Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 269

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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 269

When he descended from Mount Tai, the Hwangbo Sega’s manor was filled with a tension and quietude like the dead of night, despite the sun being at its zenith.

The warriors who spotted Zhuge Munhyeon entering the manor stepped aside left and right as if reading the mood, bowing their heads.

They too knew.

Though the heads of each family who had come were taking the lead in handling the aftermath, it was he who had uncovered the fact that the Hwangbo Yun father and son had learned demonic arts and were behind the numerous kidnappings that had occurred.

And that he had also defeated those two.

So it was only natural to be cautious.

Hwangbo Yun was a master of the Ganggi realm and was known as the best under heaven, at least among the Central Plains’ martial artists.

He had defeated such a Hwangbo Yun. Naturally, he would be presumed to be at the same level or higher.

Of course, there were countless masters of the Ganggi realm under heaven, but they were all heads of families or major figures in various factions with great renown.

They were also old.

How could reaching the Ganggi realm be an easy task?

Even if one was born with heaven-sent constitution, received exceptional mentorship, and showed tremendous talent in martial arts, it was a realm one might barely achieve by age forty.

Yet he was merely in his early twenties.

Could there be another warrior under heaven who achieved Ganggi at that age?

No.

Anyone would give the same answer.

So it was perfectly natural that the gazes and expressions looking at Zhuge Munhyeon were filled with awe beyond fear.

Of course, there was a fact they didn’t know.

Though Zhuge Munhyeon had reached a realm similar to Ganggi, he couldn’t yet be said to have truly reached Ganggi.

His enlightenment was sufficient, but his internal energy was lacking.

Naturally, there had to be a huge gap between him and Hwangbo Yun.

Yet he had defeated Hwangbo Yun because he possessed spirit energy.

A type of power that those who hadn’t glimpsed the realm of immortals couldn’t even conceive of.

‘Hmm, thinking about it, is the power possessed by Ganggi masters similar to that ascetic from Dongho Lake?’

If comparing purely internal energy and spirit energy, excluding combat ability, that would be the case.

Geumri, the ascetic of Dongho Lake.

During the battle with him, Mujin’s attacks had managed to wound him.

At that time, Mujin hadn’t reached the Ganggi realm, but through the Mad Soul Art, he had triggered his demonic nature to display similar abilities.

‘The ascetic of Dongho Lake was at the Spirit Refining stage, though I don’t know which level… Ganggi masters and Spirit Refining ascetics probably have roughly similar power.’

Thinking this way suddenly gave him chills.

‘Master Huabuyuan said it was nominal, but it’s fortunate there’s a taboo against immortals interfering with mortals.’

Without that, if several ascetics pretended to go mad and joined forces to appear in the martial world, its conquest would be a matter of time.

Thinking about it, even one Half-Immortal appearing would likely cause great chaos in the martial world.

Dan Chuyeong, the Heavenly Demon who was among Yunnan’s top experts, had nearly died to a Hwangyo that hadn’t even learned magic arts.

‘That Cheonggyeo was stronger than him, and Master Huabuyuan…’

Just thinking about it felt suffocating.

A drop in the ocean, the difference between heaven and earth, a bright moon and fireflies.

Even such expressions fell far short.

He was truly strong. Incomparably stronger than wandering Half-Immortals.

With his current self, he couldn’t block even a single move.

The master of a place called a faction was indeed different, he thought.

But.

‘That’s not the end of it.’

The existence of the Sangson.

Those whom even Huabuyuan, who had seemed so impressive, didn’t hesitate to use honorifics for and showed respect to even in their absence.

This was a world he had never known.

It teemed with experts he had never imagined.

Thinking this made his heart race again.

Truly an incorrigible competitive spirit.

“Just wait and see, I’ll definitely climb higher than all of them and put everyone beneath my feet.”

His goal was immediately raised.

He didn’t know how long it would take.

But there was plenty of time.

Yeongmun had scoffed even at the duration of Baekryeongwa’s barrier.

Despite it being a full hundred years.

The power of immortals must extend one’s lifespan.

At the very least, Huabuyuan had said he had lived for seven hundred years.

Though he possessed memories from his previous life, despite not being born with spiritual roots, in less than twenty years he had become stronger than Hwangyo and Cheonggyeo who had lived for hundreds of years.

Huabuyuan.

For now, he was the goal.

Among the immortals he had met so far, he was the strongest.

He would surpass him in the shortest time and compete with beings beyond him.

Clench.

Zhuge Munhyeon suddenly clenched his fist.

Though he had sealed his spirit energy while operating the Small Heaven Sacred Heart Method through Yang Intent, the feeling from when he fought Cheonggyeo remained.

The nature of his power had changed from before and had also grown stronger.

‘Jinryeongju…’

The orb left by Hwangyo had shattered in his mouth and its power had been absorbed into his body.

It hadn’t been a normal method.

If Eunhangon hadn’t absorbed most of that power and released it, his body might have burst from being unable to withstand the tremendous force.

But he coveted it greatly.

Like discovering delicious food, anticipation surged and his mouth seemed to water.

“Tch, this gluttony is truly wicked.”

He suddenly felt he understood the feelings of Hwangyo and Cheonggyeo who had coveted him, and let out a hollow laugh.

“I wonder if this one will be alright?”

The Suryeongju in his bosom suddenly came to mind.

“Hmm…”

He pondered briefly, but soon shook his head.

There was no need to risk his life when it wasn’t immediately necessary.

According to Yeongmun, if he reached the Decisive Stage and understood the power of innate transformation, it would be of great help.

That must have meant he could dissolve and absorb it.

Since Master Huabuyuan had said he had already achieved Spirit Separation and reached the Energy Accumulation stage, reaching the Decisive Stage wouldn’t be far off.

“Huashan, Georyeongji, Taeuldong.”

He once again reviewed his next course of action.

His vessel was still too small to contain such tremendous power.

Then he would just need to become a larger vessel.

Even if he had to break and remake himself.

There was no law saying he couldn’t become a Sangson.

With various fortuitous encounters added, all that remained was effort.

He was confident in that.

It was what he had always done.

Wasn’t he someone who had surpassed all those once called geniuses and stood at the pinnacle?

“Tch, but it’s such a waste. Why did Master Huabuyuan have to annihilate that Cheonggyeo with a talisman…”

If not for that, Cheonggyeo might have dropped something like an Earth Spirit Orb.

Since he was stronger than Hwangyo, the power contained within would have been truly enormous, and would have been of great help later when he understood innate transformation.

“Sigh, and it seems I have no connection with hides. Same with that Hwangyo’s hide… that snake skin looked quite valuable too.”

Cheonggyeo’s lustrous blue scales flickered before his eyes.

If he had known this would happen, he should have plucked a few during the fight.

They would have been perfect gifts for Mother and Sohye.

Zhuge Munhyeon was like someone who, after being saved from drowning, suddenly remembers his bundle.

He was trudging along with a face full of regret when it happened.

“Munhyeon!”

“…?”

It was Zhuge Pyeong.

“What brings Elder Brother here?”

At his tilting head, Zhuge Pyeong wore a bitter smile.

This guy really had no manners.

If he was going to call him elder brother, he should at least use semi-formal speech, but why did he follow it up with casual speech…

Well, it wasn’t worth arguing about.

That’s just how this guy was.

“What do you mean what brings me here? It’s because of the Young Family Head’s orders to bring you straight to the conference room once you came down from Mount Tai.”

“Elder Brother Munho? Are the negotiations over?”

“You can’t say they’re over.”

“Huh?”

“They only made provisional decisions. After all, it’s not something for those in Young Family Head positions to decide. You know?”

“Hmm, that’s true…”

The discussions to find common ground probably weren’t as easy as expected.

It was because of Shandong’s location.

To the north, it bordered Hebei where the Paeng Family was located, and to the south, it bordered Anhui where the Namgung were located.

It was a difficult position for the Zhuge Family, who had to pass through Henan to reach Shandong Province, to claim these interests, but they couldn’t be excluded since they had achieved the greatest merit in this fight against the Hwangbo Family.

“So, how do you think it concluded?”

“How would I know? I couldn’t even attend the meeting and was waiting here the whole time for you.”

“That makes sense.”

It seemed he’d have to go see for himself to understand the situation.

Since they said they were waiting.

“Hey, but Munhyeon.”

“Yeah?”

“Why have you been holding onto Eunhangon so tightly since earlier? You’ve been carrying it on your back the whole time.”

At his puzzled words, Zhuge Munhyeon shook his head back and forth.

You wouldn’t understand.

How precious this thing is.

Do you know what a dharma treasure is?

It’s something that can’t even compare to the medical treasures of Huabuyuan, that supreme Half-Immortal.

It’s an item that stands shoulder to shoulder with those of the Immortals.

Don’t even look at it.

Zhuge Munhyeon hugged Eunhangon even tighter and walked on, worried that his gaze might bring misfortune.

* * *

“Oh! You’re here?”

As he entered the pavilion where they said they were waiting for him, Zhuge Munho stood up with delight.

“In these important times, what kind of training were you doing that you didn’t even attend the meeting…”

Tang Yeon frowned and grumbled, seeming to have waited long enough to feel bored, while Namgung San smiled and bowed in greeting.

Paeng Mok, who hadn’t yet built a friendship, was busy observing with a face full of curiosity.

The Tang Family, the Namgung.

He seemed envious of those who were already close to him.

“Please come in.”

Sayo also stood up to welcome Zhuge Munhyeon.

All the young masters of the martial families with the greatest influence in the Central Plains had gathered.

Besides them, there were also Zhuge Junggi, Zhuge Mungi, Namgung Ilhak and Namgung Yu…

‘It seems a Grand Elder from the Hwangbo Family attended.’

In one corner, Gang Cheonwi, the Grand Elder of the Hwangbo Family who had risen awkwardly, offered a stiff greeting.

“You were looking for me?”

After exchanging eye greetings with all of them, Zhuge Munhyeon politely asked Zhuge Munho.

Since this was an official occasion, he didn’t treat him as usual but used respectful speech to maintain his dignity as Young Family Head.

“First, sit down.”

“Yes.”

Once Zhuge Munhyeon sat, the meeting finally resumed.

It was, so to speak, something like a results report.

It shouldn’t have been something for a mere descendant of the Zhuge Family, but no one thought it strange.

That’s how Murim was.

Those with power received respect.

Right now in this place, the Zhuge Family held the initiative, and the strongest master was Zhuge Munhyeon.

Because he had defeated the Fist King Hwangbo Yun.

Also because he was the one who had exposed the ugly true face of the human-faced beast-hearted ones in the Hwangbo Family.

“Executive, state the decided matters once more.”

“Yes.”

At Zhuge Munho’s command, Zhuge Junggi respectfully stepped forward and began explaining.

“First, it has been decided that the Hwangbo Family will be sealed for ten years under the surveillance of the Beggar’s Sect.”

Sealed?

How generous.

In cases like this, it would be better to completely dismantle the family itself.

But despite his dissatisfaction, he nodded.

It was a matter he had left entirely to them, and he had no intention of overturning what had been decided.

“The interests in Shandong will be divided between the Paeng Family and the Namgung Family.”

However, at those words, his eyes narrowed slightly.

What’s this about?

The two of them are dividing it?

Then what about the Zhuge Family?

Wasn’t this like the Zhuge doing all the work while the Paeng Family and Namgung divided the money?

“However, the profits generated from these interests will be shared equally with the Zhuge Family.”

“…?”

“Also, the first Alliance Leader will be taken by the Zhuge Family, and for smooth communication within the alliance, Beggar’s Sect branches will be expanded to reach Anhui, Shandong, and Hebei.”

At those words, Zhuge Munhyeon’s gaze naturally turned toward Sayo.

She nodded gently with a smile in her eyes.

This was an unexpected conclusion.

Share the profits?

Beggar’s Sect branches will expand?

His complaints and dissatisfaction disappeared before they could even leave his mouth.

‘That Junggi fellow used his head quite well.’

It was a situation where the Zhuge Family had nothing to lose.

They had given up the interests in exchange for taking the Alliance Leader position, but the profits from those interests would be shared equally.

Also, through the legitimately expanded Beggar’s Sect branches established through consultation among the families, they would be able to grasp all the trends in each region.

‘I was wrong in my thinking. It’s a structure where the bear who did the work will sit back and earn money, isn’t it?’

The Namgung and Paeng families would find it hard to refuse as well.

The expansion of the Beggar’s Sect would be troublesome, but they wouldn’t want to give up the interests in Shandong.

This was especially true for the Paeng Family.

With the Zhuge, Tang Family, and Namgung already joining forces, if the Hwangbo Family was sealed, the Paeng Family would be isolated.

Rather, it was better to gain even part of Shandong’s interests. Above all, if they refused, Hebei might become precarious.

“Of course, the current negotiation proposal is not finalized. Please return to your respective families, discuss it, and give us your reply. Soon, depending on those answers, the Zhuge Family will host a gathering with the heads of each family.”

All the reports were finished.

There was no objection.

Though it was a path that had temporarily returned due to the Hwangbo Family’s birthday celebration, it had turned out exactly as the Zhuge Family had wanted.

The Yungzhong Mountain gathering.

Zhuge was at the center of it.

It was a good thing.

And.

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

At Zhuge Munho’s words, filled with a satisfied smile, Zhuge Munhyeon tilted his head.

What else was left?

“I’m thinking of creating a social club among the rising talents of the family clans while we’re at it.”

“Ah….”

Right, that makes sense.

Now that they had formed an alliance.

In the past, rising talents from martial families and sects would often gather to form social clubs.

Like the Yongbongwhoe (Dragon Phoenix Society)….

“Its name shall be Bongwoosinwhoe (Friends of Trust Society).”

“….”

“Confucius mentioned that you have that kind of relationship with Mujin’s sect. A friend with trust… The meaning is good, so I want to decide on that name. What do you think?”

Bongwoosinwhoe.

The meaning is really good, truly good.

But the sound of it is a bit….

Somehow I don’t want to belong to it.

—————
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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