The problem occurred around the time I was about to leave the training ground.

“You.”

A voice that threw informal speech at me, who was lying down. I felt a sense of déjà vu and lifted my head, and there was a familiar face.

“Zhuge Paegang?”

“Where is that guy, Cho Min-ha?”

I took my eyes off his appearance of asking out of the blue, stood up from my seat, and dusted off the dirt on my clothes.

“He’s already left.”

“Tsk! I was going to settle the score that I couldn’t finish last time.”

He frowned and then glared at me for no reason.

‘You wouldn’t have won anyway.’

The difference in skill between Cho Min-ha and Zhuge Paegang was clear. It was just that one side wouldn’t admit it.

“Is there a need to fight now? You can finish it when you go back to the academy.”

“You’re still slow. It would have been better if the outcome had been decided today.”

“Why?”

“Do you really not know? Today is…”

“Second Young Master!”

Before Zhuge Paegang’s words could continue, a retainer who had flown in urgently with a considerable level of footwork landed in the training ground.

And he delivered a startling piece of news.

“The family head has returned! It is the young family head’s message that all family members, except for the workers, should gather at the main gate.”

* * *

“He came earlier than planned.”

Zhuge Paegang muttered and walked out to the wide-open main gate. A neat appearance, as if he had expected it.

Compared to him, I followed behind him, having barely straightened my clothes.

‘How come no one gave me a heads-up?’

No matter how much of a scoundrel I was, shouldn’t I at least know the scheduled return date of the family head? I felt a sense of being isolated in many ways. Although it was nothing new now.

I clicked my tongue inwardly and joined the line. Of course, it was the very front.

Basically, the direct family members, including Zhuge Taesung and Dang Hujeong, were in the very front, and behind them, the family head’s close associates, elders, and seniors followed. And behind them, there was also the guest, Tang Surin.

Because of that, I was able to see Zhuge Taesung, who was standing in the very center of the front, up close.

‘He’s worthy of being the young family head.’

I could feel an unusual aura, and I couldn’t even guess his realm.

Basically, there was an overwhelming feeling that came from his size. I had thought that my height was not inferior to the other masters I had faced so far, but he was about a hand’s breadth taller than me.

‘Based on the original work, he probably hasn’t reached the Transformation Realm yet, but it’s only a matter of time.’

He was undoubtedly a super master of a considerable level. My heart, which had been excited after reaching the pinnacle of the first-rate, calmed down.

There was still a long way to go.

And so, as I was standing for nearly half a shichen for the welcome, I saw a large procession beyond the darkened road in the distance.

Clank!

The family’s martial artists lined up, and Zhuge Taesung stepped forward to face them.

As they got closer to the main gate, the mounted escorts spread out, and finally, the most splendid carriage that had been in the middle of them stopped at the main gate.

“We greet the master of the Zhuge family! We celebrate the family head’s safe return.”

Along with Zhuge Taesung’s lead, a resounding chorus and greetings followed.

I could clearly feel the prestige of the family from their disciplined attitude.

“Dispense with the formalities.”

“Be at ease.”

A voice that overwhelmed the crowd.

““Yes!””

A unified answer came back immediately. As expected of a hegemon who reigned over a region, he had the power to command his surroundings.

I gently lifted my head and looked at Zhuge Hohyeon. He was a middle-aged man with a wild beauty and a large build. Firmly closed lips, a dignified expression, and strong eyes.

He was an appearance that was not lacking to be the head of a prestigious family.

‘I was wondering where that characteristic sharp gaze like a villain came from.’

It seemed it had originated from there.

“Were there any problems while I was away?”

“As reported through the letter, there was a conflict with the Green Forest Eighteen Fortresses, but it was handled in the family’s way.”

A simple conversation between Zhuge Taesung and him, and after finishing his reunion with Dang Hujeong, Zhuge Hohyeon entered the main gate and looked this way as if to check.

A gaze that was just enough to see if I was there or not. I opened my mouth, facing the indifferent gaze that had no expectation.

“I greet you after a long time, Father.”

Whether he hadn’t expected me to speak first, Zhuge Hohyeon stopped his feet.

“Yes. Did you have any achievements at the academy?”

It seems he didn’t even know that I had gotten the top student position. For the busy family head of the Zhuge family, getting first place at the level of a junior student would be a trivial matter. And even more so if it was the third, a scoundrel who had already been given up on.

“Yes. In that sense, I would like to request a ‘Day of Proof’ soon.”

In an instant, the gazes fell on me. Among them, most were surprised looks. Not only Zhuge Paegang, who was opening his jaw slightly right next to me, but even Zhuge Hohyeon, who had received the request, was making a puzzled expression.

“The third young master and a Day of Proof… How many years has it been?”

“Indeed. Why now, after being quiet all this time?”

I could hear the elders whispering softly from behind.

I waited for Zhuge Hohyeon’s answer without caring.

‘Now is the time.’

The Day of Proof was a system where the direct descendants of the Zhuge family proved their abilities to the family head and were rewarded accordingly.

It fit well with the educational pretext of the achievement-oriented Zhuge family, and it was also a tradition that had played a large role in the succession structure for a long history.

‘With this, I’ll gain the authority to the treasure warehouse.’

Considering the achievements I had made so far, although a divine artifact or a top-tier artifact would be difficult, I should be able to get at least one high-tier artifact.

Although there was a brief commotion among the elders at the sudden request, they did not raise their voices any further. Because they all knew who was in front of them.

“Fine. I’ll arrange a place soon.”

The permission that was given after a silence. I replied, paying my respects.

“Yes. Thank you.”

And then Zhuge Hohyeon and Zhuge Taesung, who were disappearing inside. I smiled inwardly, looking at their backs.

‘Good. It’s going as planned.’

Then what’s left is…

“Greetings, Zhuge Cheonwu-nim. I have come at a late hour because Zhuge Hyeonguk-nim left a message. Is your schedule for tomorrow okay regarding the matter of the successor?”

It was just the matter of the Dark Formation Martial Sect.

* * *

The next day, as promised, I visited Zhuge Hyeonguk’s reception room and was facing Zhuge Hyeonguk.

“How is your body?”

“Not very good.”

“Hoho, to have gone through such a thing and only be at the level of not very good… Normally, you would have become a cripple or still be in a coma.”

‘Did he give me that as a test out of the blue?’

Although he looked gentle, he was a twisted kind of person.

If I hadn’t been able to endure it, he would have just coldly ignored me, no matter what happened to this side.

“So have you thought about it?”

“I haven’t heard anything yet.”

“Actually, what I said then was most of it. You become my disciple, learn formations, and later lead the Dark Martial Sect.”

A simple proposal. To become the head of a new martial sect in his place.

“So in a word, a personal achievement and an organization come along at the same time. Isn’t it tempting?”

He continued, staring at me intently.

“You are still immature. Of course, based on your innate talent, you have an amazing skill for your age, but even so, it’s not enough to overcome the wall yet. I can help you.”

“…The wall, you say. I have one question. What is the solid wall at the end of the shadow formation and the spiral beyond it?”

“I can’t just teach you that. Because formations are different from martial arts.”

Zhuge Hyeonguk put down his teacup and cut his words short. He must be saying that if I’m curious, I should become his disciple.

Unlike martial arts, since advanced formations were not knowledge that anyone could easily access, it was a possible attitude.

Since the Heaven-Shattering Demon had not released the formations, there was no choice but to have a monopoly.

‘It’s worrying.’

In fact, I had already decided in my heart.

‘I’ll refuse.’

If I were to enter the Dark Martial Sect, I would be able to become the head before long. Even if there were opposing opinions, I could just crush them with my ability.

But an organization does not run on an individual alone. No matter how much of a head he was.

There would be a flood of things to care about, such as the long-standing executives and vested interests, the structure of the organization, and the relationship with external forces.

And even more so if it was a formation martial sect that had been passed down for centuries, like the Dark Martial Sect.

‘Even if I enter as a successor, I’ll have to endure troublesome challenges, and even if I rise with my skills, then I’ll be swayed by the interests of the organization that has been built up until then.’

In other words, my freedom of movement would be reduced.

Historically, how many times has a leader been overthrown while trying to implement a reform policy, or has an organization been dismantled by internal vested interests like the Ten Attendants?

‘You’re telling me to do that?’

In the midst of the turbulent times, I’m busy just getting stronger and surviving. And in the meantime, I also have to lead Baek Hasin according to the ending of the original work.

‘I can’t.’

But even so, the reason I couldn’t express my refusal right away was because I coveted the shadow formation.

‘If I do it well, I might be able to apply it to magic.’

Unlike the formations I had learned so far, since it was a very unique and profound formation, it was difficult to get a feel for it just by experiencing it. It would be good if I could learn it directly.

‘It’s worrying.’

I don’t want to be tied down to an organization full of old-timers. But I want to get the knowledge that the head of that organization has accumulated.

I know it’s a self-serving mentality. But haven’t humans grown from such greed?

‘Since it’s come to this, it can’t be helped.’

I finally made a decision.

If I refuse like this, that’s the end of it. Rather than doing nothing and missing the opportunity, I should at least be bold.

“Unfortunately, it seems it will be difficult for me to enter the Dark Martial Sect.”

A clear sign of refusal. And the silence that followed. And soon, he slowly took his hand off the teacup and clasped his hands.

“Instead, I will include Zhuge Hyeonguk’s Dark Formation Martial Sect in my martial sect. I think the name Light and Dark Martial Sect would be good.”

At the same time, a haze of light that spewed out from within his clasped hands. The brilliance, which was made of pure mana, swept over Zhuge Hyeonguk’s stiff expression.

‘Did I go too far?’

Just as a sense of anxiety was about to rise.

“Hohoho!!”

Zhuge Hyeonguk burst out laughing. To the point where his shoulders were shaking. After laughing for a long time, he suddenly lifted his head. His gaze was sharp.

“You’ve got guts.”

Zhuge Hyeonguk corrected his posture and asked back.

“But why the Light and Dark Martial Sect?”

“Because I’m of the light lineage. If you make me more interested in the dark lineage in the process of learning, I’m thinking of making it the Black and White Martial Sect.”

“Then try to captivate me? You’re telling me to show that much charm! Fine!”

Zhuge Hyeonguk said as if shouting.

“I’ll follow you, as if I’m being deceived. I’ll take you in as a disciple, but I won’t force the position of successor on you. But please promise me one thing. That you won’t completely ignore the Dark Martial Sect when it’s in danger. It’s about making sure our relationship of gratitude and resentment is clear.”

‘So it’s not completely free.’

Still, it was worth enduring as a price for entering the Dark Martial Sect. I immediately stood up from my seat and bowed.

“I greet my master.”

It was the moment when the new star of the Dark Martial Sect appeared.

“Let’s have the education in the evening.”

A little later, Zhuge Hyeonguk, who had sent Zhuge Cheonwu away, promising to see him next time, leaned back in his chair alone and muttered.

“To think of creating a completely new martial sect and then integrating it… He’s extraordinary. A vessel that is bigger than I could have imagined.”

Will he contain everything, or will he be broken before that?

“I’m curious. I wonder what will happen.”

The integration of the main martial sects, that alone would make a mark in the history of the formation world. But on top of that, if the use of the sorcery that was close to a divine skill that Zhuge Cheonwu had shown was added… perhaps the world would be turned upside down.

“Is a new era coming?”

Zhuge Hyeonguk looked into the teacup, where the tea leaves were standing upright, and a smile of expectation formed on his lips.

(End of Chapter)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep