Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 9

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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 9

A towering pillar.

Zhuge Munhyeon was on that narrow summit where sitting was all one could manage.

Muyeondae , a platform so high that fate cannot reach it.

What a fitting name.

When he turned his head left and right, the world spread out dizzyingly vast below.

Even the slightest movement seemed like it would send him plummeting to the endless depths below.

Of course!

That was only how it seemed to him.

From the outside, it would just look like he was sitting in front of his study desk as usual, studying literature.

‘Ha, look at this little trick?’

Han Siheon’s move was rather petty.

It was more than obvious why he had suddenly trapped him inside this formation.

He intended to break his spirit.

If he were an ordinary seven-year-old, that might work.

No matter how talented one might be, suddenly having the surroundings change and finding oneself in a precarious situation would normally make one cry and beg to be saved.

‘So our cute Master wants to pick a fight with me?’

A battle of wills was still a battle.

Then he couldn’t afford to lose.

Zhuge Munhyeon gazed outside the formation, burning with competitive spirit as he sneered at Han Siheon.

‘Young scholar, you have gravely misjudged me.’

Of course, it wasn’t visible.

He was simply looking toward where Han Siheon was likely to be.

Then he lowered his gaze to look at the Bright Heart Treasure Mirror spread open on the study desk and said,

“You want me not to come out until I’ve finished reading it all? Then so be it.”

This was actually perfect.

He had needed time to cultivate the Small Heavenly Star Technique anyway, so if Master was graciously providing this opportunity, it was only proper to accept it gratefully.

And it was even safe.

Master, who had initiated this battle of wills, wouldn’t dispel the formation, and would also prevent anyone from approaching.

‘Thank you, Master.’

Zhuge Munhyeon straightened his back and closed his eyes.

First, he would start with breathing technique…

“What!”

Han Siheon couldn’t help but be dumbfounded.

Since this was the type of formation that only showed illusions to those trapped inside, Zhuge Munhyeon’s appearance was clearly visible from outside.

But what was this reaction?

Even being generous, there should have been at least a slight startle, if not complete shock.

But he was smiling?

He had even stared directly at him from within the formation, then closed his eyes completely.

“What in the world…”

Just to be sure, he even double-checked whether the formation had been properly deployed, but there was nothing wrong with it.

The formation was perfect.

Yet instead of being frightened, he was leisurely meditating.

Who would believe it?

That a mere seven-year-old child could remain so composed even atop Muyeondae.

And hadn’t he provocatively declared war on him?

“You little… you really intend to do this? Fine, let’s see how long you can hold out.”

Not even glancing at the book and closing his eyes was a clear challenge to him.

He had raised many disciples.

He absolutely could not lose to a seven-year-old. Zhuge Munhyeon had started a fight where his defeat was already certain.

No matter how strong his spirit was, even if he wasn’t surprised by the formation technique, he wouldn’t be able to endure hunger.

“I’m quite stubborn too, Munhyeon.”

In the end, it was a battle of endurance.

And when it came to endurance, he was second to none.

After all, studying formation techniques meant enduring countless failures without giving up and persevering through times of hardship.

Knowing that whoever gave up first would lose, Han Siheon waited for Zhuge Munhyeon to show some reaction.

Just watching and waiting, time passed tediously.

As more time passed, his legs grew numb and restless, but Han Siheon didn’t give up.

The boy remained so upright…

Gritting his teeth, he began reading the Bright Heart Treasure Mirror aloud.

For now, that was the only book available.

Meanwhile, the sun rose to its zenith.

Baek Suhyeon and Sohye, who were preparing lunch while watching their studies from afar, were nothing but pleased.

Look how passionate they were!

The master was reciting literature while the student closed his eyes, listening intently and reflecting on its meaning.

“Squad Leader Han is truly an excellent teacher.”

“The Lord wouldn’t have chosen just anyone to be Confucius’s teacher.”

“That’s true.”

“But if they skip lunch like this, they’ll be hungry…”

At Sohye’s concern, Baek Suhyeon shook her head.

“It can’t be helped. Though he didn’t say it, wouldn’t Munhyeon be deeply hurt by being banned from the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion? Since Lord understood his feelings and provided a literature teacher, how precious must this time be? Look how concentrated he is even now.”

“That’s true.”

“Let’s wait. It pains me that they’re skipping meals, but… to see him so absorbed in learning.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The two watched Zhuge Munhyeon, who seemed so admirable, and Han Siheon, who was passionately reading the Bright Heart Treasure Mirror, with pleased expressions as they put away the meal they had carefully prepared.

* * *

How much time had passed?

The sun crossed over Western Mountain, spreading red silk across the sky.

As that light colored the entire world, Zhuge Munhyeon’s face also seemed to take on a rosy hue.

‘It’s done, it’s finished.’

His heart swelled with satisfaction.

Small Heavenly Star Technique.

Through the mental cultivation method he had transformed in his own way, he had finally created a dan.

In just one day…

It was fast enough to shock anyone who heard about it, but hadn’t he been the Heavenly Demon for good reason?

‘Hmm, but perhaps because he has the blood of a renowned family? His bones and muscles are quite solid. His blood vessels are strong too.’

Zhuge Munhyeon was extremely satisfied as he thoroughly examined his body while creating the dan.

Though he wasn’t born with something as extraordinary as a Heavenly Martial Body, it was a physique suitable for learning martial arts.

Strong bones and muscles that could endure cultivation, and blood vessels that could smoothly circulate energy – that was sufficient.

Having created the dan, it wouldn’t take long to train his body and diligently accumulate internal energy to surpass the peak and reach the transcendent level.

Roughly ten years?

He already had sufficient experience, so that should be enough.

However, transcending the limits of one’s innate physical body is not an easy task. Even if one has already gained enlightenment.

Most martial artists are blocked by that wall and waste their time until they face the time of Power Dispersal.

But surely there must be a way.

‘Once I master the Small Heavenly Star Technique, I’ll just catch some spiritual creature, devour it, and undergo Bone Transformation to change my body.’

He had already done it before.

Not only that?

He was someone who had achieved Return to Simplicity, which others called a legendary realm, and overcame physical aging through Rejuvenation.

After that.

‘Ascension to Immortality, I will definitely achieve it.’

That was his ultimate goal.

Well, if he actually achieved Ascension to Immortality, another goal might emerge, but for now, that was it.

Of course, it had to be different from before.

He would not rely on others.

He had trusted and entrusted everything, but that damned Yu Gilcheon had passed on something strange, leading to this situation.

He would find it himself.

In the process, though it wasn’t Ascension to Immortality, he had achieved rebirth, so Yu Gilcheon’s method couldn’t be ignored either.

He would carefully modify it based on that foundation.

Grumble.

“…”

Trapped in the formation with no view of the outside, he couldn’t tell how much time had passed, but he was hungry.

He should eat soon.

As he slowly opened his eyes, he was still on the Muyeondae.

If he said ‘Master, I’m hungry,’ he could probably satisfy his hunger.

But that would be like admitting defeat.

How could he lose?

‘Now, let’s see.’

Zhuge Munhyeon surveyed his surroundings with drowsy eyes.

Knowing it was an illusion, he wasn’t afraid.

‘But what’s the point of just walking out like that?’

To drive this guy away, a perfect victory was necessary.

And through that, he would make him realize that his skills were far from sufficient to teach him.

Zhuge Munhyeon got up.

Crack!

His stiff body screamed in protest.

“Ugh, my whole body aches. Just how much time has passed?”

He grumbled extensively while loosening his stiff, aching body.

Soon, with his movements becoming easier, he moved his feet in all directions to observe the changes in the formation.

Formation Technique.

In the past, he would have smashed it with force, but now without accumulated internal energy, he had to solve the formation.

Surely he wouldn’t lack even basic knowledge?

Though not as much as the Zhuge Family, he had studied the fundamentals sufficiently.

Once you know the principle, the solution is simple.

It starts with yin and yang, then the axis of the five elements is added, and when the eight trigrams are added again, the formation becomes powerful.

‘Unless Han Siheon is crazy, he wouldn’t have used a formation incorporating both the five elements and eight trigrams on a seven-year-old kid.’

The moment the five elements are incorporated, a formation gains materialized lethal power. When the eight trigrams are added, it creates infinite variations and sometimes shakes the mind, causing one to fall into heart demons.

But he was Father’s subordinate.

No matter how much he intended to break his stubbornness, he wouldn’t have used such a formation on his son.

With that thought, as he moved his feet here and there, one part of the formation’s illusion wavered slightly, different from other places.

A gap.

The place commonly called the Gate of Life.

In advanced Formation Techniques, that position changes arbitrarily in response to the trapped person’s movements, but would such a thing exist in basic Formation Techniques?

Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled and stepped toward the Gate of Life.

Though it clearly appeared to be empty air over a cliff, when he placed his foot on it, the illusion disappeared completely and the floor revealed itself beneath his sole.

And with just his second step, Zhuge Munhyeon escaped the formation and returned to the original space, finally able to tell the time.

The day had grown dark and dim. It seemed evening had already passed.

Zhuge Munhyeon rubbed his empty stomach and shouted toward Baek Suhyeon in the distance.

“Mother, I’m hungry! Please give me food!”

“Yes, wait just a moment, dear.”

Baek Suhyeon, who had been waiting for the lesson to end all along, began moving busily with Sohye.

In their eyes, it just looked like he had gotten up and walked out after studying diligently.

But what about Han Siheon’s perspective?

His face was worth seeing.

So shocked was he that his eyes became as big as oil lamps and his mouth gaped open. He looked as if he had seen some monster.

You little rascal, were you startled?

It looks like your soul completely left your body.

Zhuge Munhyeon grinned at him and said.

“Master, aren’t you hungry?”

“…”

“Please have dinner before you go. I’ll go take care of some business.”

Until Zhuge Munhyeon bowed his head and disappeared toward the outhouse, Han Siheon couldn’t give any response and just blinked his eyes.

What on earth just happened?

He had seen him get up.

He thought he had won.

Well, he hadn’t eaten anything until sunset.

But contrary to his thoughts, Zhuge Munhyeon stood quietly and began showing small movements.

What was he doing?

At first he was puzzled, but soon realized he was examining the formation.

A seven-year-old, Formation Technique…

Then, not long after, he moved and walked out through the Gate of Life without a moment’s hesitation.

The surreal situation left his head spinning, and he couldn’t even respond to Zhuge Munhyeon’s words.

How on earth…

That’s when it happened.

“Squad Leader Han, were you still having lessons?”

“…”

“Ha ha, don’t look at me like that. I was so curious I couldn’t stand it. But I did finish all my work before coming out. Really.”

Zhuge Doyun hastily made excuses, feeling uncomfortable under Han Siheon’s blank stare.

“Good grief! Why won’t you believe me? Did you really see me as someone who would neglect his duties just because he was curious about his son’s studies?”

Though somewhat hurt, Zhuge Doyun finally asked the question that had been burning in his chest.

“So, how was it? Did he follow your teachings well?”

“…”

Zhuge Doyun.

The person who served as the Military Strategy Division Head of the Zhuge Family, specializing in strategy, tactics, and Formation Techniques.

The one who researched the Eight Formation Diagram that had only remained in records and perfectly revived it…

“Ah!”

Han Siheon, whose dazed focus returned, suddenly came to his senses.

That’s it.

That’s what it was.

Otherwise, it couldn’t be explained.

Soon he frowned and asked.

“Did you perhaps teach Formation Technique to the Young Master?”

“Huh?”

“I had no idea… Ugh, do you know how shocked I was? You didn’t even give me a hint.”

“Huh?”

At Han Siheon’s appearance of shaking his head and showing irritation, Zhuge Doyun blinked his eyes with a bewildered expression.

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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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