Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 91

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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 91

 

 

“What do you want me to do?”

“Young Family Head.”

To his bewildered question, Zhuge Dowon answered with a bright smile.

And then.

“Why me?”

“Huh?”

“Why should I become the Young Family Head?”

“…”

Normally, shouldn’t there be an enthusiastic response like ‘Thank you. If you’ll allow me, I’ll do my best,’ or a humble answer like ‘Am I worthy of such a position?’

Why me?

He was flustered by the unexpected response.

“I wondered why you suddenly called for me, but you must be tired from all the recent work?”

“…”

Meanwhile, he even showed concern for his health while picking his ear with an annoyed expression.

Did this guy not hear the word Young Family Head properly?

‘Young Family Head!’

“I know. You don’t need to emphasize it so much.”

“Ah, you know?”

“Yes. I heard it clearly and properly.”

“Ah…”

He heard it well.

But why is his reaction so lukewarm?

“If you have nothing more to say, I’ll be going now.”

“What?”

“I’m not interested, so you can ask the other brothers for their opinion.”

After his grumbling words, he could hear muttering that sounded like ‘I’m busy to death, how bothersome…’

Bothersome?

Busy?

This guy!

What could be more important and urgent than being appointed Young Family Head!

…Just as he was about to shout that, seeing Zhuge Munhyeon already getting up from his seat to leave, Zhuge Dowon hurriedly grabbed his sleeve.

“Hey! You brat, don’t you listen to the end before acting like this!”

“I said I don’t want to, so why are you doing this?”

“Hey, man! I said Young Family Head?”

“I know, okay? That’s why I said I don’t want it.”

Seeing him even shake off the hand holding his sleeve, Zhuge Dowon was beyond bewildered.

This guy…

He heard it properly, so why is he getting up?

Meanwhile, how can he react like this when the Family Head is speaking?

How did that admirable and well-mannered guy suddenly become so ill-behaved?

But he couldn’t scold him.

He had accomplished quite a lot of merit.

No one could deny that the changes that came to the current Zhuge Family started with Zhuge Munhyeon.

Whatever he does, he’s a lovable guy…

Moreover, he couldn’t force him with strength anymore.

When even Gang Mugakju Mok Jaun of the Namgung Family couldn’t withstand his strike while in perfect condition, what could he do?

Since he had grown up enough to be this stubborn, the only option was to coax him gently.

“Munhyeon, wait a moment. Hey, you brat. Just sit down for a moment, will you? When Uncle is asking you like this, are you going to leave coldly without even having a cup of tea?”

“Ah, really…”

Being held back so earnestly, Zhuge Munhyeon frowned and sat back down.

“I’ll just drink tea and leave.”

“Of course, naturally.”

“If you mention Young Family Head again, I’ll leave immediately.”

“Hey, would I insist again when you said you don’t want it?”

For now, he planned to start the conversation by asking about recent affairs.

Then if Uncle pleaded and pleaded again, he might at least pretend to listen.

Zhuge Dowon, who personally poured tea for him, slowly began conversation about recent matters.

Reports from the Military Strategy Hall members on external duties, or affairs of the Hyeonho Dan Leader dispatched to conflict zones.

And then.

Young Family Head

“…”

In just a few words, Young Family Head had already come up three times.

Really so persistent… Ah!

“Uncle.”

“Yes? Why? Do you perhaps have thoughts of doing it…”

“How about Elder Brother Munho?”

“What?”

“I’ve been thinking about it all along, but since choosing the Young Family Head is the adults’ responsibility, I couldn’t bring it up.”

At his suddenly respectful attitude and serious expression, bitterness appeared on Zhuge Dowon’s face.

But Zhuge Munhyeon had been thinking of making him Young Family Head from the beginning.

The reasons were sufficient too.

“If you intend to appoint one of our generation as Young Family Head, Elder Brother Munho is perfect. Isn’t he the eldest son?”

“Well…”

“I’ve never seen a family that functioned properly by breaking the succession principle.”

“Hmm…”

“Above all, I know Elder Brother Munho’s abilities well.”

“Munho’s abilities?”

“Yes. Unlike me who focuses on martial arts, he shows talent in various fields.”

“…”

Though he praised Zhuge Munho, Zhuge Dowon’s expression was only sour.

When did you ever focus on martial arts?

As a child, he showed talent in academics and music, and as he grew, he became proficient in Formation Technique and Mechanisms, and could be called the current Zhuge Family’s greatest master…

He stood out because he was best at martial arts, not because he lacked in other areas.

How else would Cheonseong Pavilion petition daily for him to be appointed as Instructor, and the Grand Forge Master of Heavenly Workshop visit whenever he drinks, insisting he must be raised as a Mechanisms specialist?

What about the Hyeonho Dan Leader?

With that expressionless face, he threatened to go on strike if Zhuge Munhyeon wasn’t sent to the Hyeonho Unit.

It was fortunate that the demands from the Cheonchaek Hall master, recently obsessed with Zhuge Junggi, had quieted down.

Meanwhile, the biggest problem was his father, Zhuge Doyun.

A guy with a personality that wouldn’t even glance at his own child if they lacked ability was blindly convinced that Zhuge Munhyeon would naturally become a Formation Technique master.

So he had tried to make him Young Family Head to encompass all of that and satisfy everyone… but this guy doesn’t know such circumstances…

But Zhuge Munhyeon’s praising remarks continued.

“That doesn’t mean Elder Brother Munho’s martial arts are lacking either. He’s already at Tan Qi level.”

“…What?”

His ears couldn’t help but perk up.

Zhuge Munho was at Tan Qi?

This was the first time he’d heard such a story.

Because he had always acted together with Zhuge Munhyeon, he had been overshadowed by him.

All praise had been directed toward Zhuge Munhyeon.

“And it’s not just ordinary Tan Qi.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“His skill is sufficient to be called peak level.”

“Peak level?”

“Yes.”

It meant his handling of energy had reached a mature realm.

“In my opinion, he would never fall behind the young family heads or rising talents of other martial families. No, I think he possesses far superior talent than them. He’ll reach Ui Qi before thirty at the very least, and someday achieve the realm of Gang Qi.”

“Wh-what? Gang Qi?”

“Yes. At least that’s how it appears to my eyes.”

“Haha, are you looking out for him because he’s your elder brother? Brotherly affection is good, but you’re rating him too highly…”

“I’m not looking out for him—I’m certain.”

“C-certain?”

“Yes.”

At these words spoken with confident eyes, the corners of Zhuge Dowon’s eyes trembled finely.

Certainty about Gang Qi…

If anyone else had said it, he probably would have just laughed it off.

But there was a strange power in Zhuge Munhyeon’s gaze.

The kind that naturally inspired trust…

Moreover, at the young age of sixteen, he had not only entered the realm of Ui Qi but had also defeated a renowned master.

He was even beginning to think that perhaps his transformation of the family’s Small Heavenly Star Technique wasn’t a coincidence either.

Such certainty from that boy…

“Really?”

“Yes.”

To his repeated question, Zhuge Munhyeon nodded with an even more confident expression.

Of course it was real.

He would definitely make it so.

Because that fellow’s master was none other than the Heavenly Demon.

“Haha, my goodness… If that comes to pass, it would truly be wonderful. Truly wonderful. Two Gang Qi martial artists in our Zhuge family… Huh!”

Zhuge Dowon, who had been muttering to himself, couldn’t help but be startled.

Two at the Gang Qi realm?

This would be a historical event!

It was extremely rare for any sect to have two Gang Qi martial artists in one era.

He even felt like searching through the history books stored in the Ten Thousand Books Pavilion.

Seeing him swimming pleasantly in an ocean of imagination, Zhuge Munhyeon wore a satisfied smile.

Gang Qi—pretty nice, right?

Just thinking about it makes your heart race, doesn’t it?

It wouldn’t just be the Namgung family.

Among the other martial families of the Central Plains that were beginning to reclaim their past glory, they would never fall behind.

Eternal second place?

That was also a thing of the past.

As long as I’m involved, we’ll definitely be first!

Now it was time to drive the final nail and completely turn his attention toward Zhuge Munho.

“Uncle.”

“Hmm…”

“The reason I recommend Elder Brother Munho isn’t simply because he’s the eldest son. When it comes to the qualities needed to become a family head, character is more important than formations, strategy, martial arts, astronomy, and geography. Just as you possess, Uncle.”

“Hmm…”

“The reason I’ve been able to make such progress is precisely because I was influenced by Elder Brother Munho’s character.”

“Is that really true?”

Of course it was a lie.

But if I say it’s true, then it becomes true at that moment. I’ll definitely make it so.

“Between someone who excels alone and someone who has the ability to help many others excel, who do you think is more suited to be the Young Family Head?”

Deep furrows appeared on Zhuge Dowon’s brow.

He was contemplating.

And after long deliberation, he spoke as if lamenting.

“But I don’t know how the elders and retainers will react. They’re already subtly advocating for you to be made Young Family Head… Also, all your brothers who will lead the next generation together must support this.”

“In the end, isn’t it the Family Head’s choice?”

“That’s true, but…”

“Sometimes ignore the procedures. With the Family Head’s authority. You hold the sail that moves the great ship called the Zhuge Family, don’t you?”

“Damn boy, with that sail talk again.”

“What can I do? That’s the Family Head’s role. And even if the retainers and elders don’t know, my brothers will show their support.”

“The brothers would support Munho instead of you?”

“They’ll probably lean toward Elder Brother Munho rather than me.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

“Yes.”

Of course they would support him.

At least Gwan Hwiping and Zhuge Junggi would definitely support him.

He just needed to win over the rest.

If they didn’t… just try not supporting him.

I’ll break their limbs!

“Anyway, you really have no intention…”

“None. Absolutely not, never!”

“Haha, that boy. As if it’s a position no one could handle…”

“I’m different. I like being free. Even so, if you try to make me Young Family Head, I’ll run away from home to carry out my will.”

At those words, Zhuge Dowon couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

Running away from home was going too far.

But when someone disliked it that much, he couldn’t continue trying to persuade them.

Then the next best option… would be to decide on Zhuge Munho.

As Zhuge Munhyeon said, if he ignored the principle of eldest son succession and appointed someone else, problems would definitely arise.

There were often cases where internal strife and bloodshed occurred for such reasons.

“Alright. I’ll accept your wishes. And I’ll also consider appointing Munho as the person in charge at the council chamber.”

“Thank you.”

“Damn boy…”

Though he had agreed, his disappointment remained the same.

Never bending his will once he’d decided against something—he was exactly like his father.

“Now go.”

“Yes.”

After sending Zhuge Munhyeon away, Zhuge Dowon silently spun his empty teacup round and round.

Though he was disappointed at being refused, in one way it was fortunate.

Even if he made the eldest son Munho the Young Family Head, it seemed like Zhuge Munhyeon would always be there to reliably help him.

It was rare for brothers to overflow with such affection…

“Haha, it seems our family will shine even brighter in future generations.”

Rather, Zhuge Munhyeon’s refusal made him smile even more.

And…

 

* * *

 

“I told the Family Head exactly that. But… I don’t think this will work as is. He said the retainers’ opposition would be considerable.”

“…”

“So! From now on, I’m planning to start intensive education to make Elder Brother Munho into someone suitable for the Young Family Head position. I ask for everyone’s support and cooperation.”

“What? If you recommended him as Young Family Head, that’s enough. What’s this about education?”

“Seriously, this guy sometimes worries about unnecessary things.”

“Always meddling in everything. Anyway, it’s something the Family Head will decide and the elders will discuss.”

“Damn, Lord Wonju already gave us plenty of work, and now he calls us for something useless…”

Gwan Hwiping and Zhuge Junggi, who he had summoned immediately after leaving the Family Head’s Hall, complained irritably.

His brow furrowed.

It seems these guys still don’t know what kind of person I am.

“Hmm, are you guys rebelling against me?”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“W-wait a minute!”

“I thought you would understand by now, but I’m truly disappointed. Above all, as younger brothers, you should naturally help your elder brother become Young Family Head… It seems I need to carve fraternal love into your hearts today.”

As the Silver Cold Staff appeared in Zhuge Munhyeon’s hand with a sinister smile tugging at his lips, Gwan Hwiping stepped back in horror.

“Wait…”

Thwaaack!

As they collapsed from the blow to their heads, they thought before losing consciousness.

Damn bastard…

Aren’t we your elder brothers?

And if you care about your elder brother so much, stop speaking informally to us.

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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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