Chapter: 596
He entered the room with the God.
As soon as he stepped inside, the God frowned while looking around.
“The state of this room is a disaster….”
Hearing that, I chuckled awkwardly. Indeed, as the God mentioned, the room was a complete mess.
The lone light fixture was broken for some mysterious reason, and the only piece of furniture—the table—was split in half!
Last night, my anger got the best of me, and I smashed a bunch of stuff.
I could have simply called the servant to clean it up as I left, but that felt a bit too awkward to ask, especially for such a mess.
I reached out my hand.
Woosh—! Energy burst forth from my fingertips, lifting the scattered debris into the air one by one like a magician at a birthday party.
I couldn’t help but recall what Mo Yong-hee had said yesterday.
“I asked why you were using Heogongseop’s water in a place like this.”
Sure, it might sound absurd for others, but it’s incredibly convenient when you try it yourself.
True, my technique might eat up a bit too much energy, causing efficiency to take a hit.
After hastily tidying up the room, the God plopped down on a chair and said,
“I don’t need tea.”
“But I don’t have a table to serve the tea on!”
Silence enveloped the space.
Could you imagine if there was tea in my room?
I received plenty of gifts here and there, but I never dragged such things around.
Not only did I find it unappealing, but it also felt like a hassle.
“I have some water, though. Would you like that?” I offered.
“…Sure.”
“Oh wait, I’m sorry. Thinking back, I don’t have water either.”
“…”
Awkward silence fell again.
I hadn’t even provided drinking water in the room.
“Fine… I didn’t come here for a drink anyway.”
“Yep.”
I thought about looking for something but settled on the floor after hearing the God’s words.
Since there was no reason to do anything else, I went straight to the main point.
“So, what were you saying earlier?”
“…”
As soon as I asked, the God’s expression turned serious.
I pondered.
‘Didn’t you say something big would happen in Hanam soon?’
That wasn’t something to brush off lightly.
“Did you mention something is going on in Hanam?”
“Yeah… I’m not sure when, but it’s probably sooner than later…”
After a brief silence, the God continued,
“Some people will cause a major incident in Hanam.”
What kind of people are they?
“How do you know this?”
“They told me themselves.”
You mean they directly informed the God?
I sank into thought for a moment.
‘You mentioned going out briefly yesterday.’
The God’s outing from the previous day.
Plus,
‘You said you would meet someone in Hanam.’
Could that possibly be related?
A being—one that even the leader couldn’t easily summon—came all this way to Hanam to meet and warn me.
“Why did you come to tell me this?”
When I shot the question, the God’s eyes turned icy.
The God is a member of parliament.
Why summon such an important figure and discuss a raid?
Who, exactly, was involved, and what was their purpose?
Such questions lingered in my mind.
With a peculiar expression, I inquired further.
“I assume that you share a bloodline with them?”
“…”
This revelation made my eyes widen.
A bloodline?
That can only mean one thing…
‘Are you referring to the descendants of the Zhuge family?’
I didn’t say it out loud, just mulling it over internally, knowing the God likely wasn’t aware of my knowledge regarding his surname.
‘The Zhuge family is preparing to stir up trouble in Hanam?’
That thought made my head spin.
‘This never happened in my past life.’
In my previous life, there was never an unexpected appearance from the Zhuge family claiming they wanted to cause trouble.
Even when the genius Zhuge Hyuk rose to prominence and started taking over the Central Plains.
There was a time when another person from the Zhuge clan tried to confront Zhuge Hyuk, wanting to clear their family name,
Yet there was never any information regarding other descendants of the Zhuge family surfacing.
Now, I had experienced enough to recognize that both the God and Zhuge Hyuk—and even Ji-seon—were of the Zhuge bloodline, but they hid their lineage and surname.
At this point, it was getting hazy whether that surname even existed.
As absurd as it was, I muttered,
“…the forgotten ghosts drew their swords, claiming their spots back.”
How did things spiral out of control like this?
Trying to maintain my composure, I posed the question.
“So, what exactly is the identity of the bloodline you mentioned?”
Suppressing my knowledge, I wondered whether he would even answer.
And then, out of nowhere, he replied,
“Once, this was the place of the Zhuge surname.”
“…!”
“I am a descendant of that lineage.”
Astoundingly, the God revealed his surname without a second thought.
I thought he might at least keep it hidden for a moment longer, but to say it so easily was baffling.
“Zhuge… that can’t be…”
I was shocked for a different reason, but that made it easy to feign surprise.
“Indeed. That’s the place you’re familiar with.”
“…”
The Zhuge family.
Once known as the Five Great Clans, holding an indisputable position in the realm of military tactics and other institutions.
You could safely say that most formations governing the Central Plains during that time were counted among the Zhuge family.
They were that solid and unique, so those in the Central Plains believed that even if other clans fell, the Zhuge clan would endure.
Ironically, they were the first to collapse.
The reasons had long been established.
‘They worshiped the blood horse.’
The blood demon that unleashed a wave of slaughter.
The Zhuge family secretly worshiped the Blood Horse, wanting to covet his power, which the Murim Alliance discovered, leading to their sudden downfall.
The family was utterly shattered, of course.
An order was put out to exterminate anyone with the Zhuge name.
All direct descendants perished, leaving no survivors.
Even those who managed to survive had to hide their surname, so it’s been said.
That’s the current state of the Zhuge family.
No, calling it a family is an overstatement at this point.
Everything has disintegrated and vanished, so how could you still call it a family?
With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I looked at the God and asked,
“…Is it really alright for you to share that with me?”
“Why, are you planning to tell the alliance?”
“No, it’s not like that. But if I ever need money later, it’s a possibility, right?”
“Haha, your reasoning rings true, just like you.”
The God chuckled, and I was left with the impression that he was cursing in a very polite manner.
“Okay then. If you can profit by selling this old man out, be my guest.”
“…I’m not stating I’d do it on purpose.”
“But should that happen, I would appreciate it if you took care of Hyuk.”
“…”
You’re asking me to take on the hardest task. How annoying!
It would have been much easier to just threaten me to stay silent.
I held back a sigh and addressed the God,
“So… The Zhuge family descendants are planning something nefarious, and you want my involvement, is that what I’m hearing?”
“That’s about it.”
“How did you respond?”
“I won’t partake.”
I couldn’t help but feel that wasn’t a shocker.
“Why?”
“Given my temperament… or rather, my character, I doubt that would be a surprise.”
I almost blurted out that he must be a hothead.
This old man is likely rather prickly.
I carefully navigated my wording, causing the God to chuckle lightly.
“Yeah… that sounds about right. I definitely turned them down. I clearly stated that I wouldn’t be involved.”
“Right.”
“I said I wouldn’t engage. I made that point crystal clear.”
The God’s expression darkened more as he spoke.
“That’s not an easy thing to accomplish.”
“Thus why you felt the need to discuss it here.”
“Exactly.”
“Then, I’m puzzled why you came to me.”
The God had mentioned he needed something from me, after all.
And this is the tale he shared.
None of it quite clicked.
‘There must be plenty of people around.’
There’s even someone who looks somewhat trustworthy currently available.
There’s surely a demigod around here somewhere too.
Even without them, there would be plenty who’d act for the sake of the God.
Why was it me?
That became a nagging question in my mind.
Upon hearing my confusion, the God replied,
“I too do not understand.”
He delivered an even stranger response.
“…Huh?”
“Why I ended up coming to you? I don’t know.”
The God genuinely looked baffled.
“For some reason, it felt like it had to be you.”
“Is that your entire reason?”
“Essentially. If it irks you, speak up. I don’t intend to corner you into this.”
“…”
That reasoning was utterly mind-boggling.
He just felt I was the right person to seek.
Why would something so consequential hinge on such a flimsy notion?
I started to ponder whether the God had lost his marbles.
“No… yes.”
But it didn’t really matter.
“…For now, I’d like to hear what you have to say.”
I had no intention of turning him down anyway.
The Zhuge family is scheming something in Hanam.
How could I overlook that?
There was no way I could.
I, after all, was the one who intended to create chaos in Hanam.
In such a situation, the Zhuge family plots to shake things up?
‘What a twist!’
It’s the perfect scenario!
The God likely wanted me to prevent it, but I couldn’t help but be reflective.
‘Why me?’
Why would I halt this golden opportunity?
There’s no way I would!
This was an excellent chance!
Especially under the current circumstances.
As the God slowly resumed his tale, I considered how I could manipulate this situation to my advantage.
Right now, it was all I needed to focus on.
——————————
The night was gradually deepening.
In an area slightly distanced from Hanam.
It was in a spot well beneath that.
In a secret location where no one was aware, an old man sat down, drinking alone.
Glug, glug.
The glass was filled with liquor.
The old man gripped it and brought it to his lips.
There was no sign of Joo Ye anywhere.
While he may have observed protocol in the past, it was unnecessary now.
Nobody was watching.
One drink, then two. Three drinks.
As he kept swallowing, the bottle gradually emptied.
As he prepared to fill up the fourth glass, the old man paused, holding the bottle and contemplating.
‘How much do I have left?’
How much liquor remains in this bottle?
Also,
How long will it take to escape these chains?
“Probably not much.”
Indeed, there probably isn’t much left, similar to the alcohol in the bottle.
Even that.
Swish—
Only a moment stood between him and the last drop.
Once he had drained everything, the bottle felt utterly empty.
There was no need for side dishes.
If he savored the past years over and over, that would become his side dish.
Leaving the empty bottle behind, the old man slowly lifted his glass.
A full glass of liquor.
It mirrored time itself.
Maybe, if he drank it all, the long-awaited moment would arrive?
It was a trivial thought, and the old man smiled gently.
As he prepared to sip from the full glass…
“…”
The old man halted his movements.
His vacant eyes sparkled with vigor, and his gaze sharpened.
He fixed his stare at the glass.
The drink inside swayed gently.
The instant the old man realized that…
“My Lord!”
Someone dashed in from outside.
“There’s been an attack…! Someone’s raided this place…!!”
“…”
The old man put down the glass he was holding in a rush.
Well then.
“Looks like we’ve got guests.”
Despite the urgency, there was calmness in the old man’s eyes.
“The formation surrounding the entrance has been lifted…! The agents rushed out, but… the enemy’s strength…!”
“Do not act recklessly.”
At the old man’s cool words, the man’s mouth snapped shut.
“It would be embarrassing to show our faces to guests.”
“My Lord…?”
“Get more liquor ready.”
The man seemed confused, his eyes flickering.
You say there’s an attack happening, and now you demand more liquor?
This isn’t the time for that!
Just when the man dared to suggest to the old Lord that it was inappropriate,
“A precious guest appears to have arrived.”
Thud.
“…!”
The man froze at the sound from behind him.
At the same instant.
Whooooosh—!
A soft breeze coursed through the corridor.
What’s so wrong with that?
The area was completely enclosed.
It signified a location where no wind should blow.
Then what, pray tell, is this wind?
Thud.
The footsteps approached ever closer.
With a leisurely and composed gait.
Thud.
They resonated unusually loudly.
Whoooosh.
The breeze brushed the man’s shoulder lightly.
Was it a delusion? He felt the breeze strangely heavy.
Cold sweat began to trickle down his tense body.
Whoooooooooosh—!
Snuff—!
The wind extinguished all the flames adorning the walls.
Suddenly, darkness enveloped the space.
But, the darkness didn’t linger for long.
Fwoosh—!
The extinguished lamp ignited once more.
However, it was noticeably different from the initial flame.
It was purple.
Somehow, the flames took on a purplish hue.
Moreover, now that the flames had ignited, somehow, the darkness felt even more profound.
Within that void.
“Nice to meet you.”
A voice echoed throughout the space.
Clatter, clatter, clatter—!
The man’s mouth trembled as his teeth chattered incessantly.
Upon hearing the voice, his body began to react on its own accord.
It was merely primal human instinct.
Fear.
That was undoubtedly the emotion the man felt.
Leaving the man behind.
The old man was fixated on the figure who had suddenly materialized.
Dressed in a deep, muted uniform and wearing an odd white mask.
The sight of someone approaching calmly with an air of authority.
Witnessing this, the old man inquired,
“You are an uninvited guest. What brings you here?”
The guest did not respond to his question, simply observing the old man silently.
“You refuse to answer….”
“Zhuge Liang.”
“…!”
“Is that sufficient as an address?”
At those words, the old man’s brow wrinkled.
Not only had they stormed in here, but they also appeared to know his true identity.
“…Who are you, exactly?”
“The identity of ‘who I am’ isn’t particularly significant. The important thing lies elsewhere.”
Step, step.
The figure resumed its slow approach toward the old man.
“Oh, Lord—!!”
The man, who had been transfixed by the sight, shouted and attempted to rush toward the figure.
The old man raised a hand to deter him.
“It appears you harbor some objective.”
“Indeed. A significantly important objective.”
The figure stopped right in front of the old man.
The old man had to scowl in response.
Eyes visible through the mask.
Those were unsettlingly distracting.
“I’ve come here personally to discuss something with you.”
“…”
The figure’s demeanor seemed casual, as though nothing unusual was occurring.
The old man found that unearthing but not entirely mismatched.
Not only had they breached the barrier set up at headquarters, but this person also arrived alone.
You must remain vigilant.
Concealing his feelings, the old man continued.
“I presume what you want to discuss… is that?”
“Before we proceed, what should I call you now?”
“…”
Zhuge Liang. Could I still address him that way?
The old man pondered for a brief moment, but it didn’t take long for him to arrive at a conclusion.
Given that the visitor made it all the way here to mention the Zhuge family, it was likely they were familiar to some extent.
It indicated that needless probing was unwarranted.
“I am no longer called that.”
“What then?”
“Cheonra Black Watchtower.”
The old man replied to the stranger.
“That is the name of the unit I lead. Thus, Lord Cheonra is sufficient for me.”
After providing that introduction, the old man perceived something odd.
“Hmm.”
Upon hearing the name, the visitor said.
“Not bad.”
Strangely, there was an undertone of delight embedded within that statement.
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