Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 36

Chapter 36

“Thank you for making such a long journey.”

Following Kang Bo-eum’s greeting, Mu Hwi also made a traditional martial salute.

“I am Mu Hwi, the second-generation disciple of Hwasan Sect.”

In response, Ilhyeon and Ilsu of the Jongnam Sect returned the martial salute.

The two Taoist priests looked at Mu Hwi with interest.

“So you’re the eldest of the Hwasan Four Flowers.”

“The Hwasan Four Flowers?”

When Mu Hwi asked back, Ilhyeon nodded.

“You didn’t know yet? The reputation of the Hwasan Four Flowers is spreading throughout Shaanxi.”

Hwasan Four Flowers (華山四花)

A nickname collectively referring to the four Hwasan Sect disciples who entered the martial arts world.

Starting with the Red Wolf Sword of the Bloodshed Clan, the subjugation of various mountain bandits, and the suppression of the Assassin Demons that the Jongnam Sect had been tracking.

Additionally, Mu Hwi was the most famous among the Hwasan Four Flowers, with achievements like defeating Yeonho Wanderer and stopping Woo Tae-gang’s winning streak.

‘Those guys will be pleased.’

The original Three Flowers (三花) was just a name used internally within the Hwasan Sect. In the martial arts world, the name Three Flowers was completely unknown.

But now they had gained their first nickname recognized throughout the martial arts world.

Moreover, it was quite rare for late-stage foundation level disciples to receive a nickname this early, so it was certainly something to be encouraged about.

“Congratulations on gaining fame under the nickname Hwasan Four Flowers.”

“Thank you.”

Mu Hwi responded plainly to Ilsu’s congratulations, who showed a slight smile.

While Mu Hwi’s group had been consistently active in Shaanxi, the creation of this nickname was largely influenced by their capture of the Assassin Demons.

The Assassin Demons had escaped even though the Jongnam Sect’s disciples had suffered great losses while tracking them.

Naturally, the martial arts world’s attention was drawn to these young Hwasan disciples who had eliminated the Assassin Demons.

In a way, as much as Hwasan’s reputation rose, Jongnam’s reputation had fallen.

Yet they offered congratulations with a smile, so Mu Hwi maintained appropriate courtesy.

“We have nothing to say to Hwahon Sect and Hwasan’s disciples. Due to Jongnam’s mistake, you suffered misfortune all the way here.”

When Ilhyeon and Ilsu bowed their heads simultaneously, Kang Bo-eum waved his hands in surprise.

“How could the Assassin Demons’ evil actions be Jongnam’s fault? Please raise your heads. This is embarrassing.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

After briefly moistening his throat with tea, Ilhyeon let out a short sigh and spoke.

“May we examine the items?”

Mu Hwi lifted the large wooden chest from the floor and placed it before the two priests.

“Please take a look.”

At Mu Hwi’s words, Ilsu carefully opened the wooden chest.

When the chest was opened, there were three swords and three neatly folded Taoist robes. Besides these, various small items were tidily arranged next to them.

These were all possessions that the Assassin Demons had been carrying.

The two priests’ eyes trembled slightly at this.

Ilhyeon carefully unfolded the Taoist robes while Ilsu picked up one of the swords to examine it.

“These are indeed Jongnam Sect robes, with the Seven Stars embroidered on the inside.”

“The swords are the same. Look at this.”

On the scabbard Ilsu showed to Ilhyeon, there was the character Mu (茂). The other scabbards had the characters Seon (善) and Hun (訓) engraved on them respectively.

“These are indeed the swords of Senior Disciple Ilseon and… Our junior disciples Ilmu and Ilhun.”

Ilsu stroked the characters engraved on the scabbard with trembling hands.

Listening to the Jongnam Sect priests’ words, Mu Hwi furrowed his brow.

‘Whether master or disciple, they play such dirty games.’

As expected, the Assassin Demons had used the same titles as the Jongnam Sect disciples they had killed.

Mu Hwi slightly furrowed his brow as he recalled the Assassin Demons who had tried to tarnish even the final honor of those they had killed.

Ilhyeon held the torn robes with both hands as if unwilling to let go, while Ilsu lowered his gaze with bloodshot eyes.

After a moment, Ilhyeon composed himself and spoke.

“The reason Jongnam lost track of the Assassin Demons was because they desecrated these three disciples’ bodies and hid them in various places. Their intention must have been to buy time while we searched for our scattered disciples’ remains.”

At Ilhyeon’s words, Kang Bo-eum’s beard trembled.

“They were truly cruel beings.”

“Where is he now?”

“We have him confined separately, but he probably hasn’t regained consciousness yet.”

Ilhyeon asked curiously.

“What happened?”

To this, Mu Hwi answered instead.

“We’ve been using Bone-Splitting Muscle-Tearing technique to interrogate him about the Hundred-faced Old Demon, but he doesn’t seem to know much.”

“Bone-Splitting Muscle-Tearing…”

Ilhyeon looked at Mu Hwi in a new light.

Bone-Splitting Muscle-Tearing was a technique that inflicted pain by splitting bones into dozens of pieces and severing muscles at every joint. Depending on the degree, it was a terrifying technique that could completely cripple someone.

As it was a technique using pressure points, it required extensive knowledge of meridians and musculoskeletal system, and since the pain exceeded ordinary torture in its cruelty, righteous Sects generally avoided using it.

“Hmm…”

It was surprising that a Hwasan disciple of the late-stage foundation level would use such a technique without hesitation.

‘I sense a streak of coldness. Indeed, one must meet someone in person rather than rely on rumors to know their true nature.’

Ilhyeon regretted that Jongnam Sect didn’t have disciples with resolve like Mu Hwi.

It seemed that Hwasan would stand out at the next Sword Assembly (劍會).

“May I ask what Jongnam Sect plans to do with the Assassin Demons?”

“For now, we plan to take them back and execute punishment according to our main sect’s laws.”

It had already been decided to hand over the Assassin Demons to Jongnam Sect. With the torture for information about the Hundred-faced Old Demon complete, there was no reason to keep the Assassin Demons any longer.

Moreover, this was better in many ways since Jongnam Sect would be counting the days until the Assassin Demons ascend Mount Jongnam.

It was like giving Jongnam Sect a debt of gratitude.

As the conversation drew to a close, Ilhyeon and Ilsu exchanged glances and rose from their seats.

“On behalf of Jongnam Sect’s head, I, Ilhyeon, first disciple of Jongnam, express gratitude to Hwahon Sect and Hwasan Four Flowers. Jongnam Sect will never forget today’s favor.”

The two priests did not hesitate at all to bow deeply and make a martial salute toward Mu Hwi, who was younger than them.

Thanks to Mu Hwi, they could protect not only the honor of their three disciples who died tragic deaths but also Jongnam Sect’s reputation, so Ilhyeon and Ilsu were willing to bow multiple times.

“Our three disciples can now rest in peace, truly thank you.”

In response to their sincere gratitude, Mu Hwi also quietly stood up and returned the martial salute.

* * *

They safely handed over the Assassin Demons to the Jongnam Sect priests.

Having confirmed there were no issues with Hwahon Sect, which was the last private residence to visit on this martial arts world journey, Mu Hwi’s group was now heading toward Hwasan.

“By now, they must be recruiting new disciples at the main sect.”

“Mm, probably so.”

While Mu Hwi’s group was visiting private residences, news had spread widely throughout Shaanxi that Hwasan Sect was opening its doors to recruit new disciples.

“It’s going to be super busy when we get to Hwasan, right? I was hoping to rest comfortably since we’re returning after so long.”

At Mu-hwa’s complaint, Mu Hwi’s head tilted sideways.

“Rest comfortably?”

When sparks flew from Mu Hwi’s eyes, Mu-hwa pretended not to see and turned away.

“When we arrive at Hwasan, special training begins for the second-generation disciples.”

At this, Mu-hwa, who had been pointlessly staring at the empty sky, looked back at Mu Hwi.

“What special training all of a sudden?”

“Traveling the martial world with you all, I realized. There’s so much to teach the disciples.”

Now that Mu Hwi’s group had successfully completed their first martial arts world journey, other second-generation disciples would gradually venture out to experience the martial arts world as well.

Mu Hwi intended to train his fellow disciples thoroughly before they went out into the martial arts world. At the very least, they should return without getting stabbed out there.

“And seeing the Jongnam Sect seniors reminded me of something. Isn’t it time for the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly to be held again?”

At this, Mujin tilted his head.

“Isn’t there still quite a bit of time before the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly?”

“If we want to prepare thoroughly, we need to start now.”

Mu Hwi’s eyes were gradually burning as he answered.

Six Harmonies Sword Assembly (六合劍會)

A representative event where Hwasan Sect and Jongnam Sect share fellowship.

Six Harmonies Sword is Hwasan Sect’s basic martial art.

And Six Harmonies Sword is also Jongnam Sect’s basic martial art.

Regarding this, there were sayings that Hwasan and Jongnam were originally one Sect that split, and that disciples who learned from the same master each founded their own Sects.

The truth about this couldn’t be verified as no records remained in either Hwasan or Jongnam, but it couldn’t be denied that the two Sects shared the same roots.

However, although they shared Six Harmonies (六合) as their root, the martial arts of the two Sects were completely different.

This was due to differences in their interpretation of Six Harmonies.

Hwasan Sect believed that if one could extend their sword in all directions of Six Harmonies, there would be no place unreachable and nothing that couldn’t be cut, thus considering it the sword of certain victory (必勝).

This was manifested in the Plum Blossom (梅花).

Jongnam Sect believed that if one blocked all directions of Six Harmonies to establish an impenetrable domain, nothing could reach them, thus considering it the sword of invincibility (不敗).

This was manifested in the Under Heaven (天下).

The two Sects that showed opposite interpretations of the same Six Harmonies, developed their own unique sword techniques while maintaining steady exchange.

The purpose wasn’t to compare the two sword techniques and determine which Sect’s martial arts was correct or superior, but to recognize the Six Harmonies they hadn’t seen and further develop their respective sword techniques.

It was clear that the long history of the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly had a great influence on how these two Sects, which must have started as small sword Sects, came to occupy positions among the Nine Schools and One Sect side by side.

‘Although they say Jongnam and Hwasan don’t fixate on winning or losing at the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly.’

Unfortunately, this didn’t apply to Mu Hwi.

Like in his previous life, Mu Hwi never showed lukewarm attitude toward competition.

If he could laugh carelessly without fixating on winning or losing like other priests, he would have ascended to immortality long ago. Shouldn’t a martial artist naturally win?

Moreover, if he saw his personally trained disciples getting beaten by Jongnam Sect disciples they’d never met before, he felt like heat would rush through him like it did at the hot springs.

‘My disciples. I’ll gladly feed you each a spoonful.’

Of course, Mu Hwi would only put the spoon in his disciples’ mouths – digesting it would be their responsibility.

Mu Hwi planned to drill them again and again until they fully digested everything. That was the principle – somehow it would get digested.

Mu Hwi’s lips curved up crookedly to his ears.

Seeing this, Mu-hwa made a disgusted face.

“Senior Disciple is making that evil expression again. What are you thinking about?”

“What else? I’m deeply contemplating how to teach the disciples. Would you, the youngest, understand my difficulties?”

As Mu-hwa was unable to counter this and lit up with anger in her eyes, Mu-cheol, who was walking at the front, spoke up.

“Senior brother, I can see a village ahead.”

At Mu-cheol’s words, Mu Hwi’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the distant village.

He was reluctant to go.

There wasn’t a logical reason.

Just looking at the village bothered him.

‘Is there something there?’

Mu Hwi didn’t take this feeling lightly.

A martial artist’s senses, honed through communing with natural energy, sometimes approached the realm of precognition. Though Mu Hwi’s senses hadn’t quite returned to that level, it wasn’t something to completely ignore either.

“Mujin, was there a mountain about two kak (about 30 minutes) ago?”

“Yes, Senior Disciple.”

After thinking briefly, Mu Hwi turned around.

“Let’s take a detour and cross over through the mountain.”

Though the disciples looked regretfully at the village, they followed Mu Hwi’s words.

“Senior Disciple, is there something in that village?”

When Mu-hwa asked, Mu Hwi shook his head.

“Not exactly. But I feel like if we go there, something troublesome will happen.”

If Mu Hwi had been alone, if he still had his previous life’s Sword Devil martial arts, there would have been no need to avoid it.

Rather, he would have entered the village finding it interesting.

But that wasn’t the case now, so there was no need to suffer by taking unnecessary risks.

“I’ll choose a good inn next time, so let’s sleep in the mountains tonight.”

“Can’t be helped, I suppose.”

“Then let’s hurry, it would be good to climb the mountain early and find a place to sleep.”

As their direction changed, Mu-cheol quietly moved to take the lead of the group again.

A middle-aged man in the village watched as Mu Hwi’s group turned away and disappeared.

“Why are those guys suddenly changing direction? Could they have noticed?”

“That’s impossible. At this distance, they can barely make out the village’s shape, how could they know?”

“Hmm, these kids are making things troublesome. Send word to the Paewangseong.”

“Yes sir!”

At the middle-aged man’s order, the people in the village began moving swiftly.

Watching his subordinates move, the middle-aged man clicked his tongue alone.

“Seven days and nights of hard work, all for nothing. Why on earth did they take a detour?”

The middle-aged man glared for a long while in the direction where Mu Hwi’s group had disappeared.

< So you’re the eldest of the Hwasan Four Flowers. > End

< Just like the Sword Devil. >