The secret manual that fell from Jeonjin Gwaegeom’s possession was wrapped in two layers: one of oiled paper and the other of a peculiar yellow parchment.

The outer paper bore the marks of a plum blossom sword piercing through, but it was so thin that it didn’t seem to hinder reading the manual.

Once the two layers were peeled away, two books were revealed: an unnamed, nondescript tome and another titled “The Great Celestial Scripture.”

Mu-hui muttered to himself as he noticed a talisman tucked between the two manuals.

“A talisman, huh…”

Wandering martial artists like Jeonjin Gwaegeom, who had no fixed abode, often carried important items like manuals with them or hid them in places known only to themselves. Some martial artists preferred to keep such treasures close to their bodies, believing they might save their lives one day.

Though Mu-hui couldn’t discern the talisman’s purpose, he suspected Jeonjin Gwaegeom had similar beliefs.

“The Great Celestial Scripture. A martial arts manual.”

The Great Celestial Scripture contained the martial arts of the Jeonjin sect that Jeonjin Gwaegeom had mastered. Techniques like the Taehomu Spirit Technique, Taehocheon Thunder Sword, Heoheojam Shadow Step, and Hamheocheong Palm were all included. If the existence of this manual became known, it would undoubtedly cause a stir in the martial world.

“I see some things worth extracting.”

Mu-hui quickly flipped through the Great Celestial Scripture, contemplating. Typically, a martial artist who acquired such a manual would ponder whether to learn from it or abandon it, depending on their circumstances. It might be too late in life to learn new techniques, or the new skills might conflict with those already mastered. Moreover, if the techniques were too advanced, one might lack the talent to learn them, making the effort futile.

The level of the Great Celestial Scripture was precisely that high. However, Mu-hui didn’t need to worry about such things. He could simply extract what he needed without mastering the entire manual, a skill honed from his past life as a sword demon.

‘The Taehomu Spirit Technique. It’s a martial art worthy of being called a divine skill.’

With eyes wide open, Mu-hui committed the Great Celestial Scripture to memory, focusing particularly on the Taehomu Spirit Technique. While the other techniques were supreme arts in the martial world, they weren’t essential to master. But the Taehomu Spirit Technique was different. It was worth delving into deeply, not just skimming for insights.

‘The Taehomu Spirit Technique is rooted in Daoism, so it doesn’t clash with the Jahasim Technique. In fact, they complement each other well.’

However, mastering both techniques simultaneously was not feasible.

‘Jaha and Taehomu. These are supreme techniques. They can’t be simply combined by stringing together formulas.’

Usually, when Mu-hui looked at martial arts, he could see how to weave and complement them. But with Jaha and Taehomu, no solution came to mind. Even for Mu-hui, who had combined and redefined countless martial arts, this was a boundary he couldn’t yet cross. But he couldn’t easily let go of this ambition.

‘If I succeed, it might give birth to a supreme skill like Shaolin’s Great Victory Divine Skill or Wudang’s Yangyi Divine Skill.’

Though Mu-hui’s head felt hot with contemplation, he knew he wouldn’t find an answer immediately. It was something to ponder further later.

“And this one.”

Deciding to thoroughly study the Great Celestial Scripture before returning to the Huashan sect, Mu-hui picked up the unnamed tome. As he examined it, his eyebrows furrowed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a martial arts manual.

‘The history of the Jeonjin sect… Journals recorded by past leaders?’

Recalling Jeonjin Gwaegeom, Mu-hui flipped to the back of the book. Unlike the peaceful content at the front, the back was filled with records of deaths and the destruction of sects.

– Half of the 108 Arhats have died, and the Wudang sect’s main temple was burned. In the final battlefield, the righteous sects must unite their remaining strength, and our sect must also give its all. We must prevent the severing of our martial lineage in case of unforeseen events.

Though many records were left, there was no mention of Jeonjin’s sacrifices, despite leading a war against the demonic forces of Marongrim alongside Jeonjin, Shaolin, and Wudang.

“I wonder what that old man saw to spout such nonsense.”

Shaking his head, Mu-hui closed the book, deciding to examine it more thoroughly later. He stood up.

***

Mu-hui sent a message to the Huashan sect about capturing Jeonjin Gwaegeom and leisurely made his way through Shaanxi, studying the Great Celestial Scripture. There was no rush to return to Huashan, so he took his time exploring the region.

Before ascending Huashan, he planned to drink to his heart’s content and commit the Great Celestial Scripture to memory. While enjoying noodles and dumplings with rice wine at an inn, a middle-aged man entered.

The man, wearing a blue martial robe with a black cloak, lifted his bamboo hat slightly to survey the inn before fixing his gaze on Mu-hui and approaching.

“Excuse me, young hero. May I join you?”

Mu-hui glanced around. The inn was empty except for him, with plenty of available seats. Yet, the middle-aged man insisted on joining him.

Observing the man, Mu-hui nodded.

“Please, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

The man placed his travel bag and sword on the table and sat down. Removing his bamboo hat revealed his face, framed by graying hair. His features were gentle and soft, but scars hinted at a life of hardship, giving him a strong yet kind appearance.

‘Those eyes.’

Despite a seemingly rough life, his eyes were clear, like a pristine lake, untouched by the world’s troubles. Such eyes were rare, seen only in children or enlightened monks and sages.

“Looks like you’ve been through quite a bit.”

While Mu-hui studied the man’s eyes, the man was examining Mu-hui’s overall appearance. Noticing Mu-hui’s tattered robe, he commented, to which Mu-hui simply smiled.

“It wasn’t much trouble. These wounds aren’t worth worrying about.”

Despite Mu-hui’s nonchalant response, the man gave a wry smile.

“To think a young junior had to step in, it’s shameful for a senior of the martial world. I’ll drink three cups as a penalty.”

Did they know each other? Despite not exchanging names, their conversation flowed smoothly.

“By all means.”

Mu-hui filled the man’s cup without hesitation. Normally, a junior would refuse such an offer, but Mu-hui didn’t hesitate, which amused the man.

After downing the three cups, the man wiped his mouth with his sleeve and asked, “Since I’ve taken my penalty, shall we introduce ourselves?”

“There’s no need for introductions. I think we both know who the other is.”

Mu-hui’s smile deepened the man’s crow’s feet.

“It’s an honor to meet the renowned Huashan Sword Demon.”

“Mu-hui of the Huashan sect greets Senior Kang Ho-baek.”

Kang Ho-baek, known as the Hero of the Rivers and Lakes, returned Mu-hui’s salute with a respectful nod.

Kang Ho-baek filled Mu-hui’s cup and asked, “Was Jeonjin Gwaegeom strong?”

“He seemed to have reached the pinnacle of martial arts. If left unchecked, he might have become another ruler.”

“So, you defeated a master who could have become a new ruler?”

Mu-hui nodded, not bothering with false modesty.

“Recently, many promising young talents have emerged, making the future of the martial world exciting.”

“Are you referring to the Six Dragons?”

Kang Ho-baek shook his head firmly.

“I’m not interested in young talents who are merely strong. There are plenty of those.”

“Then which young talents do you mean?”

“There’s Arang Sword Dokgo Yul and Golden River Sword Seon-ju. Though different in style, they consistently help the weak and punish the wicked.”

Listening to Kang Ho-baek, Mu-hui’s lips twitched slightly. He found it amusing that Seon-ju had earned the nickname Golden River Sword. It seemed Seon-ju was gaining experience smoothly through his chivalrous deeds.

“I suppose you know them well.”

“Yes, I’m acquainted with both.”

“Then there’s no need for further explanation. Besides them, there’s also the South Sea Wave Sword.”

“The South Sea Wave Sword? Is he a disciple of the Hainan Sword Sect?”

The Hainan Sword Sect, located on Hainan Island at the southernmost tip of the martial world, was a sect with a long history. Occasionally, its disciples would make waves in the martial world, so the sect was well-known.

“Yes, the South Sea Wave Sword is currently on a Nine Break Journey.”

The term “Nine Break Journey” was unfamiliar to Mu-hui, who tilted his head in curiosity.

“What is the Gu Pa Challenge?”

“It’s nothing too complicated. Simply put, it’s a challenge to all the sects of the Nine Schools.”

It was a tradition for disciples of the Hae Nam Sword Sect to challenge renowned martial arts schools whenever they ventured into the martial world, showcasing their skills.

And now, a disciple known as Namhae Pakeom had issued a challenge to the Nine Schools, the pillars of the orthodox sects.

This meant that even the Huashan Sect was included in Namhae Pakeom’s challenge.

“Namhae Sword Sect, huh… It’s too far south for me to have seen their sword techniques. I’m curious.”

The prospect of witnessing a new sword technique was always exciting. With a glint in his eye, Mu-hui asked eagerly, “How is Namhae Pakeom’s challenge going?”

“Quite smoothly. He’s already defeated disciples from five of the Nine Schools: Wudang, Qingcheng, Emei, Kongtong, and even one of the Six Dragons, Jeon Unbiryong. Next, he’s set to challenge Shaolin.”

“Now that’s interesting.”

Judging by the order, it seemed Namhae Pakeom was making his way north, toppling each school he encountered.

If he managed to defeat Shaolin, the next in line would naturally be Huashan and Zhongnan.

Watching Mu-hui’s growing smile, Kang Ho-baek couldn’t help but grin as well.

“When I tell this story, disciples from the Nine Schools usually get anxious, but not you. Are you that confident? After all, you did defeat Jeon Jin Gwaegeom.”

“I don’t think I’ll lose.”

Kang Ho-baek chuckled at Mu-hui’s confident reply. Who would believe that a young prodigy had reached such a pinnacle?

“Haha! I like your spirit. Your reputation precedes you, and now that I’ve spoken with you, I’m even more intrigued.”

Kang Ho-baek, amused by Mu-hui’s self-assured gaze, reached for the wine bottle.

He poured wine into Mu-hui’s cup, and Mu-hui’s eyes twinkled as he held it.

As Kang Ho-baek filled the cup, it grew heavier with the internal energy he infused into the wine.

Though only the bottom of the cup was filled, it weighed more than an average sword.

To contain such dense energy in just a few drops of wine showed the level of Kang Ho-baek’s mastery.

If left unchecked, the cup would shatter before it was fully filled.

Mu-hui began channeling his own energy into the cup, counterbalancing the weight.

Sensing Mu-hui’s energy enveloping the cup, Kang Ho-baek watched with interest as he slowly tilted the bottle.

The sound of the wine pouring was unusually loud, echoing throughout the tavern.

Before long, the cup was filled to the brim.

The cup remained intact, and Mu-hui held it steady, unfazed by the energy it contained.

Kang Ho-baek let out a small exclamation of admiration.

Mu-hui then downed the wine in one swift motion, causing Kang Ho-baek’s eyes to widen slightly.

“Impressive!”

Even though it wasn’t an aggressive outpouring of energy, it was still a foreign energy. Just having a different internal energy enter one’s body could be problematic, especially when it was as densely packed as this.

Even seasoned masters could suffer internal injuries from just one cup of this wine.

Yet Mu-hui drank it all in one go and remained as composed as ever.

“Delicious wine,” Mu-hui remarked casually, prompting Kang Ho-baek to chuckle.

“Your achievements are truly remarkable.”

Mu-hui nodded, feigning modesty. “Perhaps I’ve had too much to drink. I’m feeling a bit dizzy. How about a walk? What do you say?”

Kang Ho-baek looked at Mu-hui for a moment before bursting into laughter and nodding.

“Sounds good. It’s been a while since I’ve met a junior I like. A night stroll with you doesn’t sound bad at all.”

Kang Ho-baek stood up, naturally grabbing the sword he had rested on the table.

The two men left the tavern, walking shoulder to shoulder.

“Delicious wine,” Mu-hui repeated, as they stepped into the night.

“And what, then, is chivalry?”