Sojin-gae listened intently to Mu-hwi’s story, swirling his drink with interest.

“Well, I thought you were just going to drive out the Blood Fang gang, but it seems you took care of the aftermath too?”

He looked at the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect with a newfound respect. It was common for martial artists to dismantle criminal organizations for fame, but they rarely concerned themselves with what happened afterward. These disciples, however, were different. They were thinking about the consequences of their actions.

“Starting tomorrow, we’ll distribute the remaining assets of the Blood Fang to the merchants. I plan to leave the task to the former deputy leader, but the rest of the gang members are still a concern.”

Sojin-gae nodded in understanding. “There are quite a few of them, and since they all know martial arts, you can’t just chase them away. It’s a tricky situation.”

“The martial arts aren’t a problem. I’ve destroyed their energy centers, and for those particularly vicious ones, I’ve severed their tendons.”

Sojin-gae’s eyes widened at Mu-hwi’s words. Destroying an energy center wasn’t as simple as a hard hit; it required a precise internal shock and a significant amount of internal energy to disperse the power that would leak out. While the Blood Fang members were only third-rate martial artists, disabling the martial arts of dozens was no small feat.

Even Sojin-gae doubted he could break more than ten energy centers, yet Mu-hwi had done it all in less than a day.

‘They say he cut down the Red Wolf Sword without a scratch. It seems to be true.’

Moreover, some had their tendons severed, showing a decisiveness uncommon in young martial artists. Sojin-gae’s eyes gleamed with interest.

‘No wonder he’s a disciple of the Mount Hua Sword Saint. He’s no ordinary talent.’

While Sojin-gae marveled silently, Mu-hwi took a sip of his drink and continued.

“Some of the gang members want to reform.”

“Ah, I suppose some joined the gang out of desperation.”

Sojin-gae nodded again. “Fortunately, there are merchants willing to take them in and teach them a trade. Could the Beggars’ Sect keep an eye on them occasionally?”

Once an energy center is destroyed, the person is left weaker than an average person for life. While they posed little threat to merchants, it was better to be safe, hence the request to the Beggars’ Sect.

“It’s for the good of the people, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to help. But…”

Sojin-gae glanced at the Mount Hua disciples, impressed by their efficiency.

“You managed to handle all this in such a short time. It’s remarkable.”

The news of the Blood Fang’s defeat by the Mount Hua disciples had reached him around mid-morning, and now it was late evening, not even a full day later.

“We just followed our senior brother’s orders and worked hard.”

Despite his words, Mu-hwa had learned a lot from this experience. He had thought that simply defeating wrongdoers with the Mount Hua sword was enough. But dismantling the Blood Fang and dealing with the aftermath required much more consideration. Without his senior brother, things wouldn’t have gone as smoothly.

‘Senior Brother Mu-jin wasn’t entirely wrong.’

Initially, Mu-hwa thought Mu-jin was overly cautious, but he realized that charging in recklessly wouldn’t solve everything.

Mu-jin, savoring his drink like tea, noticed Mu-hwa’s gaze and turned to him.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re a strange one.”

Sojin-gae, observing the exchange, looked at Mu-hwi with admiration.

‘Mu-hwi, the senior disciple of the second generation of Mount Hua.’

Even a brief observation made it clear that Mu-hwi was the central figure among them. A disciple of the Mount Hua Sword Saint, with the insight to read the martial world, the skill to defeat the Red Wolf Sword, and the ability to dismantle the Blood Fang cleanly.

‘Is there a hidden dragon coiled in Mount Hua?’

The presence of such a talent in Mount Hua was significant information. Sojin-gae decided to send word to the other branches in Shaanxi and the main branch in Kaifeng.

“How long do you plan to stay here?” he asked.

“We need to visit the secular sects within a set time, so we’ll check on things for about three days before leaving. We appreciate your assistance during that time.”

Mu-hwi bowed, and Sojin-gae responded with a smile.

“Think nothing of it.”

Mu-hwi turned to his fellow disciples. “For the next three days, keep an eye on the people and assist the Beggars’ Sect. There’s much to learn.”

“Understood, senior brother.”

“Yes.”

As Mu-jin and Mu-cheol nodded, Mu-hwa glared at Mu-hwi with fiery eyes.

“And what about you, senior brother? Are you planning to stay cooped up in your room again?”

Mu-hwi pretended not to hear, downing the last of his bamboo leaf wine.

“Ah, sweet, so sweet.”

* * *

The Yu family caravan halted at a fork in the road. The left path led to Gaoling, the right to Weinan. The caravan needed to head to Gaoling, while their benefactors were bound for Weinan.

“Ah, we’ve reached the fork already.”

The caravan leader disembarked from the wagon, looking at the approaching Mount Hua disciples with regret.

“Thanks to you, we traveled safely.”

Mu-hwi and the other disciples bowed, and the caravan leader waved his hands dismissively.

“Not at all. Without you, our caravan wouldn’t have made it safely.”

Bandits had suddenly appeared on a route they frequently traveled. They had heard rumors of a new bandit camp but had been complacent. Just when they were cursing their past negligence, Mu-hwi and the Mount Hua disciples had appeared. They swiftly subdued the bandits and stormed the camp, eradicating the threat. Watching just four of them take down an entire camp was a testament to Mount Hua’s renowned reputation in Shaanxi.

“May your journey be peaceful. Wishing you the blessings of the Primordial Lord.”

The caravan leader bowed deeply, his face relaxed.

“Blessings of the Primordial Lord.”

He echoed the blessing and handed Mu-hwi a small pouch from his sleeve.

“May this help you on your journey.”

“Thank you, we’ll make good use of it.”

The Mount Hua disciples watched the caravan depart before setting off themselves. Mu-hwi tucked the surprisingly heavy pouch deep into his sleeve.

‘No wonder monks and Taoists are always chanting blessings.’

He hadn’t said anything particularly profound, but a simple imitation of a Taoist had earned him a pouch. Though Mount Hua’s teachings advised against accepting such things, Mu-hwi wasn’t one to refuse a good opportunity.

‘It’s only right to accept what’s given with gratitude.’

Once the caravan was out of sight, Mu-hwi and his group resumed their journey.

“Once we cross this mountain, we’ll reach Weinan, right?”

Mu-hwa, itching for action, flicked her sword hilt as she walked. On the way from Pocheng, Mu-hwi hadn’t let his disciples rest. He deliberately led them through areas rumored to have bandit activity, avoiding the main roads. As a result, they had dismantled five bandit camps, and the disciples had shed their initial naivety from the Blood Fang encounter. Their martial skills had improved significantly, likely widening the gap with the disciples back at the main sect.

‘But I won’t let that gap remain.’

Mu-hwi was already planning new ways to train the disciples at the main sect.

“I wonder how the reformed gang members in Pocheng are doing.”

Mu-jin had been tasked with overseeing the gang members who had joined the merchants. Though surprised by their diligence, he couldn’t help but worry since they were out of sight.

“Unlike other scum, these ones chose to work willingly. Don’t worry too much. The Beggars’ Sect will keep an eye on them.”

“True.”

Mu-jin nodded at Mu-hwi’s reassurance.

“Ah, I miss Young-young.”

Mu-hwa thought of the little girl they had rescued first from the Blood Fang. When she and her father had come to thank them with tears in their eyes, Mu-hwa had felt a deep sense of fulfillment. It was moments like these that made her understand why heroes existed in the martial world.

“Did you know, senior brothers? Young-young said she wants to grow up to be a great heroine like me.”

Mu-hwa beamed, but the response was less than enthusiastic. Mu-jin turned his gaze to the distant mountains, and Mu-hwi openly snorted.

“A great heroine? More like a reckless troublemaker.”

“Senior brother!”

“Quiet.”

Mu-hwa trembled with frustration but could do nothing against her senior brother’s authority, so she had to swallow her anger.

As the siblings bickered, they crossed the mountain.

“We’re in Weinan.”

Mu-cheol, who had been leading the way silently, reported, and Mu-hwi nodded.

“Let’s hurry before night falls.”

As Mu-hui and his companions entered Winam, the sun was slowly setting, casting a crimson hue across the sky. The sun, as if aware that its time was drawing to a close, radiated its presence with a fierce intensity.

“Let’s have dinner at Seonhwa Gate tonight,” Mu-hui suggested.

As they asked for directions to Seonhwa Gate, the local martial arts school in Winam, a distant sound of impact reached their ears.

Thud!

Mu-hui was the first to hear it. The others, not as keenly attuned as he was, had to focus all their senses to catch the sound.

“Sounds like someone’s getting hit,” one of them remarked.

“Then we should hurry and—” Mu-hwa started, but was abruptly cut off as Mu-hui’s hand clamped down on the back of his neck.

“What am I going to do with this reckless fool?” Mu-hui’s voice was cold, causing Mu-hwa to shrink back like a turtle retreating into its shell.

‘He’s got all the makings of a short-lived hero,’ Mu-hui thought. Normally quick-witted and perceptive, Mu-hwa had a tendency to leap into action like a wild animal whenever he encountered injustice or a similar situation. It was a problem.

There had been times before, like during the incident with the bandits, when Mu-hwa had recklessly thrown himself into danger alone.

With a sigh, Mu-hui tugged on Mu-hwa’s cheek, stretching it out.

“Ouch… it hurts, senior…” Mu-hwa mumbled, his words slurred as he flailed under Mu-hui’s grip.

“Keep your cool and your heart warm, no matter the situation. If you dash off like that again, I’ll send you back to the mountain to train until you learn your lesson. Understood, young one?”

Mu-hwa nodded quickly, cowed by Mu-hui’s piercing gaze.

“Yes, I understand…”

Mu-hui released him, and Mu-hwa rubbed his cheek, which felt like it had been pulled out of shape.

“I’m not joking, so remember that,” Mu-hui warned.

“Alright, alright,” Mu-hwa replied, his shoulders slumping.

Meanwhile, Mu-hui turned his attention to the direction of the commotion. As they approached a secluded area, they saw a group of children, about ten years old, gathered around one child, who was being beaten.

Mu-hui’s eyes narrowed as he observed the movements of the children throwing punches. They were trained in martial arts.

“What’s with a boy wearing floral clothes? You should be ashamed,” one of the bullies sneered, throwing another punch.

But the punch was suddenly stopped by a hand that appeared from the side.

“What the—who are you?” the bully exclaimed.

“Should I be ashamed too, then?” Mu-hui asked, stepping forward. The bullied child looked up in surprise at the man who had intervened. His sleeve bore the same plum blossom pattern as the child’s own martial arts uniform, though Mu-hui’s was red where the child’s was white.

‘A disciple of the Mount Hua Sect!’ the bullied child, Im San-ha, realized, his heart pounding.

Lowering the arm that had been shielding his face, Im San-ha cautiously looked up to see the Mount Hua disciple gazing down at him.

“So, you’re a disciple of Seonhwa Gate,” Mu-hui said, placing a gentle hand on Im San-ha’s head.

“I’m Mu-hui, second disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.”

Both Im San-ha and the bullies stared at Mu-hui in shock.