Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 49

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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 49

‘Hmm, it’s smaller than I thought…?’

‘One, two… there are only five pavilions?’

‘Is Wudang also declining? Elder Brother Munho, have you heard anything?’

When the Zhuge Family party arrived at the mountain peak, Gwan Hwiping muttered at the sight of Purple Heaven Palace that greeted them.

It was because he was seeing Wudang for the first time.

When the Orthodox Alliance was still strong, the Nine Sects and martial families frequently exchanged visits, so they would visit various places from a young age and were well-informed about others’ circumstances. However, the Zhuge Family, which had become isolated after beginning to walk the path of decline, had never visited other factions.

It made his heart ache for no reason.

But on the other hand, he thought he should let them know indirectly before they embarrassed the family.

My blood relatives… if I don’t look after them, who will?

“Uncle.”

“Yes.”

“This is Purple Heaven Palace, right? Where the sect leader and elders reside and receive guests…”

“You know well.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. Then are the remaining eight palaces on other peaks?”

Youngmun told you quite a lot.

As if he would?

I saw the map as soon as I was born…

“That’s right. This is the main peak where Purple Heaven Palace is located, Tianzhu.”

“Then are the remaining seven palaces on Jindong, Jade Maiden, Incense Burner, Candle, Wuro, and Jeongi?”

“Right, right. Wudang’s eight palaces and two halls are distributed in various places.”

“Ah, so that’s why when you look along those ridgelines, it looks like an ascending dragon?”

“Correct. Wuzhen Palace is located right in the part corresponding to that body.”

“Then are there places with more pavilions than Tianzhu Peak?”

“Of course, isn’t that obvious? Though Purple Heaven is the center, the other palaces are larger in scale. There are countless hermitages and countless smaller pavilions than palaces or halls. So each one can be said to match the scale of a decent sect.”

“Ah…”

Zhuge Munhyeon nodded and glanced sideways at Gwan Hwiping.

He seemed quite surprised by Wudang’s scale.

Now you understand, Gwan Hwiping?

So don’t go embarrassing yourself anywhere.

“For now, I’ll go in with Grand Forge Master Baek Mu, the repair team leader, to meet the sect leader, so wait here for a bit. Soon a disciple from the main mountain will guide you to the guest quarters.”

“Understood. Can I visit Wuzhen Palace later?”

“Of course, the repair work won’t be finished in just a day or two… Feel free to visit anytime while staying at Wudang. I’ll tell my disciples in advance.”

“Thank you.”

Younghua smiled warmly at Zhuge Munhyeon’s greeting and headed toward the sect leader with Baek Mu, his robes fluttering.

Phew, what a relief.

How difficult it had been to suppress the urge to become a Wudang arsonist and be proudly recorded in history.

I had clenched my teeth so tightly that my roots were aching.

‘Damn Taoist, calling me a villain to my face…’

He didn’t know, but from the perspective of the person involved, I couldn’t help but be angry.

I couldn’t reveal ‘I am that Heavenly Demon!’

Endure it, endure.

The goal is right before my eyes.

I’ll have to deal with Wudang someday, but for now it’s better to stay on friendly terms. Both myself and the Zhuge Family are still weak.

“Truly Wudang indeed.”

“What?”

“The aura of the martial artists coming and going is amazing. To maintain such stability… Look at that walking. Their stride is consistent without any disorder.”

“…”

Huh? This guy has an eye for it?

He noticed that?

I couldn’t help but be inwardly surprised by Zhuge Munho’s admiration.

Gauging an opponent’s level is not easy.

You need to have the eye for it and your senses must be refined enough to feel it.

But has he already reached that level?

Until just recently, despite reaching the Hyeon level, he lacked experience and couldn’t even properly control the power he possessed.

‘He’s looking at Tan Qi. Those eyes are moving beyond first-rate toward the pinnacle.’

Indeed, they say there’s no talent like effort.

Since learning the Small Heavenly Star Technique and formation cultivation from me, he had been diligently working as if he had been feeling thirsty for a long time.

Sometimes he was even more diligent than myself.

Like someone desperately trying to close even a little distance with the goal before his eyes.

“Elder Brother Munho.”

“Yeah?”

“You’re better than those guys.”

“Pfft- That’s nonsense.”

I meant it sincerely, but Zhuge Munho chuckled.

“Really. You’re much better, Elder Brother. I’m in an objective position, so you can trust me.”

“…R-really?”

“Mm, if you work a little harder, in one year, or maybe two years, you’ll reach the Tan Qi level.”

“Really?”

At those words, Zhuge Munho’s eyes widened in surprise, and Gwan Hwiping perked up his ears.

“Maybe even faster.”

“F-faster?”

“Yes. But remember this. Operating internal energy and going from first-rate to pinnacle are completely different things.”

“Mm…”

“And that’s not something I can help you with. I can give advice, but ultimately achieving it is up to you. Keep repeating your martial techniques and swinging your sword. If you don’t understand after a thousand times, swing ten thousand times to understand. About its application. If you do that, your skills will naturally improve. Without you even noticing.”

“…”

“Movement techniques are the same. The same movements will be tedious and tedious again, but only when your body completely learns them and they become instinct can you perfectly execute them even unconsciously. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Yes!”

“Good. Always carry your iron rings. When you become freer than now, definitely increase the weight.”

The advice he needed didn’t need to be implicit or contain profound meaning.

If you put too much into it, it only increases worries.

I just needed to tell him what would help with his immediate cultivation.

At least he was born with the tremendous talent called ‘effort.’

“Thank you, Munhyeon.”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll be more comfortable when your skills improve, Elder Brother. I can’t always be the one fighting in front forever, right?”

“W-well… haha.”

Zhuge Munho laughed awkwardly.

It’s always like this.

He blurts out helpful words and then deflates the mood just when you’re about to be moved.

Well, that’s more like him though.

Tan Qi…

‘Ten thousand times? Starting today, I’ll swing twenty thousand times. That’s the only way I can close even a little gap with you.’

I should also work hard on formation cultivation.

That was truly a revolutionary cultivation method.

Zhuge Munhyeon couldn’t help but feel inwardly pleased at Zhuge Munho’s expression, which seemed to show some other kind of new resolve.

He had taught disciples before, but this was the first time he felt this way.

‘Hmm, has living in the Zhuge Family made my personality softer?’

In the past, he had only scolded harshly.

You can’t even do this?

You’re tired after just doing that much?

Stupid fool!

If you’re going to act like that, quit right now!

But now, wasn’t he praising, encouraging, and giving gentle advice?

‘They say personality can change through experience too.’

Zhuge Munhyeon suddenly realized his own change and wore a bitter smile.

If he had raised someone like this in his previous life, what would have become of the Demonic Sect?

Such thoughts crossed his mind briefly, but he immediately shook his head vigorously.

What had already passed…

Would not return no matter how much he regretted it…

But then.

“Hey!”

“…?”

“Aren’t you being really unfair?”

Suddenly, Zhuge Pyeong spoke with a disgruntled face.

“What’s unfair?”

“Why do you only teach Elder Brother Munho? Aren’t we your brothers too? If you’re going to teach something, you should teach us fairly!”

At his complaining words, Gwan and Hwi nodded eagerly beside him with the same expression.

“Hmm.”

He pondered for a moment.

Well… these guys too…

But recalling their attitude toward training so far, his face immediately scrunched up.

These brats, after all the teaching they’ve received while constantly complaining and slacking off, what’s this about? Fair? Did you even put in effort?

Always grumbling things like ‘Let’s stop, please spare us!’ or ‘Do we really have to do this?’

Thinking about it made his anger flare up.

“We want to reach Tan Qi too!”

“Right! Tan Qi!”

“Teach us! Tan Qi!”

“…”

Zhuge Munhyeon stared intently at Gwan, Hwi, and Pyeong as they each spoke their piece, then silently raised one finger.

What’s the point of cursing?

It only hurts my mouth.

These guys learn much faster through their bodies than through words.

Poke, poke, poke!

Six times total, twice per person, he jabbed quickly.

Gwan, Hwi, and Pyeong immediately collapsed to the ground, contorting their faces in agony and writhing frantically like trampled earthworms.

At their sudden behavior, both their companions and passing Wudang Taoists looked on with puzzled expressions.

Since they shouldn’t cause a disturbance at someone else’s home, he had pressed their mute acupoints, so they couldn’t scream.

They just thrashed about individually, kicking up dust.

Anyway, these idiots…

You should covet what’s worth coveting.

These guys who haven’t even fully digested what they’ve been taught, not putting in effort but wanting Tan Qi?

You’re not ready yet.

And then he realized.

Changed personality my ass.

It’s just that Zhuge Munho’s talent for effort was exceptional.

And when Gwan, Hwi, and Pyeong were freed from the pain of the pokes.

“I am Mujin of Jasogung.”

A sturdy Taoist approached and politely offered a formal bow in greeting.

Mujin?

How strange.

Though this was their first meeting, the name felt familiar as if they had met before… Ahem!

Anyway, was this how a movie star felt when seeing their fans’ greetings?

It felt as if Wudang’s etiquette had completely melted into his body.

His Taoist robe of harmonized black and white was neat and tidy, and not a single hair protruded from his perfectly straight Taiji Taoist crown.

Meanwhile, the subtle scent of ink emanating from his body suggested he had long devoted himself to ancient texts while cultivating his personal Tao.

“Ah…”

“Mm…”

Zhuge Munho and Gwan, Hwi, Pyeong also seemed overwhelmed by his appearance and atmosphere, exclaiming softly as they hurriedly returned the greeting.

“I am Munho of the Zhuge Family.”

“I am Gwan.”

“I am Hwi…”

“I am Pyeong.”

Tsk tsk, getting flustered like that…

When Baek Mu wasn’t present, these direct descendants were practically representing the family, yet they were acting so awkwardly.

He shouldn’t show the same reaction.

When visiting other sects, one must maintain a confident attitude regardless of martial level or age to avoid being looked down upon.

“I am Munhyeon of the Zhuge Family.”

At his more carefully executed Wudang etiquette, the young Taoist Mujin smiled with a surprised expression.

“You must be the person the Elder mentioned. Indeed, as he said, you know Taoist etiquette well.”

“You’re too kind…”

Zhuge Munhyeon was smiling modestly in return when he looked up at Mujin’s face and his expression suddenly froze.

He was handsome.

His looks were too good to waste on being a Taoist.

His upright posture looked as solid as an old pine that had weathered long years of wind and rain, and his gestures that made his sleeves flutter carried a natural elegance without artifice.

This guy had trained well.

Meanwhile, those pitch-black eyes that seemed to see through the principles of the world with unfathomable depth…

Zhuge Munhyeon forgot about rudeness and stared at those eyes for quite a while.

“What’s the matter?”

“…”

Mujin tilted his head curiously and asked, but Zhuge Munhyeon was even frowning now.

“Mu, Munhyeon.”

“…Huh?”

“Why are you acting like that? It’s rude.”

“Ah…”

Only when Zhuge Munho, unable to watch anymore, poked his side and pointed it out did he finally come to his senses.

But he didn’t apologize and continued frowning deeply, so Zhuge Munho spoke on his behalf.

“I apologize, Taoist. This guy sometimes acts like this… It’s probably because you’re so handsome, Taoist.”

“Handsome? You flatter me.”

“Oh no, not at all. You really are handsome. I thought you were an immortal who had descended to the mortal world!”

“Immeasurable Buddha, you place me too high above the clouds. The Zhuge Family members have much better appearances.”

“How modest of you. Ha ha ha!”

In the harmonious atmosphere of mutual compliments about appearances.

“Well then, let’s go. The Elder specifically requested that the five of you be hosted separately at Jinbu Hermitage. The other members will soon be guided to Sungbu Hermitage by fellow disciples.”

“Oh my, thank you for your consideration.”

“This way.”

Mujin led the way, guiding them.

Wudang’s thirty-six hermitages—small pavilions where Taoists practice independently or receive guests. If Yeonghwa had made a special request, it was natural that Jinbu Hermitage would have better facilities than Sungbu Hermitage.

It meant they would take special care since he was from the Direct Line.

But…

‘Why are that bastard’s eyes like that?’

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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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