Hwasan Sect’s Genius Swordsman Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Looking at Mu Hwi, who exudes an air of leisure, Im Su-ryeon took a moment to steady her breathing.

“I was surprised to hear the rumors that you had defeated Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.”

Im Su-ryeon and her subordinates had been anticipating Mu Hwi’s growth, but the incident with Jeonjin mysterious swordsman had far exceeded their expectations.

Moreover, alongside that rumor, there were many other stories circulating, such as the appearance of Hwasan Sect’s elders and the Hero Emperor. Because of this, it was hard to believe the rumor that Mu Hwi had single-handedly slain Jeonjin mysterious swordsman.

After all, the source of the rumor was the Hwasan Sect, and there were no witnesses. Therefore, Im Su-ryeon assumed that Mu Hwi had played a significant role in Jeonjin mysterious swordsman’s death.

“My subordinates thought the rumors were exaggerated, but seeing your confidence now, it seems they might be true.”

As Mu Hwi nodded, Im Su-ryeon’s calm eyes showed a slight flicker of surprise.

Her reaction was not unreasonable.

Since joining the Martial Alliance, Mu Hwi had encountered many martial artists who shared similar thoughts to Im Su-ryeon, and he was aware of this.

“By the time of the Heavenly Martial Competition, everyone will know why the Jeonjin mysterious swordsman died by my hand.”

Hearing Mu Hwi’s confident voice, Im Su-ryeon could only nod.

“Yes. I will be watching closely.”

“By the way, what’s going on with the Martial Alliance?”

“The Cheonryu Merchant Group has also provided support to the Martial Alliance. My second brother and I have been handling this matter.”

Indeed, the scale of the Martial Alliance’s construction was not something that even prestigious sects could easily achieve.

Naturally, the top merchant groups in the world had provided support.

“I see. So, it was your second brother who tried to play tricks on me?”

Im Su-ryeon didn’t respond directly, but a cold glint briefly flashed in her half-opened eyes.

“Now that I’ve arrived at the Martial Alliance, I’ll make sure you don’t have to worry about anything. Just focus on the Heavenly Martial Competition.”

“Hmm… You’re handling things quite well.”

“After all, this is a position I must earn through my own abilities. Unless it’s something beyond my capabilities, I don’t plan to ask for help.”

Im Su-ryeon spoke decisively, displaying a level of integrity that most men couldn’t even imitate.

Mu Hwi could only nod in response. Sensing the stiff atmosphere, Im Su-ryeon relaxed her expression slightly and asked,

“Is there anything else you need at the Hwasan Sect recently?”

At her question, Mu Hwi immediately spoke up.

“What about Cheonjam Sa… Would that be possible?”

Having recently requested another rare medicine from Im Su-ryeon before leaving Hwasan, Mu Hwi’s voice trailed off slightly.

“Ah, Cheonjam Sa.”

Cheonjam Sa (Heavenly Silkworm Thread)

It is a thread extracted from silkworms that are considered spiritual beings due to their spiritual energy.

Not only can it block swords, but it is also highly resistant to fire and has excellent waterproofing properties.

Of course, the sword energy of a master could still cut through Cheonjam Sa, but it wouldn’t tear easily.

Moreover, its weight is incredibly light, so wearing a robe made of Cheonjam Sa would be no different from wearing armor.

“Although Cheonjam Sa is rare and expensive, in some ways, it’s easier to obtain than rare medicines. Sixty percent of the Cheonjam Sa in the martial arts world comes from the Cheonryu Merchant Group.”

“Sixty percent? Even for a top merchant group in the world… Does the Cheonryu Merchant Group actually raise the silkworms that produce Cheonjam Sa?”

Seeing Mu Hwi’s surprised expression for the first time, Im Su-ryeon twisted her lips slightly and let out a small laugh.

“It’s a trade secret, so I can’t tell you, but it’s interesting to see you make such a face.”

Im Su-ryeon quickly suppressed her laughter and, with the eyes of a merchant, straightened her posture.

“If it’s Cheonjam Sa, I assume you intend to make clothing. And considering your past requests, it doesn’t seem like you’ll be making just one or two sets.”

One or two sets wouldn’t be a problem. But the issue was that Mu Hwi’s requests were never modest.

Although the Cheonryu Merchant Group had a large supply of Cheonjam Sa, securing enough to make multiple sets of clothing was a significant burden.

Im Su-ryeon calmly opened her mouth, her eyes slightly uneasy as she stared at Mu Hwi. In response, Mu Hwi awkwardly avoided her gaze.

“Ahem.”

Mu Hwi hadn’t planned to provide robes made of Cheonjam Sa to all of his disciples.

However, he had been thinking of supplying robes made of Cheonjam Sa to the members of new organizations he planned to create within the Hwasan Sect, such as the Wudang Seven Sword and the Eighteen Arhats of Shaolin.

‘Have I been taking too much lately?’

Noticing Im Su-ryeon’s gaze, Mu Hwi forced a bitter smile and continued.

“If it’s too much to ask, you can pretend I never mentioned it.”

“No, it’s fine. I was the one who offered to invest in you and the Hwasan Sect. However, it will take a considerable amount of time, so please bear with me.”

Seeing Im Su-ryeon’s slightly strained smile, Mu Hwi couldn’t help but bow his head.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not at the moment. Besides, your continued success alone is a great help to me.”

The task given to the successor candidates by the head of the Cheonryu Merchant Group was still ongoing.

Among the figures the candidates had brought in, Mu Hwi was naturally the most prominent.

While some of the other figures had already stagnated or were on the verge of collapse, Mu Hwi’s reputation continued to soar, raising Im Su-ryeon’s evaluation as well.

“Then I’ll do my best in this Heavenly Martial Competition. While I’m at it, I’ll also take down your second brother’s expert.”

Finally, a hint of vitality returned to Im Su-ryeon’s half-lifeless smile.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Seeing her weak smile, Mu Hwi also let out a faint smile.

‘I’ll have to help her out if she ever asks. It feels like I’ve been taking too much from her.’

***

Martial Alliance Grand Plaza.

In the center of the grand plaza, nine sparring platforms had been set up, surrounded by spectator seats.

The plaza was massive, capable of accommodating martial artists from all over the world who had gathered to participate in the Martial Alliance’s founding ceremony.

The spectator seats, as well as the VIP seats reserved for the leaders of prestigious sects and renowned figures, were all filled—except for one seat.

The seat of the Martial Alliance Leader.

At that moment, a group of martial artists entered the grand plaza.

Each of them exuded a sharp and refined aura, making it clear that they were no ordinary individuals.

“Who are they?”

“They all seem to be renowned experts from the martial arts world.”

The spectators couldn’t take their eyes off the martial artists.

They were dressed in pure white martial robes, with the word Uicheon embroidered on their chests.

They were the Martial Alliance Leader’s guard—the Uicheon Unit.

And walking three steps ahead of the Uicheon Unit’s leader was a man.

Dressed in black martial robes and a luxurious golden cloak, the man wore a bamboo hat that seemed out of place with his attire.

But no one commented on the oddity of his clothing.

The high-quality robes and cloak, along with the faded bamboo hat and worn sword sheath, strangely complemented each other.

It was as if he embodied both the wandering swordsman of the martial arts world and the leader standing above all.

‘Is this the aura of the Hero Emperor?’

Mu Hwi watched as Kang Ho-baek confidently walked through the grand plaza, drawing the attention of all the martial artists, and ascended to the highest seat.

With neither haste nor delay, Kang Ho-baek climbed the steps to the platform with firm steps.

The leaders of the prestigious sects and renowned figures seated in the VIP section stood up and quietly paid their respects to the Alliance Leader.

Before anyone realized it, Kang Ho-baek had reached the highest point and stood alone, gazing at the silver ceremonial robe.

After gently stroking the robe, Kang Ho-baek turned around.

He could feel the gaze of everyone in the grand plaza fixed on him.

Kang Ho-baek met those countless gazes head-on and slowly surveyed his surroundings.

“The reason the Alliance Leader’s seat is placed so high is to symbolize the need to see far and wide. Just as this humble man now looks down upon all of you.”

Kang Ho-baek’s solemn voice, infused with internal energy, filled the grand plaza. The atmosphere grew heavier with just the sound of his voice.

As Kang Ho-baek spoke, the grand plaza fell silent, with not even a whisper to be heard.

“What can a humble man who once roamed the lowest depths of the martial arts world do? As the Alliance Leader, my duty is to broaden my vision, to take in all of you, and to bear the weight that the Martial Alliance must carry.”

Perhaps because he had once wandered the martial arts world, Kang Ho-baek spoke freely, unbound by formalities.

“Therefore, I ask all of you gathered here to cast aside any burdens and step forward. Show the martial arts world your martial prowess for the sake of chivalry and righteousness. This is our martial arts world, and the reason we have gathered here.”

Listening to Kang Ho-baek’s words, Mu Hwi nodded.

“So that’s what it meant.”

He had thought that the name Martial Alliance simply referred to the gathering of many sects and people, or perhaps the protection of the martial arts world from external threats.

Most of the martial artists gathered here likely thought the same. But Kang Ho-baek had a different meaning in mind.

A place where chivalry and righteousness live.

Even if chivalry and righteousness were to disappear from the martial arts world, the Martial Alliance would remain as a small martial arts world where they could still exist.

A place that carries on chivalry and righteousness.

Every word Kang Ho-baek spoke as the first Martial Alliance Leader revealed his thoughts on the Martial Alliance and how he intended to lead it.

“I, the Martial Alliance Leader, vow to stand at the highest point, the lowest depths, and the forefront of the battlefield.”

Kang Ho-baek’s self-reference changed from a humble man to a Martial Alliance Leader.

The Martial Alliance Leader, Kang Ho-baek, removed the bamboo hat from his head and gently placed it on the ground.

The sunlight, soft as silk, illuminated Kang Ho-baek’s face, allowing everyone in the spectator seats to see him clearly.

“I am the Martial Alliance Leader, Kang Ho-baek.”

Kang Ho-baek slowly clasped his hands together and bowed to the audience. His dignified and powerful posture captivated everyone, and no one dared to speak.

“We greet the Martial Alliance Leader!”

Boom!

With the shout of the Uicheon Unit’s leader, the entire unit, waiting below the platform, knelt on one knee and saluted.

“Waaaah!”

“We greet the Alliance Leader!”

“We greet the Martial Alliance Leader!”

As the Uicheon Unit began, the leaders of the prestigious sects and renowned figures, who had been sitting stiffly, also bowed their heads without hesitation. The martial artists in the spectator seats shouted and paid their respects as well.

“Moving people’s hearts isn’t something that can be done with just words.”

Watching this, Zhuge Jin, the head of the Zhuge Family, nodded and shook his fan.

Originally, the plan was for Kang Ho-baek to deliver a grand and passionate speech written by Zhuge Jin.

But Kang Ho-baek had refused and instead spoke only what he wanted to say.

However, Zhuge Jin now realized that Kang Ho-baek’s few words had struck deeper and sharper into the hearts of the martial artists than his long, elaborate speech.

‘Seeing this, I realize that all the mechanisms and formations are simpler and easier to understand than people. I must work harder.’

Zhuge Jin forced a bitter smile internally and signaled to the martial artists waiting nearby.

“Begin the Heavenly Dragon Competition.”

Zhuge Jin’s duty as the Martial Alliance’s military advisor had only just begun.

It was now his responsibility to ensure that all events proceeded smoothly until the end of the Martial Alliance’s founding ceremony.

***

Boom!

A milky-white energy surged, but it only flipped the floor of the sparring platform in vain.

At that moment, a black shadow crossed the platform.

“What kind of movement technique is that Hwasan Sect kid using?”

“Phantom Mirage Step? No, it’s different.”

Those seeing Dark Scent Flutter for the first time widened their eyes, trying not to miss Mu-hwa’s movements.

At the end of the black shadow created by Mu-hwa, a red line is extended.

Soon, petals began to scatter across the sparring platform.

The platform became drenched in red and white light.

“Gasp!”

A chaotic pattern was drawn, and the Shaolin’s late-stage foundation level disciple, mesmerized by the sword’s edge, began to lose control of his limbs.

Seizing the opportunity, Mu-hwa relentlessly targeted the Shaolin disciple’s unsteady feet, tripping him and thrusting her sword toward his throat.

“Stop! The winner is Hwasan Sect’s Mu-hwa!”

At the judge’s declaration, Mu-hwa twitched her cheeks and sheathed her sword.

“What? A Shaolin late-stage foundation level disciple defeated so easily?”

“No wonder the Hwasan Sect has been making waves in the martial arts world lately.”

The scent of plum blossoms was permeating the Heavily Dragon Competition.

< The Martial Alliance Leader, Kang Ho-baek. > End

< Mu-cheol, you are fully prepared. >