The Fortunate Sword God of the Zhuge Clan - Chapter 41

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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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Chapter 41.
Yang Mujin stared at Muhun for a long moment.
His expression held astonishment more than chagrin at defeat.
Yet the outcome remained unchanged.
In the end, Yang Mujin closed his eyes, exhaled slowly, and handed over the Sword.
“Take it. You’re impressive, Yang Mujin.”
Muhun accepted the Sword with a soft smile playing at his lips.
“I’m grateful you conceded so cleanly.”
“Grateful? You shouldn’t thank me for that. Victory brings reward, defeat brings cost. That’s the rule of Geumsaru. Though I admit, I’ve never paid the price before….”
Yang Mujin offered a bitter smile.
“But if I may ask—how did you draw that hand? I didn’t see a trace of technique.”
“I’ll answer what I can.”
“How exactly did you manage it without any sign of technique? You’re telling me you simply drew the highest possible hand in gambling by pure luck?”
Muhun shook his head gently.
“I didn’t use technique at all.”
“That’s a comforting answer. So you’re claiming you drew the highest hand in gambling through luck alone?”
“Not luck. But I’m uncertain whether the method I used truly qualifies as the technique you speak of.”
“…What method?”
Yang Mujin leaned forward, curiosity kindling in his eyes, but Muhun shook his head.
“I’m afraid I owe no obligation to explain that much.”
At this, Yang Mujin laughed softly and nodded.
“I see. I nearly stole your rice bowl. My apologies.”
“No matter. But you do remember the stake you wagered?”
“…Yes.”
Yang Mujin had hoped Muhun would forget, but of course he had not.
“I’ll grant your request, Yang Mujin—anything at all. But have mercy; there are limits to what I can do.”
Yang Mujin smiled with easy charm and shrugged.
At this relaxed attitude, Muhun’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“Of course. What I wish to ask is….”
***
Jegal Cheonju held the recovered Sword tenderly, turning it over in his hands without the Human Skin Face Mask.
With the Sword retrieved and additional profit gained, Jegal Cheonju’s mouth stretched from ear to ear in an enormous grin.
“Thank you. Thank you, Muhun! Is there anything you’d like or wish to eat? Your uncle will buy you anything! Just say the word!”
Muhun returned his uncle’s broad smile with one of his own.
“I’m content as is. Though if there is one thing I wish, it’s that you would cease gambling, Uncle. I helped you this time, but if such troubles arise again, I’ll have no choice but to inform Father.”
“Ahem. Yes. Yes, you’re right….”
At Muhun’s pointed rebuke, Jegal Cheonju let out an awkward cough.
“But Muhun, your skill surpasses even mine. Where did you learn card gambling? Surely from your father?”
Though it seemed an attempt to change the subject, the mention of Jegal Cheonseong made Muhun’s expression shift with surprise.
“Does Father gamble?”
“Not now, but in his youth—it was extraordinary. He once won land through gambling. But he gave it up entirely after becoming patriarch.”
“I never knew….”
His father, a model of Orthodox virtue, had once won land through gambling?
This was a fact even Muhun had not known.
“From your reaction, it seems your father didn’t teach you this skill.”
“No. The rules of gambling aren’t so difficult—I simply picked them up over time. I’ve only tried it a few times myself.”
“Strange. How did you become so skilled? That technique you used at the end to defeat Yang Mujin—what was it?”
“Ah. As I mentioned at the time, it’s difficult to call it a technique. Though if we must name it as such, there’s no objection.”
Muhun’s expression grew embarrassed.
“I simply memorized it.”
“Memorized? What?”
Muhun explained as if it were nothing.
“We participated in quite a few rounds to draw out Yang Mujin, didn’t we? Most involved multiple players using gambling cards.”
“Yes, we did.”
“During those rounds, I was able to see the backs of most of the cards used in Geumsaru. I memorized what each looked like.”
“?”
Jegal Cheonju’s expression flickered with confusion, then shock flooded his face.
“…You memorized all their backs? But the cards at Geumsaru are nearly all new. How much could they possibly differ?”
“Even new cards bear the touch of human hands—the placement of scratches and marks differs subtly. With multiple players in each round, I had the chance to study many cards. So when the dealer shuffled during my match with Yang Mujin, I knew exactly which card would come to me.”
At the pinnacle of perception that Muhun had reached, the dealer’s shuffling did not seem swift at all.
That’s how he could discern from the outset exactly which tiles were positioned where.
“You’re saying you already knew that you’d draw nines and eights in the third round?”
“If I received cards first, I knew it would happen that way. As you know, whoever bets first receives their cards faster, so that’s why I drew out the Golden Yuan Treasure.”
“Hmm. But even if you were certain of victory in the third round, you couldn’t know for certain that the Sword would be wagered in that round, could you?”
“That’s right. But if Yang Mujin hadn’t wagered the Sword first, I would have suggested it. There was no other item worth the value of two Golden Yuan Treasures besides the Sword, so even with suspicions, Yang Mujin would have found it difficult to refuse.”
From the start, I’d been certain he possessed the nature of a true gambler, so I thought when fortune favored him, he’d push his advantage even harder.
“So that’s why you said Yang Mujin’s methods had little bearing. Ha, this is something.”
Jegal Cheonju couldn’t help but marvel.
“I’ve heard of your method, but I could never put it into practice. It’s a technique only someone like you, with perfect memory, could attempt.”
“…Didn’t you say you were giving up gambling from now on?”
“Ahem. That’s just talk. You rascal. That’s… yes. Anyway, is there truly nothing else you desire? I’m uneasy leaving things here.”
At Jegal Cheonju’s transparent attempt to change the subject, Muhun shook his head slightly.
But he didn’t press the point aloud.
“Something I desire… Ah, Uncle, do you happen to know of any footwork techniques besides the Palgwae Bo from the main house?”
“Mm? Footwork? Ah yes. Now that you mention it, you said you were creating a martial art?”
The fact that Muhun was creating the Manseoncheon Dogeom was no secret within the Jegal Clan.
That this sickly young master could overcome it and create an entirely new martial art was something to be proud of rather than concealed.
Especially considering that the techniques of this martial art were exquisite.
“Mm, I’m afraid I only know your martial art properly from your sparring match with Mu-young. Is there a particular footwork technique you’re seeking?”
“I need footwork that possesses flexibility—not constrained to specific principles like single-sword or double-sword styles, but capable of moving freely between such principles.”
“Hmm, that’s a difficult matter. The kind of flexibility that can shift between principles…”
Jegal Cheonju, arms crossed in thought, shook his head slightly.
“It’s not easy to recall. Most footwork techniques that support swordwork tend to be bound to that sword technique’s specific principles.”
“I see. Thank you for considering it.”
“What if you approached it from a different direction?”
At Jegal Cheonju’s words, Muhun’s eyes widened.
“A different direction, you say…?”
“I mean, why not seek out footwork from saber techniques, Fist and Horn Techniques, Spear Techniques, and the like—not just Sword Technique footwork? If you’re not bound by sword technique principles, then such things might actually serve as inspiration, don’t you think?”
Muhun nodded slowly, as if something had clicked into place.
“That’s certainly true. Thank you, Uncle.”
“Don’t thank me—I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a proper answer.”
“No, this was genuinely a great help.”
He meant it.
Because the Manseoncheon Dogeom was a sword technique, he’d been searching for footwork based solely on sword technique principles.
Of course, using different weapons meant the distance and spacing would necessarily differ, and precisely because of that difference, there would be aspects distinct from sword technique principles.
Muhun rested his chin on his hand and lightly sifted through the countless martial arts stored in his memory.
Nothing immediately applicable came to mind, but the sense of helplessness he’d felt before had lightened somewhat.
Jegal Cheonju, watching this quietly, smiled.
“I’m glad if it helped. But might I ask one more thing?”
“Ah, yes. Of course.”
Muhun, lost in thought, absently nodded.
“Why did you make such a request of Yang Mujin?”
At Jegal Cheonju’s question, Muhun pondered briefly before letting out a small laugh.
“It’s difficult to explain clearly yet, but I have something in mind, and he seems like just the right person for it.”
“Ho. The right person? So you’re planning something that requires a particular individual.”
“That’s so.”
Muhun nodded without denial.
“People are what matter most in such undertakings.”
***
As spring drew toward its end and the weather grew gradually warmer, the marketplace street in Hubei prospered more with each passing day.
Young people who’d come out to enjoy the lingering spring, housewives seeking thinner garments to withstand the coming summer.
Young martial artists hoping for admission to the Wudang Sect and their families thronged together in such crowds that decent shops had barely a square inch of standing room.
Yang Mujin raised one eyebrow lightly at the warm, bustling atmosphere, then made his way to the appointed place.
To the eye—and beneath the surface as well—it was an ordinary noodle shop.
Like any other establishment, its interior was packed with people, yet Yang Mujin settled familiarly across from his contact.
“Two days and your complexion’s cleared up already. You look refreshed.”
Yang Mujin faced the person sitting across from him—Muhun, who had discarded the mask of Mu-yeon.
Muhun smiled faintly and nodded.
“How did you see through to me so quickly?”
“Well, I already knew Mu-yeon was a false name. But I spotted someone with a similar air sitting alone here and figured it had to be you.”
“Indeed, you’re quite impressive.”
“Though I must admit, I didn’t expect someone so young and handsome. And on top of that….”
Yang Mujin glanced briefly at Muhun’s clothing.
White robes with green trim—there wasn’t a soul in Hubei who didn’t recognize that dress.
“I thought you might be wealthy, but I never imagined you’d be from a family like the Jegal Clan.”
Muhun didn’t deny it, offering a slight smile instead.
He’d worn the Jegal Clan robes precisely to make it clear to Yang Mujin who his hostage was.
“It’s my honor to meet you. I am Jegal Muhun, young master of the Jegal Clan.”
“And a young master of that standing, no less…. Hmm. Jegal Muhun, is it?”
Yang Mujin laughed lightly, as if finding the whole situation absurd.
“So, what is it then? Why would a young master of the Jegal Clan—one of the Five Great Families—have a request for someone like me?”
“Well. Surely there’s no need to be in such a hurry? Have you eaten?”
“Opportunities to freeload from a young master don’t come every day, but no thanks. I’m afraid I have a prior engagement.”
“I see.”
Muhun nodded with regret.
“Then allow me to speak plainly.”
“Now that’s refreshing.”
“I intend to establish a martial force. I need you to serve as its commander.”
“Innkeeper! Two bowls of thin noodles, please!”
Yang Mujin called out urgently for the noodles.
“What? Sorry, I couldn’t hear you over ordering the noodles.”
“I said I’m establishing a martial force, and I need you to be its commander.”
“Damn. So you were serious.”
Yang Mujin exhaled deeply.
“Look, I know I owe you a debt, but isn’t there something else you could ask? I mean, honestly—being a commander isn’t something you just do for a day or two. I don’t have that kind of time. Why would you trust me with something like that anyway? I’m just a gambler.”
Muhun maintained his composed smile, as always.
“As you can see, I am a Martial Artist at the Peak. And you, Sir Yang, are a stronger Martial Artist than I.”
“‘Sir Yang’—that’s embarrassing. And stronger than a Peak Martial Artist? If that were true, would I be gambling here?”
“You cannot hide your Martial Art. I have already witnessed the technique you employ.”
Yang Mujin’s expression hardened slightly.
“…What do you mean?”
“The Spear Technique. The technique you used to swap the cards.”
“…!”
“The Spear Technique emphasizes the three fundamentals of Lan-Na-Zha: to push outward, to press down, and to thrust. You applied these to swap the hidden cards on your robes with those in your hand, did you not?”
Yang Mujin shrugged his shoulders—a tacit admission.
“You may have identified my technique, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m stronger than you.”
“Look, you may have pinpointed my technique, but that doesn’t mean I’m stronger than you—what?”
Yang Mujin stared at Muhun with confusion, caught off-guard at having his own words echoed.
“I perceived your technique, but only through inference, not direct observation. It is true that a technique refined to a higher level can deceive even those of greater skill—but not by much.”
“Do you know how hard I’ve trained?”
“However, the man behind me—the one whose Sword you took—is my uncle and a senior of our clan’s main house. He is numbered among the top hundred masters in the land. Yet you deceived even him, and without inner energy at that.”
“What?”
Yang Mujin’s eyes widened slightly at this sudden revelation of Seongcheol’s identity.
“If you possess technique of such caliber, it would hardly be strange to assume you surpass me, would it?”
When he finished speaking, Muhun regarded Yang Mujin with steady eyes.
Yang Mujin met his gaze, then drew a long breath.
“…I knew Seongcheol was strong, but I didn’t think he was that strong.”
Yang Mujin covered his face with one hand.
“Listen—I’m thirty years old. Thirty. You may be tall, but you don’t look much past twenty. I could be a bit stronger right now. And you’ll likely surpass me soon enough.”
“That may be true, but not at this moment.”
“…You need someone strong right now. That’s it, isn’t it?”
“Exactly so.”
Yang Mujin realized he’d been cornered.
He was even tempted to subdue Muhun on the spot and disappear into hiding.
But Yang Mujin had his reasons for not doing so.
Even without reasons, he wasn’t fool enough to lay hands on a young master of the Jegal Clan in Hubei.
So Yang Mujin chose to hear him out first.
“Why are you building this martial force? Is there some struggle over succession or something?”
“Ah? Haha. What a frightening joke. My brother and I are on good terms. Besides, my elder brother should become the patriarch.”
“Then what is it?”
Just then, a server brought out two bowls of thin noodles that Yang Mujin had ordered.
Though he’d claimed to be in a hurry, he was actually quite hungry, so Yang Mujin picked up his chopsticks and sucked down a generous mouthful of noodles in one smooth motion.
Slurp—
“Do you remember the tiles I laid down when we gambled together, Master?”
“Huh? How am I supposed to remember every single tile? I still don’t even know why I lost. I remember the pheasant and the chief at the end, though.”
“Three men, one star, one pheasant, and the chief.”
“Right. But why?”
“Do you understand what those tiles mean?”
“Mean? Three men, one star, one pheasant….”
Yang Mujin’s expression twisted in an instant, contorting like a demon’s visage.
“You….”
Crack!
Though Yang Mujin didn’t even clench his fist, the chopsticks between his fingers snapped in two.
At the same moment, Muhun witnessed the space around Yang Mujin not merely blend with the background—instead, the very scenery around him transformed into countless towering thorns.
Then those thorn-like backgrounds began closing in on Muhun, slowly, deliberately.
That alone was enough to make Muhun feel as though he were being pierced by something.
“What do you know about me?”
Muhun, a martial artist at the Peak, was easily overwhelmed.
It was only natural.
Just as First-Class cannot overcome Peak, so too Peak cannot defeat what lies beyond it.
‘Peak is an existence that merges with nature, becoming part of all phenomena.’
Then what lies beyond?
There are those who transcend being merely part of phenomena—they themselves become the phenomenon.
The Jianghu bestowed a name upon these rare martial artists who surpassed the very pinnacle of human achievement.
‘This is the pressure of a Super-Peak martial artist…!’
Despite the difficulty in even speaking under that pressure, Muhun managed to smile without losing his composure.
“…Please, calm yourself first.”
“Calm myself? Did I misunderstand your meaning? It seemed to me you were trying to pressure me.”
“You’ve misunderstood. I was merely proposing a method to protect the children.”
“So you do know about the children after all? Yet you claim that wasn’t pressure?”
Yang Mujin’s pressure intensified until Muhun could barely draw breath.
The reason for his such violent agitation was simple.
The children he protected—they were everything in his life.
-He worked at Geumsaru? You mean that gambling den?
-Yes. His talent as a dealer was exceptional, so he received special treatment from the proprietor of Geumsaru and handled considerable sums. However….
-However?
-He spent all of that money on the convenience of the orphans he’d taken into his care.
-Orphans? You don’t mean the ones we held a funeral service for….
-Yes. Those very children. When they came of age, they asked Yang Mujin to stand with them against the imperial forces, saying they couldn’t bear to see their homeland violated.
-….
-Unable to refuse this request, Yang Mujin led those children and brought down a considerable number of imperial soldiers. However, aside from Yang Mujin himself, there was no one who properly achieved the First-Class rank.
-So when he encountered a proper military formation, it came to this.
-Given that Yang Mujin later faced the imperial palace alone, it does seem to be the case.
-Hmph…. Had he come to us, I would have valued him greatly. Did our alliance fail to inspire such trust?
-Perhaps he thought that a gathering of gamblers and orphans would not be welcomed….
Grit.
Remembering the man’s words and the emptiness he’d felt, Muhun’s teeth ground even now.
Did the base nature of profession, origin, and status block a person’s advance even in the midst of war?
If one’s origin was humble, if one’s status was low, if one’s profession was gambling, was the Martial Alliance such a shabby place that it couldn’t accept them?
No. At least the Martial Alliance that Muhun had dreamed of was not such a place.
Muhun clenched his teeth, endured Yang Mujin’s pressure, and opened his mouth.
“Don’t you think those children deserve proper meals, proper homes, proper education…?”
“…What?”
“If I simply provided those things without explanation, wouldn’t that only seem more suspicious to you? That aristocratic fellow—why would he suddenly do such a thing? What could he be plotting? Wouldn’t you think that way?”
At those words, Yang Mujin recalled his own clan, crumbling before power in his earliest years.
Of course, he didn’t know that Muhun was aware of this fact, but the memory remained all the same, and so he found the goodwill of the powerful no easy thing to trust, just as Muhun said.
“….”
“That is why I propose it to you: the position of leader of the martial force I will create, the Heavenly Echo Corps.”
“The Heavenly Echo Corps….”
Yang Mujin closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before letting his aura settle.
“Gasp… gasp….”
Muhun tore free from the pressure and breathed heavily, as though he were suffering from a bout of asphyxia.
The crowd inside the shop regarded this strangely, but upon noticing Muhun’s complexion, they made a visible effort not to show their concern.
It was a moment that displayed Yang Mujin’s refined skill — channeling that formidable force with precision, directing it solely at Muhun.
“Tell me. What is this Heavenly Response Pellet you speak of? How does it help the children? And why.”
Yang Mujin asked, his expression somewhat relaxed now, yet still shadowed with suspicion.
“Why must I be the one to lead?”
As Muhun’s breathing steadied, a thin smile crossed his face.
“Once you hear, you won’t be able to refuse.”

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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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