Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 67

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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 67

 

 

“Hey, are you really going to do this?”

Zhuge Munho looked like he was about to cry.

‘Ah, what do I do with this crazy bastard?’

‘I mean… my knees are really going weak, I feel like I’m going to die.’

‘Wouldn’t it be better to go back now and tell the adults the truth?’

Gwan Hwiping lowered his voice and whispered as best he could.

They can hear everything anyway.

Are those guys really doing this on purpose?

Zhuge Munhyeon twisted one eyebrow crookedly and glanced back as he spoke.

“Shut up.”

“Okay.”

“I was going to do that.”

“Pyeong said it.”

“Damn it!”

Their expressions looked like they were dying of displeasure, but their words and actions quickly became obedient.

They had already experienced firsthand that their younger brother was more terrifying than anyone else.

Since his status had suddenly skyrocketed beyond measure, even if they got beaten up by him and became chronically ill, a single word that it happened during cultivation would make the family elders nod and smile.

‘Damn it, how did I get entangled with such a guy…’

‘That guy isn’t my brother.’

‘He’s an evil spirit, an evil spirit. I should use a talisman or something.’

“…”

Hmm, should I deal with Gwan Hwiping first?

On one hand, it’s impressive.

After being beaten up that much under the guise of cultivation, he should have become obedient, but somehow he grumbles like that every time.

He should at least do it in his head.

As he shook his head and quickened his pace.

“Munhyeon, why do you insist on chasing after them?”

Zhuge Munho asked again as if he couldn’t understand at all.

Anyone would say that their current actions were wrong, a hundred out of a hundred times.

They were now secretly slipping away from the family elders and pursuing the returning Namgung Family Warriors.

He didn’t know the reason.

How could he know what thoughts were in that monster-like guy’s head?

No, he didn’t want to know either.

He was afraid something more terrifying would happen if he knew.

He had just followed as if enchanted, unable to properly respond to the violence conveyed by the single word “Let’s go.”

Because his eyes looked like they could kill someone and still have energy left over.

“Tell us. We need to know the reason so we can prepare ourselves mentally.”

“Hmm.”

At those words, Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled and answered.

“I want to check something.”

“Check?”

“I’m curious about the skills of the Nine Wall Sword, who supposedly has quite a reputation in Anhui. I should be able to contain myself.”

“The Nine Wall Sword’s skills?”

“Yeah.”

At his nonchalant answer, Zhuge Munho’s eyes, who had been pondering with his head tilted sideways, grew as large as oil lamps.

Gwan Hwiping staggered as if his feet had gotten tangled in surprise.

“Hey!”

“You, don’t tell me?”

“Are you crazy?”

For that moment, they couldn’t even whisper.

He’s curious about the Nine Wall Sword’s skills?

So he’s going to fight?

“Why are you so surprised?”

“…”

At the sight of the four people who had stopped walking and were staring at him with jaws about to drop, Zhuge Munhyeon frowned.

I’ve really become human.

To think I’m explaining every little thing like this.

In the past, I only gave orders.

Disobedience? Insubordination?

Where did such things exist? They were all people who would risk their lives to complete orders once given.

“Aren’t you guys curious?”

“Not curious!”

“Absolutely not!”

At the sight of Zhuge Munho shouting and Gwan Hwiping answering simultaneously as if they had coordinated, Zhuge Munhyeon shook his head.

What strange guys.

Isn’t it normal to want to fight when you hear someone is strong?

The Nine Wall Sword didn’t show his true skills.

Neither did Cheonpungjo.

In the meantime, I could only guess their power through imagination, and since I had never entered the formation they activated in coordination, I couldn’t gauge what level of skill they possessed.

However, what was known.

Supreme Peak.

A renowned master in Anhui.

Someone who represents the sword of the Namgung Family.

Now that sixty years have passed since my death, I can’t know the exact skills of the Warriors representing each family, so I can’t just go by words alone.

I need to experience it with my body.

And what if I happen to achieve Ascension to Immortality a little early? What if I have to leave suddenly one day?

Someone needs to become the pillar of the Zhuge Clan.

That would be Zhuge Munho and Gwan Hwiping.

Their personal opinions aren’t needed.

Because I decided it.

I’m raising you guys with that mindset, and yet these guys!

My fist naturally rises, but what is this thing called blood relations…

For now, I tried to persuade them with words again.

“Elder Brothers. This is a very important matter.”

“…”

“The Nine Wall Sword is a kind of indicator. Do you think knowing just the number of Warriors will allow us to assess their strength? We need to face him to know the level of the Namgung Family Warriors.”

“Do we… really need to know that level?”

“What?”

“He’s a Supreme Peak master. That should be enough to know…”

“How foolish. Do you think distinctions of realm like Supreme Peak or Ui Qi fully represent that Martial Artist’s abilities? I told you before. A Martial Artist’s realm doesn’t serve as a measure of their strength.”

“You did say that, but…”

“We need to fight directly. We need to see and feel it.”

“Why? Us? Why?”

Zhuge Munho cautiously conveyed his refusal, and Gwan Hwiping’s expression showed he shared the same sentiment.

They were undoubtedly strongly asserting their unwillingness to go.

“Hmm.”

A gentleman harmonizes but does not conform, while a petty person conforms but does not harmonize.

Though a gentleman seeks harmony and accord even when not sharing the same views with others, you two are being uncooperative despite traveling together like this.

Well, there are various methods of persuasion.

If words don’t work, then the body will have to do.

After pondering briefly, Zhuge Munhyeon slowly rolled up his sleeves.

Seeing the tightly clenched fist and bulging forearm muscles, Zhuge Munho flinched in surprise, then boldly stretched out his finger.

“Munhyeon! This way is the shortcut.”

“What are you doing? Hurry up!”

“We don’t have time for this!”

“We need to run quickly. If we want to catch up in time.”

Zhuge Munho and Gwan Hwiping resumed their steps and ran off at a much faster pace than before.

 

* * *

 

“Damn it…”

On the way back.

The sunset that painted the Western Mountain was beautiful beyond words, but as it cast over the dejected Namgung Family warriors, it only added to their misery.

The lengthened dark shadow of Yungzhong Mountain seemed to chase after them as if to devour them, and their entire bodies felt heavy as if stones were tied to them.

Even though they were riding horses, they couldn’t pick up speed.

It was partly due to exhaustion from facing the formation technique, but mainly because their hearts were heavy from wounded pride.

Namgung Cheonwoong looked at Namgung Yu, who was unconscious and being carried on the back of a Cheonpungjo warrior.

Grind.

His teeth ground together involuntarily.

What could he say when he returned to the main house?

That they couldn’t even reach Yungzhong Mountain?

That they couldn’t even overcome the formation technique?

Everything was true, but it was shameful to even dare speak it aloud.

Moreover, having experienced it firsthand, he could no longer fully accept the argument to attack the Zhuge Family.

The Eight Formations he had experienced were like a thick barrier surrounding Yungzhong Mountain.

Above all, he had felt sincerity in Zhuge Dowon’s eyes.

It seemed like he wouldn’t hesitate to do anything, and his expression suggested he could join hands with anyone if the Namgung attacked.

To think he would be driven away by a mere scholar who was holed up at home reading about All Under Heaven in his head.

It was humiliating.

This path of returning without gaining anything and only becoming a laughingstock would be remembered as the most shameful moment in Namgung Cheonwoong’s life.

“Just wait and see, I will never forget today.”

Just as he was grinding his teeth and quickening his steps, having just crossed over the hill.

“Are you just coming now?”

There, where the sky that had not yet been dyed by the sunset met the horizon, a young-faced man sat cheerfully on a roadside rock as if he had been waiting for them, greeting them brightly.

“That’s a relief. I was worried you might have already passed by.”

At the cheeky voice, Namgung Cheonwoong’s face contorted with rage, then immediately turned red hot like a boiling cauldron.

“Zhuge Munhyeon…”

“Yes. That’s me.”

“What are you scheming?”

Blue killing intent flickered in Namgung Cheonwoong’s eyes.

Having been covered with the shame of a defeated general, the anger he expressed carried such presence that it stirred up a chilly wind.

But Zhuge Munhyeon stood up with a grin, showing no concern whatsoever.

“What scheme? Since I greeted you when you arrived, it’s only proper that I see you off… and thinking about it, don’t we still have business to attend to?”

“Business?”

“Yes.”

Zhuge Munhyeon smiled slyly and stood in the center as if blocking the path.

“This fellow is young, so his blood boils, but he should be able to endure it.”

“What?”

“Unlike us, you’re from an orthodox martial family, so you know well, right? That a few words aren’t enough to resolve rudeness between martial artists.”

“What do you mean?”

“Usually, if you’re rude to another family’s head and then lose, you either leave behind an arm or cut off an ear to offer as an apology. That’s what I know – how does the Namgung Family handle it?”

“You, you bastard?”

“But!”

“…?”

“How could a descendant of a gentleman’s family do such rough things? The Family Head even showed magnanimity by offering a cart for the patient…”

At his grinning words, Namgung Cheonwoong’s rage shot up to the top of his head.

This damn bastard…

Thinking about it, this was all this bastard’s fault.

“So what do you want?”

“What else? A proper apology for this incident, and appropriate compensation for it. Ah, of course not body parts… I’ll make the maximum concession – just a few coins will do.”

“Mo, money?”

“Yes. As you know, though it’s gotten a bit better recently, the Zhuge Family is still in dire straits. It costs quite a lot of money to reinstall the broken formation.”

His teeth ground together.

Being mocked even by this young bastard made him so angry he couldn’t bear it.

And why should he pay for the repair costs of the broken formation technique?

He had only responded to their request for help, as the bastard himself had said.

But he had to endure it.

Though he didn’t like the arrogant behavior, this was still Yungzhong Mountain’s territory.

Even if they had started the trouble, if he harmed their descendant within the Zhuge Family’s territory, who knows what kind of infamy they might pin on him.

“…Convey my apology instead.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve already left on this journey. I cannot return, so tell the Family Head that I was sorry. I will discuss compensation with the Family Head of our main house when I return.”

“Hmm, it seems you’ve misunderstood something?”

“What?”

“Why would the Nine Wall Sword apologize for that? The rank doesn’t match, does it?”

“…!?”

“To apologize to our Family Head, naturally your Family Head should send a letter directly or something, so how could someone who just does menial work…”

At his sighing and head-shaking gesture, Namgung Cheonwoong finally exploded.

“You bastard! I’ve been watching and watching, but you don’t know how high the sky is and keep acting up!”

“…”

“I tried to be patient out of consideration for the Zhuge Family Head’s position, but do you think I’ll just keep overlooking your arrogance forever?”

As his internal energy shot out, a dust storm arose and surged forward.

Crack!

Whether it contained killing intent, small pebbles on the ground burst apart with popping sounds, and sharp wounds appeared on nearby grass blades.

‘Mu, Munhyeon…’

‘Please.’

‘Oh heavenly gods, please look down upon us with mercy.’

Zhuge Munho and Gwan Hwiping, who could only stand behind and watch, were dying inside.

Why does this crazy bastard keep provoking the Nine Wall Sword’s temper?

However.

“I never asked you to be patient, did I?”

“What?”

“An apology from the Namgung Family Head, and a promise of appropriate compensation. That much will suffice.”

When he pointed this out precisely, Namgung Cheonwoong, who had been trembling, gritted his teeth and said.

“Then try to take it if you can.”

“Hmm…”

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been frowning deeply in thought, removed the iron rings that were fastened to his arms and legs.

Click, thud.

When the iron rings embedded deeply into the ground with heavy sounds, Zhuge Munhyeon’s smile had taken on an eerie quality.

“Then I will.”

“…?!”

“But if you complain later, then you’ll really have to leave behind an arm.”

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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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