The grand entrance of Seonhwa Gate was bustling with activity.

“Please, form a line!”

“Sir, you must wait your turn.”

The gatekeepers of Seonhwa were sweating as they tried to manage the crowd surging in.

“If my child joins Seonhwa, will they learn the incredible sword techniques we saw at the martial arts tournament?”

“Oh, come on. That was a disciple from the main sect of the Mount Hua Sect. Even if your son learns the same techniques, it won’t be the same.”

“Still, the swordplay of Seonhwa’s disciples was impressive. And didn’t the head and deputy head of Seonhwa also shine in the tournament?”

The people stepping over the threshold of Seonhwa were diverse. Young men slightly younger than Mu-hwi, and even little children holding their father’s hand, all came with the hope of joining Seonhwa.

“I never imagined that opening the martial arts tournament to the public would benefit Seonhwa so much,” Im Mu-guk said, unable to hide his smile as he watched the crowd. He glanced at Mu-hwi beside him.

‘It’s really Mu-hwi’s influence that’s the greatest,’ he thought.

The memory of Mu-hwi’s sword dance against the formidable opponent still made his heart race. Mu-hwi’s sword, which claimed to be the sword of Mount Hua even without the plum blossoms, was astonishing even to seasoned martial artists. How much more so to the ordinary people?

“Seonhwa has been in Winam for quite some time, yet seeing the public so excited about Mount Hua’s sword makes me think we haven’t done enough,” Mu-hwi remarked.

Mu-hwi had firmly planted the name of Mount Hua in Winam.

“From now on, it’s up to the head of Seonhwa and its disciples.”

“Of course. We’ll do our best,” Im Mu-guk nodded.

Seonhwa was already mobilizing all its disciples to fill the sudden void left by the departing main sect. They would have to keep moving busily in the future.

“We won’t let Mu-hwi and Mount Hua down. Thank you so much,” Im Mu-guk said, bowing with clasped hands, to which Mu-hwi responded in kind.

“Are you really leaving tomorrow?” Im Mu-guk asked.

“Now that the main sect has left, it’s time for us to hit the road again,” Mu-hwi replied.

Hearing Mu-hwi’s next destination, Im Mu-guk’s expression turned serious.

“Be careful. I’ve heard there are demons appearing in that area. They’ve already devastated two small villages.”

“Demons, you say…”

“The Zhongnan Sect has intervened, but they haven’t caught them yet. Be cautious.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Im Mu-guk went off to help the disciples with their tasks, while Mu-hwi headed towards the annex.

“Mu-hwi Dojang!”

From afar, Im San-ha came running. His training clothes and hair were soaked with sweat, evidence of his recent practice.

Even though the martial arts tournament was over, Im San-ha continued his training with Mu-hwi, only increasing his sleep time to accommodate his growing body.

“Just finished training?”

“Yes, I sparred with Mu-jin Dojang today.”

When Mu-hwi was unavailable, the other disciples took turns sparring with or supervising Im San-ha, leading to rapid improvement in his martial arts skills.

“I reached the fifth level of the Six Harmonies Technique today.”

His eyes sparkled like a young bird begging for food. Reading those eyes, Mu-hwi gently placed a hand on Im San-ha’s head.

“Well done. And you haven’t forgotten, have you? The Gonghundan is to be taken only when you reach the sixth level.”

“Of course, I remember.”

Mu-hwi had taken five Gonghundan pills from the main sect leader. Despite their value, Im Mu-guk had given all five to Mu-hwi, acknowledging that they were earned through Mu-hwi’s efforts and should be used for him or Mount Hua.

Mu-hwi had not refused. He distributed four among himself and his disciples, reserving one for Im San-ha.

“I heard from the dojangs that you’re leaving.”

“Yes, we’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning.”

Im San-ha hesitated for a moment before speaking with determination.

“I told my father yesterday. When the Mount Hua Sect selects the third-generation disciples, I plan to apply and become a main sect disciple.”

Hearing this for the first time, Mu-hwi raised an eyebrow.

“What about Seonhwa?”

“My younger brother can take care of it.”

Mu-hwi recalled seeing the little boy, barely four years old, waddling around.

“How old are you again?”

“Eight.”

“You’re younger than I thought. I assumed you were at least ten.”

With decent martial arts skills and no age restrictions, Im San-ha had a good chance of being selected as a main sect disciple.

“The main sect will likely select third-generation disciples soon. Keep training hard and wait for the news.”

Im San-ha nodded, his face slightly flushed, and spoke with a bold request.

“If I become a third-generation disciple, will you take me as your disciple?”

Mu-hwi paused, surprised by the audacity of the request. He hadn’t expected such a proposal.

“Why do you want me as your master?”

“Because following you, Mu-hwi Dojang, feels like my world will keep expanding.”

Recalling a story he had once shared with Im San-ha, Mu-hwi chuckled.

‘A disciple, huh…’

In his past life, he had trained a disciple with extraordinary talent, comparable to the best of the best. In comparison, Im San-ha’s talent was average, slightly above the norm. However, his perseverance and dedication, even at a young age, were commendable.

How many children his age could endure such rigorous training?

Mu-hwi remembered what his master had once said.

– Turning an ordinary person into a master, that’s the role of a teacher and the essence of martial arts.

A smile crept onto Mu-hwi’s lips.

‘This could be interesting.’

In his past life, he had nurtured a prodigy. Perhaps this time, raising a different kind of disciple would be meaningful.

‘In this generation, there will surely be talents like the Six Dragons.’

Every generation has its hidden talents. Watching an ordinary Im San-ha surpass such prodigies would be quite entertaining.

Mu-hwi flicked Im San-ha’s forehead lightly.

“Ouch!”

“Requesting to be my disciple already, you cheeky brat. When you come to the main sect, I’ll make sure you don’t regret your choice.”

Im San-ha, rubbing his forehead with both hands, pondered Mu-hwi’s words and then broke into a bright smile.

As he was about to bow, Mu-hwi stopped him and advised, “You know, forming an official master-disciple relationship will take time. So, only call me master when we’re alone. Remember that.”

“Yes, Master!”

Im San-ha’s enthusiastic response made Mu-hwi click his tongue and chuckle.

Im San-ha mirrored Mu-hwi’s smile. The first time he saw Mu-hwi smile, it had been chilling, but now it felt warm.

But that thought didn’t last long.

“Even though it’s unofficial, we can’t just leave it at that. We won’t see each other for a while, so I’ll drill some lessons into you now.”

Im San-ha nodded quietly, realizing that Mu-hwi’s smile still had a hint of menace.

And so, Im San-ha found himself being dragged to the training ground by the scruff of his neck.

* * *

The rain poured down heavily, the sound of raindrops hitting the ground the only noise in the surroundings.

Yet, the voice of the middle-aged man was clear and distinct.

“Is running away all you could think of, Daeseongmunju?”

The Daeseongmunju, prostrated in the muddy ground, dared not lift his head at the voice calling him.

“Relying on your backing from the main sect, your arrogance knew no bounds. But I overlooked it, thinking as long as you completed your mission, there’d be no problem.”

The Daeseongmunju’s hands clenched the mud tighter.

“Was it so difficult to take control of that small Winam? Daeseongmun was supposed to grow strong and take over Namcheolgummun.”

Namcheolgummun was a branch sect of the Zhongnan Sect, not far from Winam.

“I’m sorry.”

Splat!

Mud splattered as the Daeseongmunju’s head hit the ground, but the middle-aged man’s expression remained unchanged.

“Daeseongmun was just one of the daggers meant to stab Zhongnan in the back, but it broke before it could even be forged.”

“Please, give me another chance!”

“The third match with the Mount Hua disciple, using the Gonghundan you obtained through the main sect, was your last chance.”

In that moment, the Daeseongmunju’s head and body separated, blood seeping into the mud, quickly losing its color.

“Ambition beyond one’s means only leads to ruin,” the middle-aged man murmured.

The shadowy figure behind him, the head of the secret training hall, asked, “Myeongsa-gun, what about that one?”

The Daeseongmunju’s disciple was already a cold corpse, and the only one left, trembling and unable to even cry, was Gasein.

As Myeongsa-gun’s gaze fell upon him, Gasein froze, unable to avert his eyes.

“The rumor that the greatest talent of Wuinam was secretly spread by the Daejeongmun family? What a laughable notion. Throw him into the prison in the Salseong district of the main city. I’m curious to see how long the so-called greatest talent of Wuinam can endure.”

With those words from Myeong Sagun, Gasein’s fate was sealed. A martial artist clad in gray robes dragged Gasein away.

“What should we do about Seonhwamun and the second disciples of the Hwasan Sect?”

Myeong Sagun turned to look at the head of Amhunggak.

“What do you mean, what should we do?”

“They disrupted the event in the main city.”

Myeong Sagun waved his hand dismissively.

“They probably didn’t know what they were doing. Besides, what good would it do to retaliate now? If things get out of hand, it would only make it easier for others to catch on.”

Myeong Sagun chuckled as he glanced at the head of Amhunggak.

“The Daejeongmun was your responsibility, wasn’t it? It’s understandable you’d be upset after all your efforts went up in smoke.”

The head of Amhunggak bowed his head.

“My apologies, Myeong Sagun.”

“However, that young one, Muhwi, was it? It might be worth keeping an eye on him. Check his martial arts skills. The young lord might take an interest.”

“Yes, we are tracking his movements. He has left Wuinam and is heading towards Yeo Mountain. I will confirm and report back.”

Myeong Sagun shifted his gaze to the severed head of Yeonhodogaek lying a short distance away.

A young prodigy from the martial world defeating Yeonhodogaek? That was quite intriguing.

“Hwasan Sect. I hadn’t paid much attention since the Sword Saint’s death, thinking they were on the decline, but it seems you can’t underestimate the potential of a prestigious sect.”

Myeong Sagun, having committed the name Muhwi to memory, rose from his seat.

“Make sure to wrap up the Daejeongmun affair neatly. No loose ends.”

He turned and began walking deeper into the forest.

“Leaving already?”

“I was on my way back when I heard the news, so I must hurry. If I’m late, the lord will be displeased.”

The Daejeongmun affair was merely a diversion for him. Without hesitation, Myeong Sagun headed west.

His destination was a massive fortress in Sichuan, known in the martial world as the Fortress of the Conqueror.

The Sichuan Tang Clan, the Emei Sect, the Qingcheng Sect.

Despite these ancient and prestigious names, the Fortress of the Conqueror was recognized as the ruler of Sichuan.

Unbound by the distinctions of right and wrong, they pursued a path of dominance for the unification of the martial world. Such was the Fortress of the Conqueror.

So much so that the Tang, Qingcheng, and Emei formed an alliance, the Sichuan Union, to stand against it.

The head of Amhunggak, who hadn’t straightened his back until Myeong Sagun’s figure disappeared into the forest, finally raised his head as his subordinates gathered around him.

“Clean up the scene and continue tracking the movements of the Hwasan Sect.”

“Understood.”

The eyes of Amhunggak of the Fortress of the Conqueror began to follow Muhwi’s trail.

Meanwhile, Muhwi and his companions were drawing closer to Yeo Mountain.