My Alter Ego's Path to Greatness

As Hugo finished the treatment, the conversation he had at the Zhuge Clan's estate before coming here flashed through his mind.

"You said a prince? But the imperial bloodline was severed after the massacre at the Imperial Palace…"

"To be precise, he's of imperial descent. While those at the palace suffered a terrible fate, not all perished. A few managed to escape."

Among them was the Crown Princess, who was pregnant at the time. After the tragedy, before the world descended into chaos, she escaped the capital with her loyal retainers and returned to her family's estate, seeking refuge. She feared further misfortune if she acted rashly, as both the Emperor and the Crown Prince were dead.

As she expected, warlords and various factions rose, plunging the land into chaos. She focused on recuperating, keeping a low profile. She was carrying a child.

"I see. Then the one born after that is…"

"Indeed. He is Zhu Gangin, the descendant of the imperial family, currently at the Shaolin Temple."

Born amidst hardship, he was raised with utmost care by his mother and her family. But he was born frail. Even with renowned physicians and precious elixirs, his health continued to deteriorate. In the end, he was entrusted to the Shaolin Temple, where high-level monks resided. The Shaolin Temple, renowned for its martial prowess, would ensure his safety.

"Our clan, having produced many imperial officials, also has connections with the Shaolin Temple. That's how we learned that his symptoms are similar to Huimei's."

"But that's a secret, isn't it? Is it alright for you to tell me this?"

"It was, in the early stages of the chaos… but it's been over twenty years. It's no longer a secret. The appearance of a single imperial descendant won't change anything in the current situation."

Indeed, the current conflict, threatening the very existence of various factions, couldn't be resolved by lineage alone. And many of the warlords already claimed royal titles.

'They wouldn't care about a child who isn't even recognized as a true imperial descendant.'

The lack of military power, the most crucial element for legitimacy, was a major factor. The imperial descendant was a prince in name only.

"Of course, you shouldn't speak of it carelessly, but you should know, since we're asking you to treat him."

"I see. I understand. I'll examine him."

"Thank you. I haven't been at ease, knowing his connection to our clan. I'll reward you upon your return."

That was the end of the conversation. After arriving at the Shaolin Temple, Hugo met the patient and began the treatment, which had lasted for over a week.

"While you're recovering, please avoid strenuous activity."

"Thank you, Divine Doctor. I feel much better thanks to you. I haven't had any nightmares recently and have been sleeping soundly."

"You're welcome. I'll be going now."

"Ah, this way…"

Hugo left the room, escorted by Zhu Gangin, who had risen despite his attempts to dissuade him. He stroked his chin, lost in thought. The information he gained while treating the patient was troubling.

'He's recovering much faster than Zhuge Huimei. It took her a month to regain mobility, but he's reached a similar level in just a week.'

Even with his experience, there was a limit to how much he could accelerate the healing process. Such a significant difference in results suggested another factor. It was probably due to the preliminary treatment he received before the divine healing. The Zhuge Clan was superior in medicine, even excluding the elixirs, so…

'The Buddhist scriptures recited by a high monk for his peace of mind were more effective than the medical treatments.'

It seemed like a divine affliction, not a disease or a constitutional issue. That was probably why Heinrich's divine power could only alleviate the symptoms, not completely cure it. It would continue to worsen unless the root cause was addressed.

'Should I have him receive a divine revelation? But is there a suitable god in this world?'

While there were various religions, including Buddhism and Taoism, he couldn't think of a suitable deity.

As he pondered the matter, he returned to the Zhuge Clan's quarters at the guest house.

"Ah! You're back, Young Master Ha. Thank you for your hard work."

Zhuge Junghyeok, the second son of the clan leader and the representative of the Zhuge Clan, greeted him warmly at the entrance, a wide smile on his face. Hugo smiled back and discreetly observed him.

'Why is he acting so friendly all of a sudden?'

Their relationship was purely professional, neither close nor hostile. He wouldn't usually go this far as to greet him at the door. But upon closer inspection, he realized Zhuge Junghyeok's attention wasn't on him.

'It's quite noisy over there.'

At another section of the guest quarters, where other guests were being received. He hadn't noticed it before, but it seemed another group had arrived.

Zhuge Junghyeok, sensing his curiosity, explained.

"The Nangun Clan just arrived. Nangun Hwang, the young master, came personally. I remember meeting him a few times when we were younger."

Hugo nodded slowly. He had heard that the Zhuge Clan in Hubei and the Nangun Clan in Anhui had occasional exchanges, as they were neighbors. Although the distance between their estates was greater than the distance to the Shaolin Temple.

'But he wouldn't be this excited just because a childhood acquaintance arrived.'

He narrowed his eyes, watching Zhuge Junghyeok, whose attention was fixated on the other group. During their journey, and even after their arrival, he had been a calm, serious, and rather dull young man. He hadn't even reacted much to the group from Sichuan, composed of the Qingcheng, Jeomchang, Emei, and Tang Sects.

And he understood the reason when he saw the Nangun Clan members who came to greet them after settling in.

"Greetings, Young Master Zhuge. I believe we met when we were younger. It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too. How have you been, Young Master Nangun?"

After exchanging brief greetings with Nangun Hwang, the young master of the Nangun Clan, Zhuge Junghyeok turned his head, his face slightly flushed. His gaze was fixed on a beautiful young girl, looking around curiously.

"Ahem, greetings, Lady. I've heard much about you, but this is our first time meeting. I am Zhuge Junghyeok, the second son of the Zhuge Clan Leader."

"Oh! Hello. I'm Nangun Soran. It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master."

Zhuge Junghyeok's lips twitched at her bright smile and cheerful greeting. Hugo clicked his tongue and shook his head inwardly.

'So that's why he was so flustered.'

He had been smitten by the girl who arrived with the Nangun Clan. Her beautiful black hair, styled in an elegant updo, her healthy and vibrant aura, befitting the daughter of a martial arts family, her large, curious eyes, and her refined features… She was indeed a beauty, worthy of his attention, but it was still unbecoming of a clan representative.

'Well, this is a social gathering, so I can't really blame him. But I didn't expect the clan leader's daughter to come personally. And the young master, the heir to the clan…'

It was reckless, considering the potential dangers of the journey. Did they have that much confidence in their ability to overcome any situation?

"Oh, it's been a while."

He realized his assumption was correct when he saw the latecomer speaking to the Zhuge Clan elder.

"What brings you here, Master Nangun Wu?!"

"Hahaha, I was getting stiff from staying cooped up in the estate, so I decided to join them on this outing. And to show the children the world. How is Gunak doing these days?"

"The Retired Elder is doing well. He's taken up orchid cultivation as a hobby."

An imposing old man casually addressed the highest-ranking elder of the Zhuge Clan. His sharp gaze swept over the room and landed on Hugo.

'Ah, now this is acceptable.'

Hugo bowed his head slightly and averted his gaze, forcing a smile. He felt an overwhelming pressure, far greater than when he faced Elder Unyeongjin of the Wudang Sect, even though the old man hadn't done anything.

"Hoo, is that young man from the Zhuge Clan? I should get acquainted with the future leaders. Forgive an old man's impudence, but could you introduce him?"

But his opponent didn't seem willing to let him go. Hugo forced a smile, feeling the gazes of those around him shift towards him.

"Ahahaha…"

Nangun Wu, the retired elder of the Nangun Clan. One of the strongest in Ganghwange, known as the Sword Saint, a Peak Master, had taken a personal interest in him.

"Grandfather, why did you do that?"

On their way back to their quarters, after exchanging greetings with the other factions…

…Nangun Soran, walking next to Sword Saint Nangun Wu, asked innocently.

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"What do you mean, what do I mean? When you were greeting the Zhuge Clan! Was there something special about that person? It was so unlike you!"

"Ah, I was surprised too. It's the first time I've seen Grandfather take such an interest in someone. And he looked younger than me! At most, a couple of years older than Soran."

"Hahaha…"

The Sword Saint stroked his beard, chuckling at his granddaughter's playful question and his grandson's serious agreement. How should he explain it? He decided to be honest.

"You should know this, just in case. That young man, he's an otherworlder."

"…Huh?"

"…What?"

He grinned, seeing his grandchildren's surprised expressions. He had erected a Qi barrier around them, so their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

"An otherworlder… You mean, someone from another dimension? Those who use strange abilities?"

"…That's surprising. I understand why you were interested, Grandfather. I heard they grow stronger quickly, given the right conditions. They could become a significant variable."

They had never met an otherworlder, only heard stories. And most of those stories were about the infamous Heavenly Demon, who had suddenly disappeared.

"Wow! They really exist? I thought they were just stories!"

"Soran, we're outside the estate. Please behave…"

Nangun Soran, her eyes sparkling, ignored her brother's reprimand and bit her lip excitedly.

'The otherworlders from the books! I wonder what kind of abilities he has? I want to see!'

It was worth all the whining, begging, and tantrums she threw to convince her grandfather to bring her on this trip! She had been slightly regretting it, seeing the harsh realities of the world, but this exciting development made it all worthwhile.

The Sword Saint smiled at his grandchildren and continued, stroking his beard.

"He was right on the borderline. If he had been weaker, a First-Rate or below, or stronger, a Transcendent Realm expert or above, focusing on concealing his presence, I wouldn't have noticed. But at his level, peak of First-Rate, the discrepancy between his physical abilities, internal energy, aura, and cultivation level is difficult to hide."

Of course, only someone of his level could detect such subtle differences. He puffed out his chest proudly, expecting an admiring reaction from his grandchildren.

But their response wasn't what he expected.

"…He looked younger than me. Is he already at my level?"

Nangun Hwang muttered, a grim expression on his face. He was the eldest son and heir to the Nangun Clan. Blessed with talent and raised in a privileged environment, he had trained in the strongest martial arts and consumed countless elixirs since childhood. He was proud of his achievement, having reached the peak of First-Rate at the young age of 25. Few among his generation could compare.

And yet, someone who looked barely 20 was already at his level…!

"Oh, brother, are you stupid? He's an otherworlder! Of course, he's strong! I thought he would be at least Transcendent Realm. A bit disappointing."

"Don't be absurd…! Even if they use strange sorcery, there's a limit!"

"It's not sorcery! It's an ability! Is everything he doesn't understand sorcery?"

"Did you just call me 'he'? To your older brother?!"

"The young master of the Nangun Clan, so petty and narrow-minded…"

"You're getting too spoiled…"

The Sword Saint deflated, sighing softly as his grandchildren began bickering. Perhaps he shouldn't have said anything.

'Still, the appearance of an otherworlder isn't something to be taken lightly. They should know. He seems to be under the Zhuge Clan's protection, but they should still be wary. They're smart children; they'll know what to do.'

They seemed immature now, but both were considered geniuses within the clan. They wouldn't do anything foolish.

But he soon realized his judgment was premature.

A few days later…

"Haa… Lady Nangun. What is it this time?"

"What do you mean, what is it?! It's today!"

Hugo sighed, ignoring the jealous glare from the Zhuge Clan young master, as the Nangun Clan young lady approached him again.

"The day of the gathering!"

Amidst the commotion and attention…

…the Murim Alliance gathering, a gathering without the Murim Alliance, which had long been disbanded…

…finally began.