Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Translator: Penny
Episode 9
A towering pillar.
Zhuge Munhyeon sat on the narrow summit, doing nothing more than sitting.
No Affinity Array—a platform so high that fate itself could not reach it.
A fitting name.
He turned his head from side to side, and the world stretched out below him, dizzyingly distant.
A slight movement, and he felt he would plummet into the endless abyss.
Of course, this was only true for him.
To an outsider, he would simply appear to be sitting at his desk, studying his calligraphy as usual.
Hmph, look at this brat.
Han Siheon's move was utterly contemptible.
Now he understood perfectly why he had suddenly been trapped within this Formation.
To break his spirit.
A normal seven-year-old might have been broken by this.
Even someone born with innate talent would likely burst into tears and beg for their life if suddenly thrust into a perilous situation with their surroundings transformed.
So, our adorable Master wants to challenge me to a fight? A battle of wills is still a battle. And I can't afford to lose.
Zhuge Munhyeon, his gaze fixed beyond the Formation, smirked at Han Siheon, his competitive spirit burning fiercely.
Young scholar, you've gravely underestimated me.
Of course, Han Siheon couldn't see him.
Munhyeon was merely looking in the general direction where he likely was.
Lowering his gaze to the Myeongsim Bogam spread open on the desk, he said, "You want me to stay inside until I've finished reading this? Fine by me."
Even better.
Zhuge Munhyeon needed time to practice the Minor Heavenly Star Art anyway, so it was only proper to gratefully accept this opportunity his Master had provided.
And it was safe, too.
His Master, having initiated this battle of wills, would never deactivate the Formation or allow anyone to approach.
Thank you, Master.
Zhuge Munhyeon straightened his back and closed his eyes.
First, focus on breathing...
"Hah!"
Han Siheon couldn't help but feel utterly bewildered.
This type of Formation only projected illusions to those trapped inside, leaving Zhuge Munhyeon's appearance clearly visible from the outside.
But what was this reaction?
Even if he wasn't startled, there should have been at least a flinch of surprise.
But he's smiling? He even seemed to stare intently at me within the Formation before closing his eyes completely. What is this...?
Just in case, he verified the Formation's integrity, but it was flawless.
The Formation was perfect.
Yet instead of being terrified, the boy was calmly meditating.
Who would believe such a thing?
That a mere seven-year-old could remain so composed even atop the No Affinity Array?
And to make matters worse, he had even declared war on him with provocative defiance.
This brat... he truly intends to go through with this? Very well, let's see how long he can endure. Closing his eyes without even glancing at the book is a clear declaration of war against me. I've trained countless disciples. I can't possibly lose to a seven-year-old. Zhuge Munhyeon has already begun a battle he's destined to lose. No matter how strong his spirit or how unfazed he is by the Formation, he can't withstand hunger. I'm stubborn too, Munhyeon.
In the end, it was a battle of endurance.
And when it came to endurance, he was second to none.
After all, researching Formations meant enduring countless failures without giving up, persevering through endless hours of patient effort.
Knowing that the first to rise would lose, Han Siheon waited for Zhuge Munhyeon to react.
But simply watching and waiting made time drag on endlessly.
As time passed, Han Siheon's legs began to ache and tingle, but he refused to give up.
Even the child is standing so straight...
He gritted his teeth and began reciting the Myeongsim Bogam aloud.
It was the only book he had at the moment.
By then, the sun had climbed to its zenith.
Baek Suhyeon and Sohye, who were preparing lunch in the distance while observing their studies, couldn't help but feel deeply satisfied.
Look at their dedication!
The Master recited the text while the disciple closed his eyes, listening intently and pondering its meaning.
"Chief Han is truly an excellent Master," Sohye remarked.
"The Hall Master wouldn't have chosen just anyone to be the Young Master's teacher," Baek Suhyeon replied.
"That's true."
"But if you skip lunch like this, you must be hungry..." Sohye said, her voice filled with concern.
Baek Suhyeon shook her head. "It can't be helped. Though he hasn't said it, Munhyeon must be deeply disheartened by being barred from the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion. My Lord, understanding his feelings, has assigned him a Literary Tutor. How precious this time must be for him! Look how focused he is even now."
"You're right," Sohye agreed.
"Let's wait. It pains me to see him skipping meals... but look how engrossed he is in his studies."
"Yes, Madam."
The two women watched Zhuge Munhyeon, who was truly admirable, and Han Siheon, who was passionately reading the Myeongsim Bogam, with contented smiles. They withdrew the carefully prepared meal.
How much time had passed?
As the sun dipped behind the western mountains, it unfurled a crimson carpet across the sky.
The light seemed to dye the entire world red, and Zhuge Munhyeon's face flushed as if painted with rouge.
It's done. It's finally done.
His heart swelled with pride.
The Minor Heavenly Star Art had been perfected.
Through a unique method of transforming his mental cultivation technique, he had finally forged a Core.
All in a single day... A speed that would leave others stunned, but what else would you expect from the Heavenly Demon? Hmm, could it be because of this Prestigious Clan lineage? My bones and muscles are remarkably sturdy. Even my blood vessels are resilient.
As he forged the Core, Zhuge Munhyeon thoroughly examined his own body and found himself deeply satisfied.
He hadn't been born with something as extraordinary as the Heavenly Martial Constitution, but his physique was perfectly suited for martial arts cultivation.
Strong bones and muscles to endure training, along with meridians capable of circulating energy smoothly, would be sufficient.
Now that I've formed my Core, it shouldn't take long to surpass the peak and reach the Transcendent Peak through diligent training of my body and accumulation of Internal Energy. Roughly ten years? With my extensive experience, that should be enough. However, transcending the innate limitations of my physical body won't be easy, even with enlightenment. Most martial artists are blocked by this wall, wasting their lives before facing Power Dissipation. But surely there must be a way. After achieving Great Completion in the Minor Heavenly Star Art, I'll just capture and devour a Spiritual Beast, then undergo Body Metamorphosis to completely transform my physique. I've already done that. Is that all? I had achieved Reversion to Simplicity, a legendary realm, and transcended physical aging through Reversion to Youth. And after that? Ascension. I will achieve it no matter what. My ultimate goal. Well, if I actually ascend, I might find new goals, but for now, this is it. Of course, this time will be different. I won't rely on others. I trusted Yu Gilcheon, that damned bastard, and he fed me some nonsense that led to this mess. I'll find my own way. In the process, I inadvertently achieved rebirth, though not Ascension itself. This means Yu Gilcheon's method can't be entirely dismissed. I'll use it as a foundation and refine it step by step.
Gurgle.
"..."
Trapped within the Formation, unable to see the outside world, I've lost track of time. But my stomach is growling. It's time to eat.
He slowly opened his eyes and found himself still on the No Affinity Array.
If I said, "Master, I'm hungry," I could probably satisfy my hunger. But that would be admitting defeat. Can I afford to lose? Hmm, let's see...
Zhuge Munhyeon squinted around, his eyes barely open. Knowing it was an illusion, he felt no fear.
But I can't just walk out, can I? To banish this thing, I need a perfect victory. And through that victory, I'll prove to you that your skills are far too lacking to teach me.
Zhuge Munhyeon rose to his feet.
Crack!
His stiff body protested with a series of groans.
"Ugh, my whole body aches. How long has it been?"
He grumbled, stretching his stiff, throbbing muscles.
As his movements eased, he shifted his feet in all directions, probing the Formation's True Intent.
Formation.
In the past, I would have simply crushed it with brute force. But without my Internal Power, I have to decipher it. Surely I'm not lacking even basic knowledge? Though not as thorough as the Zhuge Clan's teachings, my foundational studies had been more than sufficient. Once the principles are understood, unraveling the Formation is straightforward. It begins with Yin and Yang, upon which the Five Elements are layered, followed by the Eight Trigrams, each addition amplifying the Formation's potency. Unless Han Siheon is completely insane, he wouldn't use a Formation incorporating the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams on a seven-year-old child.
The moment the Five Elements were incorporated, the Formation gained tangible destructive power. With the Eight Trigrams added, it could unleash infinite variations, sometimes even shaking the mind and plunging one into the grip of inner demons.
But he was his father's subordinate.
Even if he intended to break his son's stubbornness, he wouldn't have used such a formation on him.
As Zhuge Munhyeon shifted his feet, a slight distortion appeared in one part of the formation's illusion, distinct from the rest.
A gap.
What was commonly known as the Life Gate.
While advanced formations could dynamically shift their Life Gate based on the trapped person's movements, basic formations like this one couldn't possibly have such a feature.
Zhuge Munhyeon chuckled and stepped toward the Life Gate.
Though the illusion showed empty space that appeared to lead to a cliff, when he placed his foot there, the illusion vanished completely, revealing the floor beneath his sole.
With his second step, Zhuge Munhyeon broke free of the formation and returned to the original space. Only then did he realize how much time had passed.
Dusk had fallen, and the room was dim. It seemed evening had long since passed.
Zhuge Munhyeon rubbed his rumbling stomach and called out to Baek Suhyeon, who was standing some distance away.
"Mother, I'm hungry! Please give me some food!"
"Alright, just wait a little longer."
Baek Suhyeon, who had been eagerly awaiting the end of class, began bustling around with Sohye.
To onlookers, they simply appeared to be students who had finished studying and were now getting up to leave.
But what about Han Siheon's perspective?
His expression was priceless.
His eyes widened to the size of lanterns, and his jaw dropped open. He looked as if he had just seen a monster.
Heh, you're really shocked, aren't you? Looks like I scared the soul right out of you.
Zhuge Munhyeon grinned at him and said, "Master, aren't you hungry?"
"..."
"Have dinner before you leave. I'm going to check on Sohye."
Han Siheon could only blink, speechless, as Zhuge Munhyeon bowed deeply and disappeared.
What on earth just happened?
He had seen him rise.
He had thought he had won.
After all, the boy hadn't eaten anything all day.
But contrary to his expectations, Zhuge Munhyeon stood still for a moment before beginning to move subtly.
What is he doing?
At first, Han Siheon was puzzled, but he soon realized the boy was examining the Formation.
A seven-year-old... studying the Formation?
Moments later, Zhuge Munhyeon moved, walking through the Life Gate without the slightest hesitation.
Stunned by the surreal situation, Han Siheon's mind went blank, and he couldn't even respond to Zhuge Munhyeon's words.
How... how is this possible?
Just then, a voice called out:
"Chief Han, still teaching?"
"..."
"Hahaha, don't look at me like that! I couldn't contain my curiosity. But I did finish all my work before coming here. Really!"
Zhuge Doyun, feeling guilty under Han Siheon's blank stare, quickly offered an explanation.
"Come on, man! Why don't you believe me? Do you really think I'd neglect my duties just to check on my son's studies?"
Though slightly hurt, Zhuge Doyun couldn't resist asking the question he'd been holding back.
"So, how did it go? Was he keeping up with your teachings?"
"..."
Zhuge Doyun.
The Head of the Byeongju Hall of the Zhuge Clan, responsible for strategy, tactics, and formations.
He had perfectly resurrected the Eight Trigrams Formation, which had only existed in records...
"Ah!"
Han Siheon, his dazed focus snapping back, suddenly regained his senses.
So that's it. That's how it was. Otherwise, there's no explanation.
He frowned and asked, "Did you perhaps teach your son the Formation?"
"Huh?"
"I had no idea... Ugh, do you know how shocked I was? You didn't even give me a hint!"
"Eung?"
Zhuge Doyun blinked in confusion, his expression bewildered as Han Siheon shook his head irritably.
📝 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