Clang! Thud!

In the blazing forest of Jongnam Mountain, the sound of clashing metal echoed alongside the pounding of feet.

The disciples of the Jongnam Sect moved tirelessly, kicking up clouds of dust as they maintained their sword formation. Meanwhile, the warriors of the Paewang Fortress left deep imprints in the ground as they charged forward, determined to break through.

The Celestial Sword Formation of the Jongnam Sect was formidable, but it was being challenged by the elite warriors of the Paewang Fortress, specifically the Sixth King Squad of the Seven Kings.

The Sixth King Squad hurled themselves into the formation, unleashing their powerful martial arts to shatter the Celestial Sword Formation with sheer force.

Swords clashed repeatedly, and the air was filled with the sound of blades slicing through the wind, colliding in a chaotic dance.

After countless exchanges, the eyes of the Paewang warriors gleamed like those of predators seeking prey. They targeted the second-generation disciples, who were visibly tiring.

“Disciples of Kun, Gen, and Qian, fall back one step!”

At the command of Ilchan, the first-generation disciple leading the formation, the second-generation disciples guarding those positions quickly retreated.

But the Sixth King Squad’s charge, exploiting the gaps with fierce energy, was faster.

“Ugh!”

Seongun, a second-generation disciple guarding the Gen position, groaned as a sword pierced his side.

“Seongun! Fall back!”

The surrounding Jongnam disciples rushed to cover him, but the rotation of the Celestial Sword Formation began to falter.

Clang! Clang!

Sunmi, guarding the Kun position, barely managed to block the oncoming attacks, gritting her teeth as her sword shattered and flew into the air.

Despite their efforts, the second-generation disciples, lacking the martial prowess and stamina of the first-generation, were reaching their limits. Sunmi was no exception.

‘Damn it.’

Clenching her bleeding hand, Sunmi threw a punch, but the attack from below was faster.

Her fellow disciples were also tied up with the Paewang warriors, making it difficult to receive help. Seeing the inevitable outcome, Sunmi’s eyes trembled.

Yet, she refused to close her eyes, as she had been taught. Suddenly, a white sword appeared before her, as if carved from ice, with a plum blossom engraved on it.

‘Plum Blossom!’

As the scent of plum blossoms filled the air, the sword vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

“Ugh!”

When the plum blossom sword reappeared, splitting into four and emitting a purple light, the Paewang warrior who had been about to strike Sunmi fell to the side, blood spraying from his chest and arms.

“It’s been a while since the Six Harmonies Sword Meet. Good to see you again.”

A voice, unfamiliar yet familiar, reached her ears.

Recognizing the profile of the man, Sunmi couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Mujin!”

It wasn’t just Mujin. Among those wearing the same plum blossom robes were many familiar faces.

The second-generation disciples of the Mount Hua Sect, who had fought alongside them during the surprise attack at the Six Harmonies Sword Meet, were here.

“Plum Blossom Swordsmen!”

The appearance of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen surprised not only the second-generation disciples but also Hyunbaek, who shouted as he cut down two Paewang warriors simultaneously.

“Ilchan, Ilon! Are you alright?”

“Hyunbaek! Hyungak is here too.”

Recognizing the first-generation disciples among the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, the Jongnam first-generation disciples responded with gratitude.

Given the situation, Hyunbaek exchanged a brief glance with them before shouting to the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

“Push them back!”

At Hyunbaek’s command, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen unfurled their robes and charged at the Sixth King Squad.

The scent of plum blossoms from their swords began to drive away the smell of smoke that filled Jongnam Mountain.

Though they faced one of the Seven Kings, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen showed no fear, and it was the Sixth King Squad that seemed to falter.

“Plum Blossom Swordsmen!”

“Don’t rush out recklessly! Maintain formation!”

The Plum Blossom Swordsmen bloomed with plum blossoms in unison.

Watching the Mount Hua second-generation disciples, Sunmi couldn’t help but be impressed. The same was true for the other Jongnam second-generation disciples.

‘They’ve grown so much.’

‘We’ve worked hard too, but it feels like the gap has widened.’

The Jongnam second-generation disciples had been motivated by the outcome of the Six Harmonies Sword Meet. They accepted their defeat but couldn’t deny the blow to their pride as martial artists.

Determined, they doubled their training intensity in preparation for the next meet.

With clear goals and the accompanying effort, many disciples achieved visible progress, boosting the confidence of the Jongnam second-generation disciples.

But seeing the Plum Blossom Swordsmen now, they realized that while they had just started running, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen had already taken flight.

‘Back then, we were evenly matched.’

Sunmi shook her head as she watched Mujin lead the charge against the Sixth King Squad.

During the Six Harmonies Sword Meet, they had been rivals, but now Mujin stood in a place she couldn’t even reach. Yet, she couldn’t just stand still.

“Let’s go.”

Sunmi rallied the Jongnam second-generation disciples, who had been watching the Plum Blossom Swordsmen push back the Sixth King Squad.

“Yes.”

“We can’t just stand by.”

Led by Sunmi, the Jongnam second-generation disciples leaped into action.

Though they might lack the martial prowess of the Mount Hua disciples, they had trained diligently and had nothing to be ashamed of.

“Haah!”

With a shout, the Jongnam disciples swung their swords, eager to show the Mount Hua disciples the skills they had honed.

“Hyunbaek! The situation at the top is more urgent. The other Paewang elites and the Ghost King have ascended.”

At Ilchan’s urgent words, Hyunbaek smiled.

“Don’t worry. We just arrived, but the Plum Blossom Swordmaster reached Jongnam Mountain first to face the Ghost King. If you haven’t seen him, he must have headed straight to the top.”

Knowing that the Plum Blossom Swordmaster was Mu Hui, Ilchan looked up towards the peak.

“Come to think of it…”

Until a moment ago, the peak had been shaking as if a natural disaster had struck, drawing the attention of the warriors below several times.

But now, it was eerily quiet, as if nothing had happened.

“Leave the top to the Plum Blossom Swordmaster.”

“Alright!”

“Other Mount Hua disciples are also providing support in different directions. The Beggars’ Sect and other allies will arrive soon. Just hold on a little longer.”

“Thank you.”

Hyunbaek and Ilchan stood side by side, joining the battle.

The disciples of Mount Hua and Jongnam stood together, showcasing their combined swordsmanship against the advancing enemies.

* * *

Despite the arrival of reinforcements from Mount Hua, the Beggars’ Sect, and other allies, the Paewang Fortress did not retreat easily. Even with the amassed forces, they were not outmatched by the Paewang’s strength.

The Paewang Fortress did not withdraw even after the death of the Ghost King was reported.

Fueled by vengeance rather than demoralization, they fiercely ascended Jongnam Mountain, only retreating after Mu Hui personally cut down a hundred warriors in an instant.

Though the reinforcements managed to hold back the Paewang Fortress, the Jongnam Sect suffered significant losses. The fires had ravaged Jongnam Mountain, and the damage to their resources and personnel was substantial.

Some of the reinforcements remained to help the Jongnam Sect recover, including the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, who assisted in maintaining the perimeter.

“This area is completely burned. It used to be a great place for early morning lightness training. Sometimes, I’d even run into deer.”

Seonju sighed as she looked around.

The familiar landscape of Jongnam Mountain was no longer recognizable. Though the fires were out, the air was filled with the smell of smoke instead of fresh grass, and everything looked bleak.

Mu Hui walked beside her, listening quietly.

“Mu Hui, how are you feeling? You faced two supreme masters at once.”

“I’m fine. I didn’t sustain any serious internal injuries. It was a straightforward victory.”

How many in the martial world could claim to have easily defeated both the Ghost King and the Dark Emperor?

Seonju smiled as she watched Mu Hui speak so nonchalantly.

“As expected, the Sword Saint of Mount Hua is different. It’s reassuring.”

Following Mu Hui’s lead, Seonju clasped her hands behind her back and walked alongside him, suddenly linking arms and asking,

“But, brother, were you serious about me having the potential to become a Sword Queen?”

Her eyes sparkled with a mix of playfulness and sincerity, and Mu Hui nodded.

“Yes.”

“Really? Unlike you, I’m still at the peak level.”

“Don’t compare yourself to me. It’s important to know your level by comparing with others, but if you let it shake your core, everything will crumble. You must keep your resolve firm.”

Comparing oneself to Mu Hui, who lived a second life with memories of a past life, was absurd.

Even reaching the peak level, a rare achievement in the martial world, was remarkable for Seonju.

Seonju was truly shining, showcasing her talents to the fullest.

Compared to the last time I saw her, she had definitely grown. If she continued on this path, it was only a matter of time before she would naturally be called the Sword Empress.

“You’re doing well. Keep it up,” Mu-hui remarked nonchalantly.

Seonju’s eyes widened at his rare compliment. She grinned, playfully nudging his arm. “I guess I have to become the Sword Empress now. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing for you, my esteemed brother, who vouched for me so confidently.”

Mu-hui couldn’t help but smile back as Seonju tilted her head and laughed. “That’s the spirit.”

Watching Seonju document the damage across the regions, Mu-hui asked, “How are the headmaster and the elders holding up?”

Thanks to Mu-hui’s timely arrival at the Nu Gwan Dae, casualties were minimal. However, Elder Hongseon and others had sustained serious internal injuries and wounds.

Despite their condition, they were actively working to rebuild the sect, which worried the disciples of the Jongnam Sect.

“Most are severely injured, but no one’s life is in danger, thanks to you, Brother Mu-hui.”

“Their martial arts and sword formations are exceptional. If they were just average masters, the formations would have been torn apart instantly.”

Indeed, they were worthy of being called the old masters of the Nine Schools.

Nodding in agreement, Seonju glanced at a large rock beyond the trees and tugged on Mu-hui’s arm. “Let’s sit there and rest for a bit. We’ve been wandering around Jongnam Mountain for over an hour.”

Using the rock as a makeshift seat, Mu-hui and Seonju sat side by side, enjoying the gentle breeze.

Watching Seonju’s hair flutter in the wind, Mu-hui noticed something. “You didn’t braid your hair today. You always have it braided.”

“Oh, right. I’ve been so busy lately…” Seonju trailed off, then pulled out the long cloth she usually used to braid her hair. “Can you braid it for me, Brother Mu-hui?”

“I’ve never done it before.”

“I know. I’ll teach you, so give it a try.”

Mu-hui squinted at her, and Seonju mimicked him, narrowing her eyes playfully. Eventually, Mu-hui chuckled and nodded.

Seonju demonstrated how to braid her hair, and Mu-hui followed her instructions. Watching him, Seonju was impressed. “Wow, you seem like you’ve done this before.”

“It’s just another talent of mine,” he joked.

Giggling, Seonju watched Mu-hui focus on braiding her hair, then suddenly leaned into his embrace. “A master like you can’t dodge this?”

With her arms wrapped around his waist, Seonju looked up at Mu-hui’s face. He didn’t respond immediately, but after her persistent nudging, he finally spoke. “I’m concentrating on braiding, so be quiet.”

Seonju laughed and hugged him tighter. “Thank you, Brother.”

“For what?”

“For helping our brothers and mentors, the elders, the headmaster, and for protecting Jongnam Mountain. For everything.”

Seonju whispered softly, her face buried in his chest.

“You’re welcome.”

Though the braiding was long finished, Mu-hui and Seonju remained still, savoring the moment.

* * *

Whoosh!

A heavy gust from the sword scattered the gray poisonous mist in all directions. Still unsatisfied, Dokgo Yul unleashed a series of moves from the Dokgo Sword Technique, sweeping the area.

“Leader!”

Despite the call from behind, Dokgo Yul continued to cut down the approaching warriors from the Paewang Fortress, responding as he fought. “What about Master Unhyeon?”

“Cheongseong and the others have escaped. Now it’s our turn to retreat.”

“Understood.”

Hearing the exchange between Dokgo Yul and Unhyeon, the warriors of the Dokgo Association began to prepare for a slow withdrawal.

Standing beside Dokgo Yul, Unhyeon swung his sword and spoke. “I feel guilty for having the Dokgo Association cover our retreat.”

“The Tang family and Cheongseong are exhausted from holding the front lines. It’s only right that we, who still have strength, guard the rear.”

“Thank you for saving our face. But the future looks grim. With Paewang Fortress having seized Yunnan, their forces will soon turn on us.”

“The Sichuan Poison Queen is the real problem. We can only hope for the swift arrival of support from the Martial Alliance.”

At the mention of the Sichuan Poison Queen, Unhyeon’s expression hardened, and he nodded. “Let’s hold out as long as we can.”

Dokgo Yul and Unhyeon tightened their grips on their swords, gazing at the distant banners of the Paewang Fortress.