Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 67

Chapter 67

“I wish to invest in you, Mu Hwi.”

“Invest, you say…”

Mu Hwi, who had been looking at Im Su-ryeon, trailed off his words.

“The Cheonryu Merchant Group has begun its succession competition.”

“I’ve heard that the group leader has many children.”

“More than ten.”

Hearing that there were more than ten competitors, Mu Hwi brushed his bangs to the side.

“Are you asking for my help in that succession competition?”

Im Su-ryeon calmly nodded.

“The first task my father gave us was about people.”

“People?”

When Xian Zhu asked, Im Su-ryeon nodded again.

“My father’s philosophy is that the most precious treasure in the world is people.”

Reading the flow of wealth, buying low and selling high—these were things anyone could do to some extent if they had a decent mind and thorough education over the years.

But reading emotions, winning hearts, and nurturing people—only those born with such talent could do that.

The first task the group leader gave his children was to recruit external figures who would lead the group and accompany them in the future.

“I believe that the talent who can walk into the future with me is you, Mu Hwi.”

“Hmm… Although my reputation has risen recently, but looking at the entire martial arts world, it might still be lacking.”

“I don’t think my father gave us this task with the simple meaning of recruiting someone who has already succeeded in the martial arts world.”

Some of the siblings were already trying to connect with big shots who had firmly established their positions and were rising rapidly in the martial arts world.

But Im Su-ryeon’s thoughts were slightly different.

“Helping a dragon that has already ascended is harder than helping a snake preparing to ascend. There’s more to gain from the latter.”

Mu Hwi nodded at Im Su-ryeon’s explanation.

He considered this task not just about recruiting people but also about having the insight to see the potential in a person’s future.

It required the ability to read the right values or see through hidden values.

“There are many rising stars who stir up the martial arts world and gain fame, but few maintain that momentum until the end. At best, one out of ten?”

“Do you think I’m that one out of ten?”

“To confirm that, I’ve come all the way to Shaanxi.”

Mu Hwi twisted his lips and placed his right arm on the table.

“Now that you’ve seen me in person, what do you think?”

“Compared to my other siblings, I think you’re at least three steps ahead.”

Im Su-ryeon looked straight into Mu Hwi’s eyes as she spoke.

Since childhood, Im Su-ryeon had observed the giants from all walks of life who visited the Cheonryu Merchant Group.

Those giants each had different gazes.

Some had eyes as solid and profound as a rock, while others had eyes as rough yet deep as a dragon’s pool beneath a waterfall.

Although the feelings evoked by their eyes were different, there was a common, unapproachable dignity in their gazes.

A vast difference that made those who faced them feel their own limitations and bow their heads.

The eyes of giants had a grandeur that couldn’t be found in ordinary people.

‘This person is the same.’

Im Su-ryeon thought as she faced Mu Hwi’s cold gaze. In his eyes, she only felt sharp anticipation.

Just by meeting his gaze, the places where Mu Hwi’s eyes landed felt as if they had been cut by a sword.

A cold anticipation honed to the extreme.

The person himself felt like a blade.

But it wasn’t just a sharp sword.

‘It’s like the sharp peak of a volcano with a sword thrust into it.’

The momentum of sharp, rugged rocks piercing through the clouds. Behind the sharp anticipation, there was an unshakable weight and an elusive abruptness.

Even in Mu Hwi’s gaze, she felt the grand flow and the dignity of ascent she had seen in other giants.

Having confirmed Mu Hwi’s eyes directly, Im Su-ryeon was convinced. In the future, he would undoubtedly become a giant reaching for the sky of the martial arts world.

“What can you do for me, Miss Im?”

“I said I would invest in you, Mu Hwi, but the form will be supporting the Hwasan Sect. Within my capabilities, I will help the Hwasan Sect in every way possible.”

Even at Im Su-ryeon’s bold words, Mu Hwi only twitched his lips.

“Everything… That’s quite a burden.”

The other party is a merchant. They are not just givers. As much as they give to the Hwasan Sect, Mu Hwi would also have to help Im Su-ryeon.

As if understanding Mu Hwi’s meaning immediately, Im Su-ryeon also nodded her head.

“I don’t expect to reap what I sow in the Hwasan Sect. This is not a business transaction.”

“Then?”

“It’s enough if the three letters of my name, Im Su-ryeon, are above yours and the Hwasan Sect’s priorities.”

Seeing Im Su-ryeon speak so decisively, Mu Hwi chuckled.

“You should choose your words carefully. If you speak vaguely to gain favor, you might be refused when you really need help. Literally, what Miss Im wants is priority, nothing more.”

At those words, Im Su-ryeon stared straight at Mu Hwi.

‘As expected, he’s different from ordinary orthodox disciples.’

An ordinary orthodox disciple wouldn’t be able to openly say that they could swallow what you invested and pretend not to know.

Because the orthodox sects valued honor and face.

But Mu Hwi was showing the exact opposite of ordinary orthodox disciples.

Mu Hwi was trying to draw out her true intentions by mentioning the possibility of investment failure.

Seeing Mu Hwi like this, Im Su-ryeon hardened her resolve even more.

“That’s something I’ll have to endure.”

Even under the threat, Im Su-ryeon didn’t back down, so Mu Hwi quietly shook his head.

“I’ll take the hand you’ve extended, Miss Im.”

“A wise decision, Mu Hwi.”

Even Im Su-ryeon, who had maintained an expressionless face, slightly relaxed her stiff lips after seeing Mu Hwi’s gesture.

Im Su-ryeon, who had placed her hand over Mu Hwi’s in response, asked with a much softer face.

“Is there anything you or the Hwasan Sect need right now?”

“Of course. Do you have any writing tools?”

At Im Su-ryeon’s gesture, a guard waiting behind placed writing tools on the table.

“Thank you.”

Mu Hwi immediately unfolded the paper and picked up the brush.

“It’s about time for my disciples to take one elixir each, but we’re severely lacking in elixirs… Jeonghoondan, Miryongdan, ah. Gaegongdan would also work.”

“Uh… Mu Hwi, can you get one for me too?”

“Be quiet.”

As Mu Hwi muttered and swiftly wrote with the brush, Im Su-ryeon’s eyelids twitched slightly.

Im Su-ryeon took the paper Mu Hwi had filled out and stared at it blankly.

At a glance, it wasn’t just elixirs but various items listed.

“Did you know I would come to Hwasan?”

“No. I just wrote down everything I thought was necessary while training my disciples.”

“Ah…”

“You don’t need to prepare everything listed, but the Cheonryu Merchant Group should be able to handle it easily, right?”

Mu Hwi was right. But who would have thought he’d write down his demands so boldly right after the negotiation was settled.

Im Su-ryeon’s lips twisted slightly. She was forcing a smile.

Im Su-ryeon felt like she was being led around by Mu Hwi, but she could only nod.

“Since you’ve looked into me, you must know my movements well. If it’s something within my thoughts, I’ll help, so send me a letter anytime.”

“Thank you.”

With that, Mu Hwi stood up.

“Let’s go up to Hwasan together. We need to meet the Sect Leader and discuss future matters, right?”

“Understood.”

Im Su-ryeon watched Mu Hwi’s back as he walked down the stairs and swallowed dryly.

Unlike ordinary orthodox disciples, he wasn’t bound by formalities and was unrestrained in his speech and actions. Without realizing it, she had been swept up in his flow.

‘He’s like a storm.’

Although she was a bit surprised, Im Su-ryeon didn’t think her choice was wrong.

The Hwasan Sword Devil is definitely not someone who would end as just a promising rising star.

***

The Hwasan Sect joined hands with Im Su-ryeon, and the Cheonryu Merchant Group spared no economic support.

Dokgo Yul left with the Dokgo Association to solve new requests, and Xian Zhu headed east. Her goal was to see the sea of Zhejiang.

Mu Hwi continued to teach his disciples and research sword techniques while traveling between the Mok Ok (Jade Wood), the training grounds, and the Hwasan Sword Saint’s tomb.

Meanwhile, time flew like an arrow.

The plum blossoms that had filled Hwasan faded again, and when the autumn leaves that replaced them also faded, the rugged rocks of Hwasan were covered in pure white.

Now, the second-generation disciples who had gathered at the training grounds had snow piled high on their heads and shoulders.

“Finally, you’ve all obtained it.”

Mu Hwi looked at his disciples and raised the corner of his mouth.

Each disciple had a Plum Blossom Sword hanging from their waist.

The second-generation disciples had achieved the feat of all obtaining Plum Blossom Swords in this Jonghwa Ceremony.

Considering that it usually takes four to five years for second-generation disciples to obtain Plum Blossom Swords, Mu Hwi’s disciples had achieved it in just two years, setting a remarkable record.

This record would be an incredible achievement that wouldn’t be broken for several generations.

The elders of the Hwasan Sect, including Baek Yu, were amazed but well aware that it was thanks to Mu Hwi’s training.

With the Cheonryu Merchant Group’s support, Mu Hwi’s position was solidifying even though he was solely focused on training his disciples and creating martial techniques.

“You’ve all memorized the口诀 (formula) of the Heavenly Containment Heart Technique, right?”

“Yes, Senior Disciple!”

At the second-generation disciples’ clear answers, Mu Hwi nodded.

Then, Musan and Muho walked over, holding a large wooden box from both sides.

When Musan and Muho opened the lid of the box, a pungent medicinal scent instantly spread throughout the training grounds.

“These are the elixirs sent by the Cheonryu Merchant Group. I requested them before, but perhaps because of the quantity, they only arrived now.”

At the mention of elixirs, the disciples’ eyes sparkled. Except for the Hwasan Four Flowers, they had never even smelled an elixir, so their eyes were all filled with awe.

“What a beautiful sight.”

Mu Hwi savored the sight of the elixirs stored in the box, matching the number of second-generation disciples.

The elixirs before his eyes shone more brilliantly than any gem in the world.

‘Money really is good. Even though it took a long time, getting this amount of elixirs is impressive.’

Im Su-ryeon seemed quite capable. Without Mu Hwi doing anything, she was gaining an edge in the Cheonryu Merchant Group’s succession competition.

Thanks to that, Mu Hwi could live comfortably without any hassle.

“Everyone, take one and start circulating your energy with the Heavenly Containment Heart Technique.”

“Yes, Senior Disciple.”

The disciples walked up to the box one by one, took an elixir, returned to their seats, and immediately began circulating their energy.

Although there was exactly one elixir left in the box, Mu Hwi did not take it.

Instead, he released his energy sense to fully detect the energy waves of his disciples.

Since it was the first time the disciples were taking elixirs, he wanted to intervene immediately if any problems arose.

‘They’ve built a solid foundation in basics and sword techniques, and now with internal energy added, they’ll all grow stronger quickly.’

Moreover, since most of the second-generation disciples had gained experience through their travels in the martial arts world, their growth would undoubtedly gain more momentum.

‘Now that they’ve started learning the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, they’ll be able to master new sword techniques without difficulty.’

The techniques left by Hyeon Jo and the Sword Devil, the insights of past Hwasan Sword Saints.

Originally, these three elements were separate, but Mu Hwi had been harmonizing them within the framework of Six Harmonies over the years.

The process was quite smooth, and he believed that with some trigger or enlightenment, he could accelerate the creation.

Additionally, since he was researching sword formations to match the new sword techniques, it was safe to say that the second-generation disciples were cultivating their martial arts to master the new techniques and formations without difficulty.

Mu Hwi watched his disciples smoothly absorbing the elixirs’ effects.

‘When the Righteous Path Grand Assembly is held and martial artists from the orthodox sects gather, they’ll be shocked.’

By the time the snow on Hwasan melts, martial artists from all over the martial arts world will gather at the Hwasan Sect for the Righteous Path Grand Assembly.

Mu Hwi was certain that the renowned figures of the martial arts world who gathered for the Righteous Path Grand Assembly would be astonished by the level of the second-generation disciples.

Although the individual level of each second-generation disciple wasn’t outstanding in the grand scheme of the martial world, the fact that their average level was so high was enough to be surprising.

***

“The preparations for the Righteous Path Grand Assembly seem to be going smoothly.”

“Yes, Sect Leader. The Cheonryu Merchant Group’s help has been significant.”

Baek San, the Treasurer, replied with a face that looked five years younger. The full support of the Cheonryu Merchant Group had greatly lightened his burden.

“We’ve also contacted the affiliate sects, so the vigilance against Paewangseong and the Seven Evil Heaven will be thorough throughout Shaanxi.”

“We’re continuously checking the letters sent by each sect regarding their movements. So far, there’s nothing unusual.”

The elders’ reports were smooth, and Baek Yu nodded in satisfaction.

More first-generation disciples, including Hyeon Baek, were attending the elders’ meeting than before.

The intention was to gradually pass on the elders’ duties to the first-generation disciples.

Although it was still a distant future, they were preparing for a generational shift.

Hyeon Baek, who had been quietly observing the elders’ meeting, cautiously asked Baek Yu.

“Sect Leader, since the first-generation disciples are now fully involved in the work, shouldn’t we start selecting the next Sect Leader from the second-generation disciples?”

At Hyeon Baek’s words, the other elders also nodded.

“It’s about time.”

“The next Sect Leader…”

Baek Yu looked at the elders and first-generation disciples before him and murmured.

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

< Amitabha, who is the junior? >