The traditional martial arts techniques were designed with the assumption that both hands would be used. However, Muhwi had a different approach—he focused on using just one hand, specifically his left.

He envisioned a martial art that could effectively protect his body while wielding a sword, and harmonize with his sword techniques to amplify their power. Muhwi sought a technique that would allow him to unleash the same strength with his empty left hand as if he were holding a sword.

It was as if he wanted to feel an invisible sword in his left hand.

Muhwi based his technique on the “Manhwa Palm,” known for its numerous variations and forms within the Huashan sect. He refined the power and range of the palm technique using the principles of the “Falling Flower Palm” and incorporated the essence of “Disperse” and “Scatter” from the “Chuyoung Palm” into the internal energy flow of the Manhwa Palm.

By combining these two techniques, he adjusted the twisted forms and movements, drawing inspiration from the graceful and fluid shapes of the “Bamboo Leaf Hand” and “Shadow Hand,” and mixed in the practical and chaotic variations of the “Gwiryu Eight Hands.”

“Of course, there’s still much to improve.”

As Ma Yeon-ho had pointed out, the foundation and direction were set. Now, it was a matter of testing it in real combat and making detailed adjustments.

“If I incorporate the subtle finger movements from the ‘Plum Blossom Five Finger Technique,’ it should enhance the completeness.”

Muhwi closed his eyes and imagined executing this martial art.

In offense, it would rival the Plum Blossom Sword Technique in its variety, enriching the sword’s variations. In defense, the gathered palm force would envelop and disperse the opponent’s attack like flower petals.

Just as he had deflected Ma Yeon-ho’s punch moments ago.

Muhwi had achieved a balance and transition between offense and defense, which he deemed crucial.

He could now name the martial art. But as he pondered the name, his eyes opened.

“Hmm…”

Despite having named countless martial arts in his past life, he never seemed to improve at it. It was no wonder the final techniques he developed were simply named “Dokgo Sword Technique,” “Dokgo Mind Technique,” and “Dokgo Palm Technique.”

Seeing Muhwi deep in thought, Ma Yeon-ho spoke up.

“When your technique met my fist, it felt like touching an invisible flower.”

Recalling the sensation, Ma Yeon-ho added, “It was as if the invisible flower bloomed, and the force dispersed like petals.”

This was likely due to the interplay of the “Disperse” and “Scatter” principles with the Manhwa Palm’s movements.

Hearing Ma Yeon-ho’s words, Muhwi’s eyes lit up with inspiration.

“The plum blossom pushes away the snow, replacing the cold with its fragrance. The displaced chill mingles with the scent and scatters. By spreading throughout the world, it fills the void. Thus, the deep plum blossom scent remains alone.”

A part of the unnamed martial art’s essence flashed through Muhwi’s mind.

“How about this name?”

Muhwi drew the name from the essence that had come to him.

“Plum Blossom Scatter Hand.”

Recalling the technique’s intricacies, Ma Yeon-ho nodded in agreement.

“It’s a fitting name. It rolls off the tongue.”

“Plum Blossom Scatter Hand…”

As Muhwi savored the newly coined name, he suddenly felt Ma Yeon-ho’s face blur.

“Did I overdo it?”

He reached out to steady himself against a tree, but his hand grasped only air.

“That Wagog Palm really did a number on me.”

Recalling the Wagog Palm’s fearsome ability to disrupt balance and internal energy, Muhwi’s brow furrowed.

Staggering, Muhwi lost consciousness, a trickle of blood escaping his lips, as Ma Yeon-ho shouted in alarm.

“Junior!”

* * *

Muhwi’s eyes snapped open as he sat up.

The ceiling seemed unfamiliar at first, but he soon recognized it as the guesthouse of the Hwahun Sect where he’d been staying for a few days.

“Did I faint? How embarrassing.”

As soon as he got up, Muhwi sat cross-legged and began circulating his energy. Observing his internal state, his brow furrowed.

Not only had the internal damage from the Wagog Palm been completely healed, but his internal energy pathways were also intact.

“That’s not all.”

Several energy points that Muhwi hadn’t yet opened were now clear, and the pathways had widened along the energy flow.

Thanks to this, Muhwi finished circulating his energy faster than usual and opened his eyes.

As he exhaled deeply, he noticed a stack of letters on the bedside table. There were more than ten of them.

“Why so many?”

Muhwi picked up the first letter and began to read.

The precise handwriting was unmistakably Ma Yeon-ho’s.

– Junior, it’s the Fist King. I intended to stay until you woke up, but I found a good sparring partner and had to leave urgently. I hope you understand.

It seemed Ma Yeon-ho and Woo Tae-gang had already left the Hwahun Sect.

– I got carried away and used more internal energy than intended. As a senior, I acted irresponsibly, so I took the liberty of healing your internal injuries and adjusting your energy flow. It wasn’t difficult, so don’t worry about it.

Muhwi quickly skimmed through the letters.

– While waiting for you to wake up, I noted the flaws in your Plum Blossom Scatter Hand and a newly established external training method. Feel free to share the external training method with your fellow disciples and train together.

A smile crept onto Muhwi’s lips as he read.

“Seems like I made quite an impression.”

While Ma Yeon-ho wasn’t stingy with his teachings, he wasn’t one to give so generously either.

Being a disciple of the Sword Saint might have played a part, but witnessing Muhwi’s talent firsthand likely had a greater impact.

– Your muscles are already impressive, but don’t get complacent. There’s no end to muscle development, and a strong sword stance comes from solid muscles. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress next time we meet.

Muhwi mentally erased the last part of the letter.

As he continued reading, the letters detailed the flaws Ma Yeon-ho had noticed in the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand and the new external training method.

“Meeting him was a stroke of luck.”

This encounter allowed Muhwi to advance three steps further than he would have otherwise.

Meeting Ma Yeon-ho by chance at the hot springs, exchanging techniques, and receiving such guidance was indeed fortuitous.

“He’s not called the Fist King for nothing.”

Muttering to himself, Muhwi delved into the details of the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand’s flaws as noted by Ma Yeon-ho.

The more he read, the more engrossed he became in Ma Yeon-ho’s letters.

“There’s a way to add variation like this? I should also examine the Blooming Fist and Death Echo Hand.”

Though Muhwi had reached a high level in his past life, his understanding of martial arts couldn’t match Ma Yeon-ho’s depth.

Ma Yeon-ho’s advice, viewing the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand from a different perspective, was invaluable. He noticed things Muhwi hadn’t yet realized.

“So, should I reduce wrist rotation and use elbow flexibility instead?”

As he read, Muhwi considered how to apply Ma Yeon-ho’s advice to improve the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand.

Ignoring the external training method for now, Muhwi began meditating.

In his mind, he practiced the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand repeatedly.

As he integrated Ma Yeon-ho’s suggestions with his own solutions, the technique evolved into a cohesive form, enhancing the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand in his mind.

The gathered force, like a cluster of plum petals, scattered and regrouped with the movements of his wrist, hand, and fingers, adding precision to the technique.

The force and hand shadows filled the darkness of his mind, blooming in a vivid red.

Occasionally, sharp claw energy sliced through, tightening the connections.

The endless variations at Muhwi’s fingertips began to take on life.

He continued practicing the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand in his mind.

As he surpassed a hundred repetitions, the technique gradually took shape.

Yet, Muhwi seemed to lose track of time, continuing to refine the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand.

How long had he practiced?

When the fully developed Plum Blossom Scatter Hand’s red brilliance finally dispelled the darkness in his mind, Muhwi opened his eyes.

“I should repay him someday.”

Thinking of Woo Tae-gang, Muhwi smiled. Ma Yeon-ho’s help had been immense.

Of course, Ma Yeon-ho likely hadn’t expected Muhwi to absorb all the information so quickly.

By refining the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand with Ma Yeon-ho’s guidance, Muhwi not only addressed unnoticed flaws but also gained unique insights.

By filling in the gaps and integrating new understanding, the Plum Blossom Scatter Hand advanced significantly. It was now at a level worthy of being recorded in the martial library.

“One step forward.”

Muhwi looked at his left hand, which had been moving endlessly in his mind.

He wasn’t just aiming to regain his former prowess but to fill the gaps from his past life and move forward.

If he could reach the same level as in his past life, he was certain he would easily surpass the Sword Demon. Mu-hwi clenched his left fist as he pondered.

“What could that guy be up to?”

The man with the black mask.

He didn’t know his face or age, only that his martial arts were formidable and that he might be connected to the Black Night Palace. With so little information, tracking him down was impossible, yet Mu-hwi felt an inexplicable certainty.

He was sure that if he lived this life to the fullest, they would cross paths again somewhere in the martial world.

“Black Night.”

Suddenly, Mu-hwi looked up and gazed out the window. The thick clouds had swallowed the moon and stars, leaving only a vast, oppressive darkness.

The empty black sky seemed even more expansive than usual.

As Mu-hwi was lost in the night sky, the door opened, and his disciples entered.

“Whoa, senior brother! When did you finish meditating?”

“You’ve been meditating for four whole days. Are you feeling alright?”

Listening to Mu-hwa and Mu-jin, Mu-hwi nodded, recalling the countless times he had envisioned the plum blossom landscape in his mind.

“Four days… I suppose that makes sense.”

Mu-cheol, who had been quietly listening, asked, “Senior brother, should I prepare a meal?”

“Yes.”

Still staring at the night sky, Mu-hwi added as he watched the clouds slowly drift, “And bring some wine. It’s a night that calls for it.”

Mu-hwa’s eyes sparkled as he reached out. “Wine? I want some too!”

“Once we return to the mountain, we won’t see wine for a while, so it’s not a bad idea to have a little gathering.”

“I’ll head to the dining hall.”

Hearing the chatter of his disciples, Mu-hwi chuckled softly and finally tore his gaze away from the black night outside.

Unlike his past life, there was no need to lose himself in the darkness alone.

* * *

“Hwahun Gate. Is this the place?”

“Yes, senior brother.”

Two middle-aged Taoists in navy robes and hair tied in topknots stood before the gate, their expressions heavy with concern.

As they approached the entrance, the guards flinched slightly.

Just days ago, assassins disguised as members of the Jongnam Sect had caused chaos.

“We received a letter from the master of Hwahun Gate. I am Il-hyeon of the Jongnam Sect.”

The Taoists from the Jongnam Sect had arrived at Hwahun Gate.