Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 35

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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 35

 

 

On a certain day, before the elated atmosphere of the Zhuge Family from the annihilation of the Honyeon Territory had even subsided, distinguished guests arrived from the east.

They were Purple Ghost, the Gaebang Branch Manager, and his disciple Sayo.

“Please, come in.”

“I greet the Family Head.”

“Haha! They say the sick are without fault. Your body is unwell, so please rise.”

“Thank you.”

The sick are without fault.

Saying there was no need for formalities, Zhuge Dowon approached Purple Ghost, who was kneeling in greeting, and personally helped him to his feet.

Even though he was the former Branch Manager of Hanyang Prefecture south of the Yangtze River, not north of Hubei Province where the Zhuge Family was located.

Perhaps that made it even better.

A helping hand extended to someone going through difficult times appears all the greater.

“Come, sit here.”

At the seat the Family Head guided him to, Zhuge Munhyeon and his father Zhuge Doyun were also present.

Since he was the very person who had saved him.

“If I hadn’t met your family’s Young Master, I don’t know what terrible fate I would have suffered at the hands of those evil demonic sect bastards. I thank you once again.”

When Purple Ghost looked at Zhuge Munhyeon and smiled, Zhuge Doyun’s mouth stretched wide.

Though Baek Suhyeon had constantly nagged about why he did such dangerous things after learning about the incident at the Honyeon Territory, Zhuge Doyun couldn’t help but feel proud.

Though his son was annoying, shrugging his shoulders as if saying “This is what I’m capable of,” his hand was already stroking that head.

Because the son he had sent to gain experience had completely pulled out something that had been ailing this person all along.

“I heard the story from Munhyeon. You said you would help the Zhuge Family? Those are truly grateful words.”

“Grateful? Please don’t say such things. Not only did you save my life, but just accepting us like this is something I’ll never forget.”

“Hehe. Well now.”

“If you would just accept our request to depend on you, we will do our utmost with sincere hearts.”

He had tried to treat him with proper courtesy, but Purple Ghost spoke as if offering himself as a subordinate instead, which only brought forth empty laughter.

Though the Gaebang had lost power and scattered to various places, they still held tight to information about the regions where they stayed.

“It’s truly fortunate that you say such things. I will also look for ways to help the Gaebang.”

“Yes, Family Head.”

Purple Ghost would depend on the Zhuge Family to guarantee safety while gathering strength, and the Zhuge Family would expand their territory more safely and easily through their information.

It was a situation good for both sides.

“First, please accept this.”

“This is…?”

What the Family Head offered was an envelope containing documents. The Family Head’s official seal stamped on it was clear.

“I heard that Munhyeon promised you the embrace of Yungzhong Mountain.”

“I did hear about it from my disciple, but please don’t worry too much about it. We’ve long lived with the sky as our ceiling and the fields as our floor.”

“Haha! Now that we’re family, we can’t have that. How could we treat distinguished guests that way? After the Main House declined, many left, so there are many empty manors.”

“Pardon? Empty manors?”

“Please don’t refuse. We’re just sharing surplus places with those who need them. I’ve already ordered repairs, so within this month it should be livable. That envelope contains documents recognizing ownership of the manor.”

“Pardon?”

In other words, it was a house deed.

One that recognized Gaebangdo Purple Ghost as the owner of the manor.

“Don’t worry about operating costs either. Though the Main House isn’t what it used to be, would we take money from those who’ve become family? Just use it comfortably. We’ll also handle the nearby security for a while.”

“Ah…”

Purple Ghost let out a short exclamation.

Truly befitting a Family Head.

He wins hearts by spending generously on someone who would be grateful for even a few coins.

Since they were people with nowhere to go, it would have been fine to just give them a crumbling abandoned manor, but how grateful would they be to repair it and give them something new?

All the while emphasizing that they were family.

Of course, Purple Ghost, who wore a moved expression, couldn’t fail to read those intentions.

How many years had he spent in the Gaebang…

“Family Head.”

“Please speak.”

“I will repay the kindness you’ve shown for a long time to come.”

“Hehe, I told you it’s fine.”

“No. On the way to the Zhuge Family, I sent communications to those I had connections with. Though their numbers aren’t many, they’ve made seeing and hearing their profession, and since several places have tried to recruit them, they have much information.”

“Information?”

“Would information about the Blood Shadow Pavilion of Yangban and the Demon Shadow Tower of Namjang suffice for now?”

“What?!”

“I’ll have it passed to the Zhuge Family as soon as news arrives.”

The moment he heard those words, Zhuge Dowon’s mouth opened as wide as a washbasin.

The Blood Shadow Pavilion and Demon Shadow Tower.

Those two were demonic sect forces that had been threatening the south of the Zhuge Family and causing headaches.

In a situation where breathing room had opened up for deploying the Main House’s forces with the threat of the Honyeon Territory gone, if they could obtain information about them, more effective responses than before would be possible.

Moreover, if the Eight Formations being researched in the Military Strategy Hall could properly establish themselves on Yungzhong Mountain?

Driving out those demonic sect bastards would be nothing.

“Thank you. Truly thank you. I will never forget your help.”

“From now on, if there’s anything you want to know, please call on me anytime to ask.”

At Purple Ghost’s words, Zhuge Dowon couldn’t hide his satisfaction.

It felt like his chest, which had been frustratingly blocked for so long, was finally opening up.

“However, I have one request.”

“Speak without reservation.”

“If the Zhuge Family defeats the rebels and regains its past glory… would it be alright for our Gaebang to be part of that?”

Purple Ghost’s question.

It was the same as asking for recognition of the Gaebang’s territory within the Zhuge Family’s domain when their territory expanded.

And the Family Head’s answer was very quick.

There was no need to deliberate.

“You mean this? As I said, we’re family now. I will treat you as such first, and I’ll make sure all of my family thinks the same way.”

“Thank you, Family Head.”

“Thank you? I was planning to do so anyway. Hahaha!”

Zhuge Dowon laughed heartily, then spoke with a worried expression.

“There’s plenty of time ahead, so don’t worry about the future and let’s focus on recovering your health first. Now, I’ve prepared physicians for the Bang Leader. Focus only on recovery for a while.”

“Just having a place to stay is grateful enough, but to care for my body as well… I understand. I’ll do so. I’ll recover quickly and repay this kindness.”

“It’s fine. Take your time. A gentleman is skilled at waiting.”

Zhuge Dowon, wearing a smile, called the servant girls outside and had them guide him to the medical room.

Such was Purple Ghost’s condition.

Though he had come because it couldn’t be delayed, his gaunt body bore numerous wounds from the long ordeal he had suffered at the Honyeon Territory.

Sayo, who supported Purple Ghost, knew that Zhuge Munhyeon was responsible for making all these moments possible, so she gave a light nod of greeting as she went outside.

‘But calling him Bang Leader right away… He really is good with words.’

He should have properly been called Branch Manager, but the moment the agreement was concluded, the Family Head had given Purple Ghost face.

He had made him envision the future.

Though the Gaebang was now divided, he was telling him to unite with the Zhuge Family and become the Bang Leader of a new Gaebang.

Of course, it was probably just courtesy.

Because no one can predict the future.

But!

That will happen.

Because the one who was once called the Heavenly Demon is there, in that place mentioned out of courtesy.

If the Family Head has acknowledged him as family, then Purple Ghost should rightfully become the Beggar Sect Leader.

That would be the appropriate level.

‘I will definitely make it so.’

He was sincere.

His goal was Ascension to Immortality, but how long it would take was unknown.

First, he had to reach the Transcendent Realm where he could handle Gang Qi, and after that, he had to achieve the Spirit Body.

At least several decades?

He couldn’t spend all those long years just cultivating.

Rather than being idle, he should at least do something worthwhile, so he planned to strengthen the Zhuge Family’s power in between his cultivation.

To the point where no one could ignore them.

“Munhyeon.”

“Yes?”

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been making resolutions in his heart when his name was called, looked at the Family Head.

“It’s all thanks to you. The Zhuge Family has gained a very precious asset.”

“I was the one who brought him, but wasn’t it you, Family Head, who won his heart?”

When he calmly deflected the credit, the Family Head was greatly pleased and grabbed Zhuge Munhyeon’s cheeks with both hands, rubbing them.

“Oh my, what a lovely boy!”

“Ugh!”

Th-this is…

But since it was a good day, he would endure it.

If you do this again next time, I’ll snap your wrist right off, so keep that in mind.

“Where on earth did such a lucky charm like you just drop from?”

He must be happy.

The destruction of the Honyeon Territory, the Small Heavenly Star Technique transformed into a supreme martial art, and even the Beggar Sect…

Who could be responsible for all that?

Obviously.

“Naturally, he dropped from me.”

“…”

“He’s my son. Hahaha!”

Zhuge Doyun interjected with self-praise.

“Yes, yes. My younger brother really had his son well.”

“Of course. Naturally.”

“…”

These two are particularly affectionate today.

It’s not because of anyone else, it’s just because I’m excellent…

“Is there anything you desire?”

“Something I desire?”

“Yes. I’ve ordered separate rewards for those who achieved merit, but your accomplishments seem worthy of a separate reward.”

He was saying he’d give him something extra.

Hmm…

What should I ask for?

A declining household wouldn’t give large sums of money, and I heard the Spirit Pills had dried up because they couldn’t obtain materials… Ah!

“Family Head!”

“Yes?”

“First, please let me enter the Heroic Martial Armory.”

“You need a weapon?”

“Not just me, but Elder Brother Munho and Elder Brothers Gwan, Hwi, and Pyeong too.”

“Those children as well?”

“Yes. They all achieved merit, and they’re the rising talents who will represent the Zhuge Family in the future. If you bestow weapons upon them, they’ll likely cultivate even more diligently.”

“Hmm… Good. Would that be enough?”

“Will you give me something else too?”

“Isn’t your merit too great to give just one treasured blade from the family? Tell me.”

“Well… If you insist.”

After thinking for a moment, Zhuge Munhyeon glanced at his father and spoke with a sly smile.

“Please send me to Wudang.”

He didn’t need anything else.

Wudang would be enough.

Since Father was also present, it would be good to nail down the point so he could never again say anything about gaining experience through apprenticeship.

Family prosperity was one thing, and Ascension to Immortality was another.

So he really wanted to go!

 

* * *

 

“Oh my, you rascal!”

Zhuge Doyun, who had left the Family Head’s Hall, smacked his son’s head with a displeased expression.

“Ah, why!”

“Wudang? Wudang?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“You damn fool, why are you so thoughtless! When the Family Head was graciously offering you a reward, just Wudang? You should have asked him to lend you some capital, or asked for a good position! Or a promise of support for the Military Strategy Hall wouldn’t have been bad either! How can you be so ignorant of the world.”

“…”

It seems like one of your own desires just slipped in among those various suggestions, doesn’t it?

Then you should have promised to send me long ago. Why did you make me live as an apprentice, saying I lacked experience and whatnot?

And money?

I don’t need such things.

If I needed it, I could use some minor tricks to become rich instantly. The mountains and rivers are full of illegal funds that are safe to take…

A position?

If I put my mind to it, even the Family Head position… Ahem!

Most importantly, it’s not “just Wudang.”

Everyone has life goals they pursue.

Wudang, no, Hyeoncheonja’s Secret Cave was such a place for him.

The one dream he couldn’t achieve in his previous life.

Ascension to Immortality.

What’s the point of becoming the best under heaven on earth?

He’d already done that.

It was nothing special.

But the Immortal Realm was different.

In that place filled with Immortals who had transcended the human realm, how many opponents would there be to fight?

Only by being acknowledged as the strongest in such a world could one become truly supreme.

Hyeoncheonja’s Secret Cave.

There were definitely rumors that he had achieved Ascension to Immortality, right?

Then perhaps, as Father said, there might really be an Immortality Secret Manual or something like that inside that secret cave.

That’s mine.

It’s a secret manual created for me to find.

I must confirm it.

Because I need to know what errors existed in the method I cultivated.

Ultimately, Wudang, Hyeoncheonja’s Secret Cave, was the first step toward his unfinished dream.

He could never give up on it.

“Anyway, since the Family Head has given permission, you absolutely must not say anything different.”

“Ugh, you thoughtless fool. What’s so special about that Wudang anyway…”

Father was displeased the entire time.

When he doesn’t even know anything…

“Sigh, what can I do? My son insists he wants to climb Wudang Mountain… Instead, starting tomorrow, go find the Grand Forge Master at the Heavenly Workshop and learn about mechanical arts.”

“What?”

“Why?”

“No, what else do I need to learn? The Family Head already gave permission.”

“Hey, you brat. Did you think just because the Family Head gave permission, I’d send you to Wudang unprepared?”

“What do you mean?”

“This father is the Military Strategy Division Head. I’m the person in charge of the family’s mechanical arts and formation techniques. Don’t you think I have the authority to refuse the Family Head’s orders?”

“…”

“I absolutely cannot send someone who knows nothing about mechanical arts to Wudang.”

“Father! Are you really going to do this?”

“Hmph! If you’re thinking of using blood relations, give up that idea right now. I have no intention of sending someone without ability to Wudang and damaging the family’s prestige.”

“Wow… How can you say such things to your son… Weren’t you the one saying ‘my son this’ and ‘well done that’ before?”

“That’s that and this is this.”

Really, you could stab him and not a drop of blood would come out.

I even managed to get the Family Head’s approval…

But as Father walked away with shuffling steps, he muttered to himself.

“Damn brat, I mean, I finally tell him to speak up, so why can’t he ask for a bigger budget for the Military Strategy Division? Who’s asking for much? Just a tiny bit, enough to work with…”

“…”

As expected, there’s no one to trust.

To think he’d try to use his son to satisfy his own greed.

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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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