Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 85

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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 85

 

 

A total of five times.

Last night, that was the number of times the Jongsang Branch Manor had been attacked.

And.

“Twenty-two people have disappeared.”

“What did you say?”

“After their raids, twenty-two people are nowhere to be seen among the casualties.”

“Th-this…”

If they had died, there should have been corpses left behind.

But they had vanished.

Then these bastards had kidnapped them?

“Damn it, what the hell are they thinking?”

Mok Jaun, who hadn’t been able to sleep properly due to the constant attacks coming from all directions at all hours, ground his teeth with bloodshot eyes.

The news that Gwak Chu had brought.

The Zhuge Family had united the Blood Shadow Pavilion and Demon Shadow Tower, mobilizing a large army to surround the Jongsang Branch Manor.

Even now, more warriors continued to join them.

Just as he had said, flags were planted all over the mountains and fields far from the manor.

Though no people were visible, they were definitely surrounded.

‘Damn it…’

Mok Jaun realized anew the importance of information.

If only he had discovered their alliance a little sooner.

Then he wouldn’t have used the manor as a base and would have moved to a different location…

“Gwak Chu.”

“Yes.”

“Is there any other news?”

“Th-that is… since we’re already surrounded, it’s not easy for us to move around either.”

Having stepped forward claiming he would help the Namgung Family, he had stayed by Mok Jaun’s side throughout, serving as his eyes and ears.

Though the information was somewhat delayed, there was no proper place to obtain intelligence, and in a surrounded situation, he had no choice but to treat him even more favorably.

Even if he was someone to be used and discarded.

“Then can’t you at least figure out their movements?”

“Their movements?”

“Yes.”

Mok Jaun’s eyes sharpened.

“It’s frustrating, but there’s no other way for now. It may have been just one night, but who knows what kind of schemes those despicable Zhuge bastards are plotting.”

“…”

“If we stay here like this, we’ll be overwhelmed by their numbers. You heard it too, didn’t you? They’re doing something strange.”

“Are you referring to the kidnapping?”

“That’s right. I don’t know what they’re up to, but it won’t end with just once or twice. They’re definitely trying to reduce our numbers this way. They’re probably planning to demoralize us by instilling fear about what might happen to those who were kidnapped.”

Gwak Chu nodded at Mok Jaun’s words.

Even he, who was faithfully carrying out his role as a spy, hadn’t expected this.

Kidnapping?

But why?

What on earth is the Zhuge Family thinking?

But how could he read the thoughts of those who had devoted themselves solely to studying strategy with his own mind?

The war situation hadn’t changed. Though some questions remained, everything was going according to plan, so he just needed to be faithful to his role.

“We need to get out of this damn place first. It feels like being in a swamp.”

“But we’re already surrounded…”

“Yes, I know. But tell me, do you think it makes sense for righteousness and profit to coexist?”

“Pardon?”

Mok Jaun’s eyes narrowed.

“It might seem plausible for now. But their alliance is bound to be incomplete. History has shown this. Their pursuits are different.”

“…”

“Righteousness and profit cannot easily harmonize. So keep watch. There must be problems within their ranks. And if we just stir up those problems a little… How about it? Wouldn’t that be quite a sight to see?”

“Hmm, I see. That could be possible.”

“It’s about striking at their weakness. Whatever plan they’ve laid out. That will become our escape route.”

“Understood. Though it will be dangerous, when the Namgung Family has accepted me, what couldn’t I do?”

“That’s right, that’s right. I promise you. If you help me with both material and moral support this time, I’ll reward you greatly. The Main House never treats capable people carelessly. Who knows? You might end up taking charge of our Namgung Family’s Intelligence Division.”

“Th-the Intelligence Division?”

“Of course. You’re from the Beggar’s Sect, aren’t you? The Family Head favors capable people. Someone of your caliber would probably be deemed suitable for the Intelligence Division. How about it? Wouldn’t it be nice to join Namgung and rise to success?”

“Thank you, Regional Lord! I will serve with utmost loyalty!”

Gwak Chu immediately bowed his head and prostrated himself while thinking.

‘Promote me to Intelligence Division head? By what authority do you have?’

The Namgung Family’s Intelligence Division and Martial Division held equal positions.

Mok Jaun’s words would carry no weight, yet he didn’t hesitate to use sweet words to entice him.

‘The Zhuge’s strategy is truly remarkable. How did they read even this bastard’s thoughts and formulate a plan?’

This worked out even better.

If he was ordering him to scout the enemy’s movements, then so be it.

Rather, that would make it much easier to relay information.

“Then I’ll be going.”

“Thank you.”

Mok Jaun nodded at Gwak Chu’s enthusiastic display.

Intelligence Division head?

A beggar should know his place and aim for what he can reach.

How presumptuous – what kind of place was Namgung that they would give such a precious position to a beggar who had wandered the streets?

To Mok Jaun, Gwak Chu was nothing more than a shiny object he had picked up from the street for a moment.

Just someone to be used and discarded.

 

* * *

 

The fifth day since the sporadic attacks began.

“Damn it, those bastards…”

Zhuge Munhyeon was not in a good mood.

The first day, the second day…

As time passed, the spoils of war were decreasing.

As the attacks repeated, the Namgung Family’s defenses had become solid.

Only fifty.

At this rate, it wouldn’t even make a dent.

Since only the stronger ones were starting to remain, casualties were beginning to appear on the Blood Shadow Pavilion’s side as well.

Just how long would they have to keep doing this…

It wasn’t only the Namgung Family that was exhausted from the continuous attacks.

“Ugh, I feel like I’m going to die…”

The Blood Shadow Hall Master passed by with rabbit eyes and drooping shoulders.

Everyone was in that kind of mood.

These sporadic attacks consumed a lot of stamina from the attacker’s perspective as well.

Lack of sleep is one thing, but having to run around earnestly, and even kidnapping…

But every time.

“Elder Brother, you can do it, right?”

“You know that Elder Brother is strategy itself, right?”

“There’s only Elder Brother. Elder Brother is the hope of our Zhuge Family.”

Zhuge Junggi smiled brightly as he boosted morale.

That damn Elder Brother, Elder Brother, Elder Brother!

This cursed bastard!

He must be calling me ‘Elder Brother’ for this very reason.

It was when complaints were building up.

“Munhyeon!”

“What.”

He answered listlessly to the sight of another rabbit running over in a hurry, Zhuge Munho.

“It worked! It worked!”

“What?”

“Those guys took the bait!”

“The bai… What did you say? Really?”

“Yes! Now we’re going to open an escape route for them. Master Gwak Chu’s counter-operation succeeded!”

His fatigue vanished completely as if he had gulped down a bowl of White Grass Decoction.

The time had come.

The very moment to open a path for those cornered bastards and then chase them down to annihilate them all.

“When?”

“Tonight. According to Master Gwak Chu, the Namgung Family will start fleeing under cover of darkness. The escape route has already been analyzed.”

“Hehehe. Is that so?”

Now all they had to do was pick them up.

One by one, those who fall behind while fleeing.

“Wait, then?”

“We!”

“Can sleep?”

The three exhausted rabbits Gwan Hwiping opened his eyes wide, which had turned red enough for bloodshot to flash, and spoke.

They were all filled with anticipation.

Then he should satisfy them.

“Good, let’s sleep first. To prepare for the night.”

“Keu…”

“Finally.”

And so, sleep…

“Elder Brother, wake up. Elder Brother!”

His eyes snapped open at someone’s hand shaking his body.

“It’s night.”

“…Night? Already?”

“Yes, everyone’s getting ready.”

“…”

At Zhuge Junggi’s words, who had come personally to wake him, Zhuge Munhyeon stared blankly at the deepened darkness.

Damn it, it feels like I just blinked for a moment.

“You know the position, right?”

“…”

“You absolutely must not try to hunt them all at once. Let them escape. That’s how we gradually reduce their numbers. You understand what I’m saying, right?”

I understand.

The so-called Rabbit Hunt.

It’s a strategy devised by Zhuge Junggi.

Block the path they want to take to make them change direction, and catch those who fall behind or get caught in traps one by one in sacks.

“Yawn, can’t I sleep just a little more?”

“No. You know. Elder Brother has to block their path. Please, Elder Brother. It’s something only Elder Brother can do. If Elder Brother doesn’t block them, this strategy becomes completely useless.”

“…”

At Zhuge Junggi’s earnest request, Zhuge Munhyeon glared at him with narrowly opened eyes.

This bastard really…

His expression and tone are all full of courtesy, but somehow he looks much more hateful than when he speaks casually – is that my imagination?

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? To make me work.”

“…”

Zhuge Junggi remained silent.

Then he soon smiled wickedly and said.

“If you know, hurry up and depart.”

“This guy…”

“What? Are you going to hit me at this point?”

His fist trembled with rage.

To be fooled even while knowing. This damn brat…

“Just block them. You know what I mean, right?”

“I know. I said I know!”

“Please.”

“…”

When the brat even bowed his head, Zhuge Munhyeon ended up sighing.

Well, it’s all for a good cause.

Let’s see after it’s over.

 

* * *

 

In the dead of night, the beginning of the escape was information delivered by Gwak Chu.

“Fortunate. The clouds are covering the moon just right.”

“Yes.”

“How are the enemies doing?”

“They don’t seem to be moving right now. I heard the conference room became a complete mess.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It seems they got into an argument while raising their voices to discuss rewards for merit as if they had already won. When the top is like that, there’s no need to look at the bottom.”

“Good, we should escape this place first and then target the moment when cracks appear among them.”

“That would be best.”

“Guide us.”

“Yes.”

Gwak Chu carefully opened the back gate of the manor and surveyed the surroundings.

Naturally, the encirclement was loose.

Because it was a net planned that way from the beginning.

A net designed to let them slip through.

“Now!”

“Go!”

Following Gwak Chu’s signal, led by Mok Jaun, over two hundred warriors of the Heavenly Sword Brigade began running swiftly.

“Huh? Th-those are enemies!”

“They’re escaping!”

The sound of bells and flutes filled the forest.

But it was already too late.

The encirclement was torn apart helplessly by the fierceness of the Heavenly Sword Brigade charging at tremendous speed.

“Pesky insects! Avoid fighting! Escape comes first!”

“Yes!”

Seeing the enemies scattering in all directions without any thought of resistance, Mok Jaun reinforced the plan once more.

Escape comes first.

Even if they were to fight, it had to be after breaking through the encirclement and reorganizing their formation.

“Regional Lord, they’re pursuing us from behind. The wounded are falling behind at the rear.”

“We can’t afford to worry about small sacrifices. We can take revenge later!”

Mok Jaun chose to abandon his comrades.

Because he believed that was the right thing to do now.

They had to reach their destination.

Not far away was the crossroads leading to Hanam Province.

If they could just cross that boundary…

But at that moment, Mok Jaun’s eyes caught sight of a man standing at the far end of the road.

Under the deep darkness, revealing his black silhouette, he raised something like a long staff toward them as they came running.

An enemy?

But there was no time to hesitate.

They had no choice but to push through…

Mok Jaun drew his sword and swung it simultaneously.

The energy that had gathered on his sword flew endlessly toward the man.

“Fool…”

A brief observation.

And a trajectory drawn like a single flash of light.

Kwaaaaang!

Mok Jaun’s sword energy was cut down.

Dust rose from the shockwave, and the man who shot out from within delivered a tremendously powerful strike.

‘T-Tan Qi?’

The startled Mok Jaun hastily raised his sword.

Zzzzeeeng!

His sword was pushed back.

It was natural that his face contorted.

How could this be…

Mok Jaun, who had never even imagined he would be overpowered, couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

When he barely managed to steady himself, clouds drifted by and the moon revealed its face.

The identity of the man revealed in that light was a youthful young man.

“You seem quite busy?”

The moment he grinned, a figure flashed through Mok Jaun’s mind.

Nine Wall Sword, and the young master of the Zhuge Family who had defeated So Rokpa.

“…Zhuge Munhyeon.”

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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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