Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Translator: Penny
Episode 18
The Maintenance Team departed from the Zhuge Clan early in the morning and only arrived at the Yanghyeon Branch as dusk began to settle.
The distance was approximately one hundred li (40 kilometers).
A skilled martial artist on horseback or proficient in qinggong could easily cover this distance in a single shichen (two hours). However, the team had brought a considerable amount of supplies on carts to repair the formations and mechanisms, which significantly slowed their progress.
Branch Head Zhuge Cheong was waiting with the gates wide open, having already received word of their arrival and eagerly anticipating their arrival.
"Welcome, come in quickly."
"It's been a while, Branch Head," Jeokun, the Third Cohort Leader of the Black Tiger Corps and overall commander of the Maintenance Team, greeted him respectfully.
During the journey, Yeo Mungi told him that when the Zhuge Clan was at its peak, they belonged to the Hocheon Corps, whose primary purpose was protection.
However, as the clan declined, the size of their martial forces naturally dwindled. This led to their integration with the Profound Mechanism Corps, resulting in the formation of the Black Tiger Corps' Third Cohort.
The merger of two corps spoke volumes about the Zhuge Clan's current state.
"Scholar Mun, it's been a while," Zhuge Cheong greeted Mun Ilhwa, who had led the scholars from Byeongju Hall.
"Yes, Branch Head," Mun Ilhwa replied respectfully.
"Did you have a difficult journey?" Zhuge Cheong asked.
"Difficult? I only regret not arriving sooner."
"Apologies? Don't mention it. I'm the one who should apologize for not visiting the Main Clan more often due to the Branch's circumstances."
"Ha ha! Still, with the Branch Head's steadfast protection, the Honyeon Faction's rabble can't dare to cross our borders, can they?"
"That's hardly my doing. It's thanks to the hard work of the Branch's martial artists. Even with the recent troubles, their efforts ensured we weathered the storm."
"I see."
Jeokun nodded, and Mun Ilhwa quickly moved to begin his work.
"With the Formation and Mechanisms lost under these circumstances... Don't worry, we'll begin repairs immediately."
"Immediately? Do you think I'd prevent friends from the Main Clan from even taking a moment to rest after their journey?"
"Rest? What are you talking about? The sooner the repairs are completed, the lighter the burden on the Branch."
"A day won't hurt. We've managed this long... I've already asked my Branch warriors to maintain full vigilance on the borders until tomorrow. So, unpack your belongings and rest for now. Work can begin tomorrow."
"But..."
"Enough! Are you going to defy my orders?"
"Hmph, very well. If the Branch Head insists."
After a brief exchange, Zhuge Cheong turned to the young warrior beside him.
"Deputy Branch Head, ensure the Maintenance Team has comfortable accommodations and can rest properly."
"Yes, Branch Head."
As Zhuge Cheong issued his orders and stepped inside, the young martial artist took command.
"Due to the limited space within the Branch, we've reserved separate inns for the scholars of Byeongju Hall. Please unpack your belongings, and we'll guide you shortly."
"Yes, Deputy Branch Head."
"Scholars of Byeongju Hall, please follow the Steward. Escorting warriors, please follow me."
But this Deputy Branch Head... his face seemed familiar.
Zhuge Munho?
Though he had grown into a young man, he recognized him instantly.
But a Deputy Branch Head? Could it be that he was removed from his position as Young Patriarch because of what happened back then?
It wasn't intentional, but he felt a pang of guilt and couldn't bring himself to acknowledge him.
Yanghyeon, Baekhwa Pavilion.
This tavern was located a short distance from the inn where the scholars of Byeongju Hall were staying.
After finally getting out on this rare trip, I can't just sit still. I need to stretch my legs! As the saying goes, when you visit a new place, you have to try the local brew!
After asking around, he found this supposedly famous spot.
However...
"Ah, I'm telling you, it's really not allowed! Acting alone without permission violates the regulations!"
A nuisance had latched onto him.
Yeo Mungi, who had followed him without being invited, had been nagging him incessantly the whole time.
"Then go back. Why did you even come if you're just going to complain?"
"How can I go back when you're out here? Please, let's just return. We can drink at the inn, you know."
"I don't like the inn."
"Why not?"
"It's suffocating. It's just full of scholars..."
Zhuge Munhyeon frowned.
He had considered simply having a drink at the inn, as Yeo Mungi suggested, but the entire place had been rented out by the Branch, leaving the only patrons as scholars from Byeongju Hall.
At one table, they were discussing formations; at another, more formations...
Seriously? Do they really need to talk about this even when they're drinking? As if they aren't scholars of the Zhuge Clan!
Drinking there would only give him a headache.
"Munhyeon, please, let's just go back. Scholar Mun will be furious if he finds out."
"Furious about what?"
Yeo Mungi tugged at his sleeve, but his feeble strength couldn't stop Zhuge Munhyeon from entering the tavern. He was dragged along, trailing behind.
He followed me here. If he'd just let go of my sleeve, he wouldn't have to come...
"Welcome!"
As soon as they stepped inside, a waiter approached with a booming greeting.
"A table for one, please."
"Yes, sir!"
The waiter led them to a table with a bright smile, while Yeo Mungi continued to plead with Zhuge Munhyeon, his face still creased with worry.
"Are you really going to do this? You're still an apprentice! You can't afford to cause trouble."
"Who's causing trouble? I just want a quiet drink and then I'll go back."
"An apprentice wandering around outside without permission is trouble!"
Frustrated by Zhuge Munhyeon's stubbornness, Yeo Mungi finally snapped.
Perhaps it was the volume of his voice?
The patrons on the first floor of the tavern turned their heads to stare.
But then...
"Oh? He's here too?"
"...?"
Zhuge Munhyeon's gaze landed on Zhuge Munho, who was sitting at another table.
Having finally reunited with his cousins, Zhuge Munho decided to host a drinking session at their usual tavern.
"So, you've made it into the Third Cohort? I kept hearing about your repeated failures. Looks like you finally managed to pass."
"Ugh, don't even mention it. I failed three times."
"I failed four times!"
"Hahaha! You both suffered quite a bit. But now that you're in the Third Cohort, advancement should be just around the corner. The Third Cohort Leader's training is notoriously brutal, after all."
"I'm already exhausted. I miss training with you, Elder Brother."
The young martial artists, reunited after so long, quickly grew boisterous as they reminisced about their past.
It was only natural.
For the Zhuge Clan's martial artists, their time at the Heavenly Star Pavilion held a unique significance.
It was where they shared memories from their carefree childhood.
"By the way, how's the Deputy Branch Head position treating you?"
"Don't even mention it. I'm so swamped with work, I barely have time to breathe."
"Hmm, I suppose so. Those damned Honyeon Faction bastards keep causing trouble."
"Exactly! There's a fight every day, so I can't even get a proper night's sleep. I have to manage the merchants and keep the unruly martial artists from the Branch in line. You guys probably have it easier."
"Huh? You have troublemakers? Who are they? I'll give them a good thrashing right now!"
"Ha ha! I appreciate the thought, at least."
"The thought? I'm genuinely rooting for you, Elder Brother!"
"Well, hearing that makes me feel a bit better."
Zhuge Munho smiled brightly and offered more wine.
"Oh, by the way, you haven't seen that bastard, have you?"
"Huh? Which bastard?"
"That good-for-nothing."
"Good-for-nothing?"
The confident expression on Zhuge Munho's face instantly hardened, and his hands began to tremble visibly.
"H-he's here too?"
Seeing his elder brother's obvious distress, one of his younger brothers glanced at him with concern.
"Elder Brother, are you still like this?"
"Ah, well..."
It was a memory that refused to fade easily.
Zhuge Munhyeon, the utter disgrace.
To Munho, this memory was like an Inner Demon, haunting him even now in nightmares. Just thinking about him still made his hands and feet tremble uncontrollably.
"Elder Brother, you don't need to worry about anything anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he came with the Byeongju Hall, you know?"
"Byeongju Hall?"
"Yes. It seems Paternal Uncle sent him along with the Byeongju Hall scholars to gain experience. You did the same thing before your coming-of-age ceremony, didn't you? Participating in missions as an apprentice?"
"That's true, but... why is he in Byeongju Hall?"
"Why else? It seems he's chosen that path."
"So he's learning Formations now?"
"We don't know yet, but it's clear his talent doesn't lie in Martial Arts."
"But..."
It didn't make sense.
He was the fastest to achieve results among all of us. At first, I thought he'd just learned some superficial techniques from our paternal uncle beforehand, but after sparring with him, I knew better. The weight behind his punches was far beyond anything that could be faked. And then there were those Iron Weights. Like everyone else at the time, I followed suit and still continue that training today. There's nothing better for building physical strength. But now he's turned to Formations?
"Elder Brother, it was just a fleeting moment of brilliance. You've seen plenty of his kind, haven't you? Those whose talents bloomed too early, only to wither just as quickly. Wasn't his academic success just a brief flash in the pan to begin with?"
"Hmm..."
"Exactly. That's the limitation of his lowly bloodline. Otherwise, why would Paternal Uncle send him to Byeongju Hall as an apprentice instead of the Black Tiger Corps, where he could gain proper experience?"
Zhuge Munho, finding the logic sound, nodded slowly.
"I even saw him walking—his footwork was atrocious, barely even Ordinary Steps. And the way he moved so irregularly? It was unbearable to watch!"
"Really?"
"Absolutely. So put your mind at ease now."
Hearing his brothers' words, Zhuge Munho finally seemed to shake off some of the Inner Demon that had been tormenting him.
Seven years, after all.
He had etched the events of that time into his heart, driving him to train even harder. By the age of twenty, he had reached the Profound Mechanism realm and proudly assumed the position of Deputy Branch Head.
For years, he had been hailed as the future leader of the Zhuge Clan.
He had already repelled several attacks from the Honyeon Faction.
Perhaps his brothers were right—maybe his worries were unfounded.
The memory of that day had been too traumatic...
Yes, what does it matter what that bastard has become? It's time to let go.
With newfound peace, Zhuge Munho finally smiled and addressed his brothers.
"It seems I've been clinging to the past for too long. Thanks to you, my heart feels a little lighter now."
"Hahaha! That's our Elder Brother!"
As they reminisced and laughed, a commotion erupted near the tavern entrance.
Their voices were loud enough to draw his attention.
Yeo Mungi, a scholar from Byeongju Hall.
He recognized him from their days training together at the Heavenly Star Pavilion.
They must have come for a drink, too.
But then...
Beside him stood a young man with a sullen expression.
He looked barely of age, yet the snow-white scholar's robes he wore suited him perfectly.
His sharply arched eyebrows and lips as red as if painted with rouge.
Despite his youth, the depth in his eyes was enough to unsettle the composure of many women.
For some reason, Zhuge Munho tilted his head at the familiar face.
Where have I seen him before...?
"Ugh!"
He gasped involuntarily.
How could he have forgotten?
That face...
His heart seemed to stop, and memories of the past flooded his mind in an instant.
📝 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