Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Translator: Penny
Episode 34
The victory report set Yungjungsan ablaze with excitement.
Though they hadn't fought alongside the troops, this rare triumph was a welcome relief for the Zhuge Clan, who had long been plagued by this persistent, vexing problem.
What made it even more remarkable was that the Branch had achieved this feat entirely on its own, without any support from the Main Clan.
Moreover, the victory showcased the Zhuge Clan's signature strategic brilliance. The innovative use of Formation Masters on the battlefield ignited widespread admiration, becoming a topic of endless discussion.
And that wasn't all.
Who said the Zhuge Clan was weak?
This battle proved otherwise, with young prodigies facing off against formidable Heretical Faction warriors in direct combat and emerging victorious.
Even in the realm of raw power—where the Zhuge Clan had always been perceived as lacking—they had demonstrated their capabilities. It was only natural that their pride surged.
The Zhuge Clan was not dead.
They were alive.
It must have felt as though a spark of hope had rekindled, and the Yungjungsan Main Clan's reputation, which had been plummeting, had finally reached a turning point and begun to rebound.
Of course, there were minor issues.
Reporting omissions.
Although the Branch Head claimed full responsibility, a defeat could have jeopardized the Yungjungsan Main Clan itself.
As a scholar, he had always cherished the principles of "process over outcome" and "striving for the best, not just the highest."
But!
They should have done a decent job at least.
Annihilation, they said...
Wasn't the reason for the omission to prevent the enemy from noticing?
Now, with a near-perfect victory and the best possible outcome achieved, no one cared about such trivial details.
In fact, anyone who dared to point them out would face scorn.
This victory was like a life-giving rain in a parched and cracked world.
The Zhuge Clan's Main Hall, the Crouching Dragon Hall, was named after their ancestor, Martial Marquis Zhuge, who had once lived in seclusion in the wilderness.
Unlike usual, all the doors of the hall stood wide open.
This was to allow every member of the clan to witness and celebrate the unprecedented achievements of those who had recently brought such great honor to the family.
The Patriarch sat upon the Grand Tutor's Chair.
Elders and retainers lined both sides of the hall, clad in colorful scholar's robes.
At the center of the procession marched the Maintenance Team, led by Mun Ilhwa.
"We greet the Patriarch!"
"We greet the Patriarch!"
Mun Ilhwa's resonant call echoed through the hall, followed by the unified response of the Maintenance Team.
It was a moment of profound emotion.
The Patriarch and all those gathered in the hall gazed upon the Maintenance Team with expressions of intense pride and gratitude.
"Well done. Your efforts have lifted a great burden from the Zhuge Clan."
"It's all thanks to the Patriarch's guidance and the elders' excellent teachings. We merely fulfilled our duty as members of the Zhuge Clan."
Such common formalities.
Praise and humility.
Scholars typically consider this proper etiquette.
But why not just be straightforward?
Why not declare, "I am that person!" and bask in the glory of one's achievements, even if it means showing off a little?
In the Demonic Cult, merit immediately earns you a promotion. No exceptions are made for Elders or Elders. Talent and performance determine advancement, fostering constant competition. Thus, superiors never rest on their laurels. A moment's distraction could see subordinates overtake them. In that respect, the Demonic Cult is far more practical.
He didn't like it, but what could he do?
If you live in Zhuge, you must follow Zhuge's laws.
But where is Father...? Ugh!
Zhuge Munhyeon cautiously raised his head to scan the retainers when he suddenly felt his breath catch in his throat.
His father was glaring at him with a predatory intensity, as if he wanted to devour him whole.
It was clear his father disapproved of what Munhyeon had done in Yanghyeon.
Damn it, everyone else thought it was great.
But how could he not understand his father's disapproval?
He had lived as his son for fifteen years.
Now, he no longer denied that the man was his father.
His blood and flesh had come from him.
Sigh, he's going to lecture me for sure. "Who told you to fight Jang Hongsik on your own?! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" The nagging already seemed to ring in his ears. That was the most terrifying part. He could endure physical punishment, but being forced to kneel while his mistakes were meticulously dissected and endlessly reprimanded was truly unbearable. The same stories repeated over and over... There were times he'd heard the same lecture more than ten times, and he'd even hallucinated blood dripping from his ears. But that was what parents were like. Even if he'd achieved the best possible outcome for the family, their child's safety always came first.
"Haa... I'm going to be exhausted for a while."
As he sighed heavily, the Patriarch rose from the Grand Tutor's Chair and approached the Maintenance Team, offering each member words of praise.
And then...
"Munhyeon."
"Yes, Patriarch."
"Well done."
"Of course, I am the son of the Zhuge Clan, aren't I? I merely did what was necessary for the family."
He nearly slipped into his usual arrogant tone but quickly corrected himself.
Why invite trouble?
Given the occasion, he needed to act humble and courteous, as befitting a scion of the Zhuge Clan.
"Hahaha! Indeed, you are a true son of the Zhuge Clan. Absolutely!"
The Patriarch, Elders, and Retainers couldn't help but beam with satisfaction at his efforts.
"I hear you were also responsible for persuading the Beggar's Sect?"
"Yes, they promised to visit once their affairs are settled."
"Truly remarkable."
The Patriarch nodded approvingly and clapped him on the shoulder, asking again, "But to have slain Jang Hongsik... your achievements are truly astonishing."
"I was fortunate."
"Luck? You don't need to be modest today. I've already received a detailed report from Branch Head Yanghyeon. Isn't that right, brother?"
"...Yes."
When the Patriarch turned to seek his agreement, Zhuge Doyun nodded despite his displeasure.
"You've truly raised a remarkable son. Even with a personal Master, reaching the Peak Stage through solitary cultivation is extraordinary. It seems your Mastery of the Great Heavenly Star Art has deepened considerably."
"Great Heavenly Star Art?"
"Hm?"
"I've been practicing the Minor Heavenly Star Art."
The Patriarch paused, taken aback by this honest admission.
"Ha ha, you rascal! How could you possibly reach the Peak Stage with the Minor Heavenly Star Art?"
"..."
He clearly didn't believe it.
And for good reason.
The Minor Heavenly Star Art was a fundamental technique.
You could build a foundation with it, but its limitations were clear. Without the capacity to contain the rising martial intent, it could never reach the Peak Stage.
It was no wonder it fell into disuse.
But wait a minute...
Zhuge Munhyeon subtly glanced at his father.
If I win the Patriarch's favor now, Father won't be able to treat me so carelessly, right?
His father was known for his exceptional loyalty, treating the Patriarch with the respect due to his position even in private settings, rather than as his Elder Brother.
And what's more, it's not just the Patriarch. If I play this right, I could earn the full favor of the clan elders. Trash? That nickname ends today. Heh heh heh. Good, good. I was going to reveal it anyway. The timing is perfect. I've already achieved... no, I've already achieved a monumental feat and am being praised for it. Imagine adding another unexpected stroke of good fortune to an already fortunate situation. No, it's more than just good fortune. What does the Zhuge Clan lack most? Power. Aren't they notoriously weak in martial arts? That's why I'm giving them the Minor Heavenly Star Art, which I've transformed into a peerless martial technique. How could they not be thrilled? This alone would make me the clan's lucky charm, their benefactor. It would solidify my position and silence their nagging. Some might scoff, "Giving away something so precious just to avoid nagging?" But since I created it, I can do whatever I want with it. Why should I care what others think?
Having made up his mind, Zhuge Munhyeon straightened his posture and declared with a solemn expression:
"From the age of seven until now, I have cultivated only the Minor Heavenly Star Art."
"What?"
"Of course, I corrected it because its limitations were obvious."
"What? C-corrected it?"
The Patriarch stared in disbelief.
That's understandable. Not only had he corrected it, but he had done so at the age of seven. Even during his peak as the Heavenly Demon, he would have scoffed at the idea of a seven-year-old correcting the mnemonic verses of martial arts.
But!
"Was it at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion? I was reading the Minor Heavenly Star Art when... an old man suddenly appeared."
"An old man?"
"Yes. It was quite strange. He started talking to me, so we exchanged a few words. At the time, I was also studying Formation Manuals, so I wondered if I was trapped in a Formation."
Witnesses to support his claims: One and Two, his father and Master Han Siheon.
"So... what happened then?"
"As we talked, I realized there were more than a few things that needed fixing. It wasn't until after the conversation ended and I regained my senses that I realized it wasn't a hallucination, but a trance. By then, it was already evening."
Witness Three: Sohye.
"You... you truly saw the True Intent of the Minor Heavenly Star? And you actually questioned yourself and changed the Mnemonic Verses in the midst of it?"
"Ah, is that what you call the True Intent?"
Judging by his mention of self-questioning, the Patriarch must have experienced something similar himself.
"But even if you grasped the True Intent, how could you possibly modify your Martial Arts?"
Though his expression remained skeptical, Zhuge Munhyeon wore a triumphant smile.
You fools, from this moment forward, the Heavenly Demon's grace shall descend upon our insignificant Zhuge Clan. Starting with the Minor Heavenly Immortal Art, your destinies will be reshaped. Open your ears and listen carefully. Mnemonic Verses, begin!
"Quiet the mind, guard the One. When gathering qi, still your heart and focus on unity. Circulate qi through the body, ensuring it flows evenly throughout. When stars are reflected, draw forth meaning with delicate intent. When qi settles in the dantian..."
As the calm voice continued, the Patriarch's eyes widened, his expression abruptly shifting.
"Wait! Everyone, be quiet!"
"Do you even understand the meaning of these Mnemonic Verses?" he roared, silencing the Main Hall.
"...Intent Leads Qi to Move, Qi Follows Intent to Rotate. When a single thought condenses to the extreme, all laws return to their origin."
As the lengthy recitation concluded, the Patriarch wore an expression of utter shock.
He, at least, would understand. As the only member of the Zhuge Clan to have comprehended Intent Qi. He would recognize that the Minor Heavenly Star Art I created had transcended its original limitations, forging a new path.
"Y-you, you, you..."
Hmm, is stuttering when surprised a family trait? Zhuge Munho could only stammer, "T-t-t, z-z-z..."
"You... you actually mastered the Minor Heavenly Star Art?"
"Shall I write it down for you?"
"Huh?"
"If you doubt me, you're welcome to verify it. I reached the Ejection Qi realm in just eight years using the Mnemonic Verses I mentioned."
"E-eight years?"
"Yes."
His answer was confident and dignified.
The crowd began to murmur.
It was indeed shocking.
Reaching Ejection Qi in just eight years?
While exceptional talent played a role, this meant that with proper application, one could mass-produce Profound Mechanism realm cultivators. Anyone would be excited by such a prospect.
And then...
"Patriarch."
Zhuge Munho, who had been standing at a distance, approached and spoke respectfully.
"Munhyeon's claims might be true."
"What?"
"I saw it myself. He reached the Realm of Star's Reply while circulating his qi."
"H-he achieved Star's Reply?"
"Yes. Not just me, but Gwan, Hwi, and Pyeong also witnessed it."
A well-trained subordinate like this is truly invaluable.
Zhuge Munho's words instantly transformed the Main Hall's murmurs into stunned silence.
Star's Reply.
Just as Mount Hua strove to perfect its sword intent, this realm was the ultimate dream of every martial artist in the Zhuge Family.
He actually achieved it?
It was almost unbelievable, yet impossible to deny.
The proof stood right before their eyes.
"M-Munhyeon..."
"Yes?"
"Can you truly write down the Mnemonic Verses?"
The Patriarch's voice trembled slightly, as if barely suppressing his overwhelming excitement.
Zhuge Munhyeon glanced at his father and nodded with a radiant smile.
What's so special about that? Martial arts are like this: a hundred people will each have a hundred different interpretations. Just knowing the Mnemonic Verses doesn't guarantee enlightenment for everyone.
"Of course. I am a son of the Zhuge Clan, after all."
"Ah..."
"And the Zhuge Clan's martial arts are far from weak."
Zhuge Munhyeon clenched his fist, turned to face the crowd, and declared, mindful of the surrounding gazes.
The Patriarch and clan elders wore expressions worth seeing—a mix of awe, regret, and even tears.
In this moment of universal celebration, Zhuge Munhyeon had seized the spotlight, transforming himself into the hero of the hour.
Victory upon victory, a double triumph.
"Prepare the banquet!"
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
As the formal proceedings concluded, people dispersed into small groups, exchanging greetings and catching up.
Zhuge Munhyeon strode confidently toward his father.
Father, did you see? I am a true descendant of the Zhuge Clan, your son. So stop glaring at me. I know you were worried, but let's agree to skip the lecture this time.
"Munhyeon."
"Yes."
"...Well done. This father is truly proud."
"..."
Something felt off.
His words seemed genuine, and he didn't seem inclined to nag... So why did his expression remain so dark?
Did he have other worries?
"But son,"
"Yes."
"Your mother knows everything."
"..."
"I... I can't help you. I'm sorry. I've been staying at Byeongju Hall for days, unable to even go home, ever since I sent you as an apprentice."
So that's why. His eyes, his expression... A chill ran down my spine. I hadn't even considered my mother, who must have been praying morning and night for her son's safe return, offering cleansing water and bowing in supplication. But now that she knew her son had fought for his life... The Patriarch? The family elders? An event had occurred that no one's protection could prevent. I'm worried about my back. Even though I was once the Heavenly Demon and made great contributions to the family, Mom... I can't win.
📝 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