Six plum blossom swords descended, aiming for the crown of Mu-hui’s head.

Clang!

The six swords collided with the one Mu-hui had raised, their combined force pressing down on him. Yet, Mu-hui’s muscular arms and legs remained unshaken. He bent his knees slightly, then used the momentum to fling the swords away.

In that instant, as Mu-hui deflected the six-pronged attack, a seamless wave of sword strikes surged toward him like a volcanic gale. Three streams of sword energy came at him from different angles, targeting his shoulders and ankles, trying to restrict his movements.

The real threat came a fraction of a breath later, as sword strikes stabbed at him from all directions. Mu-hui spun in place, his robe fluttering as he drew a small circle in the air.

Clang, clang, clang!

The swords were deflected, but the disciples quickly repositioned, persistently closing in on him.

Mu-hui was the sole target of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation, a training exercise designed to challenge both many opponents and a few skilled masters.

The formation, a hallmark of the Mount Hua Sect, was intricate and relentless, constantly pushing its opponent to the brink.

“Not bad at all,” Mu-hui thought, observing how the swordsmen coordinated their attacks, creating dizzying changes in the formation.

If the Seven Star Sword Formation of the Wudang Sect was like a dense cloud slowly closing in, the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation was like an intoxicating fragrance spreading endlessly.

As Mu-hui tried to exploit an opening in the formation, the first disciples on either side crossed their swords to block his strike. In that brief moment when Mu-hui’s movement was halted, sword energy and strikes flew at him from behind. He deflected them with a sweep of his left hand, using the Plum Blossom Mountain technique.

“Their coordination is impressive. The assault never lets up.”

Boom!

The first disciples surged forward, unleashing a torrent of plum blossom sword energy that pressed down on Mu-hui’s shoulders, surrounding him.

Mu-hui brushed aside the encroaching petals, examining the formation’s weak points. Unlike the past, when only second disciples could form the formation, now it included twelve first disciples and twelve second disciples.

This was exactly what Mu-hui had envisioned.

“Their teamwork is better than expected.”

There was no need to worry about the second disciples’ coordination. He had thought mixing them with the first disciples might be different, but it wasn’t.

Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the first disciples were skillfully adjusting to the second disciples’ movements.

“Now! Strike!”

Led by Hyun-baek, the first disciples showcased their martial prowess and experience, supporting the formation’s core.

Originally, the formation’s backbone was led by the Mount Hua elders, but now they were learning alongside the first disciples.

“Yes, it’s better than having just one group of plum blossom swordsmen.”

With twelve first disciples and twelve second disciples, this balance allowed the first disciples to naturally pass on their knowledge, while the second disciples learned significantly from their seniors.

Over time, this would ensure a seamless generational transition for the plum blossom swordsmen.

Both the first and second disciples were becoming formidable enough to represent the sect’s martial strength and its promising future.

The Mount Hua elders, who had achieved a certain level of mastery in the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique, began training in the Plum Blossom Mountain technique like the first disciples, while the other second disciples focused on the sword technique.

Even if the second disciples had shortcomings, the first disciples could cover for them, ensuring no issues arose.

Thus, the plum blossom swordsmen would symbolize the sect’s martial prowess and its promising future.

“Wow… He’s holding his own against all of them.”

“Impressive!”

The third disciples from the Spring Plum Pavilion were also observing the training of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation.

“Mu-hui is amazing, isn’t he? Right, Myung-young, Myung-am?”

Myung-san, now more accustomed to his Taoist name than his birth name, looked at the young man and woman beside him.

Myung-young and Myung-am.

Young-young had received the Taoist name Myung-young, and Sung-su-am was now Myung-am.

“If we work hard, we can train here too, right?”

“I’m definitely joining the Plum Blossom Pavilion. I have to learn the Iron Plum Sword Technique.”

Myung-young and Myung-am watched Mu-hwa and Mu-chul, who were leading the formation, with determination.

Their goals had shifted to Mu-hwa and Mu-chul.

“Master is incredible!”

Watching Mu-hui withstand the formation alone, Myung-san clenched his fist.

Though he couldn’t yet call him “Master” aloud, the admiration in Myung-san’s eyes was as bright as ever.

The third disciples were still training at the Spring Plum Pavilion, unable to leave Mount Hua, but they heard all the rumors from the martial world.

Especially those about Mu-hui, which Myung-san listened to without missing a single one.

Each time, he felt immense joy and worked tirelessly to live up to being Mu-hui’s disciple.

As a result, Myung-san was at the top of his class at the Spring Plum Pavilion.

Behind the third disciples watching the formation were the Spring Plum Pavilion Master, Baek-chun, and the Plum Blossom Pavilion Master, Baek-soon. The two elders watched their disciples with pride.

Baek-chun had brought the third disciples to observe, while Baek-soon was there to assess the development of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation.

“The first and second disciples are surprisingly well-coordinated.”

“Our decision was right. The elders must play their part.”

Baek-soon nodded in satisfaction.

Those who came before must pave the way for those who follow.

It had only been about three months since the elders decided to support the first disciples, but Hyun-baek and a few others were already showing remarkable progress.

Thanks to this, the elders could focus on managing the sect with contentment.

Watching the formation press against Mu-hui, Baek-chun nodded.

“It won’t fall behind the Seven Star Sword Formation or the Eighteen Arhat Formation.”

“Hmm.”

While Baek-chun marveled, Baek-soon kept his eyes on the formation, his hand moving ceaselessly with a brush.

“What do you think, Baek-soon?”

“They say they received help from the Jegal family at the Martial Alliance, and it shows. They’ve captured details we hadn’t seen. The Jegal family is indeed skilled in formations and tactics.”

Baek-soon, who had been instrumental in helping Mu-hui refine the formation, immediately noticed the changes.

“Mu-hui is truly a treasure of Mount Hua.”

“More than just a treasure. What Mu-hui has accomplished surpasses many elders.”

Baek-chun and Baek-soon watched in awe as Mu-hui began to push back against the formation.

As the purple plum blossoms bloomed, the formation visibly trembled.

“His growth is unbelievable, even seeing it firsthand. Not even Hyun-jo was like this.”

“The Blue Ice King, the Extreme Heaven Sect Master. It’s hard to believe these feats were accomplished by a young disciple.”

Watching Mu-hui’s movements and the plum blossoms he conjured, Baek-soon smiled.

“It seems I’m no longer the best swordsman of Mount Hua.”

He didn’t need to compete to know.

Mu-hui’s martial arts had already surpassed his own.

After Hyun-jo’s death, Baek-soon had reluctantly taken on the title of Mount Hua’s best swordsman, feeling unworthy of it.

The title should belong to the true sword sage of Mount Hua.

Baek-soon had only been holding the title temporarily for the next generation. Now, he sensed it was time to pass it on.

“I’m glad I can pass it on to a worthy disciple, rather than taking it to my grave.”

“Senior, don’t say such things.”

“Even if not immediately, Mu-hui will soon reach the level of a sword sage. I believe it.”

There was no concrete evidence, but the intuition of a master who had lived long enough to see snow pile on his hair told him so.

“They said the Plum Blossom Pavilion has started crafting new plum blossom swords for the swordsmen?”

“Yes, they sent a letter two months ago, so they must be busy.”

The new plum blossom swords, made with a blend of the existing materials and a special metal, were being forged at the Plum Blossom Pavilion.

“I’m looking forward to the day the plum blossom swordsmen are born.”

Baek-soon paused his writing, looking at his disciples with a satisfied expression.

When the achievements of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique and Formation reached a certain level, and the new robes and swords arrived at Mount Hua, the plum blossom swordsmen would be born.

***

Having spent months living and breathing the Plum Blossom Pavilion to establish its structure, Mu-hui finally returned to Hyun-jo’s secluded house.

As always, Mu-hui wasn’t alone. Myung-san was with him.

“Show me what you’ve got.”

“Yes, Master!”

Myeongsan stood in the courtyard of the thatched house, holding a wooden sword, and slowly demonstrated the Six Harmonies Sword technique. Although he was still at the Chunmae Pavilion and had only learned the Six Harmonies Sword and the Nine Palaces Steps, it was enough to gauge his martial arts progress.

Even though the Six Harmonies Sword was just a basic technique, its execution varied greatly depending on the practitioner.

Swish!

The wooden sword cut through the air with surprising force, creating a small but noticeable sound of air being split.

Myeongsan’s stance, as he combined the Nine Palaces Steps with the Six Harmonies Sword, was solid. It was evident that he had put effort into his training, following the advice that Muhwi had occasionally given him.

Muhwi, who had been prepared to push Myeongsan harder if necessary, found himself nodding in approval at the unexpectedly impressive display.

“He’s built a solid foundation. I can see how he’s been training.”

While Myeongsan might not have had dazzling talent, his steadfastness was evident in the way he wielded the wooden sword. Any shortcomings could be addressed by Muhwi, his mentor.

“When you bring the sword down from above, relax your shoulder muscles a bit more. Loosen up.”

Turning an ordinary person into a master was the role of a teacher.

Recalling the words of Hyeonjo, Muhwi adjusted Myeongsan’s posture with the scabbard.

As the training session stretched on, the sun, which had been high in the sky, began to dip behind the mountain ridge.

Yet Myeongsan showed no signs of fatigue, fully focused on the training led by Muhwi. It seemed he was so engrossed that he didn’t even notice the passage of time.

Seeing this, Muhwi couldn’t help but smile slightly.

While Myeongsan’s concentration was commendable, it was his stamina and the solid foundation he had built that truly impressed Muhwi.

“That’s enough for today. Let’s get something to eat.”

“Oh. It’s already dark. Are we going to the dining hall?”

Muhwi shook his head and placed a hand on Myeongsan’s head.

“Rest and wait here.”

Not long after Myeongsan leaned against a plum tree to rest, Muhwi returned with two rabbits in hand.

“Wow!”

Myeongsan’s eyes sparkled as he jumped to his feet.

Without being told, Myeongsan began gathering dry branches around the thatched house, preparing to start a fire. Seeing his student take initiative, Muhwi contentedly began to prepare the rabbits.

Muhwi had stocked the thatched house with not only jerky but also various spices. He also had several bottles of liquor hidden away, thanks to his status as a senior disciple, which allowed him to come and go from the mountain as he pleased.

With a flourish, Muhwi sprinkled spices over the rabbit meat, turning it over the fire repeatedly.

Watching eagerly, Myeongsan swallowed hard, waiting impatiently for the meat to cook.

“It’s ready to eat now.”

“Wow! It smells amazing.”

Muhwi, drawing on the cooking skills he had honed during his past life on the road, expertly roasted the rabbit.

In his opinion, meat was best enjoyed grilled over a fire.

Taking a big bite of the rabbit Muhwi handed him, Myeongsan exclaimed in delight.

“This is better than the food at the dining hall!”

“Of course it is. It’s a taste of the world outside, something you haven’t had in a while.”

Myeongsan was too busy devouring the rabbit to respond, and Muhwi watched him with amusement, sipping from a bottle of liquor and savoring the rabbit’s juices.

“How do you find the Chunmae Pavilion?”

“It’s fun. The other kids are all nice.”

As Myeongsan chattered on about his experiences at the Chunmae Pavilion, Muhwi listened, drinking his liquor.

Just as Muhwi was reaching for a new bottle after finishing his second, something dark suddenly leaped from the trees, aiming for the bottle.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Muhwi flipped his hand, deflecting the incoming object with the bottle.

“Screech!”

The dark figure that emerged from the shadows was a black monkey. It tried to counter Muhwi’s move with its long arms, but it was no match.

Bang!

The monkey was sent flying by the force of the impact, and Muhwi chuckled while the monkey jumped around in frustration.

“Screech, screech!”

Startled, Myeongsan watched in shock, hiccupping suddenly.

Seeing this, Muhwi chuckled and tossed a bottle to the monkey, asking, “What brings you here, Amhu?”

Only after receiving the bottle did the monkey calm down a bit.

“Screech…”