171
Chapter 171: Walk Your Evil Path
The Great Hall of the Black Night Palace.
The Black Night Palace Lord and Heukcheon stood facing each other.
Though they were master and disciple reunited after a long time, the atmosphere was sinister and tense.
“Why have you summoned me, disciple?”
“I heard you recently returned from Zhejiang Province.”
“Indeed. I went to see the sea and visit a recluse master said to reside at Putuo Sect’s Sword Pavilion. Though he was merely at the Emperor’s level, the trip was not in vain.”
“It must be because of the child you brought back. Do you intend to take them as your disciple?”
Heukcheon nodded.
“This will be your fourth disciple. Palace Lord, you finally have disciples of your own.”
Despite Heukcheon’s words, the Black Night Palace Lord’s dry smile remained unchanged.
“Master. May this disciple dare to offer counsel?”
“Counsel? Speak.”
“How long will it take for your fourth disciple to grow into their own? Rather than pouring your energy into a fourth disciple, wouldn’t it be better to focus on unifying the demonic path with me?”
“Unifying the demonic path...”
“We’ve already clashed deliberately with the Martial Alliance and the Sacheon Alliance multiple times. We’ve gauged their strength thoroughly. Now that the Dark Society has joined our main palace, our forces are overflowing.”
The Black Night Palace Lord bowed his head.
“If you step forward at a time like this, Master, the martial arts world will soon bow beneath the Black Night Palace.”
Despite his disciple’s earnest counsel, Heukcheon’s expression remained as unchanging as a wooden doll.
“Why should I focus on unifying the demonic path?”
At Heukcheon’s indifferent tone, the Black Night Palace Lord raised his head. The smile on his face had vanished completely.
“Did you not gather and teach us, nurture multiple sects, all as stepping stones for this day? To use us as your limbs in unifying the demonic path?”
“Do you truly believe that? The unification of the demonic path is not my desire—it is yours. What would I do with this dull martial arts world?”
The Black Night Palace Lord’s grip tightened, cracking the armrest of the jade throne he held.
“Then why have you taken four disciples, Master? Merely to pass on the legacy of Heukcheon? Or was it just for amusement?”
Heukcheon, who had been watching the Palace Lord, casually clasped his hands behind his back.
“Palace Lord. My third disciple. Even as my disciple, you understand nothing of me. The Sword Saint and the Sword Immortal grasped my essence immediately. You are lesser than them. The reason I took disciples?”
At Heukcheon’s cold retort, the Black Night Palace Lord clenched his teeth.
“I wished for the disciples I raised with my own hands to become Heavenly Demons. No—it wouldn’t matter if they didn’t become Heavenly Demons.”
“......”
“To pursue strength without hesitation, to walk the path of inhumanity—that is the demonic path. A path where the direction of martial arts is undefined, raging wildly like a calamity.”
Heukcheon gazed at the Black Night Palace Lord as if looking at something insignificant, like an insect.
“I wanted my disciples to walk that demonic path and, at its end, oppose me, trample me. To devour me and walk the demonic path that brings them closer to becoming Heavenly Demons—that was the disciple I desired.”
The Black Night Palace Lord swallowed hard.
He knew Heukcheon’s words about devouring were not merely metaphorical.
Among demonic technique, countless techniques required sacrifice—absorbing another’s innate energy, essence, internal power, and other elements to achieve greatness.
‘To raise a future threat with his own hands? Has he gone senile from living too long?’
A faint disappointment flickered across Heukcheon’s face.
The Black Night Palace Lord couldn’t help but be startled.
Though he had served Heukcheon as his master since childhood, the number of times he had seen him openly display emotion could be counted on one hand.
“But my disciples—they all stop at some point, or merely wish to borrow my power. The demonic path of this era is pitiful. Truly a lonely thing.”
Heukcheon, who had fallen silent, was gradually engulfed by darkness.
“Palace Lord.”
Heukcheon, half-consumed by the darkness, spoke again.
At that eerie resonance, the Black Night Palace Lord’s body tensed.
“Yes, Master.”
“Covet what suits your vessel. Walk your demonic path. Consider this my final lesson.”
The darkness that had swallowed Heukcheon vanished without a trace, but the Black Night Palace Lord stood speechless for a long time.
He could only stare wide-eyed at the spot where Heukcheon had disappeared.
Lost in thought, the Black Night Palace Lord’s eyes, shimmering with demonic energy, twitched.
“Very well. I’ll walk it.”
***
The Great Sword Debate Convention concluded with the Hwasan Sect’s victory.
The Eight Jade Sword Formation and three deputy leaders of the Guyu Sect demonstrated martial prowess befitting the evil sects, proving they were no less than the Three Great Sects.
Yet, they failed to claim a single victory against Hwasan, leaving a deep impression on the swordsmen of the martial world regarding the sect’s grown strength.
It wasn’t that the Guyu Sect was lacking—it was that Hwasan was overwhelmingly powerful.
Particularly notable was the prominence of second-generation disciples among Hwasan’s standout performers, leading to widespread expectations for the sect’s future.
“Senior Disciple, what did you talk about with the Guyu Sect Leader at the end?”
At Mu-hwa’s question, the surrounding disciples also grew curious.
Hwasan had stayed an extra day at the Guyu Sect, and before leaving, Mu Hwi had met privately with the Sect Leader.
“Nothing much. We reviewed the duel, discussed the various sword techniques, and debated swordsmanship a bit... He said he’s retiring.”
“Retiring?”
“He plans to focus on mentoring disciples after stepping down, but given how you all stand out, he won’t just hole up in the back.”
The second-generation disciples had shone brightly during the seven-day convention. Many had earned new epithets beyond the Hwasan Four Flowers.
With Hwasan poised to soar even higher in the future, it was natural for the aging Guyu Leader to feel anxious.
“He also asked—how did we teach them so well?”
“What did you say?”
“I told him to grind them to the bone until the moment they die.”
At Mu Hwi’s answer, the faces of the surrounding disciples soured.
“You’ve done something terrible to the Guyu Sect.”
“Who knew the day would come when I’d sympathize with a evil sect?”
At Mu-hwa and Musang’s words, the other disciples nodded in agreement.
“So don’t slack off. You never know when the Guyu Sect might catch up.”
As Mu Hwi scanned the disciples, Muho shook his head firmly.
“Nah, Senior Disciple. That won’t happen. No matter how desperately the Guyu Sect trains, we’ll always swing our swords more.”
At Muho’s confident words, the others nodded. Mu Hwi didn’t argue.
It was true—the second-generation disciples not only participated in group training at the Meihui Pavilion but also made time for personal practice.
It was common to see disciples training under moonlight or dawn, slicing through the light with their swords as they wandered Hwasan.
If it had once been enforced, now the disciples thirsted for training on their own. Otherwise, no amount of whipping from Mu Hwi would have sufficed.
‘They’ve achieved heights that easily surpass their peers—one might expect arrogance, but thankfully, none show it.’
Mu Hwi nodded approvingly as he observed the disciples.
But there was one thing he missed.
The second-generation disciples, who had witnessed Mu Hwi reach the Absolute Realm, didn’t dare entertain even a hint of arrogance.
“The sunlight is especially harsh today.”
While resting with the disciples during training, Mu Hwi was summoned to the Upper Palace.
Inside, besides Baek Yu, a middle-aged man was seated. Recognizing him, Mu Hwi clasped his hands in greeting.
“Branch Manager, you’ve come.”
The middle-aged man was the head of the Shaanxi Branch of the Cheonryu Merchant Group.
He frequently visited Hwasan to deliver supplies, so he and Mu Hwi were well acquainted.
But unlike his usual relaxed demeanor, the Branch Manager’s expression was tense.
‘He’s not here for a casual visit.’
Reading his expression, Mu Hwi quickly took a seat and looked at Baek Yu.
“Urgent news. Lady Im has been kidnapped by the Black Night Palace.”
At the sudden news of Im Su-ryeon’s abduction, Mu Hwi tilted his head.
“How did that happen?”
“There was an important trade matter in Hunan, so the Third Young Madam personally led the expedition.”
“Hunan has seen frequent conflicts, and the Black Night Palace has expanded its influence there.”
The Branch Manager nodded.
“Though the Black Night Palace has swallowed southern Hunan, Xinhua—the trade destination—was still under the Martial Alliance’s control, so we weren’t overly worried.”
As the Branch Manager sighed deeply, Baek Yu handed Mu Hwi a letter.
“This arrived yesterday from the Martial Alliance. Lady Im is likely connected to this.”
Mu Hwi unfolded the letter at once.
—The Black Night Palace has mobilized an unprecedented large-scale force moving north in Hunan. Simultaneously, the Sacheon Alliance are coordinating. The Martial Alliance is short-handed and requests support from each sect.
After reading, Mu Hwi nodded.
It seemed the Black Night Palace’s sudden advance had overrun Xinhua, and Im Su-ryeon, caught in the chaos, had been harmed.
“We’ve asked the Martial Alliance for help, but they’re severely understaffed. That’s why I’ve come to request Hwasan’s aid. The Merchant Group Leader is deeply concerned.”
The Branch Manager bowed deeply, hands clasped. Baek Yu quickly took his hands.
“The Cheonryu Merchant Group has supported Hwasan in every way possible. We’ll gladly lend our strength.”
“Thank you! Thank you, Sect Leader!”
Baek Yu nodded and turned to Mu Hwi.
“Plum Blossom Sword Master, descend the mountain at once with the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. Rescue Lady Im and aid the Martial Alliance.”
“I obey the Sect Leader’s command.”
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen moved swiftly.
In less than half a shichen (时辰, ~1 hour), fully prepared, they set off for Hunan, their white cloaks embroidered with plum blossoms fluttering behind them.
***
“Have the civilians evacuated yet?”
“No, Great Leader. It will take more time.”
“This is bad. The demonic warriors must be getting close.”
As if his words were prophetic, before the Hwamun Leader could finish muttering, a subordinate watching ahead shouted.
“Great Leader! The Black Night Palace’s banners are coming into view!”
The other alliance members turned, channeling internal energy to sharpen their vision.
A banner bearing the two characters Huaí Yè (坏夜, Ruinous Night) fluttered in the distance.
Beneath it, rows of demonic warriors advanced.
“The ones who annihilated the Three Swords Unit and the Silent Forest Unit.”
Clashes with the Black Night Palace were routine, but those on the front lines sensed something different this time.
The sheer scale of demonic warriors—never seen before—along with unfamiliar banners like Huaí Yè, signaled a full-scale mobilization.
The alliance members felt it in their bones—the Black Night Palace was making its move.
“Great Leader, what are your orders?”
The Hwamun Leader hesitated, looking at his awaiting troops.
“If this continues, the demonic warriors will meet the evacuating civilians, won’t they?”
“Yes.”
“Damn it. These demonic bastards don’t know moderation.”
The Black Night Palace killed indiscriminately—martial artists, civilians, anything that lived.
Where they passed, nothing survived.
Even evil sects weren’t this extreme. Unless particularly vicious, most avoided killing civilians, only plundering food or valuables.
Not out of pity, but because they saw them as a steady source of extortion.
Though their mindset was detestable, they rarely slaughtered civilians outright.
But the Black Night Palace was different. They spared civilians only if it served their interests.
“Hah.”
Recalling the large-scale bloodshed in southern Hunan, the Hwamun Leader sighed and gave his order.
“Gather the scattered units. Buy time.”
At his command, the troops swallowed hard and obeyed silently.
The assembled Hwamun Unit waited with grim faces as the demonic warriors drew closer.
Soon, the black characters Huaí Yè on the banners were visible without enhanced vision. The Hwamun Leader spoke.
“I’m sorry, everyone. For giving this order.”
His words, spoken without looking back, softened the troops’ expressions.
“It’s fine, Great Leader.”
“We joined the Martial Alliance for this.”
“Let’s go without shame to the end.”
Hearing their voices behind him, the Hwamun Leader eased slightly.
“Huff.”
“Steady your breathing.”
As the demonic warriors neared, the Hwamun Unit gripped their weapons in unison.
“Hwamun Unit—!”
KWA-BOOM!
The leader’s command was cut short.
A purple streak, like a meteor, fell from the sky, splitting the banner and sweeping through the demonic warriors.
The shockwave from the violet flash made the ground tremble beneath the Hwamun Unit’s feet.
“Gah!”
“What was that?!”
In an instant, dozens of demonic warriors were annihilated. The orderly advance of the demonic forces faltered as a storm of energy erupted from their center.
Then, from the side, a group of martial artists charged.
Though they moved swiftly, their formation was unmistakable—a sword array.
‘Even with a sword array, they’re outnumbered!’
The demonic warriors beneath the banner numbered at least two hundred.
“Huh?”
Yet the small group—barely thirty—charged without hesitation, freezing the Hwamun Leader’s thoughts.
“Great Leader! Look at their cloaks!”
At the deputy’s shout, the Hwamun Leader narrowed his eyes.
The swordsmen, though few, cut through the demonic warriors with terrifying prowess.
Their white cloaks, embroidered with vivid plum blossoms, fluttered behind them.
The Hwamun Leader’s eyes widened in recognition.
“The Plum Blossom Swordsmen!”
Amid the black demonic energy, purple petals burst forth, scattering radiant light.