“Bangju, I didn’t expect you to come in person. You know how treacherous the volcanoes can be in winter.”

“Haha, I’m a disciple of the volcano myself. I’m more familiar with the mountain paths of the volcano than the leisurely trails of Cheolbang.”

Baek Yu smiled gently as he poured tea, taking in the unchanged demeanor of Seong Jutae, the master of the Hwagacheolbang.

“You must have had a hard time bringing the Plum Blossom Sword in the dead of winter. How is this new sword?”

The Plum Blossom Swords crafted by Hwagacheolbang were renowned for their unparalleled sharpness and elegance, rivaling any legendary sword in the martial world.

Normally, there would be no need to inquire about the quality of a Plum Blossom Sword, but this time was different. A new type of Plum Blossom Sword had been forged, one that had never been attempted before at Hwagacheolbang.

Seong Jutae chuckled at the thought. “It was quite enjoyable to hammer out something new. I’m curious to see which disciple will wield this sword.”

“Then why not stay and observe the Jonghwashik after all these years?”

Jonghwashik was a ceremony where the young disciples of Chunmaegwan and the second-generation disciples showcased their achievements over the past year to the elders of the volcano. Outstanding disciples were encouraged, while those who fell short received guidance for further training. Those who excelled were awarded the Plum Blossom Sword.

“It’s been nearly a decade since I last attended the Jonghwashik. I’d be delighted.”

Seong Jutae’s hearty laughter was infectious, and Baek Yu’s smile deepened.

“Then stay with us at the volcano for a few days. I’ll arrange accommodations for you.”

“Thank you, Master. And while I’m here, I plan to make plenty of Plum Blossom Water.”

“Ah, you’ll need to visit Oknyeo Pond and other places around the volcano. I’ll inform the disciples in advance.”

“Haha, indeed. The three-hundred-year-old plum tree on Nakan Peak should still be standing, right? Its blossoms are essential for making good Plum Blossom Water.”

Plum Blossom Water was a crucial ingredient in forging the Plum Blossom Sword, a secret known only to the master of Hwagacheolbang. Baek Yu knew only that it involved water from Oknyeo Pond and plum blossoms.

The Plum Blossom Sword emitted a fragrance when wielded by a disciple of the volcano, reacting to the internal energy cultivated through the volcano’s martial arts. This unique phenomenon had baffled many artisans across the land, but none had succeeded in replicating it. Thus, the fragrant Plum Blossom Sword remained a symbol and pride of Hwagacheolbang.

“Come to think of it, doesn’t your grandchild attend Chunmaegwan now? Will you see them?”

“No, I can’t give them special treatment. I’ll catch a glimpse from afar during the Jonghwashik.”

“As you wish.”

Having not seen each other in a long time, Baek Yu and Seong Jutae continued their conversation, laughter echoing through the hall.

* * *

In the grand martial arts arena, Baek Yu, along with the elders and first-generation disciples, were seated. Among them were Seong Jutae and the artisans of Hwagacheolbang.

“This Jonghwashik seems livelier than usual.”

“Indeed. We’ve been without third-generation disciples for a while, and the atmosphere of the main sect had been quite subdued.”

“I hear the disciples have been frequenting Maeseogak lately. You must be busy.”

At Hyeonbaek’s inquiry, Hyeongak nodded. “Many come early in the morning and leave before sunset. They often engage in discussions about martial arts. Mujin is one of them.”

Recalling his disciple, Hyeonbaek’s eyes softened. “He’s always been diligent, but now it seems he’s found his direction. It’s an exciting time for him.”

“I hear that Muhwi is also assigning tasks to the disciples. Some of them are probably holed up in Maeseogak for that reason.”

Hyeongak, who managed Maeseogak, often chuckled at the whispers of the second-generation disciples poring over secret manuals. Listening to Hyeongak’s stories, Hyeonbaek also smiled.

“Muhwi is doing well. It’s like a dream to see such a change.”

“Indeed. We no longer need to worry about the Muja generation. They’re doing well on their own.”

“Just as spring comes, the volcano is slowly finding its place again.”

While Hyeonbaek and Hyeongak chatted, the Jonghwashik began in earnest.

The ceremony proceeded with the third-generation disciples first, followed by the second-generation. Hyeonsu, the next head of Chunmaegwan, raised his voice.

“First group, step forward!”

Nine young disciples scurried to the center of the arena. A girl at the front respectfully greeted the elders of the volcano and then shouted confidently.

“Formation!”

At her command, the children moved in perfect unison, forming a sword formation.

The Six Harmonies Sword Formation.

The third-generation disciples learned the basics of swordsmanship through the Six Harmonies Sword and the fundamentals of formations through the Six Harmonies Sword Formation.

A formation required perfect synchronization among its members, and any misstep would be immediately noticeable. Thus, the role of the leader in coordinating the team was crucial.

Watching the young disciples wielding wooden swords, Baek Yu’s wrinkles deepened into a kind, approving expression.

“Let’s see how they do.”

In the Jonghwashik, the third-generation disciples demonstrated the Six Harmonies Sword Formation to show their grasp of sword basics and their ability to synchronize with their teammates.

“Yeongyeong is doing well.”

Mu-hwa, eyes sparkling, watched Yeongyeong, who was coordinating the formation with a flushed face. Under Yeongyeong’s command, the first group’s formation moved smoothly without a hitch.

Despite the frantic movements, none of the children broke formation or stood out awkwardly.

Muhwi, observing, nodded in approval. “She’s keeping a close eye on her teammates’ movements. Quite impressive for someone so young.”

“Yeongyeong wasn’t chosen as leader for nothing.”

While the children chose their own groups, the leaders were selected by Chunmaegwan’s instructors based on merit.

Being chosen as a leader meant the child had excelled and stood out in Chunmaegwan.

“Of course, it’s partly thanks to my diligent guidance.”

Except for Muhwi, the other instructors at the volcano had been teaching at Chunmaegwan.

Muhwi had been offered a teaching position as well, but he had politely declined, citing his focus on the second-generation disciples.

“Mujin and Mucheol also took on groups to teach.”

“Yes, the seniors found students they liked. Ah, the group coming out now is the one Mucheol taught!”

As the first group’s demonstration ended, the second group took the stage. The leader of the second group was notably larger than his peers.

“Just by looking, I can see why Mucheol took a liking to him.”

“Right?”

While Mu-hwa and Muhwi conversed, Mucheol silently watched the second group. Seeing Seong Suam, the leader, bow, Seong Jutae’s face naturally broke into a smile.

“A leader, huh? He must have worked hard.”

Seong Jutae saw in his grandson’s leadership the reflection of his own younger self participating in the Jonghwashik.

“Those were good times.”

Seong Jutae closely observed Seong Suam’s eyes as he wielded his sword.

In those eyes burned a flame, as if fueled by the bellows, radiating heat.

Seong Jutae’s eyes gleamed with interest. Seong Suam, who had been torn between following the family trade of blacksmithing or becoming a disciple of the volcano, seemed to have made his decision.

“When you held the hammer, your eyes never burned this brightly. Yes, a blacksmith must find a place where his flame can truly burn.”

Seong Jutae felt proud of Seong Suam for finding his path so early. He was glad he had come to the volcano in person.

Following the first group, the second group also completed their demonstration without any mistakes.

The children who followed also performed the Six Harmonies Sword Formation admirably.

There were minor errors here and there, but for their age, they were doing exceptionally well.

“The children’s overall level is quite high.”

“Baekchun has taught them well.”

“More importantly, the disciples are in sync. You can see they’re mindful of each other’s movements.”

The elders were greatly pleased with the performance of the Chunmaegwan children.

“Is there only one group left now?”

“Oh, has it come to that already?”

Listening to the elders’ conversation, Baekchun smiled.

“The last group is led by one of the children I’ve been keeping an eye on. Watch closely.”

“Ho, it seems Chunmaegwan is full of treasures this time.”

Just then, the last group of third-generation disciples walked to the center of the arena.

This group was led by Im Sanha.

“Hmm.”

Muhwi, who had been watching comfortably, leaned forward slightly when Im Sanha appeared.

“Leading a formation is entirely different from wielding a sword alone. Let’s see how he does.”

Though he had occasionally guided Im Sanha at Chunmaegwan, he had never seen him practice a formation.

[Do well.]

At Muhwi’s brief telepathic encouragement, Im Sanha shouted with vigor.

“Formation!”

At Im Sanha’s command, the group quickly moved into position, stepping in unison. The Six Harmonies Sword spread out in all directions.

Nine wooden swords thrust alternately in each direction, crossing seamlessly without clashing, extending outward in a continuous flow.

Im Sanha maintained his position while constantly adjusting the movements of his teammates, ensuring they didn’t entangle as they switched positions.

“Not bad at all.”

Mu-jin’s lips twitched as he watched Mu-hwi, arms crossed, intently focused.

“Senior Brother, you never seem interested in the others, but you’re really paying attention to San-ha.”

“Well, he’s the only one I know well enough.”

Mu-hwi’s nonchalant response only deepened the smile in Mu-jin’s eyes.

The formation led by Im San-ha was impressive. There were no mistakes, and they managed to cover the slight gaps that appeared as they shifted positions. One could only imagine the sweat and effort it took to reach this level.

“A formation, huh…”

Mu-hwi, resting his chin on his hand, let his mind wander through the various formations he knew from the martial world.

The 108 Arhat Formation of the Shaolin Temple.

The Seven Star Sword Formation of the Wudang Sect.

The Boundless Sky Sword Formation of the Namgung Family.

The Extreme Spear Formation of the Geukmu Sect.

And countless others existed in the martial world.

In his past life, he had always been a lone wanderer, and the only disciple he had ever taken on was just one, so formations never really interested him.

“I can’t be running around after these kids all the time…”

The Huashan Sect did have a few formations, but none were as advanced as those he had just recalled.

Should he consider creating a new formation while developing a new sword technique? But Mu-hwi had never created a formation before, so he wasn’t sure where to start.

“A formation… I’ll have to think about it some more.”

For now, his priority was to earn the Plum Blossom Sword at the upcoming ceremony and master the advanced martial arts of the Huashan Sect.

While Mu-hwi was lost in thought, the demonstrations by the third-generation disciples concluded, and it was time for the second-generation disciples to take the stage.

“Senior Brother.”

Mu-jin’s call brought Mu-hwi back to the present, where the senior disciples had gathered.

“The second-generation disciples are about to begin their demonstration. Would you say a few words to them?”

“It’s not like they’re doing anything extraordinary.”

But the expectant eyes of the senior disciples urged him to speak.

“Just do as you always do. Not one of you is standing still.”

Mu-hwi spoke with confidence.

He had dragged each of these disciples along by the scruff of their necks; there was no way any of them were stagnant.

Hearing this, the disciples stood a little taller.

“Let’s go.”

As Mu-hwi rose from his seat, the second-generation disciples bowed their heads.

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

In unison, they stepped forward into the grand martial arena.

All eyes were on the second-generation disciples as they made their confident entrance.

“Not one of you is standing still.”

“I have witnessed the swordsmanship of Huashan with my own eyes.”