The training ground at dawn.

It had been a long time since all the second-generation disciples gathered for early morning practice. Standing on the platform, Mu-hui looked down at his disciples.

Last night, over dinner, the senior disciples had heard from Mu-hwa about Mu-hui’s exploits in the martial world. Their eyes sparkled with admiration, almost to the point of making Mu-hui uncomfortable.

After all, commanding respect within the confines of the Hwasan sect was one thing, but making a name for oneself by defeating renowned masters in the martial world was quite another.

The second-generation disciples were both amazed and proud to realize just how extraordinary their senior brother was.

“Greetings, Senior Brother.”

Mu-jin, standing at the front of the line, clasped his hands and spoke first, prompting the other disciples to bow their heads in unison.

“Greetings, Senior Brother.”

Their calm yet powerful voices resonated softly through the training ground.

“I saw some of you yesterday, but there are many I haven’t seen. Has everyone been well?”

“Yes.”

“We’ve been well, Senior Brother.”

Hearing the responses from all around, Mu-hui’s lips curled into a smile.

“Yesterday, the headmaster mentioned that he plans to send the other second-generation disciples on their own journeys into the martial world soon.”

The disciples exchanged excited glances, some visibly thrilled.

Hearing tales of Mu-hui’s adventures in the martial world, the disciples were not just happy; their blood boiled with the desire to become part of those stories themselves. It was only natural that many were eager to embark on their own journeys.

“However, only those with the minimum required skills will be sent. We can’t have anyone dying out there, can we?”

Mu-hui’s smile as he looked down at the disciples was nothing short of mischievous.

By now, the disciples knew well enough.

Whenever Mu-hui wore that kind of smile, it meant something ominous was about to happen.

“Starting today, we’ll begin a new training regimen.”

Despite Mu-hui’s absence, the second-generation disciples had diligently practiced the Six Harmonies Sword technique. At the mention of new training, they looked at Mu-hui with eager anticipation.

“But first, we need to assess your basics. If your foundation isn’t solid, don’t even dream of new training or venturing into the martial world.”

Mu-hui spoke firmly as he stepped down from the platform.

“We don’t have much time, so come forward in groups of five.”

As Mu-hui extended his sword and walked slowly, Mu-jin turned to the disciples and shouted.

“First row, step forward. The rest, move back and make space.”

Mu-jin assisted Mu-hui like a right-hand man, without needing any specific instructions.

“They say he followed Senior Brother’s words diligently during his journey.”

“So Mu-hwa was right. They must have grown closer.”

The disciples found Mu-jin’s behavior intriguing. From their perspective, things were much better now than before they left the mountain.

The harmony between Mu-hui and Mu-jin felt balanced and stable, unlike the tension of their past conflicts.

Srring!

Since today’s training involved real swords, the sound of blades being drawn echoed throughout the ground.

The five disciples who stood before Mu-hui blinked unconsciously, feeling the weight of his gaze.

The reputation Mu-hui had earned in the martial world only added to their hesitation.

“You can use any sword technique, not just the Six Harmonies Sword. Come at me with everything you’ve got.”

No matter what they did, it seemed impossible to even scratch their senior brother. This realization allowed the disciples to wield their swords freely.

Clang!

As their swords clashed multiple times, the disciples naturally spread out, attacking from all directions instead of just head-on.

Though swords thrust at him from all sides, Mu-hui didn’t move from his spot, effortlessly deflecting their attacks with short swings of his sword.

“Hmm.”

It didn’t take long for Mu-hui to evaluate the disciples.

A few exchanges and a quick assessment of their overall stance were enough.

“Yes, the flexibility of the wrist is crucial for the Myang Sword technique. You’re doing well, Mu-san.”

Deflecting Mu-san’s sword to the side, Mu-hui twisted his blade to intercept Mu-ho’s thrust aimed at his waist.

Clang!

“Mu-ho, the strength in your sword has definitely improved. You’ve trained well.”

With a long swing of his arm, Mu-hui’s sword swept the disciples back.

“Well done, everyone.”

“Ah!”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

The disciples, who had been pushed back, bowed with bright faces at Mu-hui’s praise and retreated.

“Next!”

The waiting disciples, eyes filled with tension, charged at Mu-hui.

Swords thrust from all directions.

Though five swords swung simultaneously, Mu-hui saw through every move. He occasionally offered praise, but if something caught his eye, he was relentless.

Spotting a sloppy sword strike, Mu-hui’s eyes blazed.

“Have you been slacking off? Enjoying yourself while I was away, Mu-sang?”

“No, Senior Brother. It’s not like that.”

Even with a light swing of Mu-hui’s sword, Mu-sang’s body wobbled and staggered.

“Is that so? Look at your right foot floating. Even the third-generation disciples could block that.”

Clang!

“Ugh!”

Unable to withstand Mu-hui’s vertical strike, Mu-sang was sent tumbling across the training ground.

“Those who were knocked back, step aside and practice horse stance.”

“Ugh.”

The sniffling disciples immediately assumed the horse stance under Mu-hui’s piercing gaze.

Initially relaxed by Mu-hui’s individual praises, the disciples quickly snapped back to attention.

“That’s our Senior Brother for you.”

“Can’t be left out. Can’t be left out.”

Watching those practicing horse stance in the corner, the disciples tightened their grip on their sword hilts.

“Next!”

As their turn approached, the disciples charged with all their might.

“Hyaah!”

Their shouts echoed through the training ground from early morning.

Occasionally, pitiful cries were heard, but no one paid them any mind.

After about half an hour, Mu-hui’s assessment was complete.

“Is everyone done?”

“Yes, Senior Brother. Thank you for your hard work.”

Nodding, Mu-hui looked at the disciples practicing horse stance in the corner.

Under Mu-hui’s sharp gaze, the disciples could only look up at the distant sky.

“Fifteen.”

The number of disciples practicing horse stance. Mu-hui hadn’t expected every disciple to have trained perfectly.

But the number was smaller than he anticipated, which surprised him a bit.

Even those who were left out had made some progress compared to before, so it wasn’t fair to say they had been lazy.

“Have you been leading the training?”

Mu-hui’s gaze landed on Mu-ryun.

With both Mu-hui and Sam-hwa absent, Mu-ryun had been in charge of the second-generation disciples’ training. Mu-ryun replied with a slightly trembling voice.

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

“Hmm, if the disciples were in a mess, I was going to break the one responsible for their training.”

Mu-ryun flinched at the thought. What exactly would he break?

Mu-ryun wisely chose not to ask. It was better not to be curious.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Mu-hui patted Mu-ryun’s shoulder and headed towards the disciples practicing horse stance.

Watching Mu-hui’s back, Mu-ryun let out a deep sigh.

“What’s got you so worried?”

Seeing Mu-ryun’s slumped shoulders, Mu-jin approached.

“Well, I did take some actions. I must have gotten on Senior Brother’s bad side, right?”

Mu-jin chuckled wryly, watching Mu-hui scold the disciples.

“Don’t worry. Senior Brother isn’t one to hold grudges over such things.”

If Senior Brother had taken it to heart, Mu-ryun’s head would have been split open long ago.

Mu-jin, believing there was no need to voice every thought, gave Mu-ryun a light pat on the back.

“Just do well from now on. We have many more days to live together at Hwasan.”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

Mu-jin looked at Mu-ryun for a moment before lowering his voice.

“Mu-ryun, I’ve decided to give up on becoming the head disciple.”

Since Mu-ryun had stepped in for him, causing his current worries, Mu-jin felt it was only right to tell him.

Even after hearing Mu-jin’s words, Mu-ryun silently watched Mu-hui.

“Senior Brother is truly consistent.”

Mu-hui had stopped the disciples practicing horse stance and was correcting their techniques individually.

Even if one had the skill to teach, dedicating such effort to each disciple was no small feat.

It was mentally exhausting and consumed a significant amount of training time.

Having led the training himself, Mu-ryun knew this well.

“It’s no easy task.”

That’s why Mu-hui’s dedication to the disciples was so astonishing.

He couldn’t do it himself.

But Mu-hui was doing it, proving himself indispensable to the second-generation disciples.

In Mu-ryun’s eyes, Mu-hui was a steadfast senior brother supporting the disciples from below.

Not just for his martial prowess, but for these reasons, Mu-jin had relinquished his claim to the head disciple position without regret.

“If Senior Brother Mu-jin feels that way, there’s nothing more to say.”

Mu-jin turned his head at Mu-ryun’s belated response.

“Are you okay with it?”

“It doesn’t matter whether I’m okay or not. As long as Senior Brother Mu-jin has no regrets, it’s fine.”

“Is that so?”

Mu-jin wore a relieved expression, and Mu-ryun’s face also seemed more at ease.

“The elders were saying that after your journey through the martial world, you’ve become the right-hand man of the senior brother.”

“The right hand… not bad at all.”

“Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m your right hand.”

“Ha, thank you.”

“Haha!”

Muryun’s playful comment made Mujin chuckle.

“Watch your posture. Musang, you’re putting too much strain on your back. It’s a sign you’re not channeling your energy properly.”

Muwi, who had been observing Musang’s stance, frowned at the two disciples’ laughter and turned his head.

“What are you two doing, not training?”

“Ah…”

Muwi’s frown deepened.

“Ah, nothing. Get moving, now!”

At Muwi’s stern command, Mujin and Muryun quickly rejoined the line of disciples.

As Muwi watched the disciples practice their forms, Musang approached him cautiously.

“Senior brother, I heard yesterday that you’re increasing the intensity of our training to prepare for the Six Harmonies Sword Tournament?”

Musang’s voice carried a hint of hope that the training might ease up once the tournament was over.

“No, the tournament is just one of many milestones.”

“What?”

Muwi thought of the Gu Yu Sword Sect and the Overlord Castle as he spoke.

“Musang, these days, anyone and everyone is trying to challenge the Mount Hua Sect. It’s because we’ve grown weak. So, what should we do?”

“Well… we need to become stronger, right?”

“Exactly. Until then, our relentless training continues.”

Musang watched Muwi’s sardonic smile and asked urgently, “Wait, when exactly is ‘until then’?”

“Let’s start by knocking down those trying to push Mount Hua out of the top three sword sects, and then we’ll deal with the rest.”

Muwi’s lips curled into a crescent moon-like grin.

“Why stop at the top three? We should aim for the title of the greatest sword sect in the world.”

“What?”

Musang felt dizzy at Muwi’s muttering and nearly lost his balance.

Just how grand is the vision of our senior brother?

‘Oh well, whatever.’

Musang gritted his teeth and steadied himself. He couldn’t afford to be beaten to a pulp by his senior brother before Mount Hua became the greatest sword sect.

* * *

In front of the main palace at the peak of Yeonhwa Peak, there was a pond filled with water as clear as white jade.

This pond was said to be imbued with the spiritual energy of Mount Hua and was used in the creation of elixirs and the crafting of plum blossom swords.

The Mount Hua Sect called the area surrounding this pond Oknyuji, or the Jade Maiden’s Pond, because of a legend that the sect’s founder had a revelation after seeing a jade maiden descend on a purple sunset here, leading to the creation of the Zihua Heart Method.

Currently, the initiation ceremony for the Spring Plum Pavilion was taking place at Oknyuji.

“The Tao says, knowing others is wisdom, knowing oneself is enlightenment.”

Standing on the platform, Baekyu delivered his speech in his characteristic gentle voice.

“The Spring Plum Pavilion is not merely a place to train martial arts. It is a place to learn about others, reflect on oneself, and understand humanity.”

Baekyu’s voice, infused with inner strength, carried across Oknyuji with the wind.

“The path and martial arts you seek to learn at Mount Hua ultimately lie between people. Remember this. Original Celestial Venerable.”

Baekyu concluded his speech with a Taoist invocation, and all the disciples of Mount Hua responded in unison.

‘Not bad.’

In the martial world, it was common for speeches at events to drag on for over half an hour, often testing one’s patience.

In contrast, Baekyu’s speech was refreshingly concise, and the young disciples’ faces seemed to brighten.

“Next, we will conclude the initiation ceremony with a speech from the senior disciple of the Wuja generation, Muwi.”

At Baekchun’s announcement, the young disciples’ faces fell again.

Watching their vivid expressions, Muwi felt like a criminal.

‘I don’t want to do this either.’

But tradition dictated that the final speech at the initiation ceremony be given by the senior disciple of the preceding generation or the head disciple, so Muwi had no choice but to comply.

Standing on the platform, Muwi looked at the young disciples staring up at him.

What should he say?

He had pondered this since yesterday but couldn’t think of anything suitable. After a moment of contemplation, he finally drew his sword.

Srring!

As the blade gleamed with a cold light, the young disciples’ eyes widened.

The sight of Muwi’s sword, glowing with a fierce aura, instantly washed away their boredom, leaving only curiosity.

End