180
Chapter 180: Sometimes, Trusting and Letting Go Is Necessary
The pillars of the orthodox sect had gathered at the Martial Alliance’s Changsha branch.
The Martial Alliance Leader, the leaders of the Nine Sects and the Three Great Families, as well as other renowned elders, were all present.
Though they exchanged greetings—having not seen each other in a long time—the atmosphere was far from warm or cheerful.
Perhaps due to the gravity of their purpose for gathering, the initially bustling meeting hall gradually quieted down.
The elders, who had been silently observing, all turned their heads in unison.
Walking toward them with his hands behind his back was the Sword Immortal, flanked by the Alliance Leader and the Sword Saint.
"Senior."
"It is an honor to see you, Elder Sword Immortal."
As the assembled elders rose and saluted with clasped fists, the Sword Immortal returned the gesture with folded hands.
"It is good to see you all, my juniors. Many faces I have not seen in a long time."
The Sword Immortal slowly scanned the juniors before him.
"The Namgung Family Head and the Kongtong Sect Leader have now become proper leaders of their sects. The Shaolin Abbot and the Kunlun Sect Leader have aged as much as this old man."
Namgung Heo and Abbot Gong Hyeon spoke in turn.
"I still have much to learn, Elder."
"Much time has passed, Senior. Many of those we once called senior are no longer with us. It is a sorrowful thing."
The Sword Immortal nodded, meeting the eyes of the elders before him, then offered a bright smile.
"Some are absent, and there are new faces I see for the first time, but the fact that everyone has stepped forward for this discussion remains unchanged. As an old man who remembers the past era, I am simply grateful to you, my juniors."
Baekri Geuk, the head of the Baekri Family, responded.
"And it is not just us. Soon, our children will take our places here."
At Baekri Geuk’s words, several elders nodded and glanced at Mu Hwi standing behind the Sword Immortal.
Everyone present knew well that among the future pillars of the orthodox sect, the Hwasan Sword Saint would stand at the center.
The Sword Immortal, noticing their gazes, turned to look at Mu Hwi.
"Good."
Murmuring in an excited voice, the Sword Immortal then addressed the Alliance Leader.
"My apologies, Alliance Leader. This old man from the back room has been muttering too much in front."
"Hoho. Not at all, Senior."
The Sword Immortal and the Sword Saint took their seats, and the Alliance Leader also sat at the head of the meeting hall, removing his bamboo hat.
"Now that everyone is gathered..."
As the Alliance Leader nodded, the waiting advisor, Zhuge Jin, unfurled a map of the Central Plains on the wall for all to see.
The map detailed the military deployments of each sect.
The elders focused on the red lines drawn over Hunan and Jiangxi.
"Strategist, is that line...?"
"Yes. It marks the Martial Alliance’s primary frontlines."
"Though not as severe as Hunan, I’ve heard fierce battles are also raging in Jiangxi. The Alliance Leader mentioned that the demonic warriors are stationed there."
At this, Zhuge Jin pointed to the red line in northern Jiangxi and explained.
"Correct. Originally, the main focus was blocking the Demonic Cult, but the demonic envoys of the Black Night Palace have also appeared in Jiangxi. Reports indicate they are indiscriminately attacking both the Martial Alliance and the Demonic Cult."
Some elders tilted their heads at Zhuge Jin’s words.
"No matter how strong the hidden forces of the Black Night Palace may be, can they truly contend with both the Martial Alliance and the Demonic Cult simultaneously?"
"Regrettably, the Military Strategy Department believes it is possible. Moreover, there is a commonality in the Black Night Palace’s indiscriminate assaults."
As the elders focused, Zhuge Jin spoke with a grave expression.
"Traces of the Soul-Stealing Demon Technique have been found. Mostly, high-level experts from both the Martial Alliance and the Demonic Cult have fallen victim."
The faces of the elders turned cold.
The Soul-Stealing Demon Technique.
A demonic technique that steals the essence, internal energy, blood, and flesh of others to make it it's own.
The types and methods of theft varied, but such techniques were collectively referred to as the Soul-Stealing Demon Technique in the martial arts world.
"I’ve looked into records. In the past, a demonic sect called the Dragon’s Maw mostly practiced a variant called the Dragon Devouring Demon Technique, causing bloodshed wherever they went. However, it seems only a few experts in the Black Night Palace have mastered it."
Abbot Gong Hyeon let out a disapproving noise and asked,
"Then, does this mean the Black Night Palace is launching these indiscriminate attacks to absorb the experts of each sect?"
"Nothing is certain, but it is a possibility we must consider."
Voices of concern and murmurs spread throughout the meeting hall. Zhuge Jin continued, pointing to various locations on the map.
"Meanwhile, the Black Night Palace, which had spread its forces wide, is gradually converging in one place—here, Changsha. The Martial Alliance also plans to narrow its frontlines in response to their movements."
"We are already at a disadvantage. We cannot afford to widen the gap further. We must concentrate our forces in Changsha for the decisive battle."
At Baek Yu’s words, Zhuge Jin nodded.
"We plan to gradually reduce the frontlines while sending reinforcements, considering civilian evacuations and the Black Night Palace’s pursuit. Let me explain the strategy."
Zhuge Jin continued his explanation, and the elders listened attentively, nodding. Then, someone asked,
"Why are the Sword Immortal and the Sword Saint not stepping forward?"
Zhuge Jin’s plan made no mention of the Sword Immortal or the Hwasan Sword Saint. The other elders had also been quietly puzzled and nodded in agreement.
The Sword Immortal, who had been silently seated throughout the meeting, finally spoke.
"The Sword Saint will immerse himself in training. The existence of Heukcheon weighs heavily on my mind."
The elders fell silent at the Sword Immortal’s troubled voice. By now, they all knew of Heukcheon.
But they could not begin to imagine what kind of person could unsettle the Sword Immortal so.
"Senior, the Martial Alliance will hold the line until Heukcheon reveals himself. Please focus on your training."
"I leave it to you."
As the Alliance Leader spoke with firm resolve, the Sword Immortal smiled and nodded.
***
Dongting Lake
A vast lake north of Changsha, it also served as the boundary between Hubei and Hunan.
Mu Hwi and the Sword Immortal walked slowly, taking in the endless expanse of blue scenery.
Unlike the Sword Immortal, who leisurely admired the tranquil lake, Mu Hwi only half-heartedly glanced around.
"Are you worried about those on the battlefield?"
"A little. It’s hard not to be when I’m not there myself."
"Enough. Do not dwell on it."
The Sword Immortal’s voice was unexpectedly firm.
"Few in recent times have faced as many absolute masters as you have. That is why you’ve achieved feats unbecoming of your age."
The Sword Immortal placed a hand on Mu Hwi’s shoulder.
"You’ve worked hard until now. It’s time to pause and reflect on the path you’ve taken."
"Hmm..."
The Sword Immortal’s words held merit.
‘Ever since encountering Heukcheon at Sword Peak Mountain, I’ve spent almost all my time training.’
Looking back, though he hadn’t shown it outwardly, most of his training had felt like he was being chased.
"But Elder and I are the Alliance’s key forces. I’m not sure if it’s wise to stay back."
If the Sword Immortal and the Sword Saint took to the battlefield, a single swing of their swords could save countless lives.
At Mu Hwi’s question, the Sword Immortal also stopped walking.
He had glimpsed the subtle urgency rising in Mu Hwi’s expression.
"I understand your concern. But they are martial artists too. They are not ones we must forever shield by standing at the front. Isn’t that so?"
The Sword Immortal gazed at the rippling surface of Dongting Lake.
"Everyone has their own battles to fight. This time, we must focus on ours."
"You mean Heukcheon."
The Sword Immortal nodded.
"There is a saying in Go ‘When in danger, abandon. When moving, respond.’"
"What does that mean?"
"When in danger, abandon—when faced with peril, discard what must be discarded and wait for the right moment. Life is no different. Mu Hwi, let go of the excessive burden and responsibility on your shoulders. Live lightly, freely."
Mu Hwi fell into thought.
Reincarnation through Hyeon Jo’s Plum Blossom Spirit Jade. Hyeon Jo and the Sword Devil’s vengeance. A new life under the name Mu Hwi.
For many reasons, Mu Hwi had subconsciously believed that he alone must stop Heukcheon.
Beyond vengeance, he instinctively felt that he and Heukcheon stood on opposing ends of fate.
‘His insight is as sharp as ever.’
It seemed the Sword Immortal had seen through his thoughts. Noticing the deepening resolve in Mu Hwi’s eyes, the Sword Immortal continued.
"When moving, respond—when you make a move, it must harmonize with the stones around you. Mu Hwi, do you remember? When I first saw you, I called you the miraculous move that would overturn the board. To become that, you must form countless organic connections with the stones around you. We walk together."
"Is that so?"
Though much had changed in this life, Mu Hwi still carried remnants of his past life’s tendency to shoulder everything alone.
"Trust and entrust. This is the martial arts world. No matter how towering a tree, it cannot form a forest alone."
Mu Hwi thought of his Hwasan martial brothers.
He had taught them with utmost sincerity, step by step, so they could walk together. Even Dokgo Yul would have been shocked at the sight.
Under his guidance, his martial disciples had grown steadily, becoming martial artists who could hold their own.
Though Mu Hwi acknowledged this, he often still saw them as the young and inexperienced disciples he had first met, wanting to keep them sheltered.
‘Teaching is not enough. Sometimes, trusting and letting go is necessary.’
Lost in thought, Mu Hwi nodded and smiled.
"I understand, Elder."
"Good."
The Sword Immortal gazed at Dongting Lake for a moment, then flashed a mischievous grin.
"Now, let’s see if you can truly shake everything off and step forward lightly. Follow me."
With his hands behind his back, the Sword Immortal leaped toward Dongting Lake.
As if using the Shrinking Earth Technique, his steps crossed space, stepping from land onto the lake’s surface.
Yet his feet did not sink even slightly. As though walking on solid ground, he tread the water, creating countless ripples across the lake.
"Wha—! What kind of divine skill is that?"
"It’s an immortal!"
Nearby boatmen, rowing their vessels, gaped in awe, trying to follow the distant figure of the Sword Immortal as he rapidly moved away.
‘Water-Treading Flight!’
Watching the Sword Immortal effortlessly demonstrate the pinnacle of Water-Treading Flight, Mu Hwi activated the Dark Scent Flutter and launched himself onto the lake.
Splash!
Mu Hwi’s eyes slightly narrowed as he executed the Shadow Steps. Though he didn’t embarrassingly plunge into the lake, his movements lacked the Sword Immortal’s fluidity.
Where the Sword Immortal’s steps left gentle ripples like falling leaves, Mu Hwi’s feet sent water droplets splashing violently, as if large stones were being dropped.
While only the tips of the Sword Immortal’s leather shoes got slightly wet, Mu Hwi’s robes were gradually soaking through.
The Sword Immortal glanced back at Mu Hwi, then turned fully around, walking backward with the Reverse Cloud Steps to face him properly.
Mu Hwi’s eyes widened. Even with the Dark Scent Flutter pushed to their limit, he couldn’t catch up.
"My, your footwork lags behind your swordsmanship. Good. Let’s train hard for a while. Dongting Lake is vast—plenty of space to run around."
As the Sword Immortal’s laughter grew distant, Mu Hwi gritted his teeth and stretched his Dark Scent Flutter further.
Splash!
Huff!
Mu Hwi took a deep breath.
Watching the water droplets splashing up to his face, he chased after the Sword Immortal.
***
"They’re coming."
Dokgo Yul’s eyes fixed on the distant banners of Heukcheon, fluttering amidst others.
"Many Nights... And Grand Nights, is it?"
"I’ve heard Many Nights are the most numerous, practicing common demonic techniquez, while Grand Nights mainly master rapid-healing techniques."
As if to confirm this, the endless stream of demonic envoys beneath the banners grew steadily.
The demonic energy radiating from them darkened the surroundings.
Nodding at Xian Zhu’s advice, Dokgo Yul replied,
"I’ll keep that in mind."
Boom!
At the sound of the war drum, Dokgo Yul and Xian Zhu exchanged glances.
"Let’s go!"
"Let’s move!"