A massive silhouette emerged from the shadows, resembling a bear standing on its hind legs. It was Mucheol, the most robust of the second disciples.

“Did you know?”

Mucheol’s face was as expressionless as ever, but his eyelids had lifted slightly—a subtle sign of surprise. He was well aware of the martial arts gap between Muhwi and Musan, which made his astonishment even greater.

“Hiding in the shadows doesn’t suit your size. What’s going on?”

“I happened to see those two heading this way.”

Mucheol had been moving suspiciously, glancing around in the dead of night. The fact that their destination was Muhwi’s secluded hut made it all the more curious.

As Mucheol approached Muhwi, his eyes held a look of wonder.

“I never expected you to defeat Musan.”

Mucheol had been ready to intervene if Musan seemed poised to harm Muhwi under the guise of a spar. But when Muhwi decisively defeated Musan, Mucheol could hardly believe his eyes.

‘And that Six Harmonies Sword technique…’

The sword path Muhwi displayed was anything but ordinary. It was a simple straight line, yet it was beautiful. No one, not even the second disciples, could replicate such a line. His focus, initially on Musan, had shifted to Muhwi’s wooden sword, unable to look away.

“Were you hiding your skills all this time?”

“Let’s just say that.”

Though Mucheol seemed to misunderstand, Muhwi saw no need to correct him. Mucheol nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

“Then I’ll be on my way.”

As Mucheol turned to leave, Muhwi watched his broad back disappear into the night. In his dreams, Mucheol had always been a curious fellow.

The second disciples fell into two categories: those who treated Muhwi with a respectful distance and those who subtly mocked him. Mucheol belonged to neither group, often offering quiet support. Perhaps he was the only one on Muhwi’s side.

Mucheol, known for his indifference and stoic demeanor, was like a living statue. His unexpected support was puzzling, even to Muhwi, who had benefited from it.

‘At least I have one reliable ally.’

If anyone else had seen Musan and Muho, would they have followed them to the hut? Mucheol’s concern and goodwill towards Muhwi made such a scenario possible.

“If you hit a wall in your training, come to me. I’ll help.”

Mucheol paused briefly at Muhwi’s murmured words before continuing on his way. Once Mucheol vanished into the darkness, Muhwi picked up his wooden sword again. The night was deep, and the moonlight grew colder, but Muhwi felt a strong urge to continue practicing.

Recalling Musan’s performance of the Ten Fragrance Sword, Muhwi began to mimic it slowly. The wooden sword, which had been piercing through the various directions of the Six Harmonies, now incorporated the unpredictable movements of the Ten Fragrance Sword.

Straight lines, diagonal cuts, and curves flowed seamlessly. The wooden sword moved without hesitation, and the addition of the Six Harmonies’ directions made the variations even richer.

‘I should visit the training hall again.’

The wooden sword danced more vibrantly through the layers of moonlight.

* * *

At dawn, in the training grounds.

“So, you ended up getting beaten by the senior disciple?”

Muho and Musan, heads bowed, were met with disbelief from Muryun.

“The senior disciple isn’t who we thought he was. He’s changed.”

“Muryun, it seems we shouldn’t act rashly. The senior disciple now is not the same as before…”

Muho trailed off, noticing the deepening frown on Muryun’s face as he tried to suggest that Muhwi was now fit for the role of senior disciple.

‘What nonsense.’

Muryun struggled to contain his anger, thinking the two were exaggerating Muhwi’s abilities to excuse their failure.

“Enough. Go prepare for the morning training.”

Muryun waved them off as he saw Mujin approaching.

“Good morning, Mujin.”

“Yes, good morning. But what’s wrong with Musan? His walk seems odd.”

“Well, you see…”

Listening to Muryun’s account, Mujin sighed. It was surprising enough that Musan had been beaten, but their actions were even more troubling.

“I’ll have to reprimand those two later.”

“Why is that?”

“There’s a difference between harboring thoughts and acting on them. And why do this behind the scenes? It’s embarrassing.”

Mujin’s unexpected scolding made Muryun blush slightly.

“Even if the senior disciple rises, I can still surpass him with my skills.”

“I’m sorry, Mujin. I shouldn’t have…”

Mujin patted Muryun’s shoulder reassuringly before turning away. The second disciples were gathering, and morning training was about to begin.

‘But how did the senior disciple defeat Musan? Was he hiding his skills all along?’

Regardless, Mujin couldn’t imagine losing to Muhwi. From the moment he joined the sect, Mujin had aimed for the position of head disciple, training fiercely to become the most skilled among the second disciples.

‘In the end, I will be the head disciple, senior.’

Mujin glanced at Muhwi, who stood on the platform, lightly touching his wooden sword. Muhwi’s gaze swept over the assembled disciples with a newfound ease.

Perhaps it was the news of Muhwi’s victory over Musan, but Mujin sensed not just ease but a solid confidence in Muhwi’s eyes.

‘Can a person change so much overnight? Was he hiding his true self? What is it?’

Mujin, along with the other disciples, watched Muhwi with curiosity. Muhwi stood confidently, one hand resting naturally on his hip.

‘The senior disciple is actually meeting our eyes.’

‘Just by straightening his back and shoulders, he looks like a different person.’

For the first time, Muhwi stood on the platform as the senior disciple. The disciples listened intently, curious about what he would say.

Muhwi’s lips parted, and the second disciples couldn’t believe their ears.

“From now on, morning training will focus solely on the Six Harmonies Sword.”

The disciples exchanged bewildered glances, confirming they hadn’t misheard. As they stood in stunned silence, Muhwa raised his hand, his sideburns swaying.

“Senior disciple, is there a reason we’re returning to the Six Harmonies Sword? We’ve been practicing it for a long time.”

Upon entering the sect, disciples become part of the third group and begin their training at the Spring Plum Pavilion, where they study various texts to build the necessary foundation as members of the sect.

During their time at the pavilion, they focus on three core martial arts:

The Six Harmonies Sword (육합검)

The Six Harmonies Mind Technique (육합심법)

The Nine Palaces Step (구궁보)

No other techniques are taught, ensuring a solid foundation through these basic skills.

Orthodox martial arts are about enlightenment. When faced with a wall, one must sweat and ponder to gain insight, overcoming or breaking through the obstacle.

It’s like building a tall stone tower, one stone at a time.

In this process, the harsh storm of inner demons can strike unexpectedly, threatening to topple the tower of the mind.

Thus, building a foundation that remains unshaken by any inner demon is crucial.

“Muhwa, are you saying you’ve perfected your foundation with the Six Harmonies Sword? Are you confident?”

Muhwi’s question left Muhwa speechless. As Muhwa fell silent, Muhwi turned his gaze to the others.

“What do the rest of you think?”

No one answered. Even Mujin, the most skilled among them, couldn’t claim to have perfected his foundation. So, they waited quietly for Muhwi’s next words.

“You all want to quickly learn the next techniques, to move on to advanced martial arts and make your swords bloom with plum blossoms.”

“Are you saying that’s wrong, senior disciple?”

For the first time, Mujin spoke up.

The sect is known for its swordsmen who make flowers bloom with their blades. As disciples of the sect, it was natural to aspire to make plum blossoms bloom with their swords.

After all, the plum blossom is the symbol of the sect.

“Enjoy the scent of the plum blossom, but don’t become intoxicated by it. You’re too fixated on the blossom.”

As Muhwi spoke, he looked at each disciple in turn. Some flinched, feeling a chill as if a sharp blade was pointed at them.

“When did the plum blossom become the foundation of our sect? Mujin, tell me, what is the foundation of our martial arts?”

“The Six Harmonies…”

Mujin replied, a bit dazed, realizing what the senior disciple was getting at.

“The plum blossom is merely the manifestation of the Six Harmonies. Yet, you’re so dazzled by its beauty that you’ve discarded the essence and are chasing after the shell.”

In martial arts, the most important elements are intent and thought. These are the foundation of martial arts.

In martial arts, every gesture and step carries meaning. If the essence of martial arts is lost, the significance of each move changes, and its interpretation shifts.

What was once a necessary technique becomes unnecessary, and naturally, the form and style transform.

As a result, the martial art either regresses or becomes something entirely different from what it once was.

Many renowned sects in the martial world have quietly disappeared through such processes, and it’s not a rare occurrence.

“Disciples, infuse your swordplay with the essence of the Six Harmonies, not the plum blossom. Then, the Six Harmonies will naturally flourish.”

The second-generation disciples looked at Muhwi with newfound respect as he calmly offered his advice.

“Have I been practicing martial arts incorrectly all this time?”

“Is our senior brother really capable of teaching us like this?”

“Maybe he should be the one leading our training.”

Though it was just a few words, it felt as if they were receiving guidance from elders far above their senior brother.

Muhwi drew the wooden sword from his waist and held it lightly, lowering it to his side.

“The Six Harmonies Sword is both the foundation and the essence. Do I need to explain further? If not, grab your wooden swords.”

As soon as Muhwi finished speaking, the second-generation disciples eagerly reached for their wooden swords.

All except one.

Muryun, who stood still without reaching for a sword, glanced at Musan and Muho beside him.

“If you can’t do it, I will.”

Muhwi, observing Muryun closely, twisted his upper lip.

“It seems more explanation is needed, Muryun.”

At this, Mujin, who was holding a wooden sword in the front row, turned his head slightly to look at the motionless Muryun.

“Muryun, what are you thinking?”

Acknowledging Muhwi’s call, Muryun bowed his head slightly.

“I’ve listened well to your teachings, senior brother. But as I listened, a question arose.”

“Go on.”

“Given the importance of the Six Harmonies Sword training, I wonder if it’s appropriate for you to oversee our practice. As everyone knows, your martial arts…”

Thud.

Muhwi swung his wooden sword, striking the platform.

Startled by Muhwi’s sudden action, Muryun fell silent.

“Are you saying my martial arts are too lacking to teach? Then let me prove otherwise.”

Pointing the wooden sword at Muryun, Muhwi nodded.

“Step onto the platform. Right now.”

As Muryun began to move, he caught a glimpse of Muhwi’s face and hesitated.

“What is this?”