Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 247

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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 247

The aspect of the martial duel completely changed.

If before it was merely exchanging punches, now storm-like whirlwinds of internal energy transformed into blade-like forces that clawed through the air.

Bang!

The impact of fist meeting fist created rippling waves that spread outward, and scattered fragments of internal energy tore up the ground and shattered debris into pieces.

“Everyone retreat from the duel arena!”

When it reached that point, Hwangbo Yun quickly evacuated the crowd.

There was a risk that bystanders could get caught up and injured.

People quickly distanced themselves, and the duel became even more intense.

With each step forward, the ground caved in and sank, and with each swung fist, space itself seemed to scream as if being torn apart.

And.

‘Th-this bastard is withstanding my punches?’

Hwangbo Yeonwu couldn’t hide his shock.

Even though he had drawn out all his internal energy to crush his opponent in one blow, Zhuge Munhyeon was meeting him at nearly equal level.

In fact, he seemed to be ahead.

‘He uses Ui Qi? It’s not just his understanding of martial techniques that’s exceptional?’

His anger flared even more.

He had thought himself the best.

No, to become the best, he had even resorted to methods he shouldn’t have used to build up his internal energy until now. He had believed his fist techniques would be no less than Shaolin’s Hundred Step Divine Fist, which was called the pinnacle of fist arts…

It felt like this mere scholar family offspring was crushing the pride he had harbored all this time.

Bang!

His fist was pushed back.

Despite infusing it with internal energy, the aching sensation spread from his wrist to his shoulder, throbbing painfully.

A martial duel watched by everyone.

The cheers directed at him.

His father’s expectations.

All of it combined began to weigh heavily on his chest.

‘I… cannot lose!’

The moment he gritted his teeth, the energy that had been quietly settled in one corner of his dantian responded to his will.

That power instantly grew to fill his dantian completely and flowed like a torrent.

However, it was a reverse flow.

It spread throughout his body through the opposite path, not the original one.

The tendons throughout his body bulged prominently, and his muscles amplified beyond their original strength.

I’ll destroy him.

I’ll chew him up completely.

I’ll tear off that damn bastard’s head.

The surging rage further spurred his power.

And soon, Hwangbo Yeonwu’s pupils glowed black as they emitted dark killing intent.

Zhuge Munhyeon clearly witnessed that transformation.

‘As expected, he learned martial arts of the Demonic Path. Let’s see what you can show me.’

After waiting patiently while matching his rhythm, he had finally achieved results.

It was admirable that he learned Demonic Path martial arts as someone from the orthodox faction.

He wanted to praise him.

In fact, he felt like protecting him.

But if the Demonic Path martial arts you learned artificially created black obsidian, that process wouldn’t have been normal.

There must have been corruption involved.

It must have risen by trampling on someone’s tears of blood.

I don’t like that.

The fact that Demonic Path martial arts, which deserve respect, became subject to criticism from people while being used as a means to fulfill your greed.

So show me.

Reveal it to all under heaven.

Crash!

The moment terrifying internal energy created thunderous sounds and was contained in his fist, Zhuge Munhyeon, with divine light in his eyes, tried to counter the punch.

It needed to become a bit more intense.

He had to push him to draw out more so they would notice.

Namgung Ilhak, and the warriors of each family.

But that’s when it happened.

In the split second before their fists would cross, Hwangbo Yun flew in like a great roc and intervened.

Standing between them, he extended both hands and simultaneously deflected the attacks of both Hwangbo Yeonwu and Zhuge Munhyeon.

Crash!

At the terrifying shockwave and thunderous sound, not only the crowd but even the young family heads of each family clutched their ears and squeezed their eyes shut.

The ground was torn up and dust rose thickly.

Only Namgung Ilhak remained standing unaffected, but even he couldn’t see the exact scene due to the rising dust.

“Cough! Ugh!”

Unable to overcome the rebound force created by his father’s intervention, Hwangbo Yeonwu was flung outside the dust’s range and vomited blood without being able to stand properly.

He had suffered internal injuries.

As the ground turned black, Elder Gang Cheonwi urgently shouted.

“Take the Young Family Head to the medical room immediately! Hurry!”

“Yes!”

Since the situation was urgent, the warriors carried Hwangbo Yeonwu and ran even without the Family Head’s command.

Soon the dust settled.

Hwangbo Yun stared at one spot with a stern expression.

Zhuge Munhyeon…

His figure gradually revealed as the dust settled.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“…”

At his clearly displeased tone, deep furrows formed on Hwangbo Yun’s brow.

His son had suffered internal injuries from his own energy that suddenly blocked and disrupted the flow.

But Zhuge Munhyeon was merely rubbing his wrist and frowning slightly.

That bastard…

He withstood it?

He couldn’t help but be amazed.

It was clearly his son’s defeat with no room for excuses.

How on earth…

His son had drawn out even his hidden power, and he had definitely used the same level of force on both of them.

But there were too many watching to question it.

His son’s power might be revealed if he wasn’t careful.

Forcing his stern face to relax and smiling with effort, Hwangbo Yun apologized to Zhuge Munhyeon.

“I apologize for interfering before the match was decided. But please understand. The duel had become too intense, and I had no choice but to intervene. It was a situation where one of you two might have been seriously injured.”

“…”

“Shouldn’t we prevent anyone from getting hurt at a gathering meant to promote friendship? I know that the unintended decision of my blood relative has created an unfavorable view toward the Zhuge Family. I couldn’t let more infamy be added on top of that.”

At those words, Zhuge Munhyeon looked at Hwangbo Yun with narrowed eyes.

He was referring to the deceased Hwangbo Suhyeon.

How dare he try to smooth over the current situation by using the infamy that the Zhuge Family had been burdened with? Even that was surely something they had created themselves.

He was despicably vile to the point of grinding teeth.

Outwardly pretending to be considerate and fair while securing his own interests.

Moreover, he had immediately cut off the source of the problem.

The moment Hwangbo Yeonwu drew out his hidden power, he immediately noticed and intervened.

It was probably because of Namgung Ilhak.

Given the unfavorable public opinion toward the Zhuge Family, his words could be smoothed over with position and authority at any time, but Namgung Ilhak’s words would be different.

If by any chance he took issue and pressed the matter, the Hwangbo Family would face great humiliation.

Though the Central Plains had been divided into fragments, the perception of demonic arts was still unfavorable.

The western part of the Central Plains was already worried about the rise of demonic arts, and the alliance of martial families was being pursued for that reason.

But in such a situation, if it were revealed that the Young Family Head of the Hwangbo Family was learning demonic techniques?

They would be condemned by the entire world.

They would lose everything they had dreamed of.

No, everyone would start tearing them apart.

The trusted Paeng Family would turn away, and the small and medium families of Shandong would also deny their relationship with them.

It was because of interests.

If the Hwangbo Family disappeared, they could divide up the interests they had been holding.

Zhuge Munhyeon glanced at Namgung Ilhak’s expression.

‘Tch, he didn’t notice.’

The emotion contained in his frowning expression was only displeasure at Hwangbo Yun breaking the taboo by interfering in the duel.

“I report to the Elder of Murim. I was worried that unnecessary commotion would arise, so I broke the taboo and interfered in the duel, ruining the enjoyment. I am truly sorry.”

“….”

“The banquet will continue, so I hope everyone will enjoy themselves as before.”

While Zhuge Munhyeon was lost in thought, Hwangbo Yun quickly made the first move.

“Look here, Zhuge Gongja. Won’t you accept my apology?”

“….”

Then, in front of everyone, he politely cupped his hands toward Zhuge Munhyeon and bowed his head.

‘For such a big guy, he’s quite cunning…’

A bitter smile formed.

The head of a family had bowed his head to not even a Young Family Head but a mere descendant of the Zhuge Family – how could he not accept it?

The moment he refused, the Zhuge Family would be covered with even worse infamy.

But he didn’t just accept it.

“An apology? That’s nonsense, Family Head. I also couldn’t control my hot blood and almost injured the Young Family Head of the Hwangbo Family. Thank you for stopping it in time.”

In other words, your son is really weak.

If you hadn’t stepped in to stop it, he might have died.

…That’s what it meant.

But despite having his insides thoroughly scratched, Hwangbo Yun showed not the slightest waver.

“Thank you for understanding. Today I learned that the level of the Zhuge Family is no less than that of the Hwangbo Family. This is truly a good thing. What kind of place is the Zhuge Family? Isn’t it a place that has represented the orthodox factions of the Central Plains for generations and managed Murim? The fact that there is an outstanding martial artist like you is something to rejoice about as a fellow martial family.”

“Thank you.”

“Come, come here and have a drink. I want to have a conversation with you.”

Not only did he meekly admit defeat, but he also praised the Zhuge Family highly. However, Zhuge Munhyeon shook his head and declined.

“No. Right now, I think I need to take care of my body too.”

“Hmm, was there some shock?”

“It was such a shock that even the Young Family Head of the Hwangbo Family was carried to the medical room. How could I be fine? I want to return to my lodging and rest – would you permit it?”

“Hmm… it can’t be helped. I’ll postpone the drinking session with you for later.”

“Thank you.”

Zhuge Munhyeon bowed his head briefly and headed to his assigned lodging without looking back.

“Mu, Munhyeon?”

“Just enjoy yourself. Even if you end up drinking with Family Head Hwangbo, don’t say anything useless.”

Zhuge Munho called out with a flustered expression, but Zhuge Munhyeon, whose mood had been ruined, immediately left the banquet hall.

Zhuge Munho, who had been staring blankly at his retreating figure, hurriedly approached Hwangbo Yun.

“Family Head.”

“Speak.”

“My younger brother’s condition is not good, so please allow us to go together and care for him.”

It was something that would naturally make one laugh in disbelief.

His condition is not good?

Where exactly?

He was someone without even external injuries, let alone internal ones.

But he couldn’t refuse.

It would be no different from admitting that his own son was that weak.

“Do so. I don’t want a descendant of the Zhuge Family who attended our main house’s banquet to return injured for no reason, so if you need any medicinal materials, request them… and I’ll tell them to provide a physician as well.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Family Head.”

Zhuge Munho bowed and quickly left the banquet hall with Gwan Hwiping.

As Hwangbo Yun watched their retreating figures, he heard the conversation between Yu Gilcheon and Paeng Mok.

“Hmm, it seems we’ll have to continue our discussion next time.”

“Well, there’s still plenty of time left.”

It was definitely about formations and mechanisms.

Damn it…

Relationships between martial families inevitably had to be faithful to interests and gains.

They had already won over the Namgung and Tang families.

Would the Paeng Family be any different?

For now it was about interests and gains, but once friendship developed and relationships deepened, it would be dangerous.

If they went over to that side too?

It would only be a matter of time before the center of martial families shifted to the Zhuge Family.

His heart became uneasy.

‘I have no choice but to advance the plan.’

The sinister scheme that Hwangbo Yeonwu had devised.

He had to hurry before the Zhuge Family’s position grew even larger.

In the midst of this, since they said they were returning to their lodging on their own, wouldn’t now be the perfect opportunity?

[Wol Hyang.]

[Yes, Family Head.]

[Begin the plan. The target is that fellow called Zhuge Munhyeon.]

[Understood.]

No one noticed that where Hwangbo Yun’s telepathic message was directed, a middle-aged woman responded and left the banquet hall.

‘Zhuge… after this night passes, you will never be able to step forward in Murim again.’

Hwangbo Yun erased the smile that had formed on his lips and spoke to Namgung Ilhak with a gentle expression.

“Oh my, Elder. I unnecessarily ruined the mood, didn’t I?”

“Not at all. You did well. I was also somewhat worried about that matter.”

“I’m relieved that you understand. Let me offer you a drink. You all come here too.”

Hwangbo Yun guided Namgung Ilhak and the descendants of each family to the great hall.

Though there was no place to stand because the stage was broken, thanks to the efforts of the musicians and dancers who somehow managed to find their positions, the banquet continued again as if nothing had happened.

“Elder Brother Namgung, please accept this drink.”

While nodding at Paeng Mok’s words as he sat beside him offering alcohol, Namgung San felt frustrated inside.

‘Damn, it feels like being interrupted while taking a shit.’

Yu Gilcheon felt the same way.

‘I wanted to see him get beaten up, but he had to interfere…’

Of course, their thoughts were different.

“Gongja, please have a drink.”

“Yes!”

The only person who felt comfortable in that place was Namgung Yu, who was enchanted by Hwangbo Mison’s smile.

Because he had no idea what was happening.

Just.

‘Zhuge Munhyeon, he’s really an amazing guy. Well, that’s why I got hit and lost consciousness back then.’

That thought was all there was.

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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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