The Fortunate Sword God of the Zhuge Clan - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 27.
As soon as morning arrived, Dok Go Hyeon sought out Moo Heun.
“Thank you. I was able to grasp the Paggi-sik because of you.”
Dok Go Hyeon clasped his fists in a martial salute and bowed his head to Moo Heun.
“Ah, well now.”
Moo Heun set down the dried meat he’d been about to eat for breakfast and returned the salute.
“How could that be my merit? It was the merit of the master who shared that knowledge, the merit of Lord Yeong who resolved to teach you, and ultimately, wasn’t it your own achievement in actually accomplishing it?”
“But you’re the one who told me that story, aren’t you? And if you hadn’t been here, Lord Yeong wouldn’t have taught me either.”
Dok Go Hyeon refused to accept Moo Heun’s protest.
“So thanking you is only natural.”
Faced with this logical argument, Moo Heun didn’t object further and slowly nodded his head.
“Even so, shouldn’t you first express your gratitude to Lord Yeong rather than to me?”
“I’ve already thanked Lord Yeong.”
Dok Go Hyeon shrugged his shoulders.
“Just a simple ‘Thanks for your hard work.’ That was the extent of it.”
“That’s just like Lord Yeong.”
“And since I have no way to express my thanks to that master, could you convey my gratitude to him someday?”
Moo Heun smiled slightly.
“If I ever meet him, I will certainly convey your thanks.”
In truth, there was no way for him to deliver such gratitude.
He might meet Do Un someday, but this Do Un was not the Do Un of his past life—the greatest swordsman of Huashan Sect.
Yet Moo Heun accepted Dok Go Hyeon’s request nonetheless.
It was both a matter of not dismissing the young man’s plea and a yearning for the connection of his previous life.
‘Do Un, a Daoist of your caliber surely must have ascended to the Immortal Realm.’
When he’d heard the report of Do Un’s final moments—that he had dyed heaven and earth in plum blossoms—Moo Heun had become certain that he had achieved Ascension to Immortality.
Who else could become an immortal if not he?
Moo Heun nodded and took up the dried meat for his breakfast.
“I’m grateful for your words. Have you taken breakfast yet?”
“No, I slept so deeply yesterday that my eyes opened early.”
Dok Go Hyeon stood, not wishing to interrupt Moo Heun’s meal.
“Let’s meet again once you’ve finished eating. We need to complete the work.”
“Complete? What do you mean?”
At Moo Heun’s question, Dok Go Hyeon raised one eyebrow.
“The Paggi-sik, of course. This time I’ll teach you the proper method, not just the basic form.”
At this, light flickered across Moo Heun’s eyes.
“Are you certain you should teach me even that?”
“Well, I’ve never heard any restriction against sharing it, and I need to review it myself anyway.”
Moo Heun nodded, still smiling.
“Then I accept your instruction gratefully.”
“No need for thanks. As I said, I learned it because of you. In a way, teaching you is only right.”
Dok Go Hyeon stepped outside the carriage and immediately began wielding his sword alone.
Watching him, Moo Heun finished the remaining dried meat and circulated his energy through all the meridians of his body using Tianshan Continuous Energy.
‘My speed has certainly increased, and I can feel my body becoming stronger.’
With a satisfied smile, Moo Heun soon called Dok Go Hyeon back and helped him into the carriage.
Yeong, seeing this, urged the carriage forward with vigor.
Four days remained until their arrival at Qingcheng Mountain.
The long journey was finally entering its final phase.
***
Moo Heun and Dok Go Hyeon spent much time in the carriage discussing the Paggi-sik.
While it took the basic form of Dok Go Hyeon teaching Moo Heun, when Dok Go Hyeon found certain aspects difficult to articulate, Moo Heun helped him organize his thoughts.
After their lengthy dialogue, the two identified the most peculiar aspect of the Paggi-sik.
“It seems nearly certain that the Paggi-sik is a technique that requires you to drain not just physical strength but Internal Energy itself.”
“…Right.”
Dok Go Hyeon, whose eyes were slightly swollen, nodded at Moo Heun’s words.
He bore the marks of having been struck by Yeong repeatedly in order to reach this conclusion.
“How strange. Lord Yeong said that even he could grasp the flow of the sword through his Internal Energy, yet the Paggi-sik requires you to have none at all to grasp the sword?”
Moreover, by Moo Heun’s knowledge, the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique of the Huashan Sect—the fastest martial art he knew—did not presuppose a state of zero Internal Energy.
Thus, at first glance, the Paggi-sik, which forgoes the use of Internal Energy, might appear to fall short compared to the martial arts of other Immortal-level Martial Artists.
Yet the Paggi-sik was exceptional.
“Still, at the moment when he emptied his Internal Energy, he was faster than Lord Yeong.”
The Paggi-sik, with Internal Energy completely drained from it, could seize the very moment an opponent grasped for the flow of their stance.
It was, literally, a martial art that caught the line behind the line.
Dok Go Hyeon acknowledged this advantage even as his voice filled with frustration.
“This defeats the whole purpose of stacking bets all the way to first-class rank. Why didn’t my master stop me?”
A technique that grew harder to deploy the more Internal Energy one cultivated.
That was the conclusion both men had reached about the Paggi-sik.
And since the Dok Go Sword was hardly a martial art without the Paggi-sik, in the end, Dok Go Hyeon’s training of Internal Energy cultivation had become a liability rather than an asset.
Moo Heun shrugged his shoulders.
“Did your master not say that Internal Energy was useless for this very reason?”
Dok Go Hyeon flinched.
“…That’s exactly why he should have told me not to do it! I just wasted time.”
Moo Heun let out a quiet laugh.
“He also said there’s no meaning unless you realize it for yourself. Perhaps he wanted you to come to this understanding through your own learning.”
“Tch… I’m not ignorant of that. It’s just a shame, is all.”
Moo Heun watched Dok Go Hyeon click his tongue in frustration.
“But are you truly unbothered by this?”
“By what?”
“By the fact that all the Internal Energy you’ve painstakingly accumulated must now be dispersed.”
Except for the Dok Go Sword, losing Internal Energy was a terrible thing for most martial artists.
Fundamentally, martial artists are lovers of their craft, and many could not bear the mental weight of that time and effort lost, falling into a Deviation into Demonic State.
Yet in Dok Go Hyeon’s case, even accounting for the fact that his martial art required the absence of Internal Energy, he remained serene—merely indulging in a little complaint.
Dok Go Hyeon tilted his head thoughtfully.
“The time and swordsmanship I invested bother me, sure, but nothing beyond that.”
“How can that be?”
“If it’s a martial art I can’t use anyway, clinging to it just wastes more time. And besides, that makes it all the more special.”
Dok Go Hyeon offered a faint smile.
“So my attacks won’t carry any trace of Internal Energy, and when those Black Assassin Group dogs are struck down by it, they’ll understand—there’s a master out there who’s learned a special martial art aimed at them.”
Dok Go Hyeon spoke calmly of the vengeance he had in mind.
“At first they won’t know it’s the Dok Go Sword, but as their numbers dwindle, they’ll figure it out. ‘Ah, so he was the disciple of that man we killed back then!’ they’ll realize.”
Moo Heun nodded slowly.
“Then you believe they will come to regret their actions by that time.”
“Then they’ll regret it. ‘We should have killed him then,’ they’ll say… Right?”
Caught saying exactly what Moo Heun had predicted, Dok Go Hyeon chuckled softly.
“You seem to understand the reading of lines better than I do.”
The absolute confidence Dok Go Hyeon had developed in Moo Heun’s knowledge meant he was no longer easily surprised by much of anything.
“Either way, this works better for me. I want to make sure those bastards regret their choices.”
Moo Heun regarded Dok Go Hyeon with an expressionless face, concealing his many feelings.
What he himself dreamed of could also be called vengeance in a sense.
But Moo Heun’s ultimate goal was to prevent war.
Destroying the Imperial Palace was a method he would only choose if things seemed unsolvable otherwise.
The reason was simple.
‘Setting aside whether grudges exist or not, there would be far too much blood spilled in the process.’
That was why Moo Heun was devising a plan to strengthen the power of the martial world and check the Imperial Palace’s machinations, thereby protecting the Jianghu.
In that process, destroying the Black Assassin Group didn’t seem like the wrong direction.
‘But Dok Go Hyeon facing them alone is no different from a moth flying into a flame.’
Dok Go Hyeon standing alone against the Black Assassin Group—a massive organization—was not merely a matter of talent or lack thereof.
It was nothing short of suicide.
Moo Heun did not want to watch such young talent consumed by the fire of vengeance and disappear.
“Dok Go Hyeon.”
“Hmm?”
Thus, Moo Heun opened his mouth with a solemn expression.
“I have nothing to say against your vengeance. I believe it is a right you can justly claim.”
He had no intention of stopping Dok Go Hyeon’s revenge.
It was a matter of personal freedom, something Moo Heun could not control.
That was why Moo Heun offered an alternative instead.
“Will you permit me to aid you in this?”
“What?”
“I, too, have had my life threatened by the Black Assassin Group through these events. Now that I know such people exist, now that I understand they could be a threat to me and those around me, I cannot simply ignore them.”
Since his words aligned with Dok Go Hyeon’s own intentions, the young man nodded and listened carefully to what Moo Heun had to say.
“However, these men are the Imperial Palace’s assassins. I cannot, even as the eldest son of the Jegeol Family, entertain the thought of confronting them head-on.”
Dok Go Hyeon’s brow furrowed slightly.
“What? Then how exactly are you planning to help?”
“I’m still considering the method. Please wait a little longer.”
“…Look, you’re not just trying to talk me out of this, are you? I know you mean well, but….”
Dok Go Hyeon started to protest, but fell silent.
Moo Heun had spoken without making a sound, his words shaped only by the movement of his lips.
-Later, when we’re alone on Qingcheng Mountain, I’ll tell you. If Ryeong hears, it could reach Father’s ears, and that might compromise the plan’s autonomy.
“…Compassion alone can’t meddle in certain affairs.”
Having read those words from Moo Heun’s lips, Dok Go Hyeon continued speaking without pause.
Moo Heun nodded and offered a slight smile.
“You’re right. I won’t speak carelessly from compassion alone anymore.”
“…Fine.”
Their conversation ended there, yet Dok Go Hyeon’s heart swelled with anticipation.
‘If Moo Heun helps me with my revenge….’
Something entirely different would emerge—something beyond Dok Go Hyeon’s simple plan to grow stronger and exact vengeance alone.
In truth, Dok Go Hyeon himself knew that his strength alone would not suffice.
He could acknowledge this, yet there was no alternative choice but to pursue his revenge.
For this reason, Dok Go Hyeon devoted himself entirely to his training with Moo Heun, burning with anticipation for what the other man might tell him.
In that haze of hope and discipline, the carriage bearing Moo Heun and his companions pressed steadily toward Qingcheng Mountain.
***
“Oh…oh.”
Dok Go Hyeon’s jaw dropped in wonderment.
“It really is massive. That’s Qingcheng Mountain, right?”
After four days of travel, the carriage carrying the party had finally arrived at Qingcheng Mountain.
“Yes, it is.”
Moo Heun smiled lightly and began explaining Qingcheng Mountain to Dok Go Hyeon.
In truth, not only Dok Go Hyeon but anyone beholding Qingcheng Mountain for the first time would be struck with awe.
Beyond its towering height of over four hundred zhang—more than twelve hundred meters—the mist born from Sichuan’s characteristic humid air wrapped the peaks in a veil so ethereal that it seemed the dwelling place of immortals themselves.
“Between the highest summit, Laojun Pavilion, and Shangqing Palace lies a stretch of flat ground. It is there that the Qingcheng Sect has established itself.”
At Moo Heun’s words, Dok Go Hyeon asked with keen interest.
“Wait? So the Qingcheng Sect wouldn’t know if anyone entered the mountain? I suppose it would be difficult to know every part of a whole mountain.”
Moo Heun shook his head.
“That’s not quite the case. A little further up the slope stands Jianfu Palace, where the lower disciples of the Qingcheng Sect question visitors. That’s where most people enter.”
“Oh… So we’re going in that way too?”
As Dok Go Hyeon gazed at the mountain with fascination, something seemed to occur to him.
“But didn’t you say our arrival shouldn’t be known? Even so, shouldn’t we at least inform the sect that dwells on Qingcheng Mountain?”
At this, Moo Heun smiled faintly.
“We won’t be entering that way.”
“What? Then how?”
Ryeong answered the following question.
“This information was provided by Hwang Bun Ta Ju, who learned of several hidden entrances that the Beggars’ Sect has discovered. Normally they are not easily accessible….”
Ryeong regarded Moo Heun with a worried expression.
“But for this young master’s sake, I believe it acceptable to overlook such concerns.”
“In truth, such things shouldn’t be overlooked… but circumstances are what they are.”
Dok Go Hyeon’s expression shifted to one of surprise.
“So you break the law too?”
“Heh. Didn’t I tell you? I try to be virtuous, but I’m not always so. Are you disappointed?”
Dok Go Hyeon chuckled.
“No, quite the opposite—I like it. It means you’re flexible. These are paths the beggars travel. Now I understand why an escort was necessary.”
“Ha! I’m glad you see it that way!”
Moo Heun broke into a hearty laugh, then turned to Ryeong and clasped his fist in salute.
“Ryeong, thank you for accompanying us this far. I know you must be weary, but I hope you’ll carry out Father’s instructions without incident.”
Ryeong returned the salute with his own clasped-fist gesture.
“I merely did what was necessary. Please take care of yourselves.”
Having paid his respects to Moo Heun, Ryeong turned his attention to Dok Go Hyeon.
“Dok Go Hyeon. I entrust this young master to your care.”
Dok Go Hyeon nodded with confidence.
“Don’t worry. Moo Heun is your young master, but he’s also my benefactor. I’ll bring him back without a scratch.”
At that response, Ryeong turned to Dok Go Hyeon and clasped his fist in salute as well.
Dok Go Hyeon awkwardly returned the gesture, accepting the farewell.
“Then, I shall return to see you again in seven days.”
Ryeong had decided to complete his task and bring Moo Heun’s group back afterward.
In truth, Jegeol Cheon Seong had suggested to Moo Heun that Ryeong accompany them all the way into Qingcheng Mountain, but Moo Heun had refused.
Qingcheng Mountain was safely protected by the Qingcheng Sect.
While Moo Heun was here, there was no possibility of external intrusion.
With Moo Heun’s perfect memory, there could be no mistake in that assessment.
Thus, the only threats from within were ultimately the formation and the terrain.
The formation was unlikely to pose a threat to Moo Heun, and Dok Go Hyeon alone would suffice to navigate the terrain.
Moreover, there were urgent plans concerning the future that needed to be conveyed to Dok Go Hyeon.
Moo Heun’s explanation was logical, and since Jegeol Cheon Seong had assigned Ryeong a separate task, he accepted Moo Heun’s wishes in light of this.
“Then, when we meet again….”
Ryeong, having finished preparing to depart, hesitated as if to say something.
Moo Heun, catching his meaning, smiled faintly and spoke.
“For the first time, you will be able to see me in true health.”
“Yes.”
At that answer, Ryeong smiled in return and bowed.
“I didn’t know you could smile….”
Dok Go Hyeon, witnessing this for the first time, began to say something, but Ryeong vanished like a shadow without hearing him.
It was not that he meant to ignore Dok Go Hyeon’s words.
It was simply that conveying the matter of “the possibility of imperial intrusion” was best done as swiftly as possible.
Now that his task here was concluded, he hastened to the next one.
The distance from Qingcheng Mountain to the Sichuan Tang Family was not great.
A Peak-level Martial Artist could arrive in half a watch, but since the family did not welcome visitors arriving at late hours, there was all the more reason to hurry.
“…Hmm.”
Of course Dok Go Hyeon knew nothing of this, but by now he turned back to Moo Heun with familiar ease.
After all, there was an answer he was eager to hear.
“Will you tell me now? That plan you said you’d thought up?”
At the impatient question, Moo Heun shook his head.
“Ryeong has gone, but there are still many people about. There’s no guarantee the Black Assassin Group isn’t among them, so let us speak of the details once we’ve ascended the mountain.”
Dok Go Hyeon glanced swiftly about.
Indeed, as befitted a mountain where a renowned sect was established, the surroundings teemed not only with martial artists but also merchants and herb gatherers.
Dok Go Hyeon clicked his tongue in frustration.
“Tsk. Right then. So where is this place the Beggars’ Sect uses? There are so many locations—what a nuisance. And I suppose the beggars themselves mustn’t catch wind of it either?”
Moo Heun nodded, affirming Dok Go Hyeon’s understanding.
“Indeed. However, it should not prove overly difficult.”
“Huh? So that Hwang fellow told you all that. Seems you two are quite close.”
At Dok Go Hyeon’s remark, Moo Heun merely smiled.
Hwang Bun Ta Ju had told Moo Heun that the Beggars’ Sect used certain routes, but he had not disclosed which paths were frequently used and which were not.
Moo Heun simply already knew those routes from his experience in his past life.
“Let us go as well. If we turn this way….”
Moo Heun’s steps faltered briefly as he was about to head toward the Beggars’ Sect trail he remembered.
“Huh? What’s wrong?”
“Hmm, it would be better to go around that way instead.”
Moo Heun changed direction, moving toward the opposite side from where he had initially intended.
“What is it—did you forget? Ah, no, surely not. Are you just bad with directions?”
“Hah. Perhaps I am.”
Of course, it was not for the reason Dok Go Hyeon had suggested that he changed course.
‘Already, at the foot of the mountain….’
A faint golden aura and an appetite-stirring fragrance guided Moo Heun onward like beacons, showing him the way he ought to walk.
At the end of the path that fragrance led to, the Hollow Jade Stone—the true purpose of this journey—surely awaited.
Moo Heun was certain of it.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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