Chapter 57
Chapter 57
Translator: Penny
Chapter 57
"Can you really wake him?"
"It's a formation I set up myself."
"Hmm..."
Mujin lay unconscious.
Beside him sat Zhuge Munhyeon, with Sect Leader Yeongyu and the Wudang Elders seated in a row behind him.
They leaned forward, ears perked up like a bunch of curious cats.
He wasn't just any guest.
He was a VIP. A very important VIP.
And the only one who could heal Mujin.
Of course, he knew the method.
Though he couldn't guarantee Mujin would wake up with his mind intact.
Zhuge Munhyeon placed his hand at the center of the six meridian points and gently applied pressure.
Thump!
Mujin's body jerked violently, nearly throwing off the blanket. A flicker of surprise crossed the faces of the Wudang High Command.
And then,
"Ugh..."
Mujin opened his eyes.
"Oooooh!"
The aged Elders gasped, their eyes widening as if they had witnessed something miraculous. Their eyes brimmed with joy, as if they had finally reached a long-awaited moment.
See that? This is who I am. I may not be able to perform miracles like making the lame walk, but I can certainly awaken a man who has succumbed to the Demonic Nature and lost consciousness. Though I hope his mind is still intact...
As they waited anxiously for him to fully regain his senses,
"Sect... Leader?"
"Oh! You recognize me?"
Barely conscious, Mujin startled at the sight of not only the Sect Leader but also the Elders present. He tried to sit up.
"It's alright. You're not well enough to move. Lie still."
"B-but..."
"It's alright, I said."
Zhuge Munhyeon pressed his hand firmly against Mujin's chest, taking Yeongyu's place in front of him.
Mujin's startled gaze snapped to Zhuge Munhyeon.
What are you looking at?
"He saved you."
"Huh?"
"Heh heh, you should thank him."
"Ah..."
Mujin didn't understand.
He remembered nothing after seeing the original Heavenly Demon's Mnemonic Verses within the collapsed space inside Taiji Cave.
But Zhuge Munhyeon had saved him?
His mind swirled with confusion, but since the Sect Leader had spoken, Mujin immediately offered his thanks.
"Thank you."
"..."
The words sounded forced, as if someone had told him to say them.
Though a sliver of sincerity seemed to linger in his tone, Zhuge Munhyeon nodded.
Those who awaken from the Demonic Nature usually look like this. Still, it's a relief. That you seem to be of sound mind. If you had become an imbecile, the grateful gazes the Wudang Sect casts upon me would have surely dimmed by half.
And I'm also grateful. Thanks to your Demonic Nature-induced rampage, no one is questioning my reckless decision to enter the Secret Cave without a plan. The blame has vanished, leaving only gratitude.
"Sect Leader, I... I..."
Mujin's face contorted.
Knowing he had succumbed to the Demonic Nature, embarrassment quickly gave way to guilt.
For a Daoist cultivator to be consumed by the Demonic Nature, expulsion from the sect was inevitable. Furthermore, he would have to sever his limbs and meridians, relinquishing everything he had received from Wudang. That was the established law.
"No. No. How can we place all the blame solely on you?"
Yeongyu soothed Mujin, as if understanding his feelings.
"Exactly! How could this be Mujin's fault? It was the Heavenly Demon's doing."
"Of course! To borrow our sect's sacred mountain for his Ascension and then commit such vile acts!"
"How could Mujin possibly overcome what the scourge of this era left behind?"
"Damn Heavenly Demon!"
"Bastard!"
"May you rot in a latrine and die!"
"..."
The Elders each poured out words defending Mujin.
Meanwhile, listening from the side...
These bastards! They're always so quick to hurl insults.
Zhuge Munhyeon struggled to suppress his murderous intent, wondering if he should start by cleansing Wudang of this filth before even considering Ascension.
Even if they didn't realize he was the one responsible, their words were far too harsh!
Just then, Yeongyu roared, glaring at the Elders: "Enough!"
"Sect Leader..."
"Tsk, tsk. How long will you keep blaming others?"
"Huh?"
"You Elders, who lead Wudang... what else could have driven Mujin to seek enlightenment in Taiji Cave to compensate for his shortcomings?"
"..."
"What else could have made him covet the Heavenly Demon's Mnemonic Verses? It's our fault for failing to release him from his restraints. We failed to teach him proper restraint!"
Yeongyu's thunderous rebuke silenced the Elders, who hung their heads like mutes with honey in their mouths.
All those words had come from Zhuge Munhyeon.
Shouldn't we blame our own shortcomings instead of others? How can we move forward like this? That's what I said. I couldn't bear to hear him insult himself any longer...
Fortunately, Yeongyu seemed to have undergone a change of heart. I felt a sense of accomplishment for having taught him well. Now, please stop cursing me. I even retrieved the Clear Yang Sword for you! And saved your disciple's life! Even though I was the cause of it all... I did everything I could, didn't I?
After glaring at the Elders for a long moment, Yeongyu's gaze softened as he turned to Zhuge Munhyeon.
"Hey."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"Thank you. I've said it many times, but it still doesn't feel like enough. Thank you, truly."
Yeongyu gripped Zhuge Munhyeon's hand tightly as he spoke.
His gaze was sincere.
Then the money... No, something like the Taicheong Divine Pill...
A fleetingly materialistic thought crossed Zhuge Munhyeon's mind, but he quickly dismissed it and uttered a magnanimous response:
"Aren't we family?"
"..."
"That's how I see it."
"Ah..."
Yeongyu couldn't hide his emotion at his words, a radiant smile spreading across his face.
Why is he trembling so much again? Even I have to admit, that was a pretty cool line.
The Elders' expressions shifted to near-reverence, while Yeonghwa wore an expression of proud satisfaction, as if thinking, That's my nephew.
Everywhere Zhuge Munhyeon went, whispers followed him, all roughly translating to "the best."
Is this what it feels like to have your shoulders puff up with pride? Hmm... what should I do?
Zhuge Munhyeon glanced subtly at Mujin, then made his decision.
What the heck? Might as well strike while the iron's hot. Strictly speaking, he is my disciple. Though I never intended it, our connection stemmed from the enlightenment I imparted in my final years. Who knows? This brat might prove to be a great help later on. Of course, that would only be true if he overcame the trials ahead and truly matured.
"Sect Leader, Elders."
"What is it?"
"May I speak with Daoist Mujin for a moment?"
"Mujin?"
"Yes."
The sudden request drew puzzled looks from Yeongyu and the Elders.
Now was the time for explanation.
"Mujin has already drawn upon his True Origin. Even if he recovers, his life as a Daoist martial artist is over."
"..."
"Fortunately, there is still a way."
The drooping spirits of the Wudang High Command perked up.
Are they talking about resurrection?
"Demonic Qi I sealed remains within Mujin's body."
"De-Demonic Qi? What does that mean? Could it be...?"
"Isn't it said that Yin and Yang were born from chaos? Taiji itself emerged from this primordial state, meaning good and evil were originally one. Therefore, achieving Yin-Yang Union must be the ultimate state of the supreme Dao, wouldn't you agree?"
"...H-how do you know about that?"
You're surprised again, aren't you? This is what Wudang has taught for centuries—the Yin-Yang Theory. How do I know it? I'm someone who cultivated Ascension on Mount Wudang. I've read every book in Taiji Cave and even undergone the Purity Restoration process, transforming the Demonic Qi within my body into pure energy for Ascension. But that explanation won't satisfy your curiosity.
"I found it written in Grand Ancestor Virtuous Celestial's Secret Cave."
"W-what? You mean he left behind writings?"
"Yes, though they were brief."
"Ah... Muryangsu-bul, Muryangsu-bul. Truly, fate is at play. You, who witnessed his final moments, sought to save Mujin. It seems everything was predetermined."
Munhyeon met Yeongyu's words with a faint smile.
Fate? What nonsense. I just pieced things together haphazardly. Anyway.
"Though Daoist Mujin obtained Demonic Qi through the Heavenly Demon's Mnemonic Verses, that power is merely a branch of the force originating from Primal Chaos. He should be able to convert it into Immortal Qi."
"What? Convert Demonic Qi into Immortal Qi?"
"Fortunately, I happen to know the method."
"What?!"
Everyone's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
They probably think it's absurd. They must be wondering how I could possibly know such a thing.
"That's how Formations work. As you know, some Formations can even alter the fundamental nature of what resides within them. But! Don't ask any further. This is a secret technique of the Zhuge Clan."
"..."
The question was effectively blocked by a clever blend of "I already know" and his appeal to "the greatness of Formations."
It's a secret technique. What are they going to do about it? Demand I reveal it immediately after I've shown them such immense favor?
"I will only reveal this to Daoist Mujin. And you must not ask him about it either. You must not disclose anything about my actions here to anyone. I am breaking a sacred taboo, after all. If you promise to keep this secret, I will ensure Mujin learns the truth."
The High Command fell into deep contemplation.
How could a Daoist possibly contain Demonic Qi?
But it was said that without this method, there would be no way to revive the broken Mujin.
"Let me ask one thing," Yeongyu said.
"Please speak."
"Is there no risk of him succumbing to the Demonic Nature again?"
"Well, that depends entirely on Daoist Mujin's actions."
"Hmm..."
Yeongyu frowned deeply, pondering for a long moment before slowly rising to his feet.
"...I'll entrust him to you."
With that, he left the room, accompanied by the Elders.
The only ones remaining were Mujin and Zhuge Munhyeon.
"U-um, is this really happening? Am I really...?"
"Yes."
"...Huh?"
Mujin looked bewildered at the sudden change in attitude. Just moments ago, this man had been so polite...
"Does my casual tone bother you?"
"It's not that, but..."
"From now on, I'll be your master. Think of me as an outer sect master, if you will."
"..."
"So, speaking informally is only natural, right?"
"Y-yes, that's right."
"Don't call me 'Master' in front of others. It'll make our relationship look strange. Just keep it in your heart. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now, I'll teach you how to convert the Demonic Qi sealed within your body into pure power."
Mujin lay still, listening intently.
Having been reduced to living in a pit of despair, how could he not cling to this single ray of hope with desperate fervor?
"Six axes have formed within your body. They're a kind of seal. You can't handle them all at once, but you should be able to manage them one by one."
"But how can I use Immortal Qi to—"
Before Mujin could finish his question, unable to contain his curiosity—
Whack!
Mujin was struck on the head.
"What the hell are you interrupting Master while he's speaking? He was about to explain!"
"...Yes, I'm sorry."
The blow immediately revealed Zhuge Munhyeon's true nature to Mujin: he showed no mercy, even to the sick, even to those confined to bed.
"Immortal Qi and Demonic Qi—humans distinguish them, but they're ultimately just different forms of energy. This stems from your understanding of Primal Chaos. In nature, there is neither good nor evil. However, if you were to envelop yourself in Demonic Qi, maximizing its killing intent, chaos would ensue. Thus, we transform its essence, purging the Demonic Qi and leaving only pure power behind. This process is called Purity Restoration."
"Purity Restoration?"
"Exactly. More importantly, your Demonic Nature has forcibly opened your Middle Dantian."
"M-Middle Dantian?"
Zhuge Munhyeon frowned at Mujin's constant surprise. With a swift gesture, he raised his hand.
"I apologize. I'll keep my mouth shut and listen carefully."
"Good. Let's do well."
"Yes."
"Anyway, it depends on your efforts, but you've already achieved a level of Aura that you can't even use yet."
"..."
"It's like all the walls have crumbled. A kind of Heavenly Fortune, but also a calamity. So, cultivate diligently. Someday, you might become a Daoist representing Wudang."
As Zhuge Munhyeon explained the Purity Restoration method in detail, Mujin thought:
How does he know all this? And...
Whack!
Another blow to the head.
"Seriously! Can't you focus? I'm explaining this to you, and you keep spacing out and acting up!"
"..."
Mujin realized again:
Zhuge Munhyeon seems to be able to read my thoughts. I need to be more careful.
📝 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