Mu-hwi stood at the mountain gate, gazing down the stone steps carved into the cliff. As a senior disciple, he was tasked with welcoming visiting martial sects to the Hwasan School.

“Another guest is arriving.”

At Mu-hwi’s words, Mu-sang and Mu-hwa, who were on guard duty, quickly checked their appearances once more. After all, those who guarded the main gate were the face of the sect.

“Master Seonhwa. It’s been a while since the incident at Sohwasan.”

Mu-hwi greeted warmly, and Master Seonhwa nodded in acknowledgment, clasping his hands in respect.

“Mu-hwi, your growing reputation is well-known even in Yeonhwa Sect. Our disciples hold you in high regard and are proud of you.”

It seemed Master Seonhwa’s words were no exaggeration, as the disciples accompanying him to Hwasan glanced at Mu-hwi with admiration. Some of them looked familiar, likely having crossed paths with him during visits to Seonhwa Sect.

“While you’re here, you should take the opportunity to enjoy the view of the famous mountains.”

Master Seonhwa chuckled.

“Famous mountains… My son has received his Taoist name, but I still find ‘Imsan’ rolls off the tongue more naturally. I suppose I’ll get used to it in time.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Master Seonhwa entered the mountain gate, leaving Mu-hwa to ask Mu-hwi a question.

“Senior Brother, you’ve chosen Myeongsan to accompany you this time, right?”

“Yes. You’ll be taking Myung-young with you. What about you, Mu-sang?”

At Mu-hwi’s inquiry, Mu-sang slumped his shoulders, looking dejected.

“Well, Senior Brother, none of the third-generation disciples seem eager to join me. Am I that intimidating? Even Senior Brother Mu-cheol found a third-generation disciple quickly.”

“Oh, I heard about that. Apparently, a disciple approached Senior Brother Mu-cheol on their own. Wasn’t his name Myung-am?”

Mu-hwa’s comment made Mu-hwi recall who Myung-am was—the grandson of the head of the Iron Sword Sect, who always watched Mu-cheol’s swordplay with shining eyes.

“The Iron Sword technique will surely be passed down smoothly.”

Thinking of Myung-am, who was as robust as Mu-cheol, Mu-hwi nodded. If fate allowed, they would make a fitting master-disciple pair.

“Senior Brother Mu-jin is overwhelmed with third-generation disciples clinging to him. Hang in there, Mu-sang.”

Mu-hwa’s attempt at consolation only made Mu-sang’s smile more strained.

“So, what are you planning to do with your third-generation disciple?”

“Maybe we’ll smash a few Black Path sects for fun? Myung-young would probably enjoy that.”

“Is that even allowed?”

Mu-sang tilted his head in confusion and looked at Mu-hwi.

“What about you, Senior Brother?”

“Well, it’s only for a few days, so maybe we’ll just explore some nearby places.”

“Oh, I wish I could take a leisurely trip down the mountain too!”

Mu-sang’s envious gaze at Mu-hwi and Mu-hwa turned into a lament, but he quickly covered his mouth, realizing he had already spoken his mind.

“So that’s why you were so eager to find a third-generation disciple. You had ulterior motives.”

Mu-hwi gave Mu-sang a cold smile, reaching out to grab the top of Mu-sang’s head. As he applied pressure, Mu-sang cried out.

“Ouch! My head’s going to split, Senior Brother!”

Mu-sang flailed his arms, but he couldn’t escape Mu-hwi’s grip.

“This slacker has been getting lazy lately. Looks like it’s time to whip you back into shape.”

“That’s right, Senior Brother. Mu-sang has been skipping training at the Martial Alliance to chase after pretty women.”

“Is that so?”

Mu-hwa’s tattling made Mu-sang’s face turn pale, while Mu-hwi’s smile grew wider. Mu-sang slumped in resignation.

“Just kill me now, Senior Brother.”

“Mu-sang, after all the effort I’ve put into training you, I can’t just let you off that easily. If you’re going to die, at least do it with a sword in hand.”

Seeing Mu-hwi’s bright smile, Mu-sang was certain of one thing based on past experience.

The next three months would be hell.

* * *

In the main hall, Baek-yu and the elders were gathered with sect leaders from across the martial world. Baek-yu exchanged greetings and listened to their concerns.

Stroking his beard, Baek-yu spoke.

“I hear the secular sects in the southwest of Shaanxi are troubled by the Overlord’s Castle.”

The head of the Iron Sword Sect nodded.

“Indeed, Sect Leader. Even from our distant location, we’ve occasionally sent disciples to support nearby secular sects.”

Though the Overlord’s main focus was on the Zhongnan Sect, their influence sometimes spread to nearby secular sects, keeping the Hwasan School on alert.

“Recently, the Overlord’s Castle has been quiet.”

“Whether they’re conserving strength or focusing on Sichuan, it’s unclear.”

Listening to the sect leaders, Chunmae Pavilion’s head, Baek-chun, spoke up.

“I checked with the Zhongnan Sect, and they seem to be on guard. You should be cautious too.”

Baek-yu turned to the head of Sohwasan.

“What about the northern Shaanxi and the Guiyu Sword Sect’s movements? The information suggests they’re quiet.”

“We feel the same. After suffering significant losses at Sohwasan, they’re lying low. But the presence of the Hwasan Sword Saint must also be a factor.”

At the mention of the Sword Saint, the sect leaders turned to Mu-hwi, who was seated in the meeting hall.

As a senior disciple and the bearer of the Sword Saint’s title, Mu-hwi was a crucial figure for Hwasan’s future. The sect leaders looked at him with confidence.

Especially those who had witnessed Mu-hwi’s prowess firsthand regarded him with immense trust.

“With the Guiyu Sword Sect’s only match for the Sword Saint being the Guiyu Sword Master, they must tread carefully.”

“I understand the Guiyu Sword Master has been in seclusion for over fifteen years. He might have passed away by now… He was a peer of the Thunderous Sword Master, wasn’t he?”

“Indeed, he didn’t appear during the Shaanxi Bloodshed either.”

Listening to the conversation, Mu-hwi asked Baek-yu.

“Why has the Guiyu Sword Master been in seclusion for so long?”

Mu-hwi knew little about the Guiyu Sword Master, as he had been absent from the martial world for so long that his name was fading into obscurity.

“The Guiyu Sword Master couldn’t accept that the Guiyu Sword Sect wasn’t among the top three sword sects and challenged the Namgung Family’s Azure Sky Sword Master. They were always compared as peers. But he lost and went into seclusion to redeem himself.”

“But didn’t the Azure Sky Sword Master pass away a few years ago?”

“Yes. Whether the Guiyu Sword Master knows of his death is uncertain.”

Nodding, Mu-hwi addressed the sect leaders.

“Even if the Overlord’s Castle and Guiyu Sword Sect are quiet, we must remain vigilant. There’s also the Black Night Palace to consider.”

“Hmm.”

“Indeed.”

At the mention of the Black Night Palace, the sect leaders showed discomfort. The memory of the Shaanxi Bloodshed was still fresh.

“While at the Martial Alliance, I heard that the Black Night Palace and the Four Demons clashed at the border of Guizhou and Guangxi, with the Black Night Palace emerging victorious.”

Some sect leaders nodded at Mu-hwi’s words, having heard similar reports.

“The Black Night Palace may not be extending into Shaanxi, but they’re active elsewhere.”

“Enemies on all sides, it seems.”

“Therefore, each sect should prepare to respond to any situation.”

Mu-hwi’s firm words prompted nods from the sect leaders. Though he didn’t explicitly mention it, the possibility of another Shaanxi Bloodshed loomed.

“In times like these, a sect’s finances must be strong to support its warriors. While it’s not a large sum, the Hwasan School intends to support each sect. We understand many are struggling financially due to the chaos in the martial world.”

At the words of Baek-san, the head of the Finance Pavilion, the sect leaders’ eyes widened.

“Is that true, Elder Baek-san?”

“Of course. The Sect Leader has already approved it.”

The sect leaders turned to Baek-yu.

“When the main sect was reeling from the Shaanxi Bloodshed, you all supported us despite your own difficulties. Your collective aid helped Hwasan endure a long, harsh winter, and now it’s our turn to repay that kindness.”

As Baek-yu spoke, sipping his tea, some sect leaders sighed softly.

“Ah.”

None of the sects that aided Hwasan during the Shaanxi Bloodshed did so expecting future benefits.

At the time, it seemed Hwasan was on the brink of collapse, and no one imagined it would recover so quickly and regain its former glory.

Now, with Hwasan extending a hand to the secular sects, the leaders were deeply moved.

“How can we accept Hwasan’s resources? The fact that Hwasan has regained its stature is a great help to us.”

The leader of the Hwahun Sect, with his one hand, clasped his hands in respect to Baek-yu. His words were echoed by nods from the other leaders.

“If your sects are like one of Hwasan’s peaks, then there’s no reason to refuse.”

“The budget has already been finalized by the Finance Pavilion, so there’s no need to say more. Surely you wouldn’t defy the Sect Leader’s orders?”

As Baek San wrapped up his remarks with a touch of humor, following Maeseo Gakju and Baek Soon, the other clan leaders couldn’t help but chuckle and nod in agreement.

“Now that the Plum Blossom Swordmasters have returned to the Martial Alliance, we have some breathing room at the main headquarters. In case of emergencies, we’ll dispatch disciples from the main sect immediately. Each family sect should check and reorganize their communication networks,” Baek Yu advised.

The family sect leaders bowed their heads in acknowledgment. They had climbed Mount Hua with a myriad of worries and concerns, but seeing the mountain’s steadfast support for their sects felt like a weight lifted off their shoulders. They could descend the mountain with a peace of mind they hadn’t had on the way up.

Pride in being part of the Mount Hua sect filled the family leaders once more, replacing their previous anxieties. With this renewed confidence, they felt unafraid of threats like the Overlord Castle or the Black Night Palace.

“Thank you so much, Sect Leader.”

“We also extend our gratitude to the elders.”

The oldest among them, the leader of the Hwagacheolbang, and the head of the Sohwasan Manor stood and bowed, prompting the other leaders to follow suit, folding their hands in respect.

“We’re grateful as well.”

“We look forward to working together.”

Baek Yu and the elders responded with warm smiles.

* * *

Mu Hui and Myeong San were descending Mount Hua together. Myeong San, excited to be leaving the mountain for the first time in a while, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. After all, no matter how dedicated one is to training, being confined to a mountain at a young age is quite a challenge.

“Master, where are we going?” Myeong San asked, taking advantage of their solitude to address Mu Hui as his master.

“There’s a place my master often visited when he came down from Mount Hua. We’re heading there.”

“Oh, a place frequently visited by our grandmaster? I’m really curious!”

During his days as the Sword Demon, Mu Hui had permission to ascend Mount Hua, but it wasn’t something he could do often. So, Dokgo Heon and Hyeonjo had a designated meeting spot near the mountain, which naturally became a place Dokgo Heon frequented.

In his past life, that place held significant meaning for Dokgo Heon, almost like a home. Mu Hui intended to visit it again after a long time.

Once they had fully descended the mountain, Mu Hui turned to Myeong San.

“Shall we see how well you’ve mastered the movement technique?”

With his hands clasped behind his back, Mu Hui took a light step and vanished in an instant. Myeong San, eyes wide with surprise, quickly launched himself forward to keep up.

“Master!”

Seeing Myeong San following closely, Mu Hui turned his gaze forward again. With Hyeonjo gone, bringing a new disciple to that special place felt strangely poignant.