After pressing the pressure point, Mu-hui finally flipped the body of the Dark Smoke Pavilion Master so that his face was turned upward.

“You scoundrel!”

“Quiet.”

As the Pavilion Master, covered in dirt, let out a furious shout, Mu-hui swiftly pressed another pressure point, silencing him completely. While the Pavilion Master’s eyes darted wildly, Mu-hui rummaged through his clothes with a detached expression.

When Mu-hui’s hand reached the sleeve, a smirk appeared on his lips.

“Well, well.”

Unlike the assassins who left no trace of their affiliation, the Pavilion Master’s sleeve felt unusually thick.

Pulling his hand out, Mu-hui found several pouches and a palm-sized iron plaque. The Pavilion Master’s eyes trembled at the sight.

Mu-hui bared his teeth in a grin as he observed the Pavilion Master’s quivering eyebrows.

“Who would’ve thought a mere novice like me would strip you bare-eyed?”

The Pavilion Master’s frustration was exactly as Mu-hui described. Who could have imagined he’d suffer such humiliation at the hands of a young novice?

The pouches contained only silver and some strange pills.

After setting those aside, Mu-hui examined the iron plaque.

On the back, the words “Conqueror’s Fortress” were engraved alongside its emblem, while the front bore the title “Dark Smoke Pavilion Master.”

Mu-hui’s eyes narrowed at the sight.

“Conqueror’s Fortress? What are those war-crazed fools doing here?”

It was odd enough that they were in Shaanxi instead of Sichuan, but targeting a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect?

As Mu-hui tapped the plaque against his forehead, lost in thought, one of his eyebrows twitched.

“So, the Great Justice Sect’s leader was acting all confident because you were backing him?”

Mu-hui didn’t miss the slight tremor in the Pavilion Master’s eyes.

With his body immobilized by the pressure points, the Pavilion Master’s reaction was all too telling.

‘Conqueror’s Fortress… stirring up trouble everywhere.’

The Nine Dragons Sect was locked in a power struggle with the Hidden Dragon Society, while the Mount Hua and Zhongnan Sects were reeling from the Shaanxi Bloodshed.

From the perspective of the Conqueror’s Fortress, which was being pushed back by the fierce counterattacks of the Sichuan Alliance, Shaanxi, with its defenses down, was an enticing target.

“Alright, I think I get the gist of it.”

Mu-hui released the pressure point, allowing the Pavilion Master to speak. The Pavilion Master glared at Mu-hui with a smug expression.

“How dare you interfere with the Conqueror’s Fortress’s affairs? You’ve made a grave mistake that won’t be washed away even if you bow your head and lick my feet! Do you realize what you’ve done?”

Smack!

Mu-hui infused his palm with internal energy and slapped the Pavilion Master, sending a tooth flying from his mouth.

“Chattering away the moment you’re able to speak. Maybe losing a few more teeth will shut you up.”

Mu-hui, still unsatisfied, slapped the other cheek.

Smack!

This time, two teeth fell to the ground, mixed with blood.

Watching the Pavilion Master’s swollen cheeks, Mu-hui chuckled.

“I’m curious, what exactly have I done?”

The Pavilion Master opened his mouth but couldn’t utter a word.

Mu-hui’s sword was already at his throat.

The cold steel and the slight sting of a cut made the Pavilion Master acutely aware of the blood trickling down his neck.

“Did you think I’d bow just because you mentioned the Conqueror’s Fortress?”

Mu-hui twisted his wrist slightly, causing the blade to press deeper into the Pavilion Master’s neck.

The Pavilion Master’s eyebrows twitched in response.

“Do you think your fortress will leave Mount Hua alone?”

“It seems the Conqueror’s Fortress is already eyeing Shaanxi. Even if not now, a clash is inevitable.”

Having clashed with a Mount Hua disciple here, the Conqueror’s Fortress and Mount Hua had crossed a point of no return.

Instead of fear, Mu-hui’s eyes shone with a fierce light, causing the Pavilion Master to shrink back.

“If you spare me…”

The Pavilion Master couldn’t finish his sentence.

The pressure of the blade increased, making its presence all too real.

“I’ve never spared anyone who bares their fangs at me. It makes for a restless night’s sleep.”

Mu-hui pushed his wrist sideways as he spoke.

“And your fortress lord isn’t the type to start a war over the death of a mere pavilion master.”

The Pavilion Master’s final expression was one of confusion.

It was as if this novice knew the fortress lord personally.

He wanted to ask why, but with his head severed, the Pavilion Master could no longer speak.

Having decisively ended the Pavilion Master’s life, Mu-hui turned away.

‘With things going awry, they won’t act rashly. Besides, Zhongnan stands in the way, serving as a shield.’

Though it was unfortunate for the Zhongnan Sect, Mu-hui continued to think pragmatically.

Considering the precarious balance of power in the martial world, Mu-hui had no choice but to hasten his steps back to Mount Hua.

In the world of martial arts, things rarely go as expected, so the best course is to be prepared with skills that can withstand any storm.

* * *

“Finally, Mount Hua.”

Mu-hui and his companions arrived at Huayin, reaching the entrance to Mount Hua.

A narrow, winding path stretched upward like a trail, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating a serene atmosphere.

During his days as the Sword Demon, he had climbed Mount Hua, one of the Five Great Mountains, thinking it was just a good place for training due to its majestic scenery and abundant energy.

But now, as he ascended Mount Hua, he felt a growing sense of comfort, as if he were returning home.

The fresh scent of foliage and flowers calmed his mind, and the towering gray-white rock formations felt more like budding flowers than sharp swords.

‘I guess I really am a disciple of Mount Hua now.’

To think there would come a day when Mount Hua felt like home.

Despite the steep, almost cliff-like path, Mu-hui’s steps were light.

As they neared the summit of Yeonhwabong, a stronger fragrance filled the air, different from the base of the mountain.

“We must be close to the gate.”

At Mujin’s words, the others nodded.

The rich scent of plum blossoms.

The plum blossoms asserted their presence, as if declaring this their domain.

The disciples, as well as Mu-hui, couldn’t help but smile at the scent.

With renewed energy from the fragrance, they soon reached the gates of the Mount Hua Sect.

“Senior Brother!”

“You’ve arrived earlier than expected.”

Mu-san and Mu-ho were standing guard at the gate.

“It’s been a while. It seems you haven’t neglected your training.”

The two disciples chuckled at Mu-hui’s immediate assessment of their martial prowess. It was just like him.

“The sect is in an uproar. It’s the Mount Hua Martial Arts Festival, after all.”

“Everyone’s eager to hear about your adventures in the martial world.”

After exchanging light banter, Mu-hui patted the shoulders of the two disciples.

“I’ll head straight to the main hall, so spread the word. Good work.”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

As Mu-hui and his companions made their way to the main hall where the sect leader resided, they had to stop once more.

“Senior Brother!”

“Greetings, Senior Brother.”

Behind the disciples greeting Mu-hui were children barely reaching their waists.

“Are these the new recruits?”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

Mu-ryun, one of the disciples, spoke on behalf of the group.

Since the day he was thoroughly beaten on the platform, Mu-ryun had been cautious around Mu-hui, still wary of his presence.

Seeing this, Mujin gave a wry smile and spoke to Mu-hui.

“It seems Mu-ryun and the others are in charge of training at the Spring Plum Pavilion.”

“Well, looking after the kids must be quite the task. Hang in there.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Mu-ryun bowed deeply at Mu-hui’s words.

‘Discipline really is the best remedy.’

How much better he looked now compared to the old days when he used to be so defiant.

Mu-hui nodded and looked at the children, who were gazing at him with wide, curious eyes.

It seemed Mount Hua was serious about recruiting this time, as there were quite a few new disciples.

Though they would have accepted both secular and main sect disciples, those who applied as main sect disciples likely hadn’t received their Taoist names yet.

Even after the entrance exam, the Spring Plum Pavilion continued to test and evaluate the disciples.

They monitored them to ensure they were fit to be accepted as main sect disciples, and some might choose to switch to secular discipleship if their hearts changed.

Mu-hui spotted Im San-ha among the children and gave a slight nod. Im San-ha, who had been peeking out to look at Mu-hui, beamed brightly.

“Senior Brother, Elder Baek Chun is waiting for us, so we should get going.”

“Alright, take care.”

As the children disappeared into the distance, Mu-hwa turned to the senior brothers with a beaming smile.

“Did you see that, Senior Brothers?”

“What are you talking about?”

Mu-hui asked, and Mu-hwa pointed in the direction the children had gone.

“Yeong-yeong was there. We waved at each other.”

Mu-hui furrowed his brow and looked at Mujin and Mu-cheol.

“Who’s Yeong-yeong?”

When neither Mujin nor Mu-cheol could answer, Mu-hwa sighed in exasperation.

“Sigh, the girl we rescued with her father from the Blood Fang Gang. She said she wanted to become a heroine like me.”

“Oh, that girl.”

Only then did the three men nod, as if they finally remembered. Meanwhile, Mu-hwa continued to gaze in the direction where Young-young had disappeared.

It was a strange feeling, knowing that the first child she had saved in the martial world had become a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.

“To apply to be a disciple of Mount Hua so quickly—he’s got the drive to go far.”

“Indeed.”

“Just like Mu-hwa.”

Mu-hwi and the other disciples chuckled softly as they made their way back to the main hall. The doors were already wide open, as if anticipating their return.

Baek-yu stood at the entrance, hands clasped behind his back, waiting for his disciples.

“The disciples greet the headmaster.”

“Come in, all of you.”

Baek-yu shook each disciple’s hand, checking for any injuries, before leading them inside.

“I received the letters Mu-hwi sent regularly, as well as those from various sects. Truly commendable.”

Baek-yu looked at his disciples with pride.

He had sent Mu-hwi and Sam-hwa with high hopes, but he hadn’t expected such remarkable results.

These days, the most talked-about topics in Shaanxi were the Mount Hua Sect and the Mount Hua Revival. Mu-hwi’s group had effectively announced Mount Hua’s resurgence to the region.

“Thanks to the fame of the Mount Hua Revival, more children than the elders anticipated have expressed interest in joining.”

Though it had been a challenge for the Mount Hua Sect, the disciples embraced it with enthusiasm.

“Is that so? You must have gathered quite a few talents.”

Baek-yu nodded with satisfaction.

It wasn’t just talent. Many sent gifts simply for opening the sect’s doors, and numerous families sought to establish new ties by sending their children as secular disciples.

Even though Mount Hua had lost some of its former glory, it remained a prestigious sect, maintaining relationships with many, though not as many as in its heyday.

However, the renown of the Mount Hua Revival had breathed new life into the sect, making it more vibrant than it had been in years.

“Did you encounter any issues during your travels?”

“On our return to Mount Hua, we had contact with the Paewang Fortress.”

“The Paewang Fortress?”

Baek-yu’s smile momentarily faded. As Mu-hwi continued his explanation, Baek-yu nodded thoughtfully.

“Understood. The important thing is that you all returned safely. I’ll prepare for any issues with the Paewang Fortress.”

Baek-yu, wanting to lift the mood after the mention of the fortress, smiled and said, “We’ve received word from the Blacksmith’s Guild. The Plum Blossom Swords are finished and on their way to Mount Hua.”

Mu-hwi and the other disciples’ eyes lit up at the news.

‘Finally…’

Seeing the change in their expressions, Baek-yu chuckled.

“Judging by your looks, I suppose you’ll want to test your skills as soon as the swords arrive.”

“Thank you, Headmaster.”

After chatting with Baek-yu, Mu-hwi turned to his fellow disciples as they left the hall.

“Rest well today. And…”

Mu-hwi’s eyes gleamed as he continued.

“Make sure everyone gathers at dawn tomorrow.”

“Yes, senior brother.”

Mu-hwi’s words carried a hint of amusement.

“Hmm?”

“What was that? I just got a chill.”

The second-generation disciples scattered across Yeonhwabong felt a sudden shiver run down their spines.

The End