Chapter 49
Chapter 49
Translator: Penny
Chapter 49
"Hmm, it's smaller than I expected."
"One, two... only five manors?"
"Is Wudang falling into decline too? Elder Brother Munho, have you heard anything?"
When the Zhuge Clan party reached the mountain peak, Gwan Hwipyeong muttered to himself, observing the appearance of Zixiao Palace that greeted them.
It was his first time seeing Wudang.
During the heyday of the Nine Sects and One Faction, the martial clans frequently exchanged visits, so he had grown up familiar with the affairs of other families. But since the Zhuge Clan began its decline, they had become isolated and had never visited other factions.
A pang of sympathy struck him.
Yet, he also felt he should subtly warn them before they brought further disgrace upon the clan.
My own blood... if I don't look after them, who will?
"Paternal Uncle."
"Very well."
"This is Zixiao Palace, right? Where the Sect Leader and Elders reside and receive guests..."
"You know your stuff."
"Wow, that's impressive. So the other seven palaces are on different peaks?"
"Yeongmun must have told you quite a bit."
As if! The first thing I saw when I was born was the Core...
"Correct. This is the main peak, Tianzhu, where Zixiao Palace stands."
"So the Zither, Golden Cauldron, Jade Maiden, Incense Burner, Candle, Dew, and Lightning palaces—the other seven palaces—are located there?"
"Exactly, exactly. The Eight Palaces and Second Hall of Wudang are scattered across various locations."
"Ah, so that's why the ridge looks like a dragon ascending to heaven when viewed from afar?"
"Precisely. Yuzhen Palace is located on the dragon's torso."
"Then are there any places with more manors than Tianzhu Peak?"
"Of course. While the Core Intent Hall is central, the other halls are actually larger in scale. There are countless hidden shrines and countless smaller structures, each comparable to the size of a modest sect."
"Ah..."
Zhuge Munhyeon nodded and glanced sideways at Gwan Hwipyeong, who seemed quite surprised by Wudang's scale.
Now you understand, Gwan Hwipyeong? So don't embarrass yourself out there.
"I'll go in with Baekmu, the Great Forgemaster of the Maintenance Team, to pay my respects to the Sect Leader. Please wait here for a moment. A disciple from the main sect will guide you to the guest quarters shortly."
"Understood. May I visit Yuzhen Palace later?"
"Of course. The maintenance work will take more than a day or two, so feel free to visit anytime during your stay. I'll inform my disciples beforehand."
"Thank you."
Yeonghwa smiled warmly at Zhuge Munhyeon's greeting, then strode toward the Sect Leader with Baekmu, his robes billowing behind him.
Phew, thank goodness.
It had been agonizingly difficult to suppress the urge to become the arsonist of Wudang, destined for infamy in the annals of history. He had clenched his teeth so hard his gums ached.
Damn Daoist, calling me a Scourge right to my face... I knew the man meant no harm, but as the target of such words, it was impossible not to feel offended. I can't just blurt out, "I'm the Heavenly Demon!" Patience, patience. My goal is within reach.
Wudang would need to be dealt with eventually, but for now, maintaining friendly relations was the wiser course. Both he and the Zhuge Clan were still too weak to act openly.
"Truly, this is Wudang."
"What?"
"The martial artists passing by exude an astonishing aura. Look how steadily they maintain their composure... Observe their gait—their strides are perfectly uniform, unwavering."
"..."
Huh? Look at this guy. Did you see that?
He couldn't help but be inwardly surprised by Zhuge Munho's admiration.
It wasn't easy to gauge an opponent's level. One needed a keen eye and a refined sense to truly perceive their capabilities.
Has he already reached that level?
Just a short while ago, even after reaching the Profound Mechanism stage, he lacked the experience to properly control his own power.
He's observing the Ejection Qi. His eyes are progressing beyond first-rate, aiming for the Peak Stage.
As the saying goes, talent trumps mere effort.
Ever since learning the Minor Heavenly Star Art and Formation cultivation alongside him, he had been diligently striving, as if quenching a long-held thirst. At times, he seemed even more fervent than he was, like someone desperate to close the gap with their goal, even by the slightest margin.
"Elder Brother Munho."
"Hmm?"
"You're better than those guys."
"Pfft—don't talk nonsense."
Though he spoke sincerely, Zhuge Munho chuckled dismissively.
"It's true. Elder Brother is far better. You can trust me—I'm being objective."
"...R-really?"
"Hmm, with a bit more effort, you could reach the Ejection Qi realm in a year, maybe two."
"Really?"
Zhuge Munho's eyes widened in shock, while Gwan Hwipyeong perked up their ears.
"Maybe even sooner."
"S-sooner?"
"Yes. But remember this: mastering Internal Energy is completely different from progressing from First-rate to Peak Stage."
"Hmm..."
"And that's something I can't help you with. I can offer advice, but ultimately, it's up to you. Keep practicing your Forms and swinging your sword. If you don't grasp it after a thousand swings, swing it ten thousand times. Focus on its purpose. Your skills will naturally improve over time, without you even realizing it."
"..."
"Footwork is the same. The movements might seem repetitive and boring, but they need to become so ingrained in your body that they become instinct. Only then can you execute them perfectly without conscious thought. Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
"Good. Always wear your Iron Weights. And when you feel you've gained more freedom in your movements, increase the weight."
The advice he needed didn't need to be profound or carry any grand meaning. Overcomplicating things would only lead to more confusion. All that mattered was providing practical tips to aid his immediate training. After all, he was blessed with the extraordinary talent of sheer effort.
"Thank you, Munhyeon."
"Thank me? Your improvement will make things easier for me. I can't always be the one leading the charge, can I?"
"W-well... ha ha."
Zhuge Munho chuckled awkwardly.
It's always like this. He throws out helpful advice, then ruins the moment just as I'm about to be moved. It's like he's trying to spoil the mood on purpose. Still, that's just how he is.
Ejection Qi, huh...? What's ten thousand? From today onward, I'll swing it twenty thousand times! That's the only way I can even begin to close the gap between us. I should also focus on Formation training. That method is truly revolutionary.
Seeing the renewed determination in Zhuge Munho's expression, Zhuge Munhyeon couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction.
I've trained disciples before, but I've never felt like this. Hmm... has living in the Zhuge Clan softened my personality?
In the past, he had only ever pushed his disciples relentlessly.
Can't even do this? Tired already from just that much? You fool! If you're going to quit, do it now!
But aren't I praising and encouraging him, offering gentle advice? They say personality can change with nurture.
Zhuge Munhyeon suddenly realized how much he had changed, a bitter smile creeping onto his face.
If I had raised someone like this in my previous life, what would have become of the Demonic Cult?
The thought flickered through his mind, but he quickly shook his head.
What's past is past... Regret won't bring it back...
Just then, Zhuge Pyeong suddenly spoke, his face sullen.
"Hey!"
"...?"
"Aren't you being a bit unfair?"
"What's unfair?"
"Why do you keep teaching only Elder Brother Munho? Aren't we your elder brothers too? If you're going to teach, you should teach us all equally!"
As Pyeong poured out his complaints, Gwan and Hwi nodded vigorously beside him, their expressions mirroring his.
"Hmm."
Munhyeon pondered for a moment.
Well... these guys...
But the memory of their lazy training attitude immediately soured his expression.
These slackers, always complaining and slacking off even when I taught them? What's this about fairness? Did they even try?
They were always whining, "Let's stop! Please spare me!" or "Do we really have to do this?"
The thought made his anger surge.
"We want to reach Ejection Qi too!"
"Yeah! Ejection Qi!"
"Teach us! Ejection Qi!"
"..."
Zhuge Munhyeon stared intently at Gwan Hwipyeong, who was spitting out these demands one after another, and silently raised a finger.
What's the point of arguing? It'll just hurt my throat. These guys learn much faster through physical experience.
Poke, poke, poke!
Six swift jabs—two for each of them.
Gwan Hwipyeong immediately collapsed to the ground, their faces contorted in agony as they writhed like crushed earthworms.
Their sudden outburst drew curious stares from the rest of the group and passing Wudang Daoists alike.
Knowing better than to cause a scene in someone else's home, he had sealed their acupoints, preventing them from screaming.
All they could do was thrash wildly, kicking up dust.
Fucking idiots... They should know what to covet. These guys can't even digest what I've already taught them, yet they want Ejection Qi without even trying? They're not ready.
And that's when he realized:
Personality change? Bullshit. Zhuge Munho's talent lies in his extraordinary effort.
Just as Gwan Hwipyeong was finally emerging from the agony of the acupoint strikes, a sturdy Daoist approached, bowing respectfully with clasped hands.
"I am Mujin of Zixiao Palace."
Mujin? How strange. We've never met before, yet his name feels so familiar, as if we've known each other in the past... Ahem! Could this be how Yeonghwa felt when he first saw my greeting?
It was as if the very essence of Wudang's etiquette had been ingrained into his being.
His black-and-white Daoist robe was impeccably neat and clean, and not a single strand of hair escaped the perfectly aligned Taiji Daoist Coronet.
Yet amidst this austere appearance, a faint, lingering scent of ink emanated from him, hinting at a life spent immersed in ancient texts and cultivating his personal Dao.
"Ah..."
"Hmm..."
Zhuge Munho and Gwan Hwipyeong, seemingly overwhelmed by his presence, murmured their admiration and hastily returned his greeting.
"I am Zhuge Clan's Munho."
"Gwan."
"Hwi..."
"Pyeong."
Tsk, tsk, so flustered...
When Baekmu wasn't present, these direct descendants were essentially the face of the clan. Yet they were acting so flustered.
I mustn't react the same way.
When visiting other sects, one must maintain a dignified demeanor regardless of martial prowess or age, lest they be underestimated.
"I am Zhuge's Munhyeon."
Munhyeon's slightly more refined Wudang etiquette drew a surprised smile from the young Daoist Mujin.
"You must be the person the Elder mentioned. As he said, you're indeed well-versed in Daoist etiquette."
"No need for such formalities..."
Zhuge Munhyeon, who had been exchanging polite smiles with Mujin, froze when he saw Mujin's face as he lifted his head.
He's handsome. Too handsome to be a Daoist.
His upright posture was as steadfast as an ancient pine tree that had weathered countless storms, and the graceful gestures of his hands, with sleeves fluttering, exuded a natural, unpretentious elegance.
This guy is well-trained.
And those unfathomably deep, pitch-black eyes... they seemed to pierce through the very fabric of the world.
Zhuge Munhyeon stared into those eyes for an uncomfortably long time, completely forgetting his manners.
"What's wrong?" Mujin asked, tilting his head in confusion.
Zhuge Munhyeon only frowned deeper, his expression darkening.
"Mu, Munhyeon."
"...Huh?"
"What's wrong with you? That's rude."
"Ah..."
Zhuge Munho, unable to bear it any longer, nudged Munhyeon in the side and pointed out his rudeness. Only then did Munhyeon finally snap out of his daze.
But instead of apologizing, he continued to scowl. Zhuge Munho stepped in to apologize on his behalf.
"I'm sorry, Daoist. This fellow has his moments... It's probably because you're too handsome."
"Handsome? You flatter me."
"Oh, no, it's true! You're truly handsome. I almost thought you were a celestial being descended to the mortal realm!"
"Muryangsu-bul, you're putting me on a pedestal. The members of the Zhuge Clan are far more striking in appearance."
"Such modesty! Ha ha ha!"
Zhuge Munho's compliment on his appearance created a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
"Alright, let's go. The Elder specifically requested that five of you be escorted to the Qin Formation Manor. The remaining guests will be guided to the Chong Formation Manor by our disciples shortly."
"Oh, thank you for your consideration."
"This way, please."
Mujin led the way, guiding them forward.
Wudang's thirty-six Manors were small pavilions where Daoists practiced independently or hosted guests. Given Yeonghwa's special request, it was only natural that the Qin Formation Manor would have better facilities than the Chong Formation Manor.
This must be their way of showing extra care for us as direct descendants, Zhuge Munho thought.
But then...
Why are that bastard's eyes like that?
📝 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