Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 274

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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 274

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had come up to the second floor of the tavern, leisurely surveyed the interior while food and drinks were being prepared.

Shopkeepers who guided guests from the entrance to their seats and wove between customers carrying food, dancers in flowing clothes performing on the central stage of the first floor with musicians beside them stirring up excitement, and even courtesans called out at the guests’ requests, befitting a tavern.

“There are quite a few, aren’t there?”

“Right?”

“Yes. It seems all the shopkeepers and courtesans have learned martial arts, and there appears to be one among the musicians and two among the dancers as well. The internal structure is also designed to facilitate escape. It would be difficult to block their escape by blocking just one place.”

Accurate.

As expected, Mujin, whose perception sharpened when necessary, sensed something strange and immediately surveyed his surroundings, picking out everything he needed to know in detail.

“It must be Haowen, right?”

“That’s my guess.”

“Quite impressive. If they’re that secretive, there’s a high possibility that even the Zhuge Family branch or Beggar’s Sect branch haven’t noticed them.”

“That would be the case.”

As Mujin said, their actions while disguised in different identities were truly cunning.

Probably most people wouldn’t even know that they had learned martial arts.

The reason Mujin could immediately recognize their true identity was partly due to his skills that were among the best in Wudang, but it was largely because he was learning the Gwanghon technique.

It wasn’t because martial arts itself had tremendous power.

Rather, like a thief with a guilty conscience, he had become more sensitive than anyone to others’ gazes, expressions, and actions.

As a Taoist of Wudang, he was constantly anxious that others might discover he possessed demonic nature.

So he always observed and stayed cautious.

Meanwhile, the places they had traveled together ranged from the Dang Family to Yasu Palace, and even to the Zhuge Family.

Not one of them was an easy place.

Except for Yasu Palace, they were all renowned orthodox sect locations.

His demonic nature could be exposed at any careless moment.

Of course, he had countless excuses and the sect would clear up any injustice if he appealed to them, but his heart couldn’t accept that.

He must hate being misunderstood.

Even the sect, which already knew of his power, had been constantly cautious, so how much must he have lived watching others’ reactions in other places?

He was even someone who didn’t face the wind head-on, fearing his obsidian-like eyes hidden beneath his disheveled hair that he wore loose instead of in a topknot might be revealed.

‘What’s wrong with demonic arts…’

It was a bit annoying, but thanks to this, Mujin’s senses had become extremely sharp… Still, what was so shameful about learning demonic arts?

“What should we do?”

“Leave them be.”

“Pardon?”

“Let’s wait and observe a bit more.”

“Hmm, I’m concerned about the situation we saw at the village entrance.”

“…”

“Judging by the expressions of the Zhuge Family warriors and Beggar Sect members searching the village with torches, something bad has definitely happened… It seemed like they were looking for someone too.”

“You saw that?”

“Really, Munhyeon, I do know how to distinguish between business and personal matters.”

“Oh? Not bad?”

He was genuinely surprised.

He had thought Mujin was paying no attention to his surroundings, only staring at Dan Yeonhwa’s back.

It seemed he had misunderstood him.

“Ahem! Anyway, might it be related to Haowen?”

“It might be.”

“Then wouldn’t it be better to investigate right away? With your skills, Munhyeon, you could grab the building lord right now and interrogate him, couldn’t you? Since they’ve secretly entered Zhuge Family territory, we’d have sufficient justification too.”

He felt inwardly satisfied by Mujin’s words.

Indeed, this was worthy of someone who had inherited his final enlightenment.

His personality was straightforward from the start.

A true demonic practitioner should have the fearless spirit of the great path without gates(?).

If there’s something you want to ask, ask it immediately; if there’s a fight to be had, fight it right away.

Everything else can be thought about later.

But wasn’t I currently a descendant of the Zhuge Family?

I had to handle things according to proper procedures.

“Let’s wait for now. There’s no need to unnecessarily make enemies of Haowen. Who knows? There might come a day when we’ll use them.”

That’s how Murim works.

When interests align, they join hands at any time.

Haowen is an information organization in Murim that rivals the Beggar’s Sect.

The Beggar’s Sect is quick with open rumors, while Haowen is quick with hidden secrets. Taking information from both together can lead to more accurate conclusions.

Therefore, in the past, not only orthodox sects but even demonic practitioners didn’t make great enemies of Haowen.

Because they could be helpful someday.

Mujin needed to learn this point.

The world is too harsh and cold to live by justice alone…

“What if something happens to Dan Mae in the meantime?”

“Huh?”

“Damn it, I should have followed her earlier if I knew this would happen.”

“…”

“Haowen, those insidiously wicked bastards – what if they harm Dan Mae?”

Zhuge Munhyeon watched with an enlightened heart as Mujin frowned, grumbled, and downed a cup of alcohol in one gulp.

Ah, so that was it?

Damn lustful demonic Taoist.

I take back my satisfaction.

Just as his disappointment was growing more and more.

“Welcome… Gasp!”

A shopkeeper who had been bowing cheerfully to greet a guest entering through the entrance choked on air.

It was an expression of love at first sight.

Not only that, but even the guests who were nearby and casually turned their heads had the same reaction.

“Oh my!”

“Gasp!”

They looked at the guest’s face and froze in shock.

It was Dan Yeonhwa.

Even with her bangs hanging long on both sides and her head bowed when greeting people, her beauty could not be concealed.

“I knew this would happen!”

Mujin jumped up and went down to the first floor.

‘Hmm, was there reason to be anxious?’

It seemed from now on, she would need to wear a wide-brimmed bamboo hat with a face veil to cover her face.

He hadn’t done so because he was worried such an appearance might draw even more attention.

But still.

True beauty doesn’t lie only in the face…

“I have companions here, could you guide me to them?”

“…Pardon?”

“I have companions who came earlier.”

“Ah, I apologize. Your voice is so lovely that I lost my composure.”

True beauty doesn’t lie in a voice like jade beads rolling on a jade tray either…

“I’m sorry, young master. It seems I’ve caused you unnecessary concern.”

“Ah, such a kind heart too. This fellow has been called ‘young master’ for the first time in his life, Miss.”

Nor in kindness of heart…

Damn it…

While he was frowning due to the perfect Dan Yeonhwa in every way, Mujin approached her.

“Dan Mae.”

“Ah! Senior Brother.”

“You’re late. I’ve secured a spot on the second floor.”

“Yes.”

The gazes that had been watching her radiant smile turned toward Mujin.

Sharp beyond measure.

Even ferocious.

Mujin boldly led her to the second floor while holding Dan Yeonhwa’s hand.

Was the victor’s expression that appeared on his face at that moment just his own delusion?

For some reason, even the sound of his footsteps on the stairs seemed majestic.

It seemed like he was being somewhat cocky too.

“Damn it! Shopkeeper! One more bottle of liquor here!”

“Me too!”

“Here too!”

Suddenly, the first floor’s sales increased dramatically.

Meanwhile, Dan Yeonhwa approached their table and greeted them politely.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

“…Just shut up and sit down.”

“Pardon?”

“People keep staring.”

Zhuge Munhyeon frowned, feeling the glancing stares.

“No, why are you being like this? Making things uncomfortable. What did Dan Mae do wrong?”

“…”

“Really, getting angry for no reason. Dan Mae, sit here. I kept it warm for you.”

Mujin rolled his eyes and pulled out the chair he had been sitting on.

At that level, it was a disease.

If he got married later, he would definitely become henpecked.

A lustful demonic Taoist bastard who was crazy in love and would offer up his liver and gallbladder.

To think that such a thing was the disciple who inherited the Heavenly Demon’s final mental insights.

If he could undo it, he would want to undo it.

When Zhuge Munhyeon sighed and suddenly stood up, Dan Yeonhwa and Mujin, who were about to sit, looked up at him in an awkward half-sitting position.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to change seats.”

“Pardon?”

Mujin tilted his head.

He had become oblivious again.

You damn fool, use your brain a little.

Everyone is staring only in this direction.

At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before my face gets exposed.

I went through the trouble of secretly sneaking out to avoid Mother’s eyes.

“Shopkeeper!”

“Yes!”

“You have an inner chamber, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Guide us to a quiet room.”

“Understood.”

“And get me a bamboo hat with a face veil.”

“Yes, young master. Do you perhaps need courtesans, dancers, or musicians as well?”

At the shopkeeper’s words as he received the few iron coins handed to him, Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled and nodded.

The shopkeeper was better than Mujin.

Even while glancing at Dan Yeonhwa, intoxicated by her beauty, he didn’t forget his duty.

‘Since they don’t seem like ordinary people, shall I place a spy?’

His thoughts were obvious.

“Just a musician.”

“Understood, young master.”

* * *

The inner chamber on the second floor of Hoeunru.

It was a bit large for three people to have a drinking session.

There were also many fancy decorations.

The bookshelf on the wall… oh? They’ve installed mechanisms?

What’s that about?

Behind the hanging scroll on the wall seemed somehow hollow.

Though I didn’t touch it, I could hear faint wind sounds by my ear.

That meant there was a hole.

And that someone could eavesdrop through that hole.

‘They’re showing off wrinkles in front of a pupa.’

To give a room with mechanisms installed to a descendant of the Zhuge Family.

Zhuge Munhyeon, wearing a mocking smile, acted nonchalantly while examining various parts of the room as if sightseeing.

Meanwhile, a musician entered.

As expected…

It was the guy I saw earlier.

The musician who had learned martial arts, mixed among the first floor performers.

Moreover, the pipa he used seemed like it could shoot hidden weapons.

“Dan Mae, sit over here.”

“…”

That damn bastard.

Whether Mujin had also noticed the musician’s identity, he seated Dan Yeonhwa in a position where he could protect her.

Then what about me?

Is it okay if I die from hidden weapons?

They say there’s no use raising black-haired beasts, and those words are exactly right.

As expected, only family can be trusted.

“So, tell me what you saw and heard.”

“Yes.”

“Pardon?”

Their reactions were completely different.

Dan Yeonhwa, whose level was still low, obediently tried to tell what she had seen and heard, while Mujin looked startled and glanced at the musician.

“Mujin, please don’t interfere.”

“But…”

“It’s fine.”

“Hmm.”

It wasn’t just one musician anyway.

There was one behind the wall, and another pacing outside the door.

“Yeonhwa.”

“Ah, from what I heard, there seems to have been kidnappings.”

“Kidnappings?”

My face naturally frowned.

Again?

This wasn’t some new trend sweeping the Central Plains.

“From what I heard, quite a few people seem to have been kidnapped. But what’s strange is the status of the kidnapped people.”

“Status?”

“Yes. If they were after money, they surely would have targeted people they could extort money from… but all the kidnapped people are said to be vagrants and beggars not belonging to the Beggar’s Sect.”

“Vagrants and beggars?”

“Among them, the gender and age groups are all different. Regardless of male or female, from elderly to children, various people have been kidnapped. At first it wasn’t revealed because they were slash-and-burn farming villages… but recently, many people have been disappearing near cities as well, so it seems the Beggar’s Sect and Zhuge Family branch offices stepped forward.”

“Hmm.”

When Dan Yeonhwa finished speaking, Zhuge Munhyeon furrowed his brow deeply.

This is strange.

Why?

At first he thought it might be the work of the Demonic Sect, but the types being kidnapped don’t match the pattern.

It seemed he would need someone who knew a bit more.

But conveniently, such a person was right beside him.

Zhuge Munhyeon slightly turned his head and looked at the musician creating gentle melodies as he asked.

“Is that so?”

“…Pardon?”

When the musician stopped playing and blinked at the brightly smiling gaze looking at him, Zhuge Munhyeon spoke again.

“Why are you pretending not to know? Don’t play dumb and tell me what you know.”

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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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