The Grand Sword Tournament.

A festival for swordsmen, held at unpredictable intervals.

Perhaps because it had been so long since the last one, the path to the Gu Yu Sword Sect was bustling with swordsmen eager to participate.

The Gu Yu Sword Sect, one of the Seven Great Sects, was so overwhelmed by the influx of visitors that they had to rent out entire inns and quickly set up temporary lodgings.

“I heard the Seven Swords of Wudang and their disciples have arrived. If the Sword Saint himself had come, it would have been chaos.”

“Still, having the Seven Swords is something. Even the Namgung family has sent their head and young master, along with the Ten Heroes of Changcheon. With the Three Great Sword Sects gathered, there’s no shortage of challenges.”

“Don’t be foolish. The Three Great Sword Sects aren’t something you challenge lightly. It’s said that the swordsmen of the martial world are preemptively weeding out challengers among themselves. It’s a way of saying that those who aren’t up to par should step aside.”

The Grand Sword Tournament was not just about watching the duels between the two sects representing the Three Great Sword Sects. It was more about the gathering of countless swordsmen from the martial world to engage in duels.

Thus, the duel between the Huashan Sect and the Gu Yu Sword Sect was scheduled for the last day of the tournament. The preceding six days were reserved for swordsmen from all over to exchange skills and engage in duels.

The endless duels between swordsmen, challenging and being challenged, were a spectacle to behold, and neither the Huashan Sect nor the Gu Yu Sword Sect were exceptions.

Before the duel representing the Three Great Sword Sects, they had to prove their worth by facing the swords of other martial artists.

“Where are you planning to watch today?”

“I think I’ll head to the Huashan Sect. There’s a rumor that someone with ties to the Sword Saint has come, and the Sword Saint himself might participate in a duel.”

“Interesting. Let’s go together.”

The swordsmen, deep in conversation, made their way to the pavilion where the Huashan Sect was staying.

As esteemed guests, the Three Great Sword Sects were given the best accommodations, complete with a grand martial arts arena and several duel stages.

By the time the swordsmen arrived, the duels were already in full swing.

On each stage, swordsmen clad in plum blossom robes were accepting challenges with calm composure.

“Impressive. They say these young disciples represent the martial prowess of the Huashan Sect, and they’re so strong despite their youth.”

“Apparently, every disciple has won all their matches so far.”

“It’s dizzying to watch. If you face them directly, you’d find yourself exposed and cut down in an instant. Truly the swords of Huashan.”

Even renowned swordsmen from the martial world were challenging them, but the plum blossom swordsmen were steadily securing victories.

‘After so much real combat experience, continuous duels are manageable.’

‘We can’t let our guard down. If we suffer our first defeat, the senior brother will kill us.’

‘I can’t believe I defeated the Blue Lake Swordsman. All that grueling training paid off.’

The second-generation disciples remained composed during their duels, never letting their guard down despite their winning streaks. They could feel the sharp gaze of their senior brother on their backs.

Boom!

A heavy sound reverberated throughout the grand martial arts arena, drawing the attention of all the swordsmen present.

At that moment, a massive plum blossom sword pointed skyward, reflecting the sunlight and emitting a purple glow.

In front of it stood a sword, upright and serene, with a deep blue hue.

“Is it a duel between the Iron Plum Sword and the Azure Stream Sword?”

“Indeed, the younger generation of the Three Great Sword Sects, reaching such heights at such a young age!”

“They say the Azure Stream Sword has been in seclusion, and it seems his achievements are extraordinary.”

The swordsmen, calling out the nicknames of Mucheol and Namgung Gak, focused intently on the duel between the two men.

The Iron Plum Sword’s strike descended vertically with a heavy force, while Namgung Gak, wielding the Azure Stream Sword, countered with a powerful upward slash.

Clang!

The clash of the two swords produced a metallic sound that echoed in their ears, but Mucheol and Namgung Gak continued to extend their swords without pause.

Despite the overwhelming power of the Iron Plum Sword, Namgung Gak held his ground firmly. Twisting his waist, he aimed a diagonal slash at Mucheol’s knee.

Namgung Gak’s sword, though seemingly heavy, moved with a fluid grace, enveloping Mucheol’s plum blossom sword as if embracing it.

By compensating for the lesser power of his sword with the diverse techniques of the Azure Stream Sword, Namgung Gak’s stance was stable.

‘Namgung has changed a lot.’

Unlike before, when he focused solely on the power of his sword through internal and external strength to catch up with Mucheol’s swordsmanship, Namgung Gak now wielded his sword with newfound freedom, having gained insight from Mu Hui’s advice and serious contemplation of the Azure Stream Sword’s essence.

A sword that was both free and weighty.

Azure Stream, Boundless Sky.

The blue sky is vast and endless.

What fills the endless sky is boundless freedom.

Namgung Gak’s sword, laid flat, traced arcs in the air, the overlapping blue sword energy wrapping around the plum blossoms Mucheol had conjured.

Namgung Gak’s sword, flowing like water, deflected the plum blossoms to the side, releasing a heavy sword force as it surged forward.

With the blue sword energy soaring high, Namgung Gak poured all his strength into a single strike, shifting his weight forward.

The thrust aimed at Mucheol’s solar plexus shot out like an arrow piercing the sky.

Azure Fang Ascending Line.

Facing Namgung Gak’s bold challenge head-on, Mucheol stepped forward, swinging his plum blossom sword vertically.

The internal energy of the Purple Heart Technique layered upon itself, dyeing the plum blossom sword purple as it drew a rough crescent moon.

Iron Plum Crossing the Moon.

As the blue arrow pierced the purple crescent moon, the amplified shockwave from the collision of the two techniques swept across the entire martial arts arena.

Boom!

The spectators had to draw upon their internal energy to dissipate the shockwave.

Simultaneously, the two men distanced themselves from each other.

“Heh. Mucheol, you’re still as solid as ever.”

“Namgung, you’ve changed a lot.”

Namgung Gak smiled softly.

“During my seclusion, I constantly recalled Mu Hui’s advice and my duels with you, Mucheol. It seems it wasn’t a waste of time.”

Namgung Gak casually wiped the blood from his lips and sheathed his sword, looking thoroughly satisfied.

“Thanks to you, I’ve found the right path. Thank you.”

Mucheol’s lips twitched ever so slightly.

“It was a good duel.”

From afar, Mu Hui watched the duel between Mucheol and Namgung Gak, a smile playing on his lips.

‘You’ve improved a lot. Back then, you barely managed to last sixty exchanges, being dragged along.’

Unlike during the Grand Martial Gathering, Namgung Gak had held his own against Mucheol for over a hundred exchanges, engaging in a fierce battle.

Having spent time honing his skills, Namgung Gak, who had once lagged behind the Six Dragons, had rapidly advanced to their level.

Mu Hui recalled the advice he had given Namgung Gak over drinks during the Grand Martial Gathering and nodded.

“It seems I repaid the favor of those drinks well enough.”

Namgung Gak had taken his advice to heart, integrating it into his swordsmanship.

His sword, once focused on a single aspect, had found balance and was now heading in the right direction, showing a true understanding of the Azure Stream Sword’s essence.

Even as Namgung Gak sought freedom by releasing tension from his body and sword, his stance and energy had become more substantial.

Mu Hui believed that the future of the Namgung family would continue to thrive as it was now.

‘Both of them have grown and gained something from this duel, achieving its true purpose.’

Turning his gaze from Mucheol and Namgung Gak, Mu Hui looked at the man before him.

“I hear Namgung also received guidance from the Sword Saint.”

“It was just a passing piece of advice.”

“That advice was a great help to me. I’m sure it was the same for Namgung.”

The man, Baek Li-sang, calmly placed his hand on his sword hilt, lowering his stance as he faced Mu Hui.

“I’ll go first.”

“By all means.”

Baek Li-sang bent his right knee slightly, then shot forward in an instant. At the same time, he drew his sword, sending a crescent-shaped sword wind toward Mu Hui.

Whoosh!

As Mu Hui took in the sight of the sword wind, it suddenly dispersed in mid-air. He had subtly deflected the energy, shattering the sword wind.

Narrowing his eyes, Baek Li-sang continued his techniques with composure.

He slashed diagonally, targeting both the lower and upper sections simultaneously, twisting his waist to thrust his sword at Mu Hui’s abdomen.

Mu Hui, standing still, extended his sword fingers, lightly flicking Baek Li-sang’s sword away like a branch, then casually swung his sleeve.

The sleeve, stiffened with internal energy, blocked Baek Li-sang’s sword.

As a result, Baek Li-sang couldn’t penetrate Mu Hui’s sleeve and had to retreat several steps due to the rebound.

‘Truly formidable.’

But Baek Li-sang, already aware of the gap between him and Mu Hui, focused on fully displaying his swordsmanship.

Mu Hui watched Baek Li-sang intently as he firmly planted his feet.

‘It’s neither the Heavenly Wing Sword Technique of the Sword King nor the Hundred Line Sword Technique of the Baek Li family. The flow of the techniques is based on the Baek Li family’s martial arts, that’s for sure.’

Mu Hui pushed just enough to allow Baek Li-sang to fully showcase his swordsmanship.

At the tip of Muhui’s fingers, the sword’s aura shimmered, scattering petals in every direction.

Swoosh!

A violet gust of sword energy surged from Muhui’s blade, splitting into dozens of streams that cascaded like blooming flowers.

Baek Lisang braced himself, deflecting the oncoming storm of sword energy, only to find even more rushing towards him.

“Hup!”

With eyes wide open, Baek Lisang leapt and spun, deftly parrying each attack. He adjusted his breathing, looking for an opening to counter with precise thrusts.

‘It’s like facing a volcano with a sword,’ he thought, tightening his grip to steady the trembling blade.

Though Muhui’s strikes were easily blocked, Baek Lisang refused to give up.

‘This sword technique is perfectly balanced between offense and defense.’

It was as if he were a majestic bird soaring beneath the clouds, graceful yet powerful.

“Hoo!”

Even as Muhui conjured blossoms and petals, Baek Lisang skillfully intercepted them, ensuring his technique remained unbroken.

“I’m going to step it up a notch,” Muhui announced, observing Baek Lisang’s resilience. He lowered his sword, and suddenly, a plum blossom unfurled its petals right in front of Baek Lisang.

Muhui had executed a surprise move, the Plum Blossom Path. It was truly dazzling.

Baek Lisang’s eyebrows shot up as he realized the danger. He was shifting his weight to leap forward, but the timing was so tight he almost couldn’t react.

Muhui had expertly exploited a gap in Baek Lisang’s flow.

“Ha!”

Yet, Baek Lisang quickly adjusted his breathing, relaxing his body as he raised his sword to strike.

Thanks to his accumulated martial arts experience and the flexibility of his newly developed sword technique, he managed to respond effectively.

Swish!

A clear line sliced through the plum blossom, neatly cutting it in two. Baek Lisang lowered his sword with a satisfied expression.

Seeing Baek Lisang’s face, Muhui asked, “That’s a technique I’ve never seen before. What is it?”

Baek Lisang glanced at his sword and replied, “It’s a technique my grandfather developed after abandoning the Cheon-Ik Sword Technique and revisiting the Baekri family’s martial arts. But it’s incomplete.”

A technique created solely for the Baekri family, left unfinished when the Sword King faced Heukcheon.

“My grandfather named it the Cloud-Under Sword Technique.”

Muhui nodded. From what he had experienced, the name Cloud-Under Sword Technique suited it well.

He wondered if the name was inspired more by Baek Lisang’s nickname, the Cloud-Under Sword Dragon, than the technique’s characteristics. The Sword King must have regretted forcing his grandson to learn the Cheon-Ik Sword Technique, born of his own ambition.

“I heard your grandfather promised the Sword Saint to show the true sword of the Baekri family.”

“That’s right.”

It seemed the Sword King had grown closer to his grandson, Baek Lisang, through many conversations.

“I will complete this Cloud-Under Sword Technique in honor of my grandfather’s wishes. One day, I will visit Mount Hua and demonstrate the Baekri family’s sword in his stead. I stand here today to make that promise.”

The swordsmen around them murmured in admiration.

“Wow.”

“The Sword King made such a promise.”

Baek Lisang’s eyes shone with determination. Muhui saw this clearly in his transparent gaze.

Though the Baekri family had lost the Sword King, his will lived on, leaving no cause for concern.

Muhui repeated to Baek Lisang what he had once said to the Sword King.

“Mount Hua will always be there.”

“Thank you.”

Finally, Baek Lisang, who had maintained a stern expression throughout the duel, allowed himself a slight smile.

As Baek Lisang clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, Muhui mirrored the action in return.

The surrounding swordsmen listened intently to the exchange between the two men.

The news of the Sword King’s death had spread throughout the martial world, known to all.

“Perhaps…”

Someone murmured, leaving the thought unfinished, but those nearby understood the implication.

Though the Sword King had died without fulfilling his ambition, his legacy was clearly passed on to his descendants, and the martial world would one day witness the rise of a new Sword King.

* * *

The World Swordsmanship Tournament proceeded smoothly.

Over six days, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen faced numerous challengers from the martial world, showcasing their skills.

On the fifth day, some second-generation disciples encountered renowned swordsmen and suffered defeats, but they fought valiantly, earning greater fame.

Their impressive martial prowess, unusual for their age, was on full display.

Among them, those like Hwasan Sahwa, Hyunbaek, and Hyungak, who were considered top-tier Plum Blossom Swordsmen, remained undefeated throughout the countless duels over the six days.

As a result, their names were constantly on the lips of swordsmen across the martial world.

During this time, some disciples gained significant martial achievements through their experiences with the martial world’s swordsmen.

It was a meaningful period for the Plum Blossom Swordsmen as well.

Alone in his room, Muhui opened his eyes and looked towards the door.

“Come in.”

At his words, the door slowly opened, revealing an elderly man in a gray robe, exuding an air of wisdom and grace.

The old man carried the Songmoon Ancient Sword at his waist.

Muhui rose to his feet and greeted him with respect.

“Master Sword Sage, what brings you here? I heard you weren’t coming.”

The Sword Sage smiled gently at Muhui.

“I came to have a conversation with you.”

The Sword Sage sat across from Muhui and began to speak.

“I met Heukcheon.”