A few hours before Muhwa visited Muhwi’s secluded cottage, a meeting of the elders was underway at the palace.

Baeksan, the head of the finance department, unfurled a letter and addressed Baekyu. “Master, we’ve received a letter from the Hwaga Ironworks. They want to know the type and quantity of weapons we need this time.”

The Hwaga Ironworks was one of the main branches of the Hwasan Sect, responsible for crafting their weapons. Their craftsmanship was so renowned that they were often compared to the Sichuan Tang family, known for their intricate hidden weapons, and consistently ranked among the top three ironworks in the martial world.

“For the standard weapons, Baeksan, you can handle the order as you see fit. But let’s add some Plum Blossom Swords. Five should suffice.”

“Plum Blossom Swords, you say?”

The new Plum Blossom Swords were intended for the current second-generation disciples. The question was whether these disciples were skilled enough to wield such weapons.

“They’ve only been second-generation disciples for a little over two years. Isn’t it too soon?”

The Plum Blossom Sword was a lifelong weapon, requiring time and materials comparable to any famous sword, and the secret forging techniques of the Hwaga Ironworks made the cost skyrocket. Given the financial strain on the Hwasan Sect due to recent troubles, Baeksan was keen to avoid unnecessary expenses.

“I understand your concerns, Baeksan. But I have high hopes for this batch of second-generation disciples.”

Normally, Baekyu wouldn’t have pushed for the production of the Plum Blossom Swords. The elders, quick to catch on, knew which disciple had swayed Baekyu’s opinion.

“Master, you’re thinking of Muhwi, aren’t you?”

“Ah, I’ve heard he’s changed completely. He’s been leading his fellow disciples for the past two months, hasn’t he?”

“Haha, I hear that once timid boy is now quite assertive.”

“The shouts from the training grounds last longer and are more frequent than before. It’s a good sign.”

Starting with Muhwi, the elders began to praise the disciples they had been keeping an eye on. Many names were mentioned, but the focus of the admiration was on Muhwi.

Baekyu quietly sipped his tea as the elders animatedly discussed. The meetings had been somber due to the sect’s difficulties, but today was different. The Plum Blossom Tea, which had tasted bitter for so long, now seemed sweet and fragrant.

“With so many promising disciples, five Plum Blossom Swords shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“Indeed, Baeksan.”

With the other elders chiming in, Baeksan let out a resigned sigh mixed with a smile. He had no reason to oppose the progress of the second-generation disciples, especially since their growth was revitalizing the Hwasan Sect after recent setbacks.

“Those who spend their lives swinging swords in the mountains have no idea how daunting finances can be. Very well, I’ll tighten the belts of the various departments.”

“Tsk, if only you’d leave out the grumbling, you’d seem more reliable.”

“Haha, indeed.”

Baeksan ignored the elder’s tongue-clicking and moved on. “The next item is the selection of third-generation disciples.”

Baekchun, the head of the Chunmae Pavilion, spoke with a serious expression. “We’re already behind schedule. We should start preparations immediately.”

The selection of third-generation disciples should have happened earlier, but recent events had left no room for it.

“It would be wise to include disciples from our affiliated sects to demonstrate the Hwasan Sect’s resilience.”

“Baekchun is right.”

The recent crisis had primarily involved the elders and first-generation disciples. The second-generation disciples, particularly those from the martial arts division, were not allowed to participate. The loss of skilled members was significant, leaving a gap in the sect’s strength.

Moreover, with the loss of their prominent master, the affiliated sects were understandably anxious. The strength and reputation of the main sect were crucial for their stability.

“Speaking of affiliated sects, wouldn’t it be prudent to send disciples to monitor the situation in Shaanxi, even if we can’t cover other regions?”

Despite the crisis being over, its effects lingered in the martial world of Shaanxi. The lawlessness and the void left by fallen sects were being eyed by unsavory factions. Sending disciples from the main sect could help quell the unrest and strengthen alliances.

“Hmm. But do we have enough manpower? The elders and first-generation disciples are already overwhelmed.”

The elders glanced at the empty seats, reminders of those lost in the crisis. As they fell silent, Baekyu, who seemed to have a plan, spoke up.

“I propose we entrust this task to the second-generation disciples. What do you all think?”

“Hmm, it’s about time they gained some experience in the martial world.”

“It’s not a difficult task, and visiting a few affiliated sects shouldn’t pose any major issues.”

Some elders looked concerned.

“I’m worried. The outside world is still chaotic.”

After a moment of thought, Baekyu continued, “Then let’s select the most exceptional among them for this first mission. Based on their performance, we can consider sending others in due course.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“Now, we need to choose who to send…”

Selecting the second-generation disciples for the mission didn’t take long. Among them were the renowned “Three Blossoms,” and with the recent changes, the senior disciple Muhwi stood out.

No one opposed sending Muhwi. Normally, he wouldn’t have been considered, but his transformation over the past two months had changed perceptions.

“Let’s have Muhwi lead the group.”

“Excellent. It’s reassuring to see Muhwi stepping up.”

“It seems the master chose his disciple well. We underestimated him.”

And so, Muhwi’s first journey down the mountain was decided.

* * *

Pocheng.

A small town north of Hwaeum, where the Hwasan Sect was located. It was the first destination for Muhwi and his group.

“It’s nice to be off the mountain for a change.”

Muhwa eagerly leaned forward, taking in the sights of the bustling market stalls filled with various goods and foods.

“Remember to behave yourself in the robes of the Hwasan Sect.”

Mujin, watching Muhwa’s distracted gaze darting around, gently reminded her.

Muhwi walked behind his disciples, observing the lively street. ‘There’s something invigorating about the mundane world.’

Even though the mountain’s sharp, towering peaks inspired awe and a sense of grandeur, the lively hustle and bustle of the world below had its own charm.

“Let’s find a place to stay over there.”

“Yes, senior brother.”

“Understood.”

Muhwa responded cheerfully, raising her hand, while Mujin nodded after gauging Muhwi’s expression. Much like always, Mucheol remained silent.

As they entered the inn, the innkeeper, noticing the plum blossom embroidered on their sleeves, bowed deeply.

“Welcome, disciples of the Hwasan Sect.”

The mention of the Hwasan Sect caught the attention of the patrons, who discreetly glanced at Muhwi and his companions.

“Looks like the Hwasan Sect is becoming active again.”

“With two plum blossoms on their sleeves, they must be second-generation disciples. It’s probably their first time in the martial world.”

Once seated, Muhwi glanced at the menu on the wall and placed an order.

“One bowl of noodles each, and a serving of stir-fried vegetables and Dongpo pork.”

“Right away, disciple. Please wait a moment.”

Watching this, Muhwa couldn’t help but express her admiration. “Senior brother, you seem so at ease. I’ve never been to an inn before, and I was a bit nervous. Our master always said inns are unpredictable places.”

Muhwa glanced around at the other patrons with wide eyes.

“Well, that’s true. It’s said that half the trouble in the martial world starts in inns.”

Mucheol and Mujin, intrigued by Muhwi’s ease, watched him closely. Having never left the mountain since joining the Hwasan Sect, Muhwi’s natural demeanor was surprising.

Meanwhile, Muhwi wore a slightly exasperated expression. ‘These rookies, getting impressed over a simple meal order.’

This is why experience in the martial world is invaluable. No matter how skilled one becomes by training in seclusion, without experience, one might meet an untimely end.

As Muhwi sighed inwardly, the innkeeper brought out their food.

“Go ahead and eat.”

With Muhwi’s permission, Mujin took a sip of the noodle broth, while Muhwa and Mucheol immediately reached for the Dongpo pork with their chopsticks.

Though the Hwasan Sect was a martial sect, it had strong ties to the secular world, and meat was a staple for martial artists. However, the rich flavors and aromas of the dish were unlike anything they were used to, naturally drawing their attention.

Watching his disciples enjoy their meal, Muhwi chuckled. “What if it’s poisoned? You all seem to be enjoying it too much.”

“Pfft.”

Mujin choked slightly, while Muhwa and Mucheol froze mid-bite.

“You all received one of these, right? You should have learned how to use it at the Chunmae Pavilion.”

Muhwi pulled a long silver needle from his sleeve.

The priests’ faces hardened as they recalled the advice they’d heard from their mentors and elders at the Spring Plum Pavilion.

Mu-hui continued speaking as he carefully tested each dish with a silver needle.

“Surely, no one would dare poison us, mere second-generation disciples, at an inn so close to the Mount Hua Sect.”

While the silver needle couldn’t detect every poison, it was better than doing nothing.

After confirming that the needle’s color hadn’t changed, Mu-hui wiped it clean and added, “It’s in moments of complacency like this that one meets their end in the martial world.”

Mu-hwa flinched at Mu-hui’s unusually low voice, his eyes drooping, and the other disciples bowed their heads.

“We’re sorry, senior brother.”

“Senior brother, we were thoughtless.”

“Our apologies.”

Seeing their contrite faces, Mu-hui softened his expression and allowed a slight smile to play on his lips.

“Just don’t make the same mistake twice. Now, let’s eat.”

With that, the tense atmosphere eased, and the clatter of chopsticks and bowls resumed.

As they were halfway through their meal, Mu-jin spoke up.

“Senior brother, what are your plans for Po-seong?”

The Mount Hua Sect had only informed Mu-hui’s group of the regions and sects they needed to visit, leaving the specifics of their mission up to them. It was up to the second-generation disciples to decide whether to simply assess the local security and public sentiment or take further action.

‘Perhaps this is a test of sorts.’

The sect likely wanted to see how their disciples would handle unfamiliar environments and situations. If they had expected specific results, they would have provided clear objectives and tasks.

“Has the underworld taken over the void left by the secular sect here?”

In the regions they were to visit, the Mount Hua Sect’s secular branches were established, but not in Po-seong. Originally, the Flower Willow Sect had been there, but it was wiped out during the Shaanxi Bloodshed. The underworld had since moved in to fill the power vacuum.

Lost in thought, his chin resting on his hand, Mu-hui noticed the disciples watching him intently.

Suddenly curious, he asked, “What do you all want to do?”

The disciples exchanged glances. After a moment of contemplation, Mu-hwa was the first to speak.

“I want to smash everything to pieces.”