184 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.184 Chapter 19 - Father and Son of Qinghai (4) * * * Zhuge San did not love Zhuge Byeok. If one were to fully comprehend the emotions he held towards him, it would amount to nothing more than resentment. That was the nature of their relationship. Thus, Zhuge San had never once approached Zhuge Byeok first. If he did not speak to him, Zhuge San would not initiate conversation, and when asked something, he would respond half-heartedly, living as nothing more than strangers. However, for the first time, Zhuge San sought out Zhuge Byeok upon hearing the news of his second marriage. “It must not happen!” He sat in his office as he always did. Working, as he always did, with his usual indifferent expression. Zhuge San detested that so much. He loathed the composure Zhuge Byeok displayed, as if the second marriage was of no consequence. “Our mother is still here, and you speak of marrying again? I cannot permit it! As the heir apparent to the Zhuge Family, I will be the first to oppose it!” “Opposition is not permitted.” “What does that even...!” “The bride is the only daughter from a renowned family in Hubei. There are advantages to this marriage, so do not act emotionally.” “Emotionally? You said emotionally?!” How could he speak like that? Is marriage not a vow of eternal love for each other? Is it something to be considered lightly, just for the sake of gain? “Mother loves you!” “I know.” “If you know, you shouldn’t do this! Even if you can't take care of mother, you shouldn’t push her further into a corner!” “Even so, it must be done.” “The duty is to care for mother!” Zhuge San shouted until his throat was hoarse. He hoped, even a little, that his father would understand his feelings. Was that too much to ask for? “…Leave.” Zhuge Byeok spoke in an indifferent tone and turned his gaze back to his papers. It was then that the resentment Zhuge San harbored transformed into a sticky hatred. “San-ah.” “Mother.” “Don't be like that, San-ah.” Zhuge San cried. He wept for his mother, who was too sad to shed tears, crying in her stead. But he didn’t just weep. He tried to persuade the elders and sought the support of the martial artists of the family. With the thought that someone might finally see his mother, by the tender age of eight, Zhuge San lived the life of the heir for his mother's sake. “It seems the Young Master has changed.” “Indeed, now that he has truly devoted himself to martial arts, his achievements are beyond words!” “Is he not the legitimate successor of the family head? It means the blood of the Zhuge Family strongly flows within the Young Master!” “Exactly! What is the greatness of the Namgung family’s heir compared to this? The future of the Zhuge Family is equally bright!” There were voices of praise and eyes filled with expectation. But none of that brought joy to Zhuge San. What he needed was solely their support. Was it too big of a dream even to ask for support? “I heard the second mistress has given birth to a son.” “Then the succession line is....” “Well, who knows.” ‘The world has abandoned me.’ Zhuge San fell into despair that day. Despite all his efforts, his mother’s place only continued to narrow. “San-ah, your mother is fine.” How can you claim to be fine? With such sorrowful eyes, why do you lift the corners of your mouth? Zhuge San felt as if his insides were being torn apart. So at nine, Zhuge San spoke. “Mother, I am on your side. Please endure a little longer. I will become the head of the family and punish those who insult you.” “Then, I must only have faith in you, my San.” “Of course!” It is too early to give up. For the sake of his mother, Zhuge San could not falter. Fortunately, time was on Zhuge San’s side. He must secure his position as the heir firmly before his half-brother can even finish his basic studies. And then inherit the position of the family head. With a resolution not to fall, no matter what adversities appeared, Zhuge San rose again. At the age of fifteen, Determination(志學). Zhuge San solidified his position as a first-rate martial artist. He established the succession line and shone as a martial artist. He ran to his mother. Now that everything was settled, his mother, who suffered countless hardships, would only have joy left. How severe were her hardships that she was confined to her sickbed often? Hearing this news, he believed his mother would finally be delighted. With these thoughts, Zhuge San entered the inner quarters and realized one fact. “Mother! Freely worry no more!” He realized the world was not on his side. “…Mother?” On the day he solidified his position as the successor. The day he reached a level among his peers that none could dare follow except Namgung Jincheon. The day a month before his first Dragon-Phoenix Assembly. “…Mother.” Zhuge San had to confront his mother's lifeless, cold body. Heartlessly. * Why did it come to this? Zhuge San continuously sought the reason. For about a year, becoming a recluse, he dismantled all he had built with his own hands, and Zhuge San investigated the family alone. It wasn’t until the end that he found out his mother had been poisoned and murdered, and the culprit was the family head’s concubine. Zhuge San went to Zhuge Byeok. “Did you know?” He remained unchanged. The same indifference he remembered from his childhood was still there. “Did you know the reason for mother’s death?” Inwardly, he prayed. Despite his loathing, despite his hatred, he wished for a different answer from Zhuge Byeok. I did not know. I am sorry. I will punish the concubine. He hoped that such words would come from Zhuge Byeok’s mouth. But, Zhuge Byeok was not a man to indulge in such expectations. “If that is so.” Zhuge Byeok spoke indifferently. “If that is so, what will you do?” Do you know what it feels like for the world to crumble? If there is someone who claims to know that feeling, Zhuge San would instead ask them. How lonely was your life? Do you know a life where even the tiniest bit of faith is not rewarded? Do you know the feeling of being sustained by the hatred for others? --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Zhuge San (제갈산) / Strange Dragon (괴룡)**: Translated as "Zhuge San/Strange Dragon", Hanja not provided for deeper cultural understanding. 2. **Zhuge Byeok (제갈벽) / True King (진왕)**: Translated as "Zhuge Byeok/True King", maintaining his title for consistency with the family legacy. 3. **Hubei (호북)**: A province in China, translated as Hubei to retain geographical context. 4. **志學 (지학)**: Translated as "Determination" to reflect the coming-of-age period at age 15 in Confucian tradition, indicating Zhuge San's maturity and resolve. **Explanation:** - Zhuge San's narrative reveals his troubled relationship with his family and his commitment to his mother. This translation captures his emotional turmoil while maintaining his respectful titles to denote rank and family connections. - The translation retains the original tone and emphasizes the cultural importance in Zhuge San's life decisions. - Existing translations for places, familial titles, and martial levels retain cultural significance and narrative consistency. It was a curious incident. The moment Zhuge San heard Zhuge Byeok's reply, he felt the intense heat in his head turn cold. While everything faded to a dull grey, only Zhuge Byeok's figure became clearer. How could anyone not recognize this as an abnormal phenomenon? When his gaze met Zhuge Byeok’s, and the coldness seeped into his heart, could it be attributed merely to a change in emotion? Fallen Star (絶緣星). A star that shines brighter the more it loses and becomes isolated. That day, Zhuge San realized he possessed such a star within him. “I resent you so much. To the point I want to kill you.” “….” “Thus, I will live for that purpose. Stop me if you can. If you fear the future, try killing me.” Suppressing the urge to speak with him, he stated his intention. “If you can’t do that, I will continue forward. Until the moment I gain the power to kill you.” With this declaration, he left the family behind. A foe to be wholly avenged. To Zhuge San, the Zhuge Family became such adversaries. * Approaching the stronghold of the Demonic Cult. Having sent Mok Liwon ahead, Zhuge San lay atop a tree, taking a short rest. His brow was furrowed gravely. It was due to the past that haunted his dreams since he began moving with the Zhuge Family. “San-ah.” The voice stirred Zhuge San awake. Rolling his eyes downward, Zhuge San saw. There stood Zhuge Byeok. Looking up at him with his usual indifferent expression. ‘Am I still dreaming?’ Having been tormented in his dream, opening his eyes to see that face again. It struck him how even the heavens could be so indifferent. “Come down.” “Yes, yes. I suppose your neck is getting stiff from looking up.” Zhuge San descended lightly from the tree, facing Zhuge Byeok. He stood on one leg and added ridicule to his expression. Perhaps it didn’t bother him. Zhuge Byeok, with his hands clasped behind his back, spoke with an unaffected demeanor. “There will be a battle soon.” “I know.” “There will be a Transcendent of the Demonic Sect. Avoid it.” “Are you concerned about me?” “There’s no reason to waste your life in vain.” Zhuge San gritted his teeth. His gaze burned with defiance. “What if I decide to fight the Transcendent?” “You’d be asking for a meaningless death.” “Does it matter to you? Succession? Isn’t there a son born from your illustrious concubine?” “She is your mother.” “My mother is―!!!” Zhuge San shouted sharply but then stopped himself. He didn’t want to show his anger. He was reluctant to display emotions that might become scoffs to Zhuge Byeok. Grinding his teeth, Zhuge San glared at Zhuge Byeok and said, “…Don’t speak of mother in front of me.” “Very well, then I will give you another reason.” Zhuge Byeok turned away. He seemed ready to leave. “Didn’t you say you would aim for my life? Use your life wisely.” With those final words, Zhuge Byeok returned to the camp. For quite some time, Zhuge San watched his retreating figure, stirring his hatred. That hatred, undoubtedly, was transforming into Zhuge San’s internal power. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Demonic Cult (마인들의 본거지):** Translated as "Demonic Cult," referring to the place where demonic practitioners, also known as the Unorthodox Faction, are based. 2. **Transcendent (초월의 마인):** Translated as "Transcendent," indicating a martial artist of high power within the Demonic Sect, signifying a potentially formidable opponent for Zhuge San. 3. **Fallen Star (絶緣星):** Translated as "Fallen Star," a symbolic term representing Zhuge San's isolation and the growing brilliance within his heart despite losing what he valued. It denotes one whose light shines brighter in loneliness. **Explanation:** - The translation maintains Zhuge San’s emotional journey and the complex relationship dynamics with Zhuge Byeok. - Emphasis is placed on preserving the tension and emotional undertones present in their dialogue and interactions. - New terms are interpreted with attention to their symbolic and narrative impact on Zhuge San's character arc.