As Mu-hui reflected on the battle with Gwan-ya Chang-cheon, he remained acutely aware of his surroundings. When he sensed the presence of the Sword Master drawing near, he opened his eyes and stood up.

“Sword Master.”

“Mu-hui, did you manage to handle Sa-do Cheon-ju?”

“Yes.”

The Sword Master nodded at Mu-hui’s unwavering response. Stroking his beard thoughtfully, he mused to himself.

‘It’s becoming difficult to gauge his energy now. He absorbs teachings like a sponge.’

Mu-hui not only fully embraced his teachings but seemed to leap forward with each formidable opponent he faced. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to confront Gwan-ya Chang-cheon head-on and emerge unscathed today.

When he felt the energy extending far and wide, it was clear that Gwan-ya Chang-cheon had been fighting with all his might, as if facing three opponents at once.

“Impressive.”

The Sword Master glanced at the Martial King, who was deep in meditation.

“I came to assist the Martial King, but it’s fortunate you arrived first. How’s your leg injury?”

“It’ll heal quickly as long as I don’t overexert myself.”

Satisfied with the answer, the Sword Master turned his attention elsewhere.

Just then, the Martial King finished his meditation and opened his eyes, looking at both the Sword Master and Mu-hui.

“Senior. Junior.”

“Judging by your complexion, you seem well.”

“Yes, the internal injuries have mostly subsided. A bit more rest should do it.”

The Martial King then turned to Mu-hui.

“Junior, thank you. I never thought I’d owe my life to you.”

He examined Mu-hui’s attire, noting the changes in his physique beneath the plum blossom robe and martial uniform.

“Have you found the optimal muscles for swordsmanship with the external techniques I taught you? Your achievements are remarkable. I should focus more on my own training. Truly impressive.”

The Sword Master feigned ignorance, continuing to stroke his beard, while Mu-hui simply nodded.

“Ah… yes.”

The Sword Master shifted the topic.

“Look, they’re coming.”

At his words, Mu-hui and the Martial King turned to see a group rapidly approaching from afar.

It was the Plum Blossom Swordsman and the Murim Alliance’s forces.

“The Plum Blossom Swordsman faced the Sa-do Cheon-ju’s elite guard, the Man-hyeol Corps, head-on and held his ground. You’ve taught him well.”

“You’re too kind.”

“Let’s head back. By now, everyone should have gathered in Changsha.”

* * *

Changsha, Hunan Province

A place that developed around the fertile plains of the Xiang River, serving as the provincial capital of Hunan. The Murim Alliance’s Changsha branch was the largest in Hunan, making it a focal point for gathering their forces.

Currently, numerous martial artists were converging on Changsha, most of them affiliated with the Murim Alliance.

In response to the Black Night Palace’s unprecedented military display and the forces of Sa-do Cheon appearing in Jiangxi, the Murim Alliance was also assembling its forces.

Mu-hui and the Plum Blossom Swordsman were resting in their assigned quarters.

“Are the sect leaders and elders on their way?”

“Yes, they’ve left some disciples to guard the main temple and are bringing others with them. Leaders from various sects are also gathering.”

“Hmm…”

Mu-jin, who was reporting the situation, paused before asking.

“Senior Brother, so far, the conflicts have been skirmishes between small forces, but it seems things might escalate.”

“Are you suggesting a full-scale war?”

“Yes.”

Though there had been several clashes in Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Anhui, the number of forces involved seemed limited.

However, the Black Night Palace was now revealing its hidden strength, and Sa-do Cheon was amassing a large force, with the Seven Demons gathering in Jiangxi.

At any moment, they could cross into Hunan, where the Murim Alliance and Black Night Palace were concentrated, creating a tense standoff.

“Given the current situation, it’s likely.”

Mu-hui’s agreement cast a shadow over Mu-jin’s face.

“Many martial artists will die.”

Mu-jin’s voice trailed off, his concern evident. Though he spoke indirectly, it was clear he worried about the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect heading into battle.

“Hmm…”

While the Plum Blossom Swordsman and the first-generation disciples had experience with large-scale battles, the second-generation disciples did not. It was natural for Mu-jin to be concerned about his juniors facing such a daunting stage.

“I won’t promise that everyone will survive. Such dreams rarely come true. You can’t hold everything in your hands.”

Mu-hui’s candid words made Mu-jin nod and sigh.

“But their martial skills aren’t shallow. I didn’t teach them to die easily. Trust in your fellow disciples.”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

“And remember what I taught you. The reason we practice swordsmanship is to embody the Dao in our sword techniques and to act upon the Dao with our swords.”

Mu-jin’s eyes lit up.

“Of course, Senior Brother.”

“Practicing the Dao with the sword also serves two purposes of self-cultivation.”

After a moment’s thought, Mu-jin nodded.

“You’re referring to cultivating oneself and protecting oneself.”

“Exactly. Our swords, while practicing the Dao, are also meant to protect. Don’t forget that.”

Mu-jin understood Mu-hui’s point.

If the Mount Hua Sect disciples focused on protecting each other, they would have nothing to fear, even against numerous foes.

“I’ll relay this to the disciples.”

“Yes. They should manage well on their own, but it doesn’t hurt to remind them.”

Mu-jin left with a slightly lighter heart, but Mu-hui, feeling a sense of unease, stepped outside to stroll through the garden.

“A battlefield…”

Recalling the unpleasant memories of the Xianxi Bloodshed from his past life, Mu-hui walked with a firm expression.

“Hyun-jo, I understand now why you often wore that expression.”

Mu-hui remembered the look Hyun-jo often had on the battlefield in his past life and smiled wryly.

The Sword Demon, who participated in the Xianxi Bloodshed, had little to worry about. He only had to occasionally keep an eye on Dok-go Yul, who had followed him of his own accord.

His main focus was on cutting down the enemies before him. The Sword Demon’s task was simply to slash and slash again.

But Hyun-jo, who fought alongside him, often wore a much more complex expression.

Though the Sword Demon never asked for the details, Mu-hui now understood why.

“There are so many things to protect now. It’s quite unfamiliar.”

Hyun-jo must have worn that face every time a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect fell in battle. A battlefield wasn’t just about defeating the enemy.

Hyun-jo mourned even if he cut down a hundred foes but lost a single disciple.

For every gain, there was a loss.

To minimize those losses, Hyun-jo had to wield his sword even more desperately.

It was a moment of realizing that protecting was twice as difficult as killing.

“To protect…”

As Mu-hui murmured to himself, Dok-go Yul approached from the other side. Seeing Mu-hui, Dok-go Yul glanced around cautiously.

“Don’t worry. It’s just us here. I’ve set up a barrier.”

Only then did Dok-go Yul rush over to Mu-hui.

“Master, I’ve finally broken through.”

He looked at Mu-hui expectantly, seeking praise.

“You’ve managed to surpass it.”

Mu-hui, having already sensed Dok-go Yul’s breakthrough to the transcendent realm, merely smiled.

“I’ve been focusing solely on training, not taking any assignments. I’ve also been working on the new Dok-go techniques and the unfinished sword techniques.”

Before parting ways in Sichuan, Mu-hui had taught Dok-go Yul the improved Dok-go techniques and three new sword forms.

It seemed that delving into these new martial arts had naturally led him to the transcendent realm. Though his reaction was calm, Mu-hui was genuinely pleased with Dok-go Yul’s achievement.

“I’ve finally caught up to your past accomplishments, Master.”

Dok-go Yul puffed out his chest proudly, and Mu-hui chuckled.

“Fool. Do you think all transcendent realms are the same? Don’t get complacent and keep training.”

“I know.”

The master and disciple walked side by side in silence, taking a leisurely stroll through the garden.

“Master, it seems a great battle is imminent.”

“I’m aware.”

“It’s going to be larger than the Xianxi Bloodshed.”

Dok-go Yul, observing Mu-hui’s silent profile, spoke in a subdued voice.

“Do you think the same thing will happen again?”

Mu-hui stopped walking at Dok-go Yul’s question. As Mu-hui looked up at the sky, unable to hold back, Dok-go Yul asked again.

“Master, why aren’t you answering?”

“What are you so worried about?”

Mu-hui asked with a faint smile, but Dok-go Yul hesitated to voice his thoughts.

“Master…”

“Don’t worry. Reaching the transcendent realm isn’t the end. There’s still much I have to teach you.”

Dok-go Yul gave a wry smile at Mu-hui’s assurance.

“Then you must keep your promise this time.”

“Promise?”

Mu-hui recalled the promise he made to Dok-go Yul before climbing the mountain with Hyun-jo to face the former palace lord during the Xianxi Bloodshed.

– Stay at the safe house. Once I deal with the palace lord, I’ll teach you a new sword technique.

But that promise was never fulfilled.

He had fallen off a cliff and lost his life in a surprise attack by the Black River.

Mu-hwi turned to look at Dok-go Yul, who was following him.

“Disciple, this time, I will make sure to keep my promise.”

“Yes, Master.”

The master and disciple exchanged knowing smiles.

* * *

Mu-hwi and Seon-ju strolled through the bustling night market of Jangsa. Though the sun had set, the streets were alive with vibrant lanterns and vendors peddling their wares late into the night.

Seon-ju clung to Mu-hwi’s arm, observing his gait with concern.

“Brother Mu-hwi, I heard you injured your leg badly. How is it now?”

“It’s almost healed. Ever since reaching the Absolute Realm, most wounds heal quickly.”

“Really? I was hoping to apply some medicine myself if it hadn’t.”

Mu-hwi shook his head vigorously, a look of mock horror on his face.

“No need.”

“Hmph.”

Seon-ju snorted, then gently caressed Mu-hwi’s cheek, studying him intently.

“Brother, your skin looks even better. Is that also because of your advancement? I need to reach the Transcendence Realm soon.”

Mu-hwi dodged her touch, his eyes catching something in the distance. He quickly moved toward it.

“Two candied fruits, please.”

He bought the treats and promptly placed one in Seon-ju’s mouth, hoping to distract her.

Seon-ju watched him with amusement, then bit into the candy with a crunch.

“I heard the Alliance Leader will arrive in Jangsa tomorrow, and the meeting to discuss future plans will begin.”

“After that, the Martial Alliance will start moving in earnest.”

“This brief respite will end today, then.”

Though the Martial Alliance’s forces held strong across Honam, the Black Night Palace continued to push forward, causing some outposts to fall back or collapse.

Seon-ju had just returned from leading the Zhongnan Sect disciples in battle against the Black Night Palace’s demons.

Despite the exhaustion, she had carved out a moment to see Mu-hwi.

“I’ve trained hard, but fighting alongside you is still beyond me.”

“That’s how it is.”

Seon-ju quickly finished her candy, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel’s as she spoke.

“I’ll fight hard in my place, so you be careful too, Brother.”

“Why do I need to be careful?”

“No matter how skilled you become, my worry never lessens.”

Mu-hwi smiled at her gentle words.

“I’ll keep that in mind. You be careful too.”

“If you say so, Brother, I will.”

With smiles on their faces, Mu-hwi and Seon-ju continued to wander the streets. Time, however, slipped away all too quickly.

The martial artists in Jangsa could feel it in their bones—the moment was drawing near.

Experienced masters and seasoned warriors meditated quietly, preparing their minds and bodies, while the younger, more hot-blooded fighters sparred lightly among themselves to pass the time.

“Everyone’s gathered.”

Hyeop-je removed the bamboo hat from his head, looking at the assembled martial experts before him.