Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Translator: Penny
Chapter 43
Munhyeon is just trying to plant a flag there for now.
A flag?
Yes.
So... what kind of flag?
Zhuge Pyeong, speaking for the group, asked Zhuge Munho to elaborate. Gwan and Hwi nodded eagerly, their curiosity evident.
He'll station Beggar's Sect members to keep watch, using their influence to deter attacks. Even the Seven Kill Sect won't dare strike easily, knowing they'd have to answer to Wudang.
Ah...
Once we plant our flag, rumors will spread that Danggangu has become Zhuge territory.
And then?
For now, we'll appoint a Branch Head to oversee operations, gradually filling the ranks with graduates from the Heavenly Star Pavilion.
I see.
Not a bad plan, huh?
Exactly.
Gwan Hwipyeong finally understood and nodded, while Zhuge Munhyeon couldn't suppress his satisfaction.
This is why I keep him around. Teach him one thing, and he'll grasp two or more, thinking for himself.
But...
"It's a good plan, but it lacks justification," Sayo interjected, frowning as she listened from the side. "Even if Wudang is indifferent to territorial matters, they'll undoubtedly show discomfort at Zhuge's movements."
"That's true."
Justification.
For the Orthodox Factions, it was paramount.
Whether a minor skirmish or a major war, any action without proper justification would be condemned.
How could they explain their immediate need to visit Wudang to repair the Secret Cave if the Danggangu issue came up? The answer could strain relations with Wudang, so deep contemplation was required.
"You're worrying about nothing. Why would we lack justification?"
"Huh?"
"You already know the answer."
Zhuge Munhyeon grinned, glancing at Baek Hansang's resting place as he spoke.
"Our grandfather was ambushed, even though the attackers knew he was the Main Clan's esteemed in-law. Don't you find their intent curious?"
"Huh?"
"Perhaps the Seven Kill Sect planned to seize Danggangu and use Grandfather as a hostage to paralyze the Zhuge Clan's actions? We just happened to arrive in time to foil their scheme."
"Huh?"
Zhuge Munho blinked at Zhuge Munhyeon's words, then startled and shouted, "You? You're suggesting we use Maternal Grandfather?"
His outburst earned him an immediate and appropriate punishment.
Whack!
"Who said anything about using him? Do I look like the kind of person who would do that?"
"Ah, no, that's not what I meant."
"Did I tell them to attack? Didn't they strike first?"
"Well, yes, they did."
"I'm just suggesting we make what already happened look a little more dramatic."
"..."
"What do you think? Doesn't it sound plausible?"
"Hmm, it's a bit of a stretch, but... it could work."
"See?"
Zhuge Munhyeon grinned and nodded.
As the saying goes, "Even a dog raised in a village school for three years can learn to recite poetry." Having spent my childhood in the Zhuge Clan, I've learned to think at least this much. The problem is that my thoughts tend toward schemes and conspiracies.
A guilty conscience? Bad guys don't have such things. Evil must be repaid with evil. Since Grandfather was slapped, his cheek should be torn. Since he was forced to kneel, his kneecaps should be shattered. That's the justice I know.
"And we absolutely must succeed in this for the sake of the Main Clan."
"What do you mean by that?"
"We barely managed to annihilate the Honyeon Faction and escape being besieged on all sides. Just as we're about to begin rebuilding, if those Seven Kill Sect bastards seize the north, how will we even breathe?"
"Ah!"
"And even if not immediately, imagine if we secured control of Danggangu's waterways later. The immense wealth generated would greatly benefit not only the Main Clan but also the Beggar's Sect's reconstruction, wouldn't it?"
Zhuge Munhyeon's words made Zhuge Munho and Sayo's eyes widen simultaneously.
Rebuilding a clan and a sect wasn't just about brute strength. It required substantial capital. How much money did it take to train martial artists? And for the Zhuge Clan, who specialized in mechanisms and formations, the costs were even higher.
But control of Danggangu's waterways...
As Zhuge Munhyeon said, this was a region the Main Clan absolutely had to secure, even if they had to intervene directly.
Moreover, the situation was favorable, and the justification was strong.
"You... how did you even come up with that idea?"
"Amazing! To make such a brilliant judgment at such a critical moment... It's like you grasped the core of the matter in an instant!"
"..."
Zhuge Munhyeon simply stared back, bewildered by Zhuge Munho and Sayo's admiration.
Are you two idiots? Don't you remember what you just said? I just pieced together what you told me. What core did I grasp? But if you want to think that, fine. Let's just say I'm naturally brilliant.
"Hmm, first we should send a letter to the Main Clan. We need to emphasize that the attack on the Esteemed In-Law was part of the Seven Kill Sect's hidden plot... And we should inform Wudang as well, right?"
"Hmm, wouldn't that be best?"
"As expected, you'd already considered that aspect. We should send a preliminary notice first. If they understand the situation, they won't dare to backtrack later."
"..."
I hadn't thought that far ahead. He just keeps talking to himself...
"Then I'll move out with the Beggar Disciples we've recruited. When the defectors reveal themselves, those weaklings won't be able to resist wavering."
"If all goes well, Danggangu might fall into our hands without a fight."
"Exactly! It's truly astonishing. How can Young Master Munhyeon come up with such brilliant ideas in an instant?"
"He's my younger brother, but he's quite remarkable."
"Zhuge's future looks promising."
"Hahaha!"
Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been listening to Sayo and Zhuge Munho's conversation, silently nodded.
They get along so well. Even if I don't say a word and just nod, all the credit will come to me. I'll just stay quiet. As the saying goes, "If you don't speak, you're halfway there."
"Hey, what's going on?"
"What's the plan?"
"Could you explain it in detail so we can understand too?"
At Gwan Hwipyeong's words, Zhuge Munho and Sayo sighed in unison.
"Ugh, you fools! Munhyeon may not be half as smart as me, but at least try to be a quarter as smart! You're supposed to be from the Zhuge Clan, yet you're this clueless?"
"...I'll just keep my mouth shut."
Their teamwork was truly...
Gwan Hwipyeong, having been branded a "fool," could only pout in silent protest.
But there was no time for admiration.
"Elder Brother Munho."
"Speak."
"Let's send the letter and start immediately. It'll be harder after the banquet. We need to eradicate them while they're all gathered."
"Agreed."
Zhuge Munho hastily drafted the letter.
The Zhuge Clan's descendants were renowned for their literary skill. The inflammatory content, written with a single stroke of the brush, would instantly capture hearts and ignite fury.
All that remained was...
They dare to touch our grandfather, do they? Even if the others escape, one of them will surely die.
Hweunru.
The largest and most opulent tavern in southern Danggangu, it had long been under the protection of the Palmun Gang.
As night deepened, the shops along the main thoroughfare extinguished their lights and closed their doors, but Hweunru remained ablaze like a city that never sleeps, its banquet in full swing.
Nothing was more disruptive to the peace than late-night revelry, but this place had long since become the Palmun Gang's domain.
Who would dare complain to the masters of the streets?
Zhuge Munhyeon and his group hid at the alley entrance, observing Hweunru.
"Hey, Munhyeon."
"Hmm?"
"Do you have any kind of attack strategy?"
"Do we need one?"
He asked just in case.
He was the type who thought smashing down the front gate counted as a surprise attack.
But as expected...
"We're going in through the entrance, right?"
"Of course."
"Hmm, you can handle it alone, right?"
"Why? Are you scared?"
"It's not that... Just tell me if you can do it alone or not."
Seeing Zhuge Munho's serious expression, Zhuge Munhyeon sighed and nodded.
Though he hadn't told them yet, he had reached the Intent Qi realm while they slept. Now, he had nothing to fear except for warriors with Aura.
"Good. Then you'll guard the main gate."
"What will you guys be doing?"
"We'll handle things ourselves. Understand?"
"Hmm, fine. Whatever."
Zhuge Munhyeon readily agreed, since he didn't care whether they were there or not. Zhuge Munho quickly summoned Gwan Hwipyeong and Sayo.
"Young Miss Sa."
"Yes."
"Please ask the Beggar Disciple we persuaded if he knows the layout of Hweunru."
"Understood."
Before Zhuge Munhyeon could act rashly, Zhuge Munho swiftly devised a strategy.
"There are four entrances in total, excluding the spear room," he said.
"Very well. Gwan, you take the kitchen entrance. Pyeong, you guard the rear courtyard exit. Hwi's skills are somewhat lacking, so he'll join me in blocking the side exit. While Munhyeon draws their attention inside, we'll strike from behind."
"Yes, sir!"
As Zhuge Munho issued his orders to Gwan Hwipyeong, Sayo asked, her voice tinged with confusion, "What about us?"
"When Munhyeon attacks from the front, you simply wait outside."
"What? We're not helping? Do you doubt our abilities?"
"Of course not."
"Then why?"
"Except for Young Miss Sa, the others were all coerced. Even if they've returned to their senses, can they truly bring themselves to attack those who were their comrades until recently?"
"Th-that's..."
"This will leave a lasting scar on your heart. Please, just this once, follow my intent."
It wasn't disregard, but genuine consideration.
His qualities have been hidden behind Zhuge Munhyeon's brilliance all this time, but now I see them. He's just as remarkable in his own way. The current Zhuge Clan has no heir. The Patriarch has no children, so a Young Patriarch has yet to be appointed. Of course, there are many trustworthy brothers and descendants who could serve as the clan's representative. When I first saw Zhuge Munhyeon, I was certain he would become the master of the Zhuge Clan. But my perspective has shifted. If Zhuge Munhyeon is like a sharp, protruding awl, Zhuge Munho is a man with the magnanimity to understand and embrace his younger brother. Even Zhuge Munhyeon...
Sayo couldn't help but wonder if he might become the next head of the Zhuge Clan.
Is this the true strength of a Prestigious Clan? As they strive to rise again, exceptional talents begin to emerge.
Thinking this, Sayo smiled and nodded.
"Understood. I won't forget your consideration."
"Consideration? Anyone would have thought the same."
Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled at their exchange.
I get that they're strategizing... but why are they acting like a lovey-dovey couple in the middle of it?
"You done talking?"
"Yeah."
"Then I'm heading out first."
"Okay."
Zhuge Munhyeon, who had seemed to be waiting for them, strode out of the alley and headed toward Hweunru. Sayo tilted her head in confusion.
"He's just... going like that?"
"Yes."
"Huh?"
"That's just how he rolls."
"No strategy at all? I know you're strong, but Hweunru is the only place with lights on. They'll react immediately!"
She hadn't witnessed the events at the Honyeon Faction firsthand, having been imprisoned at the time.
In the aftermath, everyone was too caught up in their victory to explain the details. She only knew that the Zhuge Clan had launched a brilliant surprise attack, secretly infiltrated the manor, and rescued them.
"Young Miss Sa, remember this."
"...?"
"That man is the strategy. You'll understand once you see it."
What does that even mean...?
As she blinked in confusion at his cryptic words, a deafening roar erupted:
Pwaaaaak!
Pabak!
Zhuge Munhyeon strode toward Hweunru's main gate, ruthlessly striking down anyone who dared to block his path with powerful swings of his Silver River Staff.
That... that's the strategy?
📝 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