Chapter 35
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Shadow of the Demon (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"So you're saying it was all because of that formation array, Sister?"
Namgung Hye couldn't hide her shock upon learning that Zhuge Ji had met that man due to a formation.
The Zhuge Family, hailed as the world's greatest in formations, had sought out a mere hunter because of one—this was a blow to the head like a hammer strike.
Moreover, Zhuge Ji was acclaimed for having reached a unique realm in formations.
It was simply unbelievable that such a prodigy had gone looking for an unfamiliar young hunter over a formation.
Namgung Hye, her mouth agape in astonishment, asked again.
"Just... just for a formation, you went to find those hunters?"
Zhuge Ji hesitated, unsure how to reply.
She had even made a promise to keep the secret with that man named Go Un-san, yet here she was, breaking it.
Though she had made this choice for Namgung Hye, who wanted to keep freeloading at his house, failing to honor the promise still gnawed at her.
But if she didn't offer a convincing answer now, the girl would dig in even more relentlessly.
"It's not 'just' anything. It was the first formation like that I've ever seen. The Three Talents, Four Images, Five Elements, Six Harmonies, and Eight Trigrams blended seamlessly with Yin and Yang—it was so exquisite I even doubted whether our family could replicate it."
It was the first time Namgung Hye had seen Zhuge Ji praise something so effusively, her throat parched from the words.
Namgung Hye's eyes, which had begun to dull with disinterest, sparkled once more.
"If converted to silver taels, how much value would it hold?"
"Even offering half the Zhuge Family wouldn't suffice."
"That... you're saying he handed over such an incredible formation with no strings attached? You expect me to buy that?"
"He simply didn't realize how extraordinary it was."
It was a lie.
Go Un-san knew full well that his formations were of an extraordinarily high level.
He just hadn't delved deep enough in his studies to grasp their true essence.
Namgung Hye stared wordlessly at Zhuge Ji's face before suddenly letting out a peculiar hum.
Hmm?
"Then that means you tricked him and took the formation. Are you really the kind-hearted sister I knew?"
"Later... I'll teach him formations myself and make full restitution."
"Still, that makes you a thief all the same."
Zhuge Ji found herself branded a thief but offered no real defense.
Namgung Hye didn't press the issue further.
"Make it generous compensation. They were good people."
"I will. I promise."
"But how on earth did a hunter even possess a formation like that?"
"I heard it was handed down through generations in his family. His ancestors were apparently a scholarly lineage focused on studies and formations, not hunting."
Hmph!
Namgung Hye recalled the Go clansman and snorted derisively.
She had struggled quite a bit dealing with that prickly yet slippery fellow.
So she could guess he wasn't some unlettered brute.
But she hadn't imagined he hailed from a family of scholars versed in formations.
As she rose to leave the room, Namgung Hye halted abruptly, as if struck by a sudden thought.
"By the way, how did you even know he had a formation?"
Zhuge Ji showed not the slightest fluster.
She had her answer ready.
"The last time I was there on business, I ran into him by chance while he was out strolling. He recognized me as a lady of the Zhuge Family and asked about formations. That piqued my interest, so I went to seek him out."
"I see. Ah, what a waste of time. I'd been wondering if you'd fallen for the guy."
Zhuge Ji's cheeks tinted faintly red.
"Fallen for him? Don't be ridiculous..."
'Huh? The mood's getting weird.'
Vigor returned to Namgung Hye's eyes, previously brimming with disappointment.
Si Wang-saeng urged his horse recklessly through the bustling streets until he spotted a grand estate with an imposing gate to match. He eased his pace.
He had never once visited the Hanam Jo Clan before.
The Hanam Jo Clan was a martial house on a scale incomparable to the likes of Huanin County's Si Family.
Dismounting well before the gate, he approached on foot, leading his horse by the reins.
The young gate guard drew his sword and barked before Si Wang-saeng even drew near.
"Halt! Where do you hail from?"
Si Wang-saeng clasped his hands politely and announced himself.
"I am Si Wang-saeng of Huanin County's Si Family. I have urgent business and seek an audience with your clan head."
"Wait here."
Emboldened by his clan's prestige, the guard treated Si Wang-saeng without deference.
Knock knock.
The guard rapped on the gate, and another retainer emerged.
After a brief exchange, the retainer vanished inside, while the guard blocked the entrance.
Si Wang-saeng had no choice but to stand waiting under the blazing sun until a reply came.
'Our Si Family needs to command this level of respect someday.'
He bristled and envied even a mere guard looking down on him.
After about an incense stick's time, the gate creaked open again.
"Enter."
Gripping the reins, Si Wang-saeng stepped cautiously inside.
The estate sprawled vast, dotted with numerous buildings where dozens of retainers gathered, honing their martial arts.
Hup! Hup! ...!
The chorus of their shouts alone was enough to make him shrink inwardly.
Guided past the training grounds and several structures deeper in, Si Wang-saeng halted before a massive building.
"The clan head has granted permission. Proceed inside."
As Si Wang-saeng entered, a servant approached to lead his horse to the stables.
Ushered into a chamber where two middle-aged men sat, he dropped to his knees without hesitation.
"Si Wang-saeng, eldest of Huanin Si Family, pays respects to the master of Hanam Jo Clan."
"Rise."
Si Wang-saeng stood and cautiously eyed the two middle-aged men before him.
Both were large and imposing, but the one on the right had the more formidable build.
Especially that bulkier man—he exuded an unsettling aura that made it hard to even meet his gaze.
Si Wang-saeng presumed he was the clan head.
"What brings someone from Huanin Si Family here?"
Yet it was the man on the left who posed the question.
"A few days ago, Great Hero Jo Gu of One Whip Kill visited our Si Family."
"And?"
"Yes. But he has gone missing."
"What?"
The presumed clan head shot to his feet with a startled shout.
"Explain in detail what happened!"
"Yes. Retainers from the Five Great Families visited the Seok Family in our Huanin County. The next day, despite scouring the area with our men, we couldn't find Great Hero Jo Gu. Upon discreet investigation, it turned out he had fallen to a joint assault by the Five Great Families' retainers."
"What?!"
The clan head's roar echoed through the room.
"Quiet."
But the man seated on the left spoke up, and something astonishing followed.
"Forgive me. I have been rude to 'Dark Death.' Please pardon me."
Incredibly, the clan head bowed deeply, lowering his voice.
'Dark Death? Who's that?'
No one in the martial world bore the moniker Dark Death.
Si Wang-saeng grew tense unwittingly.
The middle-aged man on the right finally spoke.
"You said retainers from the Three Great Families among the Five were there?"
"Y-yes. Zhuge Ji and Elder Zhuge Seo of Zhuge Family, Namgung Hye of Namgung Family, Peng Ok of Peng Family, along with several retainers, are staying at the Seok Family."
His throat tightened from the strain.
The man called Dark Death turned to the clan head.
"What say you? Shall we strike the Zhuge, Namgung, and Peng retainers at Seok Family and avenge Jo Gu?"
The clan head couldn't readily agree.
For all their clan's might, the Five Great Families were no pushovers.
Namgung and Peng were too distant from Hanam; they'd face counterattacks en route.
And Zhuge Family was an impregnable fortress—even ten thousand warriors couldn't breach it.
Its inner and outer defenses brimmed with formations and traps; they'd suffer near annihilation before clashing with the retainers.
"Our clan's strength is still... insufficient. I'd like to strike Seok Family, the root of this matter, and exact vengeance, Dark Death."
Hearing the clan head's reply, Si Wang-saeng inwardly cheered as things aligned with his wishes.
But Dark Death seemed to think otherwise.
A sneer curled his lips.
"Is it a lack of strength, or a lack of guts? In any case, annihilate Seok Family as you see fit. Depart tonight."
The clan head paled in dismay.
"Zhuge, Namgung, and Peng retainers might still be at Seok Family. If they remain, the aftermath could complicate matters..."
Dark Death cut him off.
"My men and I will join your Jo Clan."
The clan head floundered, at a loss.
Si Wang-saeng, watching, panicked as events veered from his plan.
'No. Absolutely not. That would bring the Three Great Families' wrath down on our Si Family.'
Desperate to avert clan annihilation, Si Wang-saeng interjected cautiously.
"If the clan head offers a bit of aid, and Yangyang Ma Clan lends a hand, our Si Family could take Seok Family..."
Si Wang-saeng never finished.
A white flash lit the room and faded; his eyes lost their light.
Thud. Roll... Thump.
His head severed from his neck, tumbled, and his body crumpled lifelessly.
Dark Death spared the bloodied corpse not a glance.
"Well? Clan head."
"W-we'll go. Preparations for immediate departure begin now."
After glimpsing the corpse sprawled in the room, he dared utter no other words.
Hahaha.
"Good. But the Three Great Families' retainers are mine—don't touch them."
"Understood, Dark Death."
Zhuge Ji planned to depart Seok Family come morning.
"Thanks to the clan head's gracious care, I've spent my days here comfortably and enjoyably. My deepest gratitude."
She sought out Seok Yang-ho to bid farewell.
"Leaving already? Stay a few more days. How could I face your clan head later if you return home so soon?"
It was only natural for Seok Yang-ho.
Despite his earnest hospitality, Zhuge Ji and Namgung Hye had spent more nights at the hunters' than at his estate.
That weighed on him; he wanted to host them longer.
"No need. We've been treated more than well enough. My father will be most pleased."
Comforting him thus, she sought to express her thanks somehow.
Clan Head Seok Yang-ho was a gentleman worthy of the title.
One need only look to his daughter Seok Su-a to see it.
Seok Su-a possessed a warm heart that considered and cared for others.
"If there's ever anything I can assist with, please say the word. Though modest, I offer my full sincerity."
Seok Yang-ho waved his hands frantically in refusal.
"No, no. Our family has gained more than enough from this friendship with Zhuge Family."
How could there be no need for aid?
But requesting it so soon after forging ties would breach propriety.
Sensing his intent, Zhuge Ji spoke more firmly.
"May I take it that the clan head dismisses my sincerity?"