LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 34 - Episode 8: Martial Principles (1)
Chapter 34 – Episode 8: Martial Principles (1)
Just because the Demonic Cultivator was dead didn’t mean everything was over. There was still the matter of reporting the incident to the Murim Alliance.
“Actually, I already notified them in advance. Given the distance, it’s better to keep them updated early. Anyway, since a Demonic Art is involved, an Inspector will be coming.”
“Inspector?”
“Think of them as specialists in recovering Demonic Arts. They hold independent authority within the Murim Alliance—high-ranking, to say the least.”
“I see.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong nodded.
He’d only heard of the Murim Alliance by name; this was the first time he’d learned about such positions within it.
Sima Lin smirked at his reaction.
“This isn’t something you can just brush off with an ‘I see.'”
“Why not?”
“Because Murim Alliance Inspectors don’t listen to reason. If you’re not properly prepared, you might get dragged to the Alliance headquarters for intense interrogation under the pretext of an investigation… Still think it’s fine?”
“No, of course not.”
What kind of organization operates like that?
“But wouldn’t that just breed resentment? To resort to heavy-handed tactics based solely on the suspicion of contact with a Demonic Cultivator or a Demonic Art…”
“Not everyone, just certain cases. But this situation is special in many ways.”
“Special? Ah.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong let out a quiet groan as it hit him.
Indeed, he had way too many weak points right now. Especially considering how he had revealed a certain degree of his magic during this incident.
“That’s not all. How do you think Young Master Zhuge Jun heard about you in the first place?”
“He said something about… the Reincarnation of Zhuge Liang—”
Zhuge Hyeonmong clenched his teeth mid-sentence and shut his eyes.
No wonder that damn title had rubbed him the wrong way from the start.
“So the Murim Alliance is already aware of everything about me from the start.”
“Precisely. On top of that, you went and formed that weird Green Forest Road Alliance of yours. Even without this incident, they’d have their eyes on you. Now they’ve got the perfect excuse to haul you in and dig into everything—including where that strange sorceries of yours come from.”
“Investigate and then?”
“If they find your abilities useful, they’ll make you cooperate with the Murim Alliance.”
“How would they do that?”
“How do you think they would?”
At Sima Lin’s counter, Zhuge Hyeonmong smiled bitterly.
Just from hearing that question, he could instantly envision several methods they might resort to—and if he could think of them, what about those who had spent their lives in the Jianghu?
Understanding the situation, Zhuge Hyeonmong looked thoughtfully at the people gathered here, then spoke.
“Thank you.”
“…What for, suddenly?”
“You came here to prevent such a thing from happening, didn’t you? As you said, without any backing, I’d be in trouble. But if you vouch for me, that changes things.”
“Ha! Why do you think we would vouch for you? One misstep and our families take the heat too.”
“It’s because you’re interested in my sorceries, isn’t it?”
“…”
Hit right on the mark, Sima Lin closed her mouth.
She furrowed her brow before letting out a long sigh.
“Ah, really. The Zhuge Family really is the worst.”
“I’m not part of the Zhuge Family, though?”
“But you’re still a Zhuge, aren’t you?”
Sima Lin grumbled.
Where was the fun in conversation when he figured out the answer before she even got to her point?
“Wipe that smug face of yours, it makes me want to hit you.”
“Haha. I already took a hit from the Demonic Cultivator anyway.”
‘Is this guy an idiot?’
She couldn’t believe he could joke after what he’d been through.
“Sigh… anyway, fine. You’re right. Happy now? Hmph.”
‘She’s quite temperamental.’
Judging by her pouting, she seemed to wear her emotions on her sleeve.
Zhuge Hyeonmong felt he was beginning to understand Sima Lin a little better.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Jun spoke up.
“Of course, we don’t intend to simply vouch for you. We want to use this opportunity to officially legitimize your sorceries and the Green Forest Road Alliance’s activities within the Murim Alliance.”
“Hmm.”
“If we can prove that your sorceries aren’t evil arts, it’ll make things easier for you moving forward.”
“Does gaining the Murim Alliance’s really change that much?”
“It does. Our Tang Family has been through the same.”
Hearing Tang Hwa-ryeong’s words, Zhuge Hyeonmong found himself nodding in understanding.
Indeed, the Sichuan Tang Family was known for primarily using poisons and hidden weapons.
Poison was still poison, whether it was the Tang Family or just some back-alley thugs that use them, it doesn’t change the fact that they are still poison.
Yet when the Tang Family uses them, they’re considered legitimate and righteous martial arts, while when used by unorthodox sects, they’re condemned as vile and wicked methods.
“Kinda pisses me off how quick you got it… Anyway, I think you get the point. We’re using this chance to slap an official seal on your stuff.”
“Hmm. I don’t think it will be that easy.”
They were young elites from prestigious orthodox sects and families.
True, they had backgrounds and were exceptional individuals who would lead the martial world in the future.
But that was the extent of it. To the outside world, they were still just Young Masters. Despite their backgrounds, it would be difficult to say their words carried sufficient weight or credibility. And they probably knew this well themselves.
Zhuge Hyeonmong suddenly realized something.
“I see. You want me to teach you my sorceries.”
“…That’s correct.”
All the scions gathered here had varying degrees of interest in Zhuge Hyeonmong’s sorceries.
Zhuge Jun was interested in Zhuge Hyeonmong’s formation techniques.
Sima Lin was curious about the Clear Spirit Pills and the atmosphere filling this Formation.
Tang Hwa-ryeong wanted to learn the sorcery that freely controlled the wind.
And Peng Ak…
“What about Young Master Peng?”
“I have no particular interest. I’m simply helping because you’re my friend’s brother.”
“Hm. Still, I’d rather not take help one-sidedly.”
“This hardly counts as help. Take it as a loan to be repaid when I need your help.”
“Ah, that would work.”
Zhuge Hyeonmong nodded.
It wasn’t a bad offer.
His magic was going to be exposed either way. Having their backing made all the difference.
Furthermore, the Green Forest Road Alliance had significantly expanded its influence through this incident.
Moreover, the Green Forest Warriors had significantly expanded their influence through this incident.
While he wasn’t particularly attached to the group, any trouble they faced would likely entangle him as well. Preventing such complications was certainly beneficial.
Moreover, having scions from these prestigious families learns his magic held significant meaning.
Magics only he could use was one thing. Sorceries that orthodox elites also wielded? That changed everything.
“Of course, we don’t expect to learn your techniques for free.”
“Oh?”
Just as Zhuge Hyeonmong was about to accept, Zhuge Jun interrupted.
“Vouching for you and learning your sorceries are separate matters. The scales wouldn’t balance otherwise.”
‘I’m fine with that.’
That’s what Hyeonmong thought.
But the scions appeared to think differently.
For them, martial arts were more precious than life itself.
In their view, Zhuge Hyeonmong teaching them his sorceries in exchange for protection seemed unjust to them.
“So I ask you, Brother. Would you perhaps consider learning martial arts?”
“Martial arts, you say?”
Honestly, he wasn’t very keen on the idea.
‘I’d have to train.’
He was already short on time for researching magic.
If he had to train, he’d have to split his already limited time even further.
Above all, Zhuge Hyeonmong didn’t particularly enjoy physical activity.
If he had to train in anything, he’d prefer to train in magic, or better yet, just lie down and zone out—that’s what Zhuge Hyeonmong wanted.
“Yes. I understand that you walk a different path from martial arts. But wouldn’t it be beneficial to at least learn how for self-defense? There’s no guarantee that incidents like the last one won’t be repeated.”
“Hmm.”
He had a point.
During battles, Zhuge Hyeonmong usually remained a spectator, using his lack of martial training as a shield. Yet he often found himself in the middle of the battlefield.
As Zhuge Jun said, there were situations he couldn’t avoid even if he tried.
If that’s the case wouldn’t it be better to learn how to handle such situations?
“Do you all share the same sentiment? About teaching me martial arts…?”
“That’s not it. Frankly speaking, learning bits and pieces from various sources wouldn’t benefit anyone. We’ll each compensate in different ways. But still, it would be good for you to learn martial arts.”
It wasn’t just Zhuge Jun and Sima Lin; the others shared similar sentiments.
“Give it a try. I noticed you’ve got a good eye. You copied my hidden weapons technique after seeing them once, didn’t you?”
“Ah.”
Now that she mentioned it, he had done that.
Perhaps it wouldn’t be as bad as he thought.
Like when he’d fired that magic bullet, the principles of martial arts might open new doors for his magic.
‘That’s not a bad idea.’
Suddenly, he felt that learning martial arts wasn’t that different from learning magic.
“Alright, let’s do that. But, Brother Jun, what exactly were you planning to teach me?”
“Well, we should start with the basics first.”
“The basics?”
“Yes. It’s clear that you’ve never trained your body, so we should first build your basic strength and stamina, don’t you think?”
“I see. So, will you be teaching me directly, Brother Jun?”
He trusted Zhuge Jun.
Given his personality, Zhuge Jun would likely train him at a reasonable pace without pushing too hard.
“No. I’ll be working with Lady Sima on the report for the Murim Alliance, investigating the Green Forest Road Alliance, and documenting your techniques. We need to focus on minimizing any potential accusations, so we’ll be occupied with that for the foreseeable future.”
“Then who?”
“I will teach you.”
Peng Ak stepped forward at this point.
Seeing his reliable appearance, Zhuge Hyeonmong smiled faintly.
‘I’m doomed.’
***
Indeed.
Just as he had feared, Zhuge Hyeonmong was getting absolutely wrecked.