The air, once serene and pure, now carried an unmistakable tension, as if daring anyone to acknowledge its presence. The path leading from the base of the mountain to the lodge halfway up could be approached from either the west or the south. Both routes were now dominated by the ominous presence of the Overlord’s banners.

Underneath those banners, warriors from the Overlord’s fortress were making their way up the mountain. Fifty warriors marched in formation on each path, led by figures who appeared to be high-ranking officers and seasoned veterans.

“Is that the Overlord’s elite force? And those veterans at the front…”

“Two of the Five Martial Lords have come? They mean business.”

The Five Martial Lords were the most formidable warriors directly under the Overlord, known for their unmatched skill and power, capable of taking on three of Sichuan’s most prestigious sects simultaneously. Despite a recent truce with the Sichuan Alliance, the Overlord’s fortress still had its share of enemies. Sending two of the Five Martial Lords indicated a significant investment in this mission.

“The Gahwa and Mukyu sects are nowhere to be seen. They must be aware of this.”

“They’ve likely left forces at the mountain’s base. We’ll have to handle this ourselves.”

The two sect leaders exchanged words while keeping an eye on the approaching warriors. Just as they recognized the Martial Lords, the veterans also took note of the sect leaders.

“Greetings, esteemed leaders of the Nine Sects!”

“It’s an honor to meet such renowned figures!”

The booming voice of a Martial Lord, charged with profound internal energy, echoed through the lodge and the surrounding forest, causing the trees to tremble.

“Ugh!”

“Ah!”

The disciples quickly covered their ears as the thunderous voice reverberated like a clap of thunder. A gust of wind swept through, and Baekyu, with his flowing white sleeves embroidered with purple plum blossoms, shielded Muhwi from the force of the Martial Lord’s aura. Baekyu frowned, while Hongseon addressed the Overlord’s men.

“How did you manage to slip past the Zhongnan Sect’s watchful eyes and reach this remote place?”

“We’re well aware of the Zhongnan Sect leader’s vigilance. That’s why we’ve been preparing for months.”

The smirk on the face of the Red Flame Lord made Hongseon’s eyes narrow. It was clear that the Overlord’s fortress had been targeting the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly for some time, with provocations over the past few months likely setting the stage for today.

“The Overlord sends his regards, wishing to celebrate the Six Harmonies Sword Assembly in grand style, in his own way, of course.”

The Red Flame Lord and the Yellow Dust Lord unleashed their violent auras without restraint, causing the surrounding air to ripple.

“Tsk, to reveal their ambitions so soon after the truce… We were too complacent.”

Hongseon clicked his tongue but refrained from further questions. It was not the time to dwell on past mistakes but to draw their swords.

“We’re outnumbered.”

The scale of this year’s Six Harmonies Sword Assembly had been reduced due to various circumstances, resulting in fewer participants. Each sect had brought ten third-generation disciples, four first-generation disciples to oversee the younger ones, and two elders to assist the sect leaders. That was all.

Given the proximity of the mountain to both the Huashan and Zhongnan sects, there was no need to bring a large entourage. In contrast, the Overlord’s fortress had brought two units of fifty warriors each, putting them at a severe disadvantage.

“Let’s send the third-generation disciples inside the lodge.”

“Should Huashan and Zhongnan each take a path? We’re outnumbered, so we should fight in the narrow paths to hold them off.”

Seonju, who had been listening to the sect leaders’ conversation, spoke up urgently.

“Sect leaders, please, no!”

As the two leaders turned their attention to him, Seonju quickly bowed his head.

“I’m sorry for interrupting, but if we split our already limited forces, we’ll be defeated one by one.”

“It’s all right.”

“Then would it be better to fight together?”

At Hongseon’s question, Seonju pointed to the martial stage.

“The Six Harmonies Sword Formation.”

“Of course.”

Baekyu immediately understood Seonju’s suggestion and nodded. Both sects shared the same foundational martial arts, and the first formation they learned was the Six Harmonies Sword Formation. All second-generation disciples from Huashan and Zhongnan could execute it.

“We’ll form the Six Harmonies Sword Formation in the center, with the remaining elders and first-generation disciples positioned around it to protect the formation.”

Muttering to himself, Hongseon quickly issued orders to the disciples. Baekyu glanced at Muhwi, who was still meditating, and spoke to Seonju.

“Muhwi is still meditating, so you’ll need to guard him.”

“Yes, sect leader.”

Baekyu took one last look at Muhwi’s profile before following Hongseon.

“Mu-jin, may I take charge of the formation?”

Mu-jin, who had been watching Seonmi with lowered eyes, turned to look at Muhwi, who was still meditating.

“Please do.”

With the exception of Muhwi and Seonju, the eighteen second-generation disciples from Huashan and Zhongnan formed the Six Harmonies Sword Formation. Originally, the formation required nine members, but it could be expanded to eighteen or even thirty-six.

“Elders, take your positions, and the remaining first-generation disciples, fill the eight directions.”

As Hongseon gave his orders and the disciples took their positions, the Overlord’s forces fully entered the lodge.

“Sect leaders, will you fight alongside the children here?”

“Let’s not get in each other’s way and fight separately.”

The Red Flame Lord and the Yellow Dust Lord headed into the forest in different directions, followed by the sect leaders. In such a confined space, having four supreme masters clash could lead to unforeseen disasters. They could only trust that their disciples would hold out until they returned.

“Baekyu, I heard that the Yellow Dust Lord severed the arm of the Qingcheng Sect leader.”

“I’m aware. Be careful yourself.”

As the sect leaders and Martial Lords paired off and disappeared, the commanders of the Overlord’s forces issued their orders.

“Kill all the second-generation disciples, but leave the elders and first-generation disciples alive. It doesn’t matter if you cut off their limbs.”

At the command, the hundred warriors from the Overlord’s fortress glared with murderous intent. As the killing intent rose from all sides, the faces of the elders and first-generation disciples grew grim.

“How dare you!”

“Do you think we’ll let you harm the children?”

The elders’ angry shouts were drowned out by the Overlord’s warriors’ battle cries and footsteps. Though furious, the elders and first-generation disciples held their positions with composure. However, the sheer number of Overlord’s warriors allowed many to break through to the Six Harmonies Sword Formation.

“Form up!”

With Seonmi’s command, the eighteen disciples moved in unison, stepping into formation. The Six Harmonies Sword Formation, composed of Huashan and Zhongnan disciples, began to move.

“Futile!”

The Overlord’s warriors unleashed their weapons with reckless abandon, scattering killing intent. The Zhongnan disciples blocked the incoming attacks, retreating, while the Huashan disciples immediately filled the gaps and launched counterattacks.

Though it was their first time executing the formation together, the Huashan and Zhongnan disciples moved as if they had been practicing together for years.

“Hup!”

Muho, slicing through an opponent’s arm and waist with his dual swords, exhaled heavily. The overwhelming killing intent from dozens of warriors was intimidating, but not paralyzing.

‘Compared to the killing intent of our senior brother, this is nothing.’

Though he felt a chill from the killing intent, Muho’s body remained fluid, his sword extending with ease. It wasn’t just Muho; other Huashan disciples also thought of Muhwi.

‘Our training wasn’t in vain.’

‘Compared to our senior brother, this is easy!’

The excessive tension in their bodies eased, and their stiff swords came alive. The Huashan disciples’ swords gleamed with sharp light.

“We are the Huashan Sect!”

“Don’t underestimate us!”

The Overlord’s warriors, barely deflecting the onslaught of sword energy, hesitated.

“Have these youngsters all experienced real combat?”

“They’re used to killing intent. And with that formation…”

They had expected to easily break the formation and slaughter the disciples, but instead, their comrades were falling. The Overlord’s warriors approached the battle with newfound seriousness, and the disciples maintaining the formation began to feel the strain.

“Hoo.”

Muhwi finished his meditation and opened his eyes. His gaze, filled with a deep-seated killing intent, had been aware of the situation outside even while meditating.

“Muhwi, you finished meditating quickly?”

Seonju’s long hair, having come undone, swayed in front of Muhwi’s eyes. Around them lay a dozen Overlord’s warriors, defeated.

“Thank you for your help, Seonju.”

“Think nothing of it.”

Seonju, playfully winking with one eye, then cast a fiery gaze at the battlefield.

“What will you do?”

Muhwi looked down at the martial stage. The Overlord’s warriors swarmed like ants around it. The two formations were holding on, but just barely.

“Hold on a little longer! The sect leaders will return!”

“Jinho, don’t overdo it, fall back!”

“But Jinak is severely injured!”

The numerical disadvantage was significant, and the elders, skilled in martial arts, were tied up by the commanders and vice-commanders. The second-generation disciples maintaining the formation were holding on, but most were injured, bleeding as they wielded their swords.

It was a situation that could collapse at any moment.

Mu-hwi brushed his disheveled bangs back and added, “What choice do we have? We’ll have to cut them all down. Will you join me?”

Seon-ju tilted her head slightly, a playful smile on her lips as she looked at Mu-hwi. “You’ll save me if I’m in danger, right?”

Mu-hwi chuckled at her teasing question. “If I were that skilled, I wouldn’t have asked you to join me in the first place.”

“Alright,” she agreed.

With shared laughter, the two leaped off the platform simultaneously.

Swoosh!

Seon-ju, a step ahead of Mu-hwi, unleashed the Thirty-Six Swords of the World, cutting down five warriors in one swift motion, creating space around them.

“Mu-hwi, I’ll make sure to protect you!”

Meanwhile, Mu-hwi, having consumed the Four Poison Elixir, harnessed the inner power of the Celestial Heart Technique, unleashing a relentless flurry of Plum Blossom Sword Qi.

He wielded his sword with unwavering precision, slicing through the air.

The scene resembled a gust of wind scattering plum blossoms from a tree, petals falling in a sudden shower.

Splatter!

Blood sprayed in all directions. It was impossible to tell if the red mist in the air was from the sword’s petals or blood droplets.

The warriors of the Overlord Fortress fell like scarecrows, unable to even scream, drawing all eyes to Mu-hwi and Seon-ju.

“What the—!”

As heads turned, they saw a flash of red and white. A thrust extended into a vertical strike, piercing through the necks of three men in an instant.

Slash!

With each rotation of Mu-hwi’s body, stepping with the Whirling Steps, another head fell like ripe fruit.

“Who is that guy?!”

“Kill that brat first!”

Weapons of all kinds lunged toward Mu-hwi.

Yet, despite the fierce assault, not a single weapon touched his robe.

“Trying to cross over?”

A golden line appeared in front of Mu-hwi, as if warning not to cross it.

Seon-ju swept her sword upward, guarding Mu-hwi’s front.

She deflected the oncoming barrage of weapons, sending a wide arc of sword wind to cut down the warriors of the Overlord Fortress.

“Feels nice having me in front, doesn’t it?”

“Seems like you’re quite at ease.”

“That’s because you’re behind me, Mu-hwi. Don’t worry, I won’t let my guard down. Go wild.”

True to her word, Seon-ju, though not as skilled as Mu-hwi, extended her senses, aware of everything around them.

She often spoke to Mu-hwi, seemingly as a way to ease her tension.

The two advanced, cutting down enemies while exchanging words.

With Seon-ju clearing the path, Mu-hwi simply scattered his Plum Blossom Sword Qi, reaping the lives of the fortress warriors.

Splash!

The ground was now more than just stained red; it was pooling with blood.

Seon-ju sensed the dwindling presence behind them.

‘Was it because it was a duel when we fought? If it were a life-and-death battle, I might have been done for quickly.’

Clang!

Seon-ju parried a blade aimed at her knees and ankles, then split a club descending from above, a chill running down her spine.

The sound of air being sliced and fabric tearing came from behind, accompanied by a sharp wave of energy.

Even without looking, Seon-ju knew.

Mu-hwi never swung his sword in vain. Each strike claimed at least two or three lives.

A sword perfect for cutting down people.

‘A god of death… or perhaps a sword demon?’

Crack!

Mu-hwi snapped a neck with his Plum Blossom Mountain Grip, glancing at Seon-ju as she carved a path.

‘She has a good eye.’

Seon-ju didn’t charge blindly. The warriors seemed haphazardly clustered, but there was a flow to their movements.

Her wide view allowed her to spot weaknesses in the enemy’s formation, advancing two or three steps for every one.

“Mu-hwi, I’m picking up the pace. Can you keep up?”

“Do as you please.”

“Let’s see how this goes.”

Seon-ju quickened her sword and steps by two breaths, and Mu-hwi matched her pace.

Slash!

“Argh!”

“Get out of the way!”

With Seon-ju handling the defense, Mu-hwi could focus solely on offense, making his swordplay even more lethal.

The two moved in sync, swapping positions seamlessly, cutting down the fortress warriors.

‘It’s been a while since I felt this.’

Despite fighting together for the first time, their coordination was remarkably smooth.

Mu-hwi recalled the time he and Hyeon-jo had broken through the battlefield of the Black Night Palace, shoulder to shoulder.

A smile tugged at his lips as he scattered petals in all directions.

Boom!

The overwhelming force of the Overlord Fortress, which had shaken the martial world of Sichuan, was being dismantled by just two late-stage experts.

The deputy leader, who had been fighting alongside the elder of the Mount Hua Sect, paused at the commotion behind them.

“What in the world—”

Before he could finish, a red streak fell like lightning above his head.

The deputy leader was split in two, unable to utter another word.

Reaching the dueling platform, Mu-hwi swiftly cut down a middle-aged man who seemed to be a leader and charged forward.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The elder of the Zhongnan Sect, who had been parrying five swords in succession, noticed something unusual.

‘Hmm?’

A faint shadow of a sword appeared behind the warriors surrounding him.

‘Whirling Steps?’

As the shadow solidified, a blood flower bloomed in the air.

Of the four warriors caught in the Plum Blossom Sword’s path, three fell forward, but the last one, the leader, managed to hold on, staggering as he turned.

Perhaps he wanted to see the face of the one who would take his life.

“You…”

“Impressive tenacity.”

Thud!

Mu-hwi drove his palm into the leader’s face, ending his life without a hint of mercy.

“Elder, are you alright?”

“Yes!”

“I’ve taken care of the leaders and sub-leaders of the other forces. We should have some breathing room now, so please hold on a little longer.”

The number of warriors Mu-hwi and Seon-ju had cut down on their way to the dueling platform might have exceeded those killed in the sword formation.

As Mu-hwi turned, the elder shouted.

“What are you planning?”

“To end the battle, you have to strike the head, don’t you?”

“What? You can’t mean—!”

Mu-hwi was looking toward the forest where Bai Yu had disappeared.

From within, powerful waves of energy were surging as supreme masters clashed.

Lowering his Plum Blossom Sword, Mu-hwi began walking toward the forest.

He intended to end the situation without dragging it out.

End