146
Chapter 146: Where Is the Shadow Emperor?
With the news that the previously quiet Paewangseong had begun its full-scale advance, the Hwasan Sect also dispatched its disciples.
Led by the Plum Blossom Sword Saint, the core group of first and second-generation disciples was heading straight toward Jongnam. This was because they had confirmed that the Paewangseong, openly targeting the Jongnam Sect, was moving directly toward Jongnam.
As the Hwasan disciples paused their march to rest, beggars from the Beggar Sect revealed themselves.
“Young hero Mu Hwi. Here’s the newly updated intelligence.”
“Thank you.”
Mu Hwi unfolded the yellow paper handed to him. The note from So Jin-gae briefly summarized the ongoing battles across Shaanxi.
With the Beggar Sect’s assistance, the Hwasan Sect was able to adjust their advance speed and direction in real-time while receiving the latest intelligence.
“The Hanyang branch of the Martial Alliance has fallen.”
“The Martial Alliance’s forces have joined with other Jongnam Sect affiliated families and are currently retreating.”
The Paewangseong’s advance showed no signs of slowing. The overwhelming force that had swept through Sichuan’s orthodox sect was now being unleashed without restraint in Shaanxi.
The Jongnam Sect’s affiliated families and the Martial Alliance’s branches had cooperated to stall the Paewangseong, but it was nothing more than a delaying tactic.
The only silver lining was that the Paewangseong, aiming for Jongnam and advancing rapidly, ignored Jongnam-affiliated families that were not in their direct path.
Hyeon Baek, who had been reading the intelligence alongside Mu Hwi, frowned slightly.
“The Paewangseong is one problem, but we can’t ignore the Shadow Society’s forces either.”
While the Paewangseong was advancing northward from the west toward Jongnam, the martial artists affiliated with the Shadow Society were pushing up from the south, attacking rear-guard sects that were trying to support the frontline sects facing the Paewangseong or the Shadow Society.
Noticing this, Mujin furrowed his brows.
“Senior Disciple. If the Paewangseong and the Shadow Society simultaneously ascend Jongnam, even the Jongnam Sect will struggle.”
It was common knowledge that the paths of the Paewangseong and the Shadow Society would converge at Jongnam. Moreover, judging by the situation, the Shadow Society was advancing northward faster than the Paewangseong.
Mu Hwi, who had been analyzing the situation by cross-referencing the intelligence from So Jin-gae with the Shaanxi map brought by the Hwasan Sect, spoke up.
“The Paewangseong side seems to have considerable leeway due to the distance, but the Shadow Society appears to be in a much greater hurry.”
So Jin-gae nodded at Mu Hwi’s words.
“Unlike the Paewangseong, the Shadow Society isn’t annihilating every sect in its path. Their primary goal seems to be disrupting the rear, which explains their rapid advance.”
Hearing this, Mu Hwi drew two intersecting lines on the map.
“Given their speed, isn’t it possible that the Hwasan Sect and the Shadow Society will clash at a midpoint on the way to Jongnam?”
So Jin-gae closed his eyes in thought before nodding.
“There might be some margin of error, but the probability is quite high.”
Confirming his speculation with So Jin-gae’s words, Mu Hwi turned to Hyeon Baek and Hyeon Gak beside him.
“Fourth Uncle. What if we wipe out the Shadow Society before they reach Jongnam and join forces with the Paewangseong?”
“You’re suggesting we strike first?”
At Mu Hwi’s proposal, the two first-generation disciples fell into thought before Hyeon Gak spoke first.
“Given the Shadow Society’s despicable actions during their northward advance, it’s unsettling to think what they might do at Jongnam.”
Unlike the Paewangseong, which simply crushed everything in its path, the Shadow Society had been employing various schemes—arson, poisoning, traps, ambushes—to harass the rear-guard sects, making them a clear nuisance.
Hyeon Baek nodded at Hyeon Gak’s words.
“Looking at the Jongnam Sect’s terrain, it’s not ideal for defense. If it were Hwasan instead of Jongnam, gathering our strength to leverage the terrain’s advantages would be better than splitting up. Given this, Mu Hwi’s judgment has merit.”
Listening to the first-generation opinions, Mu Hwi added,
“That’s one reason, but it’s also because of the potential presence of the Shadow Emperor.”
The Paewangseong was led by the Ghost Whip King, and while the Shadow Emperor hadn’t been seen, assassins believed to be his subordinates had been spotted.
Moreover, the absence of the Shadow Emperor, a master of assassination techniques unrivaled in the martial world, couldn’t be confirmed just because he hadn’t been seen.
“If we have to face both the Ghost Whip King and the Shadow Emperor simultaneously at Jongnam, it’ll be extremely troublesome.”
Mu Hwi saw no reason to wait passively for the worst-case scenario to unfold.
Just because the enemy struck first didn’t mean they had to sit back and only defend.
“I understand what you mean.”
“I also think letting the Paewangseong and the Shadow Society merge freely would bring more losses than gains.”
At Mu Hwi’s words, Hyeon Baek and Hyeon Gak nodded. While nothing was certain yet, avoiding the worst possible scenario was preferable.
“In that case…”
Mu Hwi turned to look at So Jin-gae.
Understanding the meaning behind his gaze, So Jin-gae smiled and nodded.
“We’ll focus on tracking the Shadow Society’s advance. We’ll do our best to ensure the Hwasan Sect fights under favorable conditions.”
“The assassins of the Thousand Killer Chosen Sect will also assist.”
“Understood. We’ll secure a clear advantage in the intelligence war.”
At So Jin-gae’s words, Mu Hwi and the first-generation disciples clasped their fists.
“We leave it to you.”
So Jin-gae also clasped his hands and laughed.
“Looks like I’ll have to run until my feet catch fire.”
Soyeong Mountain (疏影山).
A tiny mountain nestled between Mount Yeo to the north and Mount Taeryong to the south. While Mount Yeo and Mount Taeryong couldn’t compare to Hwasan, one of the Five Great Peaks, they were still large mountains with formidable terrain.
The two mountains stretched north and south, forming a natural mountain range that acted as a heavenly fortress wall. As a result, traveling from the eastern edge of Shaanxi to the central region where Xi’an was located required either detouring around the long mountain range or breaking through its treacherous paths.
If Mount Yeo and Mount Taeryong were fortress walls, Soyeong Mountain between them was the gate.
Compared to the two mountains, Soyeong Mountain’s terrain wasn’t particularly rugged, and its height was moderate. Merchants needing to cross Shaanxi quickly often ascended Soyeong Mountain to traverse the range.
The same was true for Mu Hwi’s group.
Detouring around the mountain range to reach Jongnam would make them miss their window. So, despite the physical toll, they ascended Soyeong Mountain to cross the range.
A gust of wind sliced through Soyeong Mountain’s forest.
The source of the sharp wind was an arrow imbued with blue internal energy.
Whoosh!
With the sound of tearing air, Mu Hwi deflected the arrow aimed at his forehead with the back of his hand. As he did, three more arrows followed in rapid succession, while five additional volleys targeted the Hwasan disciples behind him.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The disciples simultaneously drew their swords and deflected the incoming arrows. The internal energy infused in the arrows was extraordinary—the blades of their Plum Blossom Swords trembled violently after blocking them.
‘Such internal energy in an arrow. The archer must be at least a peak expert. A peak expert with such archery skills…’
Expanding his sensory range, Mu Hwi detected a presence at a considerable distance. As he took interest in it, a hoarse voice rang out.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry, Hwasan Sword Saint?”
Elderly men emerged from the forest.
Every one of them was a master.
“The Shadow Society.”
Mu Hwi examined the elders’ faces. The energy they exuded varied widely.
It seemed the group comprised masters who had trained in orthodox, unorthodox, and even demonic martial arts. And beyond them, assassins are still hidden from view.
Given that the Shadow Emperor had inherited the organization once led by the Hundred-Faced Old Demon, this wasn’t surprising.
“Quite the crowd.”
Behind the masters, masked martial artists continued to emerge from the densely packed trees, blocking all possible escape routes.
“No need to rush to Jongnam. Why not relax and play with us first?”
Mu Hwi responded to the elders by releasing a sharp, oppressive energy that made their skin crawl.
“Old men, do you really think you’re qualified to play with me?”
“Of course not. You’re the famed Hwasan Sword Saint. We’re far outmatched.”
Yet, the elders showed no intention of backing down. Instead, they each unleashed their own energy, confronting Mu Hwi head-on.
“But we haven’t lived this long just to play around. It’d be nice if you gave us a chance to show what we’ve accumulated.”
One elder raised his right hand high.
“Begin.”
The elder, who had been staring at Mu Hwi with a triumphant expression, suddenly frowned and looked around but nothing happened.
“Huh?”
Mu Hwi smirked at the elder’s bewildered expression.
“Old man. What are you waiting for? Are you flustered because the forest fire you planned hasn’t started?”
At the mention of a forest fire, the elder’s face darkened instantly.
“How did you—?”
Though the Shadow Society had gathered numerous masters and forces at Soyeong Mountain, even they knew that stopping the Hwasan disciples led by the Sword Saint wouldn’t be easy.
So, the Shadow Society had not only set traps and ambushes across the mountain but also prepared to ignite the entire area by dousing it in oil.
Their plan was to set the mountain ablaze once the Hwasan disciples, including the Sword Saint, entered, buying enough time and inflicting significant casualties.
“You came here to stop Hwasan, but it’s the opposite.”
Mu Hwi slowly drew Sim-myeong Sword.
A dark, shimmering light emanated from the blade as purple sword energy began to condense.
“Hwasan has come to hunt you.”
With those words, the sounds of battle erupted across Soyeong Mountain. Sensing the commotion, the elder grimaced.
“You split your forces from the start?”
The elder scrutinized the troops behind Mu Hwi. The dense forest made it hard to gauge their exact numbers, but he hadn’t expected Mu Hwi to divide his forces during the march.
“Now that I think about it…”
The symbol of the Hwasan Sect’s Plum Blossom Swordsmen—
Snow-white robes embroidered with plum blossoms.
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen, always at Mu Hwi’s side, were nowhere to be seen. Only disciples without the plum blossom robes surrounded him.
Had Mu Hwi been the only one wearing the robes, the absence of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen would’ve been obvious. But Mu Hwi, too, was dressed in the standard Hwasan uniform, making the discrepancy unnoticeable.
‘Damn it! If I’d paid a little more attention, I would’ve realized!’
The elder finally understood that Mu Hwi had exploited this psychological blind spot.
Gasp!
“What’s happening?!”
The Shadow Society’s forces, spread across Soyeong Mountain, were caught off guard as the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, Beggar Sect members, and Thousand Killer Chosen Sect assassins struck from the outside.
With the Hwasan disciples inside the encirclement joining the fray, the tide of battle shifted dramatically.
“Junior disciples! Watch your step—traps!”
“We know, Senior Disciple Muryun!”
The pre-laid traps were useless against the sudden momentum shift.
Slash!
Mu Hwi, spinning mid-air to evade a barrage of sword energy, thrust Sim-myeong Sword through an opening, simultaneously deflecting an axe and a sword.
Gurgle!
Two elders who had charged at him collapsed, their heads flying. The Shadow Society masters recoiled in horror as Mu Hwi’s sword effortlessly cleaved through their defenses.
“Gwan Yu-gung! What are you doing?!”
Gwan Yu-gung, a rare master of archery who had reached the peak level, and his three disciples—
Their role was to provide long-range support from the rear. But with their arrows no longer flying, the Shadow Society masters panicked.
They had been relying on Gwan Yu-gung’s cover to confront the Sword Saint.
Mu Hwi answered their unspoken question.
“So the archer was Gwan Yu-gung? Don’t expect any help. He’s busy right now.”
“What?!”
Mu Hwi split a spear in half mid-thrust before cleaving vertically through its wielder’s chest.
The price for his answer was their lives.
Several masters rushed at him, attempting a coordinated assault, but none could match Mu Hwi’s speed as he moved like a shadow.
Like a tiger ravaging a herd of deer, Mu Hwi ruthlessly cut down the Shadow Society’s masters.
The soil of Soyeong Mountain grew damp with crimson blood under his merciless blade.
“Damn it!”
“Did Gwan Yu-gung fall too?”
As Mu Hwi advanced, slaughtering everything in his path, the Shadow Society masters alternated between watching him and glancing toward the forest where Gwan Yu-gung had been. Their faces grew increasingly pale.
Gwan Yu-gung had no time to spare for them.
Led by Hyeon Baek, who had broken through to the peak level, the Hwasan Four Flowers were pressing him hard.
Gurgle!
After swiftly slaughtering twenty masters, Mu Hwi locked eyes with the elder who appeared to be their leader.
“Bastard!”
The elder gritted his teeth and thrust his sword, but it didn’t even touch Mu Hwi’s sleeve. Dodging effortlessly, Mu Hwi flicked Sim-myeong Sword upward.
Scream!
The elder’s right arm flew off as Mu Hwi drove the sword into his left arm, pinning him to the ground.
“Where is the Shadow Emperor?”
Mu Hwi’s icy gaze bore down on the elder, radiating murderous intent.