Chapter 68 - Huashan Gathering (1)
The news brought by Kim Sun-woo and the assault team once again rocked the Hunter Association to its core.
The dungeon break in Daehangno—the Death's Land—and the vampire lord's chilling words there, combined with the message from Donghae Yongwang, ruler of Haesinjeon.
This was no longer something they could brush off lightly.
Hunter Association President Jang Seok-ho contacted associations worldwide to convey the gravity of the situation, and soon a video conference with the other presidents was underway.
"Forbidden Realm, eh? We've heard similar rumors here too. Whispers among the hermits who claim to see the future..."
"We've confirmed cases of monsters capable of meaningful communication. We even had a conversation with one. The hunters involved died, but we recovered the records. They're being restored now, so sharing isn't possible yet..."
"This is a grave situation."
Jang Seok-ho addressed the association presidents on the screen.
"The dungeon break crisis hasn't even been resolved that long ago. Invasions from other dimensions have long been a hypothesis, but with evidence this compelling piling up, we must coordinate our defenses."
Korea's Hunter Association already wielded considerable global influence, but the anti-breakthrough technology had cemented its dominance.
Even powerhouses like the US and Europe had conceded ground to Korea.
"That project we've been putting off."
Seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Jang Seok-ho looked at the presidents with resolve.
"It's time to launch it."
After the Pohang expedition.
The Night Team and Main Assault Team were granted an extended vacation.
The guild had shown consideration for their grueling journey.
However, all events in the Death's Land and Haesinjeon were under strict nondisclosure.
As hunters of some standing, they all understood the gravity of the matter.
Thus, they scattered silently to recuperate or rest.
Kim Sun-woo took a few days to fully recharge before diving into serious training.
He planned to return to the guild and continue sparring with the assault team in the underground dojo, but today he received an unexpected invitation.
"Here we are~"
"Thanks."
[Huashan Sect Dongdaemun Branch]
Reading the name on the signboard, Kim Sun-woo chuckled.
This was the first place he'd visited right after paying off his debts, seeking to learn martial arts.
He'd balked at the mention of tens of millions of won and backed off.
If he'd had the leeway back then, he might have pushed through and registered as a Huashan disciple.
His future would have unfolded quite differently from his current path with the Mugung Guild.
"I'm Kim Sun-woo. I'm here for the Huashan Gathering."
"Confirmed. Please come in."
Handing over the invitation, the Huashan warrior at the gate bowed politely.
His visit today was for the Huashan Gathering—an exchange meeting for promising new experts making waves in the martial world.
Dong. Dong. Dong. Dong.
Crossing the threshold, steady drumbeats mingled with serene music.
"Heard who's attending today's gathering..."
"They're even holding a sparring tournament. Winner gets an elixir, they say."
"...Huashan's reputation has tanked, and the losses are piling up. They need to announce something soon..."
A considerable crowd already milled about inside.
Many faces were familiar—from media spots or online forums.
'Makes sense, given their rough patch.'
He'd heard internal and external issues were mounting after the Daehangno fiasco and repeated raid failures.
Of course, a sect like Huashan wouldn't collapse that easily.
Hence this gathering, inviting so many notables.
"Ah, Hunter Kim Sun-woo."
As he strolled leisurely, someone approached from inside.
It was Baek Hwa-un, the elder twin swordsman he'd fought alongside in the Death's Land against the vampire.
"If you'd messaged ahead, I'd have come to greet you. Long time no see."
"I was just watching from afar. Glad you're recovering well. Your brother...?"
"Hwa-yun's much better too. All thanks to you, Great Hero Kim."
Baek Hwa-un gripped Kim Sun-woo's hand firmly.
Back then, his brother Baek Hwa-yun had suffered a nearly fatal neck injury.
A little worse, and he would've been gone.
Without Kim Sun-woo, Hwa-un himself would've died from a caved-in chest.
"Come inside. Master will be thrilled."
The twins' master was none other than Plum Blossom Sword Saint Baek San-hu.
Baek San-hu had already sent thanks upon hearing of the Death's Land events.
He'd offered a private meeting to express gratitude, but Kim Sun-woo had politely declined.
'Money feels off for this.'
He didn't need anything material right now.
Robert had advised that maintaining ties with Huashan outweighed any gifts.
Then came the invitation to the Huashan Gathering.
Hummm.
The building's exterior was classically elegant, but the interior modern.
Passing the automatically opening doors at the entrance, he headed to the office.
A few people were gathered inside. Baek San-hu lit up at the sight of him.
"You've arrived. It's been a whi—"
But the moment their eyes met, Baek San-hu—and every warrior around—froze mid-motion.
'...What presence.'
Kim Sun-woo wasn't exuding any overt aura.
Yet seasoned warriors naturally emanated subtle traces.
Masters like Baek San-hu could gauge strength from such hints.
Last time, he'd sensed Kim Sun-woo nipping at his heels.
Now? An impenetrable wall—nothing discernible.
'Is this even possible?'
Baek San-hu was genuinely awestruck.
Just a few months into martial arts.
And he'd surpassed a Plum Blossom Sword Saint?
Glancing around, the others shared the sentiment.
Baek San-hu smiled warmly and continued.
"You keep surprising me. Now you're beyond measure."
"Your teachings made all the difference."
Kim Sun-woo grinned.
No need for false modesty anymore.
Excessive humility would insult them.
"These are fellow Plum Blossom Sword Saints. Old swords of Huashan."
"Old? Speak for yourself."
"You're the oldest here."
"Kim Sun-woo of Mugung Guild."
He cupped his fists toward the bickering sword saints.
They returned the gesture politely, then eyed him appraisingly.
"Mugung's a regular hunter guild, right? Must be inconvenient for a martial artist. You'd be better off joining a sect—even if not Huashan."
"Joined before becoming a martial artist. No reason to switch."
Kim Sun-woo shrugged.
It was a common sentiment among martial artists.
Unless there's cause, stay with a sect.
An internal norm, not obligatory.
The guild master Han Kang-seok was a martial artist himself, after all.
"I see. Pity."
"If interested, hit us up. I know a good spot..."
"Enough chatter."
Baek San-hu shoved the persistent sword saints aside and faced Kim Sun-woo.
"We haven't gotten to the point. Invited you to the Gathering to give thanks. Thought about what you might need, but nothing fitting came to mind."
Weapons or elixirs were standard, but Mugung likely supplied those.
A token gift would be meaningless.
He'd braced for significant expense—saving his disciples' lives demanded it.
But he wanted something truly useful, not ceremony.
"So I prepared this."
"...You're serious?"
"Giving that away?"
Baek San-hu produced a small jade plaque.
The sword saints' shocked faces confirmed its value.
As Kim Sun-woo puzzled, Baek San-hu explained.
"It's a Plum Blossom Badge. Symbol of a Plum Blossom Sword Saint. Bearer gets equivalent treatment and aid from Huashan—and Murim Alliance affiliates. Not much use domestically, but carries weight abroad."
"...To elaborate: The issuing Sword Saint assumes all liability. Mishandled, it could end a career. That's the power it holds."
"You sure about this?"
Kim Sun-woo was genuinely curious.
Saving the twins didn't warrant risking a Huashan warrior's pride.
But Baek San-hu shook his head.
"You saved Huashan's future. This is the least. It grants Huashan's protection outright—useful in a pinch. If you need something else, just say. I'll help wholeheartedly."
Behind it lay Baek San-hu's shrewd calculus.
No domestic need for the badge with Mugung backing Kim Sun-woo.
Situations requiring it unlikely.
Plus, it strengthened ties under a prestigious pretext.
Win-win.
"Thanks end here. Time to mingle. Great chance to network with rising stars."
"Grateful. I'll take it."
Kim Sun-woo accepted the Plum Blossom Badge.
Unclear its utility, but it was their sincere gesture.
Building bridges with Huashan wasn't bad.
"Oh, and."
Baek San-hu snapped his fingers as if remembering.
"The Gathering has a tradition. Sparring among young experts to crown a dragon among phoenixes. Someone pushed hard for it this event—to refresh the mood. Prize is worthwhile. You could win easily, but..."
"The prize?"
"Not an elixir, but rare. See for yourself. Adds some fun."
"Got it."
If Baek San-hu said so, it piqued interest.
Leaving the hall with Baek Hwa-un, Kim Sun-woo headed to the venue.
"Know what the sparring prize is?"
"Not really. Huashan warriors can't join. Probably promoting it now—ah, there."
Kim Sun-woo looked up at the venue center.
The Huashan Gathering's phoenix sparring tournament.
His eyes widened at the displayed prize.