Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Translator: Penny
Episode 10
He had just relieved himself.
After holding it in all day, the dam finally burst, leaving his lower abdomen feeling hollow.
Zhuge Munhyeon, beaming with relief, greeted his father, who had just returned.
"Oh? You're back early?"
But the warmth of the reunion was fleeting.
Zhuge Doyun, seated beside Han Siheon, spoke with a rigid expression.
"What's going on here?"
"Huh?"
"How do you know the Formation?"
"..."
"Answer me now."
Zhuge Munhyeon glared at Han Siheon.
That damned traitor! He lost, yet he ratted me out already? He told them I broke through the No Affinity Array in one go and escaped? It was a mistake. I was supposed to be a Dullard, but now my father, desperate to brag about his son, has found out. But what can I do now? It was as good as digging my own grave. Since things had come to this, there was no need to beat around the bush. That wouldn't suit my straightforward nature anyway. Just lay it all out there. With a little lie mixed in.
"I simply read Formation books at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion."
"What?"
"There were so many books, you know? Explaining the basics of various Formations and mechanisms."
"You read basic texts?"
"Yes."
"Th-that's..."
Zhuge Doyun's face grew increasingly flustered, while Han Siheon shook his head with a fierce glare.
"Nonsense! You claim to have deciphered the No Affinity Array after reading a few books?!"
Ugh, my ears are ringing. Why is that scholar yelling like a lion's roar?
Zhuge Munhyeon grimaced, picking at his ear as he grumbled irritably.
"Is that not allowed?"
"What did you say?"
"It wasn't particularly difficult..."
Zhuge Doyun and Han Siheon pressed their lips into tight lines at his nonchalant remark.
He broke through a Formation after reading just a few books? At only seven years old?
"That's impossible. Understanding the principles of a Formation through mere reading..."
"Chief Han, hold on a moment."
Zhuge Doyun cut off Han Siheon's incredulous words and fixed his son with a steady gaze.
"Munhyeon."
"Yes, Father."
"Is what you just said true?"
"Don't you believe me?"
"I-I do believe you. If a father can't trust his son, who can he trust? It's just... so unexpected. I understand why Chief Han finds it hard to believe too. The No Affinity Formation isn't recorded anywhere in the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion. That's because Chief Han created it himself."
"..."
"Being trapped in an unfamiliar formation, understanding its principles, and finding the Life Gate without any experimentation is an exceedingly difficult task."
"Hmm, so I guess I managed to accomplish something quite extraordinary?"
"Heh heh. This kid..."
Zhuge Doyun chuckled dryly at his son's attitude.
How could he scold him?
Even if his son's words seemed somewhat absurd and illogical, Zhuge Doyun was the kind of man who would listen attentively.
"Munhyeon."
"Yes, Father?"
"Would you mind explaining how you found the Life Gate?"
"Of course."
Zhuge Munhyeon nodded, and his explanation flowed as naturally as water cascading from a high place to a low one.
Naturally, he only explained the process up to the point where the Five Elements were added to the Yin-Yang axis.
Showing too much would be problematic. Even that seemed enough to astound them.
When he added diagrams to his explanation, his father's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and Han Siheon's mouth stretched so wide it looked like it would tear.
From their perspective, it was nothing short of insane talent.
Zhuge Munhyeon was claiming to have grasped the fundamental principles of the Formation simply by studying books.
And when he described the process of examining and dismantling the Formation, their eyes nearly rolled back in disbelief.
"S-surely you don't mean... a talent for Formations?"
"W-what?!"
Zhuge Doyun startled at Han Siheon's muttered words and glared at him.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Get a grip! 'Three Talents Genius'? Isn't that a bit much?"
"...I didn't say that."
"Ah, it just slipped out," his father chuckled awkwardly.
Indeed, with his talents in scholarship, music, and now formation arts, he could truly be considered a prodigy blessed with the Three Talents.
"Ahem. Chief Han, enough. Such a thing—possessing three talents simultaneously—has never occurred in the history of the Zhuge Clan. What nonsense are you spouting?"
"But I never said any such thing..."
"Hush! Be respectful."
Zhuge Doyun shook his head, but his mouth hung open wide enough to swallow a gourd.
It seemed his father was the one who had lost his senses.
After all, what parent wouldn't be delighted to discover their child possessed extraordinary talents?
Three Talents Genius, huh? If I told him I'd already formed my Core, he'd be utterly astonished. Then I'd be a Four Talents Genius. No, if I really wanted to, becoming a Ten Talents Genius wouldn't be a problem at all.
Throughout his long life, Zhuge Munhyeon had pursued countless hobbies and interests.
Yet he chose his words carefully.
His father already wore the doting expression of a parent adoring their child. Shocking him further might trigger a heart attack.
Still, this is going in a completely different direction than I expected. The original plan had been to drive Han Siheon away. But why were both Han Siheon and my father's eyes sparkling with excitement? It's as if they've discovered a talent far greater than mere academic prowess... Above all, my father is a notorious braggart when it comes to his children. First, I need to silence him.
"Father."
"Hmm?"
Zhuge Munhyeon's expression suddenly turned serious.
"Please... don't mention the Formation anywhere. And stop bragging about me."
"Huh?"
"It wasn't anything special. It was just a basic Formation, so it was easy to break."
"Basic?! What nonsense are you spouting? Chief Han created that Formation after years of painstaking effort! How can you say breaking it wasn't a remarkable feat?!" Zhuge Doyun exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief.
I understand your sentiment, but there's no need to raise your voice. Yes, it's good to be exceptional. Yes, it's good to be noticed. But there's a time for everything. There's no need to become a target for petty people's envy and jealousy by showing off too early. Now is the time to conceal my abilities. At least until I've developed skills worthy of public display...
"Exactly! I poured my heart and soul into creating that Formation! This is truly a remarkable achievement!"
"..."
With Han Siheon joining the chorus, a sigh escaped his lips involuntarily.
"What are you doing on my side?"
"Father."
"Yes?"
"Do you want me to become a liability?"
"Huh?"
"Why do you think the incident at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion happened?"
"Well, Mungi acted recklessly..."
"No. It's because of the timing."
"...Timing?"
"You are the Patriarch's third younger brother. I am your son. After your generation, we'll just be a collateral branch of the Zhuge Clan."
"That's..."
"But is it truly a blessing for a collateral branch to possess such exceptional talent?"
"..."
"Everyone might deny it, but they can't help but feel uneasy. The other collateral branches will become even more wary. If that happens, not only will I face more scrutiny, but there will also be more people slandering my mother. Is that what you want?"
Zhuge Doyun frowned at his son's clear and deliberate words.
"Scholarship? If you wish, I can recite the Myeongsim Bogam and study the Four Books for you right now. The same goes for music and formations. No, whatever would please you, Father, I can do it."
"..."
"But please, let none of this cross the walls of the Manor. For Mother's sake. If anyone dares to slander her again... then..."
Zhuge Munhyeon couldn't bring himself to say he might kill them all. But Zhuge Doyun, hearing only the implication, pressed his lips into a tight line.
The children's envy and jealousy.
Though the underlying reasons were more complex, his son's words reminded him of his wife's plight.
He knew all too well how she had been the subject of endless gossip, simply for being the daughter of a musician and for him being the son of the Zhuge Clan. He had always felt deeply sorry for her.
Baek Suhyeon, who had been listening to the entire conversation, felt her eyes stinging with tears.
Her son's words pierced her heart.
As a mother, she felt deeply sorry that her son had been placed in such a position because of her background.
"Hmph, I understand. I'll do as you say. This father failed to see the depth of your heart."
"I'm sorry."
"No, I'm actually proud of you. Thank you for thinking of me that way."
Zhuge Doyun stroked his son's hair with a faint smile.
It was fortunate that he was the kind of person who could acknowledge the truth, even in a child's words, and admit his own mistakes.
Most people weren't like that.
"Chief Han."
"Yes, Hall Master."
"Can you do as Munhyeon suggests?"
"Well... boasting is your specialty, Hall Master. If you just keep quiet, there shouldn't be any problems..."
"Ahem!"
"I'll keep my mouth shut."
"Thank you."
With that brief commotion settled, dinner was served.
Was she grateful for her son's thoughtfulness?
It was nice that she stuck so close to him, but she was feeding him like a baby.
"Mother, I'm already seven years old..."
"Do you not like it?"
"Huh?"
"Seven is still very young. Everyone else does this too. You're the one who's being strange."
Baek Suhyeon glanced at him, looking slightly hurt. Zhuge Munhyeon sighed and opened his mouth.
"...More, please. I want meat."
"That's my good boy."
Baek Suhyeon, beaming with delight, picked up a large piece of meat and fed it to him.
He could never win against his mother.
It felt like I would keep losing forever.
After they finished their meal and sipped tea, his father asked, "Munhyeon."
"Yes?"
"Have you ever considered studying Formations formally?"
"Formations?"
"Yes. While academic pursuits are important, researching Formations is equally crucial. If you're interested... hahaha, as the Head of the Byeongju Hall, I can arrange a position for you. Or, how about coming to the Byeongju Hall with me? You could even study under Chief Han."
"Oh! That's a wonderful idea!" Han Siheon said, his eyes sparkling.
Zhuge Doyun just smiled casually.
Just as I thought... I knew it was only a matter of time. He couldn't resist coveting my talent. But when you cut ties, you have to do it decisively. At seven years old, I can now firmly express my own thoughts.
"I refuse."
"Huh?"
"I have no intention of becoming a Formation Master."
"No... why not?"
"I have other plans."
"Other plans? You've already decided on your future?"
"Yes."
His resolute answer clearly disappointed his father.
But even so, a Formation Master? The Heavenly Demon has his pride.
"So, what does our son want to do?"
"I will cultivate Martial Arts."
"M-Martial Arts?"
"Yes. Who knows? Maybe I'll become the Strongest Under Heaven."
Zhuge Munhyeon boldly declared the ambition he had harbored in his heart.
He reasoned that if he couldn't become a Dullard anyway, it would be far better to seek his father's approval and begin training openly.
Looking back, he realized he should have done this from the start.
"Actually, when I entered the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion, I read a martial arts manual. It was called the Minor Heavenly Star Art, and it was truly an excellent technique."
"Pfft!"
"Puh-hah!"
The moment the words left his lips, the two men who had been staring blankly at him burst into laughter simultaneously, even spitting out their tea.
"Minor Heavenly... Kwah-ha-ha...!"
"That's the funniest thing I've heard in ages! The Minor Heavenly Star Art, abandoned as useless, being called an excellent technique!"
"Exactly! Hahahaha!"
Zhuge Munhyeon's eyes narrowed at their reaction.
This... this... Are they mocking me? They know nothing about martial arts! I can understand Father—I can't commit patricide. But Han Siheon, you bastard... how dare you!
Just as he was about to glare back, Baek Suhyeon cut in sharply:
"Shut up, both of you."
"..."
"..."
The two men fell silent under Baek Suhyeon's icy glare, which seemed to devour them whole.
Even so, telling us to "shut up" with that beautiful mouth... I should point out that she never uses such language, but her expression warns me to keep my mouth shut.
"The child finally reveals his ambition, and instead of supporting him, you adults just laugh?"
"W-Wife, that's not what I meant..."
"Enough!"
Baek Suhyeon's expression turned venomous, leaving Zhuge Doyun utterly flustered.
"Chief Han, if you've finished eating, you can leave now."
"Huh? Yes, ma'am!"
Sensing the tense atmosphere, Han Siheon vanished like lightning.
For a scholar, his light footwork is quite impressive. It seems facing a crisis has unlocked his hidden potential.
And then...
"My Lord, from now on, you'll sleep in the detached quarters."
"W-Wife, what are you saying?"
"Separately. You'll sleep separately."
The chill in her voice was colder than the harshest winter wind.
They say a woman's resentment can bring frost even in the hottest summer months. My father's shoulders slumped... He brought this upon himself.
📝 Translator’s Note:
You may notice that certain lines or phrases in this novel appear both in their original Korean (or Hanja) form and in English translation.
This is intentional — these phrases are classical idioms, divine titles, or poetic expressions that carry layered meanings.
To preserve their original tone and authenticity, the raw text has been kept for reference, while the English interpretation is provided right before or after it. This helps convey both the literal and cultural nuance of the original work.
but if you guys dont want tha raw for future chapters or my future other novels u can just text me on discord and say so discord name Mr.Penny
