148
Episode 148: Since I’ve Acknowledged It, It Shall Be So
Jongnam.
Also known as the Capital of Immortals for being the place where countless immortals achieved enlightenment, it was located at the heart of the Qinling Mountain Range, stretching westward to Gansu Province and southward to Henan Province. It was a sacred mountain where spiritual energy converged.
Thus, Jongnam was home not only to the Taoists of the Jongnam Sect but also to many other practitioners who gathered to train.
Caves and earthen huts could easily be found throughout Jongnam, often serving as hideouts for cultivators.
Today, however, scorching heat swirled everywhere on Jongnam. Sparks flew from the burning forests, crackling loudly, while smoke billowed from the caves and huts scattered across the mountain.
"Burn every cave and hut you see!"
"The Jongnam bastards are descending from the eastern ridge!"
"First and Third Squads, hold them off! The rest of you, keep setting the fires!"
The Paewangseong was advancing up Jongnam.
The Jongnam Sect had been using the countless caves and huts on the mountain to launch surprise attacks and retreat repeatedly. In response, the Paewangseong was setting everything ablaze, both to burn Jongnam and to cut off the sect’s tactics.
"You bastards! Won’t you stop?!"
"How dare you defile Jongnam!"
Jongnam Taoists, their dark blue robes fluttering, rushed out from the burning forests. The warriors of the Paewangseong, as if they had been waiting, grinned and charged forward.
Kwaang!
Though outnumbered, the Jongnam disciples held their ground without faltering.
The Jongnam disciples, wielding the Heavenly Heavy Sword Technique and Heavenly Star Sword Technique, stood firm even against opponents twice their number.
"Interesting."
"The main sect’s disciples really are something else!"
As the Paewangseong warriors laughed while observing the Jongnam disciples’ defensive sword techniques, a golden sword aura surged from behind them.
"Gah!"
"Behind us!"
The Paewangseong warriors turned belatedly, but swords crisscrossed in golden waves had already slashed through them.
Thirty-Six Swords of the World.
The World Looks Up in Awe.
Xian Zhu, seizing the perfect moment when the Jongnam Sect and Paewangseong clashed for the first time, unleashed a wide-ranging technique, cutting down dozens of warriors in an instant.
Yet, her sword did not stop. Forcing her way into the Paewangseong warriors’ ranks, she secured the domain of the Thirty-Six Swords of the World, and the Paewangseong formation naturally began to collapse from within.
"Now!"
"Support Xian Zhu!"
With Xian Zhu sweeping through the enemy from within and the Jongnam disciples pressing from the outside, the Paewangseong warriors could not hold out for long and soon fell to the ground.
"Sister!"
When Xian Mei called out, Xian Zhu nodded quietly. Then, she examined Xian Mei and the other second-generation disciples of the Jongnam Sect.
"Any injuries?"
"None."
"I’m fine too."
Xian Zhu looked at each of the second-generation disciples’ faces before steadying her breathing.
"You must stop the Paewangseong forces advancing from the east. Just in case, the Sect Leader has ordered us to secure a retreat path. The elders are also heading there, so you should be able to meet them."
At her words, some of the second-generation disciples’ expressions hardened.
"A retreat… You say?"
"If the situation worsens further, we must evacuate the third-generation disciples."
The calmness in Xian Zhu’s voice cast shadows over the disciples’ faces.
The Paewangseong surrounded Jongnam, advancing from all sides. With the wildfires spreading, even the third-generation disciples had been mobilized to leave the sect and help extinguish the flames.
"What will you do, Senior?"
"I’m heading south to assist the other disciples. On my way, I saw you all and sent the fellow disciples who were with me ahead first."
There was no time for a lengthy conversation in this situation. Xian Zhu only said what was necessary and turned to leave. Then, Xian Mei looked at her with worried eyes.
"Unnie. Be careful."
"Senior Xian Zhu. Don’t push yourself too hard."
Xian Zhu nodded at their encouragement and leaped away.
No matter where she looked, towering plumes of smoke stretched high into the sky. Wherever that smoke rose, the Jongnam Sect and the Paewangseong were undoubtedly clashing.
The first and second-generation disciples of the Jongnam Sect had formed teams to block the Paewangseong warriors advancing from all directions, while the elders moved individually, providing immediate support where the lines were breaking.
Having reached the pinnacle of martial arts and received intensive training from multiple elders, Xian Zhu had solidified her skills and was now entrusted with the same role as the elders.
‘We’re holding them off, but we’re being pushed back little by little.’
Having moved across Jongnam and participated in multiple battles, Xian Zhu could feel the overall tide of the war firsthand.
So far, the Jongnam Sect had suffered fewer losses, but the Paewangseong had numbers great enough to easily shrug off their casualties. Meanwhile, the Jongnam Sect’s accumulated losses were gradually increasing, with more and more disciples unable to fight.
The relatively low casualties were partly due to the Jongnam Sect’s defensive sword techniques, but it was also because key forces like the Ghost Whip King had yet to join the battle.
‘If this continues…’
Experiencing the Paewangseong’s might firsthand—having seized control of Sichuan, home to three prestigious orthodox sects, and now expanding into other provinces—Xian Zhu understood why the sects of Sichuan feared them.
"Brother Mu Hwi…"
Xian Zhu muttered weakly under her breath.
The feeling of slowly sinking into a quagmire.
Amidst the mounting pressure, Xian Zhu thought of Mu Hwi first.
From the Hwasan Sword Demon to the Hwasan Sword Saint, she had kept up with all news of Mu Hwi, who continued to triumph despite facing countless absolute masters amidst numerous incidents.
Even while training at the Pavilion of Towering Views with the elders, or descending Jongnam to fight dozens of battles due to the Paewangseong’s provocations, she never missed any news of him.
No matter how hard things got, hearing about Mu Hwi always brought her joy.
Xian Zhu had no doubt that even after arriving at Jongnam, Mu Hwi would continue his unstoppable momentum.
Thinking of Mu Hwi, strength surged through her body again. For the first time since the Paewangseong’s invasion, the firm line of Xian Zhu’s lips softened into a gentle curve.
"I’ll hold out somehow until brother Mu Hwi arrives."
Behind her warm smile, a cold resolve once again filled her expression.
With a sharp glint in her eyes, Xian Zhu sensed the clashing energies of the Jongnam Sect and the Paewangseong in the distance and dashed forward, increasing her speed.
***
Pavilion of Towering Views, Jongnam.
A place of great significance to the Jongnam Sect, where many past masters trained and achieved enlightenment.
At the Pavilion of Towering Views, the Jongnam Sect Leader and eleven elders sat cross-legged, each holding their positions.
Before them stood Xian Zhu, summoned by the Sect Leader, looking at the elders.
"Xian Zhu. We’ve prepared a retreat path to the east. Using the passage of the Silent Movement Cave, you can safely lead the third-generation disciples out. You will take charge of guiding them."
"But Sect Leader. If I leave, the frontlines will become even more difficult."
Xian Zhu’s participation had turned the tide in more than one or two battles. It wasn’t easy for her to abandon the disciples still fighting.
"As you said, the situation is dire. But we cannot evacuate too many disciples, so it’s best for you, having reached the pinnacle, to lead a small elite group to escort the third-generation disciples. The elders are also heading there, so you’ll meet them."
Hong Xian’s face darkened momentarily. After a brief pause, he turned to Xian Zhu and spoke.
"Xian Zhu, step back."
Xian Zhu nodded at Hong Xian’s words.
At the same time, the elders, who had been meditating, opened their eyes upon sensing an approaching presence.
The Ghost Whip King, exuding a sinister aura like hundreds of slithering snakes, smirked as he observed the Jongnam Taoists gathered at the Pavilion of Towering Views.
"Sect Leader. Your disciples’ skills are higher than expected. The first-generation disciples blocking the path up Jongnam are quite impressive, so I left my subordinates behind and came alone."
The Ghost Whip King admired the pavilion’s scenery before sighing in admiration and clasping his hands behind his back.
"Did you choose this place as your grave? It’s a fine spot to die."
The Pavilion of Towering Views offered a panoramic view of the Qinling Mountain Range. Wildfires raged on all sides, devouring the mountain, while black smoke rose everywhere, obscuring the once-clear skies and clouds above Jongnam.
"What a beautiful sight, isn’t it?"
Hong Xian’s brow furrowed as he watched the Ghost Whip King smile at Jongnam’s devastation.
"Even if all the old men gathered here die, we’ll at least sever one of your arms!"
As Hong Xian shouted, the Jongnam elders leaped up from their seated positions, drawing their swords and pointing them at the Ghost Whip King. Yet, the Whip King merely rested his hand leisurely on the whip at his waist.
"Sect Leader. Let me convey Paewangseong’s generous proposal."
"Generous proposal?"
"If you admit defeat and seal your sect, we will not exterminate the Jongnam Sect. Of course, even if you seal the sect, the Sect Leader and elders must still forfeit their lives."
Hong Xian narrowed his eyes at the Ghost Whip King’s offer.
"So you intend to leave a permanent stain of shame on the Jongnam Sect’s history."
"Whether you endure that shame or sever Jongnam’s lineage today is your choice, Sect Leader. Surely you don’t think you can smuggle your disciples out?"
Hong Xian was struck by the words severing Jongnam’s lineage today. His sword hand trembled, but as the Sect Leader, he had to remain calm and make a decision.
Should he protect the Jongnam Sect’s honor?
Or protect the Jongnam Sect’s disciples?
The deliberation lasted only an instant, but to Hong Xian, it felt like an eternity.
In the end, he could only choose one. Hong Xian chose the lives of the disciples.
"How many years of sealing do you demand?"
The Ghost Whip King twisted his lips at Hong Xian’s question.
"Sixty years."
The elders erupted at his laughter-laced reply.
"Sixty years of sealing?!"
"Calling it a sealing is just a pretext to strangle the Jongnam Sect to death!"
Sealing the sect meant halting all external activities—not only martial and business endeavors but even accepting new disciples, the foundation of any sect.
If they sealed the sect now, by the time the third-generation disciples grew into elders, even if the seal was lifted, the Jongnam Sect would never function properly again.
"Old men, don’t you understand the situation? We’re allowing the Jongnam Sect’s lineage to continue. Is sixty years really such a big deal?"
The Ghost Whip King chuckled mockingly at the elders. Hong Xian and the elders realized the truth upon seeing his vile smile.
No matter what choice the Jongnam Sect made, the Paewangseong desired the same outcome: the sect’s decline and eventual destruction.
As the elders’ eyes burned with fury, the Ghost Whip King sneered.
"Choose wisely. The Ami Sect also stubbornly resisted out of pride, but they chose to seal their sect after watching half the young disciples they tried to smuggle out get torn apart before their eyes."
Hong Xian exhaled sharply upon hearing the Ghost Whip King’s words.
"Formation."
At Hong Xian’s command, the elders immediately took their positions, emitting powerful auras. The Ghost Whip King grinned as if this was what he wanted and gripped his whip.
"How foolish."
The twelve Jongnam Taoists, including Hong Xian, surrounded the Ghost Whip King from all sides.
Heavenly Net Six Harmonies Formation.
The Jongnam Sect’s ultimate formation was unleashed.
The swords of the twelve Taoists, each holding a cardinal direction, extended outward, marking twelve major and thirty-six minor positions in the formation.
"Come!"
Swish!
The Ghost Whip King’s whip tore through the air, lashing out in all directions simultaneously.
"Tch!"
Using the whip’s unique properties, he struck multiple points of the formation at once.
Each time the serpentine whip cracked with a sharp sound, the entire Heavenly Net Six Harmonies Formation shuddered.
"Tighten the formation!"
"Gah!"
The elders executing the formation simultaneously unleashed the Thirty-Six Swords of the World, but the Ghost Whip King’s unpredictable whip was overwhelming.
With a single swing of his arm, he could strike six elders at once. By coiling the whip around his wrist or shoulder to adjust its length, he could attack from unexpected angles, targeting elders positioned in the north while facing south.
From the start, the Ghost Whip King fought ruthlessly, holding nothing back. Only the Heavenly Net Six Harmonies Formation allowed the elders to endure.
Crack! Swish!
The Whip King’s whip was not only unpredictable but also carried immense force, capable of splitting boulders in a single strike. Each time the whip writhed, the elders groaned in pain.
"Guhk!"
An elder’s sword shattered, and the whip struck his chest, causing him to vomit blood and collapse from the formation.
"Elder Hong Ryeon!"
Xian Zhu, who had been silently observing from behind, rushed to the fallen elder, but his chest had been crushed, killing him instantly.
Tears welling in her eyes, Xian Zhu gritted her teeth, drew her sword, and joined the formation, filling Elder Hong Ryeon’s vacant position.
The Ghost Whip King took an interest in her.
"Oh? Judging by your skill, you must be the Golden River Sword. You’ll have to bury your bones here with the elders."
As if toying with her, the Whip King focused his whip strikes on Xian Zhu.
"Kuhk!"
Clang!
Each time the whip’s tip, alive with malice, struck her sword, immense shockwaves battered her body.
It felt like deflecting falling boulders with her sword repeatedly. Even with the elders assisting her, Xian Zhu’s face quickly paled.
Spitting black blood, she angled her sword to deflect the Whip King’s relentless strikes. Yet, the whip, alive like a serpent, writhed and targeted her vital points again.
Boom!
The Ghost Whip King’s whip lashed out indiscriminately, striking seven positions of the formation in rapid succession.
"Gah!"
"Kuhk!"
The energy-infused whip tore off an elder’s arm, then coiled like a soaring dragon before suddenly changing direction, shattering another elder’s sword and ripping open his chest.
The Ghost Whip King was methodically dismantling the Heavenly Net Six Harmonies Formation. His next target was Xian Zhu. The elders guarding her sides had already fallen, bleeding.
"Impressive for a late-stage foundation level disciple, but your timing and place are sorely lacking. You’ll die before your talent can fully blossom."
The Whip King tightened his grip on the whip, and the flexible weapon stiffened like a spear.
"Crushing promising talent is always a pleasure."
Whoosh!
The whip’s tip shot straight for Xian Zhu’s solar plexus, tearing through the air. She couldn’t even perceive the attack.
Yet, goosebumps rising across her body, Xian Zhu instinctively swung her sword based on pure reflex.
Clang!
Her sword shattered upon contact with the whip’s tip, and as it threatened to pierce her solar plexus, Xian Zhu refused to close her eyes.
Only one person came to mind.
‘Btother Mu Hwi.’
At that moment, her nose twitched.
‘It smells sweet.’
Xian Zhu suddenly caught the fragrance of elegant plum blossoms.
A flurry of purple petals.
The petals swirled around her, enveloping her protectively. Staring at them, Xian Zhu’s eyes widened at the sight of a man’s back standing at their center.
Clad in a white robe embroidered with purple plum blossoms, his back was as steadfast as the Jongnam Range itself.
"Brother Mu Hwi."
"You did well. A swordsman must wield their sword to the very end."
Hearing Mu Hwi’s voice after so long, Xian Zhu collapsed to her knees.
Mu Hwi glanced at her briefly before glaring at the Ghost Whip King.
"You said she’d die before her talent could blossom? Now that I’m here, that won’t happen."
"Hwasan Sword Saint. Anyone would think that girl has one of the rarest talents in the world."
Mu Hwi tugged the whip’s tip, caught in his Plum Blossom Scattering Hands, inward, and rested his hand on the Sim-myeong Sword.
"This girl has the talent to become a Sword Empress. Since I’ve acknowledged it, it shall be so."