181 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.181 Chapter 19 - Cheonghae, Father and Son (1) * * * Mok Liwon hurriedly moved through the Zhuge Family's estate. And the more he moved, the more impressed he became with Zhuge San's mysterious stealth ability. He thought he would meet him at once upon arriving at the estate, but Zhuge San moved so deftly that even after searching the estate for nearly an hour, Mok Liwon couldn't find a trace of him. He thought perhaps the residents here would know, but their response was the same. “Are you referring to the Young Master? I'm not sure. Outside of official duties, he always disappears.” The rumors about his strained relationship with his family seemed true. No, Zhuge San's relationship with his family was worse than what was rumored. Then, when Mok Liwon was almost about to give up— “Hm? Brother Mok?” A voice came from above. When Mok Liwon looked up, he saw Zhuge San lying on the roof, looking down at him. A wide grin spread across Mok Liwon's face. “Brother Zhuge!” What a delight! Mok Liwon leaped onto the roof and stood beside Zhuge San. Only then did Mok Liwon realize. "A Formation!" Indeed, it seemed he had concealed his presence through a formation. Zhuge San asked with a surprised face. “What brings you here? I heard you set off on a journey with the King of Beggars.” “I've already returned! The King of Beggars mentioned he wanted to discuss something with the True King and stopped by here. I thought of you and searched for a while, and here you were!” Mok Liwon joyfully explained. Only then did Zhuge San chuckle faintly. “I must have been fast asleep and didn't notice your arrival.” “That can happen!” Yes, as they say, you don't disturb even a dog when it's sleeping. With a bright smile, Mok Liwon plopped down on the roof and began to speak animatedly. Mostly, he asked about how Zhuge San was doing these days. Zhuge San replied. “I've been mostly the same. I leave for tasks assigned by the family, return, and just sleep here. As I hear it, others are experiencing similar things.” “Others?” “My sister and the team members.” Mok Liwon's face lit up even more. Zhuge San chuckled as he continued. “My sister travels all over Cheonghae to reinforce supplies, while Monk Ilun and Monk Hyeun are cooperating in battles against the demons. As for Brother Namgung…” “Hmm?” Zhuge San suppressed a laugh. “I hear the Sword King is at the frontline. But isn't there a rumor going around?” “A rumor?” As Zhuge San paused, Mok Liwon grew impatient. He wondered why Zhuge San was dragging out his answer. After Zhuge San maintained the pause for a considerable time, he finally disclosed what was so amusing. “They say someone wants to catch the sect master because they're not interested in anyone who isn't a one-second-match. Some say it's because you lost to the sect master; they're hoping defeating him would tilt the balance between you two.” Mok Liwon couldn’t help but laugh. The first reason being that it sounded just like Namgung Jincheon, and the second was the thought that Namgung Jincheon might actually cause a bigger commotion than what the rumor suggested. Indeed, Namgung Jincheon wasn’t one to tolerate tedium. Hearing news of the team after so long, Mok Liwon's face shone brightly. It was at that moment. “What are you doing up there?” Ma Ilsuk's voice came from below the roof. Mok Liwon peered down. Ma Ilsuk and Zhuge Byeok were gazing up at them. “Oh!” “How could he have known? The formation is still active.” Zhuge San mumbled in surprise, but Ma Ilsuk responded to it. "Should I not be able to recognize a formation set up by a Peak Realm child?" With a dismissive snort, Ma Ilsuk chuckled, and Zhuge San scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Then Zhuge San and Zhuge Byeok’s gazes met. Mok Liwon observed Zhuge San’s expression furtively. Thankfully, it didn’t immediately show dissatisfaction. “There will be a meal prepared, so get ready.” Zhuge Byeok said and led Ma Ilsuk away. “Um, Brother Zhuge?” Zhuge San was looking at Zhuge Byeok's retreating back with eyes that had dimmed. “…It seems to be a meal with the King of Beggars. Let’s go together.” Mok Liwon nodded his head up and down vigorously. He thought that Zhuge San in a bad mood was as scary as Tang Hwaseo trying to get him drunk. * At the meal, aside from Ma Ilsuk and Zhuge Byeok, only Mok Liwon and Zhuge San were present. “I'll be staying here for a while.” Ma Ilsuk said. Mok Liwon tilted his head. “Aren't you heading to the frontline?” “Yes, there are plenty handling the frontline, aren’t there? I’m staying to learn more about this one.” Ma Ilsuk gestured towards Zhuge Byeok with his chin. Mok Liwon immediately understood why. Wasn't it to interpret the text found in the Blood Demon War? It's evident they’re having trouble as the interpretation isn’t straightforward. “I have no objections.” “Good, then just run some missions with that Zhuge kid.” At Ma Ilsuk’s mention of Zhuge San, Zhuge San playfully jested while grinning. “I won’t be bored for a while. Isn’t that right, Brother Mok?” “Well, indeed!” “Do keep from reckless behavior.” Zhuge Byeok spoke. Mok Liwon flinched, but seeing his gaze fixed on Zhuge San, he eventually felt relieved. “Even in times of war, maintain a calm mind and stay vigilant….” “Yes, sir.” Zhuge San quickly picked up a piece of meat and placed it in his mouth. It was an obvious display of disregard. As the tension in the air grew, Mok Liwon paid attention keenly, but none could lend a hand. After all, Ma Ilsuk seemed uninterested in the relationship between the two. “Anyway, about that, Won, see me after the meal.” “Yes!” Whatever it was, it served as a perfect excuse to dodge. Mok Liwon hastily stuffed food into his mouth. Even then, it amused him to think that the servants of the family did cook quite well. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Zhuge San's mysterious stealth ability (신출귀몰한 능력)** - The phrase evokes Zhuge San's almost ghost-like, elusive ability to disappear and appear, which is fitting for a character skilled in stealth. 2. **Formation (진법)** - Refers to an arrangement or strategy, often used in martial arts stories to describe techniques used to conceal one's presence. 3. **Cheonghae (청해)** - Retained the original name as it seems to be an area or organization within the story context. 4. **One-second-match (일초지적)** - This term conveys the idea of a formidable opponent who can be defeated in a single instant or stroke, demonstrating both brevity and skill. The translation maintains the subtle humor, cultural references, and remains sensitive to the relational dynamics and character-specific language present in the original text. “It seems the interpretation of the book will take a little more time.” Ma Ilsuk lied to Mok Liwon. With an innocent expression, Mok Liwon simply nodded. “Yes! I expected it wouldn't be resolved so easily!” Perhaps it was this naivety that made Ma Ilsuk feel guilty. How his innocence could weigh on someone's heart, Ma Ilsuk struggled to maintain a neutral expression as he continued speaking. “Yes, rest now. I have somewhere to be.” Ma Ilsuk turned away. “Rest well!” Behind him, Mok Liwon's hearty voice resonated as he walked through the estate. Still, being an estate of the Five Great Families, it was vast enough, ideal for a leisurely stroll. After walking for some time, he found a secluded pond. Ma Ilsuk went there and sat down on the ground. What he took out was a piece of paper on which Zhuge Byeok had summarized the core tenets of the Eclipsing Star Technique(逆星大法, 역성대법). As he unfolded the paper and reviewed its contents, Ma Ilsuk's eyes grew increasingly troubled with each passing moment. “How…” He murmured to himself. “How could this be, brother?” How could the Blood Demon commit such atrocious acts? Why did Mok Liwon have to endure such trials? He couldn’t help but voice these thoughts. 『The Eclipsing Star Technique(逆星大法) is a grand technique that, as language suggests, reverses the nature of stars. It is applicable only to those among humanity who bear a star with a counterpart star. The goal of the grand technique is singular: to invert the stars of those who bear each counterpart star.』 It was stated so bluntly. ‘Brother, Won-i…’ Mok Liwon, that kind and innocent lad, actually— 『The method to flip the Heavenly Slaughter Star(天殺星) and Heavenly Purple Star(紫微星) is recorded.』 A star destined to save the Murim. 『The Heavenly Slaughter Star brings chaos to the world, whereas the Heavenly Purple Star calms it. The two stars are always recorded to descend to the Earth in the same generation. That suggests they are optimally configured stars for using the Eclipsing Star Technique.』 Veins stood out on the back of Ma Ilsuk's hand. His eyes were wide open. 『No further treatment for the Heavenly Slaughter Star is required. The important part is solely to drop the Heavenly Purple Star. Those born under the Heavenly Purple Star are innately benevolent and weak, unable to harbor lethal energy effectively. Thus, the grand technique presents three conditions for embedding lethal energy into the Heavenly Purple Star.』 The more he read, the more he found it hard to believe his eyes. Only then did Ma Ilsuk come to terms with the inevitable connections. 『First, the owner of the Heavenly Purple Star should be in the state of an ignorant infant.』 The reason Mok Liwon was on that altar that day. 『Second, the blood of 100 boys and girls should be collected on the altar. This collects the resentment of the dead.』 The reason why so much blood was pooled on that altar. Lastly. 『Third, the biological mother should be tied alive beneath the altar. This allows for the creation of a vessel for lethal energy.』 The identity of the skull brought all the way here. “Brother.” Ma Ilsuk hung his head low. “How should I convey this truth to Won-i?” He yearned for an answer that would never come. Until the night deepened. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Eclipsing Star Technique(逆星大法, 역성대법)** - Retained the original term with the Chinese characters to preserve the cultural and mystical element of the technique described in the novel. It plays a critical role in understanding the manipulation of celestial energies and destinies. 2. **Heavenly Purple Star(紫微星, 자미성)** - Similarly, retained the name with Chinese characters to give a full sense of its importance in the story. This implies a character destined for benevolence and tranquility. 3. **Heavenly Slaughter Star(天殺星, 천살성)** - Again includes the Chinese characters, indicating a star that brings disaster and chaos. 4. **The connection to Mok Liwon (원이) and his backstory** - This passage reveals significant plot points regarding Mok Liwon's past and possible future, highlighting the entwined destiny predestined by these mystical stars. The translation maintains the gravity and depth of the cultural and mystical elements central to this part of the narrative while also signifying the emotional weight carried by Ma Ilsuk.