190 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

**Episode 190 - Father and Son of the Blue Sea (10)** * * * Zhuge San dashed toward the spot where Zhuge Byeok had been, only to find it empty. The reason for the vacancy was immediately clear. 'He went in alone.' Zhuge Byeok had plunged into the depths of the formation solo. Zhuge San's head whipped toward the enclosure. He could vividly imagine Zhuge Byeok facing the transcendent demonic figure alone inside. Why did he leave him behind? The more he pondered, the more images of Zhuge Byeok's demeanor since they arrived here came to mind. 'To protect... me.' As soon as this conjecture crossed his mind, Zhuge San felt a surge of anger and anxiety so intense it startled even him. Thoughts crashed through his mind like a tidal wave. Now, at this moment, resolving nothing. Does he really believe that plunging into danger alone is for his son's sake? Is he prepared to die without ever understanding people to the end? Emotions were boiling over. Yet even amidst this turmoil, his steps moved diligently toward the enclosure. Upon reaching it, Zhuge San could see. “He's erased his inner force. He's linked his Dantian(丹田) with yours. As your demonic energy empties, I too lose my power.” “Are you asking for confirmation? Then let me answer. Yes. You have chosen the right answer indeed.” It was Zhuge Byeok in danger. He had lost his strength and was now just a wounded human. Approximately a hundred men were emanating killing intent toward Zhuge Byeok. It was a situation where Zhuge Byeok might soon die. As soon as Zhuge San confirmed this, he stepped forward for reasons he himself didn't entirely grasp. “What, do I not even exist in your concerns?” The words came out through gritted teeth. When he spoke, everyone in the space halted their movements. With all eyes fixed on him, Zhuge San smirked sarcastically. “Why do you all look at me like that?” The gaze that pierced most deeply into Zhuge San was Zhuge Byeok’s. Contemplating bewilderment, his expression was so unlike Zhuge Byeok that Zhuge San let out an inappropriate, dry laugh. “Why...!” In response to his lamenting words, Zhuge San answered. “Why do you speak as if this is a place I shouldn't come to?” Then, an elderly man who seemed to be the transcendent demon spoke. “Yes, it's not a place you shouldn't come to.” The cackling elder entrapped Zhuge Byeok in danger. Even in this brief moment, Zhuge San's mind was connecting these strands of causality. The elder spoke again. “Should I introduce myself again? I'm Cheongi Ryeo(天机慮), the Sixth Elder of the Divine Sect. And you are...” “You talk too much, old man. You look to be at least sixty; why not retire to the back room and rest your body?” Zhuge San's words couldn’t help but turn sarcastic. He was dissatisfied with the entirety of this situation. “Master, could you stop with the whining? Did you call me to the family just to display this pathetic sight?” “Insolent brat.” Once again, the elder, the Sixth Elder called Cheongi Ryeo, spoke. His face was tinged with subtle annoyance and anger. “Yes, they call you Strange Dragon. I've heard quite a bit about you. They say you skillfully use a simplified formation technique inherited from your father....” Zhuge San, without waiting for him to finish, flicked a jade stone. With a resonating sound, stones scattered all around, vibrating. Along with it, the released energy began activating the formation. “You mean something like this?” Zhuge San said leisurely as he stepped deeper into the tactical formation. Swoosh— Zhuge San, like a mirage dispersing, appeared right before Zhuge Byeok. Late-starting were the shocked reactions from the demons. Zhuge San immediately swiped the napes of their necks with his hands sheathed in claws. Splat— Blood sprayed out like a fountain. Exhaling, Zhuge San addressed Cheongi Ryeo. “It seems I wasn't even a thought in your mind. Judging by how unprepared you are.” Cheongi Ryeo’s flustered expression was unseemly. Truthfully, Zhuge San was displeased with the entire situation and the seriousness of that expression wouldn’t appear any different in his eyes. “You...!” The veins on Cheongi Ryeo's forehead bulged. “A mere Peak Realm brat dares to insult me?” His scornful tone left Zhuge San with no choice but to sneer. “Why do you think I'm at Peak Realm?” The initially one hundred demons, now numbering ninety-eight, began targeting Zhuge San. Their murderous intent sent chills down his spine. “San, even now...” “Now, Master, please stay back.” Zhuge San muttered as he rolled another jade stone in his hand. “It seems we need to have another talk.” At that moment, Zhuge Byeok’s pupils turned pitch black. So dark that they could no longer reflect light. * Peak Realm. Publicly, Zhuge San was at this stage. Indeed, the actual state of his martial arts was at Peak Realm. Among his peers, he was at the top tier. However, there were undeniably more talented individuals. It would be apt to call him an exceptional talent among geniuses. Even just comparing him with Mok Liwon and Namgung Jincheon affirms this, not to mention Il-un or Hyewun, and even Tang Hwaseo. Except for one aspect, that Zhuge San intentionally remained at Peak Realm. “In the martial world, there’s a saying to conceal thirty percent of your strength.” With a tap, he flicked the jade stone and added more force. The sole reason for Zhuge San being stuck at Peak Realm was now being surmounted. Even amid this, Zhuge San’s thoughts were on Zhuge Byeok. 'I blame you.' A star that shines brighter in solitude, translating resentment and hatred directly into power. Zhuge San felt himself growing stronger the more his emotions roiled. 'I hate you.' There was a memory. From a very long time ago, Zhuge San had always watched Zhuge Byeok’s back. From the time when this feeling was not directed at him, an affection that turned into hatred, then resentment, culminating in hatred, Zhuge San watched only Zhuge Byeok’s back. He pursued anything that blocked his path. It was a natural feeling. Hence, Zhuge San constantly wrestled with surpassing Zhuge Byeok, devoting himself to mastering his techniques day and night without rest. This is the result. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. *Cheongi Ryeo(天机慮)* - This name was introduced as a new character, denoting someone likely associated with elder wisdom or strategies in their sect. The Chinese characters suggest insight or cautious handling of matters. 2. *Divine Sect* - Translated from *신교*, which appears to be a fictional organization. 3. The dialogue reflects the tense, somewhat rebellious tone of Zhuge San, maintaining his strong individuality and defiance of authority figures. 4. The phrase "강호에선 힘의 삼할을 숨겨라" conveys a martial arts philosophy of concealing one's full strength, which adds a layer of strategic depth to the character's actions. In the future, additional context might necessitate updates to the list, especially if other new characters or organizations are introduced. Gender indicators appear consistent with the current context for main characters. Zhuge San's comprehension of tactical formations and martial insights had long surpassed that level. It was said that Zhuge San was at the pinnacle, much like Namgung Jincheon, who had surpassed the limits of martial force. ‘This is enough.’ It was sufficient at this level. To break through to the next realm, this much was enough. Manifesting his intent in the form of Qi(氣) was what defined the Transcendent Peak Realm. Thus, with unwavering certainty, Zhuge San could proclaim: ‘I am a wanderer.’ He would live his entire life as a wanderer. Unbound by anything, he would only express resentment towards that which shackled him. Live freely, undeterred by the destiny handed to him. ‘Therefore, let freedom be expressed.’ Flick by flick, the jade stones thrown over time began shaping into a grand formation. The one person here who could understand the intricacies of such an arrangement was Zhuge Byeok alone. “This is….” Zhuge San let his voice drift away as he focused more on completing the formation. In each fleeting moment, the demons' attacks advanced relentlessly. Dodging, blocking, and deflecting, Zhuge San poured his entire mind into materializing his intent. ‘If I am seen as myself, then I alone suffice.’ Therefore, he named it thus. ‘Solitary Joy (獨娛).’ Declaring that even alone in the world, he could freely laugh—a moment when Zhuge San defined his own resolve. Rumble— The formation was completed. * * * Gray Qi waves swept through the space. From meticulously calculated angles, Zhuge San's formation began to manifest. A wondrous and commendable formation it was. ‘Ah.’ Contrary to the tense atmosphere, Zhuge Byeok felt a choking sensation. The blurring of Zhuge San's figure, the gray Qi waves enveloping the space to conceal Zhuge San’s presence, leading to the defeat of the demons in an illusory environment. All of it was so commendable and foolish for him to not have realized it earlier. ‘Yeon-ah.’ I was mistaken. Sani isn't so weak as to hide behind the back of such a worthless father. He has grown wonderfully, so much so that alone he is more than adequate—it borders on marvelous. The guilt only deepened. Though Zhuge Byeok’s expression softened further, meanwhile, Zhuge San continued moving ghost-like to subdue the demons. How could they possibly catch him? The entire formation within this space existed solely to hide Zhuge San's presence; without transcendent power and spiritual force, finding Zhuge San was impossible. Moreover, look at this: the only one who could stop Zhuge San, Cheongi Ryeo, was instead erasing his own demonic energy to obstruct himself. As Cheongi Ryeo’s face hardened, Zhuge Byeok chuckled dryly. ‘Of course, how could you have known?’ How could a complete outsider like you know what even I didn’t realize? While he pondered this, Sssss— Zhuge Byeok sensed his energy, which had reached the ground, replenishing. A moment of joy as fulfillment and omnipotence raised him. Soon, Zhuge Byeok realized the meaning of this phenomenon. “San-ah!” Zhuge San intended to attack Cheongi Ryeo. And promptly, Cheongi Ryeo dispelled the formation and spells. Cheongi Ryeo was an opponent whom Zhuge San could not overcome simply by hiding his form. Before such a thought even crossed his mind, Zhuge Byeok moved. There was a fortunate incident. Puk— Zhuge Byeok saved Zhuge San. And then, “…It missed.” Unfortunately, Cheongi Ryeo's outstretched arm pierced through Zhuge Byeok's Dantian(丹田). **Translation Notes:** 1. *Solitary Joy (獨娛)* - Zhuge San's chosen name signifies his willingness to find joy even when left alone in the world. It reflects his resolve and the emotional context of solitude shaping his identity. 2. *Gray Qi Waves* - Refer to the energy released during the manifestation of Zhuge San's meticulously constructed formation. It emphasizes the mystical and tactical nature of his martial arts skills. 3. *Cheongi Ryeo* - An opponent who posed a significant threat, as noted through Zhuge Byeok’s actions to protect Zhuge San. This new detail further reveals his standing within the narrative. 4. The term *Wanderer* conveys Zhuge San's desire to live without constraints, embodying his essence of freedom and determination against fate. 5. Narrative Flow - The internal musings of both Zhuge San and Zhuge Byeok provide depth to their characters, illustrating their growth, perceived failures, and the dynamics between father and son. This element of introspection is mirrored in the unfolding action, maintaining the tone of growth and revelation. There are no significant new organizations, realms, or concepts mentioned that require an update to the contextual list above based on this segment. The relationships and interactions presented further clarify the roles and motivations of the characters involved.