Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Translator: Penny
Chapter 46
The next day, before dawn had even broken, envoys from the Zhuge Clan arrived.
Though Yungjungsan wasn't far from Danggangu, their arrival in a single night demonstrated the urgency of their mission.
Indeed, Zhuge Munho's letter had been rather provocative.
Anyone reading it might have mistaken it for news of an impending war.
As a result, the Leader of the Black Tiger Corps had rushed to Danggangu with the Third Cohort, their most powerful warriors. Ten Byeongju Hall Scholars had also accompanied them.
Having tasted success using combat-oriented Formation Masters in the battle against the Honyeon Faction, they were now eager to fully utilize this strategy.
A show of force would suffice.
The news of such a large contingent arriving in Danggangu would spread like wildfire through word of mouth.
A single misstep could escalate into a full-scale war, forcing the Seven Kill Sect to tread carefully and consider Wudang's intentions.
The real problem, however...
Damn it, why the Leader of the Black Tiger Corps?
His face involuntarily twisted into a grimace.
Zhuge Domyeong, Leader of the Black Tiger Corps.
The fifth eldest among his generation of brothers, he was a martial artist whose skill rivaled that of the Clan Patriarch himself. Some even claimed his martial arts prowess surpassed the Patriarch's.
In Hubei, he was known as the Ice Cold Sword, the Zhuge Clan's most renowned swordsman.
But his son was none other than Zhuge Mungi.
The seven-year-old brat who had stormed into the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion and mercilessly trampled everything in his path.
Of course, their relationship couldn't be good.
After his son had been beaten so badly, how could the resentment possibly fade away in just a few years?
He had already seen his uncle several times at the Main Clan.
Though they hadn't exchanged words, each time his uncle had given him a cold, piercing stare.
Don't interfere.
Stay in the background.
If he stepped forward and was criticized, it would only cause trouble. And if he lost his temper after being scolded, he might...
That can't happen.
Since Zhuge Munho was the eldest brother anyway, he could just leave it to him...
"This was Munhyeon's idea, Paternal Uncle."
"..."
"Isn't he truly remarkable?"
Zhuge Munho, unable to hide his pride, pointed at the subtly retreating Munhyeon with a grin.
What an idiot! Why would you try to praise me at a time like this?! You could have just taken credit for this achievement yourself!
As he glared resentfully at Zhuge Munho, Zhuge Domyeong brushed past him with an icy, indifferent expression.
See? I told you! I knew he'd be angry, not offer praise!
But then...
"It's been a while, Honored In-Law."
"Indeed, it has."
Zhuge Domyeong approached Baek Hanseong and bowed respectfully.
Huh?
Startled, he whipped his head toward his grandfather.
Grandfather using informal speech? And acting so friendly?
"I heard you suffered greatly due to those lawless individuals. Are you injured anywhere?"
"Heh, I'm fine."
"That's a relief. Please forgive me for not bringing a gift; I rushed here without time to prepare."
"A gift? I hope the Zhuge Clan isn't going to unnecessary trouble because of me."
"How could I not hurry when I heard my family was in danger? Please don't feel burdened."
Why is the atmosphere like this?
His expression remained icy, yet his excessive politeness felt completely out of place. And why was Grandfather acting so nonchalant?
This was baffling.
I had always assumed the Zhuge Clan treated musicians with disdain, offering no support whatsoever... But perhaps I was wrong?
"Please come inside and rest. Your health isn't good, and the cold air won't do you any good."
"Thank you for your concern."
"It's nothing. I've only heard about the situation through letters. I'll need to hear the full story from the children later, so I'll properly greet you then."
"Very well."
After escorting Baek Hanseong inside, Zhuge Domyeong gathered everyone and addressed them.
"Explain everything in detail."
"..."
The stark contrast between his earlier respectful demeanor toward Grandfather and his current, almost angry expression, coupled with his heavy, imposing tone, made it difficult to speak.
Facing him felt like sitting on a bed of thorns.
"Haha, Paternal Uncle. He seems too embarrassed to speak."
"..."
"May I explain on his behalf?"
"Hmm, proceed."
Zhuge Munho began his account with an unnervingly calm expression, showing no trace of nervousness.
Why is he so relaxed?
He was the only one standing at full attention.
Not only Zhuge Munho, but even Gwan Hwipyeong looked utterly at ease... leaning casually on one leg?
These guys have been improving by leaps and bounds lately. Have they grown too bold for their own good?
Meanwhile, Zhuge Munho began recounting the events of the previous night in meticulous detail.
From rescuing his kidnapped grandfather to the Manor's assault, the Palmun Gang and Seven Kill Sect's secret alliance to seize Danggangu, their manipulation of the Beggar's Sect, and the tavern brawl—Zhuge Munho recounted every detail.
Zhuge Domyeong, arms crossed, nodded silently with a grave expression, occasionally glancing at him.
Is it because my epithet is Ice Cold Sword? Even his gaze feels as sharp as a blade.
"...That's all."
"Hmm."
Zhuge Domyeong's expression deepened as he stared intently at Zhuge Munhyeon.
His eyes... What? Why? Is he displeased that I've achieved merit?
Just as this thought crossed his mind, Zhuge Domyeong suddenly strode forward and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"You lucky little rascal!"
"...Huh?"
"You made an excellent decision. Well done. Very well done. Thanks to you, the Main Clan has secured Danggangu."
"..."
A compliment? Wasn't there supposed to be resentment...? And shouldn't he be saying this with a more impassioned expression or tone? Why is he delivering a compliment so coldly?
The growing sense of disconnect made his head spin.
"You must be exhausted from lack of sleep. Leave the rest to your paternal uncle. Get some rest first."
"..."
After advising him to rest, Zhuge Domyeong, his expression grave, commanded the Black Tiger Corps Third Cohort to begin the cleanup.
What's going on? It was clearly a compliment, but his expression and tone made it feel like a scolding.
Completely bewildered, he stood there.
"Paternal Uncle Domyeong seems incredibly pleased."
"..."
Huh? Where? How can you tell he's pleased?
"He's usually so stern. He's not the type to hug his nephews."
"Really? To me, he just looked angry."
"Angry? Why?"
"Wasn't he?"
Zhuge Munho stared at Zhuge Munhyeon, his expression incredulous.
"You... you haven't spoken to Paternal Uncle before, have you?"
"Well, not really. I've only ever seen him with that angry look. Plus, there was the issue with Mungi."
"Seriously? You need to pay more attention to the people around you. How could you misunderstand him like that?"
"Misunderstand?"
"Paternal Uncle Domyeong is always like that."
"Always like that?"
"Is it just that he's bad at expressing himself?"
"I don't think it's the expression itself. It's his face..."
"True. To anyone who doesn't know him, he always looks angry."
"...?"
"I heard he had Bell's palsy as a child, and a botched acupuncture treatment caused it."
Facial nerve paralysis.
Such cases weren't unheard of—severe aftereffects from improper treatment.
"Ever since then, his face has been permanently frozen in that expression."
"Ah..."
Damn it! I almost clenched my fist without knowing. A lingering effect of his illness...
"Speaking of which, I heard there was quite a commotion at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion back then?"
"Why?"
"You know, right? After that incident, Aunt took Mungi and left for the Tang Clan."
He had heard something.
Zhuge Munhyeon nodded, and Zhuge Munho glanced around before lowering his voice.
"I heard it was actually because of a marital spat."
"A marital spat?"
"Yeah. Your Tang Clan Aunt was quite the gossip in the inner quarters, spreading all sorts of rumors."
"Ah..."
"It must have been a real uproar. They say she even demanded your mother apologize immediately."
That... that happened?
He had never imagined such a thing.
Why hadn't Sohye, who always chattered endlessly, told him about something so important?
"Afterward, they say she went to Byeongju Hall to apologize repeatedly to your Paternal Uncle and Aunt for raising her son poorly. Did she ever say anything to you about it?"
"..."
I remember now. After the incident at the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion, he had come to me with a fierce expression. I deliberately avoided him, thinking he was coming to confront me... but it turns out he was trying to apologize. Damn it! Why did his expression and tone have to be so misleading?
"Anyway, since Paternal Uncle is here, I don't need to worry about the aftermath. We're leaving for Wudang now, right?"
"Y-yes, we should."
Two days had passed out of the five allotted. Though there was still plenty of time left, there was no harm in leaving early.
More importantly, now that he knew his true intentions, being around Zhuge Domyeong felt incredibly awkward.
Hmph, they say you can know the depths of ten fathoms of water but not the depths of a single fathom of a person's heart. Turns out it was all a misunderstanding.
Zhuge Munhyeon watched Zhuge Domyeong's back as he commanded the Black Tiger Corps warriors.
It was a different kind of back than his father's.
A sudden wave of guilt washed over him.
He hadn't realized Zhuge Domyeong had been living in solitude since that day...
Hmm, should I try talking to him? Should I tell him frankly, even now, that I misunderstood his true intentions?
As if sensing his gaze, Zhuge Domyeong turned his head and asked, "Do you have something to say?"
"...No."
Zhuge Munhyeon quickly shook his head and retreated into his room.
He still couldn't get used to Zhuge Domyeong's perpetually angry expression and gruff tone.
Let's get closer gradually. After all, we have plenty of time left...
"Did you see that?"
"..."
"I've never seen Paternal Uncle Domyeong smile so brightly before! He must really like you."
Zhuge Munhyeon remained silent at Zhuge Munho's excited words.
What exactly is he seeing? Do you have some kind of third eye that can see people's inner selves?
It was morning on the third day of their stay in Danggangu.
"Grandfather, are you sure you don't need to return to the Main Clan?"
"Heh heh! Don't worry about me, you rascal!"
"But..."
"It's fine. Didn't your Paternal Uncle say he'd be staying in Danggangu for a while?"
He had heard that.
Given the potential threat from the Seven Kill Sect, Zhuge Domyeong would remain at his Maternal Grandfather's manor, serving concurrently as Leader of the Black Tiger Corps and Branch Head.
Several warriors from the Third Cohort had also been stationed there, and a Byeongju Hall Scholar had been appointed Steward to manage the temporary branch.
Though the Zhuge Clan still had many enemies, the destruction of the Honyeon Faction had created a brief respite.
To compensate for their limited manpower, Sayo and the Beggar Disciples they had persuaded to join would fill the gaps. She needed to stay here for a while anyway to reorganize the system.
All things considered, it was a surprisingly credible temporary branch.
Yet the worry lingered.
Just in case something happens to Grandfather.
"Munhyeon, don't worry. I'll stay by Honored In-Law's side at all times."
"..."
Zhuge Domyeong's words were meant to reassure him.
Haa... Even if I try to appreciate his kindness, I can't get used to that expression. Even someone who had been universally acknowledged as the strongest Heavenly Demon in history is slightly intimidated. His face is the most terrifying weapon in the world. Out of sheer discomfort, I might have to find the best doctor in the world and get that expression fixed for him...
"Understood. Then I'll leave Grandfather in your care."
Zhuge Munhyeon bowed respectfully, then hugged his grandfather and whispered in his ear, "Grandfather, the money I gave you is absolutely secret. Understand?"
The old man nodded silently.
And then...
"That kid's always been so sentimental."
Zhuge Munho watched the tender scene between grandfather and grandson with a pleased expression.
📝 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