Mu-hwi cast a calm, assessing gaze over the children before him. There was no need for any overt display of power.

Even the mere brush of his chilly stare was enough to make the children flinch and step back.

“Judging by your aura, you seem to be from a righteous sect. Is this how they teach you to behave?”

As the children lowered their eyes, one boy defiantly met Mu-hwi’s gaze with a rebellious glare.

‘That look is full of arrogance.’

It was easy to guess how this boy had been raised—showered with praise and adulation from a young age.

His eyes were stubborn and self-righteous, as if he had never been reprimanded before.

“Keep glaring like that, knowing you’re in the wrong, and you might find yourself on the receiving end of a good thrashing.”

The boy’s eyes burned even hotter at the unfamiliar reprimand.

‘This little brat…’

Just then, Mu-hwi felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. It was Im San-ha, looking up at him with pleading eyes.

Mu-hwi, who had been about to give the boy a good scolding, waved his hand dismissively.

“Get lost before I really lose my patience, kids.”

The children quickly scattered, and the disciples who had been watching from a distance approached.

Mu-hwa knelt down to meet Im San-ha’s eyes and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

San-ha dusted off his clothes with practiced ease and clumsily clasped his hands together.

“I’m Im San-ha from Seonhwa Gate. Thank you for your help.”

Mu-hwi nodded and asked, “Who were those kids just now?”

“That was Ga Se-in, the young master of Daejeong Gate, and some kids learning martial arts there.”

“Why are they all ganging up on you?”

At Mu-hwa’s question, San-ha clenched his small fists.

“Seonhwa Gate and Daejeong Gate have never gotten along, and things have only gotten worse recently. The adults don’t get along, so neither do the kids.”

Mu-hwi immediately identified which of the fleeing children was the young master.

“Sounds like that brat needs a good lesson.”

“Since Seonhwa Gate has been losing ground to Daejeong Gate lately, those kids have been getting bolder.”

“Even if it’s just kids being kids, that’s going too far.”

Mu-hwa carefully checked San-ha for any injuries.

Mu-jin, who had been listening quietly, asked, “Does the head of your sect know about this?”

San-ha frowned and nodded, recalling unpleasant memories.

Initially, San-ha fought back and even managed to knock down some of the Daejeong kids. But when the head of Seonhwa Gate confronted Daejeong Gate, they shamelessly blamed San-ha.

In the end, the head of Seonhwa Gate had to back down to avoid escalating the conflict into a full-blown sect war.

Realizing that even if the head knew, nothing could be done without risking a larger conflict, San-ha stopped resisting and kept the bullying to himself.

The disciples all turned to Mu-hwi after hearing San-ha’s story.

“To think a branch of the Hwasan Sect would be treated like this.”

Mu-hwa bit her lip in frustration. Even though the Hwasan Sect had weakened since the Xianxi Bloodshed, this was unacceptable.

Mu-jin and Mu-cheol remained silent, but their anger was palpable.

“The sect leader must have sent us to check on the branches for a reason.”

The concerns of the elders at Hwasan were manifesting here at Seonhwa Gate in Winam.

Being a branch of the Hwasan Sect didn’t mean other sects would fear or avoid them. Hwasan couldn’t intervene in every dispute, and doing so might even lead to accusations of oppression.

Moreover, in the martial world, the moment you show weakness, others are quick to pounce.

There’s a reason the martial world is called a ruthless place.

“Let’s hear more from the head of Seonhwa Gate.”

“Yes, senior brother.”

Guided by San-ha, Mu-hwi and his group headed towards Seonhwa Gate.

The gate was wide open, and a group was waiting, likely having heard of the Hwasan disciples’ arrival.

“Plum blossoms.”

“Yes, plum blossoms indeed.”

Though there were no plum trees around, the Hwasan disciples could clearly see the plum blossoms.

True to its name as a branch of the Hwasan Sect, the sign of Seonhwa Gate was flanked by engraved plum blossoms.

The sleeves of the Seonhwa disciples bore white plum blossoms, a mark of pride for being part of the Hwasan Sect.

“Oh, they really are…”

“Seeing the plum blossoms, they must be from Hwasan.”

“Everyone, straighten up.”

The Seonhwa disciples’ eyes sparkled as they looked at the Hwasan group, most of them seeing disciples from the main sect for the first time.

“I’m Im Mu-guk, the head of Seonhwa Gate. We’ve been expecting you.”

Im Mu-guk’s face lit up with genuine joy at their arrival.

“I’m Mu-hwi, second disciple. Thank you for the warm welcome.”

After greeting the disciples, Im Mu-guk turned to his son, San-ha.

“San-ha, did you bring our guests?”

“Yes, Father.”

Im Mu-guk patted San-ha’s head affectionately.

“Well done. Let’s go inside.”

As he led them, Im Mu-guk continued, “I’ve heard the rumors. They say you cut down the rogue swordsman Jeokrang and drove out the Black Blade of Poseong.”

“Rumors do tend to get exaggerated. It wasn’t quite like that.”

“Haha, I see.”

Regardless, the fact that they had dealt with Jeokrang was what mattered.

Im Mu-guk nodded, clearly proud of the Hwasan disciples.

Rumors of Hwasan disciples dismantling bandit camps wherever they went had already reached Winam.

‘As expected of Hwasan’s main disciples.’

Im Mu-guk was as pleased as if it were his own achievement.

He led the Hwasan disciples to his office and personally brewed them tea.

“Oh, plum blossom tea.”

“It’s not quite like the plum blossoms from Hwasan, but the aroma is still rich.”

“Tea is best enjoyed freshly brewed.”

Mu-jin, who enjoyed tea, was delighted to see the familiar plum blossom tea, having only had lukewarm tea at inns since leaving Hwasan.

“How is the sect leader these days?”

Im Mu-guk asked about the current state of Hwasan.

“Of course. The sect leader…”

Mu-hwa, who loved to talk, shared stories unasked, and Im Mu-guk listened with delight.

“I should visit Hwasan sometime.”

Im Mu-guk murmured wistfully.

Lost in conversation, Im Mu-guk only realized the tea had cooled when he finally picked up his cup, looking apologetic.

“I wonder if I should have let you rest first. I hope I haven’t been too forward.”

Mu-hwi, who had been listening, finally spoke up.

“It’s fine. The sect leader sent us to check on the branches, so we’re just doing our duty.”

“Even with the main sect facing tough times, I’m grateful the sect leader is looking out for us.”

“So, how is Seonhwa Gate faring these days?”

Mu-hwi, who disliked beating around the bush, asked directly. The warm atmosphere of the office turned somber.

After a moment of silence, Im Mu-guk spoke with difficulty.

“To be honest, it’s been tough.”

“Is it because of Daejeong Gate?”

Im Mu-guk nodded with a troubled expression.

“We’ve never been on good terms. The head of Daejeong Gate has always coveted our interests. In the past, our strength was evenly matched, so there were only minor skirmishes.”

From what Im Mu-guk said, it seemed the balance of power had suddenly shifted, and Mu-hwi had a guess as to why.

“Did Seonhwa Gate start to falter after the Xianxi Bloodshed?”

“Yes.”

Im Mu-guk smiled bitterly.

Faced with the overwhelming force of the Black Night Palace, the Hwasan Sect had called upon its branches for aid.

Naturally, Im Mu-guk had sent his most skilled disciples to join the fight.

They went with the noble intent of stopping the bloodshed and restoring peace, but fewer than ten returned alive.

“Once Daejeong Gate learned of our losses, they moved boldly. They picked fights over trivial matters, disrupted our events, and openly encroached on our interests.”

Having preserved their strength during the Xianxi Bloodshed, Daejeong Gate began to show their fangs.

It was the perfect opportunity to seize Seonhwa Gate’s weakened assets.

“That’s when the young master of Daejeong Gate started openly bullying my son.”

“You knew about it, then.”

At Mu-hwa’s question, Im Mu-guk sighed.

“Even if he tried to hide it, how could a father not know? I could tell from his clothes today that he had run into Ga Se-in.”

Despite his son returning home after being unjustly bullied, Im Muguk had to pretend nothing was wrong, and it was eating him up inside.

“I’d love nothing more than to draw my sword right now, but I have responsibilities—not just to my family, but to my disciples as well. I can’t act rashly.”

If he were to lose his temper and brandish his sword first, Daejeongmun would welcome it with open arms.

Daejeongmun was hoping for Seonhwamun to vacate Winam completely.

Easier said than done—finding a new place to settle, the cost of moving, relocating all the disciples and their families—it was no small task.

“For a righteous sect, their actions are downright petty.”

“Indeed. Aren’t they ashamed?”

As Muhwa and Mujin vented their anger, Im Muguk could only sip his now-cold tea.

“Well, what can you do? Before being part of a righteous sect, they’re still human.”

Unlike the other disciples, Muhwi wasn’t particularly surprised.

A sect that pursues righteousness and chivalry.

The history of the martial world clearly shows that it has produced countless heroes who have upheld the principles and justice of the martial world.

However, among those countless heroes, there were also hypocrites who operated in the shadows, seeking personal gain.

While it’s true that many sects and martial artists within the righteous sects are worthy of respect, not everyone can be said to be noble or just.

“Haha… Muhwi Dojang, was it? Quite impressive.”

Im Muguk’s eyes gleamed with interest at Muhwi’s words. Though spoken casually, they pierced the core of the righteous sects.

Unlike the other disciples, Muhwi showed no signs of youthful inexperience.

To some, he might even seem like a seasoned veteran of the martial world.

“Why didn’t you ask for help from Hwasan?”

“Knowing Hwasan’s situation, how could I? I intended to ask for help once their situation improved.”

Im Muguk’s response was firm.

His unwavering voice carried the determination not to burden Hwasan.

‘How frustrating. The main sect exists for times like these.’

Muhwi let out a soft sigh.

“I understand your intentions to protect Hwasan, but…”

Muhwi’s gaze was just as resolute as he looked at Im Muguk.

The other two secular sects they visited before Seonhwamun were the same.

Proud of their affiliation with Hwasan, they were reluctant to burden the main sect unless the situation was dire.

They were well aware of Hwasan’s circumstances.

But Seonhwamun seemed to need Hwasan’s help.

“With pests swarming the white plum blossoms on the branches, as a disciple of Hwasan, I can’t just turn a blind eye.”

The other disciples nodded in agreement. Their eyes shone with a clear and steadfast resolve.

“Haha… Such admirable spirit and righteousness, befitting disciples of Hwasan.”

Yet, Im Muguk didn’t hold high expectations. Despite their recent rise to fame, they were still young and inexperienced in the martial world.

What could just four second-generation disciples do against an entire sect?

‘I appreciate the sentiment.’

* * *

The world was still cloaked in a pale indigo as dawn had yet to fully break.

Clang, clang, clang.

The usually quiet training grounds of Seonhwamun were filled with the relentless sound of clashing swords.

Just from the sound, one could tell how fiercely the two swords were colliding.

‘Is Muhwa starting to counterattack?’

Muhwa’s distinctive, lively footsteps continued without pause.

In the training grounds, Muhwa and Mujin were sparring. Unlike usual, their duel was more intense and realistic.

With more real-world experience, their perspective had changed, and they began to break away from the rigid, predetermined movements of their martial arts.

Mujin was incorporating elements of the Nongpung Sword and Nakmae Sword, while Muhwa was blending the Manhyang Sword and Nakmae Sword.

They had each gained small insights from watching Muhwi’s swordplay against the Jeokrang Sword.

Though their attempts were not as seamless as Muhwi’s, the fact that they were trying was proof of their growth.

In the midst of this, Mucheol approached Muhwi.

“Senior Brother.”

“What is it?”

“I’m curious about the final move you used to defeat the Jeokrang Sword.”

The final move Mucheol referred to was imbued with the essence of the Dokgo Sword Technique.

Muhwi looked up from the scripture he was reading and turned to Mucheol.

‘What did he see, I wonder.’

Having recently noticed Mucheol’s potential, Muhwi asked,

“Why do you ask?”