Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 62

Chapter 62

“Ah, you’re late.”

Jeok Sa-hye, who had been sitting in her seat, smiled faintly as she saw the man entering the tent.

Despite seeing Jeok Sa-hye’s smile, the man sat down in an empty seat with an expressionless face.

Even though she had been thoroughly ignored, Jeok Sa-hye did not wipe the smile from her face.

“Congratulations. It seems almost certain that you will become the Young Master of the Guyu Sect now.”

At the mention of the word ‘Young Master’, the man’s stone-like face showed a reaction.

“What do you mean by that?”

“The Falling Hell Sect’s Young Master died at the Small Hwasan Manor, and the Nine Heaven Sect’s Young Master wasn’t even capable enough to participate in this mission, right?”

Geuk Sa-mun, the Young Master of the Hell Division, who had been listening to Jeok Sa-hye with his arms crossed, let out a cold laugh.

“Is that what you’re talking about? The position of Young Master was originally mine. The other insects were just buzzing around.”

“Ah, I see.”

As Jeok Sa-hye smiled and drew out her words, Geuk Sa-mun’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“I heard you took quite a bit of damage?”

“I thought it would be a joke since it was just a bunch of affiliate sects joining together, but they were quite capable. I wonder if the Shaanxi Bloodshed ended for no reason.”

“They’re just obsessed with plum blossoms. If they were easy opponents, our main sect would have swallowed Shaanxi long ago.”

“Still, affiliate sects are just affiliate sects.”

Jeok Sa-hye, who had been smiling lethally, clasped her hands together. Seeing this, Geuk Sa-mun nodded.

As long as the main forces of Hwasan and Jongnam were tied up at the Paewangseong, there was a clear limit to how much the affiliate sects could hold back the forces of the Janryonghoe Sect and the Guyu Sect.

To seize this opportunity, the Janryonghoe Sect and the Guyu Sect had unusually joined hands.

“Do you remember our agreement?”

“Of course.”

If they could bring down the Small Hwasan Manor, the largest stronghold in the area, there would be no sects left to hinder the Janryonghoe Sect and the Guyu Sect.

The two sects planned to burn down the Small Hwasan Manor, completely cutting off any worries from the rear, and then advance south.

After jointly destroying the Small Hwasan Manor, the two sects would split again, with the Janryonghoe Sect taking the southwest and the Guyu Sect taking the southeast.

While the southern regions where Hwasan and Jongnam were located were out of reach, their goal was to advance as far as the area above the western coast.

“You and I both know how important this mission is, right?”

The corners of Jeok Sa-hye’s eyes, which had been smiling, slightly dropped, and her smile turned cold.

The two, a man and a woman, were in a situation where they were competing for the position of successor in their respective sects. This advance was a stage where they had to prove their abilities.

Failure was not an option.

They had brought all the martial artists supported by their factions and their subordinate forces, making this a decisive moment.

“I hope you don’t mess things up like that fool from the Falling Hell Sect.”

“Hmph. Just do your part well.”

The two stopped talking and engaged in a staring contest for a while. Eventually, Jeok Sa-hye smiled first.

“By the way, it seems the Hwasan Sword Devil is stronger than expected? I heard the Falling Hell Sect’s Young Master brought two elders with him.”

“The two dead elders of the Falling Hell Sect were the Fourth and Fifth Elders, the lowest in rank. Compared to the higher-ranked elders, they were just half-baked old men.”

Geuk Sa-mun’s words and actions exuded confidence that he could easily cut down the two elders just like the Hwasan Sword Devil.

“As expected of the Hell Sword Dragon. Impressive.”

“Hwasan Sword Devil? It’s only right to send demons back to hell.”

As Geuk Sa-mun thought of the Hwasan Sword Devil, a bloody killing intent flowed from his eyes.

***

The second-generation disciples were having a light drinking session inside the hall. Given the situation, they each limited themselves to no more than three cups of wine.

It was both to celebrate Mujin blooming a plum blossom with his sword for the first time and to hear Mujin’s story.

‘So Mujin’s name was derived from his family.’

Upon learning that Mujin was from the Yan’an Jin Family, it became clear that the characters in his name, Mujin (武瑨), were also derived from his origins.

Mu Hwi tried to recall his memories of the Yan’an Jin Family.

They weren’t as influential as the Three Great Families, but he remembered that they held some sway in Yan’an and its surrounding areas.

“The Yan’an Jin Family, you said?”

“Yes, Senior Disciple. It was burned down by the Falling Hell Sect when I was young.”

As a child, Mujin had narrowly survived thanks to the family’s steward.

The steward had taken the young Mujin and fled aimlessly south to Shaanxi, where the Guyu Sect’s reach did not extend.

“The steward, who was injured, couldn’t receive timely treatment while fleeing and eventually passed away. So I continued south alone.”

All the young Mujin could do was scrape the ground all day with a sharp stone to make a humble grave.

The other disciples listened carefully to Mujin’s dark voice as he reminisced about that time, even being very cautious about swallowing their wine.

“To go to Hwasan?”

“No. The steward’s last words were to head south. So I just walked south, following that direction.”

But the martial arts world is a merciless place for a child to survive alone.

To survive, Mujin did odd jobs at inns and even joined beggar gangs to beg for food.

“So you met Master Hyeon Baek.”

As Muryun, who knew how Mujin had come to Hwasan, spoke, Mujin nodded.

“If I hadn’t met Master by chance and been taken in, I wonder what I would be doing now…”

As Mu Hwi quietly poured wine, Mujin immediately brought the cup to his lips.

“After joining Hwasan and learning Hwasan’s martial arts, I vowed to become strong enough to take revenge instead of abandoning my family’s martial arts.”

“So that’s why you wanted to become the Eldest Disciple.”

At Mu Hwi’s words, Mujin smiled bitterly and nodded. The Purple Sunset Heart Method that the Eldest Disciple could learn.

It was natural that mastering it would greatly enhance one’s martial prowess. For Mujin, who sought revenge, it was a necessary martial art.

“Still, thanks to the Senior Disciple, I was able to let go without regrets. If it weren’t for Senior Disciple, I wouldn’t have reached my current level.”

Mujin had bloomed a plum blossom for the first time this time.

If it weren’t for Mu Hwi, he might not have even received the Plum Blossom Sword at the last Jonghwa Ceremony, let alone bloomed a plum blossom.

After defeating Wui Se-hyeon alone this time, Mujin realized that even if he had learned the Purple Sunset Heart Method, he wouldn’t have been able to defeat Wui Se-hyeon without Mu Hwi’s guidance.

“I had no idea because you never showed it outwardly. You’ve improved a lot, even properly managing your killing intent when fighting the Falling Hell Sect.”

“Haha, thank you, Senior Disciple.”

As Mu Hwi praised Mujin, Mu-hwa, who had been quietly listening, asked.

“Senior Disciple, what about us? Haven’t the other second-generation disciples also grown?”

“I didn’t get a single injury this time.”

As Musan chimed in with Mu-hwa’s words, the other disciples laughed.

Mu Hwi also nodded as he looked at the disciples gathered around.

“We’ve already fought twice, and no one has died or been seriously injured, so we’ve done well.”

The other disciples were rapidly growing in martial prowess through real combat experience, beyond just adapting to actual battles.

Having trained and sparred on the mountain, experiencing real battles with all sorts of variables and diverse martial artists, things that were once invisible began to come into view.

With the broad perspective added to the basics that Mu Hwi had emphasized so much, the disciples were finding flaws in their own actions and changing their techniques.

By the time the battle at Small Hwasan ended, the disciples would have grown even further.

“After experiencing real combat, I think I understand why the Senior Disciples became so strong so quickly after going out into the martial arts world.”

“Right. I feel different today compared to yesterday.”

Musan and Muho chatted among themselves, and the other disciples also drank wine and exchanged laughter.

Mu Hwi waited until the disciples had almost finished their three cups of wine and gradually quieted down.

“Now that the Guyu Sect and the Janryonghoe Sect have joined forces, this is just the beginning.”

As Mu Hwi, who had been listening to the disciples’ stories, quietly spoke, the second-generation disciples’ attention focused on him.

“The twenty-four of us gathered here must focus on returning to Hwasan safely.”

“Yes, Senior Disciple.”

Starting with Mu-cheol, the other disciples also answered Mu Hwi.

Mu Hwi then quietly raised his wine cup.

“I hope no disciple has already emptied the third cup.”

The disciples smiled faintly and followed Mu Hwi in raising their cups.

As Mu Hwi brought the cup to his lips, the other disciples also drank their wine.

When everyone simultaneously emptied their third cups, Musan, who was in the corner, broke into a cold sweat.

‘Whew. Thankfully, no one noticed.’

Musan’s cup, which had touched his lips, didn’t have a single drop of wine. Yet, Musan moved his throat thoroughly as if he were drinking.

Thanks to that, none of the senior Disciples around him noticed.

***

The invasion of the two sects had begun.

Originally at a numerical disadvantage, the affiliate sects of Hwasan had completely avoided engaging in open-field battles.

The Small Hwasan Manor Master, who had been born and raised on Small Hwasan, used the terrain to divide and position his martial artists.

To face the two sects with fewer troops, they had no choice but to hold out using the terrain’s advantages.

The affiliate sects of Hwasan, with their far superior understanding of the terrain, and the first and second-generation disciples of Hwasan, who moved like independent units to assist in unfavorable areas.

Despite this, the damage increased day by day, but it wasn’t entirely meaningless.

The Janryonghoe Sect and the Guyu Sect were gradually capturing various parts of Small Hwasan, but their progress was far slower than planned.

On the fourth day of the attack.

Geuk Sa-mun, who had captured a peak of Small Hwasan, shouted with his internal energy infused in his voice.

“I am Geuk Sa-mun of the Hell Division of the Guyu Sect!”

Geuk Sa-mun’s voice began to echo throughout Small Hwasan.

“Hwasan Sword Devil! It’s been three days, and I haven’t seen your face. If you’re not a coward, come out! I’ll be waiting at the foot of Small Hwasan.”

Frowning at the echoing voice, Mu Hwi asked Mu-cheol.

“Who’s that noisy bug shouting?”

“I believe he’s the Young Master of the Hell Division.”

“Ah, the Hell Sword Dragon? Really, what’s with all these sword dragons?”

“Mu Hwi!”

As Mu Hwi turned his head, Hyeon Baek and the first-generation disciples were also running over.

“Did you hear that shout?”

“Yes, Master.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“He wants to see my face, so shouldn’t I show it to him?”

At Mu Hwi’s words, Hyeon Baek let out a sigh.

“I don’t think you’ll lose. But those despicable evil sect might have set some traps. Why would they suddenly want to engage in a fair duel?”

Mu Hwi raised the corner of his mouth.

“Either the Hell Sword Dragon is confident he can kill me, or, as Master said, they’ve set a trap. They’re targeting me and the other disciples of the main sect.”

“You’re well aware.”

“Master Hyeon Baek. But I’m confident I can kill the Hell Sword Dragon and destroy their trap.”

“Hmm… This kid.”

At Mu Hwi’s confident smile, Hyeon Baek finally relented.

Instead, not only the main sect disciples but also the affiliate sect leaders, each leading their elites, followed behind Mu Hwi.

As they descended to the entrance of Small Hwasan, they saw the evil sect forces waiting in the distance and a man in red martial robes standing alone in front of them.

Mu Hwi lightly leaped and landed in front of Geuk Sa-mun.

“Are you the Hwasan Sword Devil?”

“That’s right.”

As soon as Geuk Sa-mun saw Mu Hwi, he exuded killing intent and drew his sword.

“No need for long words. I hope the rumors aren’t exaggerated.”

“Hmph.”

Mu Hwi, who had been scoffing, suddenly turned his head. Frowning, Geuk Sa-mun also followed Mu Hwi’s gaze.

But all Geuk Sa-mun could see was a vast plain; nothing was visible.

“Do you want to die? What are you staring at?”

Without taking his eyes off, Mu Hwi replied.

“Look carefully.”

Geuk Sa-mun looked again. Shortly after, something dark began to appear at the edge of the plain.

As the figure grew larger, Geuk Sa-mun focused his internal energy into his eyes. Only then did Geuk Sa-mun realize what it was.

“A flag?”

The black flag had some pattern embroidered on it, but Geuk Sa-mun wasn’t at a level where he could see it clearly.

But unlike Geuk Sa-mun, Mu Hwi could see the flag clearly.

What was on the flag wasn’t a pattern but characters.

Two familiar characters.

Dokgo Association (獨孤)

In the martial world, there was only one group that used a flag embroidered with the word Dokgo.

‘Why is that guy here all of a sudden?’

The Dokgo Association (獨孤會), led by the disciple.

“Hmm.”

Mu Hwi, who had been smiling, moved his hand to his sword and looked at Geuk Sa-mun.

“I was planning to play around a bit, but you should just die right now.”

< You should just die right now. > End

< Why do you think I can’t kill you? >