“The Sword Saint of Mount Hua is alive!”

“Everyone, charge!”

Mu Hui’s voice echoed across the battlefield, and more martial artists than expected recognized the legendary sword, the Simyeong Sword.

Inspired by the sight of the Plum Blossom Swordsman cutting through the enemy ranks with the force of a storm, the warriors of the Sichuan Alliance were spurred into action.

“Charge!”

The warriors, who had been focused on defense, suddenly surged forward.

“He’s not a man who would die easily.”

Tang Gi-ho’s lips curled into a smile as countless hidden weapons poured from his sleeves. The weapons, guided by his inner energy, gathered in the air.

Whoosh!

As a rain of green-tinted petals swept the front lines, a violet thunderstorm erupted behind them.

Violet flashes scattered across the battlefield, and with each burst of light, blood flowers bloomed in vivid red.

Amidst this chaos, the battlefield transformed into a fragrant garden, the scent of plum blossoms overpowering the stench of blood.

“How are we supposed to stop that?”

“Roll if you have to, just catch him!”

Mu Hui’s sword danced lightly, the Simyeong Sword soaring through the air like a fish in water.

Violet lightning split into dozens of branches, sweeping across the battlefield, leaving a trail of destruction.

‘This technique consumes a lot of energy and mental strength.’

Mu Hui unleashed the Igi Eogeom without reservation, testing its effectiveness in real combat.

Having only recently mastered the technique, the energy drain was significant, but he continued to push its limits to understand its full potential.

The sword’s movements shifted as Mu Hui adjusted the flow of his energy.

‘More aggressive with the energy flow.’

The Simyeong Sword accelerated sharply, tearing through the air with a piercing sound, and the bodies of the enemy warriors exploded upon contact.

‘It’s difficult to control precisely, but the speed and power have increased. A bit more adjustment, and it will be formidable.’

Mu Hui nodded in satisfaction, having adapted the technique based on the energy flow of the Guan Ya Tu, a move he had observed.

The Igi Eogeom, with its extreme freedom, changed drastically with even slight adjustments, leaving much room for growth.

“Target the Sword Saint!”

Despite the chaos, some warriors charged with the resolve to die, aiming for the one wielding the Igi Eogeom.

Dozens of warriors rushed from all directions, but Mu Hui moved calmly, as if on a leisurely stroll, his sword hand swaying naturally.

The enemy warriors, shouting battle cries, hurled themselves at him, only to be met with an invisible wave of energy emanating from Mu Hui, reaching them like the scent of plum blossoms.

Slice!

A chilling sound of cutting filled the air.

Limbs and blood vessels were severed, filling the sky with a crimson mist.

The Igi Eogeom continued to wreak havoc, while Mu Hui remained still, seemingly doing nothing.

What had they been cut by?

Mu Hui, having reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, imbued his energy with the intent to cut.

His energy, sharp as a blade, left icy sword marks on the bodies of the enemy warriors.

Meanwhile, Mu Hui, his robe fluttering, simply advanced.

A stark contrast.

“This is impossible!”

“This is the power of a true master…”

He hadn’t even recalled the Igi Eogeom or used his hands to defend, yet his mere presence was enough to cut down those who dared approach.

The overwhelming sight crushed the resolve of those who intended to block the Sword Saint’s path. Fear began to creep into the hearts of the enemy warriors.

Behind Mu Hui’s advancing steps, only a trail of blood remained. A single man was breaking through the enemy’s rear lines.

No one dared to stop the Sword Saint’s march.

Mu Hui’s gaze lifted slightly.

On the other side, plum blossoms and petals bloomed.

A different scent of plum blossoms wafted from the opposite direction.

Boom!

As Mu Hui paused briefly, the enemy warriors blocking his path crumbled on their own.

“Senior Brother!”

Mu Jin was the first to rush forward, followed by Mu Hwa and Mu Cheol.

The Plum Blossom Swordsmen, executing the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation, had carved a path through the enemy lines to reach Mu Hui.

It was a feat no elite force in the martial world could easily achieve.

Yet the Plum Blossom Swordsmen had done it, all twenty-four of them gathered without a single one missing.

Mu Hui was confident that with their mastery of the formation, they would not falter against any force in the martial world.

“You all look well.”

Though a few disciples bore minor injuries, they seemed unhindered.

Mu Hui spoke casually, as if nothing had happened, and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, catching their breath from the relentless battle, allowed themselves a small smile.

“Senior Brother, what happened to your robe? Where’s your plum blossom robe and uniform? You’re wearing something strange.”

Seeing Mu Hui safe, Mu Hwa couldn’t help but comment on his attire. Mu Hui was never like this; he always emerged unscathed from battles.

Realizing the danger Mu Hui must have faced, Mu Hwa’s expression turned somber.

Mu Hui patted Mu Hwa’s head.

“I knew you’d be okay, Senior Brother.”

Mu Cheol’s voice was slightly higher than usual, and Mu Hui smiled, turning to Mu Jin.

“You’ve reached the pinnacle.”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

Mu Jin gave a wry smile, and Mu Hui patted his shoulder lightly.

“You all held on well.”

Mu Hui met the eyes of each second-generation disciple, nodding before turning to the first-generation disciples.

“Brothers.”

“That’s enough. You’re back… that’s all that matters.”

Hyun Baek, having composed himself, nodded slowly, and Hyun Gak, standing behind him, beamed at Mu Hui.

In the midst of the battlefield, there was no time for lengthy conversations or reunions.

But Mu Hui and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen exchanged glances, sharing their feelings without words.

As Mu Hui raised his hand, the Simyeong Sword, which had been sweeping the battlefield, returned swiftly to him. Holding the sword, Mu Hui addressed the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

“Let’s go.”

At Mu Hui’s command, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen readied themselves once more.

The enemy warriors, who hadn’t dared to approach Mu Hui’s aura, swallowed nervously as the Plum Blossom Swordsmen reformed their formation.

Thud!

With a synchronized step, the twenty-four swords of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen erupted in violet light.

Plum blossoms bloomed all around, scattering petals and fragrance, asserting their presence.

The true protagonists of this battlefield were the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

* * *

Crack!

The ground was torn apart by a surge of demonic energy, altering the landscape entirely.

A massive wave of demonic energy split in two under a single, resolute strike.

Hyup Je, having cleaved the energy, lowered his sword slightly, fixing his gaze on the Black Night Palace Lord.

The Black Night Palace Lord, meeting Hyup Je’s cold, steady eyes, slowly lowered his hands.

“Leader, you’re truly formidable. Have you gained enlightenment? You could easily take a seat among the Three Thrones now.”

“After the Black Night Palace’s opening ceremony, I did gain some insight during a life-and-death duel.”

Hyup Je spoke nonchalantly, and the Black Night Palace Lord’s lips curled into a smile filled with killing intent.

“A leader who continues to grow stronger… truly a troublesome man.”

“I’m surprised myself. I didn’t expect the Black Night Palace Lord to be a master rivaling the Three Thrones.”

Their gazes clashed in the air.

Both men had entered this battle with the same goal.

The Black Night Palace Lord, having faced Hyup Je at the opening ceremony, had gathered information to assess his strength.

His conclusion was that while not easy, Hyup Je was a foe he could defeat.

Hyup Je, having consolidated the insights gained from his life-and-death duel with the Overlord and subsequent matches with the martial world’s top masters, had elevated his skills.

Confident he could now contend with the Three Thrones, he entered the battlefield intending to kill the Black Night Palace Lord.

Both masters had underestimated each other, leading to a stalemate.

“It seems I’ve lost out. I couldn’t kill you, and I’ve lost the Uho Method.”

The Lord of the Black Night Palace caught sight of the distant fluttering banners of the Martial Alliance and decided to retreat. In an instant, she widened the gap between them by several dozen yards.

“Until next time, Alliance Leader.”

Despite the provocation, the Alliance Leader, Hyeopje, did not pursue her. He knew she wasn’t someone he could easily defeat, even if he gave chase.

“Alliance Leader!”

“I’m fine.”

Eui-cheon, the Grand Master, checked on Hyeopje’s condition, nodded, and handed him a letter.

“Urgent news from Sichuan.”

“Urgent news.”

Hyeopje’s lips tightened at the mention of Sichuan. He had already heard that Mu-hui, who had confronted the Tyrant there, had gone missing.

With a sense of foreboding, Hyeopje took the letter. Good news from Sichuan was a rare occurrence.

As he unfolded the letter, Eui-cheon watched with concern as Hyeopje’s fingers crumpled the edges of the paper.

Eui-cheon waited anxiously for Hyeopje’s reaction, but was taken aback when Hyeopje suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hahaha!”

“Alliance Leader?”

“Mu-hui! That rascal is alive. Of course, he wouldn’t go down so easily.”

Seeing Hyeopje’s clenched fist and joyful demeanor, Eui-cheon’s face brightened as well.

“Could it be?”

Eui-cheon read the letter Hyeopje handed him and couldn’t help but smile. The letter reported that the Sword Saint of Mount Hua had returned unharmed, defeated the Tyrant’s warriors, and forced them to retreat with significant losses.

The Tyrant’s forces had failed to crush the Sichuan Alliance and had withdrawn.

“With the loss of the Five Armies and half of the Tyrant’s Seven Generals, the Tyrant’s power has been significantly weakened.”

“Indeed. Although the Tyrant remains, the Tyrant’s forces won’t be able to act freely for a while. Given the current state of the martial world, that’s a tremendous advantage.”

Hyeopje had feared the worst—that the Tyrant’s forces would overrun Sichuan and then move on to Shaanxi or Hubei. But the best possible outcome had emerged, and he couldn’t be happier.

After burning the letter to ashes, Hyeopje gazed westward toward Sichuan.

“Mu-hui, thank you.”

The battle between the Martial Alliance and the Black Night Palace in Hunan had reached a temporary conclusion. Fortunately, the Martial Alliance could breathe a sigh of relief.

Though future conflicts were uncertain, overcoming this significant crisis was what mattered.

With a lighter heart, Hyeopje issued orders to his members.

“Prepare to return to Hubei.”

“Yes, Alliance Leader!”

* * *

At the Gu-yu Sword Sect’s training grounds, numerous martial artists lay groaning on the ground. There were about a hundred of them, roughly the size of three combat units.

The swordsmen who had simultaneously crushed the three combat units of the Gu-yu Sword Sect calmly steadied their breathing and honed their sharp auras.

Watching this, the Sect Leader of Gu-yu Sword Sect appeared behind the Grand Elder.

“Impressive. To see our top combat units fall like this.”

“Since I trained them, this is to be expected. Sect Leader, what brings you here?”

In response to the Grand Elder’s question, the Sect Leader bowed respectfully.

“Grand Elder, the Sword Saint has entered Shaanxi.”

“So the news of his survival was true.”

The mention of the Sword Saint of Mount Hua made the Grand Elder’s eyes gleam with a fierce light.

“Yes, it would be troublesome if he died so easily.”

The Grand Elder looked down at the swordsmen he had personally trained since emerging from seclusion.

“Prepare the Eight Jade Sword Unit. We’re heading to Mount Hua.”

At the Grand Elder’s command, the eyes of the swordsmen known as the Eight Jade Sword Unit glinted with a chilling light and a deadly aura.