Unlike the nine third-generation disciples who stood at the center of the grand martial arts arena, the second-generation disciples stepped forward in groups of three.

“Watch closely. This is the swordsmanship you’ll need to learn, and it represents your future,” Baek Chun emphasized, his words capturing the attention of the Chunmaegwan disciples seated around him, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The first demonstration by the second-generation disciples was led by three: Mu-hwa, Mu-san, and Mu-ho. The disciples, having paid their respects to the elders, drew their swords in unison without any signal.

Shing!

The clear metallic sound of swords being unsheathed marked the beginning of the demonstration. As they moved to the right, the three swords traced identical paths in perfect harmony, executing the first form of the Falling Plum Sword technique, “Falling Leaves on the River.” This was just the beginning, as the sequence of the Falling Plum Sword unfolded.

While the third-generation disciples demonstrated the Six Harmonies Sword Formation, the second-generation disciples showcased three consecutive sword techniques: the Falling Plum Sword, the Wind Harvest Sword, and the Ten Thousand Fragrance Sword.

The elders and first-generation disciples watched the second-generation disciples with increased seriousness. To master the Plum Blossom Sword Art, one needed to be proficient in all three techniques, at least to the eighth level. Thus, the achievements of the second-generation disciples in these techniques were crucial.

The elders and first-generation disciples scrutinized the movements of the second-generation disciples for this reason.

“Hmm, Mu-hwa was always exceptional, but his growth is astonishing.”

“Mu-san used to struggle with wrist movements, but now he handles them skillfully. His sword path has become more natural.”

As the sword techniques unfolded, the elders of the Mount Hua Sect were filled with amazement. They knew the second-generation disciples had been training diligently every day, but they hadn’t expected such remarkable progress.

The elders couldn’t take their eyes off Mu-san and Mu-ho. While Mu-hwa was already recognized for his talent as one of the Three Blossoms, Mu-san and Mu-ho were not initially seen in the same light. Although Mu-hwa’s achievements in swordsmanship were superior, Mu-san and Mu-ho’s growth was not far behind.

Swish!

As the three disciples’ swords simultaneously drew a circle, a flower seemed to bloom at the center, with sword energy radiating in all directions.

“Ha ha, that Mu-ho. I remember teaching him a few months ago when he couldn’t even perform the Falling Plum Circle properly,” mused Baek Soon, recalling the time Mu-ho had sought guidance with the secret manual of the Falling Plum Sword.

But now, Mu-ho was skillfully executing the final form of the Falling Plum Sword, the Falling Plum Circle, with ease.

From the first form, “Falling Leaves on the River,” to the final form, “Falling Plum Circle,” Baek Soon watched without blinking. Only when the disciples’ swords returned to the middle did he glance at the elders beside him.

The expressions of the other elders seated beside him were no different from his own. Their eyes, hidden beneath wrinkles and sagging skin, were wide open, following the disciples’ swords intently.

“Ha ha ha.”

A refreshing breeze swept over Baek Soon as he chuckled heartily. It was the wind created by the swift swords of the disciples as they began the Wind Harvest Sword.

“They’re growing so quickly. Or perhaps we’re just getting too old?”

Compared to before, the second-generation disciples’ swordsmanship had improved significantly. Although not yet perfect, they had reached a level of proficiency and maturity.

“Thank you for watching our humble swordsmanship.”

The three disciples, having completed the Ten Thousand Fragrance Sword, bowed and stepped back, making way for the next group of second-generation disciples to demonstrate their skills.

These disciples were no different. Mistakes in their forms had noticeably decreased, and they demonstrated a proper understanding of the intent behind the sword techniques. While there were differences in their rates of growth, all the second-generation disciples were showcasing their remarkable progress.

“How can these children be so…”

“It’s truly astonishing.”

Even the first-generation disciples and elders couldn’t tear their eyes away from the second-generation disciples’ swordsmanship.

“Ha ha, what a marvel this is,” Baek Soon chuckled in disbelief.

Martial arts are indeed mysterious; even with the same amount of time and effort, the achievements vary, and the obstacles one encounters differ in number and difficulty. Even among disciples of the same generation, some will inevitably face stagnation or obstacles in their martial arts journey. Yet, seeing all of them grow like this, if this isn’t a marvel, what is?

“You are the one who brought about this marvel,” Baek Soon thought, his gaze falling on Mu-hwi, who stood alone due to the odd number of remaining disciples.

All the second-generation disciples had now showcased the results of their training, leaving Mu-hwi as the last to perform.

Mu-hwi, with his eyes lowered, exuded a peculiar aura. His sharp and distinct presence made the grand martial arts arena feel small.

Shing!

The sound of Mu-hwi drawing his sword was unusually loud.

Baek Soon, as if facing a life-and-death opponent, focused all his attention on Mu-hwi’s sword.

It wasn’t just Baek Soon; the other elders and first-generation disciples felt the same. They didn’t know why, but seeing Mu-hwi draw his sword instinctively made them feel they had to watch.

As Mu-hwi’s right foot stepped forward, the Falling Plum Sword began to unfold.

The hall was silent, as if making a sound would be a grave sin.

Swish!

In the grand martial arts arena, only the sound of Mu-hwi’s sword slicing through the air could be heard.

Baek Soon, who had been stroking his beard that reached down to his chest, found himself gripping it tightly.

“Is that even possible? Such a perfect Falling Plum Sword.”

Baek Soon knew well that one should never attach the word “perfect” to martial arts.

But based on the level he had achieved in his lifetime, Mu-hwi’s Falling Plum Sword was perfection itself. There wasn’t a single flaw to be found.

Baek Soon shivered with goosebumps, his body trembling at the sight of Mu-hwi’s sword.

He had witnessed countless renowned sword techniques in the martial world, but he had never experienced anything like this.

To think that the Falling Plum Sword, which he had seen thousands, if not tens of thousands of times since childhood, would make him tremble like this.

“Is what I’m seeing truly the Falling Plum Sword?”

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a biting winter wind swept through the grand martial arts arena. Carried by the wind were white and red plum blossom petals. Mu-hwi’s sword sliced through the wind, rescuing the petals that had been swept along. Naturally, the petals began to dance along with the sword.

As the deep red sword energy continuously surged, it connected with the plum blossom petals scattered in the air.

Baek Yu, capturing that red light in his eyes, clenched his fist tightly.

“I can see it.”

Though the plum blossoms had not yet bloomed from Mu-hwi’s sword, they were undoubtedly present here.

* * *

When Baek Soon, entranced, was absorbed in Mu-hwi’s sword, he came to his senses to find Mu-hwi sheathing his sword and bowing.

“Ah!”

As Baek Soon let out a sigh of regret, the other elders, who had been frozen like statues, began to move one by one. Yet, none of them spoke.

The lingering impression left by Mu-hwi’s sword was something they wanted to fully absorb into their hearts.

“Hyun-su!”

Baek Yu, who was the quickest to regain his composure, called out to Hyun-su, who was standing in a daze. With a slight infusion of internal energy, Hyun-su snapped back to attention.

At Baek Yu’s signal, Hyun-su nodded and spoke.

“Those who wish to challenge for the Plum Blossom Sword, step forward!”

In response, several second-generation disciples rose from their seats.

Among them were Mu-hwi and the Mount Hua Three Blossoms, as well as Mu-ryun, Mu-san, Mu-ho, and a total of ten disciples.

“There are more than I expected.”

“Given the skills they’ve shown, it’s no surprise.”

In the gathering of elders, someone stood up. It was Baek Soon, the head of the Martial Arts Hall.

“Senior Brother, I’ll go.”

“Go ahead.”

Reaching the center of the grand martial arts arena in a single stride, Baek Soon took in the sight of the second-generation disciples who had risen.

“You all know the selection process for receiving the Plum Blossom Sword.”

The condition for receiving the Plum Blossom Sword was simple.

To be acknowledged by the current best swordsman of Mount Hua.

In the absence of the current leader, the best swordsman of Mount Hua was Baek Soon, the head of the Martial Arts Hall.

“Who will be the first to challenge?”

“I will.”

Mu-cheol stepped forward as if he had been waiting. Baek Soon looked at the sword in Mu-cheol’s hand. Unlike during the earlier demonstration, he was now holding a large heavy sword. This caught the attention of Seong Ju-tae, who was observing from behind.

“That boy. The new owner of the Plum Blossom Sword.”

As Seong Ju-tae watched Mu-cheol with interest, Baek Soon, looking at Mu-cheol’s heavy sword, reached for the Plum Blossom Sword at his waist.

“I’ve heard about you. It’s commendable to walk your own path in martial arts, but if it doesn’t feel like the sword of Mount Hua, you won’t receive the Plum Blossom Sword.”

“Of course.”

Mu-cheol, undeterred by the possibility of not receiving the Plum Blossom Sword, stepped forward with determined eyes. Baek Soon nodded in acknowledgment.

“Come.”

Mu-cheol thrust his heavy sword forward, charging straight at Baek Soon. As the heavy sword lunged forward, Baek Soon mirrored the movement with the Plum Blossom Sword.

When the blades of the heavy sword and the Plum Blossom Sword overlapped halfway, Baek Soon flicked his wrist.

The Plum Blossom Sword bent like a whip and struck the heavy sword forcefully.

Thunk!

The impact caused the heavy sword to veer off its path. Mu-cheol calmly rotated the sword’s trajectory.

The once straight thrust of Mu-cheol’s heavy sword transformed, tracing a gentle arc like a flower petal, naturally returning to its position.

The semicircle drawn by Mu-cheol’s feet turned into a significant change in the heavy sword.

In an instant, the heavy sword split into three strands. Baek Soon responded by dividing his sword technique into three as well.

As the sound of metal clanged three times in quick succession, Baek Soon deftly widened the distance between himself and his opponent. The heavy shadow of Moo Cheol’s greatsword followed him, moving with a ponderous grace.

The sword’s aura spread out like blossoming flowers, attempting to restrict Baek Soon’s movements.

“This is quite different from what I expected.”

The greatsword, with its massive blade and weight, was wielded using the Iron Hawk Sword Technique. Baek Yoo had given Baek Soon a heads-up after receiving a letter from Moo Hwi, so he had some idea of what to expect. Yet, Baek Soon had been skeptical of the Iron Hawk Sword Technique.

A greatsword was typically suited to techniques that relied on brute force and weight, not finesse. This was contrary to the style of the Hwasan Sect, which favored swords with thinner, longer blades for their versatility.

Baek Soon had anticipated that mixing the Hwasan Sect’s fluid swordplay with the cumbersome greatsword would result in a mediocre technique that failed to capitalize on the strengths of either.

“I thought the name ‘Iron Hawk Sword Technique’ was just for show.”

The chilling aura emanating from Moo Cheol’s greatsword brushed against Baek Soon’s skin. The sword cleaved through the air, its trajectory subtly shifting, constantly altering its point of impact.

While the blade itself lacked flexibility, the technique was dynamic, effectively harnessing the greatsword’s power and weight.

Baek Soon’s lips curled into a slight smile, deepening the lines around his mouth. Though it seemed Moo Cheol was merely swinging the greatsword with brute strength, he was actually adjusting the grip of his hands, allowing for more precise control.

A skilled opponent might exploit the momentary gaps when Moo Cheol adjusted his grip. However, with continued practice, Moo Cheol could overcome this vulnerability by mastering the greatsword’s unique attributes.

“Tsk, today is full of surprises.”

Baek Soon leaped onto the flat of the greatsword as it swept low, launching himself into the air. The sword’s tip scattered a flurry of sword shadows across the sky.

As if inviting Moo Cheol to follow, Baek Soon executed a series of intricate maneuvers. Moo Cheol, undeterred, swung his greatsword steadily, keeping pace.

Crash!

Baek Soon’s movements, testing Moo Cheol, were all derived from the subtleties of the Falling Plum Sword and the Myriad Fragrance Sword. The arena was momentarily engulfed in a sea of crimson sword shadows.

Though Moo Cheol couldn’t match Baek Soon’s dazzling display, he compensated with the sheer power and weight of his greatsword.

While Moo Cheol couldn’t overpower Baek Soon’s sword, he was carving out his own space, however narrow, with his unique style.

The greatsword’s execution of Hwasan’s techniques was like a lone peak rising amidst the waves of Baek Soon’s sword shadows.

Though simple, the essence of the Hwasan Sect was evident, and the greatsword’s strengths were fully realized.

Baek Soon deflected Moo Cheol’s incoming strike with a graceful arc, nodding in acknowledgment.

“I have seen with my own eyes that this is indeed the sword of Hwasan.”

Moo Cheol steadied his breath, regaining his stance.

“Moo Cheol, I recognize that your new sword is worthy of Hwasan. Now show me why you walk this new path.”

“Yes.”

A crimson aura began to shimmer around Moo Cheol’s greatsword. The energy, like smoke, flowed into the blade under Moo Cheol’s control.

This was the internal energy technique he had learned from Moo Hwi. Though he had yet to perfect it, Moo Cheol had managed to layer his internal energy twice over the greatsword. As the dense energy radiated from the sword, Baek Soon slowly angled his plum blossom sword forward.

“Come at me whenever you’re ready.”

He wrapped his internal energy around the greatsword like layers of cloth, compressing it further.

“Yes, that’s it. Fill the blade from the center outward.”

Watching from a distance, Moo Hwi nodded in approval.

When Moo Cheol, drenched in sweat, opened his eyes, he had successfully layered his internal energy three times for the first time.

But there was no time for celebration.

“Haap!”

With a resounding shout, Moo Cheol launched himself forward, unleashing a powerful strike. The force of the blow sent Baek Soon’s sleeves fluttering.

Despite the fierce wind ruffling his beard, Baek Soon merely smiled, his eyes fixed on Moo Cheol’s greatsword. At that moment, the veins on the back of Baek Soon’s hand stood out.

“I have seen with my own eyes that this is indeed the sword of Hwasan.”

“Everyone, draw your plum blossom swords.”