“Who the hell…?”

Mu-hui muttered under his breath as he read the letter filled with unsettling information. With a flick of his wrist, he set the letter ablaze, watching as it turned to ash and scattered in the wind. A sigh escaped his lips.

The letter spoke of a hidden tomb discovered in Hanzhong, Shaanxi.

Hanzhong was nestled in the southwestern part of Shaanxi, close to the borders of Sichuan and Gansu.

The tomb was said to belong to two legendary masters, known as the Sword Saint and the Sword Demon, who once stood shoulder to shoulder with emperors. Rumors of this discovery had already spread throughout the martial world, drawing warriors from all corners.

Normally, Mu-hui wouldn’t have cared about such matters. Tombs and hidden treasures often led to bloodshed, and the risks usually outweighed the rewards.

But this was the tomb of the Sword Saint and the Sword Demon.

Neither of them had any reason to create a tomb. Yet, the martial artists, unaware of the true circumstances, would flock there regardless.

The chance to acquire unparalleled martial arts skills was enough to make any warrior brave the jaws of death without hesitation.

“Whose twisted game is this? Sa Do-cheon, the Tyrant Castle… or perhaps the Demon Sect?”

There had been reports of the Demon Sect’s resurgence, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they were involved.

Mu-hui’s hand brushed the hilt of his sword.

“No matter. It doesn’t matter who it is.”

What mattered was making those who dared to play with the names of the Sword Saint and the Sword Demon pay the price.

Having made his decision, Mu-hui stepped out of the Plum Blossom Pavilion, where the Plum Blossom Swordsmen awaited him.

As Mu-hui emerged, Mu-jin stepped forward and bowed.

“Senior Brother, the Master has given his orders.”

“Speak.”

“The Plum Blossom Swordsmen are to head to Hanzhong and uncover the truth behind the tomb that sullies the honor of our predecessors.”

Mu-hui nodded at the assembled swordsmen.

“Plum Blossom Swordsmen, we head to Hanzhong.”

With a flourish of his plum blossom cloak, Mu-hui led the way, the swordsmen following with their own cloaks billowing behind them.

It was the first mission for the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

***

Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province.

“So, we’ve finally arrived.”

Mu-hui sighed as he gazed at the mountain before him.

Fengyuan Mountain.

The mountain where the tomb of the Sword Saint and the Sword Demon was said to be hidden.

“There are so many people here.”

“Most of them are probably martial artists.”

Mu-hwa gaped at the throngs gathered at the foot of the otherwise unremarkable mountain.

Tents of all sizes were pitched everywhere, with flags of various sects fluttering in the breeze.

Some merchants had even set up makeshift inns, hoping to profit from the influx of people, and despite the high prices, the martial artists were quickly consuming the food and drink.

“Looks like we made it in time.”

Hyun-baek sighed in relief as he surveyed the crowd at the base of Fengyuan Mountain.

According to the information, the tomb had been discovered, but the entrance had yet to be opened.

Various experts from across the martial world had tried to breach the thick stone door with their skills, but none had succeeded.

Had the entrance been opened, half of those gathered would have already ascended the mountain, heading for the tomb.

‘And the rest would be lying in wait to rob those who emerged with treasures.’

The likelihood of bloodshed inside and outside the tomb was high.

Mu-hui scanned the flags planted around the area with a discerning eye. There were well-known sects and many he had never heard of.

The problem was that more martial artists would continue to gather as time went on.

Even on their way from Mount Hua to Fengyuan Mountain, Mu-hui and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen had encountered countless martial artists heading to Hanzhong.

After surveying the terrain, Mu-hui chose a spot and turned to Hyun-baek.

“Hyun-baek, let’s set up our tent over there.”

Hyun-baek nodded in agreement.

“Mu-hui, you are here as the leader of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. The decision is yours, not the senior disciples’.”

Hyun-baek glanced at the plum blossom cloak and the small iron badge tied to Mu-hui’s belt.

“This cloak and badge symbolize the authority of the Plum Blossom Leader. The Master bestowed them upon you to fulfill your duties as the leader. You don’t need to worry about our opinions.”

“I understand, Hyun-baek.”

Hyun-baek’s words of encouragement were echoed by the other senior disciples, who nodded in agreement.

The Plum Blossom Swordsmen were composed of both senior and junior disciples, with Mu-hui, a junior disciple, as their leader.

In terms of rank, it was unusual for senior disciples to follow the orders of a junior disciple.

To address this, Baek-yu had crafted special cloaks and badges to elevate the authority of the Plum Blossom Leader, equating it to that of the elders at Mount Hua.

Baek-yu had laid the groundwork for Mu-hui to lead the Plum Blossom Swordsmen with confidence.

Moreover, the senior disciples genuinely respected and followed Mu-hui, so there were no issues with his leadership.

Mu-hui promptly began directing the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

“Let’s get to work.”

Following Mu-hui’s orders, the senior disciples ascended the mountain to gather more information, while the junior disciples began setting up the tent.

The martial artists gathered around watched the Plum Blossom Swordsmen with keen interest.

“So, Mount Hua has arrived.”

“With the tomb of the Sword Saint, they were bound to come. I expected elders and senior disciples, but instead, a young junior disciple has shown up.”

“Still, those young ones don’t seem ordinary.”

The martial artists eyed the plum blossom embroidery on the cloaks with wary eyes.

Mount Hua was, as expected, the center of attention. Despite the scrutiny, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen went about their tasks undisturbed.

“If more formidable groups like them show up, it’ll be troublesome even if the tomb opens.”

“Hmph! No matter how prestigious they are, they can’t handle all these martial artists alone. It’s the first to claim it who wins.”

“I’m more curious about the Sword Demon’s skills than the Sword Saint’s. He was known as the best in the unorthodox sects. His skills might suit me better.”

Mu-hui, sitting on a rock and observing his disciples at work, smirked. Even just sitting there, he could hear the conversations of the martial artists around him.

Listening to their chatter, it was clear how intense their desires were.

‘Hah, even if there are secret techniques, do you really think you can handle them?’

As Mu-hui chuckled to himself, the blatant hostility in the stares directed at him began to grate on his nerves.

He was already displeased with the mockery of the Sword Saint and Sword Demon’s names, and he saw no reason to endure the open hostility of those who acted as if they already owned the tomb’s treasures.

Mu-hui stood up and grabbed the flagpole bearing Mount Hua’s banner.

Thud!

With a loud thud, the flagpole was driven into the ground in front of the tent. Mu-hui had merely grasped the center of the pole and thrust it into the earth, yet it sank deep into the ground.

As the pole struck the ground, a circular wave of energy erupted and spread outward. The martial artists who felt the wave stiffened.

“Ahem!”

“Damn…”

Just feeling the wave was enough to stir the internal energy in their dantians, and many martial artists suffered internal injuries.

The profound energy wave was something even seasoned experts couldn’t easily withstand. A single title flashed through the minds of the martial artists.

“The Sword Demon of Mount Hua!”

“He’s even younger than the rumors said.”

“To unleash such energy with just a wave…”

With a simple display of power, the attention directed at Mount Hua quickly dissipated.

Those who had been considering approaching the young junior disciple in the absence of the senior disciples to glean information about the tomb quickly backed off.

Thanks to this, the disciples could work more comfortably without the constant scrutiny.

“That’s better.”

“Senior Brother, we’ve set up all the tents.”

“We’ve also checked all the supplies.”

Mu-jin and Mu-hwa approached in turn to report, and Mu-hui nodded in acknowledgment.

Mu-hwa crouched beside Mu-hui, taking a break, and glanced at the bustling martial artists around them.

“Senior Brother, should we consider all these sects as enemies?”

Mu-hui shook his head at Mu-hwa’s question. As Mu-hwa was about to ask further, Mu-jin answered for him.

“Even the orthodox sects can’t be trusted. Greed blinds people.”

“Is it really that bad?”

Mu-hui chuckled at Mu-hwa’s naive expression.

“Anyone who came here isn’t concerned with manners or righteousness. They’re only thinking about the tomb’s treasures. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t have come in the first place.”

“We must remain vigilant.”

Mu-cheol, who had been standing like a statue behind Mu-hui, suddenly spoke up, having spotted someone.

“Senior Brother, I see Dokgo So-hyeop.”

Mu-hui, already aware through his senses, nodded leisurely, while Mu-hwa’s eyes sparkled as she quickly tidied her hair. Mu-hui shook his head at her antics.

“Brothers of Mount Hua!”

Dokgo Yul, having spotted Mount Hua’s banner, approached the tent with a cheerful wave.

“Dokgo So-hyeop, it’s been a while.”

“Hehe. Brother Dokgo, how have you been?”

Dokgo Yul exchanged warm greetings with the priests before turning to Mu-hwi with a wide grin.

“I’ve been keeping up with the rumors. Seems like you’ve gotten even stronger.”

“Indeed. If you want me to start calling you ‘brother,’ you’ll have to work a bit harder.”

“Haha! Rushing things only leads to stumbling.”

Mu-hwi nodded, acknowledging Dokgo Yul’s progress. Though his words were relaxed, it was clear that Dokgo Yul had endured his share of hardships.

His achievements had advanced significantly, placing him among the top five of the later generation warriors Mu-hwi had encountered.

“You’ve come too, I see.”

“Of course… It’s said to be our master’s secret chamber, so I had to come.”

Mu-hwi stood up, observing Dokgo Yul’s expression, and led him inside the tent for a private conversation.

“You don’t look too pleased.”

“Neither do you. I suppose we’re thinking the same thing…”

Dokgo Yul trailed off, lost in thought for a moment before continuing.

“I believe this secret chamber is a fake.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Our master would never create a secret chamber. He’d rather swing his sword one more time or buy some elixirs with the time and resources.”

Mu-hwi couldn’t help but chuckle at Dokgo Yul’s insight. As expected of a disciple, Dokgo Yul had a keen understanding of their late master, Dokgo Heon.

“And yet, you came all the way here.”

“I can’t stand by while someone plays games with our master’s name.”

Dokgo Yul had come for the same reason as Mu-hwi.

“Did you come alone this time?”

Dokgo Hoi, who usually accompanied Dokgo Yul, was nowhere to be seen.

“In a place like this, it’s hard enough to look after oneself. I was hoping to join forces with the Hwasan Sect.”

“Do as you wish.”

Mu-hwi nodded indifferently, and Dokgo Yul suddenly reached out to grab his hand. Mu-hwi quickly pulled his hand under the table, avoiding the gesture, but Dokgo Yul’s eyes burned with an intense determination.

“Let’s make sure we uncover the truth behind this secret chamber! Our masters would have wanted us to meet like this!”

“Crazy fool… Here we go again.”

When Dokgo Yul fixated on something, he had a tendency to become overly passionate, much like the time he shouted about reclaiming the title of Sword Demon at Mount Sohwa.

Just then, Mujin rushed into the tent.

“Senior Brother! The entrance to the secret chamber has opened!”

At Mujin’s announcement, Mu-hwi’s eyes turned cold, and Dokgo Yul clenched his fists.

As Mujin and Dokgo Yul prepared to ascend the mountain, Mu-hwi quietly toyed with his sword.

‘The timing is impeccable.’

The entrance to the secret chamber on Bongwon Mountain had remained closed for over nine days. Yet, it opened just as the Hwasan Sect and Dokgo Yul arrived.

Was it mere coincidence?

Mu-hwi had suspected something was amiss with this secret chamber from the start. It was a fake, after all.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling that the chamber’s true purpose was to lure out the disciples of the Sword Saint and the Sword Demon.

‘We’ll find out once we reach the end of the chamber.’

As Mu-hwi stepped out of the tent, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen were already prepared and waiting for him.

Mu-hwi glanced beyond them.

“Jinyang Gate! Move quickly!”

“We can’t be late!”

Martial artists who had heard the news were already scrambling up the mountain, and skirmishes had broken out in the corners.

The sheer number of people ascending Bongwon Mountain made it seem as if the mountain itself was alive and writhing.

Even the priests, witnessing the gravity of the situation, swallowed nervously.

“I’ll lead the way.”

Mu-hwi surged forward, with the Plum Blossom Swordsmen and Dokgo Yul following closely, their light-footed techniques propelling them up the mountain.