The gesture of forming a sword seal with the index and middle fingers pressed together.

Unlike the clear form of a weapon like a spear, the sword seal emitted a gentle swirl of black and white light, as if to challenge the notion that a weapon must have a defined shape.

“Just like before, you can gain as much as you can see.”

Mu-hui circled the sword seal, watching the intertwining black and white light trails, reminiscent of a Taiji symbol.

‘Is it an attempt to capture the essence of the Taiji Sword in a formless blade? Or perhaps it’s the swordsman’s will to follow the Taiji.’

Gazing at the formless sword, Mu-hui raised his own sword, Simmyeong, straight in a middle guard.

Since the swordsman had demonstrated a technique, Mu-hui naturally responded with his best move, the “Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark.” The final form of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique was still beyond his full mastery.

The onlookers, seeing the Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark for the first time, were astonished. Simmyung stood motionless, yet countless purple trails appeared in the air.

Around the steadfast Simmyung, a forest of plum trees seemed to spring forth.

The sword’s aura branched out like tree limbs, scattering petals of purple sword energy. Where the aura and petals converged, a plum blossom with five petals bloomed, exuding a fragrant sword aura.

Hundreds of transformations occurred in a single breath.

In that moment, all the martial principles and techniques of the Mount Hua Sect were on display.

To the less experienced onlookers, Simmyung appeared completely still, while the more skilled could perceive a subtle vibration.

“It’s like witnessing a long spring day compressed into a single moment.”

Only the swordsman could fully grasp the Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark. He savored the plum blossom scent filling the training ground, his eyes taking in the blooming purple plums.

The blossoms were so vivid, it was as if they had been plucked straight from Mount Hua. The vitality of spring was palpable, making it hard to believe they were conjured by a sword.

“You’ve already begun to infuse your will into the sword.”

No matter how intricate and delicate the sword technique, could it truly imbue a blossom with life?

The vibrant plum blossoms before him were proof that Mu-hui was beginning to infuse his intent into his sword.

The swordsman, delighted by the display, slowly raised his right hand, which held the sword seal.

As the black and white light at the tip of the seal flickered brightly, Mu-hui’s eyes widened.

A large Taiji symbol was being drawn in the air.

The Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark, which Mu-hui had unleashed, divided into yin and yang, rotating and harmonizing with the Taiji’s flow.

Blossoms bloom, only to eventually wither.

Under the slowly rotating Taiji, the plum blossoms began to fade one by one, their petals merging into the Taiji.

There was no violent clash or explosive sound typical of a confrontation between masters. The Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark simply intertwined with the swordsman’s formless sword and quietly vanished.

It was as if a gentle spring breeze had swept through.

“To refine a blunt will into a sharp edge requires intense thought, but at the end of that process, the thought itself must dissolve into the will, achieving a pure and complete form, the state of ‘no-self, complete action,’ to reach the heart sword.”

As the swordsman released the sword seal and lowered his hand, the Taiji in the air scattered and disappeared like snow melting in the sun.

Mu-hui felt the gentle spring breeze tickling his bangs as he watched the Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark and the Taiji vanish together.

The swordsman had shown a path beyond the formless sword, towards the heart sword. Initially, he had intended only to demonstrate the formless sword, but witnessing the Silent Plum Blossom in the Dark had changed his mind.

He was confident that Mu-hui would one day fully comprehend this brief insight.

Mu-hui placed Simmyung on his crossed knees and immediately entered meditation. The swordsman watched him with warm eyes, hands clasped behind his back.

The other onlookers could only swallow nervously at the serene scene. They had expected a tumultuous spectacle, given the reputation of the masters involved, and had even prepared their inner strength in anticipation.

Yet, the peaceful conclusion left them deep in thought.

“Can that scene even be called martial arts?”

“So this is what they mean by transcendent and absolute mastery.”

The harmony between the swordsman and Mu-hui was something they felt they could never replicate, no matter how diligently they practiced martial arts.

“It’s a bit disappointing. I thought I’d finally see the senior brother really struggle. At this rate, I might never see it.”

Mu-hwa’s whisper was met with nods from the other second-generation disciples nearby, though they said nothing.

The same went for the onlookers from the Sojeong Society.

Mu-hui had been pushing them harder than they had ever experienced at Mount Hua. He showed no leniency, even to disciples from other sects, which had gradually built up a sense of determination among them.

“Indeed, it’s a bit disappointing. I thought the leader would get a real challenge this time.”

“After seeing his stern face all the time, I wonder if Mu-hui can even look troubled.”

Sometimes, after being pushed to their limits by Mu-hui, they couldn’t help but wonder. If Mu-hui were challenged by someone stronger, what expression and words would he show?

“Haha!”

Hearing Mu-hwa’s whisper, the swordsman burst into laughter, looking at Mu-hwa. Realizing the swordsman had heard him, Mu-hwa’s face turned slightly red.

“Mu-hui seems to be handling the disciples quite roughly. I’ll have to give him a stern talking-to.”

“No, please, not too sternly, just a little,” Mu-hwa replied quickly.

Mu-jin, listening beside him, quietly lowered his head, rubbing his temples.

“Mu-hwa…”

Watching Mu-hwa’s large eyes darting around while still speaking his mind, the swordsman chuckled again, then unclasped his hands and looked at the gathered disciples of the Sojeong Society.

‘Sojeong Society. They said they gathered for cooperation.’

There were many informal gatherings among the disciples, often with lofty goals of cooperation and justice.

But upon closer inspection, many of these groups were superficial, often divided by the prestige of their sects, diminishing their purpose.

However, from what he had heard, the Sojeong Society moved with a unified purpose, which made the swordsman proud of them.

“I should help ensure Mu-hui doesn’t trouble you too much. Come, child. If others wish to follow, wait your turn.”

The swordsman then used his inner strength to create a barrier around Mu-hui, ensuring his meditation would remain undisturbed.

The disciples were delighted at the prospect of receiving direct instruction from the swordsman. Meanwhile, Mu-hwa quickly stepped forward, performing the Silent Plum Blossom before the swordsman. Watching his footwork, the swordsman expressed admiration.

“You’re quite nimble. Let’s see.”

“Yes! Please take care of me, swordsman.”

Seeing Mu-hwa’s bold spirit as he charged without hesitation, the swordsman gently waved his sleeve.

For the disciples walking the right path, the swordsman intended to impart all the guidance he could.

Hoping the younger generation would rise like the waves of the Yangtze, pushing the older generation forward. That natural flow was, after all, a Taiji in itself.

* * *

Nanchang, Jiangxi Province.

A place with distinct seasons, known for its heavy rains during warm spring days like these.

As they approached the Nanchang branch of the Martial Alliance, a heavy downpour greeted Mu-hui and his group, prompting them to pull their rain cloaks tighter around their shoulders.

Following Mu-hui were not only the Plum Blossom Swordsmen but also the disciples of the Sojeong Society, led by Seonghoe and Je-gal Myeong as the deputy leader, forming the Sojeong Squad.

This journey to Nanchang marked the official first mission of the newly formed Sojeong Squad. The Martial Alliance deemed the Sojeong Society’s disciples, who had diligently trained and completed missions, capable of forming a competent force.

“We received your message. Please, come inside.”

The branch leader of Nanchang personally guided the Plum Blossom Swordsmen and the Sojeong Squad through the rain.

“We’re fortunate to have the Plum Blossom Swordsmen and the Sojeong Squad here. It’s difficult to expect support in these times. The situation elsewhere is quite urgent, and the Martial Alliance is stretched thin.”

Mu-hui nodded in response to the branch leader’s words.

“When we headed to Jiangxi, three other forces were dispatched to Guizhou.”

In Hunan, the three factions were still frequently clashing, and amidst this, the Black Night Palace was not idle.

With reports of the Black Night Palace’s forces moving north towards the Guizhou border, the Martial Alliance dispatched forces to prepare for any unforeseen events. It was uncertain when or in which direction they might suddenly move from Guizhou to Sichuan, Hubei, or Hunan.

Though a large-scale war hadn’t erupted, the martial world was undeniably teetering on the edge, as if walking on a razor’s edge.

“They’re all waiting for you.”

As soon as Mu-hui stepped into the meeting room, led by the branch leader, a musty odor assaulted his senses. Inside, a dozen beggars were seated, each with a significant number of knots tied to their waistbands. Even the beggar with the fewest knots had at least five.

Gathered here were not only branch leaders but also elders of the Beggars’ Sect. Upon seeing Mu-hui, they all rose to show their respect.

“Greetings to the Sword Saint of Mount Hua.”

Despite Mu-hui’s lower rank compared to the beggars, they treated him as the foremost swordsman of the Mount Hua Sect, a master of the orthodox martial arts.

“I am Mu-hui, the Sword Saint of Mount Hua. It’s an honor to meet the heroes of the Beggars’ Sect.”

The faces of the beggars, whether branch leaders or elders, were all tense and shadowed. Having been briefed on the situation on his way to Namchang, Mu-hui turned to an elder with seven knots and asked, “What news of the Dragon-Subduing Dog Beating Staff?”

The Dragon-Subduing Dog Beating Staff.

While the Dog Beating Staff symbolized the Beggars’ Sect, the Dragon-Subduing Dog Beating Staff was the emblem of their leader. It appeared to be an ordinary bamboo staff, but it concealed the secrets of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms and the Eight Drunken Immortals Steps. The staff itself was a martial treasure.

“Three days ago, we received word that a disciple of the Fourth Knot had retrieved it, but contact was lost within half a day.”

“Hmm.”

“Since then, we’ve heard rumors of its whereabouts, but it keeps changing hands. Bloodshed continues as people vie for the staff.”

The elder, speaking in a weary voice, sighed deeply.

“Is there still no trace of the leader’s body?”

“The last signal from the leader pointed to Yuhua Mountain, but we can’t set foot there.”

The elder, who spoke, glanced down at his right arm, which was severed below the elbow and wrapped in bloodstained bandages.

“We encountered the Wolf King leading the Langya Alliance. Five elders died, and I lost my arm in the battle.”

The Langya Alliance, composed of wandering warriors, was the largest faction among the Seven Evil Clans. Originally based in the southern part of Jiangxi Province, they had moved north to Yuhua Mountain amid the chaos surrounding the Dragon-Subduing Dog Beating Staff.

“The Wolf King, who bore a grudge against our leader, is desperate to seize either the leader’s body or the staff.”

The branch leader, clearly troubled, added his own lament.

“The Langya Alliance’s warriors, along with rogue martial artists seeking the staff, are gathering in such numbers that it’s overwhelming.”

“We must recover both the leader’s body and the staff quickly.”

“We’re ashamed to have to ask the Martial Alliance for help due to our internal troubles during such turbulent times.”

As the elder bowed his head, Mu-hui shook his own.

“Since the Wind King met his fate while pursuing the staff, it’s only right that we assist. The Beggars’ Sect has always prioritized the greater good of the martial world, which is why you couldn’t send more people from Jiangxi.”

Hearing Mu-hui’s words, the beggars’ faces brightened slightly, and they clasped their hands together in gratitude.

“Your words are a comfort to us.”

“Thank you, Sword Saint.”

Just then, the door to the meeting room opened quietly.

A masked man, Moon-young, entered.

When with the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect, his demeanor was light and carefree, but in the presence of others, he exuded a sharp, intimidating aura.

Given the known alliance between the Martial Alliance and the Thousand Kill Sect, no one stopped Moon-young. He looked at Mu-hui and spoke.

“The whereabouts of the Dragon-Subduing Dog Beating Staff have been confirmed.”