Ascension of the Heavenly Demon - Chapter 92

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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 92

 

 

Education, education, and more education.

Zhuge Munho’s days became so packed that it was hard to find even a needle-sized gap.

He was even forced to move his residence to the manor where Zhuge Munhyeon lived. Forcibly…

And at the beginning of the hour of Jin.

“Elder Brother, wake up. You need to cultivate.”

“…Just a little more sleep.”

“Hmm.”

At the sight of Zhuge Munho dawdling, Eunhangon drew a clean vertical line.

Whack!

Then began the dawn Heart Method cultivation.

With his palm placed on the Mingmen acupoint to examine it, the moment he took a wrong path, Eunhangon made his vision flash.

“Be careful with your energy! Move it as if flowing along the heat! Can you do it properly like that?”

“S-sorry…”

“Now, again! We start from Calm Heart Guard One.”

Calm the mind and focus on one thing.

The dantian is one, the path through which the spreading energy flows is one, and ultimately the entire body is one.

He understood the meaning.

But with such surveillance, how could his mind be at peace? How could he become calm?

This was like telling someone to concentrate even if drums and gongs were playing, a festival was happening, and people were dying beside them.

He truly had no choice but to struggle with all his might.

But strangely, despite such harsh conditions, his skills improved by leaps and bounds compared to usual.

And then came martial technique training.

Whack!

Of course, he was no match, and Eunhangon relentlessly pounded various parts of his body.

“Damn it! Step lightly with your feet! Put strength into it the moment you lift off! Why is there no power in your sword! Don’t you know sword grip is basic?”

“…Yeah.”

Of course, that too was overseen by Zhuge Munhyeon.

Since no one could match him in martial arts.

“How can you call yourself part of the Zhuge Family if you can’t even escape something like the Mysterious Path Emotionless Formation? I told you the Five Elements rotate in reverse! I mastered that when I was ten! Ten years old!”

Formation techniques too…

“What kind of digging is that! You need to put more strength into it!”

Mechanical arts too…

Everything was under Zhuge Munhyeon’s jurisdiction.

This damn…

But he held hope for the tactical studies that began in the afternoon, as that was under Zhuge Junggi’s jurisdiction.

At least during that time…

“Master Wu Zixu said…”

“Aren’t you listening properly? Where do you think you’re dozing off?”

“…”

It was a miscalculation.

From the start of morning until the entire day, Zhuge Munhyeon stuck by Zhuge Munho’s side, wielding Eunhangon while pouring out nagging.

“Munhyeon, it’s tactical studies time right now?”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

“I need to supervise. That soft Junggi guy won’t be able to say a single harsh word to his elder brother, will he? So naturally I have to help.”

You’re a younger brother too.

A whole five years younger.

But Zhuge Munho couldn’t bring himself to say those words.

Right, Young Family Head.

At one time, he had thought he absolutely must become one.

When his talented younger brother made concessions, he had resolved to work harder somehow and become excellent too.

But this was too torturous.

If he continued to suffer like this, he felt he would die before even getting to try being Young Family Head.

‘He really looks like he’s having a hard time. Right?’

‘Exactly, how fortunate is it not to be the eldest son?’

‘I could never do it even if I died. What’s that state after just a few days? I can’t even tell if he’s alive or dead.’

When he looked at Gwan Hwiping whispering in the distance, they quickly turned their heads and pretended to cultivate.

Afraid they might get hit by Zhuge Munhyeon for making eye contact.

Damn bastards…

To call such things brothers…

“Hey, Munhyeon.”

“What now?”

“Those guys have been glancing this way since earlier.”

“What?”

“They only do it when you’re not looking, I tell you? Sigh, when I become Young Family Head, those guys will have to help me. How do they expect to achieve anything cultivating like that…”

At those words, Zhuge Munhyeon’s head whipped around.

“These bastards!”

Eunhangon danced.

Whack-whack-whack-whack-whack!

Creating cheerful striking sounds.

Indeed, Zhuge Munhyeon was deeply versed in music too.

‘Elder Brother, are you really going to do this?’

‘I’m going to destroy them.’

‘Shit, really…’

Though Gwan Hwiping glared with eyes full of curses, Zhuge Munho cleanly ignored him.

 

One month later.

The Family Head officially announced throughout the entire Zhuge Family territory and reported to the Investigation Hall that he would formally adopt Zhuge Munho as his son.

And also the fact that he would appoint him as Young Family Head.

None of the retainers or elders opposed it.

Since negotiations with the Namgung Family regarding post-war arrangements were approaching, it could not be delayed further, and thanks to the Family Head’s persuasive efforts.

The brothers?

They actively expressed their support.

 

-To become Young Family Head… you have to receive hellish training from Munhyeon. If you want to oppose it, you’d have to risk your life, right?

 

Because Gwan Hwiping had spread such rumors.

These bastards…

Not understanding the heart that educates them for their own good.

But since the objective was achieved, he endured it.

 

* * *

 

“How do you feel?”

“Well… I’m not really sure.”

“Not sure? The clothes suit you well though.”

At those words, Zhuge Munho looked down at the clothes he was wearing, chuckled, then asked with a serious expression.

“Are you really okay with this?”

“With what?”

“The Young Family Head position.”

“There you go with useless talk again. Of course the eldest son should inherit. That way the younger brothers won’t have any complaints either.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry, Elder Brother will do well.”

At the words spoken while patting his shoulder, Zhuge Munho ended up sighing.

This guy really…

Anyone could see he was much more suited to be Young Family Head than himself.

“Ah, and I’m saying this out of concern… if you happen to hear people somewhere saying this or that about the Zhuge Family’s Young Family Head, you know what to do, right?”

“Huh?”

“Start the education over from the beginning. Much harder than the past month.”

“That, that’s…”

“So don’t slack off. Even after becoming Young Family Head, study harder.”

“I suppose I’ll have to.”

Zhuge Munho nodded with a bitter smile.

And then.

Clang-!

From outside came the sound announcing that all preparations for the Young Family Head appointment ceremony were complete.

“Now, straighten your shoulders. Walk confidently. Everyone is waiting for Elder Brother.”

“Right.”

Zhuge Munho slowly rose from his seat.

With a Hero Headband embroidered with dragon patterns in blue thread, his hair was fixed in a Jade Crown without a single strand sticking out, and his deeply set eyes held unwavering integrity.

As he took slow, deliberate steps, the hem of his dark blue silk robes fluttered.

It was truly the confident gait of one who had accepted the path of Young Family Head.

Watching that retreating figure, Zhuge Munhyeon felt an inexplicable sense of pride.

‘Is this how a master feels?’

They say the affection from raising someone is as fearsome as the bond of birth.

Go forth confidently, my brother…

Damn, getting caught up in emotions made me think such embarrassing words.

“Are you crying?”

“How unusual. A guy who wouldn’t bleed a drop even if pricked with a needle…”

“Damn, why am I tearing up too?”

At Gwan Hwiping’s words, Zhuge Munhyeon, who had quietly gripped his Silver Cold Staff, chuckled.

I’ll let it slide today.

The Family Head had chosen an auspicious day and started the appointment ceremony at noon when the sun was at its highest.

I can’t cause trouble.

“But Munhyeon, if you cry then laugh…”

“Pfft!”

“Hehehe.”

At Zhuge Pyeong’s words, Gwan and Hwi burst into laughter.

These, these guys…

I was trying to be lenient.

My clenched fist was about to swing, but fortunately Zhuge Munho pulled back the curtain and saved them.

Light poured in.

“Waaaaaaah!”

At his magnificent appearance, the people who had been waiting outside burst into cheers that echoed as if the Zhuge Family estate would collapse.

I must be getting old.

Just watching that retreating figure made me choke up and tear up again… I pretended to yawn and wiped them with my sleeve so Gwan Hwiping wouldn’t notice.

It was natural.

But how can you guys not be moved seeing such an admirable sight?

These guys are worse than the Demonic Sect.

“Ahem! Let’s go too.”

“Right.”

“Yeah!”

“By the way, I heard there are many pretty women who came to see Elder Brother Munho. Should I get married while I’m at it?”

Pyeong, stop it.

Among the brothers, you’re the most un…

It’s a good day, let’s try not to even think badly of my brothers.

Zhuge Munhyeon and Gwan Hwiping followed behind Zhuge Munho like guards.

As they went outside, the Family Head spoke to the people with a satisfied expression.

“Everyone listen!”

“…”

“As you know, our Zhuge family has been unable to escape the swamp of stagnation for a long time.”

At his resonant voice, the commotion in the banquet hall subsided and everyone listened to the Family Head’s words.

“However, our ancestors have looked down upon us with favor! Also, thanks to the help of many heroes including the Ok and Lee families, we have risen again!”

“Waaaaaaaaaah!”

“Therefore, I announce that I appoint Zhuge Munho, who was my nephew but is now my adopted son, as Young Family Head to entrust him with the coming prosperous age!”

“Waaaaaaah!”

It was announced to all under heaven that Zhuge Munho had officially become Young Family Head.

“Munho, come forward and perform the ceremony!”

“Yes.”

Zhuge Munho steadied his trembling heart and approached the Family Head.

He offered a proper greeting, filled a jade cup with alcohol and presented it.

He waited for it to be emptied, then received alcohol in return.

Then the same procedure continued with the family elders sitting beside the Family Head…

“Hmm, shall we go to our seats now?”

“That would be good, right?”

“A Young Family Head appointment ceremony is more complicated than I thought.”

Gwan Hwi shook his head.

But then.

“Where’s Pyeong?”

“Over there, the merchant leaders brought their daughters.”

“Ah…”

Zhuge Munhyeon turned his head toward where Zhuge Gwan pointed and pitifully watched the retreating figure of Zhuge Pyeong striding toward where the women were.

He’s going to get hurt…

But it’s a thorny path he chose himself.

He’ll figure it out.

Zhuge Munhyeon quickly lost interest and took a seat at the banquet.

That’s when it happened.

“Haha, have you been well?”

At the sudden familiar greeting, Zhuge Munhyeon turned his head and quickly stood up to offer his respects.

“Have you come? Uncle.”

“Haha! You’ve become even more magnificent since I last saw you.”

The brightly smiling Taoist of the Taiji Taoist Temple.

It was Yeonghwa of the Wudang Sect.

And beside him was Mujin, who had dramatically recovered after falling into demonic possession.

Well, they couldn’t be left out.

Guests had been invited from various places for the Young Family Head appointment ceremony banquet. From newly subjugated martial families to escort agencies and trading companies seeking connections with the Zhuge Family.

How much was Wudang’s reputation worth?

The moment they sat as friendly forces, the Zhuge Family’s prestige would change.

But was Mujin’s face always like that?

For some reason, the area under his eyes looked dark and hollow somewhere…

“It’s been a while, Young Master Munhyeon.”

“It’s been a while for you too, Daoist Mujin. But you’re not feeling unwell, are you?”

“Ah, well…”

He made a troubled expression as if he had something to say, so I tilted my head.

It seems something did happen.

“Ahem, let’s save the detailed story for later.”

“Ah, yes.”

“But why is it Young Master Munho instead of you? I was quite surprised when I received your letter.”

“Why?”

“Well, naturally…”

“Elder Brother Munho is the eldest son. It’s natural for the eldest son to inherit the family.”

“Hmm, eldest son succession. Amitabha, though it’s proper, it was a bit unexpected. In current times, the strong often take the master’s seat.”

“Just because others do that doesn’t mean the Zhuge Clan needs to do the same, does it?”

“That’s true. There’s no need to meddle in other families’ affairs.”

“But I myself didn’t expect the Ujin Palace Master to come personally.”

“It’s a major affair of external forces, so naturally I should come. Thanks to you, we recovered Hyeoncheon Investigator’s Cheongyang Swordsmanship and even enshrined his remains in the Investigation Hall. Also, aren’t we family?”

He strangely emphasized the word family.

“I’m grateful you think of us that way. But why aren’t you at the upper seat… ahem.”

“…”

“It seems you have something you want. Seeing as you came to me specifically, it appears you have a request for me personally, not the family.”

When Zhuge Munhyeon glared with narrowed eyes, Yeonghwa flinched in surprise and put on airs.

“Haha! As expected, I can’t fool your eyes.”

“…”

Somehow I’m feeling annoyed.

But since he made the precious trip for the Zhuge Family, I’ll pretend not to notice.

“Please speak comfortably. You’re not a stranger.”

“Ah, well…”

Yeonghwa glanced at Mujin and spoke with a determined expression.

“Could you take charge of this fellow for me?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Amitabha, actually there was a problem during the treatment process. We consulted the Zhuge Family too, but they said only you would know about it. Haha!”

Ah!

So he came to dump this on me.

A burden…

Hmm, what should I do?

Zhuge Munhyeon, who had recently developed a taste for raising disciples, pondered seriously.

Should I try raising a Wudang demon this time?

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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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