127
Chapter 127
Mu Hwi stood up from his seat, raised his hand toward the Black Night Palace Lord, and flicked his finger.
“Isn’t it the host’s duty to liven the feast? Come down here.”
The Black Night Palace Lord’s smile faded at Mu Hwi’s sudden provocation. In that instant, a vicious glint flashed in his eyes, locking onto Mu Hwi like a predator.
But Mu Hwi’s gaze, sharp as an unsheathed blade, did not falter.
As the silent standoff between the Black Night Palace Lord and Mu Hwi unfolded, the First King of the Paewangseong muttered under his breath.
“That reckless attitude is unlike him—no wonder he tore the Paewangseong’s sleeve. If you only look at his actions, he fits better with the Sacheon Alliance Sect or the Paewangseong than the orthodox sects. It reminds me of the Sword Devil, who once smashed through the castle’s gates and demanded to see the Paewangseong.”
Kang Tae-hyeok, the Paewangseong Leader, who had once exchanged swords with Mu Hwi at Hwasan, snorted.
“His growth is frightening. It’s like looking at my younger self. I made the right choice sparing him back then. He’s already ripened quite well.”
Kang Tae-hyeok suddenly turned his head and glanced at Sima Gang, the Sacheon Alliance Lord, sitting across from him. Sima Gang, too, was unable to take his eyes away from Mu Hwi.
‘Has he found a new plaything now that the Sword Devil, the one who excites him, is gone? How bold.’
While Kang Tae-hyeok exchanged brief words, the Black Night Palace Lord relaxed his narrowed eyes and returned to his usual lazy demeanor.
“Truly befitting the Hwasan Sword Saint. Hmm, then let’s do this.”
After stroking his chin as if pondering, the Black Night Palace Lord scanned the gathered crowd and spoke.
“Now that I think about it, having the Hwasan Sword Saint participate in a competition among late-stage foundation level disciples would be mismatch. I’ll prepare a stage worthy of the Sword Saint. However, instead of facing me directly, you’ll spar with one of my Left and Right Guardians.”
Mu Hwi’s gaze shifted past the Black Night Palace Lord, into the darkness of the valley a few steps behind him. Though nothing was visible in that darkness, he could feel the scorching stares fixed upon him. The owners of those stares were undoubtedly the Left and Right Guardians.
‘The Left and Right Guardians must be among the strongest in the Black Night Palace. Not bad. This is an opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise.’
Though the Black Night Palace Lord had subtly dodged his challenge, Mu Hwi didn’t mind. He hadn’t expected the Palace Lord to step forward personally anyway.
‘Just like the Mountain Crusher, gathering as much information as possible on the Black Night Palace’s strongest is beneficial.’
Mu Hwi turned his head and glanced at Kang Ho-baek behind him. Seeing Mu Hwi nod, Kang Ho-baek let out a helpless, wry smile.
Mu Hwi’s reckless provocation could have endangered the Martial Alliance, but this had already been discussed beforehand. Kang Ho-baek had promised to back him up.
The only problem was that Mu Hwi’s provocation had far exceeded Kang Ho-baek’s expectations.
‘Hmm. I should’ve considered how boldly he spoke even to the Sacheon Alliance Lord. This junior is going to be a handful to support.’
As Kang Ho-baek watched Mu Hwi with a resigned smile, he slightly lifted the brim of his bamboo hat and observed the Martial Alliance’s late-stage foundation level disciples seated ahead.
‘No matter what happens, they won’t fall behind the elites of the other sects. That’s reassuring.’
From Seong Hwi, the South Sea Breaking Sword and winner of the Heavenly Dragon Competition, to three of the Six Dragons, the Hwasan Three Flowers, and Zhuge Myung, touted as the next strategist, the lineup was formidable. The only regret was the absence of the Golden River Sword, but given the circumstances at Jongnam Sect, it couldn’t be helped.
“Juniors.”
At Kang Ho-baek’s voice, the late-stage foundation level disciples, who had been struggling to keep up with the rapidly unfolding events, focused their attention.
“Coincidentally, all of you here belong to the Small Righteous Assembly. From what I’ve observed, you’ve all lived up to its ideals. I guarantee it. Moreover, you’ve voluntarily accompanied us to this dangerous place.”
As Kang Ho-baek spoke, he lifted his bamboo hat, and the juniors followed his gaze.
Their eyes fell upon the densely packed forces of the Sacheon Alliance Sect, the Paewangseong, and the Black Night Palace’s demonic warriors.
“No matter who your opponent is, crush them decisively. Each of you carries your own chivalry within your martial arts—you cannot lose. For a martial artist, nothing is more powerful than chivalry.”
Though Kang Ho-baek suddenly expounded on the concept of chivalry, the Small Righteous Assembly’s members were familiar enough with it to simply nod in understanding.
Zhuge Myung looked at Mu Hwi and said,
“We’ll show you, Alliance Leader. How much the Small Righteous Assembly’s members have grown since the Heavenly Dragon Competition.”
“I’m just a nominal leader.”
When Mu Hwi chuckled lightly, Zhuge Myung shook his head.
“Do you know how many people have sought to join because of your reputation alone? Especially after you earned the title of Hwasan Sword Saint, it was overwhelming. Right now, Mu Hwi, you are the object of admiration for all orthodox late-stage foundation level disciples. Anyway, the vice-leader had quite a hard time back then.”
“Oh?”
Though Zhuge Myung glanced at Seong Hwi as he spoke, Seong Hwi pretended not to hear. It seemed that after returning from Hainan, he had remained with the Martial Alliance and lived among the Small Righteous Assembly’s members.
“Watch closely.”
Seong Hwi, who had been staring straight at Mu Hwi, stood up and led the Martial Alliance’s late-stage foundation level disciples down the steps.
“Senior Disciple, we’ll be back.”
“Don’t miss my performance, Senior Disciple.”
The three Hwasan disciples also bid farewell to Mu Hwi and followed the Small Righteous Assembly’s members. Watching their retreating figures silently, Kang Ho-baek asked,
“Are you worried about your juniors?”
“No. I didn’t raise them so weakly that they’d suffer at the hands of mere peers.”
“I thought so.”
Kang Ho-baek smiled at Mu Hwi’s calm tone, his eyes lingering on the dependable backs of the orthodox late-stage foundation level disciples.
***
The late-stage foundation level disciples’ battle
The late-stage foundation level disciples gathered in the center of the valley.
Strangely, despite the vast space, the elites of the three sects—along with selected elites from the Black Night Palace—were all assembled in one place.
Divided into four directions, the late-stage foundation level disciples of the orthodox sects, evil sect, demonic sects, and the Paewangseong engaged in a silent battle of auras.
“Hmm. There’s no separate arena. What’s their plan?”
At Baekri Sang’s muttering, Mu-hwa, who had been looking around, replied.
“I don’t know what it is, but it feels ominous.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Look over there. The strong ones from the Sacheon Alliance Sect and the Paewangseong are staring right at us.”
At Mu-hwa’s words, the other elites turned to assess the situation.
“Indeed… The Poison Dragon of the Sacheon Alliance Sect and the Black Dragon of the Paewangseong are glaring at us.”
“Hmph. The so-called Six Dragons? This is the perfect chance to settle the hierarchy.”
“Right. Aside from their fierce looks, they don’t seem all that impressive.”
As Seong Hwi spoke, Mu-hwa nodded in agreement, while Peng Ho-yeon and Xian Yun, two of the Six Dragons, scratched their chins and forced wry smiles.
Then, about eighty demonic warriors, divided into four groups, began marching toward the gathered late-stage foundation level disciples. The elites, who had been engaged in their own standoffs, immediately grew wary as the demonic warriors surrounded them.
Watching this, the Black Night Palace Lord smiled faintly and said,
“I’ve heard the Martial Alliance’s Heavenly Dragon Competition determines a winner through brackets, while the Sacheon Alliance Sect’s Night Duel allows challengers to fight until no one dares to step forward. So, are you curious how the Black Night Palace conducts its martial contests?”
SHIIING!
As soon as the Black Night Palace Lord finished speaking, the surrounding demonic warriors drew their weapons in unison.
“The Black Night Palace determines the strongest through a chaotic free-for-all where everyone is an enemy. Originally, the battle continues until only one remains, but given the unique circumstances of all sects gathering, we’ll end it when only one sect’s elites are left standing.”
The Black Night Palace Lord tossed a small wooden box into the center of the gathered elites.
“This is the prize for the victorious faction. Now, let’s begin.”
Despite its weight, the box floated down like a feather before landing gently among the elites.
TAP!
The moment the box touched the ground, the surrounding demonic warriors erupted with killing intent and charged.
“These bastards…”
Mu Hwi, watching from above, narrowed his eyes. As if by prior agreement, the elites of the Sacheon Alliance Sect, the Paewangseong, and the Black Night Palace all rushed toward the Martial Alliance.
But the Martial Alliance’s elites did not panic.
SWOOSH!
A blue sword aura rippled through the air, forming a wave. Seong Hwi, taking the front line, swept forward with the South Sea Breaking Sword. Despite the wide arcs of his slashes, his swordplay was precise and intricate—his growth since the Heavenly Dragon Competition was evident.
“Xian Yun, Baekri Sang, Mujin, guard the rear!”
While Seong Hwi held the front alone, enemies surged from the flanks and rear. However, under Zhuge Myung’s command, the elites had already secured their positions.
CRASH!
The Black Dragon’s razor-sharp claws clashed against Mu-hwa’s tilted Plum Blossom Sword.
“Huashan!”
The Black Dragon, Paewangseong’s young leader, growled as he saw the plum blossoms embroidered on Mu-hwa’s robe. Mu-hwa grinned.
“Ah, I heard. You got humiliated by my Senior Disciple at the Hwasan Small Manor.”
“Whirlwind Sword Demon! You bitch!”
The Black Dragon’s eyes bulged as he unleashed claw energy, violently tearing through the air. Crescent-shaped claw energy and gale-force winds howled as they shot forward.
Mu-hwa, instead of retreating, stepped into the Dark Scent Flutter stance and lunged. Dozens of sword strikes deflected the claw energy, and her body twisted fluidly to evade the incoming gusts.
In an instant, she closed the distance. Twisting her waist to dodge a claw strike, she thrust her sword straight forward.
A rapid flurry of thrusts, like branches sprouting, scattered petals in their wake.
CLANGCLANGCLANG!
The Black Dragon blocked twelve consecutive thrusts with his claw-covered gauntlets before violently swinging both arms outward, even dispersing the sword energy’s petals. Gnashing his teeth, he thought,
‘I thought only that bastard from Hwasan was special. Damn it.’
He hadn’t forgotten the humiliation of having his arm broken by Mu Hwi at the Hwasan Small Manor. He had hoped to take revenge on Hwasan’s disciples, but things weren’t going as planned.
Seeing the Black Dragon frown and try to create distance, Mu-hwa smirked and lowered her stance, as if ready to pounce.
“Senior Disciple said you weren’t strong. He was right.”
“I’ll kill you!”
As Mu-hwa and the Black Dragon clashed, on the opposite side, Mu-cheol was swinging his sleeves fiercely.
THUD!
Infusing his Heavenly Silkworm Plum Blossom Robe with internal energy made it capable of repelling even sword auras and gusts.
This required meticulous and dense internal energy control—something he had learned from Mu Hwi during Plum Blossom Sword training.
BAM!
“Guhk!”
Using his robe to bulldoze through, Mu-cheol swung his sword and sent two Sacheon Alliance Sect disciples flying.
CRACK!
Splitting an incoming spear in one slash, Mu-cheol moved to finish the opponent when a massive black axe intercepted his sword.
For the first time, Mu-cheol was forced back.
He stared at the man wielding the enormous black axe single-handedly.
Perhaps due to his natural giant-like build, the axe didn’t seem disproportionately large in his grip.
“Poison Dragon.”
Rumored to be the Sacheon Alliance’s strongest late-stage foundation level disciple. Yet, Mu Hwi felt no pressure from him. Meanwhile, the Poison Dragon looked past Mu-cheol dismissively.
“One of the Hwasan Three Flowers, huh? I wanted to fight the South Sea Breaking Sword or the Whirlwind Sword Demon, who defeated the Six Dragons. But instead, I get someone without even a personal nickname.”
Despite the taunt, Mu-cheol remained silent, simply tilting his sword. His stoic demeanor made the Poison Dragon slowly shift his stance, raising his axe with both hands.
BOOM!
The collision between the Iron Plum Sword Technique and the Red Phoenix Axe Technique generated a shockwave that sent nearby demonic warriors flying.
None dared to interfere—it was clear that approaching carelessly would mean being torn apart.
Amidst the chaotic melee, Mu-cheol and the Poison Dragon engaged in a pure one-on-one contest of strength.
The Plum Blossom Sword, raised high, split the sunlight as it descended, while the axe surged diagonally, tearing through the air.
CRUNCH!
The ground beneath their feet sank from the impact. A bone-shaking shockwave rippled through their bodies, but the two giants ignored it, swinging their weapons again.
CLANGCLANG!
Despite his massive size and heavy axe, the Poison Dragon moved with surprising agility.
Mu-cheol matched him. His sturdy swordplay, infused with the Iron Plum Sword Technique’s varied techniques, deflected the axe’s rapid strikes like an unyielding iron wall.
“To last thirty exchanges against this black axe head-on… You’ve got a good sword.”
The Poison Dragon stepped back, shaking his numb wrists.
Meanwhile, Mu-cheol silently closed the distance with the Dark Scent Flutter stance. Thick, oversized petals shimmered along his lowered blade.
WHOOSH!
Like a crouching tiger, Mu-cheol’s thick thighs tensed, and his pillar-like waist twisted.
With full force, he unleashed a horizontal slash. The Poison Dragon hastily flipped his axe, using its broad side to block.
BOOM!
The impact lifted the Poison Dragon slightly off his feet. Before he could recover, Mu-cheol’s sword came down vertically.
The Six Harmonies’ internal energy concentrated to its peak, and the Plum Blossom Sword erupted like a violet waterfall, releasing a massive beam of light.
KABOOM!
The sword’s energy split into three enormous iron plum blossoms—larger and denser than those Mu-cheol had first displayed at the Heavenly Dragon Competition.
Iron Plum Blossom Scattering.
CRASHCRASHCRASH!
The Poison Dragon countered with the Red Phoenix Axe Technique’s ultimate techniques, but even the deafening explosions couldn’t budge the iron plums.
“RAAH!”
As the plums closed in, the Red Dragon roared and swung his axe with all his might.
CRACK!
But it was the axe that shattered. Staring in disbelief at his broken weapon, the Red Dragon had no time to react before the flat of Mu-cheol’s blade smashed into his face.
Teeth flew through the air as the Red Dragon spat blood and tumbled across the ground.
Mu-cheol, who had remained silent the entire time, finally spoke.
“For someone called the Poison Dragon… That black axe was far too light.”
< That black axe was far too light. > End
< Even if you hold back, will it really be alright? >