Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Having lived as a Sword Devil in my past life, I had experienced all sorts of situations, but even for Mu Hwi, this was a first.

The deep black fur reminiscent of a darkness devoid of both the moon and stars. That black fur would reveal a mysterious purple hue every time it swayed in the wind.

Along with that, there were deep golden-red eyes that reminded one of the fiery eyes of a mythical beast.

This monkey, reminiscent of the legendary Monkey King, held a rusted plum blossom sword instead of the golden staff.

At a glance, it was clear that this was no ordinary monkey.

Just as the accumulated internal energy of a martial artist manifests in the form of martial arts, an extraordinary energy could be felt emanating from the monkey.

‘A spirit beast?’

As Mu Hwi furrowed his brows, the monkey roughly struck Mu Hwi’s sword.

“Kkiiik!”

The force of the sword was heavier than expected, causing Mu Hwi to take a step back, and the monkey’s red eyes gleamed.

In that moment, the monkey tilted its body and spun, thrusting its sword forward, sending dozens of sword shadows pouring toward Mu Hwi.

Seeing this, Mu Hwi was astonished.

‘Plum Blossom Sword Technique?’

The sword shadows the monkey unleashed forward spread wide and rotated, instantly enveloping Mu Hwi.

Mu Hwi thrust the Plum Blossom Mountain Hand technique into the center of the swirling sword shadows.

Like a flower blooming, the center of the sword shadows spread open, and Mu Hwi thrust his plum blossom sword into the gap.

“Kkik!”

As the sword shadows spread, Mu Hwi attempted a sneak attack, but the monkey snorted and deflected the plum blossom sword to the side with its thick, whip-like tail.

Not only that, but the monkey used the recoil from spinning its lower body while using its tail to slash at Mu Hwi’s side.

“To think I’d live to cross swords with a monkey.”

As Mu Hwi stepped using the Phantom Ring Mirage Step, he instantly appeared behind the monkey, causing the fur on the monkey’s back to stand on end.

Without even looking back, the monkey quickly distanced itself from Mu Hwi.

For a moment, Mu Hwi didn’t think to chase the monkey, as its movements were so unexpected.

“Huh.”

The monkey’s footsteps, leaving behind faint afterimages, had a certain mysterious quality to them.

‘It’s sword technique, its movement technique… Just what is this monkey?’

The monkey was displaying the sword techniques of the Hwasan Sect.

However, the forms were slightly different, as if the monkey had adapted the human sword techniques to suit its own body.

It was the same Hwasan sword technique, but it felt more raw, more primal. The monkey’s movements were the same.

The various movement techniques of the Hwasan Sect, such as the Fragrant Step Technique and Phantom Ring Mirage Step, seemed to be ingrained in its body, and it used them as it pleased.

“A spirit beast that has learned martial arts…”

The monkey, clearly angered at having been caught off guard by Mu Hwi, stood with its fur bristling, breathing heavily as it glared at Mu Hwi.

Mu Hwi looked at the monkey with fascination.

Spirit beasts themselves weren’t particularly fascinating.

They were just rare, but their existence was well-known.

However, a spirit beast that had learned martial arts was something he had never heard of or seen before. Moreover, it wasn’t just clumsily mimicking techniques but properly executing them in a way that suited its body.

“Kkiiik!”

Seemingly enraged, the monkey let out a cry and charged. It darted around in all directions, thrusting its sword at Mu Hwi.

Cha-cha-cha-chang!

The reckless movements defied the common sense of martial artists.

Out of ten sword strikes, seven were unexpected attacks that exploited openings.

It was a movement that could only be displayed by a monkey, and the essence of Hwasan martial arts was deeply embedded in its techniques.

Even Mu Hwi, at times, had to rely on pure instinct to react, as the monkey’s movements were so unpredictable.

‘It would easily crush the first-generation disciples.’

Mu Hwi was genuinely impressed that a mere monkey could achieve such a high level. Having seen enough, Mu Hwi’s eyes grew cold.

At the same time, Mu Hwi’s sleeve fluttered violently as the plum blossom sword raced through the air at high speed.

“Kkik!”

The monkey, which had been aiming for the back of Mu Hwi’s head, suddenly flipped its body and thrust at Mu Hwi’s side, only to be startled when the plum blossom sword shot up toward its forehead. It twisted its body to barely avoid the strike, but a few strands of fur were cut and fluttered in the air.

“Kkiiik, kkiik!”

The monkey leaped onto a tree, seemingly enraged, and swung its sword irritably at Mu Hwi before disappearing.

Its movements were bizarre, as if it had evaporated into thin air from the tree branch. It was as if it was riding on an invisible cloud, exuding a mysterious aura.

Even with Mu Hwi’s keen eyes, it was not easy to follow the monkey’s footsteps.

Mu Hwi stared blankly as the monkey disappeared. For a moment, Mu Hwi’s eyes narrowed as he fell into thought.

Recalling the various movement techniques of Hwasan Sect and the Solitary Movement Technique from his past life, Mu Hwi licked his lips.

“I like that movement.”

Many people believed that Mu Hwi had earned the title of Sword Devil in his past life because of his obsession with the sword.

However, this was a fact that only became known later. The real reason he earned the title of Sword Devil was because of the Solitary Movement Technique (独孤身法).

The Solitary Movement Technique, which combined movement techniques and footwork, was characterized by its ghostly, elusive, and mysterious movements that could disorient an opponent.

It was a technique highly regarded even by top martial artists, including the Iron Mountain Fist King.

Mu Hwi, who had tried to weave the new movement techniques of Hwasan Sect with the Solitary Movement Techniques, was completely captivated by the monkey’s movements.

***

After encountering the mysterious monkey, Mu Hwi immediately headed to the Upper Palace. He wanted to ask Baek Yu if he knew anything about this spirit beast.

Baek Yu, who listened to Mu Hwi’s story with interest, smiled and stroked his beard.

“You’ve met the Dark Monkey.”

“Dark Monkey? So it has a name.”

Baek Yu nodded.

“When I was a first-generation disciple, I once saw the Dark Monkey by the side of the then Hwasan Sect Sword Saint, Gu Hyeon.”

At Baek Yu’s words, Mu Hwi slightly furrowed his brows.

“Just how many years has that monkey lived?”

“Hard to say. Even when I was young, it was said to have lived for over two hundred years… It might have surpassed three hundred years by now.”

Mu Hwi let out a hollow laugh.

Three hundred years? The Dark Monkey was practically the hidden master of Hwasan.

“It truly is a spirit beast.”

“Over those long years, it has been cared for by successive Hwasan Sword Saints and learned martial arts by their side. You could say it’s the living history of the Hwasan martial arts.”

“It’s level was indeed astonishing.”

“The Dark Monkey has an uncanny ability to find the Hwasan Sword Saint whenever one appears. I thought it had died since it hadn’t appeared during Hyeon Jo’s time.”

Baek Yu, sipping tea, seemed to recall the Dark Monkey’s appearance.

“I’m glad it’s doing well. If you meet the Dark Monkey, treat it kindly. I’ve heard that some Sword Saints have gained enlightenment by observing its movements.”

“Yes, I plan to do so.”

Mu Hwi wanted to see the Dark Monkey’s movements up close again.

‘What does the monkey like?’

As Mu Hwi briefly lost himself in thought, Baek Yu asked,

“You’ve heard about the Baekri Family, right?”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

Baek Yu’s voice, changing the topic, became dry and emotionless.

“Although Shaolin is mediating, we will inevitably clash with the Baekri Family. The Sword King won’t personally intervene, so it’s likely that his disciple and grandson, the Young Master, will be sent out.”

“You’re talking about the Cloud River Sword Dragon.”

The Hwasan Sword Saint Hyeon Jo is no longer here.

However, since Mu Hwi, the disciple of the Hwasan Sword Saint, remains, the Cloud River Sword Dragon will likely seek to avenge his past defeat.

“I’m not afraid of the likes of the Six Dragons, Sect Leader. Please don’t worry.”

“Haha.”

Even among the Six Dragons, the phrase ‘the likes of the Six Dragons’ would be hard to say, but when Mu Hwi said it, it didn’t sound arrogant—it seemed entirely natural.

This was due to the aura of a strong martial artist that naturally emanated from Mu Hwi’s gaze and gestures.

“And have the Baekri Family come to Hwasan directly.”

“To Hwasan?”

Baek Yu had expected that if a martial contest were to occur, it would be at Shaolin. After all, neither Hwasan nor Baekri would want to move from their positions.

“Since they’ve claimed to assess Hwasan’s capabilities, tell them to come to Hwasan and see for themselves. The Baekri Family won’t be able to refuse.”

“That’s a reasonable point. I’ll keep it in mind.”

After speaking with Mu Hwi, Baek Yu looked refreshed.

“The Six Harmonies Sword Assembly is coming up soon, so we should focus on that.”

“You’re absolutely right, Sect Leader.”

***

Shangzhou (商州)

Located perfectly between Hwasan and Jongnam Mountain, Shangzhou was home to a small mountain called Liu Shan (六山).

To others, it was just an ordinary mountain, but to the Hwasan and Jongnam sects, it was a sacred place where the Six Harmonies Sword was born.

Thus, the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly was always held at Liu Shan.

On the mountainside of Liu Shan, a vast mountain lodge had been built, complete with training grounds and a martial contest stage.

This mountain lodge was jointly managed by the Hwasan Sect’s affiliated family, the Jia Hua Sect, and the Jongnam sect’s affiliated family, the Mo Yu Sect.

Thanks to this, the disciples of the Hwasan and Jongnam Sects could focus solely on the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly without worrying about anything else.

“Oh, this is nice.”

“I heard from the seniors that the food here is delicious too?”

The Hwasan disciples who had arrived were delighted by the clean and well-maintained lodge.

“Baek Yu, you’ve arrived?”

Hong Xian, the Jongnam Sect Leader who had arrived earlier with his disciples, warmly welcomed Baek Yu and the Hwasan disciples.

In response, Baek Yu extended his hand, clasped Hong Xian’s hand, and lightly tapped the back of it.

Having faced each other at the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly since their days as third-generation disciples, the trust they had built over the years was as deep as their internal energy.

As the Sect Leaders exchanged greetings, the elders who had come with them also exchanged pleasantries and chatted lightly.

“Hong Xian, since you suddenly decided to participate in this Six Harmonies Sword Assembly, I had to come as well.”

Although the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly was an important event for Hwasan and Jongnam, the Sect Leaders didn’t always attend.

For Sect Leaders of the nine major sects, even a casual outing would attract the attention of the martial arts world.

Not all of that attention would be favorable, and the Sect Leaders, aware of the responsibility and weight that came with their every move, rarely left their sects.

“I’m sorry, I wanted to see the Hwasan disciples in person. Since they’ve been of great help, it’s only right that I, as the Sect Leader, express my gratitude directly.”

Hong Xian shifted his gaze to the Hwasan disciples. He quickly scanned them, and one disciple stood out.

‘It’s like looking into the eyes of a seasoned swordsman, not a young disciple.’

Hong Xian immediately spotted Mu Hwi.

Partly due to Hong Xian’s keen eye, but also because Mu Hwi’s sharp, well-ordered gaze stood out.

“Why are we standing around here? We’ll have plenty of time later to catch up.”

“Haha, understood.”

The Hwasan and Jongnam disciples unpacked their belongings in their respective lodgings and took a short rest before gathering again.

The disciples of both sects, now gathered in one place, performed a ritual to honor the founders of the Hwasan and Jongnam sects, praying for the success of the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly.

The ritual marked the beginning of the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly.

The Sect Leaders and elders of both sects took their seats on the stage prepared for the martial contest, while the participating disciples waited in their respective camps.

“The Six Harmonies Sword Assembly is not a place to determine victory or defeat. It is a place to confirm the differences in the Six Harmonies that each of us pursues and to learn from those differences.”

“Defeat is not something to be ashamed of. Martial artists grow by using defeat as fertilizer. However, if you fail to fully display your sword, you must reflect on it.”

After each delivered a brief message to the disciples, Baek Yu and Hong Xian exchanged glances, nodded, and shouted in unison.

“Let the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly begin!”

“Disciples participating in the martial contest, step forward!”

With the declaration of the two Sect Leaders seated on the stage, the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly officially began.

The third-generation disciples of each sect, armed with wooden swords, stepped onto the martial contest stage.

Hong Yun, the Jongnam elder tasked with judging the contest, faced the third-generation disciples.

“I am Jin Shan, a third-generation disciple of the Jongnam sect.”

“I am Guo Ma Xiao, a third-generation disciple of the Hwasan sect.”

The Hwasan third-generation disciples, who had not yet received their martial names, used their secular names.

“As you already know, the only sword technique third-generation disciples can use is the Six Harmonies Sword. Begin the contest!”

Tap!

Jin Shan and Guo Ma Xiao’s wooden swords clashed fiercely from the start.

At first, they were evenly matched, but after a dozen exchanges, a slight gap began to form.

Since they could only use the Six Harmonies Sword, it was natural that the outcome would depend on their mastery of the technique.

“Kk, I’ve lost.”

“It was a good match.”

The first contest ended in Jin Shan’s victory without even reaching thirty exchanges.

The following contests were much the same. The Hwasan third-generation disciples fought valiantly but were unable to defeat the Jongnam third-generation disciples.

‘It can’t be helped.’

The Hwasan sect had accepted its third-generation disciples later than the Jongnam sect, so their martial training had started two years later.

At such a young age, two years made a significant difference. It was only natural that the Hwasan third-generation disciples struggled.

Out of the ten planned contests, Hwasan had already lost six in a row.

The Hwasan third-generation disciples had not managed to defeat a single Jongnam disciple. Some had put up a good fight, but ultimately, they lacked the stamina to win.

“I’ve lost.”

With the latest Hwasan third-generation disciple admitting defeat, it was now seven consecutive losses. Observing the situation, Musan noticed that Mu Hwi’s expression remained perfectly calm.

“Senior Disciple, I thought you’d be upset about the third-generation disciples’ losing streak, but you’re not.”

When Musan quietly asked, Mu Hwi chuckled.

“They’ve only just started. There’s no need to be upset. It’s good motivation for them.”

“Haha, you’re right. The Sect Leader also said not to worry too much about winning or losing.”

Mu Hwi, who had been resting his chin on his hand while watching the contest, tilted his head toward Musan.

“Do you know what else?”

“Huh?”

“I’ve trained you all to the point of exhaustion. If you still lose, then you might as well die. Haha.”

“As expected of Senior Disciple, I knew you’d say that.”

As Musan replied with a startled expression, Mu-hwa pointed toward the martial contest stage.

“Look, Sanha is going up, Senior Disciple!”

Mu Hwi watched as Im Sanha, who was facing a Jongnam third-generation disciple, made a fist salute.

[Disciple, break the losing streak. Even so, ten consecutive losses would be too much.]

In response to Mu Hwi’s transmitted message, Im Sanha nodded slightly.

“Begin the contest!”

As soon as Hong Yun declared the start, Im Sanha let out a shout and slashed downward with his wooden sword.

“Haaap!”

< That movement, I like it. > End

< We were looking forward to meeting Disciple Mu Hwi. >