Chapter 89
Clang!
In the center of the sparring platform, Seong Hwi and Xian Zhu’s swords clashed, one swinging vertically and the other diagonally.
Seong Hwi deflected the sword strike and swiftly thrust and slashed at five vital points on Xian Zhu’s body.
The South Sea Breaking Sword, as its name suggested, was mostly composed of fierce techniques resembling the relentless waves of the ocean.
Like the South Sea, which endlessly pushed forward with the force of a typhoon, Seong Hwi’s sword showed no intention of stopping.
In fact, it seemed to grow stronger the longer the techniques continued.
Though Seong Hwi’s feet and sword moved dazzlingly, Xian Zhu remained steadfast, extending her sword according to the Thirty-Six Swords of the World.
‘The distance feels slightly off. Is it because he’s left-handed?’
Xian Zhu’s sword was calmer than usual.
The South Sea Breaking Sword, based on left-handed techniques, had a slightly different range and direction compared to right-handed swords, and its development was entirely different from the sword techniques of the Central Plains.
Xian Zhu firmly held her ground, deflecting Seong Hwi’s strangely thrusting sword.
“You’re quite solid.”
As if unwilling to accept this, Seong Hwi unleashed a flurry of sword strikes. His sword moved up and down like waves.
Large and small sword energies surged forward, forming a single wave that crashed toward Xian Zhu.
“Hah!”
Yet, Xian Zhu thrust her sword straight forward.
Like a small boat cutting through rough waves, her golden sword split through the bundle of sword energy from the South Sea Breaking Sword.
Where Xian Zhu stepped, cracks slowly formed.
‘They’ve exchanged about eight moves, so it seems evenly matched.’
But Mu Hwi could already see the outcome dozens of moves later.
Not just Mu Hwi, but the elders seated in the high positions likely knew as well.
Who the winner of this Heavenly Dragon Competition would be?
Xian Zhu had defeated Mu-hwa and reached the finals, but her opponent was Seong Hwi of the South Sea Breaking Sword.
‘Why are there so many talented people?’
Of all the late-stage foundation level disciples Mu Hwi had seen, Seong Hwi was the strongest.
Even the Hell Sword Dragon, who had been closest to the Transcendent Realm, paled in comparison to Seong Hwi.
‘This is why the martial arts world is such an interesting place, but come on, disciple.’
Mu Hwi sighed briefly, recalling Dokgo Yul, who was likely leading the Dokgo Association on a mission somewhere.
‘If I hadn’t been here, the Hainan Sword Sect might have produced another world’s greatest swordsman.’
The shining talents gathered at the Heavenly Dragon Competition.
Among them, Seong Hwi’s talent was the only one that could be said to touch the level of the world’s greatest.
While Mu Hwi watched the match, Mujin appeared, his arm bandaged.
“Senior Disciple. I’m sorry.”
Mujin bowed his head, having just returned from treating the injuries he sustained in his match against Seong Hwi. Mu Hwi shook his head.
“It’s fine. You did well against him.”
Realizing that Mu Hwi’s words weren’t just empty comfort, Mujin silently looked at Seong Hwi.
The layers of Seong Hwi’s sword energy were slowly breaking through the Thirty-Six Swords of the World.
“Ah…”
As if forgetting her earlier loss to Xian Zhu, Mu-hwa, her cheeks flushed, cheered for Xian Zhu and asked,
“Is that Hainan Sword Sect guy really that strong?”
Mu Hwi, keeping an eye on Seong Hwi’s sword, continued.
“That guy is hiding his true strength, but he’s definitely at the Transcendent Realm.”
At Mu Hwi’s decisive words, Mujin and Mu-hwa fell silent.
The Transcendent Realm was the pinnacle of human achievement.
Only those who had been filtered and refined through countless trials in the martial arts world could reach this realm.
Those called Transcendent Realm experts in the martial arts world were all either leaders or elders of major sects, or individuals whose fame and influence extended beyond a single region to the entire martial arts world.
“The South Sea Breaking Sword is at the Transcendent Realm…”
Mujin muttered with a mix of awe and frustration.
As someone approaching the Peak Realm, Mujin knew how vast the wall to the Transcendent Realm was.
“It seems he hasn’t been at the Transcendent Realm for long, but it’s still remarkable.”
In Mu Hwi’s eyes, the late-stage foundation level disciples closest to Seong Hwi were Dokgo Yul, Woo Tae-gang, Xian Zhu, and Mujin, all of whom were at the peak.
These four had the potential to grow into experts rivaling the current generation’s kings, but Seong Hwi was a step above them.
Clang!
The two swordsmen unleashed their ultimate techniques.
Xian Zhu’s golden sword energy seemed to firmly hold its ground, but it was eventually overwhelmed by the endless blue sword energy.
When Xian Zhu reappeared, her face was pale, as if she had suffered severe internal injuries.
She raised her sword again, but seeing Seong Hwi’s flawless posture, she sheathed her sword.
“I admit defeat.”
As Xian Zhu conceded, the referee declared Seong Hwi the winner.
When the winner of the Heavenly Dragon Competition was decided, the audience erupted in cheers.
“South Sea Breaking Sword!”
“A disciple of the Hainan Sword Sect has defeated all the prestigious sects and won!”
“This is a day to remember!”
The spectators, who had expected the winner to be from the Nine Sects or the Three Great Families, were excited by the unexpected victor.
Cheers poured in from all directions, but Seong Hwi remained expressionless, simply raising his head.
Seong Hwi looked at Kang Ho-baek, seated in the highest position in the grand plaza.
Meeting Kang Ho-baek’s calm yet whirlpool-like gaze, Seong Hwi spoke.
“Leader. I’ve heard that the winner of the Heavenly Dragon Competition has the opportunity to challenge the experts seated in the VIP section.”
“That’s correct. You may choose any expert to receive guidance from. You may even choose me, the Alliance Leader.”
The opportunity for the Heavenly Dragon Competition winner to challenge the VIP experts was optional. They didn’t have to choose anyone.
But no one would pass up the chance to receive guidance from an expert.
The VIP experts watched with interest to see who Seong Hwi would choose.
“Then I…”
Seong Hwi glanced left and right across the VIP section before suddenly lowering his gaze.
His eyes landed on the Hwasan Sect’s tent beside the sparring platform.
Specifically, he was looking at Mu Hwi.
The VIP experts watched this change in gaze with interest.
“Are you testing him?”
Seeing Seong Hwi’s unwavering gaze, Mu Hwi also smiled and uncrossed his arms.
“I wish to challenge the Hwasan Sword Devil, Mu Hwi.”
Seong Hwi’s declaration brought a momentary silence to the grand plaza. Zhuge Jin, the head of the Zhuge Family, spoke up.
“As you know, Mu Hwi is a late-stage foundation level disciple. May I ask why you chose to challenge him instead of the esteemed experts here?”
At Zhuge Jin’s calm voice, Seong Hwi promptly replied.
“I’ve heard that Mu Hwi is participating in the Heavenly Martial Competition. I believe his martial prowess surpasses that of a late-stage foundation level disciple.”
Seong Hwi then looked at the leaders of the Nine Sects seated in the VIP section and added,
“Moreover, I am on a journey through the Nine Sects. I have defeated representatives from all the sects except Hwasan. Although I defeated the Plum Blossom Sword, the true representative of Hwasan is undoubtedly the Hwasan Sword Devil.”
Seong Hwi’s composed explanation made the spectators and VIP experts nod in understanding.
His bold declaration to complete his journey through the Nine Sects in front of their leaders drew admiration from some of the renowned martial artists.
“Truly a disciple of the Hainan Sword Sect. How daring.”
“This has become quite interesting. I was already curious about the Hwasan Sword Devil’s martial prowess.”
After listening to Seong Hwi, Kang Ho-baek, who had been deep in thought, turned to Baek Yu.
“Sect Leader, what do you think?”
“The Hwasan Sect has never shied away from challenges. It’s not a bad idea to witness the conclusion of the Nine Sects journey here. After all, not all the Nine Sects are present.”
Baek Yu answered without a moment’s hesitation. Hearing this, Mu Hwi immediately stood up and walked onto the sparring platform.
“The Sword Devil! It’s the Hwasan Sword Demon!”
“Finally, we’ll see his true abilities.”
“We’ll also find out if the rumors of him single-handedly defeating Jeonjin mysterious swordsman are true.”
The title of Hwasan Sword Devil was already widely known in the martial arts world, so Mu Hwi’s appearance alone reignited the excitement in the grand plaza.
Mu Hwi looked at Seong Hwi, who was staring at him, and twisted his lips.
“You’ve… Prepare yourself well to challenge me.”
Seong Hwi frowned.
Just facing Mu Hwi made his shoulders itch. It was the spot Mu Hwi had patted earlier.
Seong Hwi calmly steadied his breathing, reciting the South Sea Heart Technique to calm his suddenly tense mind.
“I just wanted to properly conclude my journey through the Nine Sects. You are the strongest late-stage foundation level disciple of Hwasan, after all.”
Mu Hwi nodded at Seong Hwi’s resolute expression and lightly gripped the hilt of his Plum Blossom Sword with his right hand.
In response, Seong Hwi prepared to draw his golden serpent sword with his left hand.
As the two late-stage foundation level disciples faced each other, Kang Ho-baek laughed heartily.
“This has become even more interesting than expected. This isn’t just a moment of guidance, but the decisive moment of the Nine Sects journey.”
“It might only be entertaining for the Leader and me. The other sect leaders might feel differently.”
The family from the Three Great Families
The head of the Sacheondang Family, spoke with a mischievous expression, prompting Cheongseong Sect Leader Go Hoon to smile wryly.
“Well… To be honest, my eyes are more drawn to Mu Hwi than Seong Hwi.”
At Go Hoon’s candid words, the other sect leaders also burst into laughter.
At the end of that laughter, Gong Hyeon watched the two late-stage foundation level disciples on the sparring platform with a benevolent smile.
“The outcome doesn’t matter. Thinking of these two growing into pillars that will support the orthodox sects in the future fills me with joy. Other disciples will surely be inspired to train harder after seeing them.”
The other sect leaders nodded in agreement with Gong Hyeon’s words.
In a way, Seong Hwi of the South Sea Breaking Sword was a blessing for the Nine Sects.
No matter how clear a lake is, it cannot remain calm forever.
Stagnant water will eventually rot, so it needs the wind to stir it up and the waves to churn its waters.
“By the way, I’ve been curious. How did Mu Hwi single-handedly defeat Jeonjin mysterious swordsman?”
A renowned martial artist in the VIP section spoke up, prompting others to nod.
The rumor that Mu Hwi had single-handedly defeated Jeonjin mysterious swordsman implied that his martial prowess surpassed that of most VIP experts, making it hard to believe.
Listening quietly, Baek Yu smiled and said,
“Everyone, watch closely. This child will become the new plum blossom representing Hwasan.”
As Baek Yu’s proud voice softly spread through the VIP section, the Plum Blossom Sword and the Golden Serpent Sword clashed.
***
“Huh?”
The eyes of the Martial Alliance guards patrolling the outskirts of the alliance’s main fortress narrowed.
A line of carriages was approaching along the wide road leading to the main gate.
“Hmm…”
At a glance, there were over twenty carriages, their line stretching endlessly.
While many major merchant groups had sent gifts to celebrate the Martial Alliance’s founding, this was excessive.
Feeling something was off, the guards immediately reported to their superiors.
When the lead carriage reached the main gate, the Outer Hall Master, responsible for the alliance’s outer defenses, personally came out to inspect the carriages.
“Where are you from?”
The Outer Hall Master’s hand was already on his sword hilt as he questioned the coachman.
‘The coachman and the guards escorting the carriages are all experts. Moreover, they’re blatantly exuding sinister energy.’
The coachman looked at the Outer Hall Master and replied expressionlessly,
“We’ve come from the Evil Heaven Sect.”
Clang!
At the coachman’s words, not only the Outer Hall Master but also the guards at the gate drew their weapons.
A thick, oppressive aura instantly enveloped the area around the gate.
‘Ugh.’
The Outer Hall Master felt as if his entire body had sunk into a swamp, his limbs refusing to obey.
“We’re not here to fight. Haven’t we shown proper courtesy? The Martial Alliance should also show proper respect.”
The voice of a man lying on one of the carriage loads echoed calmly around the gate.
< The Martial Alliance should also show proper respect. > End
< Seeing a new ocean in the Central Plains. >
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