Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Translator: Penny
Episode 2
One day, the Tiger, whose mere presence had maintained peace in the mountains, vanished.
The wolves, jackals, badgers, and rabbits—all creatures that had cowered in silence under its terrifying aura—rejoiced.
No longer would they need to fear.
Now, they could abandon their damp burrows and live peacefully, dancing in glee and diligently raising their young.
But the world is rarely so accommodating.
The mountain's territory was finite, and the amount of vegetation to devour was finite.
Inevitably, the rabbits began to fight among themselves.
They had bred so prolifically that if they couldn't secure enough food, their entire litters would starve to death.
But what about the carnivores?
Strutting about as if they owned the place, these rogues caused bloodshed everywhere they went, plunging the mountain into far greater chaos than it had ever experienced under the Tiger's reign.
This was the Martial World as it stood now.
Forty years after the Heavenly Demon's death.
Sixty years had passed since his entering Taiji Cave.
Just as the Yangtze River flowed onward, the older generation had receded, making way for their successors to claim dominion over the Central Plains. During this transition, the Orthodox Martial Alliance dissolved.
The Heretical Alliance had long since crumbled, and the Demonic Cult had fractured due to internal conflicts among those vying to become Cult Master, eliminating any need for them to unite.
In today's Martial World, the distinctions between Orthodox, Heretical, and Demonic had blurred. Ideological differences mattered little; alliances were forged solely for mutual gain, leading to an era of warring factions vying for supremacy.
And then...
"Fucking hell!"
A baby screamed with all its might—at least, that's how it sounded to everyone else.
"Waaahhh!"
In reality, it was the vigorous cry announcing the birth of a new life.
"Madam, it's a son. Congratulations!"
The midwife's congratulations brought a faint smile to the mother's face, who had endured a grueling labor. She cradled the child in her arms.
It had been a late pregnancy and a difficult labor. Her entire body was drenched in sweat.
For two relentless days, the woman had endured waves of pain, repeatedly losing consciousness and regaining it, until finally she brought forth her son.
Yet, instead of dwelling on her own ordeal, she worried about her son, who must have suffered during his passage through the birth canal.
"My son... you're so brave," she whispered.
"Waaahhh!"
The baby cried again.
Of course, the meaning behind it was:
What are you doing?! How dare you look down on me, Baek Ganghwi! Let go of me immediately, you wench!
But his struggles were futile.
"How remarkable! To open your eyes the moment you're born? In fifty years of midwifery, I've never seen such a babe. Oh my! You're so clever, little one. Stretching out your hand like that—it seems you want to embrace your mother."
"Indeed," the woman replied.
"He's bound to become a great man, Madam."
The woman cradled the chubby, adorable hand in her own, her smile widening.
"Waaah!"
Let go! I said, let go!
But once again, his struggles were meaningless.
Goddamn it... What kind of dogshit situation is this?!
He thought he was Ascending.
Leaving his beloved mortal body behind, he had drifted aimlessly like a fallen leaf carried by the wind, like a leaf floating on the water's surface.
It was a soul's ethereal journey.
He believed it was the process of shedding his mortal shell and seeking his True Body.
Then, in an instant, he found himself trapped in a dark, cramped space, feeling suffocated. But just as quickly, he was thrust out somewhere with crushing pain, his body feeling like it was being squeezed flat and his head throbbing with unbearable pressure, as if it would burst.
Of course there would be pain. I'm Ascending, after all...
That's what he thought.
When his vision cleared and he saw the world again, he assumed he had reached the Celestial Realm.
But something felt off.
He was in a room with screens and draped cloth covering all sides.
A crimson silk quilt lay spread across the low wooden bed, and a fragrant aroma permeated the air, mingling with the warmth radiating from a brazier filled with glowing charcoal.
And that wasn't all.
There was a medicine-heating pot, brass scissors, a warm towel, and various talismans whose meaning he couldn't decipher.
His mind went blank for a moment.
Isn't this a birthing room? Then it's not Ascension... but Reincarnation? Ah, fuck.
"Thank you for coming to me, my son," the woman, presumably his mother, nuzzled her cheek against his.
Hghh, mrr... ugh.
Just as he clenched his jaw to resist, he felt something damp on his cheek.
W-Why is she crying? This is the worst. A woman crying.
But why?
The warm tears left a tingling ache in a corner of his heart, resonating deep within him.
Umm...
It was a peculiar sensation, an emotion he had never experienced before.
What could he call it? Could it be a mother's affection? Damn it, how can I compare it when I've never felt anything like this before?
He couldn't even remember the same moment from his past life. Captured by the Demonic Cult as a child and having narrowly escaped death countless times, he had long forgotten such emotions. Until he ascended to the supreme position of Cult Master, he had pursued only strength, never allowing himself to love a woman.
No, he had to be wary even of women who approached him.
Every one of them could be an assassin, plotting to take his life.
But now, something warm surged within him... A tenderness bloomed in a corner of his heart, making it impossible to reject her touch.
R-right. She's crying... There's no need to push her away. It's not like my cheek will wear out.
For a moment, he surrendered himself to the woman's embrace.
It was an unfamiliar emotion, one he had neither experienced nor learned, but it wasn't unpleasant. In fact, it brought a sense of comfort to his heart.
Perhaps it was an instinct inherent to being a newborn.
But then...
"Madam, this is the Blood-Nourishing Decoction. The Divine Physician personally prescribed it."
"Thank you kindly."
"Give the little one to me. I'll show him to your husband and return."
"Very well."
The woman handed him over to the midwife.
Why did the sudden loss of warmth feel so deeply regrettable? Wait, just a moment longer... just a little longer... Huh? A little longer wouldn't hurt, right? It's just because it's the first time. I've never felt my mother's love before.
He screamed with all his might, but all that came out was a wail: "Waaah!"
And so, wrapped tightly in a red cloth, he was handed over to the old woman's arms.
Even as he gazed at the woman with a wistful expression, knowing he would return, a sudden chill swept over him.
He had been taken out of the birthing room.
Outside stood a man dressed in Daoist robes and another in a scholar's robe, their faces clean and refined.
The moment he saw them, his earlier emotion vanished like smoke, replaced by sparks flying from his eyes.
T-Taiji Daoist Temple?! Horse Nose! What do you think you're doing here?!
A sudden surge of anger flooded through him.
Why else would he have skipped Ascension and been reborn? It couldn't possibly be his fault. That bastard Yu Gilcheon must have taught the Ascension Method incorrectly.
He burned with the urge to tear the man to pieces, but the midwife had already swaddled him tightly in a red cloth, adding a thick swaddling blanket on top, leaving only his face peeking out.
"Would you like to hold him?"
"Hm."
At the midwife's words, the man who seemed to be the father carefully cradled the tightly swaddled infant in his arms.
Though he appeared aloof, his eyes brimmed with pride.
What is this emotion? Paternal affection?
He could feel a deep affection and care in the man's heart, though he showed no outward display. Mesmerized by this unfamiliar sensation, he could only stare up at him with dazed eyes.
"Ha ha! Just listen to that little one's booming voice! Your son is destined to become a great general!"
Just as he was completely absorbed in this moment of fatherly affection, the Daoist burst into hearty laughter and declared.
Shut up, Daoist! Your touch sends shivers down my spine! Don't touch me!
He glared at him with eyes burning with resentment, but the Daoist merely clicked his tongue playfully, as if finding his anger endearing.
This guy's really asking for it!
"Waaaaah!"
Left with no other option, he burst into tears.
It was a justified rebellion against that Horse Nose Daoist bastard.
Just wait and see, you damn Daoist! Birth, I will accept this fate. But I will grow and grow until I find every Daoist under heaven and wipe them off the face of the earth!
"Heh heh! Look at those eyes. Pitch-black and so adorable. Staring at me so intently—you must like me too."
Misunderstanding! I'm glaring at you! Whether you find me cute or not, I'm definitely glaring and making a vengeful vow.
Did the Daoist sense his true feelings?
His father, the patriarch, shot a deeply displeased look at the Daoist.
"You're going too far, Elder Brother."
"Huh?"
"How could you say such a thing?"
"Ah, no, what did I even say?"
The Daoist wore a troubled expression under Father's icy reprimand.
Good job, Father. Since things have come to this, I'll grow up considering you my father.
But...
"A general from our clan?"
"Ah, right. I misspoke. My apologies! Hahaha!"
This conversation is getting strange. Was he upset because of the word "general"? Why?
"Just watch. We'll raise this child to become the Zhuge Clan's most exceptional strategist."
His mind went blank for a moment.
What did he just say? Zhu... Ge? Did he just say the Zhuge Clan? Me? Baek Ganghwi, the master of ten thousand demonic soldiers, the patriarch of the Demonic Path, the Heavenly Demon who reigned supreme as the world's foremost martial artist... I've become the son of the Zhuge Clan?
The son of the Martial Alliance Leader, that scheming, cunning villain? And to top it all off, not even the head of the family, content to be second-in-command his entire life...
"I've already chosen a name."
"Really?"
"It follows the clan's naming system, so it's Munhyeon."
"Oh! A wise and virtuous person who masters the written word... What a truly excellent name."
No! I hate it! Munhyeon? What kind of name is that?! If it's going to be the Zhuge Clan anyway, even if you're using the clan's naming system, give me a different name! Munyong, emphasizing my sharpness! Mungwi, like a ghostly warrior! Munmu, to encourage me to master martial arts... Any name starting with "Mun" is ridiculous.
But his vehement protests...
"Waaaaah!"
...became a thunderous wail that delighted his Father and the Daoist.
"Ha ha! Look at how happy this little rascal is!"
"Indeed, isn't he?"
"Absolutely! He's sure to become a great scholar, just as you said. See how his eyes sparkle with joy?"
I'm glaring at you, you Horse Nose bastard!
"Elder Brother, you're being too serious. Even basic studies will suffice. As long as he grows up healthy, I'll have no further wishes."
Father smiled contentedly at the Daoist's words.
"Munhyeon! From this day forward, that shall be your name! Ha ha ha!"
Shut up! Just shut up! I don't need that stupid name!
That day, Baek Ganghwi cried as if he were releasing a lifetime of pent-up sorrow.
"Now, I shall recite a blessing for the child's peaceful life."
"Thank you, Elder Brother."
That day, Baek Ganghwi seriously contemplated whether he should commit an unspeakable act of filial impiety the moment he was born.
"Waaah!"
"Oh, Midwife! Why is the baby's face so red?"
"Huh?"
Had he cried too intensely, fueled by layers upon layers of surging anger?
A heat rash had erupted across his face.
The startled midwife fussed about, frantically calling for a doctor. His father stood frozen, unsure what to do, while the Daoist diligently chanted incantations, claiming to cure the rash.
In short, it was utter chaos.
Ah, life... How did I end up... Why the Zhuge Clan of all places? I should be soaking my hands in blood, not ink.
Sploosh.
"Oh my, Young Master seems to have a strong stomach. Look at that golden color!"
At Maid Sohye's words, Mother Baek Suhyeon smiled, while Baek Ganghwi—no, Zhuge Munhyeon—simply let go, resigning himself to whatever fate had in store.
It wasn't like this was a one- or two-day occurrence.
Babies were inherently creatures of routine: eating, pooping, and sleeping, round and round.
At first, he'd been embarrassed, but after pooping about twelve times a day, it no longer fazed him.
After all, how could growth be controlled by will alone?
What good was being the world's greatest martial artist?
What good was retaining all the memories of his previous life?
Right now, he was nothing more than a hundred-day-old baby, a mere puppet dangling on strings, moving at the whims of others. He'd only just been born, yet he'd already learned to transcend self-pity and embrace detachment.
The Buddha is truly remarkable. Respect for him grew naturally. To have walked seven steps immediately after birth and proclaimed, "In Heaven and Earth, I Alone Am the Honored One"—how truly extraordinary! No wonder he sought Ascension. After all, the Celestial Realm and Pure Land must be teeming with such extraordinary beings.
"Still, it's a problem that he's late in speaking."
"What do you mean?"
"His cries were so loud at birth, but he hasn't even babbled since..."
"Perhaps the young master is simply naturally reserved?"
"Nonsense!"
Baek Suhyeon chuckled at Sohye's words.
Reserved? Yes, that's right. Because of this cursed fate, I despise speaking.
Yet behind her amusement, Baek Suhyeon wore a pained expression.
A pang of tenderness tugged at his heart.
Despite possessing memories of his past life, every nuance of her expression still stirred his emotions.
They say a child can read its mother's emotions simply by looking at her face—it seems that's true.
"Miss, please wait a little longer. He might start speaking before his first birthday, faster than anyone else."
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
At Sohye's words, Baek Suhyeon finally nodded, seemingly relieved.
Hmm, should I try to cheer her up a bit? She's the one who let me feel a mother's affection, something I never had in my previous life. Babbling a little wouldn't hurt, right? No, since I was reborn through her body, she truly is my mother now.
Zhuge Munhyeon met Baek Suhyeon's gaze and babbled with puckered lips.
"Mom, food."
Her eyes widened in shock. She repeatedly glanced between Sohye and him, utterly stunned.
He was surprised too. He had only meant to babble a bit.
How did it come out so clearly...? Hmm, at this rate, even Buddha wouldn't seem so special.
"D-did you hear that?"
"Y-yes, but it was so clear..."
They both seemed unable to believe their ears.
Whatever, I'll do it again.
"Mom, food."
Just two words, but Baek Suhyeon's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she screamed in shock, "Sa-Sanggoong!"
That day, Zhuge Munhyeon shattered the Zhuge Clan's record for the youngest speaker, setting a new standard for verbal precocity.
📝 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