Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 66

Chapter 66

“Demonic Cult?”

Upon hearing the term ‘Demonic Cult’, Mu Hwi’s expression hardened as he looked at Dokgo Yul and asked again.

“Demonic Cult… Are you talking about the Black Night Palace?”

Dokgo Yul, with a serious expression similar to Mu Hwi’s, nodded.

“When our masters fought the Black Night Palace Lord to the death at the peak of Sword Night Mountain, I was below, holding off the Black Night Palace’s demonic followers.”

Mu Hwi nodded. Dokgo Yul had participated in the Shaanxi Bloodshed from the beginning and had slain quite a few demonic followers.

“Somehow, the Black Night Palace knew their lord had died and suddenly retreated, scattering. Of course, we tracked down and killed some of them, but far more vanished without a trace.”

Mu Hwi quietly listened, as he had no way of knowing the details of what happened after the Shaanxi Bloodshed.

“So, you’re searching for the vanished Black Night Palace.”

Dokgo Yul, with a stern expression, picked up the alcohol bottle.

“For so many demonic followers to vanish so suddenly and in unison… At the time, not only the lord but also the left and right guardians were killed. It seems there must be another leader who can command the entire Black Night Palace.”

Hearing Dokgo Yul’s words, Mu Hwi naturally recalled the black-clad figure wearing a black mask.

‘It must be that guy. So, he is connected to the Black Night Palace after all.’

As Mu Hwi recalled the black-masked figure, he looked at Dokgo Yul.

“What do you plan to do by tracking down the Black Night Palace? Are you planning to avenge the Sword Devil?”

Dokgo Yul didn’t answer immediately but fell into thought for a moment before speaking.

“With my current strength, avenging my master is impossible.”

“But.”

“It’s not for revenge. I’m following the will of those who participated in the Shaanxi Bloodshed. I know well why they risked their lives to stand against the Black Night Palace.”

The Demonic Cult is a calamity.

While the evil sects may lean in a twisted direction, they are still within the bounds of humanity, albeit skewed.

However, wherever the Demonic Cult passes, it leaves nothing but devastation, as if a disaster has struck, and all living things scream in terror at its brutality.

Dokgo Yul witnessed countless scenes of such violent and desolate destruction during the Shaanxi Bloodshed.

There were moments when he was so terrified that he wanted to flee and leave Shaanxi altogether.

Yet, the reason Dokgo Yul survived to the end and witnessed the conclusion of the Shaanxi Bloodshed was thanks to his master, who stood firm and advanced without hesitation, protecting him.

The master paved the way for his disciple, and the disciple simply followed that path.

But now, the master is gone, and the disciple must lead others on his own.

Dokgo Yul, who once hid behind his master, now has no choice but to step forward and carve out his own path.

‘In the martial arts world where the new Dokgo family must establish itself, the Demonic Cult is an absolute disaster that cannot be allowed to exist.’

In Dokgo Yul’s mind, the Demonic Cult was firmly etched as an entity that must not be allowed to survive in the martial arts world.

“Any results?”

“We’ve been combing through the southern martial arts world with the cooperation of the Beggar Sect, and we’ve detected some suspicious movements.”

“Suddenly, the Beggar Sect?”

“With the Dokgo Association’s manpower and intelligence, tracking down the Demonic Cult is difficult, so I requested help from the Beggar Sect’s leader. The leader agreed, saying it was a necessary task, and readily provided support.”

At the mention of the Beggar Sect, Mu Hwi frowned.

‘The Wind King. That old man… If only he hadn’t interfered.’

Recalling the Beggar Sect’s leader, Mu Hwi let out a faint sigh.

“Don’t chase the Demonic Cult.”

“Why?”

Dokgo Yul, who had only been sharing his story, asked Mu Hwi for the first time.

“Unless you possess martial arts on the level of our masters, it’s meaningless. You’ll likely end up dead for nothing.”

“But the Demonic Cult…”

Mu Hwi cut off Dokgo Yul’s words.

“You don’t need to search for them. The Black Night Palace will reveal itself again someday.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Recalling the black-masked figure, Mu Hwi added.

“They’re gathering strength. To avoid repeating the failure in Shaanxi. So, we must also grow stronger. When the time comes, it will be up to us to stop them. Our masters are no longer here.”

Dokgo Yul slightly bowed his head at this.

“That’s right. Our masters are no longer here.”

Muttering to himself, Dokgo Yul fell into thought and then nodded.

“It’s better to swing my sword than to wander the deep mountains and valleys. After all, the Beggar Sect is more specialized in such matters… I’ll follow your advice.”

Mu Hwi nodded and accepted the alcohol bottle Dokgo Yul handed him. Mu Hwi took a sip and then handed it back to Dokgo Yul, saying.

“And get yourself a better sword.”

At Mu Hwi’s reproach, Dokgo Yul stroked the scabbard of the heavy sword beside him and gave a bitter smile.

“I’ve heard many times that the quality of my weapon doesn’t match my martial arts skill, but until I find my master’s sword, I don’t want to use any other sword.”

Mu Hwi’s lips twitched at this.

‘Still as stubborn as ever.’

But the sword used by the Sword Devil in his past life was indeed a rare treasure. The entire blade was made of Black Iron, a Black Iron Sword, so Dokgo Yul’s desire to find it was understandable.

‘Though I think it cracked at the end.’

Recalling the Black Iron Sword he used in his past life, Mu Hwi also felt the urge to retrieve it.

If that Black Iron Sword could be melted down and reforged into a new sword, another treasure would be born.

‘It’s no ordinary item, so if it’s in someone’s hands, we’ll see it again someday.’

Mu Hwi thought of the Black Iron Sword as he finished the remaining alcohol in the bottle.

“If you’re not chasing the Demonic Cult, what will you do now?”

“Hmm… I’ve gained some insights this time, so I plan to focus on training for now.”

“Good, focus on your training.”

Dokgo Yul, seeing Mu Hwi nod, grinned.

“If I challenge you again and win, you’ll have to call me ‘big brother’ then. I grow quickly once I gain insights.”

Mu Hwi looked at the proud Dokgo Yul with pity and raised the corner of his mouth.

“I’ll never call you big brother, but keep trying.”

***

“Somehow, I feel a strong presence of the Hwasan Sect nearby.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s easy to find plum trees, and many inns and shops have ‘flowers’ in their names or flower patterns.”

The man and woman were wandering the streets of Hwaeum. Xian Zhu, who had been staying at the Hwasan Sect, wanted to see Hwaeum and dragged Mu Hwi along.

Mu Hwi, taking the opportunity to inspect the common folk of Hwaeum as per Baek Yu’s orders, was observing various places.

“A Taoist from Hwasan has descended.”

“Taoist, would you like a fresh apple?”

The common folk of Hwaeum, seeing the plum blossom patterns on Mu Hwi’s black Taoist robe and the Plum Blossom Sword at his waist, were extremely friendly.

Xian Zhu, while walking the streets, bought and tasted delicious-looking food and also browsed accessories like hairpins.

Mu Hwi quietly watched from behind, not feeling particularly bored.

It felt like watching the mist flow between the peaks on Hwasan.

“Brother Mu Hwi, I’m getting a bit hungry from walking since morning.”

At Xian Zhu’s words while rubbing her stomach, Mu Hwi looked up at the sky and said.

“It’s almost noon already. Time flies.”

“Heh, maybe it’s because I’m with you that time flies so quickly?”

Xian Zhu tilted her head as she spoke, but Mu Hwi naturally ignored her and looked around.

“Found it. The disciples said the food at that inn is good.”

From what Musan said, the chef at the Hwapyeong Inn in front of them is the best in Hwaeum.

‘If the food is good, I should get a few bottles of alcohol too.’

The Hwapyeong Inn was a rather luxurious three-story inn, and the waiter, seeing Mu Hwi’s appearance, immediately guided them to the third floor.

“It’s an honor to have a Taoist from Hwasan visit the Hwapyeong Inn.”

The waiter bowed deeply, took Mu Hwi’s order, and quickly descended the stairs.

“Since Brother Mu Hwi showed me around, I’ll treat you to today’s meal.”

“I won’t refuse such an offer.”

As Mu Hwi nodded without hesitation, Xian Zhu leaned slightly forward and added.

“Next time, Brother Mu Hwi should treat me.”

Xian Zhu’s sharp gaze, as if targeting a weak point, made Mu Hwi feel unnecessarily tense, even though they weren’t crossing swords.

“Well… I’ll do that. I’m not shameless enough to only take.”

“Hehe. Good.”

As Mu Hwi and Xian Zhu conversed, the waiter brought their ordered food.

The waiter placed two bowls of Majang Liangpi (麻酱凉皮) and a plate of Shizi Mo.

Xian Zhu mixed the large noodles with bean sprouts, cucumber, and other vegetables topped with chili oil and peanut sauce.

“Huh? The Liangpi in Xi’an is sweet, but the Liangpi here is spicy? How unique.”

Xian Zhu almost buried her nose in the bowl as she began slurping the noodles.

“Eat this too, they say Majang Liangpi and Shizi Mo taste better together.”

Mu Hwi picked up a piece of Shizi Mo with his chopsticks and placed it in Xian Zhu’s bowl.

Shizi Mo is a salty dough with sugar and sesame, baked on preheated stones, giving it a unique, bumpy texture.

The Hwapyeong Inn’s Shizi Mo is even more luxurious, with a thin layer of honey brushed on top.

The spiciness of the Majang Liangpi was balanced by the sweetness of the Shizi Mo and the freshness of the sesame, creating a harmonious blend in the mouth.

“Delicious…”

Xian Zhu, chewing happily, placed her hand on her cheek and smiled blissfully. Mu Hwi also quietly moved his chopsticks in front of her.

As the peaceful meal between the two continued, new guests were arriving on the third floor.

First, a middle-aged man with a serious expression came up, followed by a young woman who looked quite young.

Her calm, drooping eyebrows and cold eyes gave her a stern appearance, which oddly harmonized with her youthful face.

Another middle-aged man followed behind, suggesting that the men before and after the woman were bodyguards.

Xian Zhu, while slurping her noodles, kept an eye on the newcomers with a raised eyebrow.

‘She seems like a noble family’s daughter.’

Xian Zhu noted the woman’s luxurious, pale yellow palace attire.

“Third Princess.”

The middle-aged man who first ascended the stairs noticed the plum blossom pattern on Mu Hwi’s sleeve and whispered to the woman behind him.

“Hmm.”

The woman also glanced at Mu Hwi’s profile and slightly covered her mouth.

The corners of her drooping eyebrows lifted slightly, and Xian Zhu, who had been watching the woman, stopped her chopsticks.

Mu Hwi also turned his head following Xian Zhu’s gaze. The woman, meeting Mu Hwi’s eyes, lowered her eyelids again.

Then, the woman extended her hand to the bodyguard beside her. The bodyguard handed her a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket.

It was a portrait of Mu Hwi.

Comparing the portrait to the man before her, the woman nodded and approached Mu Hwi.

“Pardon the interruption during your meal. Are you perhaps the Hwasan Sword Devil, Mu Hwi?”

“That’s correct.”

“Pleased to meet you. I am Im Su-ryeon, the Third Princess of the Cheonryu Merchant Group.”

Mu Hwi’s eyes sparkled, and Xian Zhu looked at Im Su-ryeon with surprise.

‘No wonder her clothes reeked of money.’

The Cheonryu Merchant Group, firmly holding the top position among the three great merchant groups of the world, held an absolute position in the northern trade circles.

“It seems you’ve finished your meal. May I offer you a cup of tea?”

“I have company, but if it’s no trouble, I’ll accept a cup.”

At Mu Hwi’s words, Im Su-ryeon glanced at Xian Zhu and nodded.

“It’s no trouble. It’s not a secret matter anyway.”

With the waiter’s help, a new seat was arranged, and Im Su-ryeon greeted Mu Hwi and Xian Zhu again.

“Im Su-ryeon, the Third Princess of the Cheonryu Merchant Group.”

“Xian Zhu, a disciple of the Jongnam Sect.”

After exchanging introductions and sipping tea, Im Su-ryeon took a moment to compose herself and continued.

“I heard you slew the Hell Sword Dragon and achieved great merit at the Small Hwasan. The fame of the Hwasan Sword Devil has spread far and wide. Congratulations.”

Mu Hwi nodded.

“If you have something to say, just say it. I don’t like beating around the bush.”

Im Su-ryeon also nodded and set down her teacup. She carefully observed Mu Hwi before her.

His upright posture, subtle hand gestures, and gaze. She took in everything about Mu Hwi.

Her gaze was meticulous and sharp, like a merchant inspecting goods.

Mu Hwi, of course, knew this but waited for Im Su-ryeon to speak.

“Pardon my rudeness.”

Im Su-ryeon bowed her head slightly and added.

“I wish to invest in you, Mu Hwi.”

< I wish to invest in you. > End

< Shouldn’t we start selecting the next Sect Leader? >