182 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP. 182 Chapter 19 - Qinghai, Father and Son (2) * * * From the next day, Ma Ilsuk was nowhere to be seen. It was said that he had left somewhere with Zhuge Byeok for an investigation. Mok Liwon felt an odd sense of disappointment toward Ma Ilsuk for not informing him beforehand, as he was leaving the estate of the Zhuge Family. "Hey, Mok Brother, why the long face? The King of Beggars must have a lot on his plate." During their mission, Zhuge San consoled him by patting Mok Liwon’s shoulder. Mok Liwon, whose mood hadn’t improved, decided to speak his mind openly. "Still, it feels a tad too much! Had he informed me earlier, I wouldn’t have prepared breakfast this morning!" "...Was that the problem?" "The King of Beggars will smack you on the forehead if you don't set the breakfast table." "Oh." Zhuge San chuckled. Mok Liwon sighed. Well, what's the use of holding onto this? Ma Ilsuk must have had his reasons for what he did. Swallowing his feelings of disappointment, Mok Liwon moved on. "Where are we headed, by the way? It just hit me that I wasn't informed of the mission details." The Zhuge Family primarily engages in gathering information. That's why they are settled in the heart of Qinghai. Mok Liwon knew that much. For today's mission as well, he simply followed along since Zhuge San mentioned they had a task, which left him curious. Zhuge San explained. "Oh, you see, we've received some intel." "Intel?" "There's a report that Demonic Cultists are causing trouble in the vicinity. Our task is to verify this information." A task akin to an investigation, you might say. Mok Liwon quickly comprehended and nodded in agreement. * They arrived at a secluded village within Qinghai. It was a village with fewer than a hundred households, but what stood out was the expression on the villagers' faces. "For a place supposedly plagued by Demonic Cultists, the common people here seem quite cheerful." "Intel isn't always accurate. It's often the case that it's a wild goose chase." Zhuge San affirmed this by adding a remark. "But one can never tell from the surface. Let's begin our investigation." "Understood, I'll give it my all!" "Great enthusiasm!" Zhuge San chuckled heartily. * In conclusion, the intel was wrong. Even after visiting four more villages, they couldn't find a single piece of evidence supporting the intel they received. How can you possibly catch a Demonic Cultist with such tedious tasks? As Mok Liwon began to feel increasingly frustrated, Zhuge San remarked, "Don't be too hasty. It seems you've forgotten your studies on intel, Mok Brother." "Studies... you say?" "Exactly. Studies." Zhuge San chuckled to himself. "What is intel, if not merely the act of hiding our own identity? We could become the target ourselves." "...Ah!" Mok Liwon suddenly recalled a fact he had forgotten. Intentionally revealing one's position to lure in an enemy for a surprise counterattack. That, too, was a vital part of reconnaissance. "I completely forgot!" "Of course, I just came out to enjoy myself." "You don't have to be modest. Who else in the world is as diligent as Brother Zhuge?" "You sure know how to please someone with your words. That's why your sister... no, never mind." Zhuge San suddenly shook his head, making his face turn pale. Mok Liwon found Zhuge San's demeanor puzzling but chose not to dig deeper. Whenever a conversation related to Tang Hwaseo came up, Zhuge San seemed occasionally frightened. 'Sojeo(小姐)...' Come to think of it, I wonder how she's doing. As Mok Liwon recalled Tang Hwaseo's face, he smiled faintly, while Zhuge San looked on with an expression that seemed like he had plenty to say. Thus, the first day ended. It had been a fruitless endeavor. * For the following three days, Mok Liwon found no trace of any Demonic Cultists. Attributing it to the cultists being cautious felt inadequate, given the lack of any signs whatsoever. This only deepened Mok Liwon's suspicion. "Brother Zhuge, don't you find this odd?" "Something is undoubtedly going on nearby. The cleanliness itself has become a clue." "What should we do?" "I've already reported it. Manpower reinforcement might be necessary...." "Daegongja-nim(大公子님)." A warrior from the Zhuge Family approached. "The Family Head has returned." At this, Zhuge San involuntarily flinched. "...And?" "He has summoned you." Zhuge San's expression soured. Observing his hesitation, Mok Liwon chimed in. "Broth—Brother Zhuge, we should go deal with it since there's already a report...." "Alright, let's go." He was clearly upset. Every step he took was laden with irritation. Mok Liwon quietly followed Zhuge San to the inner hall where the Family Head was waiting. "Just in time, you came together." Zhuge Byeok greeted them, sitting with impeccable posture. As Mok Liwon prepared to bow, Zhuge Byeok gestured to stop him and said, "Let's skip the formalities. We have more pressing matters at hand. The King of Beggars has already moved ahead to track the Demonic Cultists." "You mean traces of them...." "Didn't you just report it yourselves? The surrounding area is too quiet." Ah, so they were conducting a separate investigation. Zhuge Byeok waited for Mok Liwon's understanding before speaking to Zhuge San. "The bandits of the nearby mountains are also silent. In fact, they've been wiped out." "...Is that so?" "We've confirmed the downfall of half a dozen mountain hideouts. While examining traces, we discovered something." Zhuge Byeok delivered the news in his characteristically indifferent tone. "The enemy forces include those in the Transcendent Peak Realm. It seems they have an Elder on their side." Mok Liwon's breath caught in his throat. "If there's an Elder involved, a substantial force is likely backing them. Prepare quickly, as a battle may be imminent." "We'll obey." Zhuge San turned to leave immediately. At that moment, Mok Liwon saw it. Zhuge Byeok's lips moving, then clamping shut as he watched Zhuge San walk away. 'Ugh...' --- ### Terms Mentioned: - **Daegongja-nim(大公子님)**: Literal translation is "First Young Master." Refers to the eldest son in a family, indicating Zhuge San's status within the Zhuge Family. ### Context and Notes: - **Zhuge Byeok's demeanor**: Reflects his composed and grave nature, fitting for a figure of authority in the Zhuge Family. - **Element of Reconnaissance**: It transitions from being a tool for gathering information to a potential trap for the enemy, which broadens the idea of intel in martial strategy. - **Mok Liwon's realization**: Highlights his ongoing learning experience within the Jianghu (martial world). - **Zhuge San's reaction**: His nervousness around Zhuge Byeok and discussions involving Tang Hwaseo may suggest deeper dynamics within the family that are not overtly discussed. - **The term Sojeo (小姐)** used for Tang Hwaseo indicates respect for her as a young lady, reflecting her status and Mok Liwon's consideration for her. This passage conveys the complexities of the martial world and the intricate network of alliances, suspicions, and power dynamics that Mok Liwon navigates. Zhuge Byeok, does he like Zhuge San? Considering Zhuge San's consistent animosity towards him, perhaps Zhuge Byeok had made some mistake in the past, one he hadn’t yet apologized for. Mok Liwon understood. Suppressing one’s pride and bowing to someone of lower rank is extremely difficult. Zhuge Byeok then spoke up. “…You should go as well.” “Ah, yes!” “Mokryong.” “Yes, proceed.” “I’m counting on you to take care of my son.” Zhuge Byeok closed his eyes. Mok Liwon thought for a moment about what to say, then responded with a bright smile. “Even without me, Brother Zhuge is more than capable of handling things on his own. He’s a very diligent and talented person!” For a brief moment, Zhuge Byeok’s expression subtly shifted. To Mok Liwon, it seemed like a proud smile. * They hadn't specified their destination yet. Given that Zhuge Byeok himself was leading, the size and quality of the forces were different from usual. Because of this, many eyes were upon Mok Liwon and Zhuge San. Feeling somewhat awkward under the scrutiny, Mok Liwon focused on the conversation with Zhuge San. Noticing his unease, Zhuge San laughed and said, “No need to be nervous. Besides the Zhuge Family head, there's no one here stronger than you. You are a respectable master in the Jianghu (martial world). You're a master worthy of being listed among the top hundred." Mok Liwon chuckled modestly. Though he showed humility, the reality was that the statement was true. In fact, it might even have been an understatement. He had reached the 7-star level of his current stage. Left with just one more step to reach transcendence, this meant no one below that level could surely beat Mok Liwon, who wielded the weapons of the Heavenly Slaughter Star, Supreme Demonic Physique, and his secret techniques. To put it exaggeratedly, at just 18 years old, he was close to being among the top ten masters, excluding the Four Maharajas and Six Kings. 'However, one should not indulge in such facts and become complacent or arrogant.' The undeniable truth was that he had reached this stage with the help of stars, and any arrogance or superiority would only provoke the Heavenly Slaughter Star. Mok Liwon, determined to remain humble and aware of the teachings from "Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes" about hiding a portion of one’s power, said, “I’ve simply had much help from those around me.” “How humble! If it were me, I’d brag all across the land.” Zhuge San laughed heartily. Mok Liwon joined in, easing the atmosphere. That was when he felt it. '…Killing intent?' It was a faint but persistent killing intent that reached deep enough to stimulate the Supreme Demonic Physique. The sensation tingled up his spine. Mok Liwon swiftly drew his sword. “Demonic Cultists—!” “Attack!” Demonic Cultists emerged from the bushes, each wearing strange necklaces around their necks. They appeared to be tools for concealing their presence. Mok Liwon dashed forward, swinging his sword. --- ### Terms Mentioned: - **Mokryong (묵룡):** Mok Liwon's nickname, translates to "Black Dragon." Reflects his formidable presence and skills. - **Saong(사성)** and **Yookwang(육왕)** style ranks were mentioned symbolically in context with Mok’s power status, without specifically naming these ranks in the passage. - **Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes (강호협객전):** A martial text guiding martial artists on how to comport themselves in the martial world. ### Context and Notes: - **Zhuge Byeok's subtle expression:** Indicates a complex relationship involving pride and possibly regret, suggesting a depth in his bond with Zhuge San. - **Mok Liwon's prowess and reflection:** Highlights his evolving journey in martial cultivation, balancing between power, humility, and tactical wisdom. - **Demonic Cultists' concealment tools:** Implies a tactical use of magical or spiritual artifacts, reflecting the mystical aspects of the martial world. This passage sheds light on the internal dynamics within the Zhuge Family, Mok Liwon's personal growth, and the continual threat posed by the Demonic Cultists.