Mu-hwi rose from his seat and gestured towards the Lord of the Black Night Palace with a flick of his fingers.

“Isn’t it the host’s duty to liven up the party? Come down here.”

The sudden provocation from Mu-hwi wiped the smile off the Lord’s face, replaced by a menacing glare that seemed to ensnare him. Yet, Mu-hwi’s eyes, sharp as a drawn sword, met the challenge without flinching.

Watching the silent battle of wills between the two, Ilwang Daeju murmured softly, “With such audacity, it’s no wonder he could tear the sleeves off a lord. His actions suit the demonic path more than the righteous one. He reminds me of the sword demon who once stormed the gates, demanding to see the lord.”

Kang Tae-hyuk, the Lord of the Overlord Castle, recalled Mu-hwi’s prowess at Mount Hua and chuckled. “He’s growing fast. Reminds me of my younger days. Good thing I spared him back then. He’s ripening nicely.”

Kang Tae-hyuk glanced over at Sama-gang, the Lord of the Demonic Heaven, who was also fixated on Mu-hwi. ‘Is he seeking new entertainment now that the sword demon is gone? How bold.’

While Kang Tae-hyuk and Ilwang Daeju exchanged brief words, the Lord of the Black Night Palace relaxed her narrowed eyes, returning to her usual languid demeanor.

“Indeed, you have the spirit of the Sword Saint of Mount Hua. Very well, let’s do this.”

After a moment of contemplation, she scanned the gathered crowd and proposed, “It seems unfitting for the Sword Saint to mingle with the younger generation. I’ll arrange a more suitable match for you. Instead of facing me, you’ll duel one of my top guardians.”

Mu-hwi’s gaze shifted to the shadows behind the Lord, sensing the intense stares directed at him. Those must be the guardians.

‘If they’re the top guardians, they must be among the best in the Black Night Palace. Not a bad opportunity.’

Though the Lord had deftly sidestepped his challenge, Mu-hwi didn’t mind. He hadn’t expected her to accept directly.

‘Like with the Ghost of Gwasan, gathering information on the top fighters here is beneficial.’

Mu-hwi turned to Kang Ho-baek, who gave a wry smile in response to Mu-hwi’s nod.

Mu-hwi’s bold provocation could have endangered the Martial Alliance, but it had been pre-discussed with Kang Ho-baek, who had promised to back him up. However, the extent of Mu-hwi’s audacity was beyond what Kang Ho-baek had anticipated.

‘Hmm. I should have expected this, recalling how Mu-hwi spoke to the Lord of the Demonic Heaven. He’s quite a handful to support.’

Watching Mu-hwi with a resigned smile, Kang Ho-baek lifted his bamboo hat slightly to observe the younger generation of the Martial Alliance.

‘No matter what happens, they won’t fall behind the others. They’re reliable.’

Among them were the Southern Sea Sword Saint, the three of the Six Dragons, the promising strategist Je-gal Myung, and others. Though the absence of the Golden River Sword Master was regrettable, it was understandable given the situation in Jongnam.

“Young ones.”

As Kang Ho-baek spoke, the younger generation, who had been struggling to keep up with the fast-paced events led by Mu-hwi, turned their attention to him.

“Coincidentally, you’re all part of the Sojeong Society. You’ve acted in line with its principles, and I can vouch for that. You’ve even chosen to accompany us to this dangerous place.”

As he spoke, Kang Ho-baek raised his gaze, prompting the younger generation to follow his line of sight.

In their view were the forces of the Demonic Heaven, the Overlord Castle, and the Black Night Palace, all watching intently.

“Whoever your opponent, defeat them decisively. You each carry your own sense of justice within your martial arts, and that makes you unbeatable. For a martial artist, there’s no force stronger than justice.”

Though Kang Ho-baek’s sudden discourse on justice might have seemed unexpected, the younger generation of the Sojeong Society nodded, accustomed to such speeches.

Je-gal Myung turned to Mu-hwi and said, “We should show the leader how much the younger generation has grown since the Dragon Tournament.”

“Just a leader in name, really.”

Mu-hwi chuckled lightly, and Je-gal Myung shook his head.

“Do you know how many are drawn by the leader’s reputation? Especially after you earned the title of the Sword Saint of Mount Hua, it was overwhelming. Mu-hwi, you’re the envy of the younger generation in the righteous path. The vice-leader had quite a time managing it.”

“Is that so?”

Though Je-gal Myung addressed Seong-hui, the latter remained silent, feigning ignorance. It seemed he had stayed with the Sojeong Society instead of returning to the Southern Sea, living among the younger generation.

“Watch closely.”

Seong-hui, who had been speaking directly to Mu-hwi, stood and led the younger generation of the Martial Alliance down the steps.

“Senior brother, we’re off.”

“Don’t miss my performance, senior brother.”

The three disciples of the Mount Hua Sect bid farewell to Mu-hwi and followed the younger generation of the Sojeong Society. Watching their retreating figures, Kang Ho-baek asked Mu-hwi, “Are you worried about your disciples?”

“No. I didn’t raise them to be weak enough to struggle against their peers.”

“Indeed. I see that too.”

Hearing Mu-hwi’s calm voice, Kang Ho-baek smiled, reassured by the strong backs of the younger generation.

* * *

The younger generation gathered on the central ground of the valley.

Interestingly, not only were the younger members of the three factions present, but also those selected from the Black Night Palace.

Divided into four directions, the younger members of the righteous, demonic, and overlord factions eyed each other, engaging in a silent battle of wills.

“Hmm. There’s no designated arena. What’s their plan?”

Baek Li-sang muttered, glancing around, and Mu-hwa replied, “I don’t know, but it feels ominous.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Look at the sides. The ones from the Demonic Heaven and Overlord Castle are only watching us.”

At Mu-hwa’s words, the others turned to assess the situation.

“Indeed… The Red Dragon of the Demonic Heaven and the Black Dragon of the Overlord Castle are targeting us.”

“Hmph. When were they ever the Six Dragons? It’s time to settle the rankings.”

“Right. They don’t seem that impressive, aside from their fierce looks.”

Mu-hwa agreed with Seong-hui’s comment, while two of the Six Dragons, Paeng Ho-yeon and Seon Un, scratched their noses with wry smiles.

At that moment, about eighty martial artists split into four groups and approached the younger generation gathered on the central ground. The younger generation, who had been engaged in their own standoff, now turned their attention to the encroaching martial artists.

Watching this, the Lord of the Black Night Palace smiled subtly and spoke, “I’ve heard that the Martial Alliance’s Dragon Tournament selects a winner through a bracket system, while the Demonic Heaven’s Duel Festival involves challenging opponents until no challengers remain. Aren’t you curious about how the Black Night Palace conducts its martial contests?”

Clang!

As the Lord finished speaking, the martial artists surrounding the younger generation drew their weapons in unison.

“The Black Night Palace determines the strongest through a chaotic melee where everyone is an enemy. Normally, the melee continues until only one remains, but given the unique situation with multiple factions, it will end when one faction’s younger generation remains.”

As she spoke, the Lord tossed a wooden box into the midst of the younger generation.

“The winning faction in this melee will take this prize. Let it begin.”

Despite its weight, the box floated gently like a feather before landing softly in the center of the younger generation.

Thud!

The small sound of the box touching the ground signaled the martial artists surrounding the younger generation to unleash their killing intent and charge.

“Look at this.”

Watching from above, Mu-hwi narrowed his eyes. As if on cue, the younger members of the Demonic Heaven, Overlord Castle, and Black Night Palace rushed towards the Martial Alliance.

Yet, the younger generation of the Martial Alliance remained unfazed.

Swoosh!

Following the ripple of a sword in the air, a blue sword aura rose like a wave. Seong-hui stepped forward, wielding the Southern Sea Blue Wave Sword to sweep away the enemies. Despite the wide arc of his sword strikes, Seong-hui’s movements were precise and intricate, showcasing his growth since the Dragon Tournament.

“Seon Un, Baek Li-sang, Mu-jin, please cover the rear!”

While Seong-hui held the front, enemies surged from the sides and rear, but under Je-gal Myung’s command, the younger generation had already secured their positions.

Clang!

The sharp iron claws of the Black Dragon of the Overlord Castle clashed against the plum blossom sword of Mu-hwa.

“Mount Hua!”

The Black Dragon, the young lord of the Overlord Castle, growled as he extended his iron claws, glaring at the plum blossoms embroidered on Mu-hwa’s long robe. Mu-hwa responded with a bright smile.

“Oh, did you hear? He got what was coming to him after messing with the senior brother at the Cheonryu Trading Company.”

“Wild Wind Sword! You wretch!”

With eyes blazing, Heukpae Joryong unleashed a fierce claw-like energy from his iron claws, slashing violently through the air. The crescent-shaped energy and the biting wind tore through the atmosphere with a resounding crack.

In response, Muhwa deftly stepped forward, his movements as fluid as a shadow. His sword strikes, branching into dozens of paths, deflected the claw energy, while the biting wind that threatened to engulf him was evaded with the unique flexibility of his style.

In an instant, Muhwa found the perfect distance, twisting his body to dodge the incoming claw energy while thrusting his sword straight ahead.

A flurry of rapid strikes followed, scattering petals like a blossoming tree.

Clang!

Heukpae Joryong, using his iron claws wrapped in energy, blocked the twelve consecutive thrusts, then swung his arms wide, scattering the petals of sword energy. He gritted his teeth.

“So, it wasn’t just Hwasan… Annoying.”

Heukpae Joryong hadn’t forgotten the humiliation of having his hand broken by Muhwi at the Cheonryu Trading Company. He had intended to take revenge on the disciples of the Hwasan Sect, but things weren’t going as planned.

Watching Heukpae Joryong try to distance himself, Muhwa lowered his stance with a sly smile, ready to pounce at any moment.

“They said the senior brother wasn’t much, and it seems they were right.”

“I’ll kill you!”

While Muhwa and Heukpae Joryong clashed, on the other side, Mucheol was whipping his sleeves through the air.

Thud!

Infusing his plum blossom robe with internal energy, he could deflect most sword energies and winds. This wasn’t just a matter of pouring in energy; it required meticulous and precise control. But thanks to his training with Muhwi, he had mastered the use of the special fabric.

Boom!

“Ugh!”

Mucheol, using his plum blossom robe, charged forward, sending two of the enemy’s late-stage disciples flying with a powerful swing of his sword.

Crash!

As Mucheol was about to finish off an opponent, a massive axe intervened, deflecting his sword. For the first time, Mucheol, who had been tearing through the enemy ranks with his iron plum blossom sword technique, was forced to retreat.

He faced a man wielding a massive black axe with one hand, a weapon as formidable as his own plum blossom sword.

Was it his natural size? The large black axe didn’t seem so imposing in the man’s grip.

“Red Dragon.”

He was said to be the top late-stage disciple of the enemy. Yet, Mucheol felt no pressure from him. On the contrary, Red Dragon seemed to dismiss Mucheol, looking elsewhere as he spoke.

“So, you’re from the Hwasan Sect. I wanted to test myself against the famed swordsmen who defeated the Six Dragons, but instead, I face someone without even a personal title.”

Despite Red Dragon’s taunt, Mucheol remained silent, tilting his plum blossom sword. The weight of his presence caused Red Dragon to slowly shift his stance, raising his black axe with both hands.

Boom!

The clash of the iron plum blossom sword technique and the Red Luan Axe technique sent a powerful shockwave through the air. The demons who had been about to attack were swept away, unable to approach the fierce duel.

The demons, indiscriminately considering anyone in front of them as an enemy, dared not interfere in the battle between the two.

Approaching recklessly would only lead to being torn apart.

Thus, while the late-stage disciples of each faction were chaotically entangled, only Mucheol and Red Dragon were locked in a one-on-one contest of strength.

The plum blossom sword, raised high, split the sunlight as it descended, while the axe, rising diagonally from below, tore through the air.

Crash!

With a heavy thud, the ground beneath Mucheol and Red Dragon sank. The bone-rattling impact enveloped them, but the two giants paid no heed, continuing to wield their weapons with relentless force.

Clang!

Despite his massive size and the large black axe, Red Dragon moved with surprising agility and speed.

Mucheol was no different. He infused his heavy sword strikes with the diverse paths of the iron plum blossom sword technique, matching the speed of Red Dragon’s axe with the solidity of an iron wall.

“To think you can withstand thirty exchanges with this black axe, it’s a fine sword indeed.”

Red Dragon muttered, glancing at his aching wrist as he stepped back two paces.

Meanwhile, Mucheol silently closed the distance, stepping forward with the grace of a shadow. The plum blossom sword, lowered, was accompanied by the thick, large petals unique to the iron plum blossom sword technique.

Whoosh!

Lowering his stance like a martial artist, Mucheol’s thick thighs tensed, and his beam-like waist twisted.

With full force, he swung the plum blossom sword horizontally, forcing Red Dragon to hastily flip his axe to block the incoming strike with its broad side.

As the thunderous sound echoed and Red Dragon’s hips lifted slightly from the ground, unable to fully absorb the impact, Mucheol brought the plum blossom sword down vertically once more. The internal energy of the Purple Heart Technique was layered to its peak, unleashing a torrent of light like a purple waterfall.

Boom!

The massive sword energy erupted from the tip of the plum blossom sword, splitting into three enormous iron plum blossoms.

The iron plum blossoms Mucheol unleashed were even thicker and larger than those he had first displayed at the Heavenly Dragon Tournament.

Iron Plum Blossom Chaos.

Crash!

In response, Red Dragon unleashed the ultimate moves of the Red Luan Axe technique, but despite the successive booms and impacts, the iron plum blossoms Mucheol had created remained unyielding.

“Haah!”

As the iron plum blossoms closed in, Red Dragon let out a desperate shout, swinging his black axe with all his might.

Crack!

But it was Red Dragon’s black axe that shattered. As he stared in disbelief at his half-split axe, the flat of the plum blossom sword struck his face with a fierce blow.

Several teeth floated in the air as Red Dragon spewed blood and tumbled to the ground. Watching him, Mucheol, who had remained silent throughout, finally spoke with heavy lips.

“To be called Red Dragon, that black axe of yours is far too light.”