Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 78

Chapter 78

“I see. The Three Elders of Wuyuan… I had no idea those old monsters were still alive. And to think they’re part of some unknown organization. Haha.”

Baek Yu let out a bitter smile as he looked at the secret manual of the Jeonjin Sect that Mu Hwi had brought back.

This manual had put Mu Hwi in danger, so he wasn’t too pleased with it.

“It’s surprising that these manual have been preserved so well, even after the Jeonjin Sect was destroyed so long ago.”

“It would be better to entrust these to the Martial Alliance’s archives when we attend the alliance’s founding ceremony.”

“Do you think that’s the right move too?”

“Yes. If we leave them at Hwasan, it feels like unnecessary trouble might arise.”

Mu Hwi had read the Tai Da Tian Jing five times on his way back, so it was now perfectly memorized.

Thus, he didn’t care what happened to the manual.

Seeming to share Mu Hwi’s thoughts, Baek Yu nodded without paying much attention to the Jeonjin Sect’s manual.

“Let’s do that.”

Baek Yu pushed the Jeonjin Sect’s manual aside and asked, “The Martial Alliance has sent a letter. The founding ceremony will be held soon, and several events will take place alongside it.”

Mu Hwi also nodded.

The events at the founding ceremony weren’t just to celebrate the establishment of the Martial Alliance but also to showcase its power, making them quite significant.

“There’s an invitation for the competitions that will be held during the ceremony. The Heavenly Dragon Competition and the Heavenly Martial Competition. Do you want to participate in either?”

The Heavenly Dragon Competition and the Heavenly Martial Competition were similar in that they both involved martial artists competing to determine a winner, but the conditions for participants differed.

The Heavenly Martial Competition had no restrictions on participants, while the Heavenly Dragon Competition was limited to junior martial artists.

The Heavenly Martial Competition was for mid-level masters, and the Heavenly Dragon Competition was for junior martial artists.

“Hmm…”

If possible, Mu Hwi wanted to participate in both competitions.

There was nothing more exciting in the martial arts world than experiencing various martial arts and martial artists.

But since that wasn’t possible, he had to choose one.

‘If I want to have some real fun, I should go for the Heavenly Martial Competition, right?’

As Mu Hwi pondered, something came to mind, and he asked Baek Yu, “What are the prizes for the two competitions?”

“This time, Shaolin is sponsoring the prizes. For the Heavenly Martial Competition, it’s the Great Rejuvenation Pill, and for the Heavenly Dragon Competition, it’s the Small Rejuvenation Pill.”

“The Great Rejuvenation Pill?”

This time, even Mu Hwi couldn’t help but be surprised.

The Small Rejuvenation Pill was one of the most prized elixirs in the martial arts world, but there were other elixirs of similar quality that could replace it.

However, the Great Rejuvenation Pill was different.

A legendary elixir said to revive someone on the brink of death.

It was said that while five Small Rejuvenation Pills could be made, only one Great Rejuvenation Pill could be produced.

Even Shaolin treasured the Great Rejuvenation Pill, and the fact that they were willing to offer it for the Martial Alliance competitions showed the Shaolin abbot’s generosity.

“Shaolin can’t have an abundance of Great Rejuvenation Pills either.”

“I heard Shaolin only has one Great Rejuvenation Pill left.”

“That’s not an easy decision. Impressive.”

“It shows how important the Martial Alliance is. With the Four Path Alliance, the Paewangseong, and the Society that the Hundred-Faced Old Demon is part of, these are chaotic times. The Martial Alliance will become even more important.”

As Mu Hwi nodded at Baek Yu’s words, he suddenly remembered something and asked, “Is the Four Path Alliance still quiet?”

“We’ve been keeping an eye on the Seven Evil Heavens, but there’s been no significant movement.”

“Given their behavior, they might try to disrupt the founding ceremony.”

“The Martial Alliance is most wary of that. They’re the type to provoke at any opportunity.”

Unlike the orthodox sects, the evil sects didn’t care about justification. If they could throw cold water on the orthodox sects’ plans, they would act immediately.

In conflicts between the orthodox and evil sects, it was usually the evil sects that lit the fuse.

Baek Yu muttered with concern, but Mu Hwi saw it from a different perspective.

If the Martial Alliance could successfully block or counter the Seven Evil Heavens’ interference, it would be a perfect opportunity to firmly establish the Martial Alliance’s name in the martial arts world.

‘If handled well, this could be quite entertaining.’

***

The vertical slash of Mu-cheol’s sword strike.

The weight and speed were perfectly transferred to the Plum Blossom Sword without a hint of waste.

The powerful strike, which seemed to split the air itself, aimed precisely at Mujin’s crown.

Clang!

Instead of meeting it head-on, Mujin deflected the Plum Blossom Sword’s side, trying to redirect its path, but his own sword bent instead.

“Ugh.”

The tremendous recoil flowing through the sword.

The force was enough to make him drop his sword, but Mujin skillfully flicked the blade, making it flexible.

In an instant, the Plum Blossom Sword whipped like a lash, and Mujin continued to deflect Mu-cheol’s downward strike while stepping to the side with the Phantom Mirage Step.

Whoosh!

The Iron Plum Blossom Sword, which had seemed ready to shatter the training ground, drew a gentle arc and soared upward.

This would have been difficult for a typical martial artists who uses a heavy sword.

Using the strength of his forearm and grip to forcibly change the sword’s trajectory was possible, but the Iron Plum Blossom Sword moved with unparalleled smoothness.

It wasn’t just about strength; the essence of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique was fully integrated into the sword’s movements.

Unlike the straightforward and simple trajectories of typical Iron Sword techniques, the Iron Plum Sword Technique displayed a more intricate and varied style.

Thud!

Mu-cheol stepped forward, shifting the weight of the Plum Blossom Sword and his body forward, then lunged toward Mujin like an arrow.

Swish!

Dozens of sword shadows and Plum Blossom Sword Energy spread out in front of Mu-cheol.

Each time Mujin’s sword cleaved through the air, Mu-cheol’s vision was filled with red and white light.

Soon, Mujin was obscured by the petals of sword shadows and energy.

Despite the dazzling display, Mu-cheol stepped forward without hesitation, pouring strength into the Plum Blossom Sword.

Boom!

The reddened Plum Blossom Sword cleaved through the air, shattering the variations Mujin had created in one strike.

A single slash.

Mujin, who had hidden himself among the sword shadows and petals, was suddenly exposed.

The force of the strike forced a short gasp from Mujin.

‘If I let even one strike through, it’ll be trouble.’

Mujin didn’t panic. Instead, he thrust his sword forward, aiming for the opening left by Mu-cheol’s large movement.

Tap!

Mujin’s light footwork.

The Phantom Mirage Step, resembling the plum blossom’s fragrance, swiftly brought him in front of Mu-cheol.

While the typical Plum Blossom Sword is wielded with one hand, the Iron Plum Blossom Sword is a heavy sword that requires both hands.

Thus, closing the distance to prevent Mu-cheol from properly swinging his sword would naturally put him at a disadvantage.

Mujin, who had been keeping his distance, suddenly closed in, but Mu-cheol remained calm.

The way to handle a heavy weapon when the opponent closes the distance.

Having watched countless duels between the Senior Disciple and Dokgo Yul, Mu-cheol confidently twisted the Plum Blossom Sword.

‘I think I understand now!’

Swish!

As if reflecting Mu-cheol’s determination, the Plum Blossom Sword cleaved through the air and descended upon Mujin.

Mujin twisted his body to evade, but the strangely bent Plum Blossom Sword pursued him relentlessly.

The sharp sword wind pressed against his throat, but Mujin calmly pulled the Plum Blossom Sword to his chest.

In an instant, seven sword shadows bloomed, surrounding Mu-cheol’s Plum Blossom Sword.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Watching Mujin and Mu-cheol fight without yielding an inch, Mu Hwi nodded in satisfaction.

‘Once he found his direction, his growth accelerated.’

Mu-cheol had been stuck at a wall, unable to find his path for a considerable time.

Originally, Mu-cheol had been unable to keep up with Mujin and Mu-hwa, who had grown rapidly while he remained stagnant.

But now, he had grown explosively and was evenly matched with Mujin.

It was all thanks to his relentless training and contemplation, even when he couldn’t find his way.

The results of his accumulated efforts during his stagnation were now manifesting in explosive achievements.

Mu-cheol’s solidity and persistence were shining through.

‘It seems the Iron Plum Sword Technique has surpassed the four forms. With a bit more, he might even bloom a plum blossom.’

The plum blossom of the Iron Plum Sword Technique, distinct from the traditional Hwasan sword techniques.

Mu Hwi was eager to see the plum blossom that only Mu-cheol could bloom in the current Hwasan Sect.

As Mu Hwi watched the duel between Mujin and Mu-cheol, disciples began to gather around him.

“Senior Disciple, I have a question. My progress with the Plum Blossom Sword Technique has stalled.”

“Senior Disciple! I don’t understand this move from the Fierce Plum Style.”

With the Martial Alliance’s founding ceremony approaching, the disciples’ training had intensified.

The Heavenly Dragon Competition, held to commemorate the alliance’s establishment, was set to be grand.

It was likely to be the most spectacular competition in the past twenty years.

Since most of the orthodox sects’ top junior martial artists would participate, it was shaping up to be a stage to showcase the overall martial prowess of the orthodox sects’ younger generation.

Inspired by this grand stage, the disciples were putting in every effort to improve their skills.

The opportunity to compete against the martial arts world’s many junior martial artists and see where they stood was rare.

Adding to the junior martial artists’ competitive spirit, the Martial Alliance had prepared something special.

“It seems they’re training even harder now than when I was leading them.”

“Of course, Senior Disciple! They’re saying that if you rank within the top thirty-two in the Heavenly Dragon Competition, you’ll get an elixir!”

Mu-hwa clenched her fists in excitement, and the other disciples shared similar expressions.

Typically, competitions awarded prizes to only a few junior martial artists, but this time, the Martial Alliance was being exceptionally generous, likely to showcase its strength.

As a grand alliance encompassing the Nine Sects and Three Great Families, along with numerous other orthodox sects, this was possible.

Hwasan Sect had also contributed elixirs to the competition’s prizes.

“Mu-hwa, you should step back. Didn’t you already get an elixir during your last mission?”

“Haha, what are you talking about? I’m not satisfied with just that.”

Seeing the fire in Mu-hwa’s eyes, Musang turned to Muho and asked, “But what if we end up facing each other in the Heavenly Dragon Competition? What should we do then?”

“What do you mean? The one who stands till the end moves forward.”

Muho laughed as he replied, and Muryun added with a serious expression, “Even if we face each other, we must never hold back or yield. That would be disgraceful.”

Seeing the reactions of his fellow disciples, Musang’s eyes widened.

“So, I’ll have to fight for the elixir myself.”

Musang could only hope desperately.

Especially that he wouldn’t face his Senior Disciples, particularly the Hwasan Four. If he did, defeat was almost certain, and the elixir would be out of reach.

“Hmm… Elixirs…”

Listening to the disciples’ conversation, Mu Hwi fell into thought and then spoke.

“For those who rank within the top fifty in the Heavenly Dragon Competition, I’ll ask the Cheonryu Merchant Group to prepare additional elixirs.”

“Really?”

“Senior Disciple, we already received elixirs last time. Won’t they be upset if we ask for more?”

At Musan’s concern, Mu Hwi smirked.

“The elixirs we received were valuable, but compared to the Cheonryu Merchant Group’s wealth, it’s like blowing your nose without using your hands. Besides, we’re making an investment. They won’t have any complaints.”

“Senior Disciple, you really don’t care about their feelings, even though it’s the Cheonryu Merchant Group.”

At Mu Hwi’s laughter, the other disciples’ lips also curved upward.

The hope that even if they didn’t rank high in the Heavenly Dragon Competition, they might still receive an elixir if they performed well.

“But if any of you fail to rank within the top fifty, don’t even think about climbing Hwasan. I’ll personally show you hell.”

“Huh?”

“……”

At Mu Hwi’s words, the noisy training ground fell silent in an instant.

Mu Hwi’s lips curled up to his ears, but the disciples’ smiles had long since faded.

“That’s more like it.”

“Senior Disciple wouldn’t just spoil us…”

“Ah! We just need to rank within the top fifty. Let’s go! Can’t we do that?”

Perhaps the promise of elixirs was more motivating than the threat of punishment.

The disciples quickly regained their energy and scattered across the training ground, each wielding their Plum Blossom Swords.

Mu Hwi watched them carefully.

As the disciples swung their swords, causing plum blossoms to scatter, the Martial Alliance’s founding ceremony drew closer.

< I’ll personally show you hell. > End

< I’ll challenge the Sword Testing Ground. >