Chapter 221
Translator: uly
Chapter: 221
Chapter Title: Black Dragon's Trap
The day Little Buddha Jinwoo fell to the Black Heaven Young Master.
Black Dragon Shangguan Hu lost to Hidden Dragon Wi Sungcheon.
The fact that he, hailed as the pinnacle of the Black Guards, had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the righteous faction's Hidden Dragon spread like wildfire throughout the entire Black Forest on the very day of the duel.
Naturally, Zhuge Ihyeon had heard the rumors too. No, he had known the outcome even before the rumors began to circulate.
He knew that Wi Sungcheon had sent a challenge to Shangguan Hu.
The reason he hadn't bothered to go watch was simple... the result was a foregone conclusion. Zhuge Ihyeon was aware that Wi Sungcheon had achieved unbelievable progress over the past few months, while Shangguan Hu had stagnated in place.
Even back when the two first faced off in the forest, Zhuge Ihyeon had assessed Wi Sungcheon's skills as slightly superior.
Since Wi Sungcheon hadn't stagnated there but had instead undergone explosive growth, it was only natural that he would easily triumph over Shangguan Hu.
In that predictable outcome, what Zhuge Ihyeon needed to consider was whether Wi Sungcheon would actually kill Shangguan Hu. He wouldn't. But he would certainly inflict wounds severe enough to sideline him for the foreseeable future.
So, what should "I" do? How should he handle the injured Shangguan Hu? Extend a hand of aid, or instead finish him off?
Either option was tempting. The Zhuge Clan and Shangguan Clan were counted among the twin pillars of the unorthodox factions.
However, the Shangguan Clan had constantly picked fights with the Zhuge Clan due to their origins in the righteous faction, so there was no reason for the Zhuge Clan to view them favorably. Shangguan Hu had no siblings, and the current head of the Shangguan Clan was old. If only Shangguan Hu were eliminated, the Shangguan Clan would plunge into a self-destructive struggle for succession.
Conversely, if he extended a hand of aid to Shangguan Hu, it could serve as an opportunity to foster harmony between the clans.
Yes, that was all he stood to gain. But how exactly would he extend that aid to Shangguan Hu in the first place? Protect the injured man until he recovered, then fight the Hidden Dragon alongside him? Why bother with any of that?
In the end, Zhuge Ihyeon's mind inclined toward killing Shangguan Hu. It didn't take much resolve to make that decision. Needless to say, Zhuge Ihyeon and Shangguan Hu were not on good terms. This was a perfect opportunity.
"......"
Perhaps he should meet him once and at least check his condition. With that thought, as he headed toward Shangguan Hu's residence.
Zhuge Ihyeon's steps came to an abrupt halt. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at the man approaching from ahead. It was a face he knew well, yet Zhuge Ihyeon couldn't help but feel astonishment.
However.
"......"
Zhuge Ihyeon's pupils grew ice-cold. He quickly realized that something was gravely amiss.
The duel between the Black Dragon and Hidden Dragon had taken place five days ago. Shangguan Hu had sustained severe injuries: both arms broken, his right ankle fractured, and ribs cracked.
Yet the Shangguan Hu standing before him was firmly on both legs. His dangling arms were wrapped tightly in bandages, but no splints had been applied.
"......Hmm."
Zhuge Ihyeon tilted his head slightly.
"I was on my way to visit Brother Shangguan, but what a stroke of bizarre coincidence this is. Who would have thought I'd run into you before even arriving."
Zhuge Ihyeon flashed a familiar smile as he addressed Shangguan Hu. Shangguan Hu offered no reply, simply standing there and staring at Zhuge Ihyeon.
That gaze. It sent a disgust crawling deep in Zhuge Ihyeon's chest, like insects skittering across his skin.
"......I heard you took quite a serious injury, but rumors can't be trusted after all. Or perhaps Lady Dawn... "
"Kill."
The voice that abruptly cut in was hoarse and muffled. Zhuge Ihyeon stopped mid-sentence and looked at Shangguan Hu.
An indescribable disgust and foreboding. The emotions it stirred were utterly foreign to Zhuge Ihyeon.
"Me."
But unfamiliar didn't mean he would ignore it or stubbornly press on. Zhuge Ihyeon slowly shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. As he did, his eyes scanned the surroundings.
"......Brother Shangguan. I don't know the full details, but... "
"Me."
Shangguan Hu spat out again. What on earth was he trying to say, repeating the same words?
The central city's streets. No one else was around besides the two facing off in the middle. Zhuge Ihyeon said no more and shut his mouth. He had been on his way to pay a sick visit and had run into Shangguan Hu. There was nothing more to see.
The moment Zhuge Ihyeon resolved to turn back.
"You meant to kill me."
Shangguan Hu uttered. His voice was still deeply muffled. Zhuge Ihyeon was momentarily flustered but quickly composed himself and chuckled.
"Honestly, isn't that only natural? We're not exactly the type to honor loyalties. If the tables had turned, Brother Shangguan would have done the same to me."
"No, even without this situation. I've wanted to kill you long ago."
Shangguan Hu bared his teeth in a grin. Zhuge Ihyeon still felt an inexplicable foreboding and disgust emanating from him. Without breaking eye contact, he slowly dragged his foot backward.
"I've always hated you. Brain Thunder Zhuge Ihyeon. Always lagging a few steps behind, watching events unfold like it's none of your concern, yet your eyes darting about greedily."
"Rushing in like a wild boar with flames on its back isn't always the right way."
Zhuge Ihyeon replied as he retreated.
"Brother Shangguan seems to have always disliked me, but honestly, I've never hated you. Compared to my own idiot brother, you're far superior."
"The reason you don't hate me. Think I don't know it? You always like those inferior to yourself."
"Haha, so that's what you meant. You're wrong there, Brother Shangguan. I'm not some petty soul who likes the inferior and hates the superior. To be precise, I like those who don't stray from my way of thinking. Though that doesn't mean I hate those who do. I have no desire to become a petty man like you, Brother Shangguan."
Shangguan Hu chuckled at the smiling retort. ......It made no sense. He was dragging his feet back, yet the distance to Shangguan Hu wasn't widening.
Where had things gone wrong?
From the moment he decided to kill Shangguan Hu and visit to check his condition? Or from the moment he encountered him and didn't flee immediately?
'There's no mistake at all.'
Zhuge Ihyeon chuckled. No matter how many times he thought it over, he couldn't find a single 'error' in his actions.
It was simply... bad luck.
"Fighting in the city is forbidden."
"Yes, it is forbidden. A law set by that great Black Demon King, isn't it? But there's no Black Demon King on this island."
"......It's true the Alliance Leader left the island, but since when has Black Forest law only been upheld under the Alliance Leader's watchful eye?"
"Haha! You idiot, still harboring respect for the Alliance Leader?"
Shangguan Hu burst into a grating laugh, like metal scraping against metal.
"What are you trying to say?"
"That the Black Demon King isn't worthy of respect. Take this exchange meet alone—didn't he just use the Black Forest's holy lands to curry favor with the righteous faction scum?"
"You're the one who wandered around getting beaten because you couldn't grasp your place, so what right do you have to talk?"
Crackle! Lightning sparked around Zhuge Ihyeon. As the Lightning Flash Thunderbolt Art circulated, the tips of his hair stood on end, and a fierce glow filled his eyes.
"I get it, Brother Shangguan—you're displeased with me and want me dead. Conveniently, I was just thinking of killing you too, so isn't this perfect? Let's not do it here; head outside the city and settle it properly."
"No need for that. No one will know what happens here."
Shangguan Hu guffawed. And before his laughter ended.
Boom! A massive explosion erupted, and Shangguan Hu's body hurtled toward Zhuge Ihyeon.
'As expected.'
He said no one would know. Still, no one was around, not even a hint of presence. Despite such a huge blast, no one came to investigate.
'A formation? When did he... No, did I just blunder into it unknowingly?'
Who on earth had set up a formation in the middle of the city? Even if the Black Demon King had left the Black Forest, this city was under surveillance by the Black Demon King's elite guards, the Underworld Envoys.
And that was just the beginning. Supreme Ultimate Sword Lord, Eccentric Hero, Venom Dance Lord, Lady Dawn, White Flame Witch, Green Forest Demon Emperor. Six of the Ten Heroes of Murim were lingering in or near this city. Even a demon couldn't evade all their eyes to set up a formation.
"I can no longer hold back against Brother Shangguan."
Zhuge Ihyeon muttered lowly as he lifted his right foot. Shangguan Hu, exploding forward, swung his bandage-wrapped arm.
'His arms aren't broken after all.'
As his raised right foot dropped. Crackle! Shangguan Hu's entire body was engulfed in lightning, his hair standing on end.
Lightning Flash Thunderbolt Art: One Leap Lightning Flash. Zhuge Ihyeon, who had leaped far back, stopped there instead of retreating further. His back touched a 'wall.' Invisible to the eye... yet the entire space was blocked by an unseen barrier.
'About fifteen zhang... '
The Zhuge Clan had a deep history not only in martial arts but also in formations. Zhuge Ihyeon was well-versed in them himself. Deploying a formation of this size required massive construction efforts.
Was it possible to install a formation of this scale—with such sturdiness and secrecy—without alerting the Ten Heroes?
"Who stands behind Brother Shangguan? Who could fool the Ten Heroes' eyes and set up a formation like this?"
"You're going to die anyway—what does it matter if you know!"
Shangguan Hu bellowed and kicked off the ground. Zhuge Ihyeon clicked his tongue and shook his head.
"You're under a grave misapprehension, Brother."
Zhuge Ihyeon's right hand moved. As the charging Shangguan Hu thrust a fist, Zhuge Ihyeon flicked up his hand blade. The light coiled around his palm erupted in brilliance. Hundred Thunders Merciless. Zhuge Ihyeon's body was wrapped in electric light.
Boom! Shangguan Hu's body crashed into the ground. As Zhuge Ihyeon lowered his extended fists, he spat.
"This formation is impressive, but aside from creating a sealed space, there's nothing remarkable about it. It gives you no advantage whatsoever in a fight against me. So how exactly do you plan to kill me?"
"Guh...!"
Shangguan Hu, smashed into the ground, spewed bloody foam. He looked up at Zhuge Ihyeon with eyes full of disbelief, but Zhuge Ihyeon slowly shook his head.
"I don't know why you're looking at me like that. Haven't you ever thought it yourself, Brother? That this little brother Zhuge has been going awfully, awfully easy on you. That's why you never dared pick a fight with me carelessly."
"You bastard...!"
"More than that, what an astonishing formation. It seems to distort space... No one notices despite all this commotion? I could try smashing it with raw power, but that might be troublesome."
Zhuge Ihyeon frowned as he glared at Shangguan Hu. Fury surged in Shangguan Hu's eyes at the contempt laced in that gaze, veins bulging red.
Crackle! His entire body was enveloped in the glow of the Roaring Dragon Heavenly Command Divine Art.
"......As the Hidden Dragon said, the Roaring Dragon Heavenly Command Divine Art isn't all that impressive. Up to a certain level, it offers the profound growth befitting a supreme art, but beyond that, it becomes too simplistic."
"If that's true, feel it for yourself!"
"No need to feel it now. I already know it all."
Zhuge Ihyeon muttered as he raised his head. Seeing him so composed while drawing out his power right in front of him infuriated Shangguan Hu to the tips of his hair.
"You bastard!"
"Don't you think he's too foolish to be of any use as a pawn?"
Zhuge Ihyeon murmured. Shangguan Hu roared like a lion and lunged at Zhuge Ihyeon.
Roaring Dragon Heaven-Shattering Strike. The technique he hadn't fully unleashed against Wi Sungcheon was now executed perfectly. A massive force centered on Shangguan Hu became light and converged on Zhuge Ihyeon.
"No learning ability at all."
Zhuge Ihyeon clicked his tongue as he circulated the Lightning Flash Thunderbolt Art.
"I'll prove just how foolish and useless Brother Shangguan is as a pawn."
The exploding light swallowed the street. The street, existing as an illusion of the formation, was utterly obliterated. Nothing remained but a blank white space—yet strangely, the 'moon' alone lingered, hovering motionless in the sky's center.
"Guh... "
"Something's been added."
Zhuge Ihyeon muttered as he licked the blood trickling from his mouth with the tip of his tongue. That was his only injury. In contrast, Shangguan Hu was covered in blood from head to toe, his throat gripped by Zhuge Ihyeon.
"Was there a technique in the Roaring Dragon Heavenly Command Divine Art I didn't know? Or... did Brother Shangguan gain some enlightenment from his duel with the Hidden Dragon?"
Zhuge Ihyeon tilted his head curiously before tossing Shangguan Hu to the ground. Covered in blood, Shangguan Hu crawled feebly.
"This... this can't be. It can't... Brain Thunder... you're this strong...?"
"I've never gone around flaunting my power like a fool the way you do, Brother."
Zhuge Ihyeon said with a bored expression.
"And I don't get swept up in unfounded confidence and let my guard down like you. Your downfall is... "
"Arrogance."
A voice cut in abruptly.
"I gave you power, and yet you've grown arrogant already. Flaunting what you haven't even mastered properly leaves you full of holes. You might have put up more of a fight sticking to the basics."
A tsk-tsk of the tongue.
The full moon darkened, shattering like a pane of glass.