Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 65

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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 65

 

 

Thud thud thud thud.

The vibrations grow stronger.

“Hmm, are they still in this zone?”

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been gauging the situation inside the formation with his hand pressed to the ground, couldn’t help but smile the entire time.

He had thought it would be strong, but the formation’s power was exceeding his expectations.

“That guy looked like he was at the Supreme Peak level…”

Nine Wall Sword Namgung Cheonwoong.

The aura he felt beneath that arrogant attitude was on a much higher level than his own.

Of course, it’s very difficult to discern an opponent’s skill from a brief encounter, but Zhuge Munhyeon could tell.

He had already walked that path once before.

Should he say there’s a certain fragrance that those who have reached the Supreme Peak emit?

“In any case, the Eight Formations are a great success. To confound a Supreme Peak martial artist with just two zones… Father will be pleased.”

Even though he had set it up himself, he had been half-doubtful about its power.

But since it exceeded expectations, how pleased would Father be?

“Hmm, but… if they’re struggling this much in this section, won’t they really die when they enter the third zone? Hmm, that might be a bit troublesome…”

Even if the fault lay with them, even if he had received a written agreement saying it didn’t matter if they died, if someone actually died inside the formation, it would become a big problem.

Justification? Written agreement?

What does any of that matter?

Might makes right.

No matter how much we shout that we did nothing wrong, who would listen to the words of someone who’s already dead?

“Tch, such weaklings. They can’t even properly break through two zones yet they put on airs…”

He didn’t want to care whether they lived or died, but he was concerned about the situation the Zhuge Family would face afterward.

He wasn’t scared or afraid, but he couldn’t help but worry.

At least the current Zhuge Family was still weak.

“Well, this should be enough to clearly show them how excellent the Zhuge Family’s formation techniques are…”

Zhuge Munhyeon, thinking he had sufficiently humbled their pride, stood up to deactivate the formation.

But that’s when it happened.

Hearing chaotic footsteps from behind, he turned his head slightly to look.

“Huh? Family Head?”

Family Head Zhuge Dowon was rushing over in a hurry, deploying his light body technique as if something was extremely urgent.

He could guess what this was about.

That coward Zhuge Munho must have reported it.

Making a fuss about how the envoys from the Namgung Family might all die.

Well, he understood.

He had been worried about it too…

“What on earth is this about?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do I mean! Is it true that the Namgung Family warriors entered an activated formation?”

“Yes.”

“Yes? Is this something you can answer so easily right now? Hurry and deactivate the formation!”

“…”

That had been his intention.

But seeing Zhuge Dowon shouting urgently as if his insides were burning black, his heart became perversely twisted.

No matter how worried he was, should the Family Head make such a fuss?

Why was someone who represented the family thinking of bowing his head first?

This damn personality of his.

His worried feelings completely disappeared, and his twisted heart showed directly on his face, making his tone blunt.

“Why?”

“…”

Huh?

Zhuge Dowon, who had been heated up, found himself at a loss for words.

Why… you ask?

“As you must have heard from Elder Brother Munho, this was their choice.”

“Ch-choice? What if something happens to them? Do you know what kind of trouble that could cause? We must quickly open the formation and apologize.”

“Why should we?”

“Huh?”

“They came as guests because they had something to request from the main house.”

“…”

“Then they should have properly observed the courtesy due to guests. But they reversed the roles of host and guest, committed rudeness, and mocked the Zhuge Family’s formation techniques. So why should we apologize to them? Rather, we should scold them. We need to show them that the Zhuge Family cannot be carelessly looked down upon just because they have some meager power.”

At the sight of Zhuge Munhyeon being completely upright without an inch of submission, Zhuge Dowon felt something ‘thump’ and settle in his heart.

The family’s honor.

If someone disrespects it, returning that disrespect is the proper way. If you bow your head when you’ve done nothing wrong just because you’re weak, that is submission.

He knew.

How could he, as the Family Head, not know?

This was a boy at the height of his passionate youth, with talent that was unprecedented in a thousand years.

Moreover, those formation techniques were something his father, the Military Strategy Hall Master, had worked day and night to barely create, so it was understandable that his pride was hurt.

In a way, his actions to protect the family’s honor deserved praise.

But he still didn’t know the world.

He was pure because he hadn’t been tainted, so he needed to be enlightened.

Even if it would leave scars on the heart of a descendant who was just spreading his wings to soar, even if he had to say that it was because the Zhuge Family lacked power.

But he couldn’t scold him.

Though his actions were excessive, he couldn’t say they were wrong.

The boy was also clever enough to understand the underlying meaning even if he spoke indirectly.

“Munhyeon. I understand your feelings.”

“…”

“But you can’t solve everything with pride alone. When the wind is fierce and threatening, you must also know how to pull your collar tight…”

“I know.”

Zhuge Munhyeon cut off the admonishing words and looked directly at the Family Head.

This foolish Family Head.

How could he have such a loser’s mentality?

He understood, but he couldn’t accept it.

That mindset of thinking of submission first without even trying.

He wanted to immediately smack his head and fix those pathetic thoughts, but he held back because this was his father’s elder brother.

Still, even if he got scolded, he had to say what he wanted to say. Holding it in would make him sick.

“I know. The world is turbulent.”

“…”

“The warlords from each region are trying to gain power to become overlords, so war might break out soon. Perhaps the Zhuge Family might be at the center of that war.”

“You…?”

“I also know. The reason the Namgung Family came is to use us as a sail to navigate the winds a little more easily.”

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, the Family Head closed his mouth.

Was this boy already reading the current political situation? Did he do this while knowing everything?

“Perhaps it might be much more comfortable to become a sail that helps the ship move forward, changing directions here and there as led by someone’s hand.”

“…”

“First, why must we be the sail?”

“What?”

“Can’t we become the person who moves the sail?”

At Zhuge Munhyeon’s words, which were like a spiritual question, the Family Head felt as if another stone had dropped with a ‘thud’ in his chest.

A hairline crack appeared in the thoughts that he had always considered correct and had solidified while thinking it was the Zhuge Family’s role.

The person who moves the sail.

“They say Zhuge’s will has always been in governing All Under Heaven. We accept it as if it’s some kind of mission to find and help those whose desires and intentions align with ours. But do you truly think that changing direction according to where others point their fingers is genuine governance of All Under Heaven?”

The crack that formed in his heart… spread like a spider web.

The thoughts that had been so solid cracked helplessly and fell away with a clatter.

Who couldn’t say such words?

But why did his heart feel so ashamed under the gaze of this young descendant of the family? Why did his face grow hot? Why on earth did he feel as if he was being harshly scolded for being intimidated and failing to properly manage the family all this time?

His teeth clenched involuntarily.

He could have refuted point by point, but he didn’t want to.

Governing All Under Heaven…

How could that be merely a strategist’s ambition?

He knew that before a strategist’s will, it was a projection of the will of those who stood at the highest place.

Zhuge Dowon gazed intently at Zhuge Munhyeon, who wore a respectful yet confident expression after finishing his words.

He was no longer surprised or anxious.

He simply approached slowly.

Thunk!

He knocked him on the head.

“Ugh!”

Zhuge Munhyeon looked up with a grimace.

This uncle, really?

He hadn’t thought to dodge since he never imagined he would actually knock him on the head…

“You cheeky brat. Trying to teach your uncle.”

“Pardon?”

Though he hadn’t spoken expecting praise, having it return as scolding made him feel indignant for no reason.

But for some reason, Zhuge Dowon wore a relieved expression.

Hmm…

He’d consider that a good expression.

Though he had poured out words from his frustrated heart, the decision was his to make.

“Now dispel the formation.”

“…Yes.”

Zhuge Munhyeon obediently approached the axis of the formation technique.

Creak creak.

The mechanisms stopped with a loud noise.

The power of the formation technique disappeared, and they finally returned to the original world.

And.

“Huff, huff, huff…”

Namgung Cheonwoong of the Nine Wall Sword, his clothes turned to rags and hair disheveled, panted with exhaustion.

The warriors behind him were the same.

No, rather their appearance was more unsightly than Namgung Cheonwoong’s, to the point of making one frown.

‘I suppose he protected him since he’s direct lineage.’

Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled at the sight of Namgung Yu, who was in relatively good condition.

But this was only this section.

They hadn’t even reached the three sections.

That’s when it happened.

“Wh-what on earth is this…”

“How could this happen?”

Zhuge Doyun arrived late, having summoned retainers and rushed over as fast as his feet could carry him, and each person couldn’t hide their amazement at the situation unfolding before their eyes.

“Munhyeon!”

Zhuge Doyun’s face contorted as he approached, full of anger.

“You!”

He looked ready to scold.

This time, even his love for his son wouldn’t be able to help.

He was already prepared.

However.

“Byeongjudang Master, step back.”

“…Pardon?”

Zhuge Doyun, who had failed to achieve his purpose, looked at the Family Head, but perhaps intimidated by his confident stance with hands clasped behind his back, he soon retreated without a word.

The retainers who had been murmuring at the Family Head’s unusual attitude also closed their mouths one by one.

“Munhyeon.”

“Yes?”

“Go and escort our guests here.”

At the gentle voice, Zhuge Munhyeon tilted his head.

Something seemed different…

“…Me? The Reception Master has also arrived.”

“Hehe, you rascal. How can you try to pass it off to the Reception Master after causing such trouble?”

“…?”

“Since you started this matter, you should finish it too.”

“Th-that’s true, but…”

At the Family Head’s words, Zhuge Munhyeon could only smile awkwardly.

It wasn’t something he couldn’t do if told.

However.

“Will it be alright? They look like they have quite strong feelings toward me…”

“Are you getting scared now?”

“Pardon?”

“Then I’ll send the Reception Master instead.”

“…”

That’s not what he meant.

Judging by their gazes and expressions, it was obvious what they would do if he approached.

Then he wouldn’t be able to hold back…

It seemed like it would make things more difficult…

“Do you lack confidence?”

“Pardon?”

“Didn’t you tell me to become a person who isn’t a sail? But now that you’re about to do so yourself, are you hesitating?”

“Ah…”

The smile on Zhuge Munhyeon’s lips deepened as he let out a short exclamation.

He had decided to become a person who isn’t a sail.

So that’s what it was?

And did you say ‘confidence’?

Self-confidence?

How harsh to say such words to someone who has nothing but confidence.

“I will escort the guests.”

“Be careful.”

“Yes.”

Zhuge Munhyeon bowed his head and approached the Namgung Family warriors with a bright smile.

“F-Family Head.”

“Watch.”

“…”

“Oh my, you people. We have guests, so why do you all look so glum? Greet them with dignity.”

At the Family Head’s words, the retainers could only glance around with expressions of complete bewilderment.

Seeing the state of the warriors from the Namgung Family, they were worried sick about what would happen next, so how could they act dignified…

They forced smiles, but everyone was filled with nothing but worry and anxiety at that moment.

“You crazy bastard!”

Namgung Yu, who had been toyed with by the formation, couldn’t contain his anger and broke from the ranks to attack Zhuge Munhyeon.

“Yu, Yu!”

It was an unexpected action, and since his stamina was completely drained, Namgung Cheonwoong couldn’t stop him and showed a horrified expression.

How could he not understand that feeling?

Trapped in the formation, unable to properly display his martial arts prowess and suffering, his anger must have been unbearable.

But with the Family Head and all the retainers watching, it would be troublesome if the Zhuge Family’s son got hurt.

However.

Whoosh!

The fist thrown with full force cut through the air.

Thud.

Zhuge Munhyeon slightly twisted his body to dodge the punch, grabbed that wrist, and lightly rotated it.

Thump!

Everyone’s eyes widened at the sight of Namgung Yu spinning once and being roughly slammed into the ground.

And at the scene that followed, everyone’s expressions became blank.

Crack!

A single strike.

From Zhuge Munhyeon’s fist, Namgung Yu’s body that had been slammed down bounced up high as if the ground had spat him out, then collapsed limply again.

A profound silence flowed through the arena as if cold water had been poured over it.

The people of the Zhuge Family felt as if the sky was falling, and shock appeared on the faces of the Namgung Family warriors.

“I reflexively did that without thinking.”

Zhuge Munhyeon smiled awkwardly and scratched his head.

He really hadn’t intended to hit him.

Really…

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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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