The procession returning to the Martial Alliance had grown significantly compared to when they had set out for the Black Night Palace. This was partly due to the addition of the Iron Mountain Fist King and the disciple, but mostly because Jegal Jin, concerned for the Alliance Leader’s safety, had dispatched three more martial units to escort them.

Despite the tensions brewing in Honam, where the Overlord Castle and Sadocheon were stirring unrest, the injured were able to steadily recover and continue their journey north. With the invisible protection of the Heavenly Assassins added to their ranks, they reached the Martial Alliance’s main stronghold without incident.

“Eun-gong, we’ve finally arrived at the Martial Alliance. I never imagined I’d walk through its gates so boldly,” said Mu-hwa, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

“As an assassin, it must be quite a sight,” replied Mun-yeong with a chuckle, glancing at the looming fortress of the Martial Alliance. He still referred to Mu-hwi as “Eun-gong,” a nod to the latter’s role in breaking the Dark Emperor’s path and arranging a meeting with the Alliance Leader.

“Senior Mun-yeong, there’s something I’ve been curious about for a while. May I ask?”

“Of course, ask away.”

Mu-hwa’s friendly nature and Mun-yeong’s surprisingly light-hearted demeanor for an assassin made them a well-matched pair. During their journey from Honam to Hubei, they had bonded over discussions of martial arts techniques. Mun-yeong’s skills were at a level that could be called unparalleled, and Mu-hwa, noticing this, had often challenged him, leading to their growing camaraderie.

Thanks to this, Mu-hwa’s skills had improved remarkably. Among the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, only Mu-hwi could rival him in martial arts now.

“Why does the Heavenly Assassins Sect act differently from other assassin sects?”

“You’re asking about our path. It’s simple. The founder, the Heavenly Assassin, single-handedly brought down evil sects and villains who tormented the innocent. His path and will have been passed down to us.”

Mu-hwa’s eyes sparkled at Mun-yeong’s words. The life of the Heavenly Assassin mirrored the kind of martial artist Mu-hwa aspired to be.

“What drove the Heavenly Assassin to walk such a different path from other assassins?”

“That’s a mystery even to us.”

As Mun-yeong and Mu-hwa chatted, they drew closer to the Martial Alliance’s main stronghold. A crowd had gathered at the wide-open gates to welcome the returning Alliance Leader.

In the center stood an elderly man receiving the utmost respect from the Seven Swords of Wudang and Jegal Jin. Kang Ho-baek, recognizing him, rushed forward.

“Senior Sword Sage!”

“Haha, why is the Alliance Leader so quick to move?”

The rest of the procession hurried after Kang Ho-baek, except for the disciple, who maintained a leisurely pace.

“Senior, why did you come all the way to the gate instead of resting inside?”

“Ho-baek, since you brought these promising young ones down from Wudang Mountain, I had to see them for myself.”

As the Sword Sage’s gaze fell upon them, the young martial artists quickly introduced themselves with respectful bows. The Sword Sage nodded, acknowledging each one.

His gaze finally settled on Mu-hwi. “It’s been a while, Elder Sword Sage.”

The Sword Sage looked at Mu-hwi, who stood with a dignified bow, with warm eyes.

“You’re progressing well. There’s no need for concern.”

After taking in the young martial artists once more, the Sword Sage turned to Kang Ho-baek.

“You’ve gathered the jewels of the orthodox sects. Each possesses outstanding martial skills and the right spirit. It’s exciting to think that we old-timers might be swept away by the new wave.”

“Senior, what are you saying? Please, come inside.”

Upon returning to the Martial Alliance, Kang Ho-baek immediately convened a meeting to address the recent battle in Honam against the Overlord Castle and Sadocheon, among other pending issues. Mu-hwi was also invited to take part.

“Thanks to Senior Sword Sage, who injured and repelled the Ghost King and the Blue Ice King, and the efforts of the Seven Swords of Wudang and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, we achieved victory with minimal losses.”

The Plum Blossom Swordsmen had remained with the Martial Alliance even after sending the Huashan disciples to the Black Night Palace, ready to head to Guizhou if needed. Their significant contributions in the Honam battle had greatly enhanced their reputation.

Even without the presence of the Plum Blossom Swordmaster, Mu-hwi, and the Huashan disciples, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen had proven their capabilities. Their achievements, alongside the Seven Swords of Wudang, had solidified their name across the martial world.

‘The name of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen has spread far and wide across the martial world.’

Listening to Jegal Jin’s report, Mu-hwi nodded in satisfaction. Their success in the major battle in Honam, where three great forces clashed, had firmly established the Plum Blossom Swordsmen as representatives of Huashan’s martial prowess.

Mu-hwi felt a sense of pride as he saw the reputation of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen rise as he had intended.

The meeting then shifted to discussions about the Overlord Castle Lord and the Sadocheon Lord. Throughout the meeting, the Sword Sage, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.

“I am at an age where returning to the earth wouldn’t be surprising. The disciple is the same. However, those two are still young and will continue to grow stronger.”

Hearing that the already formidable trio would only become more powerful, the faces of those in the meeting grew tense. Some sighed with concern, worried about the martial world without the Sword Sage’s presence.

The Sword Sage, seeing this, gently admonished them.

“Do you plan to rely on us old-timers forever? You are the main players in the current martial world. It’s up to you to find ways to stand against the trio.”

“Senior is right.”

“I hope that instead of simply letting time pass and the old wave fade, the new wave will surge forward like a fierce tide, pushing the old wave aside. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

The delicate balance in the martial world had been maintained largely due to the trio’s equilibrium, specifically because the Overlord and the Azure Sky had not been confident enough to challenge the Wudang Sword Sage. The orthodox sects had grown too accustomed to his protection, and the Sword Sage’s advice was a warning to stir the stagnant waters before they weakened.

“Of course. We won’t disappoint you, Senior.”

Kang Ho-baek, bowing his head in response to the Sword Sage’s gentle rebuke, looked at Mu-hwi. The others followed suit, turning their gazes toward him.

The recent events had not only elevated the Plum Blossom Swordsmen but also given wings to the reputation of the Huashan Sword Saint.

The young Huashan Sword Saint, who had reached transcendence at a young age, was a subject of awe among the martial world’s enthusiasts. However, compared to the absolute masters like the Emperor, he was often considered a mere upstart due to the vast difference in experience and time.

‘We’ve shattered that prejudice this time.’

Jegal Jin thought as he looked at Mu-hwi.

He still vividly remembered his shock upon learning that Mu-hwi had faced one of the trio, the Azure Sky. Now, Mu-hwi was a figure of admiration for the young martial artists and was seen as a promising leader who could fill the void left by the Wudang Sword Sage and the Thunderbolt Disciple.

‘The Huashan Sword Saint and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. It’s hard to say that Huashan is in decline now.’

‘The Huashan sect is entering a new golden age.’

The leaders of the Martial Alliance and the renowned figures of the martial world present at the meeting could feel the rise of the Huashan sect. In the current martial world, Huashan continued to assert its strong presence.

“And…”

Jegal Jin, moving on to the next agenda, hesitated. He cleared his throat and continued the meeting.

“We’ve lost contact with the Beggar Sect Leader, who was tracking the organization known as ‘Hui.’ Normally, we receive updates every four to seven days, but it’s been a month with no word.”

The atmosphere in the meeting room turned somber at the news of the Beggar Sect Leader.

“Could something have happened to the Leader?”

“Impossible. We’re talking about the Wind King. Even if something happened, who could possibly capture the Wind King, who moves like the wind?”

Jegal Myeong continued his report.

“The Beggar Sect has already begun their own search, and the Martial Alliance will dispatch martial units to assist in tracking the Beggar Sect Leader.”

“Where was the Leader last heard from?”

In response to Kang Ho-baek’s question, Jegal Jin pointed to a location on the map with his pointer.

“Jiangxi Province.”

“Jiangxi… That’s Sadocheon’s territory. The search for the Wind King will face significant challenges.”

“We plan to seek cooperation from the Namgung family in Anhui as well.”

“Spare no effort in supporting the search for the Wind King.”

“Understood, Alliance Leader.”

The meeting, which had been convened after a long time in the Alliance Leader’s hall, ended on a heavy note due to the news about the Wind King.

* * *

Mu-hwi and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen decided to stay a while longer at the Martial Alliance. Given the current chaotic state of the martial world, Jegal Jin had requested their presence.

Mu-hwi and Hyun-baek agreed. The Martial Alliance’s martial units were stretched thin, lacking the resources to operate effectively. The same was true for the Seven Swords of Wudang, who had descended from Wudang Mountain with the Sword Sage.

As a result, the first-generation disciples of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen were actively exchanging sword techniques with the Seven Swords of Wudang.

Mu-hwi, leading the second-generation disciples, primarily stationed themselves at the Sojeong Hall.

In recent days, Mu-hui had finally begun to fulfill his role as the leader of the Sojeong Society, something he hadn’t been able to do before. He often observed the martial arts of the younger members, offering guidance and advice.

Not only did he participate in martial arts duels, but he also took part in various missions for the Murim Alliance. As a result, the skills of the younger members had sharpened considerably. Mu-hui found this both enjoyable and rewarding.

“Leader, how do you find the skills of the younger members?” asked Jegal-myeong, addressing Mu-hui as “Leader” whenever he was at the Sojeong Society’s headquarters.

“They’re better than I expected. I thought they’d just be drinking all the time, seeing as they always hang out together.”

Jegal-myeong chuckled. “Well, that’s partly true. But we prioritize fulfilling our duties as martial artists above all else.”

Mu-hui nodded in agreement. Compared to the last Heavenly Dragon Tournament, their progress was remarkable.

“Perhaps the younger members of the Sojeong Society might even become part of a new force within the Murim Alliance, something like the Sojeong Brigade.”

The Sojeong Brigade—a fitting name for a group composed of these promising young martial artists.

“The Murim Alliance is always in need of more hands. But if they were to form a brigade, they wouldn’t lack in strength,” Mu-hui remarked.

“Your words are reassuring, Leader,” Jegal-myeong replied, visibly relieved.

Just then, Mu-hui stood up abruptly. He had spotted Geom-seon, the Sword Sage, strolling leisurely toward them, with Seon-woon following respectfully behind.

“Master Geom-seon!” Mu-hui called out.

The younger members, startled by Mu-hui’s voice, paused their training to look at Geom-seon.

“Ah, have I interrupted your practice?” Geom-seon asked with a gentle smile.

“Not at all. Have you come to see the younger members?” Mu-hui inquired.

“No, I was just feeling a bit lonely. There are so many juniors in the alliance, yet none who can play a decent game of Go with me. So I thought I’d drop by,” Geom-seon replied, his eyes twinkling beneath his white eyebrows as he surveyed the young martial artists.

Mu-hui smiled softly, understanding that Geom-seon had indeed come to see the younger members but didn’t want to put pressure on them by saying so directly.

“It’s been quite some time since I last visited Mount Hwasan,” Geom-seon mused.

Mu-hui nodded, catching the meaning behind Geom-seon’s words. “Though I’m not much, I’ll show you what I can of Hwasan.”

As Mu-hui reached for his sword, the younger members quickly stepped back, giving them space.

“A duel between the Sword Sage and the Sword Saint? This is incredible!” one of the younger members exclaimed.

“This is why I joined the Sojeong Society,” another added, unable to hide their excitement at witnessing such a rare event.

“Master Geom-seon,” Mu-hui called, even as he drew his sword.

“Speak,” Geom-seon replied, still with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Could you show us the Formless Sword technique?”

Having heard about Geom-seon’s battle with Gwan-ya Changcheon at the last meeting, Mu-hui was eager to see it firsthand.

“If it can aid your progress, then I must show it,” Geom-seon said with a smile.

He raised one hand lightly, and a strange energy began to ripple through the air around them.

“Hmm. I won’t go all out like I did on Mount Wudang, but I’ll show you a single move. That should suffice.”

From Geom-seon’s hand, a gentle glow of black and white light emerged, not forming a distinct weapon but rather a serene, flowing aura.

“Just like before, take from it what you can see,” Geom-seon advised.