Chapter 596: Zhuge (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 596: Zhuge (4)
I entered the room with the Immortal Healer.
As soon as he stepped inside, he frowned at the sight of the place.
“This room is quite a disaster…”
Hearing his words, I laughed awkwardly.
Just as the Immortal Healer said, the room was a complete wreck. The only lamp had been shattered for some reason, and the only piece of furniture—a table—was split clean in half.
It was the result of me being unable to contain my anger last night. I could have called a servant to clean it up before I left, but I hadn't bothered. It felt a bit awkward to ask them to tidy up a mess I’d made in a fit of rage.
I extended my hand.
Vwoom!
Qi erupted from my fingertips, levitating the scattered debris into the air one by one. I was immediately reminded of what Moyong Hi-ah had said yesterday.
‘Why on earth would you use Spatial Art for something like this?’
To others, it might seem like a ridiculous waste of power. But once you try it yourself, there’s nothing more convenient—even if it does consume an absurd amount of internal Qi, making it horribly inefficient.
After I had tidied the room, the Immortal Healer plopped down in an empty spot and spoke.
“I don’t need any tea.”
“I don’t have any tea to serve you, nor a table to put it on.”
“...”
As if I’d have something like tea in my room. I received plenty of gifts from various places, but I never bothered carrying them around. Not only did I not enjoy them, but they were also a hassle to manage.
“I have water, though. Should I get you some?”
“…Alright.”
“Ah, my apologies. On second thought, I don’t have any water either.”
“...”
I replied sheepishly. I hadn’t even brought drinking water into the room.
“It’s fine… I didn’t come here for a drink.”
“Yes.”
I was about to look for something else, but at the Immortal Healer’s words, I sat down on the floor as well. There was no need for further preamble, so I got straight to the point.
“So, what was it you were about to say earlier?”
“...”
As I asked, the Immortal Healer’s expression turned grim.
‘He said something big would happen in Henan soon.’
Those were not words I could easily dismiss.
“Did you say something is going to happen in Henan?”
“Yes… I don’t know exactly when, but likely in the not-too-distant future…” The Immortal Healer paused for a moment before continuing. “Certain individuals are going to cause a major incident in Henan.”
Certain individuals.
“How do you know that?”
“They told me themselves.”
They told the Immortal Healer directly? Hearing that, I fell into thought.
‘He said he was stepping out for a bit yesterday.’
The Immortal Healer’s outing. Furthermore, he had mentioned he had someone to meet in Henan. Was it related to this?
A person whom the Immortal Healer—someone who wouldn't easily be summoned even by the Alliance Leader—would come all the way to Henan to meet. Such a person…
“Why would they seek you out to tell you such a thing, Elder?”
As I asked with a hint of confusion, the Immortal Healer’s eyes grew cold. He was a healer. Why would they summon a healer to talk about an attack? Who in the world were they, and what was their purpose? The questions kept piling up.
The Immortal Healer answered me with a peculiar expression.
“It is likely because I share the same bloodline as them.”
“...”
My eyes widened. The same bloodline? Does that mean…
‘Are they descendants of the Zhuge Clan?’
I didn't voice the thought. The Immortal Healer was likely still unaware that I knew his family name.
‘Descendants of the Zhuge Clan are preparing to cause trouble in Henan?’
My head started to ache. This was another event that hadn't happened in my past life. Back then, the Zhuge Clan never suddenly appeared to declare a move—not even when the genius Zhuge Hyuk served as the Demonic Cult’s strategist and began to sweep through the Central Plains, nor when another man with the Zhuge surname stood up to stop him, vowing to clear his clan’s name.
There had been absolutely no information about other descendants appearing. Because I had experienced a past life, I knew that the Immortal Healer, Zhuge Hyuk, and even that bastard Jiseon were of the Zhuge bloodline. But they were people who lived hiding their lineage and concealing their names. At this point in time, even the memory of that surname had faded.
And yet…
“…The forgotten phantoms have drawn their swords, vowing to reclaim their place.”
How could this be happening? Managing my expression with effort, I asked the Immortal Healer, “Just what… is the identity of the bloodline you speak of, Elder?”
I feigned ignorance, wondering if he would actually give me an answer.
“A place that once used the surname Zhuge.”
“…!”
“I am a descendant of that house.”
To my surprise, the Immortal Healer answered nonchalantly. I thought he would at least try to hide it; I never expected him to spit it out so easily.
“Zhuge… If you mean Zhuge, don’t tell me…”
I was surprised for a different reason, but it made it easy to act shocked.
“Yes. It is the clan you are thinking of.”
“...”
The Zhuge Clan. A clan that once held an absolute position in the fields of formations and mechanisms back when they were one of the Five Noble Clans. It was no exaggeration to say that most of the formations in the Central Plains were handled by them. Their position was so unique and solid that people believed the Zhuge Clan would endure even if all other clans fell.
Ironically, the Zhuge Clan was the first to fall. The reason was well known.
‘They worshipped the Blood Demon.’
The Blood Demon, the one who caused the Blood Disaster and brought a storm of slaughter. The Zhuge Clan had secretly worshipped him behind the Murim Alliance’s back. When the Alliance discovered they had tried to covet his power, the clan fell in an instant.
Not only was the clan ravaged, but an extermination order was issued for anyone bearing the Zhuge surname. All direct blood relatives were killed. The collateral branches that managed to survive were said to have hidden their names and lived in obscurity.
That is the Zhuge Clan of today. No, it’s difficult to even call them a clan anymore. How could they be called a clan when they have been completely dismantled and vanished?
Recalling these facts, I looked at the Immortal Healer. “…Is it alright for you to tell me such a thing?”
“Why? Are you thinking of tattling to the Alliance?”
“No, I don’t particularly plan to, but I might if I get desperate for money later, right?”
“Hoho. That reason sounds just like you,” the Immortal Healer said with a laugh. It felt like an insult. “It’s fine. If you can profit from selling this old man out, then do so.”
“…I wasn’t saying I would.”
“However, if it comes to that, I hope you will at least take care of Hyuk.”
“...”
He was asking for the most difficult thing. How annoying. It would have been easier if he had just threatened me to stay silent.
Suppressing a sigh, I said, “So… the descendants of the Zhuge Clan are planning something, and they asked for your help. Is that the gist of it?”
“That would be it.”
“And how did you answer, Elder?”
“What do you think I did?”
This old man. He kept answering my questions with questions.
“You must have said no.”
“Why?”
“Your temper… no, your personality. I just thought you would.”
I almost said his temper. This old man was just so damn prickly. When I managed to pivot to "personality," the Immortal Healer smiled faintly.
“Yes… you’re right. I refused. I told them clearly that I would not do it.”
“Yes.”
“That I would not get involved. I’m sure I said that before I left, but…” As he spoke, the Immortal Healer’s eyes grew darker. “It’s not that easy, I’ve found.”
“So, is that why you’re bringing this up?”
“That’s right.”
“In that case, I don’t quite understand why you came to me of all people.”
The Immortal Healer had said he had a favor to ask. I couldn't understand it. He had many people around him—the First Elder (though not immediately trustworthy) and the Dishonored Venerable, who was staying in the same residence. Even if not them, there were others who would move for the Immortal Healer.
So why me?
“I’m not sure myself,” he offered an even stranger answer.
“…Pardon?”
“Why did I come to you? I’m not sure. For some reason, I just felt it had to be you.”
The Immortal Healer truly looked as if he couldn’t understand his own intuition.
“Is that the entire reason…?”
“Yes. If you don’t want to, just say so. I have no intention of forcing you.”
“...”
The reason was utterly absurd. He came to me just because he felt like he should? Why would he bring up such a massive secret for such a nonsensical reason? Perhaps the Immortal Healer was going senile. The thought crossed my mind, but…
“No… fine.” I had no intention of refusing anyway. “I’ll at least hear you out.”
The Zhuge Clan was plotting something in Henan. How could I possibly ignore that? I couldn't. After all, I was the one who was planning to cause trouble in Henan in the first place.
In such a situation, the Zhuge Clan appears and tries to stir things up?
‘Well, well.’
It couldn’t be more perfect. It seemed the Immortal Healer was asking me to stop them, but as I listened, I thought: Why should I?
Why would I stop this great opportunity? Not a chance. This was a godsend, especially given the current circumstances.
The Immortal Healer slowly began to tell his story. As I listened, I focused on only one thing: how to use this situation to my greatest advantage.
* * *
As night began to fall.
In a region some distance from Henan, far to the south.
In a secret location unknown to the world, an old man was tilting a wine cup by himself.
Drip, drip.
Wine filled the cup. The old man grasped it and tossed it back, ignoring all proper drinking etiquette. There was no need for it now; there was no one watching.
One cup, then two. Then a third. As he continued to drink, the bottle gradually emptied. As he was about to pour his fourth, the old man paused and thought.
‘How much is left?’
How much wine was left in this bottle? And how much time was left until he was free from his shackles?
“Probably about the same.”
Like the wine in the bottle, there wouldn’t be much left.
Trickle.
There was only a moment left until it was all poured out. After emptying it to the very last drop, he felt the bottle go light. He didn’t need any side dishes. If he chewed over the memories of the past years, that was enough.
Setting the empty bottle down, the old man slowly raised his cup. It was filled to the brim. Just like time. Perhaps, if he drank it all, the long-awaited moment would finally come?
A trivial thought. The old man let out a small smile. But just as he was bringing the cup to his lips…
“...”
He stopped. Life returned to his vacant eyes, and his gaze turned sharp. He stared at the wine cup as if glaring at it. The liquid inside was trembling slightly.
The moment the old man confirmed this…
“C-Captain!”
Someone came running in from outside.
“We’re under attack…! Someone is attacking this place…!!”
“...”
Despite the urgent voice, the old man set down his cup. His eyes remained calm.
“We have a guest.”
“The formation surrounding the entrance has been dispelled…! The swordsmen rushed out, but… the enemy’s strength is…!”
“Do not act rashly,” the old man said, his voice chilly. The messenger’s mouth snapped shut. “It would be unsightly for our guest to see.”
“Captain…?”
“Prepare more wine.”
The man’s eyes trembled. They were under attack—why wine? This was not the time. Just as he was about to protest…
“It seems a precious guest has arrived.”
Step.
“…!”
A sound from behind made the man freeze solid. At the same time, a gentle breeze blew through the passage.
The problem was that this place was sealed on all sides. It was a place where the wind should not blow.
Step.
The footsteps grew closer. A leisurely, calm gait.
Step.
It sounded unusually loud in the silence.
Fwooo.
The wind brushed past the man’s shoulder. It felt heavy, somehow. Cold sweat began to trickle down his stiff body.
FWOOSH!
Flick!
The wind extinguished every flame on the walls. Sudden darkness descended, but it did not linger.
Fwoosh!
Flames ignited once more in the lamps. However, they were a deep violet hue. Though the flames were lit, the darkness somehow felt even deeper. And in its midst…
“A pleasure to meet you.”
A voice echoed through the space.
Clatter-clatter-clatter!
The messenger’s jaw trembled, his teeth chattering. It was a basic human instinct. Fear.
Ignoring the man behind him, the old man focused on the figure that had appeared. The intruder wore deep, ink-black robes and an otherworldly white mask. He walked calmly with his hands behind his back.
“An uninvited guest. What brings you to this place?” the old man asked.
The figure did not answer. He simply stood there, gazing at the old man.
“If you won’t answe—”
“Lord of the Zhuge Clan.”
“…!”
“Is calling you that sufficient?”
The old man’s brow furrowed. This person had not only raided the hideout but knew his identity.
“…Who in the world are you?”
“Who This Venerable One is, is not important. That is not what matters here.”
Step.
The intruder resumed his walk, slowly approaching the old man.
“C-Captain!” Seeing this, the frozen messenger shouted and prepared to charge.
The old man raised a hand to stop him. “You seem to have a purpose.”
“I do. A very important purpose, indeed.”
The masked figure stopped in front of the old man. The eyes visible beyond the mask were incredibly unsettling.
“This Venerable One has come here personally because I have words to share with you.”
“...”
The casual condescension was grating, but the old man realized it suited the stranger perfectly. This was a man who had broken through the headquarters' formations and walked in alone. He could not let his guard down.
“Words to share… What might they be?”
“Before that. What should I call you now?”
Lord of the Zhuge Clan. The stranger was asking if that title was still valid. The old man hesitated, but not for long. For someone to come this far and mention the Zhuge name, they already knew the truth. There was no need for a pointless battle of wits.
“I am no longer called that.”
“Then?”
“The Heavenly Black Army.” The old man looked the figure in the eye. “That is the name of the unit I lead. Therefore, Captain of the Cheonra. That is sufficient for me.”
After introducing himself, the old man felt a strange sensation.
“Hmm.”
In the stranger’s voice, there was a hint of something else.
“Not bad.”
For some reason, a feeling of genuine amusement was seeping through the mask.