191 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

**EP.191 Chapter Nineteen: Qinghai, Father and Son (11)** * * * Thunk―! Zhuge Byeok made his hand into a claw and pierced through Tianqilie’s chest. Blood spilled from Tianqilie’s mouth. At that moment, Zhuge Byeok felt his vision blur. 'More...' He needed to press on. Leaving even a twitch of strength could lead to harm befalling Zhuge San. That wasn't an option. If he couldn’t be the pillar, he should at least be the shield — that was a father’s duty, wasn’t it? Just as he was about to strike again— “You cur―!” The voice that boomed through the space belonged to Ma Ilsuk. Bang! Bang! Bang! Ma Ilsuk came rushing in, cutting down the demonic cultivators as he made his way. "...The useless old man has failed again, it seems," Tianqilie clicked his tongue. It was then that Zhuge Byeok sensed something was off. 'But...' Why wasn’t Tianqilie fighting back? In a situation where he could utilize his innate qi to aim for mutual destruction, why was he simply accepting this? A lack of strength didn’t offer an excuse. The urgency of the situation wasn’t a reason either. Was he not an elite of the Blood Heaven Sect, a top echelon warrior? There was no way he would retreat from such a relatively small disadvantage. “It seems this much is sufficient.” But for some reason... Just as Zhuge Byeok was pondering, Tianqilie grinned. “They call it sorcery, don’t they?” Tianqilie raised his trembling arm and stabbed his own heart with his index finger. Thud! Shortly after the unsettling sound, the life in Tianqilie's eyes vanished. However, it was immediately apparent that this was not his death. Zhuge Byeok felt a sense of frustration. 'He wasn't the real one.' It seemed he was merely using a surrogate body or someone else's body. The reason this went unnoticed until now must have been due to the formation that was affecting everything. A vicious and cunning trick. “At least one has been dealt with.” With those words, Tianqilie’s body collapsed. Zhuge Byeok sighed. “Ugh…!” His body screamed in pain. The strands of hair obstructing his vision were turning gray. As his consciousness began to fade, Zhuge Byeok looked at Zhuge San. “Head of Family!” Ah, this child bears such a sorrowful face, he thought. The apology he felt for Zhuge San was the last thing on his mind as Zhuge Byeok lost consciousness. * It was an incident. Although the demonic cultivators laying the formation were taken care of, it was merely a routine event without any notable achievements. The Fourth Elder, who detained Ma Ilsuk, ended up merely stalling for time before escaping. Moreover, the Sixth Elder sacrificed a surrogate body using sorcery rather than his original. It felt shallow to rejoice over felling only a few hundred demonic cultivators, given the heavy losses. “…What’s the state of the family head?” At the halls of the Zhuge Family estate, Zhuge San stood outside the main building, inquiring with the physician. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, the physician replied, “His life is intact.” “His life?” “Well….” The physician hesitated. With mounting frustration, Zhuge San knitted his brow. The physician sighed before continuing. “…He will never walk on his own legs again. Furthermore, he will not be able to act as a martial artist any longer.” Zhuge San felt as if his heart had sunk into his stomach. Yet, it wasn’t entirely shocking. The outcome had been foreseen. ‘…So it has come to this.’ The wound had gone clear through his dantian. Additionally, there was the wound Zhuge San himself had inflicted on his lower back. His condition was miraculous, given that his life was spared. Moreover, due to his mistake at the critical moment, Zhuge Byeok had to use his innate qi techniques. He likely wouldn’t live for much longer. “...Would you like to see him?” “Has he awakened?” “Not yet.” “Then I’ll come by later.” Striving to calm his sinking heart, Zhuge San left the area. He wasn't avoiding him because he hadn't awakened. In truth, it was a lie. Zhuge San himself was at a loss about how to face Zhuge Byeok. Facing him in his current state would only amplify his emotions, so he judged it better to avoid it. Thus, the moment he stepped out of the his quarters— “Zhuge.” “…Ah, Brother Mok.” Mok Liwon, who had been waiting, approached with a face full of concern. “How is the True King…?” Zhuge San shook his head with a bitter smile. “His life remains, but he will no longer be able to function as a martial artist.” “Ah…” A deep sigh. Zhuge San found a small comfort in Mok Liwon’s genuine sympathy. Few people other than Mok Liwon could express such sincere sympathy for another’s troubles. Suddenly, watching Mok Liwon, Zhuge San spoke without thinking. “Would you care for a drink?” “Hmm?” “Simply in that kind of mood.” Mok Liwon tilted his head. After mulling over it briefly and chewing on his words, he eventually gave his answer. “Very well.” With an uncharacteristically bitter smile from Mok Liwon. * Zhuge San placed a simple snack and a cheap liquor on the pavilion table. “It seems this is all there is to drink.” “This also is good liquor.” “Why do you think so?” “Is it not drinking with a fine companion?” Mok Liwon smiled brightly. Zhuge San felt words creeping up to his throat at that smile. His heart felt so stifled that he had an urge to open up to his companion. “…First, let’s have a drink.” Zhuge San filled a cup and offered it to Mok Liwon. As Mok Liwon accepted, he filled his own cup as well. They lifted the cups and drank simultaneously. They didn’t use their inner energy to ward off intoxication. This was liquor to be enjoyed; surrendering to its effects was the intent. Gratefully, Mok Liwon silently indulged him, joining in their drinks. Soon one cup became two. Two again became three. By the time the bottle was nearly empty, Zhuge San started to feel the alcohol’s effects. “Hmmm….” A faint laughter emerged from Zhou San as he looked at Mok Liwon. Mok Liwon still seemed to be holding up just fine. “Brother Mok, you aren't getting drunk today.” “It seems Zhuge has become drunk enough for both of us.” “So, ordinarily, were you the one getting tipsy for your sister? Is that why you always returned in such a drunken stupor?” **Terms and Translation Explanation:** - **천기려(Tianqilie)**: Translated to Tianqilie, interpreted using the context of the text. - **의체 (Surrogate Body)**: Literally translates to an "alternative body" or "proxy body", indicating a body used in place of the original. - **고작(few hundred)**: Literally means "only" or "just", used to emphasize the relatively small number of demonic cultivators defeated. etxt comprehensively contextually sets them. "It seems otherwise. Is the young lady good with alcohol? I just can't compete." Zhuge San chuckled. "You might end up getting bitten." "What do you mean?" "Oh, nothing, just slipped out." A silence followed. In that quiet, Zhuge San stroked his cup with his index finger. He thought of words that had been stuck in his throat. Words he hadn't shared even with Mok Liwon. His relationship with his father, this troublesome star, and the emotions he was feeling now. Under normal circumstances, Zhuge San's character would never have allowed him to speak them out loud. But perhaps because humans are inherently social creatures, today Zhuge San took advantage of the drink's buzz to gingerly broach the topic. "Have I ever told you why I dislike the family head?" "You haven't." "Did I promise I would?" "I didn't hear such a promise." "Because he was too indifferent." Mok Liwon nodded. "It seems that way." "He was indifferent to the point of resentment." "It appears so." "So I resented him all my life." It was a long-winded confession. Zhuge San spoke of things related to his mother, his relationship with his father, why he left home, and what goals he had lived for, sharing everything with Mok Liwon. Mok Liwon listened attentively, sometimes expressing empathy, sometimes laughing, and at other times sharing in his sorrow. Knowing there was someone to lend an ear, Zhuge San felt a sense of relief. "…And so I swore to end his life with my own hands, but it just seems beyond me." Zhuge San's gaze drifted to the night sky. The sky appeared so tranquil, clear without a single cloud. "Now I can't tell. Is it affection, resentment, hatred? I might just want to believe that the last moment when he threw himself for me was the family head’s true intentions." "As for me," Mok Liwon spoke up. "I think you're quite a wise person, Zhuge. To be honest, you sometimes seem wiser than the young lady." "You'll have to keep that secret, or my sister's going to have a fit." "Keep it secret, would you?" Mok Liwon laughed playfully. He then added a statement. "That's why I have faith. I believe after much contemplation, you’ll arrive at an excellent answer." Zhuge San looked at Mok Liwon. With a serious face, he added earnestly, affirming the sincerity of his words. "In my view, the person closest to being a hero among the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly is you, Zhuge." **Terms and Translation Explanation:** - **소저 (young lady)**: Translated as "young lady," a respectful term used for young women of noble or respectable standing. - **명을 끊어버리겠다 (to end his life)**: Literally translated as "to cut off his life," indicating a strong emotional decision rather than a casual intent. - **용봉단 (Dragon-Phoenix Assembly)**: Translated as "Dragon-Phoenix Assembly," a name that seems to denote a gathering or organization, suggesting a prestigious or significant group within the narrative. The literal translation has been retained to maintain story context. The conversation touches on personal grievances and realizations Zhuge San has about his past and family, showing the complexity of his feelings and the bonds he shares with Mok Liwon. The dialogue reveals Zhuge San navigating his inner turmoil, while Mok Liwon provides an anchor of trust and understanding.