Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Woo Tae-gang pours all his power into a single strike.

The intense energy waves erupting from his entire body were strong enough to make the scattered floor fragments around him tremble finely.

KWANG!

With his whole body muscles bulging, Woo Tae-gang charged forward in a straight line like an arrow released from a bow.

Woo Tae-gang’s waist twisted and his shoulders drew back narrowly. Meanwhile, his fist pressed tightly against his side.

When reaching the optimal distance, his fist exploded out from his side.

Speed is added, weight is increased, and inner energy from the dantian is fully concentrated.

Thus, a straight punch is thrust forward.

The air blocking its path was pushed aside like an arrow.

‘Look at this guy?’

At that simple punch, Mu Hwi raised the corner of his mouth.

Late-stage foundation level disciples at this age tend to be captivated by the powerful force of ultimate techniques.

He naturally thought Woo Tae-gang would unleash the ultimate technique of the Thousand-Weight Iron Fist, but that wasn’t the case.

The technique Woo Tae-gang said he was confident in was just a full-power straight punch.

Woo Tae-gang simply bet everything on one fist. Stubbornly and resolutely.

‘He’s truly a disciple of the Iron Mountain Fist King.’

Perhaps due to the massive presence contained in the fist, in Mu Hwi’s eyes, Woo Tae-gang’s fist appeared enlarged and huge.

It wasn’t simply all power being thrown, but thanks to Woo Tae-gang’s intent being vaguely contained within.

To be able to throw such a weighty punch at such a young age, he will surely be able to inherit the title of Fist King in the future.

After confirming Woo Tae-gang’s fist, Mu Hwi changed his mind.

He had planned to counter with an appropriate technique and finish things if Woo Tae-gang used an ultimate technique, but seeing such a fist, Mu Hwi had to respond appropriately.

He slightly changed his sword grip and lowered his stance further. The sword raised high to the upper position was dyed in brilliant red light.

‘This is my response for showing me quite a decent fist.’

The sword drawn vertically from the upper position.

There were none of the flashy variations Mu Hwi had shown until now.

Just a plain downward cut.

Seeing this, Woo Tae-gang’s eyes trembled slightly.

The red line drawn in the air following the sword gradually expanded until finally, like a red wall, it blocked Woo Tae-gang’s path.

As if saying ‘this is as far as you go.’

A sight that only Woo Tae-gang could see with his honed senses that could fully detect the power contained in the sword.

‘What kind of sword strike is this…’

Though he had sparred most often with swordsmen during his martial arts journey, none had ever displayed such an overwhelming sword strike as now.

Excited by this, Woo Tae-gang was about to laugh naturally, but he saved even the breath needed to laugh and channeled it into his fist.

To break through the red wall spread before his eyes, Woo Tae-gang unhesitatingly drove his fist into its center.

The sword and fist intersected.

“Hmm?”

The spectators wore puzzled expressions as nothing seemed to happen despite the tremendous energy both men had shown just before collision.

Just a gentle breeze blew up.

In the very brief moment it took for one inhale and exhale to pass, cracks appeared in the ground to the left and right, centered on the point where sword and fist had intersected.

CRACK!

The cracks quickly grew larger, tearing up the ground finely as they extended far to both sides.

In the end, the training ground’s floor was split apart as if an earthquake had occurred.

It was as if someone had split the training ground in half.

“What is this…”

While even the Hwahon Sect disciples and Kang Bo-eum couldn’t understand what had happened, only Ma Yeon-ho saw through the phenomenon that had just occurred.

‘He cut without the slightest deviation.’

There was no profound martial principle contained in the recent phenomenon.

Mu Hwi had simply precisely bisected Woo Tae-gang’s concentrated fist power vertically, that was all.

Thus Mu Hwi, who received it head-on, was unaffected, while the fist power split left and right caused only the innocent training ground floor to crack as if about to burst.

Ma Yeon-ho narrowed his eyes to check Woo Tae-gang’s hand.

There wasn’t even a small wound on the right hand that had extended toward Mu Hwi. This meant Mu Hwi had drawn just enough power to precisely cut through the fist power.

‘Could there be any other late-stage foundation level disciple capable of showing such a clean sword strike?’

No, even expanding to the entire martial arts world, they could be counted on one hand.

“The student surpasses the teacher, it seems.”

It seemed the winner of the wager to have disciples compete was neither himself nor the Sword Devil, but rather the Sword Saint.

“Hmm.”

Woo Tae-gang raised the fist he had extended and stared at it for a while before making a fist salute toward Mu Hwi.

“I lost, Senior Mu Hwi.”

“It was a good match.”

“Hahah, this is my first defeat.”

Though Woo Tae-gang burst into light laughter, his eyes were slightly dazed.

Mu Hwi could guess the reason.

The single sword strike just shown must still be flickering before his eyes.

‘As he strives to surpass the sword strike he just saw, he’ll naturally climb up another step.’

Mu Hwi didn’t feel the need to say these words. By the looks of it, Woo Tae-gang seemed to have already begun pondering this.

Mu-hwa, watching Mu Hwi walking alongside Woo Tae-gang with his usual expression, asked.

“So that big warrior had been undefeated until now?”

“Yes.”

“And Senior Disciple broke his undefeated record?”

“Yes.”

At Mujin’s soulless answers, Mu-hwa looked at Mu Hwi alone and let out an exclamation.

“Wow.”

At this moment, Mu-cheol, who had been quiet, suddenly asked Mujin.

“Senior Mujin, excuse my rudeness, but how do you think you would fare in a match against Senior Disciple Woo?”

At Mu-cheol’s question, Mujin let out a sigh.

It was rather uncomfortable to admit that he would probably lose.

However, Mujin answered calmly.

“I would probably lose right now.”

Because he had confidence that he could become stronger than now, he could admit his current inadequacy.

Hearing Mujin’s answer, Mu-cheol kept his mouth shut for a moment before responding.

“Same here. I can even envision my sword breaking.”

“After coming out to the martial arts world, I truly feel there are many remarkable people. It was really good to leave Hwasan.”

As the air around the two men grew heavy, Mu-hwa, who was watching from the side, patted Mujin and Mu-cheol’s arms in turn.

“Senior Disciple said we’re supposed to be neck and neck at our age.”

“When did Senior Disciple say such a thing?”

“I secretly asked him how I could surpass my seniors.”

At this, Mujin and Mu-cheol’s gazes simultaneously fixed on Mu-hwa. But Mu-hwa proudly put her hands on her hips.

“It would be troublesome if you think I’ll always remain in the third position of the Three Flowers, seniors.”

“I’m not satisfied with second place either.”

“Haha, these disciples are quite greedy. Excessive greed is not good.”

Mu-cheol spoke firmly, and Mujin let out a somewhat stiff laugh. Sparks flew freely somewhere in the intersection of the disciples’ gazes.

The atmosphere was such that another match could break out at any moment.

Watching his disciples like this, Mu Hwi let out a sigh.

“What are you all doing now?”

Ma Yeon-ho, watching Mu Hwi interacting with his disciples, crossed his arms.

“I was worried about Hwasan and thought about visiting midway, but there’s no need for that.”

Kang Bo-eum, who was beside Ma Yeon-ho, asked.

“I see you have another destination in mind.”

“I’m going to the Guyu Sect. Isn’t one of the Six Dragons there? There are many other capable swordsmen too.”

At this, Kang Bo-eum gave a bitter smile.

Only the Iron Mountain Fist King could casually mention visiting the Guyu Sect, one of the Seven Evil Heavens, for his disciple’s martial arts journey.

“Master.”

“Now you have one defeat.”

When Ma Yeon-ho extended his fist toward the approaching Woo Tae-gang, Woo Tae-gang bumped fists with him.

This was Ma Yeon-ho and Woo Tae-gang’s unique way of greeting.

“Though the defeat is regrettable, it feels better than winning ten matches.”

As Woo Tae-gang spoke while scratching his head, Ma Yeon-ho laughed heartily and patted Woo Tae-gang’s shoulder.

“Right, in martial arts matches, there’s more to learn and gain from defeat than victory. Review it well tonight.”

“Master, I’d like to stay here a bit longer.”

Since it was rare for Woo Tae-gang to make requests first, Ma Yeon-ho welcomed it.

“Sect Leader, would there happen to be space for two people to stay for three or four days?”

“Of course. Senior Ma, I’ll provide you with a separate building.”

“Hoho, thank you. I’ll be in your debt.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

Woo Tae-gang’s desire to stay at Hwahon Sect must be because of Mu Hwi. There was no one who hadn’t experienced that burning competitive spirit during their late-stage foundation level disciple days.

Knowing Woo Tae-gang’s feelings, Kang Bo-eum could only smile.

“Stay comfortably.”

* * *

“This should do.”

Ma Yeon-ho, wandering around the forest near Mount Yeo, nodded while looking at the wide clearing in the surroundings.

“By the way, are you really sure about this?”

Ma Yeon-ho asked, looking at Mu Hwi following behind.

Until now, Ma Yeon-ho had always reviewed martial arts as compensation for those who sparred with Woo Tae-gang.

However, Mu Hwi requested a match instead of receiving guidance.

“It’s fine.”

“Huh, the Sword Devil’s disciple said the same thing and fainted after just one exchange. You might be throwing away a good opportunity.”

Mu Hwi thought of his disciple and smirked before nodding.

“I’ll be in your care.”

“Then as mentioned before, I’ll only use internal energy at the same level as yours.”

“Yes.”

Mu Hwi kept his sword at middle position as he took in Ma Yeon-ho with his eyes.

‘Lasting three exchanges would be considered doing well.’

Even if they were competing with equal internal energy, he couldn’t match Ma Yeon-ho.

While Mu Hwi was still unripe in all aspects, Ma Yeon-ho, except for his internal energy, maintained the full capabilities of the Iron Mountain Fist King.

Even without using internal energy, Ma Yeon-ho would easily defeat Mu Hwi.

Nevertheless, Mu Hwi’s reason for challenging was to whip himself into shape.

What Mu Hwi guarded against was arrogance and complacency.

Already growing at an extraordinary pace due to his previous life’s experience, he needed to be even more vigilant.

The gap that opened with gaining a new life.

There was a world of difference between what the mind expected and what the body experienced, so Mu Hwi wanted to confirm that unknown gap directly.

Moreover, since Mu Hwi was growing with Hwasan’s martial arts rather than his previous life’s techniques, this was even more necessary.

‘It’s been a while since I felt this.’

A battle with a strong opponent.

Mu Hwi’s heart was beating powerfully as he lowered his stance while looking at Ma Yeon-ho.

As if anticipating the fierce battle to come shortly.

“Come.”

When Ma Yeon-ho spoke while lightly clenching his fist, Mu Hwi immediately planted his foot.

Toward the sword striking down from the front, Ma Yeon-ho simply extended his fist.

CLANG!

Mu Hwi’s sword bent as if about to break with a sharp ring.

At this, Mu Hwi added strength to his hand on the sword handle while smoothly rotating his wrist half a turn.

Then the bent sword targeted Ma Yeon-ho’s forearm like a snake raising its head to strike.

Ma Yeon-ho’s lips twitched at Mu Hwi using the fist power applied to the sword to counter-attack.

The violently trembling sword instantly split into nine strands trying to swallow Ma Yeon-ho’s right arm. Ma Yeon-ho scattered the interwoven sword images entirely by lightly waving his arm as if shooing away flies.

In that gap, Mu Hwi’s sword tip was dividing countless times.

As if dozens of branches were sprouting from the center of the sword.

‘A late-stage foundation level disciple showing such delicate variations.’

But when Ma Yeon-ho extended his hand in a grasping motion, Mu Hwi’s sword images were helplessly shattered. Simultaneously, Ma Yeon-ho’s left fist pressed toward his waist.

Though it was just a fist moving toward his waist, his skin tingled. At this, Mu Hwi also unleashed his left hand.

In Mu Hwi’s mind, as he thought of the unleashed fist, plum blossoms seemed to cluster and scatter in the wind.

Mu Hwi added the Falling Flower Palm and Bamboo Leaf Hand Technique by moving each finger individually.

Palm power and palm images flowing in different directions while creating countless variations. Here he mixed in the trajectories of the Sand Shadow Hand and Ghost Category Eight Hands.

Then the changes occurring at Mu Hwi’s fingertips and palm power became even more abundant as they tickled Ma Yeon-ho’s fist.

‘Hmm?’

It felt like children from all directions were trying to grab his fist and pull it into their embrace.

This caused a slight distortion in the fist’s trajectory, and Mu Hwi barely managed to dodge it.

But Ma Yeon-ho’s footwork curved like a whip from the opposite side and bore down.

Mu Hwi struck palm power into the air and used that reaction to dodge the footwork, then thrust his sword toward Ma Yeon-ho’s shoulder.

Ma Yeon-ho slightly twisted his body to deflect the sword’s striking point and raised his hand blade.

The arm extended with raised hand blade rode up along the sword’s surface and tried to grab Mu Hwi’s grip.

‘If I’m caught, it’s over.’

Mu Hwi tried to block Ma Yeon-ho’s attempt by swinging his forearm.

But the flexible sword couldn’t push back Ma Yeon-ho’s forearm, and because Ma Yeon-ho was operating his internal energy with the mystery of absorption in his palm intent, Mu Hwi’s hand was caught.

“Now you can’t escape.”

Ma Yeon-ho mercilessly thrust his palm toward Mu Hwi’s chest, and Mu Hwi calmly responded with his left palm. At this, Ma Yeon-ho’s eyebrows twitched.

As that strange palm technique that had distorted his fist’s trajectory unfolded again, Ma Yeon-ho twisted his palm to unleash the Whirlpool Valley Palm.

Then internal energy began to whirl around the palm intent and Mu Hwi’s palm power was instead swept up in that flow.

CRACK!

With a sound like a drum tearing, Mu Hwi spun like a severed kite and crashed into a tree.

“Cough!”

Mu Hwi sat down while coughing up blood. He tried to stand but his body wouldn’t listen.

“Heheh.”

Mu Hwi let out a low laugh.

This was a satisfactory result as he had endured better than expected.

“Junior, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

At Mu Hwi’s hazy response, Ma Yeon-ho let out a hollow laugh. For a mere late-stage foundation level disciple to exchange so many moves with the Iron Mountain Fist King?

‘A genius, heaven-given talent?’

Looking at Mu Hwi with half-opened eyes, Ma Yeon-ho seemed to remember something and asked while clapping his hands.

“Come to think of it, what was that martial art you displayed with your left hand in the middle? It seemed like Hwasan’s martial arts but felt like several techniques mixed together…”

“That’s right, I mixed them according to my taste. I was thinking of a new fist-palm technique to use while wielding the sword.”

If another late-stage foundation level disciple had said this, he would have frowned at their bravado, but Ma Yeon-ho accepted it because it was Mu Hwi.

“If it’s at that level, it seems you’ve already established quite a system. Have you perhaps decided on a name for the new martial art?”

Ma Yeon-ho asked while flexing the muscles of both sides of his chest.

At this, Mu Hwi furrowed his brow and made a serious face.

“A name… You say?”

< Have you decided on a name for the new technique? > End

< How about this name? >