Mu-hwi idly toyed with a pinecone he had picked up on his way there.

If Il-mu hadn’t withdrawn his attack and had aimed directly for Mu-jin’s chest, this pinecone would have been embedded in Il-mu’s wrist.

As Mu-hwi tossed the pinecone under the eaves, a slight smile played on his lips.

“Not bad at all.”

When Mu-hwi arrived, his disciples were locked in a life-or-death struggle with Il-mu.

Facing a martial artist more skilled than oneself in such a battle was a rare experience.

So instead of jumping in immediately, Mu-hwi quietly observed how his disciples handled the situation.

They coordinated their attacks with the precision of tightrope walkers, exchanging glances and executing their moves with calm precision. Mu-hwi nodded in approval.

The consistent training in joint attacks had paid off. Without it, Mu-hwi wouldn’t have been able to watch so calmly today.

There was a significant difference between a group attacking chaotically and moving in a coordinated, systematic manner.

If each disciple’s strength was considered a one, their combined efforts didn’t just add up to three, but rather four or even five.

“Are they finally starting to look like true martial artists?”

Recalling their first clumsy fight against the Black Path of the Blood Sect, Mu-hwi chuckled.

Those who once flinched at the sight of blood now wielded their swords unfazed, even with blood on their faces.

The awkwardness they once displayed was nowhere to be seen in his disciples now.

“You can finally say you’ve set foot in the martial world.”

With Il-mu defeated and the situation under control, Mu-hwi stood up.

When he climbed through the window of the annex, Mu-hwa was supporting Mu-jin.

“I’m fine.”

“Fine? Your face is blue!”

Mu-jin’s complexion was poor due to internal injuries, and the blood trickling from his lips was telling.

“Why did you fight so recklessly just now?”

Mu-hwa had been so shocked by Mu-jin’s reckless attack on Il-mu’s chest that she nearly dropped her sword.

Mu-jin could only offer a wry smile in response to Mu-hwa’s scolding. Mu-hwi, standing behind Mu-jin, spoke up.

“I didn’t mean for you to throw yourself into danger like that. It was a foolish move.”

He placed a hand on Mu-jin’s shoulder. The heat from the intense battle was palpable even through his robe.

“But you did well. You’ve taken a step forward.”

At Mu-hwi’s praise, Mu-jin’s eyebrows twitched slightly before he managed a weak smile.

“Thank you, senior brother.”

In any case, Mu-jin had overcome a barrier that had been blocking his path.

The barriers faced by martial artists weren’t just overcome through enlightenment.

Meaningful change and growth could break through them, even through simple actions or mindset shifts.

There was no single answer to breaking or surpassing these barriers, which is why so many masters pondered, challenged, and trained in various ways.

“Sit in meditation and start circulating your energy. I’ll help you. Disciples, stand guard.”

Mu-hwi glanced at Il-mu, who was bleeding profusely from his chest and side.

The wound on his chest was so deep that bone was visible, making survival unlikely.

“Please… save me…”

Il-mu’s eyes were desperate as he rolled them, but Mu-hwi merely twitched his upper lip.

He offered no comfort about death, nor did he criticize or lecture Il-mu for his past misdeeds. He simply showed a moment of disdain and then ignored him.

Mu-hwi wanted Il-mu to feel the slow approach of death and fade away in solitude.

“Ah…”

As Mu-hwi turned away, Il-mu let out a sigh. What did that sigh mean?

Was it resentment towards Mu-hwi for refusing to help?

Or was it lamentation over dying so meaninglessly?

But Mu-hwi had no interest in such matters. He had no sympathy for a killer like Il-mu.

“Not my concern.”

There were plenty of other things for Mu-hwi to worry about.

He sat behind Mu-jin, who had assumed a meditative posture.

“Let’s begin.”

“Yes, senior brother.”

Mu-hwi placed his palm on the vital point on Mu-jin’s back and began channeling his internal energy.

As Mu-hwi started the energy transfer, Mu-cheol and Mu-hwa remained vigilant, guarding the area.

“This is senior brother’s internal energy.”

Though it was the same Nine Small Heart Method, there was something distinctly different about it. While Mu-jin’s energy moved sluggishly, senior brother’s energy coursed through the meridians like a refreshing waterfall.

[Focus.]

At Mu-hwi’s telepathic message, Mu-jin concentrated on circulating his energy. The internal injuries seemed severe, as the energy flow was not as smooth as usual. It felt as if the meridians were creaking and malfunctioning.

“I did push myself too hard.”

As Mu-hwi examined Mu-jin’s internal state, he began to move his energy more vigorously.

Mu-hwi’s energy followed the circulation path of the Nine Small Heart Method, charging through the meridians with the intent to clear any blockages.

The energy of the Distorted Soul Flow Technique, which had been tearing through the meridians, began to recede.

Though it resisted, Mu-hwi’s energy relentlessly pushed it back.

As the Distorted Soul Flow Technique’s energy was expelled, Mu-jin’s complexion gradually improved.

Mu-jin focused intently, trying to memorize the sensation of Mu-hwi’s dynamic energy manipulation.

“That should do it.”

There was no need to heal all the internal injuries immediately.

Simply untangling the twisted meridians and expelling the congestion was sufficient.

Even after expelling the Distorted Soul Flow Technique’s energy, Mu-hwi continued to channel his energy to aid Mu-jin’s circulation.

“Phew…”

With a much more relaxed expression, Mu-jin finished circulating his energy and expelled the congestion. He spat out a mouthful of black blood and wiped his mouth with a satisfied look.

“Thank you, senior brother.”

Mu-jin turned to express his gratitude, and Mu-hwi nodded, adding,

“Don’t forget the sensation you just experienced. If you keep chasing that feeling, you’ll reach the next level.”

Mu-jin managed to manifest a faint sword aura.

This was evidence that Mu-jin, who had been lingering at the peak of the first-rate level, had now set foot on the path to mastery.

Reaching a new level was now just a matter of time for Mu-jin.

“I understand.”

Mu-jin began meditating to fully grasp the insight he had just gained.

Meanwhile, Mu-hwi turned to look at Kang Bo-eum, who had arrived while he was helping Mu-jin.

Reading Mu-hwi’s gaze, Kang Bo-eum spoke.

“The two killers are under the chief’s watch, and this one is dead.”

While Mu-hwi was aiding Mu-jin, Il-mu had succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

“With two mouths to interrogate, there was no need to go through the trouble of saving him.”

Kang Bo-eum nodded, then looked at Mu-hwi’s disciples.

“Even though they fought together, it’s impressive.”

Initially, Kang Bo-eum thought Mu-hwi had taken down Il-mu upon arriving at the annex. But upon hearing that the three disciples had defeated him with a joint attack, he was amazed.

Though Il-mu’s skills were a few levels below those of Il-hun and Il-seon, whom Mu-hwi had faced alone, Il-mu was still quite formidable. He had reached the peak of his level, so there was no need for further explanation.

The fact that the disciples, still in their formative years, had taken down such an opponent with a joint attack was remarkable.

“It seems they’ve been trained in joint attacks. Was it Mu-hwi who trained them?”

Having received advice on the Left Hand Sword, Kang Bo-eum realized that Mu-hwi’s prowess wasn’t just limited to his martial skills.

Having often seen Mu-hwi train his disciples while staying at the Flower Soul Sect, Kang Bo-eum naturally attributed their success to Mu-hwi.

“Perhaps he’s even more extraordinary than I thought.”

Kang Bo-eum was convinced that the name Mu-hwi would soon be known throughout the martial world.

“Master, please send a letter to the Zhongnan Sect.”

Mu-hwi examined their robes, swords, and belongings, confirming they were genuine items from the Zhongnan Sect, not mere imitations.

“Of course. I’ll handle the rest, so focus on your recovery.”

* * *

Mu-hwi and his group decided to stay at the Flower Soul Sect a few days longer than planned.

They were waiting for the Zhongnan Sect’s response, but they also needed time to fully recover from their minor injuries before setting out again.

“Wow, so this is a hot spring.”

As Mu-hwi opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of steam hovering like clouds around the hot spring.

The area around the hot spring was beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, creating a picturesque scene.

“The chief was right to recommend this place.”

Mu-jin, who followed him in, murmured in awe at the sight of the hot spring.

The chief had introduced them to the hot spring, claiming it would aid in their recovery, and had already covered the cost, urging Mu-hwi and his group to enjoy it.

“There’s no one else here.”

“They said they reserved the most exclusive hot spring for us. I bet Mu-hwa is having a great time on her own.”

Responding to Mu-cheol’s comment, Mu-hwi stepped confidently into the hot spring.

“Hmm.”

The water was quite hot.

At first, it felt slightly prickly on the skin, but once he got used to it, it was rather pleasant.

As Mu-hwi immersed himself in the hot spring, his disciples followed suit.

“It might be nice to meditate while soaking in the hot spring.”

“Hot water from the ground, it’s fascinating.”

Mu-jin and Mu-cheol gradually submerged themselves, marveling at the soothing heat.

After a moment of adjusting to the hot spring, a sense of relaxation washed over them.

The three men surrendered to the drowsy comfort of the hot spring. As Mu-hwi closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth, he uncorked the bottle of Seobongju he had brought along.

“Ah, the Commander was right.”

As he soaked in the hot spring, savoring the drink, the Commander had thoughtfully left behind some Seobongju for them to enjoy. The taste and aroma felt different now, compared to when he drank it in the biting cold.

Mu-hwi, who had been gulping down the Seobongju alone, noticed the silent stares of his disciples and chuckled.

“Come to think of it, you didn’t even get a taste yesterday, did you?”

Anticipating a confrontation with the demons, Mu-hwi had forbidden his disciples from drinking. He tossed the bottle to Mujin.

Mujin eyed the bottle for a moment before taking a cautious sip. Mucheol, who received it next, also took a swig.

Mujin seemed pleased, savoring the aroma that escaped as he opened his mouth. “I didn’t know hot springs had this kind of charm. If I’d known, I would’ve brought some tea. What a shame.”

Mujin seemed to enjoy it, and Mucheol’s face relaxed, indicating he found it agreeable too.

As they were enjoying the hot spring, they sensed someone approaching the door.

Thud!

The door swung open with a rough sound, and Mu-hwi instinctively turned his head to look.

His eyes, half-closed in relaxation, widened as he saw the two men entering.

“Master, come in.”

“Alright.”

Mu-hwi’s attention was fixed on the second man entering.

A giant of a man, so large he had to duck to pass through the doorway. Even Mucheol, known for his size, would concede to this man’s stature.

His exposed muscles were as if sculpted by the finest artisan of the age, moving with a solidity that seemed harder than most metals.

With eyes reminiscent of a tiger’s and white hair tied back carelessly, he evoked the image of a mythical white tiger.

‘To think I’d see that old man here.’

A man who had dedicated his life to muscle.

The martial artist with the heaviest fists in the land.

Cheolsan Fist King, Ma Yeon-ho.

As Mu-hwi stared at Ma Yeon-ho, the latter straightened up and returned the gaze.

“Hmm?”

Ma Yeon-ho flexed his muscles as he looked at Mu-hwi.

‘To think I’d see that old man here.’

‘Seeing you reminds me of two juniors.’