Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Mu Hwi and Kang Ho-baek walked in the same direction, as if they had agreed on it beforehand.

Using the large, bright moon in the night sky as a guide, they soon found themselves approaching a bamboo forest.

Swish!

Every time the bamboo leaves swayed, it sounded like a sudden downpour, breaking the tranquility of the bamboo forest.

The small commotion within the silence brought a sense of peace to their hearts.

Despite being quite intoxicated, the sound of the bamboo leaves calmed their minds.

Following the path through the bamboo forest, they came upon a wide clearing.

The moonlight poured directly onto the clearing, bathing the area in a soft, silvery glow, making it brighter than the surrounding forest.

“This is a good place to talk.”

Kang Ho-baek muttered as he grasped the old sword at his waist.

The scabbard and hilt were worn and scratched, giving off a strong sense of age, but the blade itself gleamed brilliantly, swallowing the moonlight.

It was as if Kang Ho-baek’s essence had been forged into the sword.

“It’s a good sword.”

“It’s something my father entrusted to me when I fled the day my family was annihilated. Originally, only the family head could wield it.”

As Kang Ho-baek stroked the scabbard, Mu Hwi could sense a strange emotion emanating from him.

The weight of someone left alone.

“Is that so?”

Mu Hwi also gripped the hilt of his Plum Blossom Sword.

The pure white blade of the Plum Blossom Sword radiated a presence no less impressive than Kang Ho-baek’s sword.

“Let’s not use internal energy and stick to techniques. It’s more like a conversation than a duel. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

The two men faced each other and simultaneously stepped toward the center of the clearing, bathed in moonlight.

Clang!

Their swords lightly clashed.

This marked the beginning of Mu Hwi and Kang Ho-baek’s harmonious exchange. At times, it was as intense as a life-and-death struggle, while at others, it flowed as calmly as sipping tea.

In every movement, the two men harmoniously crossed their swords, facing each other.

They exchanged blows, observing each other’s sword trajectories, expressions, and gazes.

The Plum Blossom Sword’s path slashed diagonally before sharply curving downward.

Kang Ho-baek’s sword gently intercepted the Plum Blossom Sword, which moved in ways difficult to follow with the eye.

The two swords hovered precariously, as if embedded in the ground.

As Kang Ho-baek’s wrist traced a small circle, both swords leaped upward.

Mu Hwi thrust his sword from the upper left, while Kang Ho-baek extended his from the lower right.

When Mu Hwi quickened the rhythm of his sword, Kang Ho-baek slowed his own to match. Despite their differing rhythms, their swords moved in perfect harmony.

It was less of a duel and more of a sword dance.

“Junior, your sword is astonishing. Hidden within its brilliance is a desperation rarely seen in someone your age.”

“Your sword is the same, Senior. It’s like looking at a towering mountain, but I can’t fathom the depth of its valleys. It’s a sword that embodies both height and depth.”

Since they weren’t seriously competing, the two men could speak freely.

In fact, in such a situation, they were eager to exchange words.

For martial artists, communication isn’t limited to words. Sometimes, through swords and fists, they can share a deeper connection that words cannot express.

“Your level is truly remarkable. I don’t think this is your limit. Talent alone can make a master, but to become a supreme master, talent isn’t enough.”

“Then what else is needed?”

“Life experiences, ups and downs, opportunities, and connections. The stories that come from living in the martial arts world. These form a narrative that becomes embedded in your martial arts. It changes the texture of your techniques.”

“Narrative…”

Mu Hwi muttered as his sword suddenly curved swiftly.

In response, Kang Ho-baek’s sword, positioned above, descended like a waterfall, striking the Plum Blossom Sword.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of the two master swords clashing was like music.

Chiang!

The clear sound of the swords resonated at a steady rhythm, filling the bamboo forest with an enchanting atmosphere.

“So, Senior, have you filled your narrative with chivalry?”

“That’s right. Preventing the deaths of those who shouldn’t die. Fulfilling the responsibilities of one’s martial arts. These two principles form the basis of my chivalry.”

Listening to Kang Ho-baek, Mu Hwi suddenly had a thought.

“Sacrificing for others, performing good deeds, protecting the weak. Is that what chivalry is?”

To Mu Hwi’s question, Kang Ho-baek responded firmly.

“That is chivalry. But it’s not your chivalry.”

“Then what is chivalry?”

“Chivalry is the path and aspiration of a martial artist. Small actions, grand causes. As long as they align with righteousness and don’t stray from the path, they are all chivalry.”

Kang Ho-baek’s sword, which had always moved softly and slowly to match Mu Hwi’s, suddenly sped up.

A terrifyingly swift sword, as if folding space itself.

In an instant, Kang Ho-baek’s sword was before Mu Hwi.

Without any special technique, Kang Ho-baek demonstrated this feat purely through speed.

This swift sword surpassed even the quick sword of the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman that Mu Hwi had seen before.

Kang Ho-baek’s eyes, once as clear as a lake, now shone with the intensity of the sun.

With a more forceful voice, Kang Ho-baek asked,

“What chivalry do you hold in your heart?”

Chivalry.

Though Mu Hwi had lived the life of a martial artist for a long time, he had never pondered this before.

He had considered such thoughts as the musings of the well-fed, and he had been content to act as his heart dictated.

For the Sword Devil, that was enough.

But hearing Kang Ho-baek’s words, he realized that he might have already been nurturing chivalry in his heart.

Clang!

As the clear sound of the sword rang out, Mu Hwi deflected Kang Ho-baek’s swift sword and gently pushed it aside, then answered.

“I’ve never held, nor do I intend to hold, any grand cause like protecting the martial arts world or maintaining peace. I’m not cut out to be a great hero as the martial arts world defines it.”

“Hoho, is that so?”

“Raising the Hwasan Sect and protecting all its disciples and families within its embrace—that’s enough for me.”

This was the wish Hyeon Jo had entrusted to the Sword Devil.

Now, it was also Mu Hwi’s wish.

Mu Hwi’s chivalry was solely for Hwasan.

“Protecting something. That’s a very difficult path. Killing evil is several times easier than protecting.”

As Kang Ho-baek spoke, a trace of old regret lingered in his eyes.

Perhaps he was recalling his childhood self, who had fled, unable to protect his family and clan.

Crack!

The swords of the two masters split the moonlight into dozens of fragments.

Yet, the two swords continued to shine brilliantly, dancing through the air without pause.

For a moment, Kang Ho-baek’s eyes, filled with sorrow, returned to the calm, lake-like gaze.

“Junior, a great hero isn’t simply someone who holds a grand cause, as you said.”

Mu Hwi pushed Kang Ho-baek’s sword away with all his strength and asked.

“Then what is it?”

“Someone who inspires countless small heroes to walk their own paths and hold their own aspirations. Someone who becomes the focal point for many small heroes, spreading righteousness and setting the martial arts world right. Such a person is called a great hero.”

Listening to Kang Ho-baek, Mu Hwi naturally thought of the Hero Emperor at the mention of a great hero.

With an upright heart, the Hero Emperor had walked the thorny path of chivalry all his life, igniting the hearts of countless juniors and producing more small and great heroes.

The Hero Emperor was truly the focal point of many chivalrous figures in the martial arts world, inspiring new heroes to rise.

“I hope you become not just a supreme master, but a great hero who becomes the goal and inspiration for the new generation of juniors.”

Clang!

The sound of the swords echoed throughout the bamboo forest.

Mu Hwi and Kang Ho-baek stepped back from each other.

Mu Hwi sheathed his Plum Blossom Sword and clasped his hands together.

“Thank you for your teachings.”

“It was a pleasant conversation for me as well.”

As Kang Ho-baek sat down in the center of the clearing, Mu Hwi also sat beside him.

The two men sat in silence for a while, gazing at the moon in the sky.

“Mu Hwi.”

The address shifted directly to his name, but Mu Hwi didn’t mind.

With Kang Ho-baek, Mu Hwi felt more comfortable this way.

“Yes, Senior.”

“I heard that I’ve been recommended as the leader of the Martial Alliance this time.”

“Do you plan to take the position? Some thought you might find it bothersome.”

“The Martial Alliance isn’t just for the benefit of the orthodox sects, so I plan to take the position. But I will be both the leader and a watchdog.”

Having traveled the martial arts world alone, Kang Ho-baek knew well.

Though he was called the Hero Emperor and performed countless chivalrous deeds, the limitations of being an individual were clear.

The martial arts world, known as the Nine Provinces and Eight Wastelands, was too vast.

Kang Ho-baek intended to become the first leader of the Martial Alliance, guiding it in the right direction while guarding against any deviations.

‘My role as the first leader is crucial. I must set a solid foundation from the start.’

Mu Hwi also nodded at Kang Ho-baek’s words.

In his past life, he had only heard of the Hero Emperor’s reputation but had never met him.

But after meeting and talking with him like this, he seemed like a man fully capable of leading the massive Martial Alliance.

The Nine Sects and Three Great Families, along with countless other sects and factions.

Kang Ho-baek would be able to hold the center and guide the Martial Alliance in the right direction.

‘Perhaps I don’t need to worry about the Martial Alliance making missteps.’

As they silently admired the moonlight, Kang Ho-baek brushed himself off and stood up.

“I should get going now.”

“Where are you headed?”

“To Wudang in Hubei. Senior Hong has been nagging me so much.”

Wudang, Hubei.

The location where the Martial Alliance’s affairs were being handled.

Now, Kang Ho-baek was beginning his journey to become the Martial Alliance leader after being the Hero Emperor.

“I was planning to kill the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman before becoming the leader, but thanks to you, I can go comfortably. Thank you, Mu Hwi. See you at the Martial Alliance.”

“See you later.”

After a brief farewell, Kang Ho-baek disappeared into the bamboo forest.

Mu Hwi watched the direction Kang Ho-baek had gone, then turned his gaze back to the moon in the sky.

“A supreme master is born from their narrative…”

Mu Hwi agreed.

The top masters of the martial arts world possessed not just martial arts, internal energy, and talent, but also something indescribable.

What Kang Ho-baek had called a narrative seemed to be just that.

The narrative of Mu Hwi, who had gone from the Sword Devil to a disciple of the Hwasan Sect.

Who else in the martial arts world could have such a narrative? It was a narrative unique to Mu Hwi.

The man with the only narrative in the martial arts world began to walk again.

***

Even after parting with Kang Ho-baek, Mu Hwi leisurely made his way back to Hwasan.

Yet, he would arrive at Hwasan in three days.

“Rest well before going.”

Muttering as he looked at the clouds in the sky, Mu Hwi frowned when he saw a group approaching from the other side of the road.

Three old men were walking toward him, and none of them seemed ordinary.

Mu Hwi didn’t think it was a coincidence to encounter three supreme masters like this.

When the distance narrowed to twenty paces, Mu Hwi stopped, and the three old men also halted.

“Hwasan Sword Devil. Return the Jeonjin Sect’s secret manual, and we’ll let you go today.”

“It’s impressive that a junior like you killed the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman alone, but don’t let it go to your head.”

“Can’t we just kill him and take it?”

At Hwang Nuo’s words, the other two old men, Chi Nuo and Qing Nuo, firmly shook their heads.

“Don’t forget the orders we received.”

“Do you want to get the Sect Leader angry?”

Listening to the old men’s conversation, Mu Hwi swept his hair back and gripped his sword hilt.

“Sect Leader… Old men, where are you from?”

Despite Mu Hwi’s question, the old men continued talking among themselves.

“There’s no way he’ll just hand it over. No need for further talk. Let’s subdue him.”

“Let’s finish this quickly.”

“Tsk, it’d be easier to just kill him.”

Having reached a consensus, the three old men charged at Mu Hwi simultaneously.

From the front, left, and right, the three old men closed in.

As their sleeves fluttered, Mu Hwi narrowed his eyes.

Mu Hwi recognized this martial art, but he couldn’t understand why these old men were using it.

Hundred Form Palm Technique.

It was the martial art used by the Assassin Demons who had infiltrated the Hwahon Sect, and it was also the martial art of the Hundred-Faced Old Demon.

< Then what is chivalry? > End

< Did you think old men would be any different? >