135
Chapter 135: Wishing to Push Back the Waves
The procession returning to the Martial Alliance had grown significantly larger compared to when they had headed to the Black Night Palace.
This was partly due to the addition of the Iron Mountain Fist King and his disciple, but it was also because Zhuge Jin, concerned for the Alliance Leader’s safety, had dispatched three additional armed units to escort them.
Thanks to this, despite the turbulent atmosphere in Hunan, where the Paewangseong and the Sacheon Alliance remained, the injured were able to steadily recover and head north. Moreover, with the added protection of the assassins from the Thousand Killer Sect operating unseen, they were able to reach the Martial Alliance’s main headquarters safely without any major disturbances.
"Graceful One, we’ve finally arrived at the Martial Alliance. I never thought the day would come when I’d walk proudly through its main gates."
"From an assassin’s perspective, it must feel strange."
Munyeong smiled as he gazed at the distant main headquarters of the Martial Alliance. He still referred to Mu Hwi as the Graceful One, likely due to Mu Hwi’s shattering of the Shadow Emperor’s path and his role in arranging the meeting with the Alliance Leader.
"Senior Munyeong, I’ve been curious about something for a while. May I ask?"
"Ask away."
Mu-hwa was naturally sociable, but Munyeong also had an unexpectedly lighthearted demeanor for an assassin, making the two get along well.
By the time they traveled from Hunan to Hubei, Mu-hwa and Munyeong had grown close through discussions about movement techniques. Munyeong’s movement techniques were at a level worthy of being called peerless, and Mu-hwa, having noticed this, stuck close to him, engaging in several movement technique duels, which helped them bond.
Thanks to this, Mu-hwa’s Dark Scent Flutter showed remarkable improvement. Now, among the Plum Blossom Sword Disciples, excluding Mu Hwi, there was likely no disciple who could match Mu-hwa in movement techniques.
"Is there a reason why the Thousand Killer Sect operates differently from other assassin sects?"
"You’re referring to the Assassin’s Blade. The reason is simple. The founder of our sect, the Thousand Killer Emperor, single-handedly crushed evil sects and individuals who tormented the innocent and virtuous. His actions and will are what we carry forward today."
Mu-hwa’s eyes sparkled at Munyeong’s words. The life of a martial artist that Mu-hwa aspired to be was precisely in line with the Thousand Killer Emperor’s path.
"Why did the Thousand Killer Emperor walk a different path from ordinary assassins?"
"Hmm. That part isn’t known."
As Munyeong and Mu-hwa chatted, they unknowingly drew closer to the Martial Alliance’s main headquarters. In front of the wide-open gates, a crowd had gathered to welcome the Alliance Leader’s return.
Among them, Kang Ho-baek spotted an elderly man standing at the center, receiving the utmost respect from the Wudang Seven Swords and Zhuge Jin, and immediately rushed forward.
"Senior Sword Immortal!"
"Hohoho. Why is the Alliance Leader so hasty with his movements?"
The rest of the procession, who had been walking leisurely, quickly followed Kang Ho-baek. The only one who remained unhurried was the Iron Mountain Fist King.
"Senior, you should be resting comfortably inside. Why have you come all the way to the main gate?"
"Ho-baek, since you brought these young talents back from the brink of death, shouldn’t I see what kind of youngsters they are?"
As the Sword Immortal’s gaze fell upon the young disciples, they startled and quickly bowed, introducing themselves one by one. The Sword Immortal nodded, acknowledging each of their greetings.
Finally, his eyes landed on Mu Hwi.
"It’s been a long time, Elder Sword Immortal."
The Sword Immortal looked warmly at Mu Hwi, who bowed respectfully.
"You’ve been doing well on your own. There’s no need for concern."
After observing Mu Hwi, the Sword Immortal turned his attention back to the young disciples before looking at Kang Ho-baek.
"You’ve gathered the jewels of the orthodox sects. Each possesses outstanding martial skills and a righteous spirit. It almost makes me look forward to us old men being pushed aside by the new waves."
"Senior, please don’t say such things. Let’s go inside."
Upon returning to the Martial Alliance, Kang Ho-baek immediately convened a meeting to hear detailed reports on the recent battles in Hunan against the Paewangseong and the Sacheon Alliance, as well as to address pending matters. Mu Hwi was also invited to attend.
"Thanks to Senior Sword Immortal’s efforts, the Shadow Emperor and the Frost Sound Demon King were forced to retreat with injuries. Additionally, the Wudang Seven Swords and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen played crucial roles in the battles, allowing us to secure victory with minimal losses."
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen had remained with the Martial Alliance even after sending Hwasan Sect disciples to the Black Night Palace, ready to head to Guizhou if needed.
They later joined the battles in Hunan, where their remarkable performance significantly elevated the reputation of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
Despite the absence of Hwasan Sect disciples and the Plum Blossom Sword Leader, Mu Hwi, the Swordsmen proved their capabilities beyond doubt.
Moreover, their achievements on the same battlefield as the Wudang Seven Swords, without being overshadowed, greatly contributed to their fame.
Now, it was harder to find martial artists who didn’t recognize the disciples of the Hwasan Sect in pristine white robes as members of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
At this point, it’s safe to say the name Plum Blossom Swordsmen has spread across the entire martial arts world.
Mu Hwi nodded in satisfaction as he listened to Zhuge Jin’s report.
Following their exploits in Shaanxi, their outstanding performance in Hunan, where three major forces clashed, firmly cemented the reputation of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen as the martial representatives of Hwasan Sect.
Mu Hwi smiled proudly, seeing the squad’s fame rise as he had intended.
The meeting then shifted to discussions about the Paewangseong Lord and the Sacheon Alliance Leader. The Sword Immortal, who had remained silent until now, spoke up.
"I’m at an age where it wouldn’t be strange if I returned to the earth at any moment. The same goes for the Iron Mountain Fist King. On the other hand, those two are still in their prime and will only grow stronger."
The thought of the already formidable Three Seats growing even stronger hardened the expressions of those present. Some sighed in worry, concerned about the martial arts world’s future once the Sword Immortal’s seat among the Three Seats became vacant.
Noticing this, the Sword Immortal chided them in a composed voice.
"Do you plan to rely on the protection of us old men forever? The current martial arts world belongs to you. It’s your responsibility to find a way to stand against the Three Seats."
"Your words are wise, Senior."
"I don’t simply wish for the old waves to fade with time. I want the new waves to surge forth like a fierce storm, pushing the old ones aside. Juniors, do you understand what I’m saying?"
The precarious balance in the martial arts world, maintained without major conflict, was largely due to the equilibrium among the Three Seats—specifically, the Paewangseong and Sacheon Alliance’s inability to confidently defeat the Wudang Sword Immortal.
In this environment, the orthodox sects had grown too comfortable under his protection. The Sword Immortal’s words were both advice and a warning. Before the stagnant orthodox sects rotted like standing water and weakened, they needed to create new waves.
"Of course. We won’t disappoint you, Senior."
Kang Ho-baek bowed his head in response to the Sword Immortal’s gentle reprimand, then glanced at Mu Hwi. Others followed his gaze.
Through recent events, not only the Plum Blossom Swordsmen but also the reputation of the Hwasan Sword Saint had soared.
The Hwasan Sword Saint, who had reached the Transcendent Realm at a young age.
While the martial arts world’s elites were astonished, conventional wisdom still placed him far below absolute masters like the Emperors, given the vast gap in experience and time.
‘That prejudice has now been completely shattered.’
Zhuge Jin thought as he looked at Mu Hwi, still vividly recalling his shock upon learning that Mu Hwi had faced one of the Three Seats, Sima Gang.
Now, Mu Hwi was an object of admiration for the young talents and a key figure expected to fill the void left by the Sword Immortal and the Iron Mountain Fist King in the generational shift.
‘The Hwasan Sword Saint and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. It’s hard to say Hwasan is in decline now.’
‘Hwasan is entering a new golden age.’
The Martial Alliance’s executives and prominent figures present at the meeting could feel Hwasan’s meteoric rise. In the current martial arts world, Hwasan’s presence was stronger than ever.
"And..."
Zhuge Jin trailed off as he moved to the next agenda. He cleared his throat and continued.
"We’ve lost contact with the Beggar Sect Leader, who was tracking the organization known as Hui. Normally, they would check in every four days, or at most every week, but it’s been over a month with no news."
The atmosphere in the Alliance Leader’s hall grew heavy at the news.
"What? Could something have happened to the Sect Leader?"
"Impossible. This is the Wind King we’re talking about. Who would dare capture him when he can unleash the Eight Treasures of the Drunken Immortal?"
Zhuge Jin continued the report.
"The Beggar Sect has already begun their own search, and we plan to dispatch armed units to assist in tracking the Sect Leader."
"Where was the last known location of the Sect Leader?"
At Kang Ho-baek’s question, Zhuge Jin pointed to a spot on the map with his command baton.
"Jiangxi Province."
"Jiangxi... That’s the Sacheon Alliance’s territory. Tracking the Wind King there will be difficult."
"We’re also planning to request assistance from the Namgung Family in Anhui."
"Spare no effort in supporting the search for the Wind King."
"Understood, Alliance Leader."
The meeting, which had been convened after a long time, concluded with a somber mood due to the news about the Wind King.
***
Mu Hwi and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen decided to remain with the Martial Alliance for a while longer. Given the chaotic state of the martial arts world, Zhuge Jin had requested they stay.
Mu Hwi and Hyeon Baek agreed. The Martial Alliance’s armed forces were stretched thin, and the Wudang Seven Swords, who had descended the mountain with the Wudang Sword Immortal, were in a similar situation.
As a result, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen’s first-generation disciples actively exchanged swordsmanship insights with the Wudang Seven Swords.
Mu Hwi, leading the second-generation disciples, primarily stayed at the Small Righteous Assembly’s quarters.
There, he occasionally reviewed the martial skills of the young talents belonging to the association, fulfilling his role as their leader for the first time.
Not only did he oversee sparring, but he also participated in various Martial Alliance missions, sharpening the young talents’ combat skills. Mu Hwi found enjoyment in guiding them.
"Association Leader, how do you find the young talents’ progress?"
Zhuge Myung addressed Mu Hwi as Association Leader when he was at the Small Righteous Assembly’s hall.
"Better than I expected. I thought they’d just be drinking together every day, but..."
"Haha, that’s true as well. But they prioritize their duties as martial artists above all."
Mu Hwi nodded in agreement. Compared to the Heavenly Dragon Competition, their growth was remarkable.
"Perhaps the young talents of the Small Righteous Assembly will be formally incorporated into the Martial Alliance’s armed forces as the Small Righteous Unit.
The Small Righteous Unit—a force composed of young talents. It wasn’t a bad name.
"Given the Martial Alliance’s shortage of manpower, it’s likely. But even as an armed unit, their skills won’t be lacking."
"Hearing that from you, Association Leader, eases my worries somewhat."
While conversing with Zhuge Myung, Mu Hwi suddenly stood up. In the distance, the Sword Immortal was strolling leisurely with his hands behind his back, followed respectfully by Xian Yun.
"Elder Sword Immortal!"
At Mu Hwi’s call, the young talents scattered around stopped their sparring and turned to look.
"Oh? Did I interrupt your training?"
"Not at all. Have you come to see the young talents?"
"No. Among all the disciples in the alliance, not a single one has the skill to play a proper game of Go with me. I grew bored and decided to visit."
As the Sword Immortal spoke while observing the young talents, Mu Hwi’s lips curled into a soft smile.
Despite his claim of boredom, the Sword Immortal’s eyes, hidden beneath white eyebrows, sparkled like stars as he watched them. It was clear he had come to see the young talents but didn’t want to pressure them by saying so directly.
"It’s been many years since I last visited Hwasan."
Understanding his meaning, Mu Hwi nodded.
"Though it may be lacking, allow me to show you Hwasan."
As Mu Hwi reached for his sword, the surrounding young talents quickly stepped back.
"A duel between the Sword Immortal and the Sword Saint? This is insane!"
"I joined the Small Righteous Assembly for a day like this!"
The young talents couldn’t contain their excitement at witnessing a duel between absolute masters.
"Elder Sword Immortal."
Even as Mu Hwi drew the Sim-myeong Sword, the Sword Immortal kept his hands behind his back.
"Speak."
"Could you show me the Formless Sword?"
Having heard about Mu Hwi’s battle with Sima Gang during the meeting, the Sword Immortal smiled.
"If it aids your growth, of course."
As the Sword Immortal lightly raised one hand and opened his palm, a strange flow began to ripple through the surrounding space.
"Hmm. It wouldn’t do to unleash the full force here as I did on Wudang Mountain, so I’ll show you just a glimpse. That should suffice."
From the Sword Immortal’s fingertips, instead of a distinct weapon like the Sima River, a gentle interplay of black and white light emerged.
"Just as before, take from it what you can perceive."