Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 64

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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 64

An age of decline.

The Zhuge Family was slowly crumbling bit by bit, like being nibbled to death by small fish in an isolated pond.

Zhuge Dowon, as the current Family Head, had to shoulder all responsibility and watch this process more closely than anyone.

What troubled him most was that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t find the confidence that they could rise again.

But!

Recently, only good things have been happening.

Like how it’s hard to start a fire, but once ignited, the flames spread instantly.

The first flame was the Honyeon Territory.

With their destruction that had blocked the way like a sturdy fortress, the eastern path opened. Merchants from Joyang competed to visit the Yanghyeon Branch requesting protection, so the branch expanded.

The second was Dangang District and Wudang.

Thanks to forming friendly relations with Wudang, Dangang District became solidly stable without deploying many martial artists.

When profits from waterway rights began flowing in earnest afterward, their finances that had always struggled with deficits rebounded.

The general administration couldn’t miss this opportunity and was voluntarily working overtime and all-nighters to expand business.

And third, finally the results of Zhuge Munhyeon’s newly modified Small Heavenly Star Technique emerged.

All graduates of Cheonseong Pavilion showed unprecedentedly excellent skills.

Though not yet something great, it was the first spoonful.

One spoonful would lead to two, then three, and soon become a full bowl of rice.

Ancestors, ancestors.

Thank you.

Family Head Zhuge Dowon repeated the same words in his heart several times while sharing tea with his younger brother, Zhuge Doyun, sparing no praise.

“As I’ve said repeatedly, you truly raised your son well.”

“You flatter me.”

Zhuge Doyun sipped his tea, feeling embarrassed.

Though his heart was proud, isn’t it said that only fools brag about their children?

“If you’re going to be so modest, at least lower the corners of your mouth.”

“Ah…”

His heart felt that way, but apparently his expression couldn’t hide it.

“So, the inspection of the Eight Formation Diagram is almost finished?”

“Yes. Munhyeon completed a total of ten inspections of the eight sections over the past month, and now only needs to inspect the first section located at the outermost perimeter.”

“What a blessing. Truly a blessing. There’s no greater fortune than this.”

“How could that be Munhyeon’s work alone? The Military Strategy Hall and all the family members helped. It seems the family has never been so united as now.”

“Yes, yes.”

This was another satisfying aspect.

The family had united completely for development, regardless of direct or branch lineages.

“But shouldn’t we test the coordination between formations?”

“Well. According to my son who tested it directly, he said it would be good to test by grouping several sections together…”

“But?”

“That boy seems uncertain too. Because the formation’s power is originally so strong.”

“You mean even Munhyeon lacks confidence?”

“According to him, he could somehow break through about two sections, but three would be difficult. Though it’s just an estimate, he said when all eight formations activate, it would be hard to break through without a Gang Qi martial artist.”

“Really?”

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. It’s just that boy’s estimate.”

“Oh my, this person. Why are you being so strict? Anyone would think you’re talking about someone else’s child.”

“Pardon?”

“Who in the current Zhuge Family doesn’t know Munhyeon’s abilities?”

“Ah, well…”

“Didn’t the Wujin Palace Master we met before also say so? That his abilities are truly hard to gauge… That boy is definitely hiding something we don’t know.”

Seeing the Family Head getting excited and talking at length, Zhuge Doyun smiled bitterly.

That would be wonderful, but… on one hand, it was such a waste since he showed exceptional talent in formations and mechanisms.

He could become the world’s greatest formation master…

Wasn’t he the one who single-handedly broke through the Eight Formations that had been installed in Hyeoncheonja’s Secret Cave?

“Hmm, should I try it once?”

“Pardon?”

“The Eight Formation Diagram inspection. After all, I’m still better than your son…”

“Absolutely not.”

At the casually suggested words, Zhuge Doyun jumped up in opposition.

“How important is the Family Head’s safety, yet you speak of entering there? As the Military Strategy Hall Master, I absolutely cannot allow it.”

“What a fuss. I just said it because I wanted to try once.”

“Don’t say such things even in jest.”

“Alright, alright. But once the Eight Formation Diagram is completely established, we too will face a new phase.”

“You mean this? Thanks to Wudang, the north has stabilized, so now we must drive out the remaining demonic sect bastards. We should reclaim the regions south of the Yangtze River like in the past, shouldn’t we?”

“Yes, we should. Of course we should.”

At the voice filled with determination, Zhuge Dowon nodded with satisfaction.

In the next ten years.

Within that time, the Zhuge Family would reclaim its former glory.

However.

“By the way, recent movements in the Central Plains are ominous.”

“Why? Is there some activity?”

“Hmm… Though news is limited with all sides blocked, from what I hear from travelers, martial families everywhere seem to be moving.”

“Another new wind is blowing.”

“An ill wind. So much so that I can’t judge which direction the Zhuge Family’s sails should turn.”

“The Namgung Family’s inquiry about visiting is probably because of that too?”

“Yes, they probably intend to place us beneath them like other families. Coming in person rather than asking opinions by letter means they’re determined to reach a conclusion.”

“Hmm…”

The Zhuge Family held an important position in Murim.

Though they had no power themselves, everyone wanted to obtain them. This was even more true during chaotic times of war.

Because they knew that power alone made it hard to seize hegemony.

When a great battle begins, the side that conserves strength and wins has the advantage.

Zhuge’s strategy made that possible.

Also, when several forces unite, someone is needed to coordinate them, and the Zhuge Family had long performed such roles.

Under the pretext of alliance, they had secured safety in exchange for lending wisdom to promising sides.

Though called mutual benefit, in reality it was like a fox borrowing a tiger’s authority. That was the survival strategy chosen by those lacking power.

But now the situation was different.

They couldn’t easily judge whom to choose.

Moreover, even if they chose someone, the Zhuge Family would inevitably face danger.

Because the enemies of the chosen family would try to destroy the Zhuge Family first.

Above all, Hubei corresponded to the center of All Under Heaven.

They could extend anywhere, but it was a position that could be attacked from anywhere.

To the east was Anhui, to the west Sichuan, north of the Yangtze River the Nine Sects stood in rows, and south of the Yangtze River demonic sects had set up camp.

Now that even orthodox sects regarded each other as enemies, the weakest had been placed in a position surrounded on all sides.

“Thus the Eight Formation Diagram is important.”

“I understand. Though we cannot possess the world, no one will be able to invade us.”

“Right. There will probably be much talk about the Namgung Family’s visit.”

“They’ll try to grasp the movements from various regions.”

“That’s right.”

“It’s regrettable. It would have been good if the Main House had been a bit more prepared.”

“It can’t be helped. We can only be grateful that things are changing even now…”

“I always feel sorry that I can’t help you despite knowing your hardships.”

Seeing Zhuge Doyun’s poor complexion, Zhuge Dowon quickly brightened his expression and laughed heartily.

“Oh my! Where else would I find someone as helpful as you? Without you, how could we speak of the Eight Formation Diagram? And without your son, how could we have dreamed of reconstruction?”

“Family Head…”

“Haha! I haven’t felt this good in recent times since becoming Family Head. So don’t worry too much about it.”

“I’m grateful that you say such things.”

“Speaking of which… how about entrusting Munhyeon with the position of Young Family Head?”

“Pardon?”

“I won’t adopt him as a son, so just think it over once.”

“Family Head…”

“Oh my, just consider it for the sake of the family.”

“Hmm… I’ll ask his opinion, but that boy really dislikes such positions…”

Zhuge Dowon.

Unfortunately, he had no sons.

So at first, he had planned to adopt his deceased second brother’s son, Zhuge Munho, and give him the position of Young Family Head.

But his heart had wavered.

Because Zhuge Munhyeon had achieved too much.

That’s when it happened.

“Family Head! Family Head!”

“…?”

It was Zhuge Munho.

But why was he filled with such urgency?

Thinking he should go out and ask directly rather than let him in, the moment he opened the door and stepped out, Zhuge Dowon tilted his head at the sight of Zhuge Munho drenched in sweat.

“What’s the matter?”

“The Namgungs have come!”

“The Namgung Family? They’ve already arrived?”

“Yes.”

He must have encountered them while inspecting the formations.

But why does he look so distressed?

“You must go quickly. At this rate, they’ll all die!”

“…?”

At these words without beginning or end, Zhuge Dowon and Zhuge Doyun both tilted their heads in unison.

If guests had come, the reception master would naturally greet them with proper courtesy…

Die?

“That bastard Munhyeon finally…”

“Munhyeon? Boy, calm down and speak clearly. Why are you leaving out the important parts of the context? What do you mean they’ll die when the Namgung Family came, and what relationship does Munhyeon have to this? Don’t tell me a fight broke out?”

At the frustrated Family Head’s words, Zhuge Munho caught his ragged breath and explained the situation in detail.

The Namgung Family’s visit.

And the conversation with Zhuge Munhyeon.

Having heard all of this, the Family Head and Zhuge Doyun opened their mouths as if their jaws would drop.

“This crazy bastard!”

They simultaneously spat out curses.

No matter how much the Namgung Family had shown disrespectful behavior toward the family, not only had he pushed them into the formation under the pretext of help, but he had even activated the formation up to the third zone?

That wasn’t help for inspection—it was no different from telling them to die!

What a disaster this was.

Zhuge Munhyeon had seemed like he would become the spark for the family’s reconstruction.

But had this bastard suddenly gone mad? Instead of just burning brightly, he had taken action that would burn down the entire house.

The Nine Wall Sword and Cheonpungjo, who represented the Namgung Family, and even Namgung Yu, their direct descendant…

If even one of them got hurt, the Namgung Family wouldn’t let it slide.

War…

“Aah…”

Why on earth!

Why the Namgung Family!

They say if you endure three times, you can avoid even murder, so what was so terrible about being ignored a little that he had to push them into the formation?

And into a formation whose power when linked hadn’t even been confirmed…

“Byeongjudang Master! Immediately gather the retainers at the entrance to the third zone of the Eight Formations! Hurry!”

“Yes!”

With that shout, Zhuge Dowon ran at such speed that it wouldn’t be strange if his scholar’s robe tore.

Of course, Zhuge Doyun was the same.

Ah, what was this crazy son trying to do…

But rather than his actions, it was the unavoidable heart of a father to first think of ways to appease whatever punishment the family would impose based on the results.

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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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