Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Although Small Hwasan is small compared to Hwasan, it was still a fairly large mountain in its own right.

Small Hwasan Manor was located halfway up Small Hwasan, with a series of buildings spread out along the mountain’s terrain, resembling a small mountain fortress.

Thanks to these features, it had been used as a crucial stronghold to block the Black Night Palace during the Shaanxi Bloodshed.

Mu Hwi looked at the high walls of the manor that stretched along the ridge, recalling old memories.

Although the walls had been repaired, faint sword marks and fine cracks remained here and there, reminding him of the time of the Shaanxi Bloodshed.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I never thought I’d come back like this.”

Small Hwasan Manor was one of the few safe places where he could rest comfortably during the Shaanxi Bloodshed.

Given its long history, Small Hwasan Manor was quite large. Inside the manor were not only the Hwasan Sect disciples who had come to support from nearby but also civilians who had taken refuge.

“Young Hero Mu Hwi!”

A familiar voice greeted Mu Hwi and his group as they headed toward their assigned building.

The leaders of the various affiliated sects who had come to support Small Hwasan Manor were gathered together, and among them were Seonhwa Sect Leader and Hwahon Sect Leader.

“Sect Leaders, it’s been a long time.”

As Mu Hwi clasped his fists in greeting, the Sect Leaders also smiled and returned the gesture.

“When I heard the news that you were called the ‘Hwasan Flower’, I was truly surprised, but now you’re already known as the ‘Sword Devil of Hwasan.’ As expected, you’re remarkable.”

Behind Seonhwa Sect Leader, who was beaming as if it were his own achievement, Hwahon Sect Leader was quietly smiling.

“Ah, Seonhwa Sect Leader, don’t hog the conversation. Let us speak too.”

The Sect Leaders, who had shown great interest in the appearance of the second-generation disciples of Hwasan Sect, nodded as they looked at each of the disciples.

Each of them had a strong gaze, and even the way they walked forward exuded discipline.

They knew that the Sect Leader had urgently dispatched the second-generation disciples because the first-generation disciples were at Jongnam Sect, but it was clear that this wasn’t just for show.

Moreover, the Sect Leaders had already heard that they had performed remarkably well against the Janryonghoe Sect earlier that day.

“We were in such a hurry earlier that we didn’t have time to properly greet each other. I am the Sect Leader of Yeonhwa Sect.”

The Sect Leaders of the affiliated sects introduced themselves one by one, and Mu Hwi responded to each greeting.

The disciples watching Mu Hwi from behind didn’t show it, but they were intrigued.

“The youngest was right. They say he’s gentle in the martial arts world, but he’s completely different from how he is with us.”

Mu Hwi, who had been tilting his head in thought, noticed that his second-generation disciples had similar expressions and couldn’t help but smile.

“It seems there are still many civilians in the manor.”

Mu Hwi, who had sensed the presence of people in the surrounding buildings, saw Hwahon Sect Leader nod.

“We’ve sent the civilians who evacuated to the manor first to various affiliated sects, but there are just too many, so we don’t have enough places to send them now.”

Seonhwa Sect Leader added to that.

“Moreover, since the evil sect is getting closer, it’s risky to dispatch warriors to escort the civilians who are still on the move.”

It seemed that the civilians who had evacuated later had decided to stay under the protection of Small Hwasan Manor.

“As always, we must fight while protecting the civilians. We can’t give up on them, or we’d be no different from the evil sect scum.”

At the voice coming from another direction, Mu Hwi and the Sect Leaders turned their heads.

An elderly man with white hair was walking toward them from a distance.

Though old, his body beneath his robe looked sturdy, as if he had continued to train diligently.

He is the Manor Lord of Small Hwasan Manor.

“Manor Lord, you’ve arrived.”

The gathered Sect Leaders also bowed their heads in respect. Although they were Sect Leaders of affiliated sects, the Manor Lord’s status was much higher.

‘He hasn’t changed.’

Mu Hwi looked at the Manor Lord’s hands. His thick, pot-lid-like hands were covered in scars. Small Hwasan Manor was unique among Hwasan’s affiliated sects, specializing in fist techniques.

The image of the Manor Lord, using those palms—twice as thick as those of an ordinary martial artist—to crush the heads of Assassin Demons, was still vivid in Mu Hwi’s mind.

“Hmm.”

The Manor Lord stared intently at Mu Hwi and the second-generation disciples, then shook his head.

“You’re better than we were in our youth. Truly, this is Hwasan.”

The Manor Lord suddenly reached out and grabbed Mu Hwi’s hands.

“Thanks to you all today, many of our disciples were able to return. I must express my gratitude.”

The Manor Lord not only spoke to Mu Hwi but also made eye contact with the second-generation disciples behind him.

The Manor Lord’s experienced eyes were filled with warmth. The second-generation disciples, meeting his gaze, felt something new.

To the second-generation disciples, an affiliated sect was simply a sect that shared the same martial arts roots. That was all.

But now, experiencing and talking directly with the Sect Leaders and disciples of the affiliated sects, they realized that the relationship wasn’t as simple as they had thought.

They realized that the main sect and the affiliated sects weren’t just connected by the same martial arts but by a kind of bond.

Though they couldn’t yet fully understand what that bond was.

“We’ll have meals and doctors on standby in the buildings. If you need anything else, just let us know.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Manor Lord.”

The second-generation disciples were able to relax and rest comfortably, easing the tension and wounds from their first real battle.

***

Mu Hwi was strolling lightly around Small Hwasan Manor.

The forces composed of affiliated sects, including Hyeon Baek, had gone out to block the Janryonghoe Sect, which had reached the foot of Small Hwasan Manor.

There was information that the Guyu Sect was coming down from the north would arrive in two days.

Small Hwasan Manor intended to reduce the enemy’s strength before the Guyu Sect could join forces with the Janryonghoe Sect.

Mu Hwi and the second-generation disciples were part of the reserve forces guarding the manor and the civilians, so they remained at Small Hwasan Manor.

They had already shortened the travel time from Hwasan to Small Hwasan Manor by three days and had immediately engaged in battle, so this was a consideration for them.

Shaak!

At the sharp sound of air being cut, Mu Hwi turned his steps.

Mujin was training alone in the martial training ground of Small Hwasan Manor. Seeing this, Mu Hwi’s eyes narrowed slightly.

To the other disciples, it might not have seemed different, but to Mu Hwi, it clearly was.

‘His edge is sharper than usual. Did something happen?’

Mu Hwi stood still for a moment, pondering. It seemed that Mujin’s demeanor had changed slightly since yesterday.

It was after they heard the information about the Guyu Sect last night and Hyeon Baek mentioned that the second-generation disciples would stay behind to prepare for an attack.

‘Does he have some connection with the Guyu Sect?’

After watching Mujin’s training for a while, Mu Hwi quietly turned away.

Mu Hwi also inspected the structure of the manor and conversed with Yeonhwa Sect Leader, who had stayed behind.

As a result, some of the warriors who remained in the manor began to move separately.

Meanwhile, the sun quickly set, and before they knew it, a full moon had risen.

Sitting on the highest building in the manor, Mu Hwi’s back was illuminated by the large, transparent yellow light of the full moon, brightening his surroundings.

Mu Hwi, sitting on the roof of the building and sipping wine, quietly put down the bottle.

He didn’t miss the quiet rippling of the pitch-black night sky.

Even though he had leaped onto the roof tiles, only the faint sound of his sleeves fluttering could be heard.

Chaang!

A sword energy in the shape of a crescent moon stretched out long as he drew his sword. Three sword energies flew out in succession, striking the air.

Puh-puh-puh!

Following the sword winds, explosions erupted in the air. It was more like flames pouring out than explosions.

‘Not thunder bombs, but fire bombs.’

Fire bombs were tools that could create a fairly large fire just by being thrown.

As the fire bombs exploded in succession with the sword winds, large flames and sparks scattered in all directions, momentarily lighting up the surroundings.

As Mu Hwi sent out successive sword winds in another direction to detonate the remaining fire bombs, the main gate of the manor was shattered, and a group of intruders rushed in.

The black-clad men, their steps slightly disorganized, were dressed entirely in black.

They had intended to set the manor on fire with the fire bombs and launch a surprise attack simultaneously, but things had gone awry, and they seemed slightly flustered.

“……”

The black-clad men, who had been rushing toward the manor, had no choice but to stop.

The warriors who had remained in the manor had already come out and formed a defensive formation, as if prepared for the surprise attack.

“Welcome, Falling Hell Sect.”

At Mu Hwi’s voice, which echoed through the manor, the three warriors who had just entered the manor looked up at Mu Hwi on the roof.

“How did you know we were the Falling Hell Sect, young disciple?”

An old man in a black robe asked, and Mu Hwi raised the corner of his mouth.

“Falling Hell Sect, isn’t half of your martial art techniques assassination? I know well how your hands and feet itch when night falls.”

Hearing Mu Hwi’s answer, the old man closed his mouth, and instead, a man next to him spoke.

“Arrogant brat, who are you?”

“Vermin, even if you don’t know manners, shouldn’t you introduce yourselves first?”

The man, grinding his teeth, glared at Mu Hwi with murderous eyes.

“I am Wui Se-hyeon, the young master of Falling Hell Sect.”

Mujin, who had been listening to the conversation between Mu Hwi and Wui Se-hyeon, moved his hand to his sword. His grip on the sword was tighter than usual.

Mujin’s eyes, looking at Wui Se-hyeon and the other Falling Hell Sect martial artists, were filled with a chilling killing intent.

Noticing this, Mu-hwa and Mu-cheol, who were next to him, looked at Mujin with concern.

“Huh? Senior Disciple?”

“Senior Disciple Mujin, what’s wrong?”

But Mujin didn’t respond and continued to glare at Wui Se-hyeon.

“Haha! Young Hero Mu Hwi was right. Who would have thought we’d fall into a trap just two days after setting up the ambush?”

Yeonhwa Sect Leader was entering through the main gate that the Falling Hell Sect had destroyed. Behind him, Yeonhwa martial artists followed, blocking the retreat.

Seeing this, the old man sighed. Their plan to lead a small elite force to raid Small Hwasan Manor and join forces with the Janryonghoe Sect had failed.

“Young master, the plan has gone awry. We intended to set the manor on fire and kill a few, but…”

Wui Se-hyeon, with cold eyes, looked around at the surrounding people and continued.

“Then let’s just kill them all. We brought the Black Moon Unit and two elders for the worst-case scenario anyway.”

The Black Moon Unit, composed of thirty men, was Wui Se-hyeon’s personal guard, and the elders were experts who had come to protect him.

Though few in number, Wui Se-hyeon believed they could sweep through Small Hwasan Manor and escape safely, no matter what forces were present.

The Guyu Sect had determined that most of Hwasan’s forces had left Small Hwasan Manor to deal with the Janryonghoe Sect. Crucially, there were no experts here who could match the two elders.

The old man pointed at Yeonhwa Sect Leader and said to another old man in a gray robe next to him.

“Elder Oh, take half of the Black Moon Unit and kill that one, then create a retreat path. I’ll handle the front.”

“Understood, Elder Sa.”

Elder Sa, as he was called, then pointed at Mu Hwi on the roof.

“Young master, that arrogant brat seems to be the Sword Devil of Hwasan. You should kill him yourself and earn merit. That way, you’ll surpass the achievements of that brat from the Hell Sect in one go.”

Despite being surrounded, Elder Sa was as relaxed as if he were out for a night stroll. His confidence that they could easily break through this encirclement was palpable, even to Mu Hwi on the roof.

As if to make sure everyone heard, he didn’t lower his voice, and Mu Hwi couldn’t help but laugh at the words.

“This senile old man…”

As Mu Hwi on the roof disappeared in an instant, Elder Sa’s eyes widened as he stepped into a stance.

Mu Hwi, using the Dark Scent Flutter, instantly crossed the air and reached Wui Se-hyeon.

Mu Hwi’s right hand was already drawing a red arc.

The trajectory of the Plum Blossom Sword overlapped with Wui Se-hyeon’s throat.

Kuh-ung!

Elder Sa lightly struck Wui Se-hyeon’s chest, pushing him back, while simultaneously extending his left hand to block the Plum Blossom Sword.

“Ugh, that Hwasan bastard!”

“Young master! Calm down.”

Wui Se-hyeon, pushed back, clutched his throat and struggled, while Elder Oh hurriedly stopped the bleeding.

“Huh…”

Though Elder Sa had quickly blocked Mu Hwi, he was a step too late, as blood was already pouring from Wui Se-hyeon’s throat.

The bleeding suggested it was a shallow cut and not life-threatening, but if Elder Sa had been even slightly slower, the throat would have been slit.

‘Did I miss the movement of the Late Stage of the Ultimate and fail to block it properly?’

Elder Sa, as if he couldn’t believe it, shook his beard and asked Mu Hwi.

“Who are you?”

“Old man, didn’t you just call me the Sword Devil of Hwasan?”

As Mu Hwi smiled with a killing intent, Elder Sa felt a chill and quickly raised his internal energy, unleashing a palm strike with his right hand.

Swoosh!

Though it was a sudden burst of palm energy, it was instantly dispersed by the peculiar energy that rippled like plum blossom petals. Elder Sa’s already wide eyes grew even larger.

“You had a decent plan, but it’s a shame, isn’t it?”

The Plum Blossom Sword, which had pushed aside Elder Sa’s left palm, was drawing a red line, tearing through the night air.

< You had a decent plan, but it’s a shame, isn’t it? > End

< Old men, shouldn’t you act your age? >