Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 73

Chapter 73

“One of the Jongnam Sect’s affiliated families was annihilated by the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.”

Baek Yu spoke briefly and immediately sipped his tea, as if trying to suppress the anger rising within him.

“The Jongnam Sect has already taken action, and we must move as well. We never know when the Hwasan Sect’s affiliated families might be targeted.”

Mu Hwi nodded in agreement.

“I’ve heard that he moves alone like a wanderer, and his martial arts are exceptionally formidable.”

“From the information we have, not only is his skill level high, but there’s also a strong likelihood that he has truly inherited the martial arts of the Jeonjin Sect.”

“If that’s true, he’s no ordinary opponent.”

“Indeed. The Jeonjin Sect was once a great sect that commanded the world. It’s hard to imagine how he managed to obtain their martial arts through some kind of opportunity.”

In the past, the Jeonjin Sect’s influence reached every corner of the world.

Alongside Shaolin, they led the martial arts world, and together with Shaolin and Wudang, they were respected as the top sects of the martial arts world.

“North reveres Shaolin, South respects Wudang, and the West honors Jeonjin.”

At that time, these three sects were the solid pillars and focal points of the orthodox martial arts world.

In particular, the Jeonjin Sect’s supreme mental technique, the Taixu Wuling Xinfa (太虛武靈心法), was considered no less than Shaolin’s Yijin Jing (易筋經) and the Dasheng Fantian Shengong (大乘凡天神功).

However, even the Jeonjin Sect was annihilated by the evil sects of the Molong Forest (魔龍林) during that era.

Since then, the Jeonjin Sect’s martial arts had never resurfaced, but after a long period of silence, a master known as the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman had appeared.

“It seems the elders will have to take action this time.”

Baek Yu wasn’t just planning to send the elders down the mountain; he intended to have three elders move together.

Having heard that two Wudang Sect elders had joined forces but were severely injured, Baek Yu was deeply wary of the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.

“The second-generation disciples won’t be involved in this matter. Mu Hwi, you alone will accompany the elders.”

Baek Yu’s judgment was sound. Although the growth of the second-generation disciples had been remarkable recently, they are still too young to face the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.

‘Though I don’t know the details, it seems he has a strong sense of pride in the Jeonjin Sect.’

After a moment of contemplation, Mu Hwi asked Baek Yu.

“Sect Leader, I plan to act alone. I intend to capture the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman using a method other than searching.”

At Mu Hwi’s words, Baek Yu’s eyebrows slightly raised.

“What method?”

Mu Hwi began to explain, and as Baek Yu listened, he let out a thoughtful hum.

“Hmm. I’m not sure if it’s possible. Are you confident?”

“Yes. And even if my method fails, it’s better than doing nothing.”

***

A considerable number of people descended from the Hwasan.

The elders, the first-generation disciples assisting them, and Mu Hwi.

“Mu Hwi, be careful.”

“I’m still worried. I know your skills are excellent, but going alone…”

The elders, who had been informed by the Sect Leader, knew that Mu Hwi would be acting separately, but they were still deeply concerned.

No matter how exceptional Mu Hwi’s martial arts were, to the elders, he is still just a young second-generation disciple.

“Mu Hwi, if things seem dangerous, run away. Use the signal flare too. Staying alive is what matters.”

Baek Chun, Spring Plum Hall Master, who was walking with his hands behind his back, also added a word of caution.

“Understood, Elder.”

Mu Hwi nodded, but Baek Chun sighed with a worried expression.

The group heading south from the Hwasan came to a halt.

“This should be far enough. Let’s split up now.”

“Let’s do that. Elder Disciple Baek Chun, everyone, be careful.”

At Baek Chun’s words, the Hwasan Sect disciples divided into three groups.

The Hwasan Sect disciples, consisting of three elders and two first-generation disciples, split into three teams and headed in different directions.

Since the whereabouts of the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman is unknown, they needed to cover as much ground as possible.

Mu Hwi, now alone, also spread out the Dark Scent Flutter and began to run at full speed.

His dark figure stretched out, creating the illusion of an invisible brush sweeping through the air.

Focusing solely on speed and moving in a straight line, Mu Hwi’s figure became so fast that even the wind rushing alongside him was pushed back.

As Mu Hwi ran with the Dark Scent Flutter, he suddenly looked up. Ahead was a small cliff, and it seemed he would have to take a detour. But instead of changing direction, Mu Hwi increased his speed.

As Mu Hwi’s knees slightly straightened, his toes slide forward, and in an instant, he leapt high into the air.

Thud!

Stepping off the cliff, Mu Hwi bounced off the air and stepped on a protruding rock above. Repeating this five times, Mu Hwi easily climbed to the top of the cliff.

Compared to the immense cliffs he had climbed and descended to reach the Hwasan Sword Saint’s basin, this was child’s play.

Given the rugged terrain of the Hwasan Sect, the Wall-Climbing Technique (壁虎功) was essential, but Mu Hwi had long since abandoned it.

The swift movements of the Dark Scent Flutter were more than enough. Looking down, he realized how small the cliff he had just climbed was.

“The terrain of the Hwasan is truly treacherous.”

With such rugged terrain, it was inevitable that his footwork and body techniques would improve daily. After admiring the scenery from the cliff, Mu Hwi began to move again.

After about a day of traveling south, Mu Hwi arrived at Shanyang (山陽).

Shanyang is located in the southern part of Shaanxi, and just a short distance to the east would take him into Hubei Province.

In fact, the affiliated family of the Jongnam Sect that the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman had annihilated is located in Xunyang (旬陽), south of Shanyang.

The reason Mu Hwi went to Shanyang instead of Xunyang was that he believed the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman was heading north.

Unlike the south, central Shaanxi was densely populated with affiliated families of the Hwasan and Jongnam Sects, and the capital, Xi’an, as well as the Hwasan and Jongnam Sects, were also located there.

This meant there were many affiliated families that could become targets for the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.

Once the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman entered Shaanxi, he would undoubtedly head toward the central region.

Given that the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman had not hesitated to spill blood even near Wudang Sect’s affiliated families, Mu Hwi didn’t think he would simply pass by.

Upon entering Shanyang, Mu Hwi immediately sought out the Beggar’s Sect branch. The middle-aged beggar, the branch leader, nodded upon seeing the Plum Blossom Sword as Mu Hwi entered the tent.

“You’re from the Hwasan Sect… No, four blossoms? The Hwasan Sword Devil!”

Only elders could embroider four blossoms on their sleeves, and the young man before him could only be the Hwasan Sect’s Senior Disciple, Mu Hwi.

“Disciple Mu Hwi, what brings you here?”

Although Mu Hwi is a junior, the branch leader treated him with respect.

-If the Hwasan Sect, especially the Hwasan Sword Devil, requests help, prioritize it immediately.

Not only was Mu Hwi the Senior Disciple, but his reputation as the Hwasan Sword Devil, combined with the Sect Leader’s direct orders to all Beggar’s Sect branches in Shaanxi, made it imperative.

“I’m here regarding the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.”

“Hwasan Sect is moving quickly. But we still haven’t pinpointed the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s location.”

According to the branch leader, the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s appearance changed each time, making it difficult to track or identify him.

Moreover, even if found, his martial arts were so formidable that the Beggar’s Sect members couldn’t easily approach him.

As Mu Hwi listened to the information about the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman, the corner of his mouth lifted.

“Then, were there any traces left at the Jongnam Sect’s affiliated family that was annihilated this time?”

“Ah, of course. This time, it was like this.”

The branch leader took out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Mu Hwi. Mu Hwi unfolded it and read.

-The Hwasan and Jongnam Sects, which grew by sucking the blood and bones left after the Jeonjin Sect’s fall, are living in luxury in Shaanxi. The ancestors of the Jeonjin Sect must be lamenting. I will correct this.

The Jeonjin mysterious swordsman often left similar mocking messages at the sites of his massacres, ridiculing the existing sects.

“Nonsense.”

As expected, the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman seemed to have a twisted sense of pride and affection for the Jeonjin Sect.

Perhaps because he alone had inherited the martial arts of an annihilated sect. Though the exact reasons were unknown, this much was clear.

Seeing Mu Hwi smile, the branch leader felt a chill run down his spine.

‘What is this?’

Normally, one would be furious upon reading such a message, but Mu Hwi was instead smiling broadly. Mu Hwi handed the paper back to the branch leader and asked.

“Branch Leader, I have a request for you and all the Beggar’s Sect branches in Shaanxi.”

“Anything, just say it.”

Mu Hwi took out a neatly folded letter from his sleeve and handed it to the branch leader.

“Please copy the contents of this letter and spread it throughout Shaanxi. Ensure that the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman can see and read it, no matter where he is in Shaanxi.”

As the branch leader read the letter Mu Hwi handed him, his eyes widened.

“Disciple Mu Hwi. Are you sure about this content?”

“Yes.”

“Ahem. I understand your intention, but the content is quite extreme and could tarnish your reputation.”

Despite the branch leader’s concerns, Mu Hwi chuckled as if it didn’t matter.

“Reputation? It doesn’t matter. If finding the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman is this difficult, this method might be more efficient than aimlessly searching.”

Mu Hwi added.

“If the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman really comes and we can prevent the next massacre, that would be the best outcome.”

“Sigh. Understood.”

As Mu Hwi left the tent, the branch leader shook his head with a resigned expression.

“The Hwasan Sword Devil… He’s no ordinary figure.”

The branch leader, who had slumped to the ground, unfolded the letter and read it again.

-To the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman,

You bear the name ‘Jeonjin (全眞)’, yet you continue to commit meaningless slaughter. How shameless.

You have only inherited the martial arts, but not the noble spirit of the Jeonjin Sect, which was once revered as West Metropolis Jeonjin (西敬全眞). You are nothing but a half-wit.

How dare you call yourself the last descendant of the Jeonjin Sect?

I will personally sever the last martial lineage of the Jeonjin Sect that you so proudly boast of. Come to Hanyashan, east of Shanyang.

I will face you alone in a life-and-death duel. I swear on the honor of the Hwasan Sect and the Plum Blossom Sword.

If you’re afraid it’s a trap, you don’t have to come. Half-wit of Jeonjin.

That must be the limit of your capacity, so I won’t blame you.

-Hwasan Sword Devil, Mu Hwi.

If this letter were spread throughout Shaanxi, what would happen?

Wouldn’t the enraged Jeonjin mysterious swordsman go on a rampage?

The branch leader, clutching his head in frustration, irritably grabbed a brush.

“Whatever. I don’t know.”

The branch leader copied Mu Hwi’s letter exactly and sent it to all the Beggar’s Sect branches in Shaanxi via messenger.

Instead of holding out their begging bowls, all the beggars in Shaanxi began distributing papers with Mu Hwi’s message. As more people read Mu Hwi’s words, rumors spread rapidly.

One of the letters spread by the Beggar’s Sect fell into the hands of the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman, who was scouting a Hwasan Sect affiliated family to annihilate that night.

“The Hwasan Sword Devil? How dare this brat claim to sever the martial lineage of my sect!”

He could have dismissed the provocation against himself with a snort.

But he couldn’t tolerate a mere disciple of the Hwasan Sect disrespecting the name of Jeonjin.

He had to be punished.

The Jeonjin mysterious swordsman immediately erased the affiliated family from his mind and turned his steps.

Thanks to this, one affiliated family narrowly escaped annihilation.

***

Mu Hwi, sitting at the peak of Hanyashan with his eyes closed, watched an elderly man with half-gray hair ascend. The man, transitioning from middle to old age, had black and white mixed in his hair and beard.

The old man didn’t hide the thick killing intent he exuded as he climbed the mountain.

Mu Hwi didn’t need to confirm; he knew the old man before him is the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.

“Appearing just six days after spreading the letter. The effect is certain.”

“Hmph. I arrived earlier. It took time to scout the area and ensure there were no ambushes.”

The Jeonjin mysterious swordsman had thoroughly inspected Hanyashan, not trusting the letter’s contents.

Seeing this, Mu Hwi judged that if he had spent the past six days searching Shaanxi while predicting the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s movements, the chance of this encounter would have been extremely low.

The Jeonjin mysterious swordsman, glaring at Mu Hwi, stopped and spoke with a voice thick with killing intent.

“Why did you spread such a letter?”

“To call you out, of course. Should I have run around Shaanxi trying to catch you? How bothersome.”

As Mu Hwi raised the corner of his mouth, the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s killing intent grew stronger.

“For such a trivial reason, you dared to tarnish the honor of this old man and the Jeonjin Sect?”

“Honor? You old fool. The moment you committed senseless slaughter under the name of Jeonjin, honor disappeared. Did you feel ashamed for once?”

Mu Hwi slowly rose from his seat.

Whoosh!

The killing intent emanating from Mu Hwi’s body surged like a wave, pushing back the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s killing intent.

The Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s brow furrowed.

‘How does this youngster have such killing intent!’

Though he had killed countless descendants of sects that survived thanks to the Jeonjin Sect since mastering martial arts, his own killing intent paled in comparison to this late-stage foundation level disciples’.

“I don’t know how many decades have passed since the Jeonjin Sect disappeared from the martial arts world alongside the Molong Forest. But what right do you have to kill people under the name of the Jeonjin Sect?”

“I am the last Sect Leader of the Jeonjin Sect. The entire martial arts world will pay the price for using the Jeonjin Sect as a shield!”

“You really are a mad old man. Tsk.”

Mu Hwi had already drawn the Plum Blossom Sword.

“How could you possibly understand my heart? According to the writings of the Jeonjin Sect Leader found with the secret manuals…”

Mu Hwi didn’t let the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman finish and slashed through the air with the Plum Blossom Sword.

Five sharp sword winds flew toward the neck and limbs, but the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman swept his sleeve, dispersing the sword winds.

Furious, the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman shouted.

“How dare you! You have no manners, no sense of propriety!”

“Mysterious swordsman. Who in the martial arts world doesn’t have a story?”

At Mu Hwi’s low voice, the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman, who had been venting his anger, fell silent.

Mu Hwi never believed the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s words. Even if there were hidden secrets of the Jeonjin Sect, they couldn’t influence the current situation.

The moment the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman ascended Hanyashan, only two outcomes remained for this man: life or death.

The Plum Blossom Sword slowly rose from the lower to the upper stance. A purple twilight shimmered and flowed down the blade.

“Stop blabbering and prove it with your sword.”

< Who in the martial arts world doesn’t have a story? > End

< You’ve learned more than I thought, old man. >