Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Translator: Penny
Episode 14
"What's your problem?"
"The Instructor said if you want to settle things, challenge me to a duel."
"Th-this..."
"If you're not going to fight, let go. Your breath stinks."
Zhuge Munho's face flushed crimson as he stared back, his grip tightening on the collar.
That's exactly what I wanted.
Truth be told, he'd been feeling the children's hostile glares for quite some time.
They were filled with contempt and disdain.
At their age, they couldn't hide their emotions, so he tried to ignore it. But it kept bothering him.
What should I call this feeling? It's something akin to what I felt long ago, a sensation I barely remember now. It fills me with nostalgia. Hundreds of children, stripped bare and armed only with a dagger, thrown into the wilderness for training... I was the one who survived. Those were good times. The Zhuge Clan would never allow such methods, but crushing the young ones is necessary to avoid future troubles.
"What are you doing? All talk and no action?"
Move, boy! I'm waiting with such anticipation! How long will you keep trembling and seething with anger?
"Very well! If that's what you want, I'll give it to you!"
"..."
At those words, Zhuge Munhyeon's lips stretched into a wide, triumphant grin.
An excellent choice. This is exactly how you should respond.
Zhuge Munho released his grip on Zhuge Munhyeon's collar and stepped back, creating distance between them.
The sudden commotion drew all eyes within the Heavenly Star Pavilion, and children began to gather around.
Naturally, Yu Ganghu, who had been sitting nearby, also turned his attention to the scene.
The two boys stood facing each other.
The training grounds of the Heavenly Star Pavilion were divided into sections based on skill level, so only Junior Class trainees were present in this area.
Five children bearing the Zhuge surname.
And the rest, children from collateral branches with different surnames.
So, this is his first sparring match...
Yu Ganghu's interest was focused solely on Zhuge Munhyeon.
At the tender age of seven, he began his training at the Heavenly Star Pavilion. In a single day, he mastered the fundamentals of the Heavenly Mechanism Evasive Steps, quickly surpassing those who had trained for years and standing on equal footing with them.
He even held his own against Zhuge Munho, a formidable opponent.
It was astonishing.
A newcomer reaching the level of someone who had trained for two years in such a short time was unheard of.
Normally, he should have intervened and demanded an explanation. But curiosity overwhelmed him, and he decided to observe for a while longer.
"What are you doing? Not going to attack? Should I make the first move?" Zhuge Munhyeon asked, his voice laced with irritation at Zhuge Munho's unwavering glare and refusal to move.
"This is supposed to be a martial arts duel. We can't just start without a proper wager, can we?"
"A wager?"
Zhuge Munhyeon sighed.
He's learned some truly nasty tricks. They say once you're hooked on gambling, there's no way out.
"The loser becomes the winner's subordinate."
"Hmph."
"What do you say? If you're scared, go fetch water now."
Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled at this.
Like a bunch of kids suddenly wanting to play gang leader. But actually, it's a brilliant idea. If he wants to become my subordinate, why would I refuse?
"Fine, let's do it your way."
"Since you're my younger brother, I'll let you go first."
"Huh?"
"Considering the difference in our skills, it's only right."
Zhuge Munho puffed up his chest, acutely aware of the surrounding gazes. Munhyeon sighed.
Has he even seen my skills? Kids or adults, this is why the Orthodox Factions are such a problem. The Daoists despise the idea of striking first, calling it "Not the Dao." They believe that attacking first to subdue an opponent is contrary to their principles. What pointless formality. Once you're dead, it's over. Why bother with concessions? Still, those without real skill always talk the flashiest. But since my cousin is offering me the first move, there's no reason to refuse.
Meanwhile, the other kids around them showed no sign of tension.
Well, they were only seven and twelve.
No one expected him to win. At this age, even a year or two made a clear difference in strength.
That's usually how it goes.
Click.
Thud! Thud-thud-thud!
The iron weights on his wrists and ankles clattered to the ground in succession.
"Huh?"
Everyone looked surprised.
The sound alone revealed their immense weight.
No one had expected him to be wearing such things—not the kids, not even Yu Ganghu.
And Zhuge Munho seemed to sense that something was wrong.
But the surprise was far from over.
"The first move is mine, right?"
"You? Wait a minute..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zhuge Munhyeon grinned and took his first step.
"Whoa!"
The children gasped.
"W-what's that?"
Yu Ganghu, watching from afar, leaped to his feet.
Heavenly Mechanism Evasive Steps, Heavenly Star Flash.
It was a technique that instantly unleashed Internal Power to close the distance with lightning speed.
But the level of mastery was astonishing.
As if the ground were a sheet of ice, Zhuge Munhyeon slid forward, closing the distance to Zhuge Munho in a single breath.
Yet could the onlookers' shock compare to Zhuge Munho's?
He couldn't even react.
Frozen in place, his face pale as if he'd seen a ghost.
Until Zhuge Munhyeon's fist, arcing in a wide arc, buried itself deep in his abdomen.
Thwack!
Thanks to his diligent strength training while wearing Iron Weights, Zhuge Munhyeon's power was considerable.
Zhuge Munho's body doubled over.
"Gah! W-wait a moment..."
A moment? You said you'd become my subordinate, didn't you? Then as your master, I need to carve a fear into your heart that you'll never escape, even as you age. That's the only way to ensure you never entertain foolish dreams of betrayal.
Grasp!
Zhuge Munhyeon seized Zhuge Munho's hair.
As he yanked, his knee shot upward, slamming into Zhuge Munho's face.
Crack!
The impact sent Zhuge Munho's head snapping back, his body straightening into a rigid line.
But his hair remained firmly gripped.
Thud!...
The punches landed with exhilarating force, and Zhuge Munho danced to their rhythm, swaying left and right with each blow.
This guy actually knows how to take a hit. Ah, that feels so satisfying.
How long had it been since he last felt this?
Back at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion, he was consumed by pure venom.
But now, Zhuge's martial arts had permeated his body, making every movement feel natural.
Martial arts sparring is truly wonderful. I can beat him to a pulp without anyone complaining.
Lost in the joy of the moment, he momentarily loosened his grip, and Zhuge Munho's body began to slump.
Crap! That won't do. I still have a long way to go before I've etched fear of me into his very bones. Besides, after so long without this feeling, why end it so soon?
Thwack!
Zhuge Munho's jaw snapped from the upward kick, forcing him to his feet against his will.
The beating continued relentlessly.
It was as if Zhuge Munhyeon were practicing his Fist and Foot Arts, circling a standing doll and striking from all angles.
There were no cheers for the predetermined victor.
The crowd stared in stunned silence, mouths agape, while a few trembled with terror.
"S-stop!" Yu Ganghu could no longer bear to watch.
He had expected a close match, but the disparity was far too great.
Yet Zhuge Munhyeon, as if deaf, ignored the command and continued to rain down blows.
"You bastard! I said stop!"
Yu Ganghu finally intervened, pulling Zhuge Munhyeon away and checking on Zhuge Munho, who lay trembling like a crushed insect.
"Ugh..."
He wasn't dead, but he'd been beaten just short of it.
His face was swollen beyond recognition—even his own parents wouldn't have recognized him.
But don't worry. I only instilled fear, not internal injuries.
"You wretch! What do you think you're doing?!"
"...What?"
"What?!"
"Didn't you say we should settle disputes through martial arts, Instructor? You also said warriors persuade with strength. Besides, I didn't initiate this; he challenged me first, so I haven't violated any hierarchy."
"..."
A martial arts duel? Not just a one-sided beating? This is utterly absurd. A seven-year-old has not only defeated a twelve-year-old, but has reduced him to a pulp without even breaking a sweat. Moreover, I can't blame Zhuge Munhyeon; it was my fault for not stopping it. Still, his methods were far too brutal.
"...You've already surpassed the skills of Munho. And yet—!"
"Should I have held back?"
"What?"
"Externally, I was at a clear disadvantage. My training period was shorter, and I'm smaller."
"..."
"More importantly, it's strange that you're scolding me instead of Zhuge Munho. Does the Heavenly Star Pavilion's rules, as you explained, apply differently depending on the outcome?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"The first rule of the Heavenly Star Pavilion states that one's innate bloodline and family status are irrelevant within its walls. In other words, regardless of social standing, everyone is treated as an equal trainee. Isn't that correct?"
"W-well, that's..."
"Then wouldn't it naturally follow that each trainee should fetch their own water?"
"..."
"I've noticed that while the direct descendants are resting, the branch family trainees diligently fetch water even during breaks and clean the training grounds after sessions. You haven't just left the rules on paper without enforcing them, have you?"
Yu Ganghu couldn't answer, faced with this meticulous questioning. Every point he raised was undeniably true.
"I have adhered to the rules and acted according to the teachings I received. Therefore, I trust there will be no issue, Instructor."
"..."
"If you have nothing further to say, may I take my leave? It seems we should rush Munho to the infirmary."
At Zhuge Munhyeon's words, Yu Ganghu nodded silently.
"You've worked hard today."
Zhuge Munhyeon bowed deeply and turned to address the still-gathered children.
"If any of you ever want to spar, just say the word. I'll take you on as subordinates anytime. Understand?"
"..."
Spar? Why bother...? And suddenly offering to make us subordinates? What kind of nonsense is that?
Yet at Zhuge Munhyeon's words, the children slowly lowered their blinking eyes.
Reverence? They had no need for such things. The Demonic Cult taught that true authority stemmed from overwhelming strength.
That night.
"A... a martial arts duel?"
"That's right."
Yu Ganghu visited Zhuge Doyun after he returned from work, essentially making a house call.
It was only natural that Zhuge Munhyeon was made to kneel beside them.
That damn brat... He agreed to the duel himself!
The fact that Munhyeon, unable to challenge Yu Ganghu's imposing demeanor, had run to his parents to tattle only fueled his anger.
"What do you mean? Munhyeon doesn't have a single scratch on him!"
"It was one-sided."
"O-one-sided? Our Munhyeon is only seven years old! And he hasn't even been attending the Heavenly Star Pavilion for long..."
"Even so, it was one-sided. His opponent had to be carried to the infirmary."
"What?!"
Zhuge Doyun's eyes widened as he alternated his gaze between his son and Yu Ganghu.
Having witnessed such an incident before, a sudden wave of anxiety washed over him.
"Th-the opponent... could it possibly be...?"
"Munho."
"Wh-what did you say?"
His father's reaction was excessively shocked.
Why?
As he tilted his head in confusion, Yu Ganghu asked, "Does the Patriarch know about this?"
"Yes."
Zhuge Munhyeon's face twisted violently at those words.
Why is the Patriarch being brought up here? Zhuge Munho isn't the Patriarch's son. The Patriarch, who passed away long ago, had no children. And yet...
"Munhyeon."
"Yes?"
"Why did you do this?"
"Huh?"
"Why did you attack Munho...?"
Something was wrong.
His father, who had always sided with him, was now acting differently.
"Ah, I see. You probably didn't know."
"...?"
"Munho..."
Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been listening with a sullen expression, feeling strangely distant from his father, suddenly frowned.
Zhuge Munho.
He was the posthumous son of Munhyeon's second uncle, who had died long ago.
A son who had lost his father before he was even born.
Ah, so that's the guy...
Sohye's words from the past flashed through his mind.
The one who had shown the greatest talent before him.
It seemed that was Zhuge Munho.
Moreover, despite his pitiful circumstances, the Patriarch had reportedly planned to adopt him as his son and appoint him as the Young Patriarch due to his exceptional talent.
What a miserable wretch. Damn it, how was I supposed to know? Besides, he started the fight first. Regardless of the circumstances, right and wrong remain unchanged. Shouldn't we teach him a lesson by beating him, even if we feel sorry for him?
Behind that thought lurked another:
Surely getting beaten by me won't disqualify him from becoming the Young Patriarch, right?
A sudden wave of guilt washed over him.
He'd seen plenty of cases like this in the Demonic Cult—guys whose personalities had been twisted by brutal training. Maybe Munho had turned out a bit crooked because of his circumstances. I should have gone easier on him.
It was at that moment that he finally understood his father's reluctance to take sides.
"I've already explained the situation to the Patriarch to avoid any misunderstandings. Since it happened during a martial arts spar, there shouldn't be any serious repercussions. In fact, after hearing my explanation, he was deeply impressed by Munhyeon's exceptional talent."
"Is that so?"
Zhuge Doyun wore a slightly relieved expression, but his mood didn't seem particularly good.
"Head of the Byeongju Hall."
"Speak."
"If you don't mind, may I take charge of raising Munhyeon?"
"Huh? Take charge of raising him? You mean... you?"
"Yes. I'm considering becoming his Personal Martial Arts Master."
"What?"
"I've never seen such talent before. I've already tendered my resignation to the Pavilion Master. Please allow me to teach him."
This was an unexpected development.
Hey, I'm already dying of guilt here! Why are you hitting me with this out of nowhere? Master? Has this guy gone mad?! I'm already annoyed to death with just one! Why are you adding to my troubles?!
But he couldn't utter a word.
Zhuge Munho's situation was just too pitiful.
📝 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