96 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 96: The Zhuge Family! Situated on Mount Tai in Shandong Province, this clan was known as the Divine Mechanism Zhuge. Though traditionally celebrated for their intellect rather than martial prowess, the current Zhuge family was an exception. They had grown powerful enough to be considered one of the most formidable families among the Eight Great Clans. The individual responsible for transforming the Zhuge family into what it is today was none other than the current head, Xiao Wolong Zhuge Shin. "Sir." The somewhat abrupt arrival of the steward at the family head's chamber brought Zhuge Shin's attention. "What is it?" "A letter has arrived for you." "A letter?" Zhuge Shin's eyes narrowed. It was rare for the steward to deliver a mere letter in person, suggesting that either the sender was significant or the contents were grave. Zhuge Shin's expression hardened as he inquired further. "Where is it from?" "It's from the Mount Hua Sect." "Mount Hua Sect...?" Zhuge Shin's brow furrowed at the unexpected source. It was a surprise. 'A letter from the Mount Hua Sect?' The Martial Alliance and the Bicheon Society were adversaries. Mount Hua was part of the core of the Martial Alliance, while the Zhuge family was central to the Bicheon Society. They were not in a position to exchange polite correspondences. "Have you read it?" "No, I haven't." "Give it to me." Upon receiving the letter, Zhuge Shin first focused on the sender. "Mount Hua... Cheon Hui?" 'A disciple of the Heavenly Branch?' Zhuge Shin frowned. The Heavenly Branch was known to be prestigious, yet the name was unfamiliar. "A mere disciple of Mount Hua sends me a letter? Are they underestimating our family?" Watching the name 'Cheon Hui' with a cold gaze, Zhuge Shin untied the string and unfurled the letter at once. "What's this?" His eyebrows twitched at the sight. "They're requesting us to create this mechanical formation?" It was a blueprint. A highly detailed one. "For Mount Hua to ask our family for a mechanical formation consultation... Huh!" Dismissing it with a scoff, Zhuge Shin found his eyes widening at the sight of the designs. "This... This is...!" Startled, he quickly skimmed through it. "Sir?" The confused steward called out to the engrossed family head. 'How can this be? What kind of mechanical formation is this? Is this some kind of formation? I've never seen anything like this before...' His eyes quivered slightly. The letter was brief. Just seven sheets accompanied by a blueprint. But anyone with the slightest knowledge of mechanical formations would be astounded by the designs. 'These are mechanical formations and arrays I've never witnessed in my life.' Zhuge Shin bit his lip. Despite the family's current martial strength, their roots lay elsewhere. They were renowned for their skill in peculiar formations, geomancy, and civil engineering technologies rather than in combative arts. Yet he couldn't comprehend the mechanical formations described in the letter! His hands trembled. Holding the paper as if to crumple it, he shouted with urgency. "Bring Seong-Hyeon here this instant!" Moments later, the family head and a visibly tired young man named Zhuge Seong-Hyeon were huddled over the letter. "What do you make of it?" "...Gulp." Young Zhuge Seong-Hyeon swallowed hard. "It’s entirely different from any method we know." Zhuge Shin's eyes partially closed. 'Seong-Hyeon doesn't recognize it either?' His head throbbed. Zhuge Seong-Hyeon, while lacking in martial arts ability, was unrivaled in his genius regarding mechanical formations and arrays. "Father!" Suddenly, Zhuge Seong-Hyeon lifted his head. His eyes twinkled like stars as he addressed Zhuge Shin. "We cannot let this pass. If we learn more about this mechanical formation, it could significantly advance our stalled family development." "You think it's that critical?" "Yes." Zhuge Shin was taken aback. The history of the Zhuge family's research into mechanical formations was incredibly deep. And this blueprint had the potential to contribute significantly to it. Meanwhile, Zhuge Seong-Hyeon couldn't hide his excitement. The novel blueprint and mechanical formation sparked his curiosity. "Can you determine who sent this letter?" "It’s from a man named Cheon Hui of the Mount Hua Sect." "Cheon Hui..." Zhuge Seong-Hyeon muttered the name. Noticing his normally secluded son's interest, Zhuge Shin's eyes gleamed with intent. 'This might be the perfect timing. Seong-Hyeon is due to venture into the Jianghu world.' Zhuge Shin spoke with intention. "I plan to accept this request, but we have no one suitable to send to Mount Hua." While speaking, he looked at Zhuge Seong-Hyeon. "Would you like to go?" With a resolute face, Zhuge Seong-Hyeon nodded firmly. "Yes. I will go to the Mount Hua Sect." * * * "Huff, huff." "I can't do this anymore." Cheon Hui, glancing at the exhausted Sul Ran, Jeok Geom, and Shim Wi-Jin sprawled on the floor, ignored them as he gazed at the box of elixirs. Exactly a hundred elixirs, crafted from the herbs and poisons sent by the Bifeng Merchant Group a few days ago, lay before him. "It’s fascinating." So-Hee, the lord, examined the elixirs. The pitch-black elixirs emitted an enticing sheen. Cheon Hui took three elixirs and handed them to So-Hee. "Are these for me?" "For your hard work." Cheon Hui said casually. In testing the effects, Jeok Geom and Sul Ran had been insufficient, and Shim Wi-Jin and So-Ryeong proved invaluable. "Thank you." So-Hee smiled gently. Without even looking, Cheon Hui packed up the box. "This time turned out well!" Next to him, Sin Ui crossed his arms. Though he had unexpectedly assisted Cheon Hui in making the elixirs, it had become a learning opportunity for him. 'Hmm, there might be alternative ways to use poison in martial cultivation.' Nodding, he inquired. "Have you named the elixir?" "Well, since it's kind of black and smells..." Cheon Hui replied with indifference. "Let’s call it Amhyangdan (Dark Fragrance Elixir)." The name fit surprisingly well. "Then I'll be going." "Where?" "To administer the elixirs." With the box in hand, Cheon Hui disappeared swiftly. Cheon Hui soon arrived at the Doe Ring Plain. Cheon Hui made his way through the meditating second disciples and approached Hyeoncheong, who was standing guard in the center. "What brings you here?" Surprised by Cheon Hui's sudden arrival as he observed the disciples, Hyeoncheong welcomed him warmly. "I brought some elixirs." "Elixirs?" Cheon Hui set down the chest he carried. As the chest was opened, a subtle fragrance wafted out, intriguing Hyeoncheong as he examined the numerous elixirs within. "Where did you get these?" "I made them myself." "You made these yourself?" Startled at the revelation, Hyeoncheong looked at Cheon Hui in disbelief. "Just make sure to take them and meditate afterward." "These are for the disciples, I see." Pleased, Hyeoncheong began inspecting each elixir with a broad smile. "Very well. I'll distribute them now." "Oh, but there's a minor side effect." "Side effect?" "It might be a bit painful when consumed," Cheon Hui explained courteously. "Haha. I'm sure they can endure a little pain." Hyeoncheong, who had unwavering trust in Cheon Hui, brushed it off casually, magnifying his voice with inner strength. "Everyone, finish your meditation first!" Despite the abrupt announcement, the second disciples swiftly concluded their meditation. Once they all opened their eyes, Hyeoncheong gestured towards Cheon Hui and addressed them. "Cheon Hui has brought elixirs for you all." "What?" "Elixirs?" "From Master Cheon Hui?" The second disciples' eyes lit up. Elixirs were usually reserved for those with promising futures within the sect. It was unprecedented for all disciples to receive them in this manner. Unanimously, they bowed their heads in gratitude. "Master!" "Thank you!" Cheon Hui watched the naive second disciples with an amused grin; little did they know what lay ahead. Even Jeok Geom and Sul Ran, who obeyed him without question, had once rebelled after enduring the elixir's effects too frequently. "Let's distribute them." The second disciples sprang into action. Each received an elixir and swallowed hard. The black elixirs emitted a unique fragrance, intriguing them further. They then looked to Hyeoncheong. Like baby birds eagerly awaiting their mother, they waited for Hyeoncheong's signal. "Consume them, all of you." Finally, Hyeoncheong gave the order. "Yes!" In unison, they swallowed the Amhyangdan elixirs. Almost immediately, they assumed meditative postures. "Hmm?" Hyeoncheong sensed something amiss. Glancing at the second disciples' pallor, which had suddenly become ashen, he realized the situation was deteriorating as they grimaced in pain. "Ugh—" Soon, groans escaped from all around. And then, the screams erupted. "Aaargh!" "It hurts..." Hyeoncheong, bewildered by the disciples' agony, urgently queried Cheon Hui. "Are these really elixirs?" Despite his belief in Cheon Hui, he was understandably unsettled with the disciples writhing in pain. "Yes." "But they're exhibiting symptoms of poisoning..." "It's a rare opportunity. They must endure it." "They won't die from this, will they?" "They won't die from this level of discomfort," replied Cheon Hui softly. As he mentioned, it was merely painful and not lethal. "So, how do we ease their suffering?" Hyeoncheong asked anxiously. The dojo had descended into chaos. "They'll be fine once they absorb it all. Although it'll be painful, it's worth the benefits." Momentarily at a loss, Hyeoncheong managed to inquire further. "Does that mean they'll remain like this until they absorb the energy?" "Correct. Oh, by the way, meditating lessens the pain," Cheon Hui casually added. His calm voice resonated with the second disciples who rolled on the floor. "Ugh!" Clenching their teeth, one disciple began meditating. Seeing a fellow disciple's visage ease, others followed suit, until all of them were engaged in meditation. "Quite peaceful now." The screams had vanished. "Ugh..." "This isn't an elixir, it's poison..." Meanwhile, moans and groans filled the dojo for several days. Time passed swiftly. The mountain, once covered in fallen leaves, was now blanketed in a pristine layer of snow. Winter had arrived. Much like the changing landscape, the Mount Hua Sect had undergone significant transformation. The Amhyangdan elixirs created by Cheon Hui were notably effective, prompting their mass production with the help of Hyeoncheong, the head of the resource division, and distribution to the first disciples as well. The martial skills advanced rapidly. Particularly, the second disciples, under Hyeoncheong's guidance, quickly honed their abilities, challenging the first disciples who also steadily advanced. Thus, the Mount Hua Sect quietly gathered strength, preparing for the days of their resurgence. Crunch, crunch. A group ascended Mount Hua. "This is the Mount Hua Sect..." Zhuge Seong-Hyeon lifted his gaze. Admiring the breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountain, he exhaled, his breath visible in the crisp air. Hoo— His warm breath evaporated in the cold. Clutching the letter in his pocket, he whispered softly. "So this is where the man named Cheon Hui, creator of the blueprint, resides?"