Boom!

The ground trembled as twenty-four warriors stomped in unison, sending ripples of energy radiating outward. The intricate formation of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Array added a unique twist, causing the circular waves to distort and scatter into countless fragments.

These fragments, shaped like delicate petals, enveloped the area around the formation. Above the colorless petals of energy, purple petals fell from the swords, creating a surreal battlefield adorned with blossoms.

The demonic energy, thick and oppressive, couldn’t penetrate the barrier of petals, dissipating before it could reach the swordsmen. The Plum Blossom Swordsmen were truly under the protection of their own creation.

As the formation moved, the swordsmen adjusted their breathing, their synchronized steps echoing across the field. Twenty-four swords extended outward, each one blooming with plum blossoms at its tip, scattering petals and filling the battlefield with a noble fragrance.

“Kun and Kan, Tui and Qian, switch!”

At Mujin’s command, the swordsmen swiftly changed positions. Unlike usual, Mujin, Muhwa, and Mucheol were not leading the charge; instead, first-generation disciples like Hyeonbaek and Hyeongak took the forefront.

This was true for other parts of the formation as well. Second-generation disciples were stepping into key roles, preparing for a generational shift. They were gaining valuable experience in leading the formation.

‘It’s different. The masters always had a broader perspective.’

‘There’s more to consider than I thought. In my usual position, I only had to focus on my own role.’

The second-generation disciples, who usually focused solely on their positions, were now trying to see the bigger picture.

“Battles change rapidly. If you don’t adapt and give orders, the formation will falter.”

“Stay calm and precise, see the bigger picture, like looking down from Yeonhwa Peak.”

The first-generation disciples stood ready to assist, offering guidance whenever the second-generation showed signs of struggle. This allowed the younger disciples to gain experience, albeit with some hiccups.

Muwi’s strategy of naturally passing down experience and teachings through real combat was proving effective. This knowledge would be passed on again when the current third-generation disciples became second-generation leaders.

Swoosh!

The plum blossoms tore through the oncoming storm of fists, cutting down the demons. Countless petals of sword energy left deep wounds on the charging enemies.

“Plum Blossom Swordsmen!”

“There aren’t even thirty of them. Crush them with sheer force! Throw your bodies into it!”

The Demons of the Night, a faction of the Black Night Palace, were known for their raw power rather than finesse. Their martial arts focused on overwhelming strength, supported by exceptional physical and defensive skills.

The demons, their fists wrapped in dense black energy, charged without hesitation. Their attacks were relentless, but the formation held firm.

“Advance five steps!”

The swordsmen split the storm of fists, counterattacking the incoming assault. When an axe swung down from the front, plum blossom swords emerged from the sides, shattering the weapon.

Despite the demons’ desperate efforts, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen’s steps and swords never faltered, breaking the enemy’s offensive with their united formation.

Boom!

The demons, screaming and spewing blood, were thrown back. Their famed defensive technique, the Wall of Demonic Energy, was torn apart like paper before the swordsmen’s blades.

“Don’t underestimate those petals! If they touch a vital point, it’s fatal!”

“Charge! Close the distance even if it means death!”

The demons knew that with every step they took, several of their comrades would fall. Yet they pressed on, shouting and swinging their fists, for there were many more behind them.

‘The demons that attacked the main mountain were relentless, but these are even more so.’

The demons trampled over their fallen comrades, charging forward without hesitation. They resembled a black wave crashing against the formation.

Mujin focused intently on leading the formation, knowing that any delay in his commands could lead to disaster.

From a high vantage point, Muwi watched the battle unfold. The formation, shaped like a plum blossom with five petals, was surrounded by the Demons of the Night. Despite the relentless assault, the petals remained unyielding.

The formation, led by the second-generation disciples, stood firm. Satisfied, Muwi’s eyes glowed with a purple light.

In his vision, a middle-aged man commanding the demons came into focus. As soon as Muwi identified the leader, his sword, floating by his side, shot toward the man.

“This won’t work. We need the higher-ups… Gah!”

The middle-aged man, in the midst of giving orders, let out a strangled cry. He turned his head to find his left arm missing.

“Hey.”

A voice, unfamiliar and cold, drew his attention forward. His subordinates, who had been standing moments ago, lay decapitated at his feet.

Before him stood a man whose mere presence scattered the demonic energy around him. The man’s eyes glowed with a chilling purple light.

Recognizing the plum blossom emblem on the man’s robe, the middle-aged man managed to speak.

“The Sword Saint of Mount Hua.”

“Where is Im Su-ryeon of the Cheonryu Trading Company?”

When the man didn’t answer, Muwi made a subtle gesture.

“Ugh!”

Without seeing him move, the man’s right arm fell away. He staggered, overwhelmed by pain and blood loss, but Muwi’s power held him aloft.

“I’ll ask once more. Where is Im Su-ryeon?”

The man, feeling his strength ebbing away, laughed bitterly. He had nothing to fear from death.

“I won’t talk. You’ll never find out where she is.”

Despite the man’s defiance, Muwi smiled.

“Good, she’s still alive.”

Realizing he’d been tricked, the man’s eyes widened in fury.

“You!”

But Muwi had already turned away. The man’s neck snapped with a swift motion.

Surveying the battlefield, Muwi steeled himself. The three swords, now without a master, floated in response to his will.

Above the battlefield, the purple aura from the swords spread across the sky.

* * *

“The Sword Saint and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen have saved our Flower Gate. We are truly grateful.”

“It was our duty.”

Muwi responded with a respectful bow, and the Flower Gate leader swallowed hard.

‘He was so fierce in battle, yet now he seems completely different. Watching him fight, it’s clear why he’s called the Sword Demon of Mount Hua.’

As the Flower Gate leader marveled at Muwi’s demeanor, Muwi asked about the situation.

“I didn’t expect to see demons in Wonryeong already. Is the Martial Alliance in such dire straits?”

The Flower Gate leader sighed.

They were in Wonryeong, northwest of the recently fallen Shinwha branch of the Martial Alliance. The presence of demons here indicated that the front lines were being pushed back.

“The Black Night Palace is sending demons from the south through Guangxi and from the west through Guizhou. They’re trying to secure the western part of Hunan.”

“That’s why these demons appeared.”

Fortunately, the Martial Alliance’s front lines hadn’t completely collapsed.

“The main alliance plans to gather forces at Dongting Lake and Changsha in the northeast to counter the Black Night Palace.”

Muwi nodded. The orders from the Martial Alliance had also mentioned Dongting Lake as the rallying point.

The Plum Blossom Swordsman had set out from the west, in Shaanxi, so heading straight to Xinhua was quicker than detouring to Dongting Lake.

“I’ve got a rough understanding of the situation,” Mu Hui said.

“So, are the Huashan Sect planning to head south?” asked the leader of the Huamun Clan after hearing about the situation from the Cheonryu Trading Company.

Mu Hui nodded. “I owe Miss Im a great deal.”

Heading south meant they would inevitably encounter more of the demonic forces from the Black Night Palace than the Martial Alliance.

However, the Huamun leader had witnessed the martial prowess of Mu Hui and the Plum Blossom Swordsman firsthand and knew better than to try to dissuade them.

“While it’s not confirmed, I’ve heard that the Black Night Palace prioritized capturing Miss Im over attacking the Xinhua branch. As the daughter of the Cheonryu Trading Company, she must be alive.”

All the Huamun leader could do was share the information he had.

“The Black Night Palace has begun moving in earnest, and not only have demons emerged, but even masters from the previous generation have appeared. Be cautious.”

“Thank you.”

As Mu Hui and the Plum Blossom Swordsman disappeared into the distance, the Huamun leader couldn’t help but admire them once more.

“They are truly warriors who can take on a hundred foes. They rival the Eighteen Arhats and the Seven Swords of Wudang.”

Once the Plum Blossom Swordsman was out of sight, the Huamun leader turned to his subordinates.

“Let’s hurry. We need to evacuate the civilians as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, sir!”

* * *

The Plum Blossom Swordsman continued southward.

They encountered demons several times, but not in large numbers as before. Instead, they frequently clashed with smaller, independent groups.

Despite engaging in seven battles over five days, the Plum Blossom Swordsman showed no signs of fatigue.

Their progress was slightly delayed as they changed directions occasionally to confuse the demons, but they were now close to Xinhua.

While the Plum Blossom Swordsman rested in the forest, Mu Hui, who had been sitting with his arms crossed and eyes closed, opened his eyes.

A figure slowly emerged from the shadows of the forest.

“It’s been a while, benefactor.”

Jin Young, the leader of the Cheonsal Sect, bowed his head, and Mu Hui nodded in acknowledgment.

“It has been a while.”

Even as he descended from Huashan, Mu Hui had sought the help of the Cheonsal Sect. In a place like this, where real-time information was crucial, the assassins of the Cheonsal Sect were invaluable.

“Fortunately, Miss Im is unharmed. More than half of her entourage was killed, though.”

“Why was Miss Im kidnapped?”

“Our suspicions were correct. It was to cut off the Cheonryu Trading Company’s support for the Martial Alliance.”

The Cheonryu Trading Company was the largest supporter of the Martial Alliance, providing everything from food, weapons, and medicine to hiring mercenaries.

Im Suryun’s current trade mission was known to be related to supporting the Martial Alliance.

“Is Miss Im still in Xinhua?”

“Yes, she’s being held at the Martial Alliance’s Xinhua branch, but they’re planning to move her in a few days.”

“We need to rescue her before then. What’s the situation in Xinhua?”

“The master known as Jin Anma is currently away. However, the subordinates he brought, the Jinryeongdan, are still there.”

“It doesn’t matter who’s there.”

Jin Young smiled at Mu Hui’s unwavering determination.

After discussing the plan to rescue Im Suryun, Jin Young pulled a book from his robe and handed it to Mu Hui.

“Benefactor, you should read this. I transcribed it myself.”

“What did you transcribe?”

“Our sect’s founder was known as the Heavenly Slayer Emperor for defeating the demonic forces of his time. This is his record of the demons he vanquished.”

“What was the name of the demon the Heavenly Slayer defeated?”

“Mok Yacheon.”

“Mok Yacheon…”

Mu Hui opened the book and began to read.