Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 65

Chapter 65

A Single Collision.

The heavy swords clashed, and a fierce wave of energy erupted, causing the robes of the onlooking disciples to flutter violently.

Kukung!

At the first collision, the floor of the training ground where Mu Hwi and Dokgo Yul were standing lifted and surged upwards.

This phenomenon occurred as both of them simultaneously directed the massive shockwave from the clashing swords to their feet.

Bang!

Dokgo Yul kicked the rising floor of the training ground with the top of his foot while stepping into a deep stance, slashing vertically with his sword.

The series of movements flowed naturally. Mujin, who was watching, couldn’t help but admire it.

‘He’s quite accustomed to using his surroundings in battle.’

Having experienced real combat from a young age under the guidance of the Sword Devil and even participating in the Shaanxi Bloodshed, it was clear that his movements were practical and efficient.

The shockwave from the training floor was flying towards Mu Hwi’s thigh, while Dokgo Yul’s slash was descending from above.

‘Now, what will he do?’

Either block the incoming wave and receive the overhead slash, or deal with both simultaneously.

Whichever option he chose, he would have to endure a dispersion of strength. And the Dokgo Sword Technique wasn’t so easy to block while dispersing strength.

“Hmph.”

Mu Hwi didn’t choose any of the options Dokgo Yul had anticipated.

Mu Hwi, in the same posture of leaping forward, extended his knee and shattered the incoming floor of the training ground.

Although the floor was quite solid, Mu Hwi’s external skill level was sufficient to handle it without even needing to use internal energy.

As he shattered the floor, Mu Hwi unleashed the Dark Scent Flutter and charged into Dokgo Yul’s embrace.

The massive Plum Blossom Sword he held was now gripped in a reverse hold, resting behind Mu Hwi’s back.

‘Charging in? This close?’

Mu Hwi’s distance was narrower than that of a martial artist unleashing bare-handed techniques.

Dokgo Yul had never seen a martial artist wielding a heavy weapon like a greatsword close the distance so tightly.

Mu Hwi, holding the Plum Blossom Sword in a reverse grip, thrust the tip of the long blade towards Dokgo Yul’s solar plexus like a dagger.

While admiring Mu Hwi’s external skill of freely wielding the massive Plum Blossom Sword with one hand, Dokgo Yul swung his heavy sword.

Kwaang!

Dokgo Yul’s heavy sword cut through the empty air, only flipping the innocent training ground floor. But this was exactly what Dokgo Yul intended.

The moment the heavy sword stirred the training ground floor, Dokgo Yul flicked his lower back, using the recoil from the heavy sword striking the floor to propel himself upwards.

The tip of the Plum Blossom Sword, which was about to pierce his solar plexus, narrowly missed, cutting through the air.

The disciples marveled at the scene where the heavy sword acted like a lever, moving Dokgo Yul to the opposite side.

“Ooh.”

“Like that?”

Dokgo Yul was already extending his sword elsewhere, and with the distance closed, most disciples thought this attack was unavoidable.

“So, a heavy sword can be used like that.”

“There’s a strong perception that heavy swords are slow and heavy, but it really depends on how you use them.”

“Once, the Senior Disciple also used the elasticity of the thin Plum Blossom Sword to propel himself. It’s similar to that.”

Xian Zhu, who was watching the martial contest with the disciples, added.

“I heard from the elders that the Sword Devil often showed elusive movements using a massive heavy sword. That must be the Dokgo Divine Technique.”

While the disciples were amazed by Dokgo Yul’s movements, Mu-cheol was watching the martial contest with his arms crossed.

The skill in using the heavy sword was definitely at a much higher level than his own.

As if trying to imprint every detail of the martial contest into his mind, veins popped on Mu-cheol’s forehead.

In Mu-cheol’s eyes, the figure of Mu Hwi, who had been caught from behind by Dokgo Yul, appeared.

But instead of hastily turning around, Mu Hwi simply placed his remaining left hand on the blade of the Plum Blossom Sword.

Swaang!

At the same time, the Plum Blossom Sword swung relentlessly, tearing through the air.

A massive slash, as if sweeping the floor, soon surged sharply, drawing a rapid arc. Dokgo Yul hurriedly flipped his heavy sword to block it.

Kkeoeng!

Dokgo Yul, who was about to slash Mu Hwi’s back, was instead forced to retreat.

‘To use such a versatile technique with a heavy sword… Even if it’s a heavy sword, is this the sword of Hwasan?!’

The sword technique Mu Hwi had just displayed with his back exposed was utterly terrifying.

If one had rashly charged in thinking they had his back, it would have been perfect for splitting their waist in an instant.

“Hmm.”

While exchanging strength with Dokgo Yul, Mu Hwi skillfully changed the position of his hand gripping the blade and turned around.

Kaang!

As he turned, a fierce series of slashes followed.

The heavy Plum Blossom Sword tore through the air, and the exhilarating slashes seemed to grow even faster, as if riding the wind.

“Kkeuk.”

Dokgo Yul, who was receiving the Iron Plum Sword Technique, involuntarily let out a small groan.

The diverse sword techniques, uncommon for a heavy sword, were one thing, but the strength and weight behind the heavy sword were overwhelmingly heavy.

Every time Dokgo Yul blocked Mu Hwi’s slashes, fine cracks were etched into the training ground floor.

Seeing the Plum Blossom Sword glowing red, Dokgo Yul’s face turned pale.

‘Just how many layers of strength are there? It’s heavier than mine.’

Kwaaang!

Each time he blocked Mu Hwi’s slashes, a deafening roar echoed, and Dokgo Yul’s entire body shook.

Peoek!

As Dokgo Yul twisted his body to dissipate the impact, Mu Hwi’s knee strike landed on his waist, producing a sound like a drum bursting.

Dokgo Yul, struck by Mu Hwi’s knee, frowned and tried to push Mu Hwi away by gripping his heavy sword at a shorter length.

Mu Hwi twisted the Plum Blossom Sword, blocking Dokgo Yul’s attempt to swing it, and then struck his chest with a left palm strike.

“Kkeuk!”

Mu Hwi had accurately gauged Dokgo Yul’s skill after just a few exchanges.

Compared to Woo Tae-gang, he was only half a step or one step ahead, not an overwhelming difference.

‘Woo Tae-gang, that ox-like guy, must have had his sword broken after a hundred exchanges because he lost control of the distance.’

Initially, Dokgo Yul had the upper hand, so Woo Tae-gang, in a desperate move, must have closed the distance, grabbed the sword, and struck the blade to break it.

Breaking a heavy sword layered with internal energy at a normal distance would be difficult even for the Iron Mountain Fist King, let alone Woo Tae-gang.

‘Pathetic fool. The Dokgo Divine Technique exists precisely to prevent losing control of the distance.’

With a cold gaze, Mu Hwi began to seriously teach his disciple.

Woo Tae-gang was the disciple of the Iron Mountain Fist King. He must have been thoroughly trained never to lose control of the distance once gained.

‘And he couldn’t shake it off, so he broke the sword?’

Mu Hwi’s hand began to gather the internal energy of the Heavenly Containment Heart Technique.

Mu Hwi persistently clung to the narrowed distance, relentlessly striking Dokgo Yul’s openings with the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand technique.

Kkwajik!

Instantly, Dokgo Yul’s vision was filled with blooming red hand and palm shadows, followed by a series of fierce fist winds.

A massive plum blossom seemed to bloom before his eyes.

“Kkeuk!”

Every time he tried to swing his heavy sword, it felt like he was hit at least ten times. Even using defensive techniques was futile. As Dokgo Yul tried to create distance by moving his feet.

Mu Hwi, who clearly saw where Dokgo Yul was stepping, preempted his movement, causing Dokgo Yul’s foot to twitch in panic.

Peobeobeok!

In that moment, Dokgo Yul had to allow three strikes to his shoulder and side.

“Eeek!”

As he jumped into the air and kicked Dokgo Yul’s chest, Dokgo Yul staggered back. Mu Hwi then threw the Plum Blossom Sword like a spear towards Dokgo Yul’s back.

Kwaang!

The Plum Blossom Sword, embedded in the ground, stood vertically like a pillar in the training ground, and Dokgo Yul, who was retreating, had to stop as if he had hit a wall.

‘What kind of situation is this?’

With his retreat blocked, Dokgo Yul had no time to groan from the pain resonating in his ribs.

The Sword Saint’s disciple seemed to know all the positions of the Dokgo Divine Technique, always preempting his movements by one step, and by narrowing the distance to an extreme, he suppressed the unique, unconventional movements of the Dokgo Divine Technique using the heavy sword.

‘Is he better at close combat than Woo Tae-gang?’

Ppaak!

Dokgo Yul, struck on the chin by Mu Hwi’s horizontally flicked backhand, had to quickly regain his composure.

As he stepped back, Dokgo Yul realized.

‘Why isn’t he finishing it?’

The moment he allowed the close distance, Dokgo Yul had been struck over twenty times by Mu Hwi.

His entire body ached, and internal injuries were worsening, causing blood to rise.

Even though there were plenty of opportunities to end the martial contest, Mu Hwi continued to pour out fists and palm strikes.

Barely tilting his heavy sword to block Mu Hwi’s fist, Dokgo Yul saw someone’s figure reflected in Mu Hwi.

‘Master.’

At first, the master had kindly instructed with words, but after that, he rolled and rolled until it was understood through the body.

It felt like training with the master rather than a martial contest.

‘If I had been more skilled at handling close distances back then, I wouldn’t have lost so helplessly by having my sword grabbed.’

Kwaang!

Stepping into a deep stance to momentarily disrupt Mu Hwi’s offensive, Dokgo Yul gripped his heavy sword with one hand in a reverse hold.

The same posture Mu Hwi had shown earlier.

Dokgo Yul responded with a left palm strike, then began to move his right arm, now adapted to holding the heavy sword.

Paang!

Dokgo Yul used the heavy sword in a reverse grip, utilizing the blade like a dagger or mixing in left palm strikes to counter.

Occasionally, when it seemed difficult to block, he used the broad blade of the heavy sword as a shield, just as Mu Hwi had done, to block fist and palm techniques.

Thump thump!

Dokgo Yul’s heavy sword trembled as it blocked Mu Hwi’s continuous strikes. It seemed like it might break at any moment.

At that moment, thick veins bulged on the back of Dokgo Yul’s right hand gripping the heavy sword.

‘Now!’

Reading Mu Hwi’s flow, Dokgo Yul swung the heavy sword in a reverse grip with all his might.

“Hmm.”

Mu Hwi pulled his head back, creating distance. Lightly retreating, Mu Hwi raised the corner of his mouth. It seemed Dokgo Yul had gained something.

As Dokgo Yul, who had escaped Mu Hwi’s offensive for the first time, smiled faintly, blood-stained teeth were visible between his parted lips.

“Hmm! I think I understand something.”

Now covered in bruises, Dokgo Yul staggered, wiped the blood flowing from his nose, and laughed alone.

As if he had gained some enlightenment, Dokgo Yul stopped the martial contest, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes.

Mu Hwi also withdrew his hand, which was about to strike.

As Mu Hwi walked over, the disciples looked at him with uneasy eyes.

“What’s with those looks?”

“Disciple Mu Hwi. Do you have some grudge against disciple Dokgo Yul?”

“What are you talking about?”

Xian Zhu, with a suspicious expression, pointed at Dokgo Yul, who was meditating.

“You turned him into a bloody mess during the martial contest.”

Mu Hwi turned his head to look at Dokgo Yul, who was meditating.

Dokgo Yul’s martial attire was stained with blood and bruises, and his once hearty face was now swollen like a steamed bun.

“I thought I should stop him because the Senior Disciple was beating him so fiercely.”

“He must have been hit over thirty times. We should take him to the medical hall.”

As Musan and Muho chimed in, Mu Hwi let out a sigh.

“Well… As long as he’s alive, it’s fine.”

Having lost to the Iron Mountain Fist King’s disciple, Dokgo Yul should be grateful it ended like this.

***

Ssaang!

The energy carried by the Plum Blossom Sword tore through the atmosphere.

The nine nameless techniques newly created while betting with Hyeon Jo in his past life.

Mu Hwi had been repeating those nine techniques all night.

They were extremely heavy, and at times, they caused countless variations.

Even the same technique could have different sword intents and meanings.

He mixed the insights gained from studying Hyeon Jo’s techniques and the realizations from delving into the traces of past Hwasan Sword Saints.

As Mu Hwi’s body rotated, the Plum Blossom Sword drew a circle, causing the surrounding petals to flutter and create a red whirlwind.

‘It’s lacking.’

The nine techniques left at the end of his past life and the Dokgo Sword Technique he saw during the martial contest with Dokgo Yul yesterday clearly felt insufficient.

Flaws he hadn’t noticed properly in his past life were now evident. Had his perspective changed?

He felt a stronger desire not only to create a new sword technique for the Hwasan Sect using these nine techniques but also to surpass the Dokgo Sword Technique and pass it on to Dokgo Yul.

Chwak!

As Mu Hwi thrust the Plum Blossom Sword forward, the petals swirling around formed a spiral vortex.

When the petals, converging towards a single point, burst and scattered in all directions, Mu Hwi sheathed his sword and turned his head.

“Were you training?”

Dokgo Yul, limping, entered the courtyard.

His bare skin visible through his martial attire was bandaged all over, and his face was still swollen, tinged with blue.

“Elder Baek Jin said you should rest for at least two more days.”

After the martial contest, Dokgo Yul, severely injured internally and externally, was taken to the medical pavilion, where Baek Jin personally treated him.

“I’m used to internal and external injuries from experiencing blood battles.”

Dokgo Yul stared at Mu Hwi and gave a bitter smile.

“Losing consecutively to the disciples of the Iron Mountain Fist King and Sword Saint, if my master were alive, I might have broken a few bones.”

Mu Hwi chuckled at Dokgo Yul’s words.

‘You know that well, yet you lost like that?’

Mu Hwi barely suppressed the words about to spill out and sat down under the plum tree. Dokgo Yul also sat beside him and opened a bottle of alcohol.

“Since our masters were such close friends, it wouldn’t be bad for us to follow the same path, right?”

“Ha.”

Mu Hwi made a strange expression. If the Sword Saint’s disciple before him were his reincarnated master, how would he react?

But Mu Hwi found no reason to reveal that he is the Sword Devil.

Hadn’t he decided to live as Mu Hwi, not the Sword Devil, by the pond in front of the medical pavilion?

‘It wouldn’t be a burden to take care of him without revealing I’m the Sword Devil.’

Mu Hwi brought the alcohol bottle Dokgo Yul had brought to his lips and said.

“Do as you please.”

“Hoho. It’s refreshing. Then call me Brother Dokgo from now on.”

Crack!

The moment Dokgo Yul spoke, the alcohol bottle in Mu Hwi’s hand cracked. Dokgo Yul, startled, looked at Mu Hwi.

“What, brother? Who do you think you are?”

“Well… I thought I was older.”

Mu Hwi gave a cold smile. He could never allow calling a disciple ‘brother.’

“Age… There’s an order to coming, but not to leaving, don’t you know?”

Smiling, Mu Hwi moved his hand to the sword blade. A faint killing intent could be felt. Dokgo Yul just gave an awkward smile.

“Haha… Then let’s just drop formalities and be friends.”

“Hmm…”

Mu Hwi let out a displeased sigh but thought this was for the best.

“Haha, forget that and listen to my story.”

Dokgo Yul often shared experiences from leading the Dokgo Association and taking various requests, but his next words stiffened Mu Hwi’s expression.

“Lately, I’ve been tracking a demonic cult.”

“Demonic cult?”

Mu Hwi, who had been listening with a relaxed expression, turned his head to look at his disciple.

< There’s an order to coming, but not to leaving, don’t you know? > End

< I want to invest. >