Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Translator: Penny
Episode 35
Before the Zhuge Clan's celebratory mood over the Honyeon Faction's destruction had fully subsided, a distinguished guest arrived from the east.
It was Purple Ghost, the Branch Head of the Beggar's Sect, accompanied by his disciple, Sayo.
"Welcome," Zhuge Dowon greeted them warmly.
"Greetings, Patriarch," Purple Ghost bowed respectfully.
"Ha ha! As the saying goes, 'The sick bear no fault.' Please, rise. You're not well enough to be standing."
"Thank you."
'The sick bear no fault.'
Zhuge Dowon insisted there was no need for such formalities and personally helped Purple Ghost to his feet.
Even though Purple Ghost was the former Branch Head of Hanyang Prefecture, south of the Yangtze River, rather than from northern Hubei Province where the Zhuge Clan resided.
Perhaps this made it even more meaningful.
A helping hand extended during difficult times always seems more significant.
"Now, please sit here."
At the seat the Patriarch led him to, Zhuge Munhyeon sat alongside his father, Zhuge Doyun.
After all, Munhyeon was the one who had saved him.
"If I hadn't met your clan's young master, I shudder to think what that Evil Fiend from the Heretical Factions would have done to me. I thank you again from the bottom of my heart."
As Purple Ghost smiled at Zhuge Munhyeon, Zhuge Doyun's lips stretched into a wide grin.
Baek Suhyeon had scolded Munhyeon endlessly for taking such a dangerous risk after learning about the Honyeon Faction incident, but Zhuge Doyun couldn't suppress his pride.
Though his son's smug demeanor—as if to say, "This is the kind of person I am"—was grating, his hand instinctively reached out to stroke Munhyeon's head.
After all, the son he had sent out to gain experience had returned having yanked out the very tooth that had been causing him constant agony.
"I've heard the story from Munhyeon," Zhuge Doyun said. "You offered to help the Zhuge Clan, I understand? We are truly grateful for your words."
"Gratitude? Please, don't mention it. You not only saved our lives but also welcomed us here. We will never forget this kindness."
"Heh heh. This is quite something."
"If you would accept our reliance on you, we will serve you with all our heart."
He tried to treat them with proper courtesy, but Purple Ghost spoke as if he were offering to become his subordinate, which only drew a hollow laugh from him.
Though the Beggar's Sect had lost its power and scattered across the land, they still held a tight grip on information about the regions where they resided.
"I'm truly fortunate to hear you say that. I will also look for ways to assist the Beggar's Sect."
"Yes, Patriarch."
Purple Ghost will rely on Zhuge for safety and gather strength, while the Zhuge Clan will expand its territory more safely and easily through their information. A win-win situation for both parties.
"Please accept this first."
"What is this...?"
The Patriarch handed him an envelope containing documents. His clan's seal was clearly stamped on the front.
"I heard Munhyeon promised you a place in Yungjungsan."
"I heard that from my disciple as well, but please don't worry about it. We've lived under the open sky and slept on the fields for so long."
"Ha ha! Now that we're family, we can't treat you like that! How could we treat such a distinguished guest so poorly? After the Main Clan declined, many left, leaving numerous vacant manors."
"Huh? Vacant manors?"
"Please don't refuse. We're simply sharing what we have to spare with those who need it. I've already ordered renovations, so it should be habitable by the end of the month. The envelope contains the documents granting you ownership of the manor."
"Huh?"
In short, it was the deed to the manor.
A document acknowledging Purple Ghost as the owner of the manor.
"Don't worry about operating expenses either. Though the Main Clan isn't what it used to be, would we ever charge family members? Just use it comfortably. We'll even handle the nearby security for a while."
"Ah..."
Purple Ghost let out a short sigh.
Truly a Patriarch. He spends generously to win the hearts of those who would be grateful for even a few coins. These people have nowhere else to go. He could have simply given them the ruined manor as is, but instead, he's offering a fully renovated, brand-new estate. How could they not be grateful? And all the while, he emphasizes that they're family. Of course, Purple Ghost, with his feigned expression of gratitude, couldn't possibly miss the Patriarch's true intent. After all the years I've spent with the Beggar's Sect...
"Patriarch."
"Speak."
"I will repay your kindness for years to come."
"Heh, it's nothing."
"No, I've already sent word to those I encountered on my way to the Zhuge Clan. Though few in number, they make their living by observing and reporting, and several factions have tried to recruit them over the years. They possess a wealth of information."
"Information?"
"For now, would information on the Blood Shadow Pavilion in Yangfan and the Demonic Shadow Lodge in Nanjang suffice?"
"Huh?!"
"I will forward any news to the Zhuge Clan as soon as it arrives."
Zhuge Dowon's jaw dropped so wide it could have swallowed a gourd.
The Blood Shadow Pavilion and the Demonic Shadow Lodge.
These two were Heretical Factions that had long threatened the southern borders of the Zhuge Clan, causing them endless headaches.
With the Honyeon Faction's threat eliminated, the Main Clan could finally deploy its full strength without restraint. Obtaining intelligence on these factions would allow for a far more effective response than before.
Moreover, if the Eight Trigrams Formation currently being researched at Byeongju Hall were successfully established at Yungjungsan...
Driving out those Heretical Faction bastards would be child's play.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you. I will never forget your assistance."
"From now on, if there's anything you wish to know, please don't hesitate to summon me and ask."
Zhuge Dowon couldn't hide his satisfaction at Purple Ghost's words.
It felt as if a long-blocked chest had suddenly been cleared wide open.
"However, I have one request."
"Speak freely."
"If the Zhuge Clan repels the invaders and restores its former glory... would you allow the Beggar's Sect to remain within your territory?"
Purple Ghost's question was essentially asking for recognition of the Beggar's Sect's presence within the Zhuge Clan's expanded domain.
The Patriarch's response was immediate, requiring no hesitation.
"Is that all? As I said, we are now one family. I will treat you as such from this moment forward, and I will ensure my entire clan shares this sentiment."
"Thank you, Patriarch."
"Gratitude? This was my intention all along! Hahahaha!"
Zhuge Dowon roared with laughter, then quickly turned serious.
"There's plenty of time ahead, so don't worry about the future. Focus on recovering first. I've already arranged for physicians to be ready for you at the Faction Leader's residence. Dedicate yourself to healing for the time being."
"I'm grateful enough for a place to stay, but to have you care for my health as well... I understand. I'll do as you say. I'll recover quickly to repay your kindness."
"There's no need to rush. Take your time. A true gentleman knows how to wait patiently."
Zhuge Dowon smiled and summoned a servant outside to escort Purple Ghost to the infirmary.
Purple Ghost's condition was dire.
Though he had come without delay, his body was emaciated from prolonged suffering in the Honyeon Faction, covered in countless wounds.
Supporting Purple Ghost, Sayo knew that Zhuge Munhyeon was the reason for this moment. She gave him a brief nod before exiting the room.
Faction Leader out of the blue... He really knows how to talk. She should have addressed him as Branch Head, but the moment the agreement was signed, the Patriarch had elevated Purple Ghost's status. He had painted a vision of the future: For the currently divided Beggar's Sect to unite with the Zhuge Clan and become the new Beggar's Sect, with Purple Ghost as its Faction Leader. Of course, it was likely just a formality. No one could predict the future. But! That future would come to pass. Because the man once known as the Heavenly Demon now stood in that very place, the place spoken of in that formal gesture. If the Patriarch had acknowledged him as family, then Purple Ghost rightfully deserved to become the Beggar's Sect Leader. Only then would his status match his true worth. I will make it happen, no matter what.
This was his sincere intention.
His ultimate goal was Ascension, but the timeline remained uncertain.
First, he needed to reach the Transcendent Stage, mastering his Aura, and then forge a Spirit Body.
At the very least, several decades?
He couldn't spend all that time solely cultivating.
Better to do something than nothing, he thought. He resolved to strengthen Zhuge's power in his spare moments, making them someone no one could afford to ignore.
"Munhyeon."
"Yes?"
Called by name while deep in thought, Zhuge Munhyeon turned to face the Patriarch.
"This is all thanks to you. Zhuge has gained a truly invaluable asset."
"I brought them here, but it seems you're the one who won their heart, Patriarch."
The Patriarch beamed, seizing Zhuge Munhyeon's cheeks and rubbing them vigorously.
"Oh, you handsome rascal!"
"Ugh!"
W-what is this...?
But it was a good day, so he endured it.
"If you do that again, I'll snap your wrist. Consider yourself warned."
"Where on earth did a lucky charm like you suddenly drop from?"
How fortunate you must feel. The Honyeon Faction's annihilation, the Minor Heavenly Star Art's transformation into a peerless martial art, even the Beggar's Sect... Who do you think is responsible for all of this? Me, of course.
"Naturally, I'm the one who brought him into this world."
"..."
"He's my son! Hahaha!"
Zhuge Doyun interjected, praising himself.
"Indeed, indeed. Our younger brother has raised his son exceptionally well."
"Of course. It's only natural."
"..."
The two of them are unusually affectionate today. It's not because of anyone else—it's simply because I'm exceptional.
"Do you have any particular desires?"
"Desires?"
"Yes. I've already ordered rewards for those who contributed to this victory, but your achievements warrant special compensation."
He said he would give him a separate reward.
Hmm...
What should I ask for? This declining clan wouldn't have much money to spare, and I heard the Spirit Pills have dried up because they can't get the ingredients... Ah!
"Patriarch!"
"Hmm?"
"First, please grant us access to the Martial Armory."
"You need weapons?"
"Not just me, but Elder Brother Munho and the others—Gwan, Hwi, and Pyeong—too."
"Even those children?"
"Yes. They've all made contributions and are the future leaders who will represent the Zhuge Clan. Bestowing weapons upon them would motivate them to train even harder."
"Hmm... Very well. Will that be all?"
"Are you offering something else?"
"Your contributions are too great to be rewarded with just a single treasured sword from the clan. Speak your mind."
"Hmm... If you insist."
After a moment's hesitation, Zhuge Munhyeon glanced slyly at his father and said with a sinister grin, "Send me to Wudang."
Nothing else mattered.
Wudang was all he needed.
Since his father was present, now was the perfect opportunity to put an end to any further talk about gaining experience as an apprentice.
The clan's revival was one thing, but Ascension was another.
Therefore, he absolutely wanted to go!
"Aigoo, you rascal!"
Zhuge Doyun, emerging from the Patriarch's Hall with a displeased expression, smacked his son on the head.
"Ah, why?!"
"Wudang? Wudang?"
"What's wrong with that?"
"You damn fool! Why are you so clueless? The Patriarch was offering you a reward, and you ask for nothing more than Wudang? You should have asked for a lump sum or a prestigious position! Or at least secured support for the Byeongju Hall! How can you be so ignorant of the world?"
"..."
It sounds like you slipped your own desires into that rant, didn't you? If you'd just kept your promise to send me earlier, none of this would have happened. Why did you insist on making me an apprentice, claiming I lacked experience? And money? I don't need that garbage. If necessary, I could use a few tricks to become rich in an instant. Mountains and rivers are overflowing with illicit funds safe to consume... Position? If I set my mind to it, even the Patriarch's seat... Ahem! Above all, I'm not just some Wudang disciple. Everyone has a life goal they pursue. For me, the Virtuous Celestial's Secret Cave—or rather, the Virtuous Celestial's Secret Cave—is that place.
The one dream he failed to achieve in his previous life:
Ascension.
What's the point of becoming the Strongest Under Heaven? I've already done that. It wasn't anything special. But the Celestial Realm is different. A realm teeming with immortals who have transcended human limitations—imagine how many worthy opponents await me there! Only by proving myself the strongest in such a world can I truly claim the title of supreme. The Virtuous Celestial's Secret Cave. Didn't they say there were rumors of the Virtuous Celestial's Ascension? Then perhaps, as my father suggested, the Secret Cave truly contains the Secret to Ascension. That's mine. It's the secret I had them create, the one I asked them to find. I absolutely must verify it. I need to know if there are any flaws in the cultivation method I've been practicing. In the end, Wudang is just the first step toward realizing the Virtuous Celestial's Secret Cave, a dream I can never abandon.
"Since the Patriarch has already granted permission, you absolutely can't change your mind now."
"Ugh, you thoughtless fool! What's so special about that measly Wudang anyway...?"
His father remained disgruntled throughout.
He didn't even understand...
"Haa... what can I do? My son insists on visiting Mount Wudang... In return, starting tomorrow, you'll visit the Great Forgemaster at the Heavenly Craft Workshop to learn about mechanisms."
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"But... why do I need to learn more? The Patriarch has already given his permission."
"Hey, you little rascal! Did you really think the Patriarch would send you to Wudang unprepared just because he gave his permission?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm the Head of the Byeongju Hall. I oversee the family's mechanisms and formations. Did you really think I wouldn't have the authority to refuse the Patriarch's orders?"
"..."
"Someone who knows nothing about mechanisms can never be sent to Wudang."
"Father! Are you really going to do this?"
"Hmph! If you think you can use our blood ties to get your way, give up now. I have no intention of tarnishing the family's reputation by sending an incompetent fool to Wudang."
"Wow... How can you say such things to your own son? You used to call me 'my son' and praise me for doing well."
"That's one thing, and this is another."
He's so stubborn, you could stab him and not a drop of blood would come out. I even managed to get the Patriarch's approval...
As his father ambled away, he muttered to himself, as if speaking aloud his thoughts:
"Damn fool! Why couldn't he just ask for a little more funding for the Byeongju Hall when he had the chance? Who's asking for the moon? Just enough to do the job properly..."
"..."
As expected, you can't trust anyone. Using his own son to satisfy his own greed...
📝 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