The Mount Hua Sect had recently constructed a new training ground, primarily for the second-generation disciples to hone their skills.

Thanks to the support from the Cheonryu Trading Company, Mu Hui had designed the training ground to his liking.

At each corner of the training ground stood a unique sparring platform. These platforms were covered with iron stakes of varying shapes, lengths, widths, and angles.

The second-generation disciples paired up on these platforms, engaging in sparring matches. The rule was simple: never touch the ground. They had to maneuver across the stakes while demonstrating their martial arts.

Unlike the solid ground where they could plant their feet firmly, maintaining any stance on these stakes was a challenge. The disciples had to focus intensely just to keep from losing their balance, let alone attack with their swords.

“Ugh!”

Mu Sang stumbled as he shifted his weight to dodge a sword strike coming from his left. The stake he stepped on was slanted, almost as if it was designed to make him slip.

“Die!”

Seeing an opening in Mu Sang’s defense, Mu Ho’s eyes gleamed as he lunged forward with a fierce thrust.

But Mu Sang was no easy opponent. He swung his plum blossom sword with force, striking the side of a stake. The blade bent as if it might snap.

Thunk!

Releasing the tension in his wrist, Mu Sang used the sword’s rebound to propel himself into the air. He had mastered the technique of using the plum blossom sword to control his movements.

In mid-air, Mu Sang twisted his body and extended his legs, executing the Autumn Shadow Kick.

Thunk!

Using the recoil from kicking the sword’s blade, Mu Sang widened the distance between himself and his opponent, landing lightly on another stake after quickly assessing his surroundings.

“Phew.”

On this stake-filled sparring platform, there was no room for complacency. To execute a proper technique, one had to constantly adjust their center of gravity and memorize the stakes’ positions and shapes.

Despite these challenges, they had to draw out their full martial prowess. It was no easy feat.

The ability to deliver precise strikes and maintain focus while dispersing one’s attention was the primary reason Mu Hui had designed this sparring platform.

“Hmm…”

Observing the disciples’ sparring, Mu Hui moved inward. The new training ground was built against a cliff, with a waterfall cascading down its center.

The Mount Hua Sect called this the Falling Plum Waterfall, named for the plum blossoms that fell with the water from the trees above.

The waterfall was large, and the pool at its base was wide. In the center of this pool stood a large, flat rock, big enough for five people to stand in a line. It seemed to have been gradually worn down by the waterfall over the years.

The disciples referred to this rock as the Dragon Pool Rock.

On top of the Dragon Pool Rock, five disciples were practicing the Plum Blossom Sword Technique against the forceful waterfall.

The pressure of the falling water was strong enough that even the well-trained disciples struggled to maintain their sword paths.

‘The sword paths are stable, but the speed of the strikes is still sluggish.’

Mu Ryun, swinging his sword against the waterfall, felt the cold water sting his face. He continued to strike, observing the relentless flow of water.

Below the Dragon Pool Rock, three others were practicing their swordsmanship underwater. These were the only ones besides Mu Hui who could fully extend their sword techniques even in the waterfall.

‘Still a long way to go.’

Watching the disciples wield their swords underwater, Mu Hui crossed his arms. Practicing against the waterfall and executing techniques underwater were worlds apart.

Every movement in the water differed from those on land, starting with breathing. However, the water’s flow allowed them to feel their movements as if observed by another, providing detailed feedback.

If they could perform the Plum Blossom Sword Technique underwater as they did on land, it would signify significant growth.

“Senior Brother!”

Mu Hui turned at the call from behind, having been watching the disciples train at the waterfall and pool.

“The Sect Leader is looking for you.”

With that, Mu Hui paused his supervision of the disciples and headed straight to the main hall.

Upon entering the hall, he found Baek Yu, as always, personally brewing plum blossom tea for him.

“You called for me, Sect Leader.”

“Come in.”

Baek Yu greeted Mu Hui warmly as he entered. After filling Mu Hui’s cup, Baek Yu took a leisurely sip.

Mu Hui followed suit, savoring the tea in silence. Only after they had emptied their cups did they begin to speak.

“We’ve had several meetings over the past three days with the elders and first-generation disciples. You have been unanimously recommended as the successor to the Sect Leader.”

Traditionally, the Mount Hua Sect held competitions to select the successor, but Mu Hui’s prowess was overwhelming.

All the elders and first-generation disciples had recommended Mu Hui. Even Hyun Baek, Mu Jin’s master, had mentioned him.

There was no need for a competition.

“What do you think?”

Baek Yu asked Mu Hui, feeling a strange sense of nostalgia. He recalled a conversation they had shared alone in the Hall of Harmony.

– I just want to continue what my master started and fill the void he left behind.

Now, Mu Hui was not just filling a void but leading the Mount Hua Sect from the ground up.

The second-generation disciples were united around Mu Hui, more cohesive than any other group. If Mu Hui became the successor, they would shine even brighter.

“I aim to make the Mount Hua Sect the greatest sword sect in the world. To do that, I feel it’s necessary to become the successor, not just remain a senior disciple.”

“The greatest sword sect… It’s a dream that past Sect Leaders of Mount Hua have aspired to but never achieved.”

Baek Yu recalled his own response when he was chosen as the successor.

– I will uphold the honor and chivalry of our predecessors and prove Mount Hua’s supremacy to the martial world.

Looking back, he realized he had once been quite ambitious. Over the years, his youthful fervor and ambition had mostly faded.

Baek Yu nodded, looking into Mu Hui’s calm eyes.

‘I believe you can truly achieve it. I trust you will usher in a new golden age for Mount Hua.’

Having confirmed Mu Hui’s intentions, Baek Yu straightened his posture and spoke.

“Sit in meditation. I will teach you the incantation of the Purple Mist Heart Technique.”

Mu Hui’s eyes sparkled at Baek Yu’s words.

“Purple Mist Unification.”

Baek Yu sealed the hall to prevent any sound from escaping and began imparting the incantation of the Purple Mist Heart Technique.

Mu Hui closed his eyes, immersing himself in the incantation.

The purple mist began to gather in Mu Hui’s dantian.

***

In front of the Jade Maiden Pond, all the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect had gathered.

From the elders to the third-generation disciples, everyone wore attire different from their usual robes or martial uniforms. They were dressed in ornate ceremonial garments.

Centered around the platform in front of the Jade Maiden Pond, the elders, first, second, and third-generation disciples lined up, creating a path leading to the pond.

Boom!

With the sound of a drum, Mu Hui appeared on the path created by the disciples. He wore his usual martial robe, but there was a difference.

The sleeves of Mu Hui’s robe were embroidered with four plum blossoms, not the two that symbolized a second-generation disciple.

In the Mount Hua Sect, only elders or the successor could have four plum blossoms embroidered on their sleeves.

Boom! Boom!

With each beat of the drum, Mu Hui walked toward the Jade Maiden Pond. The four plum blossoms on his sleeves fluttered, asserting their presence.

With the four plum blossoms adorning his arms, Mu Hui knelt before Baek Yu, who awaited him at the platform.

Baek Yu spoke in a solemn voice.

“The successor is a guardian. They protect the chivalry, the disciples, and Mount Hua. Lastly, they must protect themselves, which is why the successor’s sleeves bear four plum blossoms.”

“I will protect it all with my sword.”

At Mu Hui’s resolute response, Baek Yu nodded, and Baek Chun brought forth a jade box.

Baek Yu opened the box and presented it to Mu Hui.

“This is the Purple Elixir.”

Though not as potent as the sect’s greatest elixir, the Purple Mist Elixir, the Purple Elixir was still one of the most esteemed in the martial world.

The Purple Elixir was reserved for promising disciples or the successor. Consuming it was the final step of the ceremony.

“Consume it here.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

Mu Hui sat in meditation and immediately swallowed the Purple Elixir.

A fragrant aroma, reminiscent of plum blossom tea, spread through his mouth.

The hot yet refreshing energy of the Purple Elixir coursed through his meridians, spreading throughout his body.

As Mu Hui began to circulate his energy, all the disciples gathered at the Jade Maiden Pond moved quietly.

The elders, led by Baek Yu, formed a tight defensive formation around Mu-hwi. Following their lead, the first, second, and third-generation disciples created another layer of protection, encircling the elders.

Every disciple of the Hwasan Sect was positioned to safeguard Mu-hwi, forming a protective barrier around him.

Even as he focused on his breathing exercises, Mu-hwi could feel their presence.

“So, the journey of a sect leader begins with being protected.”

Mu-hwi was shielded by those he would one day protect.

Even the winds that had been persistently blowing seemed to have paused, as if to ensure nothing disturbed Mu-hwi’s concentration.

“Is this what it means to be protected?”

Mu-hwi slowly retracted his senses, which had been extended in all directions.

For the first time in his life, he felt a profound sense of peace and security during his breathing exercises, so much so that he saw no need to remain on guard.

He redirected all his mental focus into harnessing the effects of the Jasodan, concentrating solely on storing its energy within his core.

In this moment, Mu-hwi felt truly at home in Hwasan.

***

“The Sword Demon has become the sect leader of the Hwasan Sect.”

Mu-hwi murmured to himself as he poured a drink over Hyunjo’s grave.

It had been a while since he last visited, and the plum saplings he had planted around the grave had grown robustly.

“I’ve mastered the Jahasim technique that even you couldn’t. The creation of a new sword technique is progressing smoothly. I’m busier than ever, while you rest here in peace.”

Gently caressing Hyunjo’s grave, Mu-hwi gripped his plum blossom sword.

“Let me show you.”

With a resonant hum, Mu-hwi’s sword began to vibrate, its blade singing softly as it moved.

The swordplay he demonstrated was unlike any technique of the Hwasan Sect—a new, unfinished creation.

Mu-hwi was sharing this with Hyunjo.

As he began to channel his inner energy, the sword’s aura scattered, not in the usual red and white, but in a brilliant, ethereal shade of violet.

The sword traced arcs in the air, painting a violet sunset across the sky, even though it was still early in the day.

Thanks to the effects of the Jasodan, Mu-hwi had reached a new level of mastery in the Jahasim technique.

A rich, elegant scent of plum blossoms filled the air around him, more intense than ever before.

The tip of his sword trembled, sketching intricate lines in the air, which seemed to come alive, forming petals and stamens.

A single plum blossom bloomed in the sky, its radiant violet hue surrounded by a faint shimmer of red and white.

“You only wished to revive the Hwasan Sect. But I want to go further and make it the greatest sword sect in the world.”

As Mu-hwi’s sword traced a graceful arc, it transformed into a branch from which violet plum blossoms began to bloom profusely.

“Watch from here. I’ll make the violet plum blossoms bloom across the martial world.”

***

The Hwasan Sect’s gates were bustling with activity.

Martial artists from all over the land had gathered for the grand assembly hosted by the Hwasan Sect.

The second-generation disciples were stationed around the entrance, guiding the guests as they arrived.

“It’s the Shaolin!”

“The abbot of Shaolin, Master Gonghyeon!”

All eyes were on the Shaolin abbot, Gonghyeon, as he ascended the mountain with the Four Great Guardians in tow.

“Welcome, Master Gonghyeon. I am Malhak, a junior of the Hwasan Sect.”

Gonghyeon nodded at the young disciple who greeted him with a respectful bow.

Even from the way the disciple carried himself and the look in his eyes, Gonghyeon could tell he was no ordinary young man.

Naturally, Gonghyeon took an interest in the disciple who had welcomed him.

“Amita Buddha, who might you be, young one?”

“I am Mu-hwi, the sect leader’s disciple of the Hwasan Sect.”