Chapter 66
Chapter 66
Translator: Penny
Chapter 66
But the others saw things differently.
Zhuge Dowon and Namgung Cheonung stared at Zhuge Munhyeon with shocked eyes.
Namgung Cheonung's astonishment was beyond words.
Namgung Yu, the Patriarch's son, was a warrior who had reached the Ejection Qi stage, even if he lacked experience. Given his formidable movements and the internal energy coursing through his body, how could he be defeated in a single strike?
But this was no time for admiration.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
Namgung Cheonung finally regained his composure and erupted in fury, causing the warriors of the Heavenly Wind Unit to unleash their killing intent.
Sorry. He hadn't meant for this to happen either. He had just reacted instinctively when the man suddenly threw a punch. But when he glared at him with such undisguised hostility... it made him feel uneasy. Should he just knock him down?
He was clenching his fist, lost in thought, when a voice cut through the air.
"Namgung Cheonung, withdraw your intent."
"..."
The Patriarch approached slowly and with regal dignity, his expression displeased.
"Patriarch!"
"..."
"What do you intend to do about this situation?"
"What do you mean?"
"You saw it yourself! That man attacked the Main Clan's—"
"Hold there."
The Patriarch cut off Namgung Cheonung's furious tirade with a low voice.
"Before we discuss that, shouldn't we address your own misconduct first?"
"What?"
"I've heard the name 'Nine Splitting Sword' shakes the Four Seas. Is your decorum inferior to your martial prowess?"
"What are you implying?"
"Who do you think I am, standing before you? No matter how powerful the Namgung Clan may be, a mere servant who handles menial tasks addressing the patriarch of another clan... as 'Patriarch'? I've never heard of such etiquette."
Menial tasks? This bastard!
Though suddenly humiliated, Namgung Cheonung quickly realized his mistake.
He had been the one to speak carelessly first.
Even if the clan was weak, disrespecting its patriarch was an act of rudeness worse than that of a third-rate thug.
"I... I apologize for that. I was momentarily agitated. But striking an envoy? Yu is the son of our Patriarch!"
"And what's the problem with that?"
"Huh?"
"I understand that Patriarch Namgung considers this matter important enough to send his son. But what wrong has Munhyeon done?"
"Of course...!"
"To my eyes, it appeared your son attacked first, forcing Munhyeon to retaliate in self-defense. Moreover, I sensed a faint killing intent. If Munhyeon hadn't intervened... it seems I should be the one holding you accountable."
Namgung Cheonung couldn't immediately respond to this flawless argument. He had to rack his brain for an answer.
It was true that his nephew had attacked first.
But killing intent?
"Hmm, how should I lodge a protest with the Namgung Clan? Using a killing blow against a member of another clan is tantamount to declaring war..."
"P-Patriarch! War?"
"Then what other reason could there be for such an unprovoked attack?"
The plan to intimidate his opponent before negotiations had already failed.
He hadn't been able to breach the Formation.
It wasn't that they feared war with the Zhuge Clan.
But if they were drawn into a conversation with him, they risked losing their justification for conflict. Worse, if they were falsely accused, seizing control of the Zhuge Clan would become an impossible dream.
What would they tell the Patriarch upon their return?
That despite launching the first attack, they had failed, souring relations with the Zhuge Clan?
Such an explanation was unthinkable.
Damn it, he had no choice but to yield for now...
Though his pride stung, Namgung Cheonung quickly composed himself, suppressing his anger and calming his mind.
"Patriarch, the situation may appear as such, but it's a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?"
"Yes. While Yu acted rashly, Zhuge's son first trapped our envoys in a Formation..."
"Trapped them in a Formation?"
"Precisely."
Zhuge Dowon, who had been merely repeating the end of Namgung Cheonung's sentences, turned his head at the man's reply.
"Munhyeon-ah."
"Yes, Patriarch."
He treated others so differently from his own family. It was enough to make his blood boil for no reason. His gaze was as warm as spring sunlight, and his tone as gentle as a spring breeze, almost lulling him to sleep. No wonder he couldn't just declare, 'I was the Heavenly Demon!'
"He said they offered to help us inspect the Formation... Did you report falsely to me?"
"Of course not! Look at this. It's a signed agreement personally endorsed by the Nine Splitting Sword himself."
Zhuge Munhyeon retrieved the carefully folded agreement from his robes and presented it to the Patriarch.
Proof spoke louder than words, right? Namgung, did he have anything like this? He did.
The Patriarch accepted the fluttering agreement, read it thoroughly, nodded, and then turned his gaze to Namgung Cheonung.
"Hmm... 'I will assist in inspecting the Zhuge Clan's Formation. This choice was made of my own volition, and the Zhuge Clan bears no responsibility.' Is that what this says?"
"..."
"Are you suggesting the signature below is forged?"
"Th-that's..."
Namgung Cheonung could no longer argue. He grimaced, defeated.
Zhuge Munhyeon, watching his face flush crimson, then turn pale, then purple, struggled to suppress a burst of laughter.
Well done, our Patriarch! As befitting the leader of the Zhuge Clan, his verbal sparring skills were unmatched in the world.
"Hmm, what to do? As envoys, we should welcome you as guests. But after your side resorted to a killing blow, how could I face my clan if I treated you well? What a pity. Thank you for coming, but it's time for you to leave."
"Huh?"
"What else can we do? Everyone here clearly disapproves. As Patriarch, I can't ignore the feelings of my clan members, can I? Tell Patriarch Namgung that I appreciate his sentiment, but that's all."
It was a clean expulsion order, leaving no room for argument.
He almost wanted to applaud.
But then...
"Patriarch!"
"What is it?"
"You know why I came here, don't you?"
Namgung Cheonung's eyes narrowed, his voice deepening with a heavy edge.
He must be getting impatient. He had only observed Yungjungsan from afar, struggling to breach the formation before being driven away. He'd have nothing to report back to his clan. But why was he glaring like that? It was making even his nonexistent killing intent surge.
"Purpose? You mean your request to become the Namgung Clan's strategist?"
"Depending on the circumstances, this might not remain a request."
A chilling blue light flickered in his eyes.
That bastard was openly threatening their esteemed Patriarch?
Yet Zhuge Dowon remained utterly composed, his expression unchanged.
"Depending on the circumstances... Very well, let it be so."
"Huh?"
"If you insist on dragging your clan's honor through the mud, what can I do to stop you?"
"Dragging our honor through the mud?"
"Tell me, do you truly believe this visit has remained a secret?"
"..."
"Of course not. Everyone is likely on edge, wondering if we might be joining forces with the Namgung Clan. Though our clan has declined, the name of Zhuge still carries weight."
"What are you trying to say?"
"Exactly as I said."
"Please clarify your meaning."
"Hmm, since you don't seem to understand, let me explain."
Zhuge Dowon continued speaking with the solemnity of a teacher instructing a slow-witted child.
"The name Nine Splitting Sword has shaken Anhui to its core, and they say the Heavenly Wind Unit leaves not a single blade of grass in its wake."
"..."
"Yet you, who are said to be so formidable, barely managed to survive an encounter with the Zhuge Clan's Formation."
"Th-that's...!"
"The world will say, 'Namgung's sword has lost its edge,' or 'They're not as impressive as we thought.' And now, with you coming here to threaten us, I might just add a few words of my own."
Namgung Cheonung's eyes widened so fiercely they seemed about to tear.
"Their pride might be wounded, and they might immediately return to threaten us. But could the Namgung Clan truly succeed alone?"
"What do you mean?"
"As I said, the Zhuge Clan's name carries weight. Though I may be the weakest among them, I pride myself on being indispensable to all. What do you think? You were stopped at the second Formation. Adding more Formations would exponentially increase their power. What if I activated all Eight Formations, sealed off Yungjungsan, and declared myself the strategist who would help neighboring clans crush the Namgung Clan?"
"...!"
"Let me ask again: I would stop at nothing to protect my clan. Could the Namgung Clan withstand such an assault?"
Namgung Cheonung's wide eyes remained fixed, unable to close. Even Zhuge Munhyeon, standing beside him, couldn't suppress his shock and whipped his head around to stare at Zhuge Dowon.
This was beyond imagination.
To turn an opponent's threat back on them with just a few words.
The Patriarch had simultaneously highlighted the Zhuge Clan's strengths while acknowledging their weakness compared to other factions, completely reversing the situation.
The Zhuge Clan, desired by both righteous and demonic factions alike.
Depending on how they positioned themselves, they could easily ignite a fierce power struggle.
While not everyone would join the fray, some would inevitably be drawn into the conflict, turning against the Namgung Clan.
Of course, all of this was made possible by the Eight Trigrams Formation.
Having personally experienced their power, Namgung Cheonung would immediately realize that attacking the Zhuge Clan had become far more complicated.
If they couldn't even breach two formations, how could the Namgung Clan's main forces hope to break through all eight?
In such a precarious situation, could they repel an external enemy attacking the Namgung Clan?
Countless complex considerations must have been swirling through his mind.
Incredible, truly incredible. To assess the entire situation in an instant and devise such a strategic move.
He couldn't help but admire the Patriarch.
He had been such a nuisance when he was with the Demonic Cult, but now that he was part of their family, he was so dependable.
"If you have nothing more to say, you may leave now. We'll provide a cart to carry your injured."
"..."
Another expulsion order.
Namgung Cheonung, unable to argue or threaten further, commanded his martial artists, "...Carry Yu on your backs."
Refusing the cart seemed to be his last shred of pride.
Their retreating figures were utterly pathetic.
"Patriarch."
The retainers who had rushed over beamed at their Patriarch, their faces radiating pride. They had not only overcome minor Heretical Factions like the Honyeon Faction but had also sent back the Namgung Clan's main force of martial artists.
But had the Zhuge Clan's retainers truly been unaware of how to break free from their predicament? Trapped within their own shells, all they needed was decisive action.
And then...
"Munhyeon."
"Yes, Patriarch."
"How fares it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Has there been a response?"
"Huh?"
"Heh heh, trying to feign modesty like father, like son? You of all people should already know what I'm about to say."
"..."
"It's fine. What's wrong with showcasing your brilliance? After considering your words, the answer became clear. We don't need to be manipulated; we can navigate this situation perfectly well by leveraging the Zhuge Clan's strengths."
Hmm, him? He just wanted to knock the Namgung Clan down a peg because he couldn't stand their arrogance, you know?
"Isn't this the person you described as the one who controls the sails? Whether the wind is favorable or against us, the outcome depends entirely on how we steer."
"..."
"Aha, you rascal! Still playing coy to the end? Very well, I understand. As Patriarch, I'll strive even harder. Hahahaha!"
The Patriarch winked at the bewildered Zhuge Munhyeon, then ordered the repair of the damaged Formation and Mechanisms before returning to the Main Clan.
Hmph, it wasn't true... He wasn't that clever...
"Well done, Munhyeon. It seems this father has wrongly doubted you."
"..."
At the Patriarch's words, even his Father couldn't suppress his pride, as if he had finally grasped the full scope of the situation.
The retainers showered praise upon praise.
He felt good. Then let's go with that. It was all part of his plan from the start. What did it matter? The Zhuge Clan had already begun walking a new path.
However...
He couldn't just let them go.
A chilling glint flickered in Zhuge Munhyeon's eyes as he watched the retreating warriors of the Namgung Clan.
The Zhuge Clan's son had finished his task, but the Heavenly Demon still had work to do.
Why were they glaring like that? And that formation they destroyed? That was all money.
📝 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