Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Visitors to the Wudang Sect, regardless of their martial prowess or status, would respectfully unbind their weapons at the Sword Unbinding Ground.

In the ruthless martial arts world, known as the Forest of Swords, it was unthinkable to part with one’s weapon.

Thus, the Sword Unbinding Ground was not just a gesture of respect to the Wudang Sect but also a demonstration of trust that the Wudang Sect would ensure their safety.

“I will challenge the Sword Unbinding Ground.”

But the young disciple from the Hwasan Sect before them is entirely different.

His confident gaze was so intense that it made one want to look away.

‘What’s this? He looks about my age.’

The Wudang Sect disciple guarding the gate asked with a slightly dazed expression, “Young Hero, do you know the consequences of challenging the Sword Unbinding Ground and losing?”

“I do.”

Mu Hwi looked up at the pine tree at the Sword Unbinding Ground. Tied to its branches were various weapons, some of which appeared old and worn.

These were the weapons of martial artists who had failed the challenge. If one lost, they had to leave their weapon at the Sword Unbinding Ground forever.

“Every martial artist’s weapon is important, but especially yours, Young Hero.”

The Wudang Sect disciple added, glancing at the Plum Blossom Sword tied to Mu Hwi’s red sash.

Mu Hwi nodded slightly at the disciple’s concern.

“Thank you for your concern and consideration.”

That was all Mu Hwi said. It was clear he intended to challenge the Sword Unbinding Ground.

“What should we do… Should we inform Elder Shi Bai?

“This is the first time I’ve encountered such a situation…”

It was rare for martial artists from other sects to challenge the Sword Unbinding Ground, so the disciples at the gate were flustered.

Yun Bai, who had been watching the scene, calmly spoke up.

“Go and inform Yin Hu to prepare.”

“Yes!”

Yin Hu was the leader of the Wudang Seven Swords. At Yun Bai’s command, the disciple hurried inside.

“Come this way.”

Yun Bai led Mu Hwi down a small path behind the pine tree where weapons were hung. Not far ahead, a small pavilion and a pond came into view.

The area around the pavilion and pond was paved with stone, ready for sparring at any time.

“Sword Unbinding Pavilion.”

Mu Hwi read the three characters on the pavilion’s plaque and realized that this pavilion and pond were also part of the Sword Unbinding Ground.

“It’s been a long time since someone challenged the Sword Unbinding Ground. I’m quite excited. It’s been over thirty years, hasn’t it?”

“Who challenged it back then?”

At Mu Hwi’s question, Yun Bai’s voice softened.

“Paewangseong Lord.”

Mu Hwi’s eyes widened at the mention of Paewangseong Lord ascending Mount Wudang. He had never heard such a story.

It was a tale any martial artist should know, yet it remained unknown.

“It’s a secret history.”

“Yes. A secret not known to the martial arts world. The Paewangseong Lord quietly ascended Mount Wudang alone, and Grandmaster You Yi ordered it to be kept silent.”

Since the Paewangseong Lord had met the Sword Immortal, it seemed he had defeated the Wudang Seven Swords of that time and succeeded in meeting the Sword Immortal.

Mu Hwi was curious to hear more, but Yun Bai didn’t seem inclined to elaborate, so he didn’t press further

“Calm your breathing until the Wudang Seven Swords arrive. If you need more time to rest, let me know.”

“I’m fine.”

From the moment Mu Hwi arrived at the Wudang Sect’s gate and saw the Sword Unbinding Ground, he had been slowly and deeply exhaling, regulating his breathing.

Even if he had to face the Wudang Seven Swords immediately, it wouldn’t be a problem.

After about an hour, seven swordsmen of the Wudang Sect appeared at the Sword Unbinding Ground.

Their auras were as gentle as the clouds in the sky.

The neatly dressed Wudang Seven Swords exuded no oppressive pressure, unlike typical masters.

But Mu Hwi sensed the grandeur within their calmness, capable of unleashing storms and lightning at any moment.

“Elder Yun Bai.”

“Yes, welcome.”

The Wudang Seven Swords bowed to Yun Bai, then turned their sparkling eyes to Mu Hwi. Their gazes were so intense that Mu Hwi felt puzzled.

‘What’s this?’

Mu Hwi’s actions could be seen as a challenge to the Wudang Sect’s authority, so he hadn’t expected friendly looks.

But the Wudang Seven Swords’ gazes defied his expectations. They were filled with goodwill and anticipation.

Yun Bai explained the reason.

“This is the first time they’ve received a challenge to the Sword Unbinding Ground since becoming the Wudang Seven Swords. That’s why they’re so excited.”

“Ah.”

As Mu Hwi bowed, Yin Hu, representing the Wudang Seven Swords, clasped his hands in greeting.

“We’ve heard of your reputation. How would you like to challenge? You can face each of the Wudang Seven Swords in succession, or you can face the Seven Stars Sword Formation.”

Yin Hu seemed eager to cross swords immediately, getting straight to the point.

At first glance, facing each of the seven swordsmen in succession might seem more challenging, but the true essence of the Wudang Seven Swords lay in the Seven Stars Sword Formation.

The formation’s true power was revealed when the seven swordsmen fought together, rather than individually.

“I will challenge the Seven Stars Sword Formation.”

At Mu Hwi’s answer, Yin Hu and the other swordsmen nodded in satisfaction.

“Do you need any preparation?”

“No, let’s begin immediately.”

“Straightforward. I like that.”

As Mu Hwi reached for the hilt of his Plum Blossom Sword, the Wudang Seven Swords began to move.

The moment the seven swordsmen, positioned according to the Big Dipper, drew their swords, the atmosphere transformed.

The auras of the Wudang Seven Swords shifted instantly.

It was as if the white clouds in the sky had suddenly turned into thunderclouds, ready to unleash a storm.

As the Seven Stars Sword Formation unfolded, Mu Hwi moved first.

His body stretched out, and the Purple Sword Energy imbued in the Plum Blossom Sword extended, dyeing the air purple.

Swish!

There was no need for a probing exchange. At the tip of the Plum Blossom Sword, three plum blossoms bloomed.

In response, the Seven Stars Sword Formation twisted, and three Songwen Ancient Swords shot forward.

The Songwen Ancient Swords drew large and small circles in succession.

Following the trajectories of the Taiji Sword, the plum blossoms deviated from Mu Hwi’s intended direction.

Like a river flowing around a rock, the plum blossoms flowed past the sides of the Seven Stars Sword Formation.

The defensive stance of the formation quickly turned offensive.

As the plum blossoms were deflected, four streams of blue sword energy surged from different directions toward Mu Hwi.

The Wudang Seven Swords, using the Floating Cloud Leap Steps , leaped up and down, creating a chaotic scene to confuse Mu Hwi.

Boom!

As Mu Hwi’s body spun, deflecting the surging Taiji Sword Energy, the Songwen Ancient Swords thrust toward his shoulders, waist, and feet.

The Seven Stars Sword Formation bent as if crumpled, encircling Mu Hwi.

As Mu Hwi deflected the sword strikes, the Whirlpool Valley Palm force and the Qianyuan Finger’s wind subtly pierced through his sword energy.

Mu Hwi scattered Purple Sword Energy in all directions while executing the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand.

‘Oh?’

‘Does Hwasan have such a technique?’

The Wudang Seven Swords’ eyes slightly widened as they watched Mu Hwi effortlessly disperse the palm force and finger wind.

Meanwhile, the Plum Blossom Sword danced chaotically through the air.

Mu Hwi deflected a sword strike aimed at his shoulder and tried to slash the waist of the swordsman at the Tian Xuan position, but blue light erupted from all directions.

The swordsmen at Tian Shu and Tian Ji suppressed the blooming plum blossoms, while those at Yu Heng and Yao Guang unleashed sword winds and sword energy, pushing Mu Hwi outward.

“Hmm.”

As Mu Hwi retreated, he slashed his Plum Blossom Sword vertically and horizontally.

A storm of petals surged in dozens of directions, engulfing the Wudang Seven Swords, while the seven Songwen Ancient Swords thrust forward in the Big Dipper’s formation.

Whoosh!

The Seven Stars Sword Formation rippled, effortlessly scattering the Purple Sword Energy in all directions.

The sight of the purple petals forming a large circle and scattering was truly spectacular.

Meanwhile, Mu Hwi tried to press into the Seven Stars Sword Formation again, but the formation bulged, creating distance.

Yet, the Wudang Seven Swords’ offensive didn’t stop.

‘As expected, this is what they mean by endless continuity.’

The Seven Stars Sword Formation constantly shifted its shape, unleashing a relentless assault from seven directions.

The density of the attacks was such that even a seasoned master would struggle to defend, let alone counterattack.

Normally, when facing a combined attack, the limited space and angles would create constraints, but the Seven Stars Sword Formation had no such limitations.

‘Two restrict space, three focus on offense, and the remaining two assist or coordinate the formation.’

Mu Hwi gradually understood the Seven Stars Sword Formation and grasped its intricacies.

Pushing off the ground, Mu Hwi surged forward.

Swish!

Three streams of Taiji Sword Energy surged toward Mu Hwi like flowing water.

The Wudang Sect’s characteristic, endless continuity, stemmed not only from the seamless connection of techniques but also from their internal energy method, which allowed their sword energy to flow continuously without breaking.

The Taiji Sword Energy, following the trajectories of the Songwen Ancient Swords, created streams of blue energy.

As the Taiji Sword Energy flowed through the Seven Stars Sword Formation, the scattered Purple Sword Energy was pushed aside.

Countless circles and arcs filled the air. The Taiji Sword Energy and the Seven Stars Sword Formation gradually closed in, pressuring Mu Hwi.

‘They’re moving tirelessly, yet there’s a sense of ease. Is it just my imagination?’

‘Seems to be pushed back, but he’s firmly maintaining his sword domain.’

‘No wonder he single-handedly defeated the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.’

The Wudang Seven Swords marveled at Mu Hwi’s resilience as he withstood the formation’s assault.

Mu Hwi felt the same.

‘There’s a reason they’re called the Unbreakable Formation. I’ve learned a lot. Compared to the Seven Stars Sword Formation, the formation I’m creating is lacking.’

The Taiji Sword Energy drew arcs from four directions, bending like a net.

The Plum Blossom Sword vibrated, splitting into dozens of strands as it clashed with the four Songwen Ancient Swords.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

In the brief moment the four Songwen Ancient Swords tangled with the Plum Blossom Sword, two swordsmen leaped up, stepping on their comrades’ shoulders, and aimed for Mu Hwi from above.

But Mu Hwi, who had been reading the flow of the Seven Stars Sword Formation, was also waiting for this moment.

Tap!

With a light footstep, Mu Hwi leaped high.

‘I’ll finish these two here.’

As he soared, his right arm, extended downward, suddenly twisted, drawing a sharp line in the air.

Swish!

The two swordsmen quickly drew circles in response, but the purple light piercing through the air split their incomplete circles.

“Ugh!”

“Cough!”

A thick streak of swift sword energy, followed by blooming plum blossoms. In an instant, dozens of purple plum blossoms filled the air, engulfing the two swordsmen.

The blossoms gave no room to deflect or block.

“Yin Xian! Yin Jiao!”

Yin Hu shouted from below as the two named swordsmen fell, their robes torn to shreds.

Though the two swordsmen momentarily left the Seven Stars Sword Formation, the formation didn’t stop.

As Mu Hwi descended, Taiji Sword Energy surged from five directions.

The five swordsmen, without exchanging a word, executed the same technique.

Taiji Manhu (太淸滿瑚)

The Taiji Manhu, surging from five directions, merged into one, creating a massive flow.

“It’s like a blue dragon ascending to heaven.”

A dazzling blue wave filled Mu Hwi’s vision.

It was like facing a cascading waterfall. Yet, Mu Hwi didn’t retreat, instead thrusting his Plum Blossom Sword forward.

As sharp intent filled Mu Hwi’s eyes, the Plum Blossom Sword, glowing purple, underwent countless transformations.

Swoosh!

The Taiji Sword Energy, known for its endless continuity, split into two.

The Purple Sword Energy tore through the Taiji Sword Energy.

As the purple light spread through the center of the blue light, the Wudang Seven Swords’ eyes widened in shock.

This wasn’t a matter of superior internal energy. Mu Hwi had accurately read the flow of the Taiji Sword Energy and exploited its gaps.

“How is this possible!”

Yin Hu exclaimed in astonishment without realizing it.

A single plum blossom rose above the Taiji Sword Energy.

As the blossom descended against the surging Taiji Sword Energy, the energy was torn apart, scattering in dozens of directions.

Plum Blossom Falling Twilight (梅花落暹)

Truly, the Wudang Sect’s martial arts were known for their endless continuity.

Though the torn and scattered Taiji Sword Energy tried to cling together, the relentless petals of Purple Sword Energy, like the arrival of spring, hindered it.

Each time Mu Hwi found a weak point in the Taiji Sword Energy’s flow, the Plum Blossom Sword trembled delicately, unleashing sword energy.

Thus, the majestic flow of the Taiji Manhu, created by the Wudang Seven Swords, was severed.

As Mu Hwi landed after breaking through the Taiji Manhu, the relentless assault of the Seven Stars Sword Formation came to a halt.

“Cough.”

Perhaps due to the backlash of having their ultimate technique, the Taiji Manhu, broken head-on, the Wudang Seven Swords were all injured.

Yin Hu looked at the two disciples who had been struck in mid-air and asked, “How are they?”

“They’re fine. They’ve sustained internal injuries, but there are almost no external wounds. Only their robes are torn.”

“I see.”

Yin Hu had clearly seen the plum blossoms blooming in the air. The murderous intent within the blossoms was far from over.

Yin Hu had suspected that Mu Hwi had held back, and now he confirmed it with a nod.

“We’ve lost. What do the rest of you think?”

They could have continued fighting.

But Yin Hu saw no point.

Continuing would only make the Wudang Seven Swords look desperate.

“Young Hero Mu Hwi accurately pierced through our coordinated assault from above and mid-air using the Floating Cloud Leap Steps . It was our mistake.”

“Honestly, I didn’t expect him to break through the Taiji Manhu of five swordsmen at once. With all of us injured, continuing the Seven Stars Sword Formation would be futile.”

As Yin Hu listened to his disciples’ opinions, he nodded. After confirming their thoughts, the Wudang Seven Swords gathered and sheathed their swords.

“Young Hero Mu Hwi, the Wudang Seven Swords admit defeat.”

As the Wudang Seven Swords clasped their hands in unison, Mu Hwi also clasped his hands in return.

“Thank you for the lesson.”

Yun Bai, who had been watching the exchange, stroked his beard with an intrigued expression.

‘I might be witnessing the birth of a new legend in the martial arts world.’

If word spread that the Wudang Seven Swords, representing the Wudang Sect, had been defeated by a junior, the martial arts world would be shaken.

The impact would be immense.

‘Truly, this is a child worthy of Grandmaster You Yi’s summons.’

***

“This is fascinating.”

The Sword Immortal, You Yi, gazed at the scenery of Mount Wudang beyond the cliff, stroking the Songwen Ancient Sword resting on his lap.

Having sensed the arrival of the Hwasan Sect’s disciple, You Yi had felt every moment of the battle between the Wudang Seven Swords and the young disciple.

As if watching with his own eyes, You Yi clearly read the flow of the battle and smiled to himself.

And now, the Hwasan Sect’s disciple, who had defeated the Wudang Seven Swords, was approaching him.

< We admit defeat. > End

< What does it matter if it’s Wudang or Hwasan? >