Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Mu Hwi scanned the young children one by one with slightly sunken eyes. There was no need to exert pressure.

Though his eerie gaze merely passed over them, the children flinched and stepped backward.

“Judging by the energy you give off, you seem to be from an orthodox sect, is this how they taught you to behave at your sect?”

While the children lowered their gazes, there was one child who glared at Mu Hwi with defiant eyes.

‘Eyes full of arrogance.’

He could roughly see how this child had grown up. Must have been raised with all sorts of praise and admiration from a young age.

They were stubborn and self-righteous eyes that made him think this might be the first time they’d ever been scolded by others.

“If you keep glaring like that while knowing you’re wrong, you might get your bottom spanked.”

At words he’d never heard in his life, the child’s eyes grew even more heated.

‘Look at this one?’

Just then, Mu Hwi felt Im Sanha’s hand slightly pulling at his sleeve.

Im Sanha was looking up at Mu Hwi with desperate eyes.

At this, Mu Hwi, who had been planning to give each of them a knock on the head, waved his hand.

“Get lost before you get kicked, little ones.”

At this, the children quickly ran away, and the disciples who had been watching from behind walked over.

Mu-hwa knelt down to match Im Sanha’s eye level and asked.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine.”

Im Sanha, as if used to it, dusted off his dirt-covered martial uniform and awkwardly folded his hands.

“I am Im Sanha of Seonhwa Sect. Thank you for your help.”

Nodding, Mu Hwi asked Im Sanha.

“Who were those kids from earlier?”

“The young Sect Leader of Daejeong Sect, Ga Se-in, and children learning martial arts at Daejeong Sect.”

“But why are they bullying you as a group?”

At Mu-hwa’s question, Im Sanha clenched his small fist.

“The Seonhwa Sect and Daejeong Sect haven’t gotten along since before, and recently the rift has deepened. When adults don’t get along, the children below them are the same.”

At Im Sanha’s words, Mu Hwi immediately recognized which child among those who fled was the young Sect Leader.

“You mean that little one who needs a beating to come to his senses.”

“Maybe because the Seonhwa Sect has been continuously pushed back by Daejeong Sect lately, those kids are really excited too.”

“Even if it’s between thoughtless kids, this is too much. Really.”

Mu-hwa carefully examined Im Sanha’s body for any injuries.

At this, Mujin, who had been quietly listening, asked.

“Young brother, does the Sect Leader know about this?”

Im Sanha frowned and nodded. It wasn’t a pleasant memory.

At first, Im Sanha didn’t just take the beatings but fought back and knocked down the Daejeong Sect’s children.

After that, when the Seonhwa Sect leader personally went to confront Daejeong Sect, the Daejeong Sect leader turned the tables and blamed Im Sanha.

After arguing for a while, the Seonhwa Sect leader had no choice but to take a step back.

It was because the Daejeong Sect leader tried to turn the children’s fight into a sect dispute.

As the Seonhwa Sect weakened, they had no choice but to avoid giving any pretext.

After seeing the Seonhwa Sect leader back down first, Im Sanha stopped responding to Daejeong Sect’s bullying and kept quiet about being bullied.

He realized that even if the Seonhwa Sect leader knew, they couldn’t resolve it, and it would only give cause for fights between sects.

After hearing Im Sanha’s story, all the disciples looked at Mu Hwi.

“To think an affiliated sect of Hwasan would receive such treatment.”

Mu-hwa bit her red lips hard, genuinely indignant. Although Hwasan Sect had greatly declined after the Shaanxi Bloodshed incident, this was unacceptable.

Mujin and Mu-cheol also had their lips tightly sealed but were quite angry.

“The Sect Leader must have had reason to send us to check on the affiliated sects.”

The concerns of Hwasan’s elders were actually happening now at Seonhwa Sect in Winam.

It’s absolutely not the case that other sects fear or won’t touch a sect just because it’s affiliated with Hwasan.

Not only can Hwasan Sect not get involved in all disputes of affiliated sects, but they could also be criticized for oppressing other sects if they handle it wrong.

Moreover, martial artists tend to think about taking a bite the moment they see weakness or vulnerability in others.

It wasn’t for nothing that the martial arts world was called a ruthless world of swords and forests.

“Let’s hear the details from the Seonhwa Sect leader.”

“Yes, Senior Disciple.”

Mu Hwi’s group headed to Seonhwa Sect with Im Sanha’s guidance.

Seonhwa Sect’s gate was wide open, and a group was standing there.

It seemed the Sect Leader and disciples were personally waiting after hearing news that Hwasan Sect disciples had appeared in Winam.

“It’s plum blossoms.”

“Yes, plum blossoms indeed.”

Though there were no plum trees around, Mu Hwi’s group could clearly see the plum blossoms.

Indeed, befitting an affiliated sect of Hwasan, small plum blossoms were engraved on both sides of the signboard carved with the three characters for Seonhwa Sect (鮮花門).

Additionally, white plum blossoms were embroidered one by one on the sleeves of the Seonhwa Sect disciples.

Main sect disciples could embroider red plum blossoms, while affiliated sect disciples could embroider white ones.

All Hwasan affiliated sects embroidered white plum blossoms one by one on their martial uniforms, which was also a pride in being affiliated with Hwasan Sect.

“Oh, those are…”

“Seeing the plum blossoms, they’re definitely from Hwasan.”

“Everyone, maintain proper composure.”

The Seonhwa Sect disciples’ eyes sparkled as they looked at Mu Hwi’s group. Most of them were seeing Hwasan main sect disciples for the first time.

“I am Im Muguk, leader of Seonhwa Sect. We’ve been waiting after hearing the news.”

Im Muguk seemed genuinely pleased about Mu Hwi’s group’s visit, showing a willing expression.

“I am Mu Hwi, second-generation Senior Disciple. Thank Seonhwa Sect’s for welcoming us.”

Only after receiving greetings from the disciples in order did Im Muguk turn his attention to his son, Im Sanha.

“Sanha, did you guide the masters here?”

“Yes, Father.”

Im Muguk stroked Im Sanha’s head once.

“Well done. Please, let’s go inside.”

While personally guiding Mu Hwi’s group, Im Muguk continued speaking.

“I’ve heard the rumors. They said you killed the evil martial artist Red Wolf Sword with a single stroke and drove away the bandits of Pocheng.”

“The martial arts world’s rumors are indeed exaggerated. It wasn’t a single stroke.”

“Haha, I see.”

What mattered was that the rumor about defeating Red Wolf Sword was true.

Im Muguk nodded and looked at Mu Hwi’s group with pride.

Not just Red Wolf Sword, but rumors that bandit camps disappeared wherever Hwasan disciples went had already reached Winam.

‘Truly befitting main sect disciples. This is indeed Hwasan.’

Im Muguk was as pleased as if it were his own achievement that these newly-emerged disciples were making such achievements and spreading Hwasan’s name.

Im Muguk guided the Hwasan Sect disciples to his office and personally brewed tea for them.

“Oh, it’s plum blossom tea.”

“It’s not as good as the plum blossoms from Hwasan, but the fragrance is quite rich.”

“Indeed, tea is best enjoyed right after brewing.”

Mujin, who usually enjoyed tea, was pleased to see the familiar plum blossom tea from Hwasan.

Since leaving Hwasan, they had only been able to drink cold tea served at inns.

“How is the Sect Leader doing?”

Im Muguk asked Mu Hwi’s group various questions about recent happenings at Hwasan Sect.

“Of course. Before, the Sect Leader…”

Even though talkative Mu-hwa shared stories that weren’t asked for, Im Muguk was simply delighted with any news about Hwasan.

“I should visit Hwasan sometime.”

Im Muguk muttered with a nostalgic face.

Absorbed in conversation, Im Muguk only picked up his teacup when the plum blossom tea was about to get cold, and showed an apologetic expression.

“I wonder if I’m being foolish when you should be resting from your journey first.”

At this, Mu Hwi, who had only been listening, spoke for the first time.

“It’s fine. The Sect Leader sent us to check on the affiliated sects, so this is only natural.”

“When even the main sect must be going through difficult times, we’re grateful that the Sect Leader still cares about the affiliated sects.”

“Speaking of which, how is Seonhwa Sect doing these days?”

Disliking indirect speech, Mu Hwi spoke directly. The warm atmosphere in the office suddenly sank.

After a moment of silence while just handling his teacup, Im Muguk spoke with difficulty.

“To be honest, circumstances are difficult.”

“Because of Daejeong Sect?”

Im Muguk nodded with a complicated expression.

“We never had good relations to begin with. The Daejeong Sect leader’s ambition made him covet our sect’s interests. Still, in the past, our powers were equal, so there were no issues besides minor conflicts.”

According to Im Muguk, the power balance they had maintained suddenly shifted, and Mu Hwi could guess the reason.

“Was it perhaps after the Shaanxi Bloodshed Incident that the Seonhwa Sect began to waver?”

“That’s right.”

Im Muguk smiled bitterly.

Against Black Night Palace’s overwhelming forces, Hwasan Sect issued an order calling for help from affiliated sects.

Naturally, Im Muguk also selected his most skilled disciples to join that ranks.

They went to battle with the sole determination to stop the Shaanxi Bloodshed and restore peace, but less than ten disciples survived.

“When Daejeong Sect learned of our sect’s losses, they moved boldly. They picked unnecessary fights by finding fault with our sect’s events, interfered, and openly invaded our interests.”

Daejeong Sect, which had preserved its full strength by not participating in the Shaanxi Bloodshed Incident, slowly began showing its teeth.

It was the perfect opportunity to seize Seonhwa Sect’s interests while they had a power vacuum.

“That’s when it must have started when Daejeong Sect’s young sect leader began openly bullying my son.”

“So you knew about it, Sect Leader.”

At Mu-hwa’s question, Im Muguk sighed.

“No matter how that child tries to hide it, how could a father not know? Today too, looking at his martial uniform, it seems he met Ga Se-in.”

Though his son was suffering unjust bullying, Im Muguk had to pretend not to know, and it was eating him up inside.

“In my heart I want to draw my sword immediately, but being responsible for not just my family but all disciples, I couldn’t move easily.”

If he drew his sword first, unable to control his anger, Daejeong Sect would welcome it with open arms.

After all, Daejeong Sect was hoping for Seonhwa Sect to completely vacate their position in Winam.

It’s easy to say, but a new settlement, moving costs, and the large-scale movement of the disciples and his family – it wasn’t an ordinary matter.

“For a righteous sect, their actions are too petty.”

“That’s what I’m saying. Don’t they feel any shame?”

In response to Mu-hwa and Mujin’s indignant conversation, Im Muguk just drank his now-cold tea.

“Well, what can we do? Before being righteous sect members, they’re still human.”

Unlike the other disciples, from Mu Hwi’s perspective, it wasn’t very surprising.

A righteous sect pursuing righteousness (義) and chivalry (俠).

The history of the martial arts world clearly proves that they produced numerous warriors who upheld the way and justice of the martial arts world.

However, there were certainly hypocrites who operated in the shadows of these countless warriors, pursuing personal glory.

While it’s true that there were many martial arts schools and warriors worthy of respect in the righteous sect, one couldn’t say that everyone in the righteous sect was noble or just.

‘Huh… Master Mu Hwi, you say? He’s extraordinary.’

At Mu Hwi’s single comment, a strange light flashed in Im Muguk’s eyes. Though it seemed casually spoken, it was also words that struck at the core of the righteous sect.

Unlike the other disciples, there wasn’t even a trace of novice immaturity to be found in Mu Hwi.

Depending on how you looked at it, it was like seeing an experienced master of the martial arts world.

“Why didn’t you request help from Hwasan?”

“When you know Hwasan’s situation so clearly, how could I? I was planning to ask for help once Hwasan’s situation improved.”

Im Muguk’s answer was firm.

From that unwavering voice emerged his determination not to burden Hwasan.

‘How frustrating can this be? This is exactly why the main sect exists – to provide help in times like these.’

Mu Hwi let out a slight sigh.

“While I understand the Sect Leader’s consideration for Hwasan…”

The look in Mu Hwi’s eyes as he gazed at Im Muguk was no less resolute.

The other two affiliated sects they had visited before coming to Seonhwa Sect were the same.

They had great pride in being Hwasan Sect’s secular branches, and unless the situation was severe, they absolutely refused to burden Hwasan.

It was because they knew Hwasan’s situation well.

But Seonhwa Sect seemed to need Hwasan’s help.

“Now that I know insects are swarming around the white plum blossoms on the branches, as a disciple of Hwasan, I cannot simply pass by pretending not to notice.”

The other disciples seemed to share the same thought as they nodded. In the eyes of these Hwasan disciples, there dwelt a clear and firm light of determination.

“Haha… That’s the excellent spirit and righteousness befitting Hwasan disciples.”

However, Im Muguk didn’t have great expectations. Though they had recently gained fame, they were still newcomers to the martial arts world.

What could just four second-generation disciples do against an entire sect?

‘I’ll just gratefully accept your sentiment.’

* * *

Dawn, when the world was still dyed in pale indigo before the sun had fully risen.

Clash clash clash

Clear sword sounds rang continuously in Seonhwa Sect’s training ground, which would normally have been quiet.

Just from hearing those sounds, one could tell how fiercely the two swords were clashing.

‘Mu-hwa has started counterattacking.’

Mu-hwa’s characteristic light footsteps continued without pause.

If there was anything different about this sparring match between Mu-hwa and Mujin compared to usual, it was that it was more intense and practical than normal.

Thanks to their increased real combat experience, their perspective had changed, and they began to break away from their formal movements of displaying martial arts according to set forms.

Additionally, Mujin was gradually mixing Three Leaf Piercing Wind and Falling Plum Sword, while Mu-hwa was mixing Ten Thousand Fragrance Sword and Falling Plum Sword.

This was thanks to small realizations they each had after seeing the waves of swordplay Mu Hwi had displayed when facing Red Wolf Sword.

Of course, it didn’t flow as naturally as Mu Hwi’s and was choppy, but the mere fact they could attempt it proved Mujin and Mu-hwa’s growth.

During this, Mu-cheol approached Mu Hwi.

“Senior Disciple.”

“What is it?”

“I’m curious about that final move when you killed Red Wolf Sword.”

The final move Mu-cheol was referring to was the one imbued with the principles of the Dokgo Sword Technique.

At this, Mu Hwi took his eyes off the manual he had been reading and looked at Mu-cheol.

‘I wonder what he saw.’

As he had been glimpsing Mu-cheol’s potential lately, Mu Hwi asked,

“Why?”

< I’m curious about that last move. > End

< Steel Plum Blossom. Cheolmae(鐵梅). >