Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Mu Hwi realized something after personally following the Dark Monkey’s movements for three months.

The Dark Monkey was not merely imitating the Hwasan Sect’s Step Technique and blending it into his own movements.

Hwasan with the sharpest mountain terrain in the Central Plains. Only the wind and the scent of plum blossoms could freely roam this treacherous landscape.

The Dark Monkey was simply expressing the essence of the wind that traverses Hwasan through the Hwasan Sect’s Step Technique.

‘At first, I only tried to extract the movements that suited me.’

Because of that, there were parts where progress was slow.

However, upon realizing the fundamental essence of the Dark Monkey’s footwork, Mu Hwi gained an understanding that connected all the movements he had seen so far into a single thread.

From that moment on, with each step Mu Hwi took, his mastery of the Step Technique renewed daily.

While this provided an opportunity to view the numerous Step Techniques he had learned in his past life with a fresh perspective,

‘Adding anything more to this would be superfluous.’

It seemed unnecessary to incorporate the Step Technique of the evil sect.

The freedom and swiftness of the wind.

The subtlety and distance of the plum blossom scent.

This was the central idea.

The Dark Monkey wove this into his own movements, and Mu Hwi created new forms and techniques through the Dokgo Nine Body Technique.

For long-distance, linear movements, he combined the lightness of the Floating Cloud Leap Step, the acceleration of the Fragrant Step, and the speed of the Flying Stream Step.

For diagonal, three-dimensional movements or irregular body forms in combat or short distances, he mixed the illusion and transformation of the Five Elements Plum Blossom Step and the Phantom Mirage Step.

‘Every movement must be possible in a single step. Like the wind that blows unpredictably.’

To summon one’s own wind with a single step. This was the core idea of this martial art.

Since this martial art combined both footwork and body techniques, mastering this one would allow for application in all situations.

Mu Hwi, who had opened his eyes, quietly stood up. The Dark Monkey’s tail was swaying slowly, indicating that he was dozing off.

Sarak!

As he was observing the basin spread out before his eyes, Mu Hwi’s ankle twitched, and he shot forward toward the cliff ahead.

Even though the movement wasn’t as flashy as the Fragrant Step Technique, it easily surpassed the speed of the Flying Stream Step.

Mu Hwi’s body, which had been shooting toward the cliff, tilted and then struck the cliff.

The movement was so light that it didn’t seem like he was stepping on the cliff but merely touching it lightly.

When Mu Hwi executed the Lightness Technique, his sleeves, which usually fluttered like a flag, now swayed gently. Like the wings of a butterfly.

It was evidence that he wasn’t resisting the wind but was instead riding its flow.

‘This is the feeling.’

Mu Hwi, who had crossed the basin, exited the cave and traversed the dense forest.

Mu Hwi’s movement through the forest was significantly different from three months ago.

While before, his movements were clearly aimed at avoiding obstacles, now he flowed through naturally as if carried by the wind.

By the time Mu Hwi had circled the forest and stopped, the Dark Monkey seemed to sense something and opened his eyes.

“Kkiik?”

While the Dark Monkey was looking at Mu Hwi, Mu Hwi was reflecting on the movements he had just executed.

The movements were so subtle and mystical that even when they began, the opponent wouldn’t immediately notice.

Like the scent of plum blossoms that suddenly fills your nostrils while climbing Hwasan.

Moreover, the range of movement was as boundless as the free wind that roams the peaks of Hwasan.

It was as swift and bold as a gale, as smooth as a gentle breeze, and as unpredictable as a whirlwind.

“Hmm…”

Mu Hwi thought that the words ‘step’ and ‘body’ didn’t quite fit this martial art.

“Pyo (飄) would be good.”

It was meant to flutter, and it also carried the meaning of the shape of the wind blowing, making it perfectly suited for the martial art.

Since he had gained insight from the wind and the scent of plum blossoms, it would be appropriate to name it Pung Hyang Pyo (Wind Scent Flutter).

“This time, the name came out well.”

As Mu Hwi nodded to himself, satisfied, the Dark Monkey approached.

“Kkiik?”

Seeing the Dark Monkey tapping his waist with the Plum Blossom Sword as if challenging him to a duel, Mu Hwi changed his mind.

‘This guy helped a lot…’

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Dark Monkey was the reason he created this martial art. In that case, it wouldn’t be bad to include one character from the Dark Monkey’s name.

After some thought, Mu Hwi replaced ‘Pung’ (Wind) with ‘Am’ (Dark).

Dark Scent Flutter (Dark Scent Flutter)

Am Hyang (Dark Scent) also meant a subtly lingering fragrance, making it a fitting name.

“This martial art will be called Dark Scent Flutter.”

“Kkik.”

Even after Mu Hwi’s declaration, the Dark Monkey just shook the Plum Blossom Sword with a nonchalant expression.

Mu Hwi smiled and drew his Plum Blossom Sword, and immediately the Dark Monkey flipped his body and slashed upward from below.

Mu Hwi drew a semicircle downward and lightly deflected the Dark Monkey’s sword strike.

Kang!

After about a hundred exchanges, the Dark Monkey, seemingly out of breath, exhaled roughly and curled his tail.

Seeing this, Mu Hwi sheathed his sword and asked,

“The Dark Monkey, is that inner cave still off-limits?”

At Mu Hwi’s question, the Dark Monkey bared his teeth and growled fiercely.

“Kkiik!”

There was another cave inside the basin. Mu Hwi had tried to enter several times, but the Dark Monkey always seemed to know and got angry.

What kind of treasure was hidden in that cave to make him so protective?

“After all the sweets and alcohol I’ve given you, you’re being stingy.”

At Mu Hwi’s reproach, the Dark Monkey just turned his head away.

“Kkik!”

If he wanted to, Mu Hwi could subdue the Dark Monkey and enter, but he didn’t feel the need to do so.

Mu Hwi believed that if he continued to stay with the Dark Monkey on Hwasan, he would eventually be able to enter.

***

“How is it? Do you think you can learn it?”

“Hmm, compared to the Five Elements Plum Blossom Steps, the basics seem easier. But I’m not sure about higher levels of mastery.”

“With each step of mastery, it will become twice as profound.”

At Mu Hwi’s words, Mu-hwa’s eyes burned with determination.

“Senior Disciple, can I really master just this one?”

Mu Hwi, who was watching Mu-hwa’s steps with his arms crossed, confidently nodded.

“Yes. It’s a martial art worth dedicating your life to.”

Having named it Dark Scent Flutter and even compiled it into a secret manual in the basin, Mu Hwi was confident.

This Dark Scent Flutter would become the representative of Hwasan Sect’s Lightness Technique in the future.

“Alright, I’ll trust you, Senior Disciple.”

“Have you ever regretted listening to me?”

“Haha, true.”

Mu-hwa was practicing Dark Scent Flutter, stepping in the direction Mu Hwi had instructed.

Mu Hwi glanced at Mu-cheol and Mujin, who were on the other side. He had taught Dark Scent Flutter to all the Hwasan Four Flowers, but those two were still struggling.

It wasn’t that Mu-cheol and Mujin were lacking, but Mu-hwa’s talent in footwork shone brighter.

Although only three days had passed since teaching Dark Scent Flutter, Mu-hwa had already achieved the first level of mastery.

Mu-hwa’s toes, extending with minimal elasticity, releasing tension from the knees and ankles.

Seeing Mu-hwa gliding across the training ground, Mu Hwi nodded.

While Mu Hwi was overseeing the training of the Hwasan Four Flowers, Musan called him from afar.

“Senior Disciple!”

Musan, along with Muryun and Muho, were walking toward Mu Hwi.

Seeing this, Mu Hwi nodded.

“Is it time to depart already?”

“Yes, Senior Disciple!”

Musan answered energetically, clearly excited.

Today is the day these three disciples would set out on their journey.

“To Soohwasan, right?”

Soohwasan was located much further north than Pocheng, where Mu Hwi’s group had previously visited.

It was close to the territory of the Guyu Sect and bordered Gansu to the west, making it a strategic location.

This journey was a mission to investigate the situation around the Janryonghoe and Guyu Sect by heading to the Small Hwasan Manor, an affiliate family located in Soohwasan.

The recent attack by the Paewangseong had heightened vigilance against these two factions, reflecting Baek Yu’s will to strengthen defenses.

Due to the danger of the mission, four of the first-generation disciples were accompanying them, but in reality, the disciples were just tagging along under the pretext of a journey.

“Even though the first-generation disciples are accompanying you, you must take good care of the disciples. Understood?”

“Don’t worry, Senior Disciple.”

Muryun bowed his head and answered firmly.

Mu Hwi looked at the three disciples before him.

They had overcome life-and-death training and had ample experience from the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly.

He believed they could protect themselves even if something unexpected happened.

‘When I first taught them the Six Harmonies Sword, it seemed like they wouldn’t last three days in the martial arts world.’

Back then, they seemed like they wouldn’t survive three days in the martial arts world, but now they were ready to descend Hwasan with confidence.

The countless times he had shouted at them and the disciples who had shed blood and sweat under him overlapped, making Mu Hwi realize how much time had passed.

‘It’s quite a nostalgic feeling.’

After bidding farewell to the three disciples, Mu Hwi watched the second-generation disciples diligently swinging their swords in the training ground.

Now, all the second-generation disciples were acting like proper martial arts artists.

The disciples were focused on training in the three sword techniques: Three Leaf Piercing Wind, Ten Thousand Fragrance Sword, and Falling Plum Sword.

They were preparing for the next Jonghwa Ceremony.

‘For the next Jonghwa Ceremony, the goal should be for everyone to receive the Plum Blossom Sword.’

Mu Hwi had already reached the eighth level of the Plum Blossom Sword.

When the second-generation disciples began training using the Plum Blossom Sword, Mu Hwi’s guidance would help them progress rapidly.

‘Few elite, I don’t even need to add the modifier ‘few.’’

Mu Hwi intended to make all the second-generation disciples like this.

‘Their existence is subtly influential.’

As Mu Hwi watched the second-generation disciples, he turned his gaze to the Hwasan Three Flowers.

Seeing the Hwasan Three Flowers receiving the Plum Blossom Sword and training in new martial arts, the other disciples were also pouring their passion into training.

It was as if they had a clear goal to strive for, fueling their desire to train. The Hwasan Three Flowers were having a positive influence on the second-generation disciples.

‘Come to think of it, the Sword Saint said something like that.’

The disciples of the Martial Sword Sect poured all their time into the sword to become the Seven Swords of Mudoang.

A clear, visible goal ignites the disciples’ training motivation more than vague martial achievements.

The Eighteen Arhats of Shaolin.

The Seven Swords of Mudoang.

Becoming a part of the martial force that represents a sect is a great honor for disciples.

“Hwasan could use something similar…”

As Mu Hwi pondered the name, he quickly shook his head.

It was unnecessary to worry about it now. They could discuss it after the second-generation disciples became strong enough.

***

The atmosphere in the Upper Palace was heavy.

It was because the Baekri Family, along with Gong Ji, had finally ascended Hwasan.

In the Upper Palace, Baekri Sang, known by the nickname ‘Cloud River Sword Dragon’, was seated, and next to him was a middle-aged man who looked exactly like Baekri Sang.

‘Arrogant Baekri guys, still as stiff as ever.’

Mu Hwi, sitting next to Baek Yu, quietly glared at the Baekri Family members.

Baek Yu looked directly at the middle-aged man from the Baekri Family and asked,

“Patriarch, I didn’t expect you to personally ascend Hwasan.”

It was natural for a figure of corresponding stature to come for a martial contest that involved the honor of each sect, but Baek Yu had expected the Sword King to come as the Grand Patriarch.

After all, he was the one who had the greatest influence in causing this situation.

At Baek Yu’s dry question, the Patriarch of the Baekri Family, Baekri Geuk, took a sip of Plum Blossom Tea.

“Originally, the Grand Patriarch intended to come, but I persuaded him otherwise. I believed that as the Patriarch, I should be the one to come to Hwasan.”

Baek Yu silently stroked his beard, and Gong Ji, who hadn’t heard about this beforehand, looked at Baekri Geuk with a heavy gaze.

“I agreed to restore our family’s honor by avenging the past defeat, but I wasn’t comfortable with the Grand Patriarch’s idea of wanting to take advantage of the Hwasan Sect’s fall and the Righteous Path Grand Assembly.”

If they had recklessly sought revenge without any justification in these chaotic times, not only would they be criticized by various sects, but the martial contest itself might not even take place.

By using the justification of the Righteous Path Grand Assembly, Shaolin was at least mediating.

“Hmm…”

At Baekri Geuk’s words, Baek Yu’s hand, which had been stroking his beard, slowed.

“Even if it’s the Grand Patriarch, doesn’t the final decision lie with the Patriarch? Why did you yield?”

“It was the first and last request the Grand Patriarch, no, my father, made to me.”

Baekri Geuk had spent his entire life looking up to the Sword King.

The Sword King was a man who lacked nothing in martial arts or background, reigning at the pinnacle of the martial world and leaving his name etched in history.

That Sword King had bowed his head and made a request to Baekri Geuk for the first time. The once unyielding figure was now bending weakly.

At that moment, Baekri Geuk realized that his father’s back, which had once been as towering as Mount Tai, had truly shrunk.

His father hadn’t just been defeated in swordplay by the Sword Saint; something more important had been broken as well.

Only then did Baekri Geuk understand that his father had changed.

Having realized this change, Baekri Geuk had no choice but to make a decision as a son, not as a Patriarch.

“Both yielding to familial bonds and refusing the Grand Patriarch’s request, and making the selfish choice to tarnish the Hwasan Sect’s honor for the Baekri Family’s justification, were my decisions.”

Baekri Geuk slowly stood up.

“As the patriarch of the Baekri Family, it is only right that I personally apologize.”

Slowly clasping his hands, Baekri Geuk bowed deeply to Baek Yu.

Just as his father had done to him.

At this, Baek Yu, Gong Ji, and even Mu Hwi widened their eyes in surprise.

The Patriarch of one of the Three Great Families, who valued pride and honor as much as life itself, was bowing his head and waist so humbly.

“Sect Leader, I formally apologize to the Hwasan Sect. As a family that holds a seat among the Three Great Families, we have shown an unbecoming and disgraceful side.”

Cloud River Sword Dragon, Baekri Sang, who had been sitting quietly, also stood up and bowed.

“Baekri Sang, the young patriarch of the Baekri Family, offers his apologies to the Hwasan Sect.”

“Grand Master Gong Ji, our family’s petty actions have disturbed the Sect Leader’s peace. After the martial contest, I will go to Shaolin and apologize to the Abbot as well.”

When Baekri Geuk also sought forgiveness from Shaolin, Gong Ji simply chanted a Buddhist mantra.

“Amitabha…”

Seeing this, Mu Hwi clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Because of that stubborn old man, the Sword King, how many people are suffering now.’

Baek Yu looked at Baekri Geuk, who was still bowing, and let out a sigh.

“Huh…”

Before meeting Baekri Geuk, Baek Yu had received a report from the Treasurer, Baek San, that the Baekri Family had brought various gifts.

He had wondered why they were bringing gifts for a sect martial contest, but now he understood the context.

Baekri Geuk seemed unlikely to raise his head first, so just as Baek Yu was about to speak,

[Sect Leader, I understand the Baekri Family’s situation, but it’s their problem, isn’t it? The Hwasan Sect has no reason to care.]

[That’s true.]

[Since the Baekri Family has admitted their mistake, shouldn’t we take advantage… I mean, shouldn’t we accept something?]

At Mu Hwi’s telepathic message, Baek Yu pondered for a moment and then called Baekri Geuk.

“Patriarch.”

Baek Yu’s calm, even voice resonated through the Upper Palace.

< This time, the name was well chosen. > End

< What do you want to do once you break free? >