Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Translator: Penny
28
The leaders of the Yanghyeon Branch stared blankly at the woman Zhuge Munhyeon had brought.
"A, a Beggar's Sect member?"
"Yes. It was quite a coincidence, wasn't it?"
Though absurd, it was clear to anyone that she belonged to the Beggar's Sect. Her clothes were filthy, caked with dried mud, and utterly grimy. Amidst this, a four-knot tassel dangled from the cloth ornament at her waist.
But then...
"Her face...?"
"There's a story behind that."
"Hmm."
The situation was obvious. Her face was clearly bruised and battered. The culprit was likely Zhuge...
"Ahem. But how did you even find her and bring her here?"
The Beggar's Sect had been conspicuously absent from the Yungjungsan area and the Yanghyeon Branch recently.
They couldn't even begin to guess where Zhuge Munhyeon had found a four-knot disciple.
"Allow me to introduce myself first," Sayo said.
"..."
"I am Sayo. My encounter with Young Master Zhuge occurred while I was secretly investigating the Honyeon Faction. He pursued me, mistaking me for a woman obsessed with lust... a reed field... indecent acts..."
"Hey, that's enough!"
"Yes! I was about to recount the entire sequence in detail, but I stopped myself... My apologies."
Is she completely insane? Explaining things in detail is fine, but why include such unnecessary details? It'll only lead to strange misunderstandings.
"Ahem, anyway..."
Zhuge Munhyeon took over, explaining the Beggar's Sect's situation on Sayo's behalf.
If I leave it to her, she might start talking nonsense again.
The story began with the Branch Head's capture by the Honyeon Faction.
As Zhuge Munhyeon calmly continued, everyone listened intently.
He explained that they had agreed to rescue the Branch Head by winning this battle and, with the Patriarch's approval, establish a mutually beneficial alliance with the Beggar's Sect.
Of course, they also planned to maintain ties independently if the Patriarch refused to approve.
After all, the Beggar's Sect was an organization that would undoubtedly prove useful to have by their side.
"Therefore, they have agreed to provide us with information in our fight against the Honyeon Faction."
"Hmm."
Though I understood the situation, I still found it hard to believe. Zhuge Munhyeon. It's almost unbelievable that he's only fifteen years old. He was the one who had left, promising to return with information like a bird hunting for prey. But what he brought back wasn't just a momentary feast—it was as if he'd hauled in an entire year's worth of provisions, enough to fill a granary to overflowing.
"Sayo."
"Yes, sir."
At Zhuge Munhyeon's call, she immediately began to spill every detail she knew about the Honyeon Faction, as if she had been preparing for this moment.
The eyes and mouths of the Yanghyeon Branch leaders widened in shock.
The number of martial artists, the skill level of their experts, their frequently used strategies, even the internal security network of the Honyeon Faction—every detail was irrefutable.
"...I've only given you the broad strokes for now," Sayo said. "If you need more specifics, please feel free to ask. I'll answer to the best of my ability."
Silence hung in the air.
Silence hung in the air.
Everyone stood frozen, their mouths agape.
Her words contained everything they had wanted to know—the information and strategies essential for formulating their plans.
Mun Ilhwa finally stirred, belatedly becoming flustered.
"The, the feed..."
Why 'the feed'?
"Where's the paper?"
So frantic was he that he swept the items off the table in his haste.
He seems quite panicked.
Since I'd already agreed to help, I'll stay by his side until the Honyeon Faction's affairs are resolved. He can ask me anything he needs then.
"How is it?"
"...Huh?"
"With this much information, you should be able to devise a strategy to attack the Honyeon Faction, right? Or do you need anything else?"
At Zhuge Munhyeon's words, Mun Ilhwa, who had been staring blankly with an unused brush in his hand, rose from his seat.
Why is he approaching? And what's with that look in his eyes? Why do they seem so... watery?
"You rascal, Munhyeon!"
"..."
"Well done. Truly well done. The Head of the Byeongju Hall has raised a truly remarkable son. Yes! Absolutely!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Mun Ilhwa even pulled Zhuge Munhyeon into a tight embrace.
The brat called me "you rascal" without any manners, but I'll let it slide. Just this once.
Hey, no need to pat my back. What's he so happy about anyway? He's not even a Zhuge.
Zhuge Cheong and Jeokun watched Mun Ilhwa's unrestrained joy with similar expressions.
They understood perfectly well how crucial the Beggar's Sect was to the Zhuge Clan's current situation.
Seeing their proud faces made my nose tingle for some reason... Damn it, I think I'm craving blood again. Why does this damned body act up like this? I don't deserve the title of Heavenly Demon.
"What's with this unsightly display? Why are you crying? Did someone die or something?"
"It's just... I'm so moved."
"Seriously? The war hasn't even started, and you're already drunk on victory?"
"Well, that's true, but..."
"Stop it!"
Mun Ilhwa treated him like a child, but his smile only grew brighter.
"Alright, alright, we don't have time for this. Those bastards are starting to move. Sayo says they're secretly forming alliances. If they call for reinforcements before we strike, we'll be in serious trouble."
"Understood. I'll devise a strategy, even if it takes all night."
"Of course, you must. And Branch Head..."
"I'll monitor the situation."
"I'll accompany you, Branch Head, and assist you."
Before any further discussion, Zhuge Cheong and Jeokun had already found their roles and moved into action.
That left Zhuge Munhyeon and Sayo alone in the conference room.
"It almost feels like you're the Branch Head, Young Master. Everyone's eyes are filled with such trust..."
"They're just excited about attacking the Honyeon Faction. It was my idea, after all. I'm just a martial artist, so don't get the wrong idea."
"Just a... rather strong martial artist, then?"
"Something like that."
For now, that was the case.
"A rather strong..."
But Sayo knew that Zhuge Munhyeon was at the heart of this matter.
The Beggar's Sect specialized in observing people.
Even a brief glance allowed them to deduce a person's character.
In her eyes, Zhuge Munhyeon was not someone meant to be subordinate.
She sensed that he would inevitably rise to a leadership position, whether within the Zhuge Clan or the broader Martial World.
"What should I do now? Should I attend the Byeongju Hall scholars' meeting and help refine the strategy?"
"Wash up first."
"Wash... up?"
Her eyes widened as she stared at Zhuge Munhyeon.
This is for real. Why is he covering his chest?
"Want another beating?"
"It was just a joke. You seemed so serious, I thought I'd lighten the mood."
"I'm always serious."
"Ah..."
She clearly didn't believe me. As if I weren't serious and dignified enough... or whatever.
"Haa, just go wash up and attend the meeting. Change your clothes too."
"Even my clothes? The Nine-Collar, Hundred-Patch Robe is the Beggar's Sect's identity!"
Nine-Collar, Hundred-Patch Robe. A robe with nine mended collars and a hundred patches. Despite the fancy name, it was just a tattered rag. What was there to be so proud of? The Beggar's Sect had always harbored this strange pride in their clothing.
"So, are you planning to spread rumors far and wide that the Zhuge Clan's Yanghyeon Branch is being aided by Beggar Disciples?"
"Ah, I hadn't considered that. Understood. I'll inform the other disciples who came with me."
"Good. Tell the maids to prepare bathwater and fresh clothes."
"Thank you."
"And when we convene, bring up the Branch Head's rescue. Scholar Mun can refine the plan further."
"Yes."
After parting ways with Sayo, Zhuge Munhyeon immediately headed to the rear courtyard.
Are those guys actually working properly? Zhuge Munho might be diligent, but Gwan Hwipyeong is definitely slacking off...
"They're more diligent than I expected."
Was I worrying for nothing? Is this the blood of a Prestigious Clan, even if they're lacking in other areas? Come to think of it, it was always like this. Those who live under the banner of the Orthodox Factions... They envy and resent those more accomplished, even making mistakes out of spite, but beneath it all lies a foundation of honor and self-respect.
"Alright, time for me to prepare too."
The Beggar's Sect's intelligence had allowed them to refine their strategy, and even the Scholars had joined to help bridge the gap in strength, but they couldn't deny they were still at a disadvantage.
Their initial attack would be advantageous.
The sudden deployment of their formation, which would rapidly thin the enemy's ranks, would inevitably cause panic.
But they were deep within enemy territory.
The situation would soon reverse.
Even a stray dog gets a 30% advantage in its own territory—how much more so for humans?
Once they started losing ground, there would be no end to it.
The Scholars, with their relatively weaker martial arts, wouldn't be able to withstand the enemy's onslaught.
"With the intelligence and strategy in place, what the Zhuge Clan needs now is..."
In the end, it all comes down to power.
No matter how brilliant the strategy, based on perfect intelligence of the enemy's movements, it's all for naught if one lacks the power to execute it.
"I will become that power."
Zhuge Munhyeon settled into a corner of the rear courtyard.
Of the three days he had initially anticipated, one had already passed, leaving him with only two...
He couldn't become strong enough to transcend dimensions in such a short time, but he had to give it his all.
He needed to refine his Intent and elevate his senses to their peak.
Minor Heavenly Star Art.
The Zhuge Clan's Heart Method traditionally begins with the Minor Heavenly Star Art, which lays the foundation for mastering the Great Heavenly Star Art.
In essence, the Minor Heavenly Star Art aimed to build a solid foundation by having martial arts novices repeatedly form their Core and circulate their Internal Power through the Minor Heavenly Cycle.
Zhuge Munhyeon had modified the Mnemonic Verses, incorporating several advantages:
The stability of the Orthodox Factions.
The Demonic Cult's radical nature.
The enlightenment gained as the Heavenly Demon.
By incorporating only these advantages and completely transforming it, the Minor Heavenly Star Art flowed in an entirely different manner.
It didn't stop at the basics but advanced to the Myriad Laws Return to Origin, where all principles converge to their source.
Though it would take time, this single method could lead to the Aura realm.
"Heh heh heh, I created it myself, but it's truly remarkable."
Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled in self-praise before his brow furrowed slightly.
"I should probably change the name. This martial art will be etched in Zhuge history forever, so 'Minor' just doesn't do it justice."
He pondered for a long while.
Now was the time to begin training.
Zhuge Munhyeon closed his eyes and focused his inner energy.
Whoosh!
This wasn't the Minor Heavenly Cycle, which utilized the Governor and Conception Vessels and specific acupoints, but the Major Heavenly Cycle.
The flow, originating from the dantian, encompassed the Twelve Primary Meridians and Eight Extraordinary Meridians, spreading throughout his body to awaken the Three Meridians before returning to the dantian.
The energy in his Lower Dantian, which had been swollen to bursting, now circulated more powerfully and rapidly than before, repeating the cycle endlessly.
Lost in this absorption, he was unaware of the passage of time. When he finally opened his eyes, Zhuge Munho and Gwan Hwipyeong were waiting for him.
But... why do they look so surprised? No, it's not just surprise—there's a hint of reverence in their expressions...
"Ahem, were you waiting long?"
"A little..."
"Is everything prepared?"
"We finished preparing and have been waiting. Just waiting for you to awaken."
"Good."
At Zhuge Munho's words, Zhuge Munhyeon smiled faintly and rose to his feet.
His clenched fist pulsed with power, yet his body felt weightless.
"Let's go."
Zhuge Munhyeon led the way, with Zhuge Munho following close behind.
Gwan Hwipyeong brought up the rear.
You saw it too, right?
Yeah.
That was the Star's Reply, right? The 응성 (Eungseong) thing?
Before Zhuge Munhyeon awakened...
Having completed their grueling training session, they emerged from the Formation only to be horrified by the scene before them.
A strange light was radiating from Zhuge Munhyeon's body, as if he were channeling his qi.
While the stages of martial arts mastery were fixed, each sect had its own way of referring to those who had grasped the true intent of martial arts.
Just as Mount Hua called it the Sword Fragrance Realm.
When the intent of Zhuge's martial arts aligned with the ultimate principle, his entire body would emit a radiant halo of light.
This phenomenon was known as the Star's Reply, or Eungseong.
Damn it, I thought I was just about to catch up... Forget it, it'll take at least a century. Seriously!
Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled at Gwan Hwipyeong's whispers.
Star's Reply, my ass. I can hear everything, you idiots. Did you learn Sound Transmission for show?
But why...?
When Zhuge Munho and Gwan Hwipyeong glanced back, their faces seemed to overlap with those of people he had known in the past.
He hadn't noticed before because he had been focused on walking ahead and rarely looked back.
But...
He had a feeling this had happened before.
Someone had once walked behind him, watching his back.
📝 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