Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Mu Hwi was fiddling with a pine cone he had picked up on his way.

If Ilmu hadn’t withdrawn his attack and had aimed for Mujin’s chest, the pine cone would have been lodged in Ilmu’s wrist.

The corner of Mu Hwi’s mouth was slightly raised as he threw the pine cone under the roof.

“Not bad at all.”

When Mu Hwi arrived, the disciples were in the middle of a life-and-death battle with Ilmu.

It wasn’t a common experience to engage in a life-and-death battle with a martial artist who was more skilled than oneself.

So rather than immediately jumping in, Mu Hwi quietly observed how the disciples would handle it.

The disciples maintained their joint attack like walking a tightrope, and Mu Hwi nodded as he watched them coordinate with eye contact and calmly execute their combinations. The consistent joint attack training had paid off. If he hadn’t trained them in joint attacks, Mu Hwi wouldn’t have been able to be this relaxed today. There was a huge difference between simply having multiple people attack simultaneously and moving systematically while coordinating breathing.

Assuming that each disciple’s power was one, the combined power was able to produce four or five powers instead of three.

‘Are they starting to show signs of being true martial artists?’

Mu Hwi smirked as he recalled when they first fought against the Black Sword disciples of Bloodshed Clan.

Those kids who once hesitated at the sight of blood now thrust their swords without hesitation even with blood on their faces.

That awkward appearance they showed back then could no longer be found in the disciples.

“Now you can say you’ve truly stepped into the martial arts world.”

After Ilmu fell and the situation was roughly settled, Mu Hwi stood up.

When Mu Hwi came through the window of the separate building, Mu-hwa was supporting Mujin.

“I’m fine.”

“What do you mean fine! Your face is turning blue right now.”

Mujin’s complexion wasn’t good due to his internal injuries. Not to mention the trail of blood flowing from his mouth.

“Why did you fight so recklessly just now?”

Mu-hwa was so startled she almost dropped her sword when she saw Mujin disregard defense and thrust his sword toward Ilmu’s chest.

Mujin could only give a bitter smile at Mu-hwa’s scolding. Mu Hwi stood behind Mujin and said,

“When I said what I meant, it wasn’t to throw your body recklessly like that, you did something foolish that doesn’t suit you.”

As he spoke, Mu Hwi grabbed Mujin’s shoulder. The heat could be felt even through the training clothes, probably because of how intensely they had fought.

“Still, you did well. You’ve taken a step forward.”

At Mu Hwi’s praise, Mujin’s eyebrows twitched slightly before he smiled weakly.

“Thank you, Senior Disciple.”

In any case, Mujin had overcome one of the walls that had been blocking his path.

The wall of martial artists wasn’t something that could only be overcome through enlightenment.

Simple actions and mindset changes could also break through walls if they were accompanied by meaningful changes and growth.

Since there was no single correct answer to breaking or overcoming walls, this was why numerous masters contemplated and challenged themselves in various ways during training.

“Sit in meditation and begin circulating qi, I’ll help you. Disciples, stand guard.”

Mu Hwi spoke while looking at Ilmu, who was gushing blood from his chest and sides.

Not only had he lost a lot of blood, but particularly the sword wound on his chest was so deep that bone was visible – he wouldn’t survive.

“Kkeuk, save me…”

Ilmu’s rolling eyes held a desperate look. Mu Hwi merely twitched his upper lip slightly as he watched Ilmu’s fingers wiggle.

He offered no comfort about death, nor criticism or lectures about the evil deeds committed. He just showed one cold sneer and remained indifferent.

Mu Hwi wanted Ilmu to slowly feel death approaching and grow cold in solitude.

“Ah…”

As Mu Hwi turned his back, Ilmu could only let out one sigh. What could that sigh mean?

Was it resentment toward Mu Hwi for refusing to help?

Or lamentation about dying so futilely?

But Mu Hwi showed no interest in this at all. He had no sympathy to give to someone like an Assassin Demon.

‘Not my business.’

Even without this, Mu Hwi had many other things to worry about.

Mu Hwi sat behind Mujin, who was in a meditation position.

“Let’s begin.”

“Yes, Senior Disciple.”

Mu Hwi placed his palm on the acupoint on Mujin’s back and began infusing his internal energy.

As Mu Hwi began guiding the energy, Mu-cheol and Mu-hwa kept strict watch over the surroundings.

‘This is Senior Disciple’s internal energy.’

Though it was the same old method of internal energy, it felt slightly different. While Mujin’s internal energy moved slowly, Senior Disciple’s internal energy rushed through the meridians refreshingly.

It was like the difference between watching a gently flowing stream and a rough, pouring waterfall.

[Concentrate.]

At Mu Hwi’s mental message, Mujin focused on circulating his qi. His internal injuries seemed severe, as the flow of internal energy wasn’t as smooth as usual. It was as if various points in his meridians were broken and creaking.

‘He overdid it.’

Mu Hwi, examining Mujin’s interior, began moving his internal energy in earnest.

Mu Hwi’s internal energy followed the Nine Skies Mind Method’s circulation path through the meridians. It rushed forward as if determined to push away anything blocking its path.

Then the energy of the Soul-Transforming Death Flow Technique that had been tearing at various points in the meridians began to be pushed out.

Though the Soul-Transforming Death Flow Technique’s energy resisted somewhat, Mu Hwi’s internal energy pushed forward mercilessly.

As the Soul-Transforming Death Flow Technique’s energy was pushed out, color began returning to Mujin’s face.

Mujin focused on Mu Hwi’s bold internal energy manipulation, trying to remember even a little bit by concentrating his mind.

‘This should have pushed out almost all of it.’

There was no need to treat all internal injuries right away.

It was enough to just loosen the twisted meridians from the internal injuries and let him expel the stagnant blood.

Even after driving out the energy of the Soul-Transforming Death Flow Technique, Mu Hwi continued to infuse internal energy to help Mujin’s circulation.

“Phew…”

Mujin finished circulating qi with a much more comfortable expression and expelled the stagnant blood. After spitting out a handful of black blood, Mujin wiped his mouth as if feeling refreshed.

“Thank you, Senior Disciple.”

Mujin turned around to express his gratitude, and Mu Hwi nodded and added,

“Don’t forget that sensation just now. If you keep chasing that sensation, you’ll reach the next level.”

Mujin had managed to raise his sword energy, albeit clumsily.

This was evidence that Mujin, who had been lingering at the edge of first-rate, had stepped into the peak realm.

Now it was only a matter of time before Mujin reached a new level.

“I understand.”

Mujin began meditating to fully consolidate the enlightenment he had just gained.

Then Mu Hwi looked at Kang Bo-eum who was standing guard behind him. It seemed he had arrived while Mu Hwi was helping Mujin with his qi circulation.

Reading Mu Hwi’s gaze, Kang Bo-eum spoke,

“For now, the general is personally watching the two Assassin Demons, and this one is dead.”

While helping Mujin circulate qi, Ilmu had been unable to hold on any longer and had died.

“Since we have two mouths to speak anyway, I didn’t feel the need to go through the trouble of saving him.”

Kang Bo-eum nodded and looked at Mu Hwi’s disciples.

‘Although it was three people performing a joint attack, it’s still incredible.’

At first, Kang Bo-eum thought Mu Hwi had cut him down when he arrived at the separate building, but when he heard that three people had taken him down with a joint attack before that, he was amazed.

Though several levels below Ilhun and Ilseon whom Mu Hwi fought alone, Ilmu’s martial arts were still considerable. Since Ilmu appeared to have reached the peak realm as well, what more needed to be said?

It was remarkable that late-stage disciples had taken down such an Ilmu with a joint attack.

‘Looking at this, it seems they’ve been specially trained in joint attacks – was this taught at Mu Hwi’s training?’

Kang Bo-eum had personally felt that Mu Hwi wasn’t simply excellent in martial arts while receiving advice about the Left Hand Sword.

Having occasionally seen him training his disciples while staying at Hwahon Sect, Kang Bo-eum’s thoughts naturally led to Mu Hwi.

‘Perhaps he’s even more amazing than I thought.’

Kang Bo-eum was convinced that soon the name Mu Hwi would spread widely throughout the martial arts world.

“Lord, I’d like to request a letter to Jongnam Sect.”

When Mu Hwi examined their training clothes, swords, and belongings, they appeared to be genuine Jongnam Sect items rather than similar imitations.

“Of course, I’ll handle the cleanup, so everyone, focus on recovering.”

* * *

Mu Hwi’s group decided to stay at Hwahon Sect for a few more days than planned.

While they were waiting for the Jongnam Sect Taoists, everyone had minor injuries, so they planned to recuperate completely before departing.

“Hooh, so this is a hot spring.”

What met Mu Hwi’s eyes as he opened the door was white steam lingering like clouds around the hot spring.

The surrounding vegetation was beautifully arranged around the hot spring, creating what looked like a small scenic masterpiece.

“The general’s recommendation was well deserved.”

Mujin, who entered after him, also muttered in amazement at seeing a hot spring for the first time.

The general had introduced them to the hot spring, saying it would help with wound recovery, and had already paid the fees, practically pushing Mu Hwi’s group to go.

“There’s no one here.”

“They said they prepared the highest-grade special hot spring – Mu-hwa must be enjoying herself alone right now.”

Responding to Mu-cheol’s words, Mu Hwi stepped boldly into the hot spring.

“Hmm.”

The hot spring water was quite hot.

At first, his skin felt slightly stinging, but once he got used to it, it was quite nice.

As Mu Hwi boldly surrendered himself to the hot spring, his disciples followed suit.

“Circulating qi while soaking in the hot spring might not be bad.”

“Hot water from the ground, it’s amazing.”

Mujin and Mu-cheol also gradually immersed themselves in the hot spring, marveling at the warmth.

After a moment of adjusting to the hot spring, comfort soon followed.

The three men quietly surrendered themselves to the drowsiness provided by the hot spring. Mu Hwi, who was enjoying the warmth with his eyes closed, opened the cork of the Seo Bong-ju he had brought.

“Phew, the general was right.”

The general had given them the remaining Seo Bong-ju, saying enjoying alcohol while soaking in a hot spring was one of its charms.

Tasting it directly, it felt different in taste and aroma compared to drinking it while embracing the cold wind.

Mu Hwi, who had been gulping down the Seo Bong-ju alone, laughed when he saw his disciples silently watching him.

“Come to think of it, you didn’t even get to taste it yesterday.”

After all, Mu Hwi had forbidden his disciples from drinking, having sensed they would face the Assassin Demons. Mu Hwi threw the bottle to Mujin.

Mujin looked at the bottle for a moment before carefully savoring it. Mu-cheol, who received the bottle next, also took a sip.

Mujin seemed satisfied with the aroma of the Seo Bong-ju that escaped when he opened his mouth.

“I didn’t know hot springs had this charm, if I had known, I would have brought tea – what a shame.”

Mujin seemed to like it as it suited his taste, and Mu-cheol’s face was also completely relaxed, apparently finding it decent.

While they were enjoying the hot spring like this, they sensed movement from the direction of the door.

Tak!

At the sound of the door being roughly opened, Mu Hwi naturally turned his head to look toward the door.

Mu Hwi, who had been keeping his eyes half-open, widened them at the sight of the two men entering.

“Master, please come in.”

“Alright.”

Mu Hwi’s gaze was focused on the second man entering.

A massive physique that required ducking both head and waist to pass through doors. Even Mu-cheol, who boasted the largest build in Hwasan, would have to concede to this giant.

The exposed muscles of his entire body showed smoothness as if carved by the era’s finest stonemason.

The muscles that rippled with every movement made one think they might be harder than ordinary metal.

Along with fierce eyes reminiscent of a tiger and white hair roughly tied with a string, he brought to mind a mythical white tiger.

‘To think I’d see that old man here.’

The crazy man who dedicated his life to muscles.

The martial artist with the heaviest fists in the martial world.

The Iron Mountain Fist King, Ma Yeon-ho.

As Mu Hwi looked at Ma Yeon-ho, Ma Yeon-ho, who was straightening his back, also stared at Mu Hwi.

“Hmm?”

Ma Yeon-ho flexed his muscles while looking at Mu Hwi.

< To think I’d see that old man here. > End

< Seeing you reminds me of two juniors. >