Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 82

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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 82

 

 

Blood Shadow Hall Main Base.

Though it was a temporary structure built along the front lines, its scale was considerable.

It occupied nearly half of the plains that stretched along the southern road.

Well, with the warriors who had withdrawn from the north due to the agreement with the Zhuge Family joining up, plus all the warriors from the two branch bases that had fled…

The only ones missing were the warriors guarding the border with Demon Shadow Tower.

They had staked their very lives on this battle.

And.

“Welcome back.”

The first to greet Zhuge Munhyeon and his group upon their return from the rescue mission was Zhuge Doeung, the Family Head’s youngest brother and master of Cheonchaek Hall.

While Military Strategy Hall researched strategy with formation techniques and mechanisms as its main focus, Cheonchaek Hall specialized exclusively in strategic planning.

It was a place that cultivated military strategists capable of devising schemes that could even deceive Heaven itself, and together with Military Strategy Hall, it was called the family’s identity, maintaining its position unchanged throughout the Zhuge Family’s history.

“I pay my respects to Uncle.”

“Hahaha! Yes, good. You’ve worked hard. Truly worked hard. You’ve accomplished something truly great.”

Unlike his other brothers, he had a plump build and spread his arms wide to embrace Zhuge Munhyeon.

His belly touched first.

He should exercise a bit…

Even though he’s supposedly from a martial family…

But was he always this cheerful?

A bright smile constantly remained on his benevolent face.

Though they were brothers, he was completely opposite to Zhuge Domyeong, who seemed perpetually angry beyond just being expressionless.

Seeing how they didn’t even look that similar, I wondered if one was adopted…

“Still, you rascal, you should have given us a heads up before causing such a commotion.”

“Well… it was quite urgent.”

“What was so urgent? You think I don’t know you did it first because you thought the adults wouldn’t listen?”

“…”

Truly the master of Cheonchaek Hall.

Seeing how he read my intentions like a ghost, it seemed he hid sharp eyes behind that good-natured smile.

“It’s fine. I may not know about others, but I agree with your opinion. The world has changed, so how long are we going to keep talking about being righteous? If necessary, we should even join hands with the Demonic Sect. Hmph!”

“With the Demonic Sect…?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Hahaha!”

He seemed to be in an extremely good mood.

It was probably because he was a strategist.

Since strategists devise and present every method to win, they judge based on what’s more beneficial rather than distinctions between orthodox and unorthodox or moral concepts.

Considering matters of morality and such would be the job of the decision-maker who listens to and judges those strategies.

The reason he came instead of someone else was somewhat predictable.

Since Zhuge Junggi had requested that the Main House’s Hyeonho Unit be sent to the rear of the Namgung Family, it was Blood Shadow Hall that would clash head-on.

So what was needed now was a strategist.

Above all, they must have judged that he, who was far more versed in profit than morality, was suitable for cooperating with Blood Shadow Hall.

‘The Family Head has good judgment in personnel.’

Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled briefly, then tilted his head and looked around.

“But why are you out here first? Where’s the Blood Shadow Hall Master?”

“He asked us to wait inside for a moment.”

“Pardon?”

“Since I’m meeting my nephew after a long time, shouldn’t family members catch up?”

Catch up?

Was there anything between us worth catching up on?

I had never particularly visited Cheonchaek Hall, and meeting Zhuge Doeung had only happened a few times during banquets.

“Heh, you’re beating around the bush. You’re curious about what thoughts I had when I started this affair, aren’t you?”

“What?”

“Well, even though we signed an alliance agreement and declared our intention to affiliate, our relationship with them isn’t completely established yet.”

“Oho?”

“So the Family Head sent you, the master of Cheonchaek Hall, here instead of someone else, right? Since the Hyeonho Unit secretly moved to the rear of the Namgung Family, the pretext of helping with strategy would work too.”

At those words, Zhuge Doeung’s mouth stretched as if it might tear.

Someone says.

That this child was born with the qualities of a formation master.

Someone else says.

That someday he will become a great tree protecting the Zhuge Family with his martial prowess.

But now I understand.

This boy should be raised as a strategist.

Martial arts? Mechanisms? Formation techniques?

In the end, they’re nothing more than pieces moving on the vast board called strategy.

At that moment, Zhuge Doeung decided to join the ranks of those coveting Zhuge Munhyeon’s talent.

Talent aside, he liked his character most of all.

The fact that he didn’t care about the shackles of orthodox and unorthodox.

“Kahahaha! Just as I heard. Just as I heard. Since you already understand everything, there’s no need to beat around the bush. You’re right. We’ve only formed an alliance, so there’s still much we need to cooperate on.”

“But what should I do?”

“Hm?”

“While I’m the one who carried it out physically, I’m not the one who devised this strategy.”

“You… didn’t?”

“No.”

“What do you mean? If not you, then who on earth?”

As Zhuge Doeung tilted his head with a puzzled expression, Zhuge Munhyeon grinned and stepped slightly aside.

“It was this fellow here.”

Standing in the spot he had vacated was Zhuge Junggi.

“Huh?”

Suddenly finding himself in front of Zhuge Doeung, he panicked and just blinked his eyes.

“And the decision-maker was Elder Brother Munho.”

“Munho… you say?”

“Yes. It was those two who impersonated the Young Family Head to persuade the Blood Shadow Hall Master.”

“…Not you?”

“No.”

Zhuge Munho was equally flustered by Zhuge Munhyeon’s vigorous nodding.

While he had taken the lead, it was Zhuge Munhyeon who had controlled things through sound transmission.

He was also the one who actually did the persuading.

But why is he putting us forward…

However, he couldn’t even open his mouth.

Zhuge Munhyeon was sending him a menacing look that said to stay quiet or face the consequences.

“Hmm, then perhaps sending the Hyeonho Unit to the rear was also…”

“A letter that Junggi sent while impersonating me.”

“…”

At those words, Zhuge Doeung seemed somewhat disappointed.

Naturally, he should be.

‘Phew, why is everyone so covetous.’

It should have been just once or twice.

It’s not like I emit some special aura from my body, but everyone makes a fuss whenever they see me.

Father still hasn’t given up his dream of making me into a formation master, and Baek Mu from Heavenly Workshop nags me every time we meet about becoming a night arts practitioner. Recently, even the Family Head’s gaze has become meaningful. And now even the Cheonchaek Hall Master?

I don’t understand why they all torment me so.

The adults’ excessive attention is so bothersome.

So, it would be good to present a substitute.

Anyway, Zhuge Junggi is someone who suits Cheonchaek Hall.

After just a few words, the Cheonchaek Hall Master’s attention will surely focus on him.

And Zhuge Munho should rise to the position of Young Family Head.

Everyone says it’s fine, but somehow it feels like there’s a debt of the heart remaining?

If I hadn’t become a son of the Zhuge Family, he would have already become Young Family Head and more.

“For now, I’ll say something that will help establish relations with Blood Shadow Pavilion.”

“…”

“Let’s emphasize the fact that they didn’t help rescue the branch office warriors. It’s no different from the Zhuge stepping forward to save their subordinate warriors… And since this guy devised all the strategies for dealing with the Namgung Family, you can ask him about it.”

Zhuge Munhyeon stepped back smoothly and sent a look to Zhuge Junggi.

‘Now, the stage is set well enough, so go ahead and show off.’

Zhuge Junggi’s lips, which had been flustered by that look, became firm.

He never expected to be put forward like this.

This made Zhuge Doeung’s mouth water, but what could he do? All the strategies came from Zhuge Junggi’s head…

Though regrettable, he had to listen to the content for now.

What was immediately before them was negotiations with Blood Shadow Pavilion.

And.

“Ho! You asked them to spread rumors through the Beggar’s Sect?”

“That’s right. I thought it would be good to emphasize to them that the enemy’s numbers are much greater.”

“Well done. Very well done! If rumors spread that even Demon Shadow Tower has joined, their morale will drop considerably.”

“And…”

The more they conversed, the more Zhuge Doeung listened earnestly to Zhuge Junggi’s words, even enthusiastically agreeing.

Phew, does this mean I’ve gotten rid of Cheonchaek Hall?

Just as Zhuge Munhyeon was stroking his chest in relief, Zhuge Munho frowned and grabbed his collar, asking in a small voice.

“Hey.”

“What?”

“The Young Family Head thing wasn’t just something you said casually, was it?”

“Just something I said casually?”

“No, for the purpose of talking with the Blood Shadow Hall Master…”

“Why? Don’t want to do it?”

“What?”

“Become Young Family Head.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. The Elder Brother I’ve seen has enough capacity for that.”

“But you’re better than me…”

“Stop it. I have no interest in positions and such.”

“But you love the family more than anyone.”

“Who? Me? Pfft!”

Zhuge Munhyeon snorted and put his arm around Zhuge Munho’s shoulder as he spoke.

“Elder Brother Munho. You see, I just hate it when my people get ignored or beaten up somewhere. And why would I bother doing something troublesome like Young Family Head? Having to think about dignity and prestige because of people’s eyes, having to dress neatly, not being able to speak carelessly… Ugh, it’s horrible just thinking about it.”

Just talking about it gave him goosebumps and made his body shudder.

Standing above someone once is enough.

Actually, becoming the leader of the Demonic Sect wasn’t because of some grand ambition either.

Might makes right.

In a world where only the strong can become masters, he had no choice but to become the master of the Demonic Sect.

He never tried to develop it.

He just beat up anyone who displeased him with a frown, and killed anyone who secretly did wrong things.

The Demonic Sect was a place that ran well on its own with just that much.

The problem was that the elders kept coming to bother him, speaking in unison about conquering the Central Plains.

What’s the point of conquering?

Try catching weak ones like catching mice and standing at the very top.

You’ll probably get involved in even more troublesome matters than during your time as leader of the Demonic Sect.

A new life shouldn’t be like that.

Because I have a grand dream.

Namely, Ascension to Immortality…

So you do the troublesome stuff.

“Elder Brother Munho, do well. I’ll strongly support you from behind.”

“…”

Zhuge Munho, who had been quietly watching Zhuge Munhyeon pat his back encouragingly and walk ahead, let out a deep sigh.

Who wouldn’t covet the position of Young Family Head?

Anyone would want to become the head of the family and leave their name in history.

Yet Zhuge Munhyeon declines, saying it’s troublesome, and laughs.

Deliberately for my sake.

‘…Is it because I’m the eldest son?’

The Family Head had no children to continue the lineage.

Among the sons of the younger brothers below him, the oldest was himself.

Perhaps that’s why.

Eldest son succession.

If someone is appointed Young Family Head among the brothers, ignoring principles just because of outstanding talent, trouble is bound to arise.

That’s how history has been.

So he might be yielding to me.

‘That guy, how does he think only of the family…’

Looking at his back as he walks ahead makes my heart heavy.

The one who suits Young Family Head more than anyone…

But soon he clenched his fist tightly.

Though it might be his younger brother’s position, he wouldn’t refuse it. Rather, he would work harder to become someone worthy of that position.

That way, he wouldn’t be ashamed before his younger brother who yielded for his sake.

“Haha! Let’s go together, you rascal.”

Zhuge Munho approached with quick steps and put his arm around his shoulder.

“Miss, why are you like this? Go away.”

“No way, you bastard.”

“What’s really wrong with you today?”

“I’m happy, that’s why. Happy!”

“I said I don’t like it?”

Zhuge Munhyeon frowned with all kinds of expressions and tried to push him away, but Zhuge Munho clung to him with an even brighter smile.

“Munhyeon. I will work hard. So that your sacrifice won’t be in vain.”

For some reason, his voice is serious.

Hmm… I passed it on because it was troublesome.

Still, it’s fortunate that he says he’ll work hard at it.

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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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