“Master Jang, as a senior disciple, I wish to establish a new division within the Mount Hua Sect.”

Baek Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully. “What kind of division are you proposing?”

“I intend to create a place dedicated to mastering the martial arts of Mount Hua.”

“Go on.”

“The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique is exceptionally difficult to master, even more so than the existing Three Plum Blossom Sword Techniques.”

“Hmm, indeed. The moves you demonstrated at the Heavenly Martial Arts Tournament were extraordinary. They’re not something one can master in just a few years.”

Baek Yu wondered if other disciples could achieve the same level of proficiency in the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique as Mu Hui had in such a short time. The technique was so advanced that it was meant to be a lifelong pursuit.

“And the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique is not just an advanced martial art.”

“Then what is it?”

“It encapsulates the insights of past Mount Hua sword masters, including yours, within its twenty-four forms.”

Mu Hui spoke calmly, but Baek Yu was visibly surprised. “What do you mean by that?”

As Mu Hui explained the connection between the technique and the legacy of Mount Hua’s sword masters, Baek Yu could only express admiration.

Mu Hui continued, “Each form contains the essence of past masters, allowing talented disciples to create new techniques based on their own insights.”

Just as fallen petals nourish the next spring’s blossoms, the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique held the potential to give birth to new branches of Mount Hua’s martial arts.

‘Hyunjo, your concerns will be addressed by this technique.’

Future disciples of Mount Hua would not only master the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique but also derive new insights, leading to the creation of new techniques. The plum blossoms of Mount Hua would flourish, branching out like the limbs and roots of a tree, giving rise to diverse martial arts.

This was what Hyunjo, and now Mu Hui, had envisioned—a martial art that not only advanced one’s skills but also breathed life into the sect’s teachings.

The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique was both the most brilliant blossom and the seed of Mount Hua’s martial arts. Baek Yu, examining the manual, understood this.

“The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique truly is the culmination of Mount Hua’s martial arts.”

Mu Hui nodded and added, “I plan to center the new division around this technique.”

While various interpretations and annotations might emerge over time, Mu Hui feared that if the technique were passed down in the traditional manner, some forms might be lost. Unlike the existing Martial Arts Pavilion, which managed all of Mount Hua’s teachings, Mu Hui’s division would focus solely on the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

He intended to select talented disciples from each generation, encouraging them to share and preserve their insights without the constraints of traditional master-disciple relationships. Training would be a collaborative effort.

Mu Hui planned to apply the same training methods he had used to instruct the second-generation disciples, methods that had already proven effective.

‘I must establish a system that ensures disciples continue to grow properly, even in my absence or that of the current second-generation disciples.’

This was why Mu Hui wanted to create a new division—not just a temporary spark during his time at Mount Hua, but a lasting foundation.

“You’re focusing on training and teaching talented disciples. But won’t other disciples feel excluded or discriminated against?”

“That’s why I plan to run the division openly. Some processes will be public, encouraging participation.”

“Hmm.”

“I’m considering various benefits to ensure that being part of the division instills pride and honor, without causing resentment among other disciples.”

Baek Yu, engrossed in Mu Hui’s vision, forgot about his tea.

“Like what?”

“I’ve requested robes made from celestial silk from the Heavenly Trading Company. And recently, a shipment of fine steel arrived at the Blacksmith’s Guild, enough to forge new plum blossom swords.”

Baek Yu understood what Mu Hui was implying.

“But you can’t provide these to everyone in the division.”

“That’s why I plan to select the most outstanding members and give them a special title.”

“Do you have a name in mind?”

“Twenty-four members. The Plum Blossom Twenty-Four. How about calling them the Plum Blossom Swordmasters?”

“Plum Blossom Swordmasters…”

Baek Yu repeated the name, testing its sound and feel.

“Plum Blossom Swordmasters. I like it.”

“I intend to present them as the elite of our sect, representing our martial prowess, much like the Seven Swords of Wudang or the Eighteen Arhats.”

Internally, the division would preserve and develop martial arts, motivating disciples to achieve. Externally, it would elevate the sect’s reputation and martial strength, becoming an object of admiration.

The Plum Blossom Swordmasters.

Baek Yu nodded, understanding Mu Hui’s explanation. Even in Shaolin and Wudang, disciples strive to join the ranks of the Eighteen Arhats or the Seven Swords, and the martial world holds these names in reverence.

“It’s worth trying.”

Baek Yu believed that the introduction of the Plum Blossom Swordmasters would positively influence the future of Mount Hua.

“Very well. Proceed as you wish.”

With Baek Yu’s approval, Mu Hui bowed his head.

“Thank you, Master.”

This was just the beginning.

***

“Senior Brother, is it ready?”

Mu Hui nodded as he looked at the plaque the disciples had mounted above the pavilion.

“It’s ready. Come down.”

Musang and Muho leaped down gracefully, landing beside Mu Hui and gazing up at the pavilion.

“It looks impressive.”

“Master himself wrote the plaque.”

The plaque read “Mae Hwi Pavilion,” named after Mu Hui’s own name, meaning “shining.” It was the name of the newly established division within Mount Hua.

Mae Hwi Pavilion was located near the Plum Blossom Waterfall, where the second-generation disciples had trained. It was a sizable structure, reflecting the high expectations Mount Hua had for it.

“Mu Hui.”

Turning around, Mu Hui saw Hyunbaek, Hyungak, and other first-generation disciples approaching.

“Welcome, Senior Brothers.”

Since Mu Hui’s return, the first-generation disciples often visited Mae Hwi Pavilion to train. They focused on the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique and the Hidden Fragrance Steps, finding that Mu Hui’s advice helped them overcome obstacles.

Initially, many first-generation disciples felt awkward seeking guidance from Mu Hui, a second-generation disciple. However, his reputation in the martial world and the effectiveness of his advice quickly dispelled any doubts.

Many first-generation disciples broke through barriers in their training with the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

As a result, most of Mount Hua’s disciples were now deeply engrossed in their training.

“There are more senior brothers here than usual today.”

Unlike the second-generation disciples, who could focus solely on training, the first-generation disciples had to balance their training with sect responsibilities. The number of first-generation disciples visiting Mae Hwi Pavilion varied daily, but today saw the largest gathering.

In response to Mu Hui’s observation, Hyunbaek smiled wryly. “The elders have given us some leeway. They’ve instructed us to focus on training for the time being.”

The elders, having reviewed the manual, recognized the value of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique. They were so moved by its creation that some even shed tears.

However, the elders decided to forgo learning the technique themselves. Instead of spending their later years mastering a new technique, they chose to manage the sect’s operations, allowing the younger first-generation disciples to focus on mastering the technique.

This decision was unanimously agreed upon by the elders, who took on the responsibilities of the first-generation disciples, giving them the opportunity to delve into the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

“The elders have made a truly difficult choice.”

Despite everything, the elders were martial artists at heart. They couldn’t help but yearn for new martial arts, especially one that surpassed their previous skills. Yet, they set aside their desires for the future of Mount Hua.

“Yes, with the elders’ support, we can’t afford to fall short.”

“Indeed, Senior Brother Hyunbaek.”

“Let’s begin training immediately.”

Hyungak and the other first-generation disciples shared the same determination, their eyes burning with resolve as they looked at Mu Hui.

“Please guide us well today, Mu Hui.”

Mu Hui grinned and nodded. “Let’s get started. We’ll begin with Senior Brother Hyunbaek.”

“Excellent!”

Mu Hui and Hyunbaek stepped onto the sparring platform together. The approach remained the same, regardless of whether they were first or second-generation disciples.

Through sparring, Mu Hui identified flaws in the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique and the Hidden Fragrance Steps, offering advice to improve them.

Perhaps due to their extensive training and higher achievements, the first-generation disciples showed visible progress, even at their age.

Among them, Hyunbaek, Mu Jin’s master, was unmatched in Mount Hua, save for the elders.

Clang! Clang!

The two plum blossom swords clashed, intertwining dozens of times before separating.

Hyunbaek executed the Hidden Fragrance Steps, swiftly changing direction and unleashing the Plum Blossom by the Roadside technique. In an instant, he vanished from Mu Hui’s sight, reappearing with a flurry of plum blossoms at Mu Hui’s side. But before the petals could fully bloom, Mu Hui’s vertical slash scattered them.

When Hyunbaek realized his plum blossom had been torn, Muhwi was already standing before him.

In an instant, Muhwi appeared as if he had sprung from the ground, a dark line slicing through Hyunbaek’s vision.

With footwork that seemed to demonstrate the true art of the Plum Blossom Sword, Hyunbaek couldn’t help but admire as he swung his sword.

The duel unfolded with Muhwi pressing the attack and Hyunbaek skillfully countering.

Hyunbaek found that simply responding to Muhwi’s onslaught taught him much.

The same was true for the first and second disciples watching the match.

The stage was a riot of color, filled with the scent of swords and the vibrant hues of purple, red, and white plum blossoms.

A small paradise seemed to bloom on the dueling platform.

“Truly remarkable.”

Though he had faced Muhwi many times, each clash felt like the first, filling him with awe and a renewed sense of wonder.

Once the greatest concern of the elders of the Hwasan Sect, Muhwi had not only replaced Hyunjo in supporting the sect but was now leading it forward.

Hyunbaek flared his nostrils, inhaling the rich scent of Muhwi’s swordsmanship, and scattered his own plum blossom technique, creating a refined display of blooming flowers.

Hyunbaek’s sword aura pushed back against Muhwi’s.

Whoosh!

As petals collided, a fierce wind rose, and each time the plum blossoms shone, cracks appeared on the stage, sending shards of stone flying.

Hyunbaek’s clear sword path, cutting through the chaos, was a testament to his silent, persistent effort.

“Hyunjo, I see glimpses of you in Muhwi. Is this what it means to be a disciple?”

Crash!

As Hyunbaek stepped back two paces, the ground where he had just stood was etched with dozens of sword marks.

Muhwi showed no leniency, even to his senior. In Muhwi’s strictness, Hyunbaek saw the shadow of Hyunjo.

Hyunbaek’s eyes smiled at Muhwi, but his lips were pressed into a strange, tight line.

“Your absence has been filled admirably by your disciple!”

Caught in a swirl of pride for Muhwi and longing for Hyunjo, Hyunbaek was overwhelmed by an indescribable emotion.

“Am I getting old? What foolishness during a duel…”

Muttering softly, Hyunbaek steadied himself and thrust his sword with renewed vigor.

“Hah!”

Boom!

A powerful impact surged, but Hyunbaek stood firm, resisting Muhwi’s sword force.

The two men stepped back simultaneously, as if in perfect harmony, executing the same technique.

Plum Blossom Gradually Unfolds.

Amidst the storm of swirling petals, plum blossoms began to bloom one by one, soon spinning in the flow of sword energy.

The growing flurry of petals and blossoms left the watching disciples increasingly dizzy.

As Hyunbaek retreated, batting away the petals of sword energy, he shouted.

“Excellent! Let’s go again.”

“Come at me!”

And so, the duel at the Plum Blossom Pavilion continued unabated, even as the sun set.

Though it was midsummer and the Hwasan Mountain was lush with green leaves, around the Falling Plum Waterfall, petals always danced in the air, and the scent of plum blossoms lingered.