“I am Mu Hui, the chief disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.”

As Mu Hui introduced himself, not only did Gong Hyun take notice, but the Four Great Guardians behind him also slowly opened their half-closed eyes to take in Mu Hui’s presence.

His forearm, briefly revealed as he clasped his hands in greeting, was rugged yet smooth, like a rock sculpted by a chisel, showcasing his strength. Even a glimpse of his physique beneath his robe suggested that his training surpassed that of the Shaolin monks, who focused primarily on external martial arts.

Mu Hui’s body was not only perfectly trained but also impeccably balanced. However, Gong Hyun and the Four Great Guardians knew that what Mu Hui displayed was merely the surface.

His eyes, deep and unreadable like a waterfall’s hidden pool, seemed to draw one in, threatening to never let go.

“Mu Hui… so you are the famed Sword Demon of Mount Hua.”

“It is an honor that you know the humble nickname of a junior from the martial world.”

Gong Hyun stared intently at Mu Hui before finally breaking into a gentle smile.

“Amitabha. It seems the spirit of the martial world resides in Mount Hua.”

The other martial artists listening to their conversation took Gong Hyun’s words as praise for Mu Hui. But Mu Hui, who met Gong Hyun’s gaze directly, understood that the words were not mere compliments but rather astonishment.

‘Even for a Shaolin monk, reading me is impossible.’

Gong Hyun and the Four Great Guardians extended their senses to gauge Mu Hui’s level, but they all failed. Although they were supreme masters, Mu Hui had also reached the pinnacle of martial arts.

By cultivating his inner energy and with the aid of rare elixirs, Mu Hui’s internal power had surged, and the balance between his mind, energy, and body had been perfected, elevating him to the highest level.

To fully comprehend the aura of a supreme master, one would need to reach the transcendent levels of the martial world’s emperors or kings.

Despite being taken aback by Mu Hui’s extraordinary achievements, Gong Hyun quickly composed himself.

“The reputation of the Sword Demon of Mount Hua has reached even Henan. Seeing you in person, I understand that your accomplishments are a blessing to the martial world. Please continue to strive forward.”

Gong Hyun spoke with a benevolent voice, and Mu Hui responded with a respectful bow.

Gong Hyun was then led inside by a senior disciple, while the martial artists gathered around the mountain gate whispered as they glanced at Mu Hui.

“For the abbot of Shaolin to say such things, it must be the highest praise.”

“Indeed, a prestigious sect is a prestigious sect. It seemed to be declining, but now it’s regaining its strength.”

“We’ve been waiting for you, heroes. I am Mu Jin, the second disciple. Allow me to guide you.”

As Mu Jin introduced himself and led the second disciples, the eyes of the martial world experts sparkled.

“Mu Jin… one of the Mount Hua’s prodigies.”

“Truly impressive. The younger generation of Mount Hua is outstanding.”

The first and second disciples were fully mobilized to guide the guests visiting for the grand martial assembly. Normally, guests would be received individually in the reception hall, but with the line stretching down the mountain steps, it was impossible.

The disciples, thoroughly trained by the reception hall master, were well aware of which guests to escort directly to the main hall and which to guide to their accommodations.

“Hmm… Though overshadowed by the Mount Hua prodigies, the second disciples’ achievements are generally high.”

“Indeed, to walk with such stability at that age, even the Wudang couldn’t match that.”

“Their aura is well-honed. It seems Mount Hua has staked its future on nurturing the second disciples.”

The martial world experts watched the second disciples moving busily within the Mount Hua grounds, offering no shortage of praise.

Though not among the top ranks in the martial world like the Mount Hua prodigies, none were lacking, and the overall level was uniformly high.

Any of the second disciples could be compared to the middle-upper tier disciples of other prestigious sects, which was certainly remarkable.

Even for a prestigious sect, raising the capabilities of all disciples to such a level was nearly impossible.

Yet Mount Hua had accomplished it with apparent ease.

“Indeed, they have hidden strength.”

The martial artists attending the grand assembly couldn’t take their eyes off the second disciples.

Mu Hui, whose senses had become even sharper upon reaching the pinnacle, pretended not to notice but missed none of the reactions around him.

‘With my teaching, this is only natural.’

Mu Hui, who had been chuckling to himself, shifted his gaze to the distant figure of the Namgung family head climbing the steps.

***

Though the grand assembly was meant to discuss the affairs of the martial world, the meeting didn’t commence immediately.

Since most attendees had traveled from afar, a banquet was held on the first day to help them unwind.

The banquet hall, set up in the grand martial arena, was filled with renowned martial experts, sect leaders, and their promising disciples.

The hall was arranged in a square shape, with a slightly elevated stage in the center.

On that stage stood Mu Hui and twenty-three other second disciples.

“Oh, the second disciples are stepping forward instead of the first.”

“Their achievements are impressive. Mount Hua must be confident.”

The martial experts watching had their eyes gleaming with interest.

The grand assembly was not only a place to discuss the martial world’s affairs but also a stage for the host sect to showcase its strength and martial prowess.

Typically, such events featured seasoned masters who represented the sect’s main force, rather than the still-developing younger generation.

The last grand assembly hosted by the Wudang Sect had showcased the Seven Star Sword Formation by the Wudang Seven Swords.

Despite concerns that the martial arts or formations displayed might be analyzed and countered, the host sects continued these demonstrations to show confidence and pride in their martial arts, which had withstood the test of time.

‘Twenty-four? The numbers don’t match for the Six Harmonies Formation or the Plum Blossom Formation.’

Namgung Heo, the head of the Namgung family, pondered as he observed the second disciples on stage.

The Six Harmonies Formation required nine, eighteen, or thirty-six martial artists, while the Plum Blossom Formation required eighteen.

Neither matched the number present.

Most martial experts were aware of this and watched the second disciples on stage with curiosity.

“Formation.”

Mu Hui’s voice, announcing the formation, was calm and serene. Yet the martial experts couldn’t help but widen their eyes.

In the bustling banquet hall, Mu Hui’s quiet voice reached their ears with precision.

“What is this!”

“How can a young disciple’s internal energy be so profound?”

“More than the internal energy itself, isn’t the delicate control even more astonishing?”

Mu Hui’s voice, imbued with deep internal energy, spread through the hall like gentle waves, leaving the martial experts in awe.

Especially the younger disciples experiencing the grand assembly for the first time were even more shocked.

They couldn’t believe that someone of their generation could display such prowess.

Boom!

The twenty-four second disciples stepped in unison, forming a sword formation.

Clang!

As twenty-four plum blossom swords were drawn and pointed in all directions, it was as if flower buds were blooming in the warmth of the sun.

The second disciples, executing the sword formation, all performed the Plum Blossom Sword Technique. Simultaneously, the sword energy scattered like petals.

Suddenly, the stage was showered with springtime blossoms.

The radiant display left everyone in awe.

The formation, initially occupying nine positions, expanded to eighteen, then thirty-six, naturally extending in all directions under Mu Hui’s command.

The martial experts watching the formation unfold couldn’t help but express their admiration.

“It’s like flowers swaying in the wind.”

“Hmm… It’s an unfamiliar yet extraordinary formation.”

“Beyond the formation, the young disciples’ skills are remarkable.”

“Master, did Mount Hua always have such a formation?”

As questions poured in from the surrounding sect leaders and martial experts, Baek Yu simply smiled.

“The elders are in the process of creating a new formation and are teaching it to the second disciples.”

In truth, the initial concept for the formation had come from Mu Hui.

Having never created a formation before, Mu Hui sought the elders’ assistance.

Recognizing its value, the elders had set aside other tasks to refine Mu Hui’s formation.

However, Baek Yu saw no need to mention Mu Hui’s involvement. There was no reason to fully reveal Mu Hui’s capabilities to the martial world.

Rising fame didn’t always bring positive outcomes.

Especially if it became known that he not only excelled in martial arts but also had the talent to create new techniques, it would be even more so.

“Though incomplete, the formation seems superior to any other in the martial world. Does it have a name?”

“It hasn’t been decided yet.”

As Baek Yu answered the questions of the martial arts masters gathered in the banquet hall, the air was filled with the rich scent of plum blossoms. The fragrance was so potent that the noses of the seasoned warriors twitched slightly in response.

Though the plum trees had yet to bloom, the second-generation disciples had reached a level where they could release the sword scent of the Plum Blossom Sword through their internal energy.

Mu Hui watched intently as the disciples executed the sword formation flawlessly, without a single misstep.

“The formation isn’t complete yet, nor is the sword technique. Only when these two are perfected and synchronized will their true power be revealed.”

The new sword formation they were developing could be deployed alongside other techniques, but it would only unleash its full potential when paired with the new sword technique.

“The response seems positive. It’s definitely more promising than the rigid Six Harmonies or Plum Blossom formations.”

Even as he directed the formation, Mu Hui kept a keen eye on the reactions of the martial artists, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

The first-generation disciples hadn’t stepped forward, yet the second-generation disciples were achieving far greater results.

Swish!

“Magnificent!”

“As expected of the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect.”

As the formation concluded and the Plum Blossom Swords were sheathed in unison, applause erupted around the banquet hall, directed at the second-generation disciples, who beamed with pride at their successful demonstration.

***

On the second day of the Grand Martial Assembly, the esteemed martial artists gathered in the main hall after breakfast.

There were the leaders of the Nine Great Schools, the heads of the Three Great Families, and other renowned figures from the orthodox sects.

Baek Yu, seated at the head of the table, rose and offered a respectful gesture to the assembled martial artists.

“Thank you all for traveling from afar to join us for the Grand Martial Assembly.”

The attendees returned the gesture from their seats, acknowledging his words with a nod.

“Let us begin the meeting.”

Just then, the doors of the hall swung open with a bang.

An elderly man strode in, his hair wild and his clothes shabby, yet the aura surrounding him was as fierce as a storm.

“Ah, I’m late, I’m late. My apologies, Sect Leader.”

Despite the solemn gathering of the most influential figures in the martial world, not a single complaint was voiced.

Baek Yu smiled at the old man’s words and gestured to an empty seat.

“Senior Hong, I was beginning to worry you had forgotten about the assembly. Please, take a seat.”

“Heh, the only good thing about getting old is that my status has risen. No one scolds me for being late anymore.”

Hong Sa-myeong, known as the Wind King and the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, moved with such swift grace that even the seasoned martial artists momentarily lost track of him as he took his seat.

“Apologies for my tardiness, juniors.”

“I believe I’ve heard apologies from Master Hong over fifty times now. Amitabha.”

The abbot of the Shaolin Temple, Gong Hyeon, quipped, prompting nods and chuckles from the other martial artists.

The atmosphere was light for a moment, but Hong Sa-myeong, true to his moniker as the Wind King, spoke with unrestrained boldness.

“Listen, juniors. I’ve found the demonic sect.”

His abrupt announcement cut through the air, and the benevolent smile on Gong Hyeon’s face vanished, replaced by a sharp, penetrating gaze. The expressions of the other martial artists also turned serious.

Someone, their voice slightly trembling, asked Hong Sa-myeong, “Senior Wind King, does this mean the demonic sect is rising again?”

“Who taught you? This much is only natural.”

“Do you know who I am?”