Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 300

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

Chapter 300

Yeonhwabong.

A pavilion precariously built on a rocky mountain.

Zhuge Munhyeon’s party arrived at the temple grounds that had weathered countless years of wind and rain.

Ok Hwan, the Sect Leader of Huashan who had received advance notice, came out to greet them with a smile.

“I pay my respects to the Sect Leader.”

“Welcome. The mountain path must have been treacherous—was it not too difficult?”

“We were so enchanted by the mountain scenery and landscape that we forgot our fatigue.”

“Haha, Young Master Zhuge certainly has a way with words that pleases the listener.”

“You flatter me.”

“Come, please enter.”

“Yes.”

There was no need to verify identities.

Since Hyeonmuk had already sent a letter explaining the situation before coming together, they went directly to the Sect Leader.

What was surprising was that Jin Yalim, the bandit leader who would have had more than enough people wanting to cut his throat, was also welcomed the moment he entered the mountain gate.

For Huashan, this was a tremendously bold decision.

Bringing a bandit alive into the temple grounds was unprecedented.

The party that entered the inner chamber of Yeonhwa Cave couldn’t help but be amazed by the well-decorated interior, which contrasted with its modest exterior appearance.

Only Zhuge Munhyeon remained unmoved.

Because he had been here before.

Because he knew the feeling.

But how could the others be the same?

Jin Yalim was the first bandit ever to visit, and for Dan Yeonhwa, every place in the Central Plains was new and fascinating.

Also, even though Mujin belonged to the same Daomen, he had been unable to leave Wudang, busy managing Taiji Cave and hiding his demonic cultivation, so he too was constantly looking around, absorbed in sightseeing.

“You seem remarkably calm?”

“Not at all? I simply didn’t show it outwardly, but inside I’m quite amazed.”

“Is that so?”

Despite his deflection, the strange light in Ok Hwan’s eyes did not disappear.

Such unshakeable composure.

They say you can know ten things by seeing one.

Those who entered Huashan seeking to understand the Way were eccentric, but most were worthy of being called talented individuals.

Having seen countless such people, Ok Hwan could not fail to recognize Zhuge Munhyeon’s character.

‘The name Violent Dragon becoming known was no mere coincidence.’

Relaxed and stable.

He didn’t easily reveal emotions and his presence was unshakeable, indicating deep cultivation of mental techniques.

Moreover, with an indescribable scholarly aura flowing in his eyes, when he revealed his power, it would undoubtedly be at a level difficult to underestimate.

He had already heard from Hyeonmuk.

He said that his power was different from internal energy and purer than celestial energy, making its exact nature unknown, but the refreshing sensation when enveloped in the light that covered the world in an instant was indescribable.

He had also said it seemed to far transcend even the realm of strong energy.

‘One who achieved enlightenment in the secular world. Indeed, that is so. Despite possessing power, he does not flaunt it, and the gentle aura he emanates does not oppress others.’

A pleased expression appeared on Ok Hwan’s face.

Unlike other Daomen sects, Huashan was not limited to Daoist teachings alone but sought truth in the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism).

Therefore, they did not confine enlightenment to the mountains alone but also found it in the secular world.

Achievement depends on the individual, not on location.

‘The Zhuge family is enviable.’

Though he felt no envy or jealousy, this thought arose because they seemed more advanced than those who had pursued the Way their entire lives.

When good talent emerges, followers will naturally appear, so the Zhuge family’s prosperity would likely continue beyond a single generation.

“So, you have something to tell me?”

“That’s correct.”

“Perhaps regarding the re-establishment of the Murim Alliance?”

“It’s not unrelated.”

“Not unrelated? Then there are other reasons as well?”

“That’s right. What the Zhuge family initially worried about was the rise of the Demonic Sect.”

“Hmm…”

Zhuge Munhyeon spoke about the Demonic Sect he had encountered in Sichuan.

Ok Hwan, who had been listening quietly, nodded with a stern expression unlike before.

The rise of the Demonic Sect.

Though now only remaining in records with no living witnesses, the Central Plains had always been wary of their movements.

Not because of losing vested interests, but because their activities had always brought great calamity to the world.

“I believe this movement of the Blood Sect foreshadows the imminent rise of Mado.”

“I heard from Hyeonmuk. They were hiding in Yeongajang?”

“That’s correct.”

“Cunning bastards. Outwardly advocating goodness while secretly plotting such schemes… Infinite Buddha.”

Ok Hwan’s face, showing slight anger, was filled with disapproval.

“Please lend us your strength.”

“Strength…”

The request from Wudang had come long ago.

The gathering of the Nine Sects.

However, knowing that the Zhuge family was at the center of it, he couldn’t decide easily.

Though they didn’t separate themselves from the secular world, as a Daoist sect, he was concerned about stepping into the gaps of power.

But Zhuge Munhyeon.

His eyes were clear.

No greed could be felt.

Indeed, wasn’t he someone who might have already achieved his own Way?

The first step of the Way is to escape from greed.

“I will discuss closely with Wudang. Both the establishment of the Murim Alliance and the problem of the Blood Sect.”

“Thank you.”

“Hehe, my friend. I didn’t say I would do it. I merely said I would discuss it.”

“Taking one step forward is sufficient. Whether the steps ahead will continue forward or return to their original place, I don’t know, but since your intention has left the mountains and turned toward the secular world, you can see and judge for yourself.”

“Hehe! You have faith in your family. I can see you’re confident that my intentions won’t change even after I observe them.”

“What descendant wouldn’t trust their family? I simply think that if the cause is righteous, many will walk together.”

Ok Hwan became even more pleased with Zhuge Munhyeon’s answer.

A good response.

He didn’t say it must be done unconditionally, or that it was unconditionally right.

See, hear, and judge for yourself.

He had humbled himself and passed the burden of judgment to Huashan.

Those with power usually try to oppress others, intoxicated by their own strength.

“Haha! When a visitor brings such smiles, it’s truly a good day.”

“I too am pleased to meet the Sect Leader.”

“My, you’re quite good with pleasant words too?”

“I know that only with pleasing words will you spare me another glance.”

“Kahaha!”

Ok Hwan burst into hearty laughter that seemed to shake the temple grounds, then spoke with a gentle expression.

“You will rise high.”

“Pardon?”

“A person’s heart is unknowable no matter how enlightened one becomes, but at least you seem different.”

Ok Hwan glanced at Jin Yalim and continued speaking.

“Where is there a person without flaws? But I seem to understand why righteous people gather around you. Therefore, I hope Huashan will be by your side.”

Not for a cause.

Not for the Murim Alliance, not for Wudang, not for Zhuge.

It meant he would stand with Zhuge Munhyeon as an individual.

It was an expression of utmost trust.

But Zhuge Munhyeon was simply bewildered.

‘Why… why is this so easy?’

They had only met for half a day.

It was too short a time to even know each other, let alone trust.

Yet he readily said he would trust him as if they had known each other for decades, which made him rather wary.

Could this person… be a natural pushover?

Whatever the case, it had become much easier to deal with him.

This much was enough to achieve his first purpose in visiting Huashan.

“Oh! I heard you obtained a unique elixir at Yeongajang?”

“Ah, yes. I was actually thinking of asking Huashan for help.”

“Let me see.”

Zhuge Munhyeon handed Ok Hwan the wooden box containing the elixir he had found at Yeongajang.

“Hmm… It’s a peculiar item. It doesn’t seem like an ordinary elixir.”

Ok Hwan, who had been examining it briefly, said casually.

“But traveling with a Wudang disciple, why didn’t you ask them instead…?”

He could sense it in the glance that subtly looked at Mujin.

Competitive spirit.

An unwillingness to lose to Wudang.

It seemed he wasn’t completely a pushover after all.

In such cases, it was human nature to boost their pride and stimulate their competitive spirit.

“What? Is Huashan’s ability in alchemy inferior to Wudang’s?”

“Huh?”

“From what I’ve heard, spells belong to Wudang, talismans to Maoshan, and alchemy to Huashan?”

“…”

Ok Hwan’s face instantly hardened.

The Huashan Sect members in the palace quarters were the same.

Given his position, Mujin couldn’t speak but just flinched and stared at Zhuge Munhyeon with wide eyes.

And then.

“Hahaha! Zhuge Gongja knows his stuff! Of course! Since ancient times, when it comes to alchemy, it’s been our Huashan. Absolutely!”

Ok Hwan smiled more brightly than ever. He even shrugged his shoulders slightly toward Mujin.

As expected…

It was good that he had tested Hyeonmuk on the way here.

It seemed these Taoists also didn’t want to lose, just the same.

Thanks to this, the eyes of the Huashan warriors looking at Zhuge Munhyeon were filled with favor.

“So, what do you plan to do now? Will you immediately leave to search for traces of the Blood Sect?”

“Hmm, no. Having come all the way to Huashan, how could a cultivator pass up such a good opportunity?”

“A good opportunity?”

“Of course. I’ve long admired Huashan’s sword techniques, said to be the best under heaven.”

“…!”

“Anyway, the Blood Sect matter has now become a problem for all the Central Plains, so even without me, the elders will step forward directly… If you permit it, I’d like to stay for a while and study Huashan.”

“Study Huashan?”

“Would that not be acceptable?”

When he asked subtly, Ok Hwan’s pupils trembled finely before he immediately shouted.

“Hyeonmuk, listen!”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

“This is an honored guest. I want to keep him by my side and frequently engage in pleasant conversation, so prepare lodging near the palace quarters and treat him without any shortcomings.”

“Understood.”

Hyeonmuk was chosen.

After all, he was the one who had brought Zhuge Munhyeon to Huashan.

But near the palace quarters…

It was quite exceptional treatment.

It wasn’t common to place a guest in Huashan’s most important location where the Sect Leader resided.

And there was even a bandit among them.

‘I can’t tell if this person is a pushover or not.’

Inwardly he suppressed a chuckle, but outwardly spoke in a highly excited tone.

“To show such consideration, I am truly grateful.”

“What’s this talk between us?”

Between… us?

Already?

It seemed he would become a pushover exclusively for him.

But this was actually good.

Having won the Sect Leader’s favor, wouldn’t finding Taeudon become even easier?

* * *

After finishing his pleasant conversation with the Sect Leader and coming outside, Zhuge Munhyeon waited for his lodging to be prepared.

Mujin quietly approached his side and asked.

“What kind of book was it?”

“Huh?”

“Who was the author?”

“…”

“Wudang for spells and Huashan for alchemy? What damn bastard said such nonsense? I should go to the Zhuge Family right now and set it on fire.”

Mujin, who had been listening calmly, became aggressive.

Seeing his obsidian-like pupils flash, he would probably really set fires.

He was definitely sulking.

“Mujin.”

“Yes!”

“Control your mind.”

“…”

“One must have a great mind that isn’t swayed by small words to achieve the Way. Heh heh heh!”

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, Mujin abruptly turned his head and went somewhere else.

“S-Senior Brother!”

Dan Yeonhwa hurriedly followed after him.

“That guy, that guy… Sigh. A grown man being so narrow-minded. Amitabha.”

It seemed it would take some time for his sulking to subside.

There was no need to coax him further.

Sometimes there are things that resolve themselves if left alone.

Anyway, with this he had managed to stay at Huashan.

Plum blossoms?

He didn’t need such things.

What was important was Taeudon.

And one more thing.

Zhuge Munhyeon looked at Jin Yalim, who was frowning as if uncomfortable with the refreshing atmosphere of the temple grounds.

He couldn’t neglect stealing… learning the Pulse Severing technique perfectly from this guy either.

Just wait and see.

He would suck it all up.

Slurp slurp!

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