The leaders of the martial arts world gathered at the Murim Alliance’s branch in Changsha. Among them were the heads of the Nine Schools and the Three Great Families, as well as other renowned figures from the martial arts community. Though it had been a long time since they last met, the atmosphere was far from cheerful. The weighty purpose of their meeting cast a somber mood over the room, which had initially been filled with lively chatter.

The esteemed martial artists, who had been quietly observing, turned their heads in unison. Walking in with his hands clasped behind his back was the Sword Sage, followed closely by the Alliance Leader and the Sword Saint.

“Senior.”

“We greet the venerable Sword Sage.”

As the gathered martial artists rose to greet him with a respectful gesture, the Sword Sage returned the gesture with a nod.

“It’s good to see you all, my juniors. So many familiar faces after such a long time.”

The Sword Sage took a moment to look over the younger generation before him.

“The head of the Namgung family and the leader of the Gongdong sect have become the pillars of their respective schools. The abbot of Shaolin and the leader of the Kunlun sect have aged as much as I have.”

Namgung Heo and Master Gonghyun responded in turn.

“We still have much to learn, venerable senior.”

“Time has indeed passed, senior. There are fewer and fewer we can call ‘senior’ now, which is a sad reality.”

The Sword Sage nodded, meeting the eyes of the martial artists before him, and then smiled warmly.

“Some faces are missing, and there are new ones I’ve never seen, but it’s heartening to see everyone stepping up for this meeting. As someone who remembers the old days, I’m grateful to you all.”

Baek Li-geuk, head of the Baek Li family, replied.

“It’s not just us. Our children will fill these seats in the future.”

At Baek Li-geuk’s words, several martial artists nodded, their gazes shifting to Mu-hwi, who stood behind the Sword Sage. Everyone knew that among the future leaders, the Sword Saint of Mount Hua would stand prominently.

The Sword Sage noticed the attention on Mu-hwi and turned to look at him.

“Good.”

With a voice full of anticipation, the Sword Sage addressed the Alliance Leader.

“Apologies, Alliance Leader. This old man has been rambling on.”

“Not at all, senior.”

The Sword Sage and the Sword Saint took their seats, and the Alliance Leader placed his bamboo hat on the head of the table and sat down.

“Everyone is here.”

With a nod from the Alliance Leader, the strategist, Jegal Jin, unfurled a map of the Central Plains on the wall for all to see. The map detailed the deployment of forces across various factions.

The martial artists focused on the red lines drawn across Hunan and Jiangxi.

“Strategist, those lines indicate?”

“Yes, they mark the main fronts of the Murim Alliance.”

“I’ve heard that while not as intense as in Hunan, fierce battles are also occurring in Jiangxi. I understand the Master is stationed there.”

Jegal Jin pointed to the red line in northern Jiangxi and explained.

“That’s correct. Initially, we were primarily countering Sadocheon, but now the demons of the Black Night Palace have appeared in Jiangxi as well. Reports indicate they are attacking both the Murim Alliance and Sadocheon indiscriminately.”

Some martial artists tilted their heads in confusion.

“Is it truly possible for the hidden strength of the Black Night Palace to contend with both the Murim Alliance and Sadocheon simultaneously?”

“Regrettably, the military department believes it is possible. There is a common thread in the indiscriminate attacks by the Black Night Palace.”

As the martial artists focused their attention, Jegal Jin spoke with a grave expression.

“Traces of the Absorption Demon Art have been found. High-ranking experts from both the Murim Alliance and Sadocheon have fallen victim.”

The faces of the martial artists turned cold.

The Absorption Demon Art—a dark technique that siphons the life force, internal energy, and blood of others to enhance one’s own power. Though the methods and targets vary, such techniques are collectively known as the Absorption Demon Art in the martial world.

“I’ve reviewed the records. In the past, the demonic sect known as the Demon Dragon Forest practiced a variant called the Dragon-Eating Demon Art, causing bloodshed wherever they went. However, it seems only a few experts in the Black Night Palace have mastered it.”

Master Gonghyun, with a frown, asked, “So, the Black Night Palace’s rampant attacks are to absorb the experts of each faction?”

“While not certain, it’s something we must consider.”

Murmurs of concern and unease spread throughout the room. Jegal Jin continued, pointing to various locations on the map.

“Meanwhile, the Black Night Palace, which had spread its forces widely, is now converging on one location—Changsha. The Murim Alliance plans to narrow its front lines in response to their movements.”

“Indeed, we can’t afford to widen the gap when we’re already at a disadvantage. We’ll concentrate our forces in Changsha for the battle.”

At Baek Yu’s words, Jegal Jin nodded.

“We plan to send reinforcements to each front, considering the evacuation of civilians and the pursuit of the Black Night Palace, gradually shrinking our lines. Let me explain the plan.”

Jegal Jin’s explanation continued, and the martial artists nodded as they listened intently. Then someone asked, “Will the Sword Sage and the Sword Saint not be participating?”

The absence of their names in Jegal Jin’s plan had piqued the curiosity of the other martial artists, who nodded in agreement.

The Sword Sage, who had been silent throughout the meeting, finally spoke.

“The Sword Saint will focus on training and meditation. The presence of Heukcheon weighs heavily on my mind.”

The martial artists fell silent at the Sword Sage’s concerned tone. They were aware of Heukcheon, but the thought of someone who could trouble the Sword Sage was beyond their imagination.

“Senior, the Murim Alliance will hold the line until Heukcheon reveals himself. Please focus on your training.”

“Thank you.”

With the Alliance Leader’s reassuring words, the Sword Sage nodded with a smile.

* * *

Dongting Lake.

A vast lake north of Changsha, marking the boundary between Hubei and Hunan.

Mu-hwi and the Sword Sage strolled leisurely along the serene, azure expanse. While the Sword Sage seemed to enjoy the tranquil scenery, Mu-hwi appeared distracted.

“Are you worried about those on the battlefield?”

“A little. It’s hard not to be when I’m not there myself.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Surprisingly, the Sword Sage’s voice was firm.

“Few have faced as many supreme masters as you have recently. Thanks to that, you’ve achieved accomplishments beyond your years.”

The Sword Sage placed a hand on Mu-hwi’s shoulder.

“You’ve worked hard. Now is the time to pause and reflect on the path you’ve traveled.”

“Hmm…”

The Sword Sage’s words made sense.

‘Since encountering Heukcheon at Geombongsan, I’ve spent nearly all my time training.’

Looking back, Mu-hwi realized that he had been training as if being chased, though he hadn’t shown it outwardly.

“But I’m not sure if it’s wise for us, as key forces of the Alliance, to step back.”

If the Sword Sage and the Sword Saint joined the battle, their presence could save countless lives with a single swing of their swords.

The Sword Sage stopped walking, sensing the urgency in Mu-hwi’s expression.

“I understand your concern. But they are warriors too. We can’t always be there to protect them. Isn’t that right?”

The Sword Sage gazed at the rippling surface of Dongting Lake.

“Everyone has their own battles to fight. This time, we must focus on our own.”

“You mean Heukcheon.”

The Sword Sage nodded.

“In Go, there’s a saying: ‘When in danger, one must abandon; when moving, one must respond.'”

“What does it mean?”

“When in danger, let go of what you must and wait for the right time. Life is no different. Mu-hwi, let go of the excessive burden and responsibility on your shoulders. Live lightly, joyfully.”

Mu-hwi fell silent.

The reincarnation of the Plum Blossom Leader, the vengeance of the Sage and the Sword Demon, a new life as Mu-hwi.

All these factors made Mu-hwi feel that he alone had to stop Heukcheon. While revenge was a reason, he instinctively felt that he and Heukcheon were destined to be adversaries.

‘He still possesses such keen insight.’

It seemed the Sword Sage had seen through his thoughts. Noticing the deepening look in Mu-hwi’s eyes, the Sword Sage continued.

“When moving, one must respond to the surrounding stones. Mu-hwi, do you remember? When I first saw you, I said you were the move that could turn the tide. To become that, you must form countless organic connections with the surrounding stones. We must go together.”

“I see.”

Though much had changed in this life, Mu-hwi still carried the solitary approach of his past life, trying to solve everything alone.

“Trust and let go. This is the martial world. No matter how great a tree, it cannot form a forest alone.”

Mu-hwi thought of his fellow disciples from the Mount Hua sect.

He had taught them with care, so much so that Dokgo Yul would have been shocked to see it.

The disciples had steadily grown under Mu-hwi’s guidance and had become capable warriors in their own right.

Though Mu-hwi acknowledged this, he often found himself recalling their younger, inexperienced selves and wanting to keep them close.

‘Teaching isn’t everything. Trusting and letting go is also necessary.’

Lost in thought, Mu-hwi nodded and smiled.

“I understand, senior.”

“Good.”

The Sword Sage gazed at Dongting Lake with a playful smile.

“Alright then, let’s see if you can truly let go of everything and walk lightly. Follow me.”

With his hands clasped behind his back, the Sword Master leaped toward Dongting Lake.

It was as if he was using a mystical technique to traverse space; his feet began to tread on the lake’s surface.

Yet, his feet didn’t sink even a fraction. He walked on the water as if it were solid ground, creating countless ripples across the lake.

“What sorcery is this?”

“He’s a sage!”

The boatmen rowing nearby widened their eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of the Sword Master as he swiftly moved away.

‘Water Walking!’

Watching the Sword Master effortlessly demonstrate the art of walking on water, Muhui unfurled his Amhyangpyo and leaped toward Dongting Lake.

Splash!

Muhui’s eyes crinkled slightly as he unfurled his technique. He didn’t fall into the lake clumsily, but he couldn’t glide as smoothly as the Sword Master.

While the Sword Master’s steps created gentle ripples like falling leaves, Muhui’s feet splashed water violently with each step, as if a large stone had been dropped.

Unlike the Sword Master, whose shoes barely got wet, Muhui’s robe was gradually soaking through.

The Sword Master glanced back at Muhui, then turned fully around, walking backward as he watched him.

Muhui’s eyes widened at the sight. Despite pushing his Amhyangpyo to its limits, he couldn’t catch up to the Sword Master.

“Ah, it seems your body movement skills lag behind your swordsmanship. Perfect. Let’s run hard for a while. Dongting Lake is vast, so you can run to your heart’s content.”

As the Sword Master’s laughter faded into the distance, Muhui gritted his teeth and took another step with his Amhyangpyo.

Splash!

“Hoo!”

Muhui took a deep breath.

Watching the water droplets splash up to his face, he continued to chase after the Sword Master.

* * *

“There they come.”

Dukgoyul observed the flags fluttering in the distance, centered around the black banner of Heukcheon.

“Manye and Hongye, is it?”

“I’ve heard that Manye focuses on the most versatile dark arts and has the largest numbers, while Hongye specializes in rapid healing techniques.”

As if to prove the point, more and more figures appeared beneath the flags, their numbers seemingly endless.

The dark energy emanating from the gathering of these figures spread out, casting a shadow over the surroundings.

Dukgoyul nodded at Seonju’s advice.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Boom!

At the sound of the drum signaling the advance, Dukgoyul and Seonju exchanged a glance.

“Let’s go!”

“Right!”