The Fortunate Sword God of the Zhuge Clan - Chapter 56

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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 56.
The main tournament of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering was held on a stage specially constructed in the Tai Chi Plaza, a sacred ground bearing the symbol of the Wudang Sect.
In keeping with the sect’s doctrine of achieving harmony between yin and yang, the structure displayed a beautiful balance of black and white.
“How striking—the interplay of light and shadow is rendered so perfectly. One can truly feel the doctrine of Wudang in this magnificent stage.”
Hyegong, the abbot of Shaolin and one of the Northern Dipper luminaries of the Orthodox Faction alongside Wudang, offered his praise in a measured tone.
Namkoong Cheon nodded in vigorous agreement.
“Just as the abbot says. Our own family is even considering whether we ought to commission a stage such as this.”
“Heh, heh, heh… I’m merely grateful for your kind words.”
Woon Hakjin expressed his thanks, then turned to survey the surroundings.
“Usually only our disciples pass through these grounds, but now to see so many people gathered—it brings real joy. Had I known it would be so pleasant, I should have held the Dragon Phoenix Gathering ages ago. Heh, heh….”
His soft manner of speaking lifted the spirits of all who listened, and the leaders of the major Orthodox sects smiled.
Yet among them, a faint shadow lingered in Jegal Cheonseong’s smile.
Hyegong noticed and asked with curiosity.
“Why do you wear such an expression, patriarch?”
“It is because….”
“Allow me to explain.”
Just as Jegal Cheonseong began to reply, someone cut him off.
It was Gu Cheonak, master of Jin Yu and leader of the Dragon Head Bandits.
“…Patriarch.”
“My apologies for the interruption, Patriarch Jegal. But I think it best I speak to this matter myself.”
“Not at all. Please, go ahead.”
“Ahem.”
Gu Cheonak cleared his throat, then opened his mouth, eyes moving across the assembled sect leaders.
“Since last evening, a strange rumor has been circulating within Wudang Mountain.”
“A strange rumor? What sort of rumor?”
At Namkoong Cheon’s question, Gu Cheonak’s brow furrowed.
“That the Tianmo Divine Sect has risen again and intends to bring Fire Demons to this Dragon Phoenix Gathering.”
“…The Demonic Sect!!”
Those two words struck alarm across all the sect leaders’ faces.
More than forty years had passed since the sect’s destruction, yet none present could forget the divine might displayed by the Tianmo Divine Sect’s master in those days.
Jegal Cheonseong, who had anticipated this reaction, added his explanation calmly.
“It is merely a rumor spreading among the guests who have come for the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.”
“Indeed. Though in a single night, every drunkard in the quarter came to know of it.”
At Gu Cheonak’s dry remark, Jegal Cheonseong let out a thin sigh.
“Then please, share what information you have managed to uncover.”
“Tch, must you be so stern? Can’t a man even jest?”
“Your humor, patriarch, never fails to send a chill down one’s spine.”
At Jegal Cheonseong’s words, Gu Cheonak chuckled.
“It’s unlikely to be the Demonic Sect. We found no traces of the Demonic Qi they typically employ. However, the speed at which this rumor has spread is decidedly unusual.”
“And its source?”
“I’ve pinpointed several taverns, but I could not determine who first spoke the name Tianmo Divine Sect.”
There were simply too many people on Wudang Mountain.
Given the nature of taverns, witness memories were unreliable at best, making it nearly impossible to trace the rumor to its true origin.
“Given the remarkable speed of its spread, could someone have used Sound Energy Technique to implant a suggestion?”
At Jegal Cheonseong’s question, Gu Cheonak sighed.
“I considered that possibility as well. But you know as well as I do—Sound Energy Technique is difficult to master, yet once learned, it requires only minimal inner strength to employ.”
Moreover, at that time in the tavern, not only the musicians who normally performed but also countless intoxicated martial artists had struck instruments in their excitement.
Though one might narrow the field of suspects, exact identification remained just as difficult.
At this, Dang Somuk, patriarch of the Sichuan Dang Family, spoke up.
“In such circumstances, perhaps we should reconsider continuing the Dragon Phoenix Gathering….”
“What manner of words are these, Patriarch Dang?”
But someone interrupted Dang Somuk’s speech.
It was Moyong Daewung, the current family head of the Moyong Family.
“Do you suggest we send all the martial artists away when scarcely any time remains before the main tournament begins?”
“I speak only because of the circumstances.”
“What circumstances? In the end, is this not merely the work of common thugs aping the Tianmo Divine Sect?”
Moyong Daewung’s slightly drooping eyes flickered with mockery as they fixed on Dang Somuk.
“Should a gathering of all the Orthodox sects be shaken by such trifling pranks, it would be a disgrace to the entire Orthodox Faction, would it not?”
“And if it does not end as a mere prank?”
“Then we simply strengthen security and render such a thing impossible, yes?”
The gazes of the two Family Heads locked in sharp confrontation across the void.
Moyong Daewung, who had been watching Dang Somuk for a moment, curled his lips into a bitter smile.
“No matter how much we debate, we won’t be able to reach a decision, will we?”
Moyong Daewung turned to Namkoong Cheon and asked.
“What is your thought on this matter, Alliance Master?”
….
Namkoong Cheon did not answer at once, instead glancing toward Jegal Cheonseong, the Alliance’s Chief Strategist.
He had sought Namkoong Cheon out at dawn and broached the matter related to this rumor.
—…and so I’ve asked the Dragon Head Bandits’ leader to investigate. Personally, I don’t believe this is the work of the Demonic Sect.
—I see. Then you suspect the imperial palace?
—Perhaps. The Dragon Head Bandits’ leader seems to share that suspicion.
A brief silence fell between the two men after that response.
It was Namkoong Cheon who broke the silence.
—Then it is more dangerous than the Demonic Sect. The Dragon Phoenix Gathering must be suspended.
—No, that won’t happen. The Dragon Phoenix Gathering will proceed as planned.
—Where is the strategist who once told me that the people’s safety mattered more than my pride?
At Namkoong Cheon’s question, Jegal Cheonseong looked up at the sky for a moment, then let out a small laugh.
—That strategist is still here. The only difference is that he’s become a father now.
—What do you mean by that?
—Mu Heun has devised quite an interesting operation.
Namkoong Cheon, recalling the expression on Jegal Cheonseong’s face as he spoke of this, lifted the corners of his mouth and opened his mouth to speak.
‘For the Alliance’s Chief Strategist to waver over the scheme of an eighteen-year-old…’
He would have rebuked him, but even to his own ears, it was quite a brilliant operation.
If things went according to plan, at least.
‘Though plans rarely unfold as intended…’
Namkoong Cheon decided to trust the faith of his Chief Strategist and his most trusted friend.
“There will be no suspension of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.”
At that firm pronouncement, the reactions of Dang Somuk and Moyong Daewung diverged.
….
“An excellent decision, Alliance Master.”
Namkoong Cheon looked at Dang Somuk and continued.
“As Moyong Family Head suggests, we shall strengthen security for the Dragon Phoenix Gathering. Will the Dang Family undertake this responsibility?”
“…I shall follow the Alliance Master’s will.”
For Dang Somuk, who now knew that the threat might not be from the Demonic Sect but from the imperial palace itself eyeing the Martial World, this was not a welcome order.
Yet, since the decision had been made not to suspend the event, she understood it was the best course available, and so Dang Somuk complied with Namkoong Cheon’s words without protest.
“I ask that all others exercise particular caution. The Orthodox Faction must show that it is not shaken by mere threats of this kind.”
At Namkoong Cheon’s words, all the sect leaders nodded in resolute agreement.
They, too, had no intention of bringing shame upon their Major Sects now that a decision had been reached.
Namkoong Cheon nodded with satisfaction at their response.
“Then, let us announce the start of the martial tournament to all under heaven.”
***
The initial rounds of the main tournament proceeded with astonishing speed.
Seventeen competitors had advanced past the preliminary round, but quantity did not guarantee quality.
Those who faced off against the Major Sects were defeated as swiftly as lightning.
The first match was particularly striking.
Namkoong Seo Ryong, called a favorite for the championship, defeated a martial artist from a minor sect whose name no one had even heard of in a single bout.
While the matches between minor sects were fierce enough, compared to the martial prowess of the Major Sects, they inevitably proved tedious, and the crowd’s reaction was dismal.
“I mean, no matter how random the pairings were supposed to be, how can there be so few interesting matchups? No wonder the seat brokers were selling first-day seats cheap.”
“It’s always been like this. You should just be satisfied that you got to witness the martial arts of the Nine Great Sects up close.”
The spectators grumbled their complaints yet remained in their seats, unwilling to part with the tickets they had managed to obtain.
After all, there were still some battles worth anticipating.
One spectator scanning the matchup board spoke with evident interest.
“The next match should be worth watching, though?”
At the end of that gaze lay a pairing between a martial artist from a mid-tier sect who had captured everyone’s attention in the preliminaries and a younger member of a Major Sect.
Dokgo Hyeon versus Moyong Bulhwi
***
Dokgo Hyeon rolled his shoulders as he warmed up.
“Not bad at all.”
To this, Mu Heun, who was waiting alongside him, posed a question.
“What isn’t bad?”
“The bracket matchup’s the thing. If I beat that bastard, I can go straight for the next round.”
If Moyong Bulhwi fell, the opponent Dokgo Hyeon would face next was I Young, who had won the previous match.
And I Young had promised abstention and the Shadow Elixir to Dokgo Hyeon in exchange for his instruction, a bargain Dokgo Hyeon had already accepted.
At this, Namkoong Seo Ryong, who had already returned victorious from the thirty-two warrior bracket, broke into laughter.
“Ha! You truly are amusing! Since when does a martial artist enjoy avoiding a fight?”
“It’s not so much that I enjoy it…”
Dokgo Hyeon turned to face Namkoong Seo Ryong.
“You said you wanted to fight me, didn’t you? Well, I’d need to win at least three times to meet you, and if I’m in top condition, all the better. That’s all.”
By his calculation, Dokgo Hyeon would need to advance at least to the final four to face Namkoong Seo Ryong.
Namkoong Seo Ryong nodded as if he understood.
“Fair enough. If you look at it that way, the real pity is Mu Heun. He can only face one of us, and only if he makes it to the finals.”
“Ah, that’s true.”
Dokgo Hyeon checked the bracket one more time and clicked his tongue.
Namkoong Seo Ryong’s name appeared at the very beginning, Mu Heun’s at the very end.
At this, Mu Heun shrugged his shoulders.
“I see no fault in it. Should we meet in perfect condition, it will surely be enjoyable, but by that point, even if my strength wanes, I will still draw myself to my limits, will I not?”
Moreover, whatever form the meeting took, the contest with either of them would be a pleasure.
The two men signaled their agreement with such words.
“And Dokgo Young Friend, while foreseeing the future has merit, you must focus on the opponent before you now. That is a matter of respect to your adversary.”
At Mu Heun’s words, Dokgo Hyeon smirked.
“That fellow isn’t exactly known for his courtesy, is he?”
“Regardless of the attitude your opponent takes, your own conduct is for you to decide. Surely you don’t wish to become the same sort of person as he is?”
Mu Heun added his words with a grave expression.
“And your opponent, whatever else may be said, is a man of excellent education. To face such a person with such carelessness is not merely a matter of character—it is poor judgment.”
“…That’s true enough.”
Unable to refute Mu Heun’s words, Dokgo Hyeon scratched his head, then suddenly struck both cheeks with his palms.
Crack!
The sound was so loud that anyone listening would have doubted Dokgo Hyeon himself could have made it.
Though it must have stung, his eyes grew sharper still.
“You’re right. I need to get my head clear. Thanks for saying that.”
Then Dokgo Hyeon drew his sword and gave a light wave to Mu Heun and Namkoong Seo Ryong.
“I’m going.”
Dokgo Hyeon carried the encouragement of the two men on his shoulders as he ascended the stage set up on the plaza.
Roooaarrr!!
The spectators, still vivid with the impression of what Dokgo Hyeon had shown in the preliminary round, erupted in cheers at his appearance.
For the first time today, a martial artist from a minor sect received a roar louder than one from a major sect.
Unused to such acclaim, Dokgo Hyeon’s expression grew awkward.
“Dokgo Hyeon.”
At the call of Moyong Bulhwi, who was already standing on the stage, Dokgo Hyeon met his gaze.
‘Hmm?’
Moyong Bulhwi, contrary to what Dokgo Hyeon expected, wore a composed expression.
What followed was equally unforeseen by Dokgo Hyeon.
“I acknowledge your strength. It’s true—even from a small sect, there’s no rule that exceptional talents cannot emerge.”
“…What, did you suddenly have a change of heart?”
“A change of heart…. Well, I’ve no apology to offer you. I simply acknowledge what deserves acknowledgment.”
Moyong Bulhwi raised his sword with a serious expression, taking a ready stance.
“But that aside, I have no intention of losing. Not shamefully, at least.”
A keen sword aura emanated from Moyong Bulhwi’s blade.
“I will stake the honor of the main house and give everything to defeat you!”
At such a grave intensity, Dokgo Hyeon recalled his earlier conversation with Mu Heun.
‘People don’t change, or so I’ve heard.’
Yet Moyong Bulhwi, standing before him now, seemed at least to be trying to change.
‘Excellent education, was it…’
Could a person truly make such an effort to change if they received such instruction?
That, he could not say.
What was certain, however, was that without the conversation with Mu Heun, Dokgo Hyeon would not have shaken off his complacency even seeing such a transformation.
‘I still have far to go.’
Dokgo Hyeon drew his sword, realizing that he was still immature both as a person and as a martial artist.
“You. Your name is Moyong Bulhwi, yes?”
“…Yes. That’s my name. Not my family—my name.”
“All right.”
Dokgo Hyeon then assumed the martial stance as well.
“Let’s test ourselves—not for clan honor, but for our own pride.”
At those words, Moyong Bulhwi’s lips curved up ever so slightly.
Once the referee confirmed both had taken their positions, he outlined the rules.
“No lethal strikes. The bout ends when one falls or yields. Understood?”
The two nodded, and the referee raised his hand.
“Under the solemn precepts of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, we shall determine a fair victor. Begin!”
With that declaration, Moyong Bulhwi rushed at Dokgo Hyeon.
After a swift, flawless charge, Moyong Bulhwi attempted to unleash the secret swordplay of his family—but.
Crack!
Unfortunately, his reflection was no match for Dokgo Hyeon’s seriousness; before Moyong Bulhwi could even complete a single exchange, he was sent sprawling.
***
The main tournament proceeded rapidly thereafter, yet the spectators’ attention remained fixed entirely on Dokgo Hyeon.
While minor sects had defeated major sects before, never had one been subdued in a single exchange.
The thrill of the weak vanquishing the strong is felt by all, and admiration for Dokgo Hyeon’s martial prowess was not confined to the crowd alone.
“Remarkable… the Dokgo Ancient Sword. I believed it existed only in legend….”
“It appears to be a technique that subdues opponents by sensing the flow of energy alone, without drawing upon internal power.”
“Catching the edge of the blade—simple in principle, yet extraordinarily difficult in execution….”
The masters of the major sects largely expressed admiration for Dokgo Hyeon’s martial art.
Of course, some were not pleased.
Moyong Daewung and Dang Somuk, who had been at odds moments before.
‘A pitiful wretch. If only he resembled his elder brother even half as much….’
Moyong Daewung’s displeasure stemmed from disappointment with his younger brother, but Dang Somuk’s was of another kind altogether.
Grind.
At the sound of Dang Somuk grinding his teeth, Jegal Cheonseong, seated beside him, turned his head to regard him.
“Dang Family Head. Is something the matter… ah.”line>
Seeing Dang Somuk’s murderous glare fixed on Dokgo Hyeon, Jegal Cheonseong simply turned away again.

Jegal Cheonseong was also a father and understood the anxiety of worrying over one’s child.
He chose not to dwell further on it.
‘That rotten bastard….’
Of course, Dang Somuk was not ignorant of the truth—that Dang Chobin had taken the first interest.
Yet a father’s heart cannot be restrained by reason alone.
‘If he weren’t the Dokgo Lord’s son… I’d crush that dog with my own hands.’
Perhaps it was the weight of such a gaze?
Dokgo Hyeon shuddered with an inexplicable chill.
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Elder?”
“Isn’t it unusually cold?”
“Surely we’ve passed early summer by now? Are you feeling ill?”
“No… it must be my imagination.”
Dokgo Hyeon shook his head and made an effort to shake off the ominous foreboding.
“Never mind me—how are you faring, Mu Heun? Your turn is coming up soon.”
Mu Heun replied with a grin.
“It seems you’re growing anxious because Jeong-in isn’t where you can see her.”
At the jest, Dokgo Hyeon made a face of displeasure.
“Please, don’t say such things. Yes, I’m uneasy not seeing her, but it’s a different kind of unease—not knowing what she might be preparing.”
He spoke the truth.
Dang Chobin, who had followed Dokgo Hyeon through even the preliminary rounds to cheer him on, had inexplicably not appeared at the main tournament venue as her turn drew near.
“Ha ha. Surely there’s nothing to worry about. And even if there were….”
With that, Mu Heun raised his eyes to the final matchup of the thirty-two-strong bracket bearing his name.
Jegal Mu Heun versus Dang Chobin.
“It would be my concern, wouldn’t it?”
Namkoong Seo Ryong nodded at Mu Heun’s words.
“True enough. But isn’t this young lady of the Dang Family quite beautiful? Why do you wear such an uncomfortable expression, receiving the affections of such a woman?”
At Namkoong Seo Ryong’s question, Dokgo Hyeon opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.
“…You won’t understand unless you experience it yourself.”
“Still, couldn’t you tell me a bit? There’s nothing quite as entertaining as a little love story.”
“You have rather girlish tastes, don’t you?”
“My charm lies in always transcending expectation.”
“Do they teach you how to argue in major families?”
“You’ve learned how to keep a conversation lively.”
While Seo Ryong and Dokgo Hyeon were still bickering, the referee’s commanding voice boomed from the stage.
“Jegal Mu Heun! Dang Chobin! Come up to the arena!”
After the long wait, Mu Heun’s turn had finally arrived.
“…Whew.”
Mu Heun exhaled lightly, his expression showing rare signs of tension.
He’d sparred countless times against Yang Mujin and Mu Young, but this was his first time displaying his martial prowess in such an official setting.
“Nervous?”
At Seo Ryong’s question, Mu Heun shook his head and smiled.
“No—excited.”
And he meant it.
His first official bout. The moment he would unveil the Myriad Star Heaven Slashing Sword for the first time.
The moment he would leave his name as a martial artist.
Anticipation for all of it had set his heart soaring.
Without ceremony, Mu Heun waved to Seo Ryong and Dokgo Hyeon before making his way to the stage.
Dang Chobin was already waiting on the arena.
Mu Heun took his stance and offered a light bow.
Dang Chobin seemed about to return the gesture, but—
“…Jegal, may I ask you something?”
She stopped abruptly and posed the question.
Mu Heun nodded slightly.
“Of course. Please speak freely.”
“Thank you.”
Then Dang Chobin asked something unexpected.
“How did you become so close to the Dokgo Clan?”
“Hm…?”
Mu Heun paused, considering.
A full explanation could easily take all day, but launching into a lengthy speech just before a match seemed ill-advised.
So he answered simply.
“We overcame hardship together, and closeness came naturally.”
“…”
At his response, Dang Chobin fell silent for a moment, her head bowed.
When she looked up again, her eyes made Mu Heun catch his breath.
“Then why… won’t you grow close to me?”
“?”
How could Mu Heun have known?
All he could perceive was poison blazing in her eyes—venom so potent it was almost visible.
Not metaphorical poison, but the Dang Family’s trademark green light, as if their very toxin had crystallized in her gaze.
“I intend to find out.”
Dang Chobin took the Dang Family’s signature stance, gripping the short blade in reverse.
At the sharp, chill air of it, Mu Heun’s hand drifted instinctively to his sword hilt.
Seeing that both sides were ready, the referee raised his hand.
“Let the contest be decided fairly. Begin!”
At his signal, Dang Chobin’s form shot toward Mu Heun.

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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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