Mount Jo Yang Peak of Mount Hua.

Though the summit of Jo Yang Peak had been ravaged by the martial arts tournament, time had allowed it to reclaim its former glory. Sitting on a rock, Mu Hui gazed out at the majestic landscape of Mount Hua.

The towering, sharp peaks of the mountain remained unchanged.

Like a legendary sword, the peaks pierced through clouds and mist, pointing skyward. The mountain itself seemed to embody the spirit of the Mount Hua Sect’s swordsmanship.

For generations, disciples of the Mount Hua Sect had lived and breathed this mountain, naturally absorbing its essence and channeling it into their swords.

Just as Mu Hui had done.

“You’ve come.”

“Yes, Master.”

Mu Hui turned his head away from the mountain.

Behind him stood a middle-aged man, clad in the traditional robes of the Mount Hua Sect, with a purple plum blossom cloak draped over his shoulders.

“Did you achieve anything during your closed-door training?”

“Though slight, I did make some progress.”

Myeong San’s calm response was accompanied by a refined aura and gaze, which pleased Mu Hui greatly.

“Good. Let’s see it, then.”

The master and disciple drew their swords.

Srring!

Though two swords were drawn, the sound of the blade resonated as if from a single source.

Mu Hui stood still, while Myeong San bowed slightly and took his stance.

Despite the ten paces between them, Myeong San confidently thrust his plum blossom sword.

A single plum blossom appeared beside Mu Hui’s thigh, as if discovered by chance during a stroll.

The first form of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

Plum Blossom by the Roadside.

Myeong San swiftly pivoted on his ankle, redirecting his downward strike to slice horizontally.

In that instant, a plum blossom blooming at Myeong San’s waist was split in half. Mu Hui had mirrored the Plum Blossom by the Roadside technique.

‘I didn’t even see him swing his sword!’

Myeong San focused his inner energy, trying to discern his master’s movements. He thought he could faintly see the trajectory of Mu Hui’s hand.

A field of plum blossoms unfolded before Myeong San’s feet.

Dozens of blossoms filled the lower and middle levels, their petals fluttering like butterflies.

The second form of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

Plum Blossom Butterfly Dance.

Myeong San responded with the same technique, drawing a semicircle with his sword.

Shaa!

Petals intertwined and scattered beyond Jo Yang Peak, their rich fragrance spreading in all directions.

Clang!

The Heart Sword and the Plum Blossom Sword clashed head-on.

Though the Plum Blossom Sword bent as if it might break, Myeong San was not easily defeated. He unleashed a crescent-shaped sword energy vertically, followed by a series of strikes in four directions.

Mu Hui parried effortlessly, closing the distance to target Myeong San. As Myeong San was pushed back, he displayed the unique footwork of the Hidden Fragrance Step.

Half of the impact was absorbed by the ground, while the rest was channeled into the Plum Blossom Sword through a full-body rotation.

The earth cracked and trembled.

Myeong San’s energy surged like a fierce flame. He advanced on Mu Hui as if facing a life-and-death opponent, the plum blossom sword glowing with a violet hue.

Boom!

Debris from rocks and trees floated in the air, while petals danced through the shimmering violet light.

The master and disciple continued to exchange forms from the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique, starting with Plum Blossom by the Roadside.

The already abundant plum blossoms on Mount Hua seemed to multiply, creating a sea of blossoms.

Suddenly, hundreds of plum blossoms that filled Jo Yang Peak were drawn into the two swords.

The swords, infused with the essence of the blossoms and petals, struck each other like lightning.

Hidden Fragrance, Unmoving Flower.

Boom!

Myeong San’s plum blossom cloak fluttered violently, but his stance and gaze remained unwavering.

“This is the last one. Can you do it?”

“How else could I claim the title of the Sword Saint of Mount Hua?”

Myeong San confidently traced an elegant arc with his plum blossom sword. Countless sword strikes branched out, filling the space with blossoms and petals.

The plum blossoms and petals grew into branches and peaks, filling every empty space.

Mount Hua was being recreated through Myeong San’s plum blossom sword.

The fragrance of the sword spread thickly.

Though the scent couldn’t be seen, Mu Hui could feel it. Myeong San’s plum blossom fragrance was spreading far and wide.

Mu Hui drew a vertical line with his Heart Sword, causing the mountain conjured by Myeong San’s sword to collapse.

“Even if not a thousand miles, it must have spread a hundred.”

Mu Hui smiled at Myeong San.

“Excellent. You truly deserve the title of the Sword Saint of Mount Hua.”

Myeong San, who had maintained a serious expression, finally smiled. Though he had been called the Sword Saint of Mount Hua in the martial world for three years, Mu Hui’s acknowledgment had driven him to train harder.

The master and disciple, having exchanged swords, sat side by side at the edge of Jo Yang Peak, taking in the view of Mount Hua.

Mu Hui suddenly asked, “Myeong San, you’re an average talent. Just slightly above ordinary.”

Myeong San smiled.

“I know. I’ve realized that if not for you, Master, I would have only reached the peak of mediocrity.”

“That’s why your mastery of the Plum Blossom Fragrance is all the more significant.”

Mu Hui had only managed to perform the Plum Blossom Fragrance at the end of the martial arts tournament. But it didn’t mean one had to follow the same path to achieve it.

“Even when we’re gone, the spirit of Mount Hua’s swordsmanship will continue.”

Mu Hui refined the techniques and principles, which Myeong San then viewed from the perspective of an average talent. Naturally, their approaches differed.

Myeong San began to study the forms and add new interpretations from his perspective.

Creating a martial art isn’t the end; it must be refined so it can be passed down even without its creator.

Though Mu Hui created the martial art, Myeong San played a significant role in ensuring it was firmly established within the Mount Hua Sect.

That was the right way.

Martial arts are meant for the weak to become strong.

“Myeong San, take this.”

Mu Hui handed the Heart Sword to Myeong San, who widened his eyes in surprise.

“From tomorrow, you are the foremost sword of Mount Hua.”

Vroom!

As Myeong San grasped the scabbard with trembling hands, the Heart Sword emitted a clear, melancholic sound.

Startled, Myeong San looked at Mu Hui, who chuckled and patted the scabbard.

“I didn’t expect it to gain a spirit so soon. Heart Sword, we’ve grown attached. It’s time to part.”

Vroom!

Mu Hui spoke as the Heart Sword resonated again.

“The Heart Sword gained a spirit with me, but it’s still small. From now on, it’s important. If future Sword Saints of Mount Hua follow the right path, the Heart Sword will one day be called a divine sword.”

Myeong San nodded resolutely.

“Master, I will carry on your will.”

Mu Hui placed a hand on Myeong San’s shoulder.

“Myeong San, this is the last time we’ll meet.”

Mu Hui repeated the words once spoken to him by his own master. Myeong San’s eyes widened.

“My disciple, I trust you. Stay well.”

Before Myeong San could respond, Mu Hui had vanished. Myeong San stood silently, holding the Heart Sword, staring at the empty space.

“Thank you, Master.”

Tears streaming down his face, Myeong San bowed deeply where Mu Hui had sat.

Having bid farewell to Myeong San, Mu Hui headed to Nak An Peak before leaving Mount Hua. He wanted to visit the grave of the sect’s founder one last time.

Mu Hui gazed at the grave, always in its place. Beside it, a plum tree stretched skyward, casting a shadow.

He watched as plum petals gently fell onto the grave.

“I’ve entrusted Mount Hua to the next generation. They’ll manage just fine without me. It’s time for us to let the current carry us elsewhere.”

Mu Hui recalled his first meeting with the founder.

– Sword Demon. You reek of blood. Just as your title suggests.

Mu Hui smiled at the memory, looking at the grave.

“Founder, what scent do I carry now?”

Of course, there was no reply.

But the fragrance from the plum blossoms beside him seemed to answer.

Mu Hui felt as if he could hear the founder’s response through the scent.

“A very comforting plum blossom scent. One you’d want to smell anytime.”

A sudden voice came from behind.

Seon Ju, wearing a pure white robe instead of the usual sect attire, approached.

Mu Hui recognized the robe. It was the one Seon Ju had worn during their travels. Mu Hui, too, wore the cloak from those days instead of the sect’s robes.

“Brother, you look even younger since I last saw you. That’s why I can’t slack off on my martial arts training.”

Unlike Mu-hui, who still had the face of a man in his early twenties, Sun-joo appeared to be in her early thirties.

“Did you wrap things up well in Jongnam?”

“Yes, I did. That’s why I could leave behind the Jongnam Sect’s robes without any regrets, just like you did.”

Hwasan and Jongnam.

As leaders of their respective sects, they had fulfilled their duties and passed the torch to the next generation. Now, only the names Mu-hui and Sun-joo remained.

“So, where shall we go now?”

“Wherever you want to go, brother.”

The two exchanged a warm smile, held hands, and descended Nak-an Peak together.

Above the grave of Hyeon-jo, two plum blossoms gently fell.

* * *

Mu-hui walked and walked.

A place he had never seen before.

The surroundings were filled with the colors of a rainbow.

When he took the final step, he encountered a man.

“So, you’ve finally arrived.”

The man, leaning against a pine tree, smiled at Mu-hui. Mu-hui narrowed his eyes at the sight.

The man’s light purple robe was embroidered with plum blossoms, reminiscent of the Hwasan Sect’s attire. The man also looked Mu-hui up and down.

“Hmm. Even in person, it’s still so dull. I wonder why the later disciples changed the color of the robes…”

As Mu-hui stared blankly, the man chuckled and introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you. I’m known as the Six Harmonies Sword Immortal.”

“The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal?”

Sensing Mu-hui’s confusion, the man elaborated.

“In life, I was called the Six Harmonies Sword God.”

“The founder of the Hwasan Sect…”

“It’s been a while since I’ve heard that title.”

The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal looked nostalgic for a moment before asking, “What’s your name?”

“Mu-hui.”

“No, not that. Those who enter the Celestial Realm are given a new celestial name based on their life and story. Think about it. It will come to you naturally.”

Just as the Six Harmonies Sword Immortal said, a word flashed through Mu-hui’s mind as soon as he heard “celestial name.”

“Sung-hyang Sword Immortal…”

Sung-hyang Sword Immortal.

The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal nodded and gestured for him to follow.

“Sung-hyang Sword Immortal. The power that reincarnated you was the Plum Spirit Lord’s own. I had imbued all my strength into it before ascending. I never imagined it would manifest in this way.”

The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal glanced at Sung-hyang Sword Immortal.

“I should thank you. Thanks to you, the wavering Hwasan Sect found its footing again.”

“I did it because I wanted to.”

The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal nodded with a smile.

“Because of the Plum Spirit Lord, I know both your past and present lives. How was it? Did you enjoy this life?”

Sung-hyang Sword Immortal smiled and nodded.

“It was very enjoyable.”

“Good to hear.”

The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal pointed to the end of the now close, vibrant space. Only a bright light filled that end.

“If the martial world was a place to determine the best under heaven, the Celestial Realm is where the greatest of all time compete. It’s a place where legendary figures from the long history of the martial world become Martial Immortals and test their skills.”

“Greatest of all time… Are there legendary figures like Cheonma, Dalma, and Lü Dongbin?”

At Mu-hui’s question, the Six Harmonies Sword Immortal smiled broadly.

“Of course.”

The Six Harmonies Sword Immortal looked at Sung-hyang Sword Immortal and asked, “Will you step into it? The Celestial Realm. The world of Martial Immortals.”

After hearing the explanation, Sung-hyang Sword Immortal smiled with confidence and anticipation.

“Naturally.”

“A wise choice. Many Martial Immortals, including the Celestial Killing Dark Immortal, are waiting for you. The Celestial Realm will be exciting again.”

“Heh. Is that so.”

Without hesitation, Sung-hyang Sword Immortal stepped toward the radiant light.

The Genius Sword Demon of the Hwasan Sect. (The End)

Afterword.

Hello, this is Mu-hyang.

I want to express my gratitude to all the readers who stayed with “The Genius Sword Demon of the Hwasan Sect” until the end. I’ve always wanted to write a story about the Hwasan Sect, and I’m glad I finally did.

Writing my second story, I aimed to improve upon my previous work. There were scenes I was satisfied with and others I felt could have been better. I’m curious how you, the readers, felt about it.

I’ve seen comments saying 200 chapters felt short. Initially, I intended to write more, but it didn’t work out. I could have extended it, but I didn’t want to stretch it unnecessarily, so I concluded it at 200 chapters. Perhaps it’s due to my lack of skill. I hope to write a longer story next time.

Once again, thank you to all the readers who accompanied Mu-hui on his journey.

Sincerely, Mu-hyang.