Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 46

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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 46

The next day, those sent by the Zhuge Family arrived before dawn.

Even though the distance from Yungzhong Mountain to Dangang District wasn’t far, seeing them arrive in just one night showed how urgent they felt.

Well, was Zhuge Munho’s letter a bit provocative?

Anyone reading it would mistake it for a declaration of war with his writing skills.

Thanks to that, the Hyeonho Dan Leader came rushing with all thirty of the strongest martial artists. There were even ten scholars from the Military Strategy Hall.

Having tasted success in the fight with Honyeon Territory, they wanted to make full use of combat-type formation masters.

A show of force would be sufficient.

Word that so many had come to Dangang District would spread quickly from mouth to mouth.

It could escalate into full-scale war, and if that happened, they’d have to consider Wudang’s reaction, so the Seven Kill Gang wouldn’t be able to move recklessly either.

However, the problem was…

‘Damn, why the Hyeonho Dan Leader?’

I couldn’t help but frown.

Hyeonho Dan Leader Zhuge Domyeong.

He was the fifth among the elder generation brothers, a martial artist evaluated as having skills rivaling the Family Head. Some even said he surpassed him in pure martial arts alone.

A swordsman representing the Zhuge Family, called the Ice Cold Sword in Hubei.

But his son was none other than Zhuge Mungi.

The kid I had mercilessly trampled when I entered the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion at age seven.

Naturally, his feelings toward me wouldn’t be good.

His son got beaten up that badly – would the resentment disappear just because a few years had passed?

I had already met him several times at the main house.

Though we hadn’t conversed, each time he looked at me with a cold expression.

Let’s not step forward.

Let’s stay in the back.

If I stepped forward carelessly and got nitpicked, it would be troublesome, and if I got scolded and became angry, I might end up harming Uncle…

That wouldn’t do.

Anyway, since Zhuge Munho was the eldest brother, I could just leave it to him…

“It was Munhyeon’s idea, Uncle.”

“…”

“Isn’t he truly admirable?”

Zhuge Munho, unable to hide his proud expression, stepped back slightly and pointed at me with a smile.

That fool!

Why are you trying to promote me at a time like this?!

You could have just taken credit for this achievement yourself!

As I looked at Zhuge Munho with resentful eyes, Zhuge Domyeong passed by me with an indifferent expression radiating coldness.

See? That’s what I’m talking about.

I knew he’d be angry rather than praise me.

But then.

“It’s been a long time, in-law.”

“It has been a long time.”

Zhuge Domyeong approached Baek Hanseong and bowed his head respectfully.

Huh?

I was so surprised that I whipped my head toward Grandfather.

Grandfather spoke informally?

And so familiarly?

“I heard you suffered greatly due to those lawless ones. Are you injured anywhere?”

“Hehe, I’m fine.”

“That’s fortunate. Please forgive me for not preparing a gift in my haste to come.”

“A gift? I wonder if the Zhuge Family isn’t suffering because of me.”

“How could we not hurry when we heard family was in danger? Please don’t feel burdened.”

Why was the atmosphere like this?

His expression was still like ice, but what was with that incongruous politeness, and why was Grandfather acting so nonchalant?

How strange.

I had thought the Zhuge Family looked down on him, calling him a son-in-law, offering no support… wasn’t that the case?

“Please go inside for now. You’re not feeling well, and the cold air won’t be good for you.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Not at all. Though I heard through the letter, I need to hear the detailed circumstances from the children first, so I’ll properly greet you later.”

“Do so.”

After sending Baek Hansang inside, Zhuge Domyeong called everyone together and said:

“Tell me in detail what happened.”

“…”

There was such a disconnect between the politeness he showed Grandfather moments ago and his seemingly angry expression and heavy tone that I could hardly open my mouth.

Actually facing him, I felt like I was sitting on a bed of thorns.

“Haha, Uncle. This boy seems embarrassed.”

“…”

“May I speak on his behalf?”

“Mm, do so.”

Zhuge Munho began his story with a calm expression showing no trace of tension.

Why was that?

I was the only one standing at attention.

Not just Zhuge Munho, but even Gwan Hwiping looked very relaxed… standing on one leg?

Had these guys’ skills improved so much lately that their courage grew beyond measure?

Meanwhile, Zhuge Munho began recounting in detail what happened the previous night.

Starting with rescuing the kidnapped(?) Grandfather, from the manor being attacked, to the Palmun Gang and Seven Kill Gang holding secret meetings while plotting to take over Dangang District, winning over the Beggar Sect, and the fight at the tavern.

Zhuge Domyeong, with his arms crossed, nodded silently with a stern expression.

Occasionally glancing at me.

Was it because his nickname was Ice Cold Sword?

Even his gaze was sharp as a blade.

“…That’s everything.”

“Mm.”

Zhuge Domyeong’s expression became even more serious as he looked straight at Zhuge Munhyeon.

That, that gaze…

What? Why?

Are you displeased that I achieved merit?

As I was thinking that, suddenly Zhuge Domyeong strode over and embraced me tightly.

“What a little blessing you are!”

“…Pardon?”

“You judged very well. Well done. Very well done. Thanks to you, the main house will gain control of Dangang District.”

“…”

Praise?

There was no… resentment?

And shouldn’t such words be said with a more excited expression or voice? Why was he praising me so coldly?

The growing sense of disconnect made my head spin with confusion.

“You probably didn’t sleep properly either. This uncle will handle the rest, so go get some sleep first.”

“…”

Zhuge Domyeong, who had recommended rest, began directing the cleanup with a stern expression, commanding the three generations of the Hyeonho Unit.

What the hell?

It was definitely praise, but because of his expression and tone, I feel like I’m being scolded.

Just when I was feeling bewildered.

“Uncle Domyeong seems extremely pleased.”

“…”

Huh, where?

What exactly are you seeing that tells you he’s pleased?

“He’s naturally taciturn and not the type to hug his nephews and such.”

“Really? To me, he just looked angry?”

“Hm? He was angry?”

“Wasn’t he?”

Zhuge Munho, who had been staring intently at Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, made an expression of disbelief.

“You, don’t tell me this is your first time having a conversation with Uncle?”

“Well, yes. I’ve only ever seen his angry face, so it was hard to approach him… and there was the issue with Mungi too.”

“Good grief, you really need to pay more attention to the people around you. How could you have such a misunderstanding?”

“Misunderstanding?”

“Uncle Domyeong is naturally like that.”

“Naturally like that?”

“Should I say he’s awkward at expressing himself?”

“Wasn’t it not just a problem with expression? His face…”

“Well, his expression too. People who don’t know him always think he’s angry.”

“…?”

“From what I heard, he suffered from facial paralysis when he was young, and it got worse because of improper acupuncture treatment.”

Facial nerve paralysis.

Such things did happen occasionally.

Cases where improper treatment led to severe aftereffects.

“Since then, he’s always had that stiff expression.”

“Ah…”

Damn it, I didn’t know that and almost clenched my fists.

It was an aftereffect of an illness.

“Oh right, I heard there was quite a commotion at the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion too?”

“Why?”

“You know, right? After that incident, Aunt took Mungi and left for the Tang family.”

I had heard about it.

When Zhuge Munhyeon nodded, Zhuge Munho looked around and lowered his voice.

“I only heard this, but apparently it was actually because of a marital fight.”

“A marital fight?”

“Yes. Aunt Tang was quite notorious among the inner court. For spreading all sorts of malicious gossip.”

“Ah…”

“It was quite a commotion apparently. He even scolded her to go apologize to your mother immediately.”

Such a thing happened.

I never dreamed of it.

Why didn’t Sohye, who was always chattering, tell me about such important matters?

“After that, he went to Uncle from the Military Strategy Hall and Aunt to keep apologizing for raising his son poorly? Didn’t he say anything to you?”

“…”

I remember.

After the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion incident, he came with that fierce expression.

I thought he came to confront me and deliberately avoided him… but he was trying to apologize.

Damn, so why does his expression and tone have to be like that, making people misunderstand?

“Anyway, since Uncle is here, you don’t need to worry about the aftermath. You’re departing for Wudang now, right?”

“Y-yes, I should.”

Two days had passed out of the five days. There was still quite a bit of time left, but there was nothing wrong with departing early.

More than anything, even knowing his true feelings, being with Zhuge Domyeong felt quite awkward.

‘Sigh, they say you can know ten fathoms of water but not one fathom of a person’s heart, who would have thought it was a misunderstanding.’

Zhuge Munhyeon looked at the back of Zhuge Domyeong commanding the Hyeonho Unit martial artists.

A back different from Father’s.

I feel sorry for no reason.

Not knowing he had been living alone because of that incident…

Hmm, should I try talking to him a bit?

Should I tell him honestly, even now, that I had misunderstood his true feelings?

Did he sense that gaze?

Zhuge Domyeong turned his head to look and asked.

“Do you have something to say?”

“…No.”

Zhuge Munhyeon quickly shook his head and went into his room.

I still can’t get used to that expression that looks angry and that blunt tone.

Let’s get closer gradually.

There’s still plenty of time anyway…

“Did you see?”

“…”

“This is really the first time I’ve seen Uncle Domyeong smile so brightly? He must really like you.”

Zhuge Munhyeon remained silent at Zhuge Munho’s excited words.

Where exactly?

Do you have some kind of third eye that sees into people’s hearts?

* * *

On the morning of the third day of staying in Dangang District.

“Grandfather, are you sure you don’t need to go to the main house?”

“Ho ho! Don’t worry, you rascal!”

“But…”

“It’s fine. Didn’t your uncle say he’ll be staying in Dangang District for a while?”

I had heard that.

Since there could be threats from the Seven Kill Gang, Zhuge Domyeong would stay at Maternal Grandfather’s manor, serving as both Hyeonho Dan Leader and Branch Manager.

Several martial artists from the three generations were also stationed, and a scholar from the Military Strategy Hall would take the general manager position to manage the temporary branch.

There were still many enemies around the Zhuge Family, but the destruction of Honyeon Territory had given them some breathing room.

Additionally, the insufficient forces would be supplemented by Sayo and the recruited Beggar Sect members. She also needed to stay here for a while to reorganize the system.

Even if temporary, it could be called a quite decent branch.

Still, my worries wouldn’t fade.

In case something happened to Grandfather.

“Munhyeon, don’t worry. I’ll always be by your in-law’s side.”

“…”

Zhuge Domyeong’s words trying to reassure me.

Sigh, even trying to feel it as affectionate, I just can’t get used to that expression.

Even he, who was acknowledged by himself and others as the strongest Heavenly Demon in history, felt slightly intimidated.

His face is the greatest weapon under heaven.

Even if it’s for my own comfort, I should find the most skilled physician under heaven to fix that expression…

“I understand. Then I’ll entrust Grandfather to your care.”

Zhuge Munhyeon politely bowed and then embraced his grandfather, whispering in his ear.

‘Grandfather, the money I gave you is absolutely a secret. You understand, right?’

Grandfather nodded without answering.

And then.

“What an affectionate fellow he is, really.”

Zhuge Munho watched the warm scene between grandfather and grandson with a pleased expression.

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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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