200
Chapter 200: It Was Truly Enjoyable. (The End)
Hwasan’s Chaoyang Peak.
The summit of Chaoyang Peak had been devastated by the Hwasan Sword Debate, but as time passed, it had regained its original appearance. Mu Hwi sat on a rock at Chaoyang Peak, taking in the sight of the Hwasan.
The towering and rugged peaks of the Hwasan remained unchanged.
The summit of the Hwasan, like a famed sword, pierced through the clouds and mist, pointing toward the sky. The Hwasan itself resembled another swordsman of the Hwasan Sect.
Until now, the disciples of the Hwasan Sect had breathed and lived within the Hwasan, naturally embodying its essence and infusing its energy into their swords.
Just as Mu Hwi had done.
“You’ve arrived.”
“Yes, Master.”
Mu Hwi, who had been gazing at the Hwasan, turned his head.
Behind him stood a middle-aged man waiting. The middle-aged man wore the Hwasan Sect’s uniform with a purple plum blossom draped over it.
“Did you achieve anything from your closed-door training?”
“Though modest, I have indeed made progress.”
Myeong San’s calm reply reflected his refined gaze and energy. Sensing this, Mu Hwi smiled with satisfaction.
“Good. Then let’s see.”
Master and disciple drew their swords against each other.
Swoosh!
Though two swords were drawn, the ringing sound of the blades leaving their scabbards came from only one place.
Mu Hwi stood still in his spot, while Myeong San bowed his head slightly and stepped forward with the Dark Scent Flutter stance.
Even as Myeong San leaped, a distance of about ten steps remained between him and Mu Hwi. Yet, Myeong San thrust his Plum Blossom Sword without hesitation.
Beside Mu Hwi’s thigh, a cluster of plum blossoms suddenly scattered petals. As if discovered like a treasure during a stroll, the plum blossoms appeared abruptly.
Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques, First Form:
Plum Blossoms by the Roadside (梅花路傍).
Myeong San instantly added a twist to his ankle, then swung the Plum Blossom Sword upward fiercely, slashing sideways.
In that moment, the plum blossoms blooming at Myeong San’s waist were split in half. Unbeknownst to him, Mu Hwi had also executed the same Plum Blossoms by the Roadside.
‘I didn’t even see him swing his sword!’
Myeong San raised his internal energy, focusing even more on his footwork. Then, he faintly glimpsed the trajectory of his master’s hand.
A field of plum blossoms unfolded before Myeong San’s feet.
Dozens of plum blossoms filled the lower and middle levels, their petals fluttering chaotically like butterflies.
Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques, Second Form:
Plum Blossom Butterfly Dance (梅花蝶舞).
Myeong San drew a semicircle with his Plum Blossom Sword, countering with the same Plum Blossom Butterfly Dance.
Whoosh!
The petals tangled with each other, scattering beyond Chaoyang Peak, and the thick fragrance of plum blossoms spread in all directions.
Clang!
The Sim-myeong Sword and the Plum Blossom Sword clashed head-on.
The Plum Blossom Sword, bent as if about to break, was violently repelled, but Myeong San did not relent. He fired a crescent-shaped sword energy vertically and unleashed four consecutive strikes of the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand’s palm force.
Mu Hwi lightly deflected them and closed the distance, targeting Myeong San. Myeong San, while being pushed back, utilized the unique footwork of the Dark Scent Flutter stance.
He diverted half the impact into the ground and channeled the rest through a full-body rotation into his Plum Blossom Sword.
The ground cracked and trembled.
Myeong San’s energy surged like flames, raging fiercely. He thrust his sword toward Mu Hwi as if facing a life-or-death enemy. A clear purple glow shimmered from the Plum Blossom Sword.
Boom!
Rocks and shattered trees floated weightlessly in all directions, while petals darted between them, emitting a radiant purple light.
Master and disciple engaged in a duel, starting with the first form of the Twenty-Four Hands Plum Blossom Sword Techniques, Plum Blossoms by the Roadside, and sequentially unfolding each form.
Thus, the already blooming Hwasan was filled with even more abundant plum blossoms, forming waves of flowers.
In an instant, hundreds of plum blossoms that had filled Chaoyang Peak were drawn into the two swords.
The two swords, having absorbed the blossoms and petals with their entire bodies, were thrust toward each other like lightning, splitting the air.
Dark Monkey’s Motionless Blossom (暗香不動花).
Crash!
Myeong San’s plum blossom robe flapped violently as if about to tear. But even as he was pushed back, his posture and gaze remained unshaken.
“This is the last one. Can you execute it?”
“If not, how could I dare use the title Hwasan Sword Saint?”
Confidently answering, Myeong San traced a resolute trajectory with his Plum Blossom Sword. Countless sword energies erupted along its path, spreading in all directions.
Sword energies stretched in all directions, growing into plum branches and towering peaks. Countless plum blossoms and petals filled every inch of the branches and peaks.
From Myeong San’s Plum Blossom Sword, the Hwasan was being recreated.
Along with it, the thick scent of swordsmanship spread.
Though fragrance couldn’t be seen with the eyes, Mu Hwi could feel it. The plum blossom scent emanating from Myeong San was spreading far and wide.
Watching this, Mu Hwi slashed vertically with the Sim-myeong Sword. Instantly, the Hwasan rising from Myeong San’s sword was extinguished.
“Not ten thousand li, but it must have spread at least a hundred li.”
Mu Hwi looked at Myeong San and raised the corner of his mouth.
“Excellent. You are worthy of being called the Hwasan Sword Saint.”
Myeong San, who had maintained a stern expression throughout, finally smiled. He had already been called the Hwasan Sword Saint in the martial yworld three years prior. But because Mu Hwi hadn’t acknowledged it, he had pushed himself harder in training.
Master and disciple, having exchanged swords, sat side by side at the edge of Chaoyang Peak, taking in the view of the Hwasan.
Suddenly, Mu Hwi asked,
“Myeong San. You are ordinary. Your talent is just slightly above average.”
Myeong San smiled.
“I know. I realized it at some point. Had I not trained with you, Master, I would have barely reached the peak.”
“That’s why your mastery of the Fragrance of Plum Blossoms Across Ten Thousand Miles holds even greater significance.”
Mu Hwi had only been able to unleash the Fragrance of Plum Blossoms Across Ten Thousand Miles at the very end of the Hwasan Sword Debate. But that didn’t mean one had to reach the same realm as Mu Hwi to execute it.
“In the future, even without you or me, the sword’s essence of Hwasan will continue unbroken.”
Mu Hwi continued to refine the techniques and oral formulas. Myeong San, inheriting them, viewed them not from the perspective of a genius but from an ordinary person’s. Naturally, his way of seeing and thinking differed.
And so, Myeong San began researching the forms and adding new annotations from the perspective of an ordinary person.
Martial arts were not complete just because they were created. Even after the creator was gone, the process of refining the techniques and oral formulas was necessary to ensure the legacy continued unbroken.
Though Mu Hwi had created the martial arts, it was largely Myeong San’s contribution that allowed them to take stable root in the Hwasan Sect.
That was how it should be.
The essence of martial arts was for the weak to grow stronger.
“Myeong San. Take this.”
Mu Hwi untied the Sim-myeong Sword from his waist and extended it toward Myeong San. Myeong San’s eyes widened.
“Starting tomorrow, you will be Hwasan’s foremost sword.”
Whoosh!
As Myeong San grasped the scabbard with trembling hands, the Sim-myeong Sword emitted a clear ringing sound. For some reason, the sound felt sorrowful.
Startled, Myeong San looked at Mu Hwi, who chuckled and stroked the Sim-myeong Sword’s scabbard.
“I didn’t expect it to develop a spirit so soon. Sim-myeong. We’ve grown close. Now it’s time to part.”
Whoosh!
Watching the Sim-myeong Sword ring again, Mu Hwi spoke.
“The Sim-myeong Sword gained its spirit after being with me. But it’s still a small spirit. From now on, it’s crucial. If the future Hwasan Sword Saints walk the right path, the Sim-myeong Sword may one day be called a divine sword.”
Myeong San nodded with a determined expression.
“Master. I will properly inherit your will.”
Mu Hwi placed a hand on Myeong San’s shoulder.
“Myeong San. Today is the last time we’ll see each other.”
Mu Hwi now passed on the words he had once received from the Sword Immortal to Myeong San. Myeong San’s eyes widened.
“Disciple. I entrust it to you. Stay healthy.”
As Myeong San opened his mouth to speak, Mu Hwi had already disappeared. Myeong San held the Sim-myeong Sword in both hands and silently stared at the empty space for a long time.
“Thank you, Master.”
Myeong San shed tears and bowed toward the spot where Mu Hwi had sat.
After bidding farewell to Myeong San, Mu Hwi headed to Nak-an Peak before leaving Hwasan. He wanted to pay his last respects to Hyeon Jo's grave there.
Mu Hwi gazed at Hyeon Jo's grave, which stood as always. Beside it, a plum blossom tree stretched high into the sky, casting shade.
Mu Hwi watched the plum blossom petals fall one by one onto Hyeon Jo's grave.
“I’ve entrusted Hwasan to the next generation. They’ll do well without me. The time has come for both you and me to let go and flow elsewhere.”
Suddenly, Mu Hwi recalled his first meeting with Hyeon Jo.
- Sword Devil. You reek of blood. Truly living up to your title.
Mu Hwi raised the corner of his mouth as he looked at Hyeon Jo's grave.
“Hyeon Jo. What scent do I carry now?”
Naturally, no answer came.
But the fragrance flowing from the fully bloomed plum blossoms on the tree beside the grave answered in his stead.
As the plum blossom scent washed over him, Mu Hwi faintly imagined Hyeon Jo's reply.
“A very comforting plum blossom scent. The kind you’d want to smell anytime.”
Suddenly, an answer came from behind.
Xian Zhu, clad not in the Jongnam Sect’s uniform but in pure white palace robes, approached.
Mu Hwi hadn’t forgotten those robes. They were the clothes she had worn when they traveled together long ago. That’s why Mu Hwi, too, was not wearing the Hwasan Sect’s uniform but the same robe from back then.
“You’ve grown even younger since I last saw you, Brother. This is why I can’t neglect my martial training.”
Unlike Mu Hwi, who retained the appearance of his early twenties, Xian Zhu looked to be in her early thirties.
“Did you settle matters in Jongnam?”
“Yes. That’s why I left without regrets, discarding the Jongnam Sect’s uniform. Just like you, Brother.”
Hwasan and Jongnam.
The two Sect Leaders, having fulfilled their duties, entrusted the future to the next generation. Now, only the names Mu Hwi and Xian Zhu remained.
“Where shall we go now?”
“Wherever you wish, Brother.”
Smiling at each other, the two clasped hands and descended Nak-an Peak together.
Above Hyeon Jo's grave, two plum blossoms fell side by side, watching them go.
***
Mu Hwi walked and walked.
An unfamiliar space.
Everywhere was filled with rainbow light.
When he took his final step,
Mu Hwi met a man.
“You’ve finally arrived.”
The man, leaning against a pine tree, grinned at Mu Hwi. Mu Hwi narrowed his eyes at him.
The man wore a light purple robe with plum blossoms embroidered on the sleeves, resembling the Hwasan Sect’s uniform. The man likewise scrutinized Mu Hwi up and down.
“Hmm. Even in person, it’s still drab. Why did late-stage foundation level disciples change the uniform’s color, I wonder...”
As Mu Hwi stared silently, the man laughed cheerfully and greeted him.
“Pleasure to meet you. I am the Six Harmonies Sword God.”
“Six Harmonies Sword God?”
As if understanding Mu Hwi’s confusion, the Six Harmonies Sword God added:
“In life, I was called the Six Harmonies Sword God.”
“The founder of the Hwasan Sect...”
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard that title.”
The Six Harmonies Sword God wore a nostalgic expression before asking,
“What is your name?”
“Mu Hwi.”
“No, not that. Those who enter the celestial realm are given a new immortal name (仙名) based on their life and story. Think about it. It will come to you naturally.”
As the Six Harmonies Sword God said,
Mu Hwi didn’t need to think hard. As soon as he heard the term immortal name, a word flashed through his mind.
“Sword God of Fragrant Achievement...”
Sword God of Fragrant Achievement (成香劍仙).
The Six Harmonies Sword God nodded and gestured for him to follow, turning his back.
“Sword God of Fragrant Achievement. The power of the Plum Blossom Spirit Jade that reincarnated you was originally my own. Before ascending, I poured all my power into it. I never imagined it would manifest like this, though.”
The Six Harmonies Sword God glanced at him.
“I should thank you. Thanks to you, the faltering Hwasan Sect found its footing.”
“I did what I had to do.”
The Six Harmonies Sword God laughed and nodded.
“Through the Plum Blossom Spirit Jade, our fates intertwined, and I came to know both your past and current lives. So, tell me. Was this life enjoyable?”
The Sword God of Fragrant Achievement raised the corner of his mouth and nodded.
“It was truly enjoyable.”
“Good.”
The Six Harmonies Sword God pointed toward the end of the crimson-hued space, which had drawn closer without notice. At its end, only radiant light awaited.
“If the martial arts world was a place to determine the Greatest Under Heaven, the celestial realm is where the greatest of all ages compete. Even among the long history of the martial arts world, only the most exceptional become Martial Immortals (武仙) and vie for supremacy.”
“The greatest of all ages... Are there legendary figures like the Heavenly Demon, Bodhidharma, or Lü Dongbin?”
At Mu Hwi’s question, the Six Harmonies Sword God smiled deeply.
“Of course.”
The Six Harmonies Sword God looked at the Sword God of Fragrant Achievement and asked,
“Will you step forward? Into the celestial realm. The world of Martial Immortals.”
After hearing the explanation, the Sword God of Fragrant Achievement raised the corner of his mouth.
It was a smile brimming with confidence and anticipation.
“Naturally.”
“A wise choice. The Heavenly Slaughter Dark Immortal (天殺暗仙) and others have been waiting for you. The celestial realm will become interesting again after so long.”
“Heh. Is that so?”
Without hesitation, the Sword God of Fragrant Achievement stepped toward the outstretched light.
The Hwasan Sect's Genius Swordsman. (The End)
***
Afterword.
Hello. This is Mu-hyang.
I’d like to express my gratitude to all the readers who have accompanied me to the end of The Hwasan Sect's Genius Swordsman. I’ve always wanted to write a story centered around the Hwasan Sect, and now I’ve done so.
While writing this second work, I aimed to create something better than my previous one. There were scenes I was satisfied with and others where I felt lacking. I’m not sure how readers felt about it.
I’ve seen comments saying 200 episodes felt short. Initially, I also intended to write more, but it didn’t work out. Of course, I could have extended it if I forced myself, but stretching it artificially didn’t feel right, so I concluded it at 200 episodes. Perhaps it’s due to my own limitations. If possible, I’d like to write a longer series next time.
Once again, thank you to all the readers who joined Mu Hwi’s journey.
Sincerely,
Mu-hyang.