Chapter 64
Chapter 64
Translator: Penny
Chapter 64
The Era of Decline.
The Zhuge Clan was crumbling bit by bit, like a small fish being devoured by piranhas in a stagnant pool.
As the Patriarch of the Zhuge Clan, Zhuge Dowon bore the full weight of responsibility and was forced to witness the clan's decline in excruciating detail.
What tormented him most was the inability to regain his confidence, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't shake the feeling that they would never rise again.
But!
Recently, only good things had been happening.
It was as if kindling a fire was difficult, but once ignited, the flames spread rapidly.
The first spark was the Honyeon Faction.
Their annihilation, which had stood like an impenetrable fortress, cleared the path eastward. Joyang merchants flocked to the Yanghyeon Branch, seeking protection, causing the branch to expand.
The second success was Danggangu and Wudang.
Thanks to their friendly relationship with Wudang, Danggangu achieved remarkable stability despite deploying only a small number of martial artists.
Later, as profits from the waterways began to flow in earnest, their perpetually deficit-ridden finances finally rebounded.
The Stewardship Office, seizing this opportunity, voluntarily worked overtime and even through the night to expand their operations.
And thirdly, the long-awaited results of Zhuge Munhyeon's transformative efforts with the Minor Heavenly Star Art finally materialized.
The graduates of the Heavenly Star Pavilion displayed unprecedented skill.
While this single success might not seem significant, it was the first spoonful of what would soon become a full bowl of rice.
Ancestors, ancestors. Thank you.
Patriarch Zhuge Dowon mentally repeated the same words countless times as he praised his younger brother, Zhuge Doyun, during their tea ceremony.
"I've said it before, but you've truly raised a remarkable son."
"You flatter me, brother." Zhuge Doyun sipped his tea, looking slightly embarrassed.
Though his heart swelled with pride, he knew better than to boast like a doting parent.
"If you're going to be so modest, at least lower the corners of your mouth."
"Ah..."
Despite his intentions, his expression betrayed his true feelings.
"So, the inspection of the Eight Trigrams Formation is nearing completion, I hear?"
"That's correct. Munhyeon has completed ten inspections across eight sections over the past month. We only need to inspect the outermost first section now."
"I'm truly grateful. This is a remarkable achievement. He's a real blessing to the family."
"It wasn't just Munhyeon's work, you know. Everyone from the Byeongju Hall and the entire family contributed. I don't think the family has ever been so united as they are now."
"Yes, yes."
This was another source of deep satisfaction. The family, both direct and collateral branches, had rallied together solely for the sake of progress.
"But shouldn't we test the interconnections between the formations?"
"Hmm. My son, who tested them directly, suggested grouping a few sections together for testing..."
"And?"
"Even he seems uncertain. The formation's Aura is just too powerful."
"Munhyeon himself is unsure?"
"According to him, he could probably break through two sections, but three would be difficult. It's just an estimate, but he said that unless you're a martial artist with Aura, it would be nearly impossible to breach the Eight Trigrams Formation when fully activated."
"Really?"
"Don't get your hopes up too high. It's just his prediction."
"Come now, why are you being so cautious? Anyone would think you're a stranger."
"Huh?"
"Who in the Zhuge Clan doesn't know Munhyeon's capabilities?"
"Ah, well..."
"Didn't the Master of the Yuzhen Palace say it himself when we met him? That Munhyeon's skills are utterly unfathomable... That boy is definitely hiding something we don't know about."
As the Patriarch grew increasingly excited and his words lengthened, Zhuge Doyun wore a bitter smile.
That would be ideal, but... it was such a waste of his extraordinary talent in formations and mechanisms. He could have become the greatest Formation Master in the world... After all, he had single-handedly breached the Eight Trigrams Formation already installed in the Virtuous Celestial's Secret Cave.
"Hmm, should I give it a try?"
"Pardon?"
"I mean, inspect the Eight Trigrams Formation. I'm still better than your son at this, after all..."
"Absolutely not!"
Zhuge Doyun vehemently opposed the suggestion, leaping to his feet.
"How could you even consider entering such a dangerous place, Patriarch? Your safety is paramount! As Head of the Byeongju Hall, I cannot allow this under any circumstances."
"Come now, I was just joking."
"Even in jest, please refrain from such remarks."
"Understood, understood. Now that the Eight Trigrams Formation is fully established, we're entering a new phase."
"You mean this? Thanks to Wudang's efforts, the north is now stable. We should drive out the remaining Heretical Factions and reclaim the region South of the Yangtze, just like in the old days."
"Yes, yes, that's right. Absolutely."
Zhuge Dowon nodded in satisfaction, his voice brimming with renewed vigor.
Within the next decade, the Zhuge Clan would reclaim its former glory.
However...
"By the way, the recent developments in the Central Plains are ominous."
"Why? Is there any movement?"
"Hmm... News is limited due to the blockade, but according to travelers, Martial Families across the region are mobilizing."
"Another new wind is blowing."
"A foul wind indeed. So strong that the Zhuge Clan's sails can't even determine which direction to head."
"Namgung's request for a visit must be related to this, then?"
"Exactly. Like the other clans, they likely intend to place us beneath them. Their decision to visit in person rather than inquire by letter suggests they're determined to reach a definitive conclusion."
"Hmm..."
The Zhuge Clan held a pivotal position in the Martial World. Though they possessed no martial strength of their own, everyone coveted their influence. This was especially true during times of war and chaos. They understood that brute force alone couldn't secure dominance.
In a chaotic battle, conserving strength and aligning with the eventual victor was the key to success. The Zhuge Clan's strategies made this possible. When multiple factions united, someone had to coordinate them, and the Zhuge Clan had long served in that role.
Under the guise of an "Alliance," they had sought out promising factions, offering their wisdom in exchange for guaranteed safety. Though the arrangement was presented as mutual aid, it was essentially a case of "the fox borrowing the tiger's might." This survival strategy had been chosen by those lacking sufficient power.
But the situation had now changed. It was no longer easy to decide whom to align with. Moreover, even if the Zhuge Clan made a choice, they would inevitably find themselves in danger. The enemies of the chosen clan would target the Zhuge Clan first, seeking to eliminate them.
Above all, Hubei occupied the heart of the realm. It was a strategic location from which one could expand in any direction, yet it was also vulnerable to attacks from all sides. To the east lay Anhui, to the west Sichuan. North of the Yangtze River, the Nine Great Sects stood in force, while south of the river, the Heretical Factions had established their formations.
In this era where even the Orthodox Factions viewed each other as enemies, the weakest among them found themselves besieged on all sides, like a lone soldier surrounded by enemy forces.
"That's why the Eight Trigrams Formation is so crucial."
"I understand. We may not be able to conquer the world, but no one will dare to invade us."
"Indeed. There will likely be much speculation about the Namgung Clan's visit."
"Forces from all corners will try to discern our intentions."
"Exactly."
"It's regrettable. If only the Main Clan had been better prepared."
"What's done is done. We can only be grateful that things are changing, even now..."
"I feel deeply sorry that I can't help you, knowing how difficult this must be for you."
Seeing Zhuge Doyun's troubled expression, Zhuge Dowon immediately brightened his face and let out a hearty laugh.
"Ah, come now! Where else would I find someone as invaluable as you? Without you, the Eight Trigrams Formation would have remained a mere legend. And without your son, how could we have even dreamed of rebuilding?"
"Patriarch..."
"Ha ha! Since becoming Patriarch, I haven't felt this good in ages. So don't worry so much."
"I'm grateful for your kind words."
"Speaking of which... what do you think about entrusting the Young Patriarch position to Munhyeon?"
"Pardon?"
"We won't adopt him as our heir, but consider it."
"Patriarch..."
"Ah, come now. I'm only asking you to consider it for the sake of the clan."
"Hmm... I'll ask him, but he absolutely detests such positions..."
Zhuge Dowon. Tragically, he had no sons. Initially, he had planned to adopt Zhuge Munho, the son of his deceased younger brother, and name him Young Patriarch. But his resolve wavered. Zhuge Munhyeon had achieved too much.
It was then that...
"Patriarch! Patriarch!"
"...?"
It was Zhuge Munho. Why was he so frantic?
Deciding it would be better to ask him directly rather than have him enter, Zhuge Dowon opened the door and stepped out. He frowned at the sight of Zhuge Munho, drenched in sweat.
"What's wrong?"
"The Namgung Clan has arrived!"
"The Namgung Clan? Already?"
"Yes, Patriarch."
They must have encountered them while inspecting the formation. But why the long face?
"You must go immediately! At this rate, everyone will die!"
"...?"
Zhuge Dowon and Zhuge Doyun exchanged puzzled glances at the nonsensical words.
If guests had arrived, the Head of the Reception Hall would surely greet them with proper courtesy... Die?
"That Munhyeon... he's finally gone too far..."
"Munhyeon? Boy, calm down and speak clearly. Why are you leaving out the most important details? The Namgung Clan has arrived, and you're saying people are dying? What does Munhyeon have to do with this? Could a fight have broken out?"
Frustrated by the Patriarch's impatience, Zhuge Munho took a deep breath and explained the situation in detail:
The Namgung Clan's visit.
His conversation with Zhuge Munhyeon.
As the Patriarch and Zhuge Doyun listened to the full account, their jaws dropped in disbelief.
"This fucking madman!"
Cursing aloud, the words escaped their lips simultaneously.
Even if the Namgung Clan had shown disrespect towards their family, how could he use the guise of assistance to trap them in the Formation, and then activate the Third Section? This wasn't help for inspection; it was an outright death sentence!
This was beyond chaos. Zhuge Munhyeon had seemed like the spark that would reignite their family's revival. But now, as if possessed by madness, he had acted in a way that would not only burn brightly but incinerate the entire house.
He had targeted the Nine Splitting Sword and the Heavenly Wind Unit, the martial representatives of the Namgung Clan, as well as Namgung Yu, their direct descendant. If even one of them were harmed, the Namgung Clan would never stand idly by. War...
"Ah... Why?! Why the Namgung Clan?! They say patience three times over can avert even murder. So what if they were slightly disrespected? Why did he have to force them into the Formation?! And into a Formation whose combined power hadn't even been verified yet...
"Head of the Byeongju Hall! Summon all retainers to the entrance of the Third Section of the Eight Trigrams Formation immediately! Hurry!"
"Yes, sir!"
With that shout, Zhuge Dowon sprinted forward at a speed that would have torn the hem of his scholar's robe.
Zhuge Doyun followed suit.
Ah, what is this mad son of mine thinking... Yet, as a father, he couldn't help but first consider how to mitigate the consequences the clan would impose based on the outcome of this reckless act.
📝 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