwangbo Yun slowly nodded with a sinister smile forming on his lips.

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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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