103
Chapter 103
“As the Sect Leader and the Senior Disciple, I want to create a new organization within the Hwasan Sect.”
Baek Yu stroked his beard and asked,
“What kind of organization are you speaking of?”
“A place that will take responsibility for Hwasan’s martial arts.”
“Explain.”
“The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques are extremely difficult to master compared to how accessible they are to learn. Even compared to the traditional Three Transcendent Plum Blossom Sword Techniques.”
“Hmm. That is indeed true. The techniques you displayed at the Heavenly Dragon Competition were profound. They were not something one could master easily, even after years of training.”
Baek Yu doubted whether the other disciples could execute the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques as flawlessly as Mu Hwi had in such a short time.
The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques were of such a high level that they could be considered a lifelong pursuit.
“Moreover, the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques are not merely an advanced martial art.”
“Then what are they?”
“Within the twenty-four techniques, I have embedded the insights of past Hwasan Sword Saints, including yours, Master.”
Though Mu Hwi spoke calmly, Baek Yu was visibly startled.
“What do you mean by that?”
When Mu Hwi explained about the Dark Monkey basin and the branches of the Hwasan Sword Saints, Baek Yu could only sigh in amazement.
Seeing Baek Yu’s reaction, Mu Hwi continued,
“Since each technique contains the profound understanding of past Hwasan Sword Saints, talented disciples may even create new sword techniques based on insights that resonate with them.”
Just as fallen plum blossoms nourish the soil for the flowers that will bloom the following spring.
The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques were not only the pinnacle of Hwasan’s martial arts but also held the potential to birth entirely new branches of the sect’s sword techniques.
‘Hyeon Jo, even your concerns will be resolved by the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques.’
Future generations of Hwasan disciples would train in the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques while also gaining new insights, leading to the creation of derived sword techniques.
In this way, Hwasan’s plum blossoms would flourish even more abundantly, branching out endlessly like the limbs and roots of a tree, giving rise to countless variations of swordplay.
This was what Hyeon Jo— and now Mu Hwi—had envisioned.
Not merely a martial art containing the secrets of advancement, but one that could breathe new life into the sect’s martial legacy.
The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques were both the most radiant blossom of Hwasan’s martial arts and a seed for its future. Even Baek Yu, as he examined the manual, understood this.
“The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques truly represent the culmination of Hwasan’s martial knowledge.”
Mu Hwi nodded and added,
“The new organization I intend to establish will revolve around the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques.”
Though annotated interpretations of the techniques would emerge over time, Mu Hwi feared that if the techniques were passed down traditionally, some might be lost.
While the existing Scripture Pavilion managed and studied all of Hwasan’s martial arts, Mu Hwi’s organization would focus solely on the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques.
Moreover, talented disciples from each division would be selected to share and preserve insights without being bound by master-disciple relationships.
Of course, training would also be conducted collectively.
For this training, Mu Hwi planned to apply the same methods he had used to train the second-generation disciples. The effectiveness of these methods had already been proven by their growth.
‘Even in my absence—even if the current second-generation disciples are no longer here—I must establish a system where disciples can steadily grow and flourish.’
This was the reason Mu Hwi wanted to create this new organization.
Not merely a fleeting brilliance that would shine only while Mu Hwi remained at Hwasan, but a foundation to ensure its continuation.
“You intend to intensively train and teach talented disciples. But others may feel discriminated against or excluded.”
“That is why the organization will operate openly. Some training sessions will be made public to encourage broader participation.”
“Hmm.”
“Beyond martial advancement, I am considering various benefits to ensure that membership itself brings pride and honor. Of course, we must ensure no other disciples feel deprived.”
Baek Yu, forgetting even to drink his tea, listened intently to Mu Hwi’s words.
“For example?”
“I have requested silken robes made from heavenly silkworm thread from the Cheonryu Merchant Group. Additionally, a shipment of refined steel has arrived from the Hwaga Iron Workshop—enough to forge new Plum Blossom Swords.”
Though Mu Hwi stopped there, Baek Yu understood his intent.
“But you cannot distribute these to every member of the organization.”
“That is why we will select the most outstanding members and give them a special title.”
“Oh? Do you have a name in mind?”
“Twenty-four individuals. The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossoms. Or, in short, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. What do you think?”
“The Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossoms… Plum Blossom Swordsmen…”
Baek Yu repeated the names several times, as if testing their resonance.
“Plum Blossom Swordsmen. I like it.”
“As the elite among elites within the sect, they will represent Hwasan’s martial prowess—much like Wudang’s Seven Swords or Shaolin’s Eighteen Arhats.”
Internally, they would preserve and advance the sect’s martial arts while motivating disciples. Externally, they would elevate Hwasan’s prestige and power, becoming figures of admiration.
Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
After hearing Mu Hwi’s explanation, Baek Yu nodded in approval.
Even now, disciples of Shaolin and Wudang trained relentlessly to join the ranks of the Eighteen Arhats and the Seven Swords.
And the mere mention of these titles commanded respect across the martial arts world.
“This is worth attempting.”
Baek Yu felt that this new change—the Plum Blossom Swordsmen—would influence Hwasan’s future for the better.
“Very well. Proceed as you wish.”
With Baek Yu’s approval, Mu Hwi bowed his head.
“Thank you, Sect Leader.”
Now, it has begun.
***
“Senior Disciple, is it done?”
Standing atop the pavilion, Mu Hwi examined the plaque the disciples had hung and nodded.
“It is done. Come down.”
Musan and Muho leaped down lightly and stood beside Mu Hwi, gazing up at the pavilion.
“It looks magnificent from here.”
“Naturally, since the Sect Leader personally inscribed the plaque.”
At the center of the pavilion hung a plaque reading Meihui Pavilion (梅輝閣). The name was derived from the character hui (輝, radiance) in Mu Hwi’s Taoist name. It was the name of the newly established organization within Hwasan.
Meihui Pavilion was located near the Falling Plum Waterfall, where the second-generation disciples had previously trained.
Built against the backdrop of the waterfall and the Dragon Pool, the pavilion was constructed on a grand scale—a clear indication of the high expectations Hwasan had for it.
“Mu Hwi.”
As Mu Hwi turned, he saw the first-generation disciples, including Hyeon Baek and Hyeon Gak, approaching together.
“Eldest Disciples, welcome.”
Since Mu Hwi’s return, the first-generation disciples had frequently visited Meihui Pavilion to train.
They, too, were intensively practicing the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques and the Hidden Ghost Steps. Mu Hwi’s guidance helped them break through bottlenecks effortlessly.
At first, many had felt awkward seeking advice from Mu Hwi, a second-generation disciple. But his reputation in the martial arts world and the tangible benefits of his instruction quickly dispelled such hesitations.
Moreover, many first-generation disciples had shattered long-standing barriers in their training thanks to the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques.
As a result, nearly all of Hwasan’s disciples now trained with fervor.
“Today, more of you have come than usual.”
Unlike the second-generation disciples, who could focus entirely on training, the first-generation disciples were burdened with sect administration and had to carve out time for practice.
Thus, the number visiting Meihui Pavilion varied daily. Today, however, the largest group had arrived at once.
At Mu Hwi’s question, Hyeon Baek smiled wryly.
“The elders have taken on our duties. They insisted that the first-generation disciples focus on training for the time being.”
The elders, of course, had also examined the manual for the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques. With their martial expertise and discernment, they fully grasped its value.
They rejoiced at its creation—some even shed brief tears.
Yet, the elders chose to forgo learning it themselves.
Rather than spending their remaining years mastering a new sword art, they sacrificed their own progress to handle sect affairs, ensuring the younger first-generation disciples had the time to learn it properly.
This decision had been unanimous in the elders’ council. By taking on the first-generation disciples’ responsibilities, they had freed them to begin training.
“The elders have made a difficult choice.”
After all, the elders were martial artists too.
They could not lack the desire for new martial knowledge, especially for techniques surpassing what they had learned before.
Yet, for the sake of Hwasan’s future, they had set aside their own aspirations.
“Indeed. We cannot disappoint the elders after their generosity.”
“You are right, Eldest Disciple Hyeon Baek.”
“Shall we begin training immediately?”
Hyeon Gak and the other first-generation disciples shared the sentiment, their eyes burning with determination as they looked at Mu Hwi.
“We leave it to you today as well, Mu Hwi.”
Mu Hwi grinned and nodded.
“Let us begin at once. Starting with you, Uncle Hyeon Baek.”
“Excellent!”
Mu Hwi and Hyeon Baek stepped onto the sparring platform together. Even for first-generation disciples, Mu Hwi’s methods did not change.
Through sparring, he identified flaws in their execution of the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques and the Hidden Ghost Steps, offering corrections and advice.
Perhaps because they had trained longer and achieved higher mastery than the second-generation disciples, the first-generation disciples, despite their age, showed visible growth as they integrated Mu Hwi’s guidance.
Among them, Hyeon Baek, Mujin’s master, was unmatched in Hwasan among the Eldest Disciples.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Two plum blossom swords crossed dozens of times before separating again.
Hyeon Baek activated the Hidden Ghost Steps, abruptly shifting his position while executing Plum Blossom by the Roadside.
In an instant, he vanished from Mu Hwi’s sight, and a plum blossom bloomed at Mu Hwi’s flank. But before its petals could fully unfurl, Mu Hwi’s vertical slash scattered it into nothingness.
By the time Hyeon Baek realized his blossom had been torn apart, Mu Hwi was already before him.
A black streak seemed to flash in Hyeon Baek’s pupils—then Mu Hwi appeared as if rising from the ground itself.
Hyeon Baek marveled at the footwork, a perfect demonstration of the Hidden Ghost Steps, as he swung his sword in response.
The spar largely followed a pattern of Mu Hwi pressing the attack while Hyeon Baek countered skillfully.
Even merely defending against Mu Hwi’s onslaught taught Hyeon Baek much.
The same was true for the first and second-generation disciples observing the match.
Upon the sparring platform, purple plum blossoms intertwined with red and white ones, filling the air with dazzling colors and the scent of sword energy.
A miniature paradise had formed atop the platform.
‘Truly incredible.’
Though he had sparred with Mu Hwi many times, each clash felt like the first—filled with awe and fresh realizations.
Mu Hwi, once the greatest concern of Hwasan’s elders, had not only replaced Hyeon Jo as the sect’s pillar but was now leading it forward.
Sniffing deeply at Mu Hwi’s rich sword scent, Hyeon Baek refused to yield, scattering plum blossom sword energy as he summoned an elegant bloom.
His sword aura pushed back against Mu Hwi’s.
Whoosh!
Petals clashed, stirring a fierce gale. With each radiant blossom, cracks split the platform’s stone, sending fragments flying.
Amidst the storm, Hyeon Baek’s precise swordplay showcased the diligent effort he had accumulated over the years.
‘Hyeon Jo… I see glimpses of you in Mu Hwi. Is this what it means to be a disciple?’
Crack!
As Hyeon Baek retreated two steps, dozens of sword marks etched themselves into the ground where he had stood.
Mu Hwi showed no leniency, even to his elder. In that strictness, Hyeon Baek saw Hyeon Jo’s shadow.
Though Hyeon Baek’s eyes smiled as he looked at Mu Hwi, his lips were pressed tightly together in a peculiar expression.
‘Your absence has been splendidly filled by your disciple!’
Pride for Mu Hwi and longing for Hyeon Jo surged within him, entwining into an indescribable emotion.
“Have I grown old? To be so sentimental during a spar…”
Muttering to himself, Hyeon Baek steadied his heart and thrust his sword forward with renewed vigor.
“Hah!”
Boom!
A powerful impact rocked him, but Hyeon Baek refused to retreat, resisting Mu Hwi’s sword force.
Simultaneously, the two men executed the same technique as if in perfect sync.
Plum Blossom Gradual Bloom.
Amidst the storm of petals, plum blossoms bloomed one by one, soon swirling along with the currents of sword energy.
As the petals and blossoms multiplied, the observing disciples grew dizzy trying to follow the exchange.
Deflecting the sword-energy petals while stepping back, Hyeon Baek shouted,
“Well done! Again!”
“Come!”
Thus, the spar at Meihui Pavilion continued unabated even after sunset.
Though Hwasan’s trees were lush with summer foliage, the area around the Falling Plum Waterfall remained perpetually adorned with drifting petals and the fragrance of plum blossoms.
< What do you think of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen? > End.
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