Mucheol’s massive plum blossom sword descended vertically, its sheer force causing the skin of the Zhongnan Sect disciple to tremble.

“What an overwhelming presence!”

The disciple, who had intended to block the attack, was taken aback by the sight of the falling sword. He bent his arms and knees, lowering his body even further.

It was clear at a glance that the power behind that enormous sword was no ordinary force.

This was not something to be blocked; it had to be deflected.

“Can I deflect it?”

Despite his doubts, the disciple loosened his wrist and twisted his sword slightly.

Clang!

As he received the blow, the disciple had to endure the pressure that weighed down on his entire body.

His waist and knees trembled with strain.

“What the—!”

The ground around the disciple cracked like a spider’s web as he struggled to deflect Mucheol’s strike. He gritted his teeth, trying to redirect the force, but it felt as if his insides were being turned upside down and his body was about to be crushed.

“Ugh!”

Unable to withstand the impact, the disciple was sent flying backward, rolling across the ground.

Mucheol, who had leaped with a swift step, helped the fallen disciple steady his breathing by patting his back.

“Are you alright?”

“Cough, yes, I’m fine.”

The disciple forced a smile despite his cough, and Mucheol nodded slightly.

“Your defense was so solid that I had no choice but to use my full strength.”

“That’s a compliment, I suppose.”

With a respectful bow, Mucheol and the disciple concluded their sparring match.

“The winner! Mucheol of the Mount Hua Sect!”

As Hong Yun announced the victor, the two disciples descended from the stage. Watching them, Hong Seon turned to Baek Yu.

“Well, it seems our second-generation disciples are following in the footsteps of Mount Hua’s third-generation.”

Unlike yesterday, the Mount Hua disciples were overwhelmingly victorious in today’s matches. This was the eighth bout, and the Zhongnan Sect hadn’t won a single one.

The elders from various sects watching the matches were surprised, but none more so than the second-generation disciples of Mount Hua themselves.

“Is this even possible?”

“The Zhongnan disciples aren’t weak, so have we really become this strong?”

“All those sleepless nights and grueling training have finally paid off.”

The second-generation disciples realized that the victories their senior had emphasized were not just empty words.

As Hong Seon sighed, Baek Yu smirked.

“Didn’t I tell you yesterday? Those doubts would soon be silenced.”

“Hmm. They must be quite shocked.”

After a brief laugh, Hong Seon glanced at the large plum blossom sword on Mucheol’s back and asked, “But what’s with that kid? Mount Hua doesn’t have any techniques for handling such a heavy sword, do they?”

“It’s the legacy of Hyunjo.”

“The Sword Saint’s…”

At the mention of the Mount Hua Sword Saint, Hong Seon naturally shifted his gaze to Mu Hui, who stood among the second-generation disciples.

After a long look, Hong Seon spoke.

“There are two main reasons our disciples are being outmatched by Mount Hua’s: their understanding and application of sword techniques, and the harmony of internal and external strength.”

Though obscured by their uniforms, the Mount Hua disciples were noticeably more robust than their Zhongnan counterparts. Moreover, their understanding of sword techniques was generally higher.

As their comprehension of swordplay deepened, so did their ability to apply techniques effectively.

“Mu Hui, you said that kid is in charge of training the second-generation disciples, right? So, is this all Mu Hui’s doing?”

“Indeed, I merely entrusted it to him.”

Baek Yu’s response elicited a chuckle from Hong Seon.

“A genius, perhaps? We might see the seventh dragon emerge from Mount Hua.”

“I believe Mu Hui will surpass the likes of the Six Dragons with ease.”

Baek Yu’s confident reply was met with equal resolve from Hong Seon.

“Zhongnan has its own prodigies. I’m certain Seonju is no less than Mu Hui.”

“Well then, let’s watch and see.”

The ninth match was between Mujin and Seonmi. Watching them, Muryeon swallowed nervously.

“Finally, the representatives of Mount Hua and Zhongnan are facing off.”

As the two prodigies from each sect prepared to clash, tension filled the eyes of the second-generation disciples on both sides.

“Please take care of me.”

Seonmi spoke while looking at her feet, prompting Mujin to give a wry smile. Having observed her at the banquet the previous day, he had a sense of her personality and simply clasped his hands together.

“Likewise.”

As the match began, Hong Yun stepped back. Mujin waited patiently for Seonmi to lift her gaze, but the moment her delicate hand moved, she looked up to meet his eyes directly.

In that instant, her half-closed eyes opened wide, revealing a chill reminiscent of the eternal snows of the North Sea.

Seeing the change in Seonmi’s demeanor as she gripped her sword, Mujin calmly drew his plum blossom sword.

The stance Seonmi adopted was slightly different from the Tianzhong Sword Technique that the other Zhongnan disciples had shown.

“This is the Tianxing Sword Technique of the Zhongnan Sect.”

Zhongnan disciples learn to stand at the center of the world with the Tianzhong Sword Technique and fill the world with the Tianxing Sword Technique.

So, what do they fill the world with?

As Mujin’s sword wind poured forth, Seonmi slowly extended her arm.

Her sword, imbued with the golden energy of the Tiangang Heart Technique, began to mark golden points in the air.

As her sword continued to move, lines connected the points in the air.

Clang!

The sword wind was scattered, and the golden lines extended outward, expanding their domain.

Mujin recognized the pattern her sword was creating. Narrowing his eyes, he quickly found the answer.

“The night sky?”

The sword strokes Seonmi drew resembled the Big Dipper. Realizing this, Mujin understood why the technique was named Tianxing, or “Heavenly Stars.”

The world of Zhongnan was filled with stars, various constellations.

The Tianxing Sword Technique was a swordplay that mimicked the constellations of the sky and embodied the principles of celestial movement.

The constellations always existed in Seonmi’s world, pushing back Mujin’s sword.

As if there was no room left.

Though Mujin’s sword domain tried to encroach upon Seonmi’s, it was instantly repelled by her ever-changing sword strokes.

“If I see an opening and try to exploit it, she immediately counters.”

Just as there are various constellations with the same number of stars, Seonmi’s sword strokes changed according to Mujin’s attacks.

Despite Mujin’s relentless assault with various techniques, Seonmi steadfastly parried every strike that ventured into her domain.

Clang!

Mujin’s bold strike was effortlessly blocked.

This forced Mujin to step back and catch his breath.

Swish!

As Seonmi’s sword came at him, Mujin used his footwork to retreat.

For every step Mujin took back, Seonmi advanced, slowly increasing the pressure.

“She’s on a different level from the other Zhongnan disciples I’ve faced so far.”

Seonmi never lost track of Mujin’s movements as he circled around her using his footwork.

To block Mujin’s sword, Seonmi had only moved a few steps back and forth from her original position.

Her body was slender, but her sword was more steadfast than any other Zhongnan disciple he had encountered.

Mujin, realizing the reputation of Zhongnan’s prodigy, understood that after thirty exchanges, he still couldn’t breach Seonmi’s domain.

“Be careful, this is my first time using this in a match.”

The orthodox path was to master the three sword techniques—Nongpung, Manhyang, and Nakmae—before advancing to the Plum Blossom Sword Art. However, Mujin found the gap between these techniques and the Plum Blossom Sword Art to be significant.

The sword strokes of the Plum Blossom Sword Art were incredibly complex, as if they encompassed all the variations in the world, and the sword intent was much deeper. As a result, the sword sometimes slipped from Mujin’s control.

For the first time since learning martial arts, Mujin felt as if he was being led by the technique rather than mastering it.

“Now that I’ve reached the third level, I can fully embody and control the sword.”

As the plum blossom sword’s energy began to fragment, Mujin’s sword traced intricate patterns in the air, scattering sword energy like petals.

Seonmi’s eyes darkened as she watched the spectacle.

Mujin, advancing with his footwork, swung his sword upward, and the plum blossom sword energy soared with it.

Having set aside the three techniques he primarily used, Mujin finally unleashed the Plum Blossom Sword Art.

In a single breath, the sword traced dozens of complex lines, and the plum blossom sword energy danced along the intricate patterns like branches of a tree.

The sight of a plum tree seemingly sprouting from the tip of his sword made Seonmi’s eyelashes flutter.

“This is the Plum Blossom Sword Art. It’s certainly different from the previous techniques.”

In the previous matches, the Mount Hua disciples primarily used one of the three techniques—Nongpung, Manhyang, or Nakmae—or alternated between them based on their abilities.

While observing the earlier matches, Seonmi quickly became familiar with the three techniques, but Mujin’s Plum Blossom Sword Art was different.

Her eyes naturally followed the dazzling sword strokes, but the captivating changes disrupted her focus.

“Dizzying.”

With a soft murmur, Seonmi marked seven points in the air.

She unleashed one of the techniques inspired by the Big Dipper, the Northern Seven Stars Flow.

Sunmi’s sword moved with a measured grace, tracing simple lines and dots, while Mujin’s blade unleashed a flurry of complex patterns, striking with rapid precision.

The two swords, so different in style, clashed violently in the middle.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Golden sparks flew through the air as the Plum Blossom Sword Technique surged forward with fierce intensity.

Sunmi layered her moves, creating a defensive wall to fend off Mujin’s relentless assault.

“It seems empty, yet I can’t break through.”

The Plum Blossom Sword Technique crashed against the Celestial Sword Art like waves against a rock, scattering without effect, but Mujin pressed on.

Even if the waves are blocked, the fine spray will still wet the rock’s backside.

The scattered energy of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique began to seep into Sunmi’s defenses.

“When did this happen?”

Focused on parrying Mujin’s strikes, Sunmi suddenly noticed the sword energy drifting around her like spring petals. She quickly tried to withdraw her sword.

In that fleeting moment, Mujin deflected a diagonal strike and executed a swift footwork maneuver.

His form blurred like an afterimage as he closed the distance, sweeping his sword low. The sword wind rose from the ground, causing the Plum Blossom Sword Technique to surge around Sunmi.

“Haap!”

With a shout, Mujin’s sword trembled, and he drew a wide arc from low to high, adding new energy to the scattered petals.

Whoosh!

The swirling storm of sword energy enveloped Sunmi, drawing her into its vortex.

Old Plum, Beautiful and Fierce.

As the storm of sword energy tightened, the scattered petals converged more densely.

At that moment, a brilliant golden light burst through the Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

Boom!

The golden trail vanished, revealing Sunmi, slightly staggering.

Her braided hair had come undone, and her robe was torn in several places.

Despite her disheveled appearance, her stance remained firm, her sword held steady at mid-level.

Gazing at Mujin, Sunmi finally lowered her sword.

“Sigh.”

Though unscathed on the outside, she felt the internal injuries, a metallic taste lingering in her mouth.

She had no strength left to withstand another assault like the last.

Realizing the outcome if the duel continued, Sunmi acknowledged her defeat.

“I concede.”

Mujin sheathed his sword and clasped his hands in respect.

“I hope I didn’t overdo it. Are you alright?”

“Yes, thank you for the opportunity to witness the Plum Blossom Sword Technique.”

Sunmi adjusted her hair and lowered her gaze, nodding slightly as she sheathed her sword.

Watching her leave, Mujin tightened his grip on his sword.

“Even here in Zhongnan, there are opponents whose strength is unpredictable. The martial world is vast indeed. I have a long way to go.”

Mujin resolved himself anew.

“Senior brother, you know if you lose after all the others won, it’ll be embarrassing, right?”

“Quiet.”

“Ouch!”

Muwi flicked Muhwa’s forehead and turned to the other disciples.

The second-generation disciples of Mount Hua focused intently, trying to memorize every detail of the duel.

Seeing this, Muwi quietly stepped onto the stage. Meanwhile, Seonju approached from the opposite side.

Seonju bounced lightly as she walked, her smile brightening the atmosphere.

“It’s quiet here.”

“It was a duel worth the silence.”

“Let’s have a match ourselves.”

Seonju’s warm smile drew the attention of the disciples, captivated by her charm.

She met Muwi’s calm gaze and smiled slyly.

“I’ve seen many who hold back against women, but I doubt you’ll be one of them, Muwi.”

Muwi smirked.

“Sounds like you’ve met some pretentious types. I won’t hold back, so brace yourself.”

Muwi released his energy, a red and white aura swirling around him.

The sharp energy was so intense it seemed to cut the air.

Seonju’s lips curved into a bright smile, unfazed by Muwi’s display of power.

Intrigued by her reaction, Muwi’s interest piqued, and he smiled back.

The two swordsmen faced each other, hands reaching for their swords.

“The Thirty-Six Swords of the World… It’s been a while. Let’s see how skilled you are.”

The final duel of the Six Harmonies Sword Gathering began quietly.