Im Su-ryeon took a moment to steady her breath as she watched Mu-hui exude an air of calm confidence.

“I heard the rumors that you defeated the infamous Jeonjin Gwaegeom. I must admit, I was surprised.”

Im Su-ryeon and her subordinates had anticipated Mu-hui’s growth, but the news of Jeonjin Gwaegeom’s defeat far exceeded their expectations.

Moreover, the rumors were accompanied by tales of the elders of the Hwasan Sect and the appearance of a mysterious figure, making it hard to believe that Mu-hui had single-handedly taken down Jeonjin Gwaegeom.

The source of the rumors was the Hwasan Sect, and there were no eyewitnesses. Thus, Im Su-ryeon assumed Mu-hui had played a significant role in the event, but not the sole one.

“My subordinates think the rumors are exaggerated, but seeing your confidence, it seems they might be true.”

Mu-hui nodded, and Im Su-ryeon’s composed demeanor showed a hint of excitement.

Her reaction was understandable. Many martial artists who encountered Mu-hui upon entering the Martial Alliance shared her thoughts.

“Everyone will know at the upcoming Cheonmu Tournament why Jeonjin Gwaegeom fell by my hand.”

Mu-hui’s voice brimmed with confidence, and Im Su-ryeon could only nod in agreement.

“Yes, I’ll be watching closely.”

“By the way, what brings you to the Martial Alliance?”

“The Cheonryu Trading Company has also pledged support to the Martial Alliance. My second brother and I have been handling this task.”

The scale of the Martial Alliance’s construction was beyond what even the most prestigious sects could achieve alone. Naturally, it required the backing of the top trading companies.

“I see. So, your second brother was the one trying to pull a fast one on me?”

Im Su-ryeon didn’t respond, but a cold glint briefly flashed in her half-closed eyes.

“Now that I’m here, I’ll ensure you have nothing to worry about. Just focus on the Cheonmu Tournament.”

“Hmm… You handle things quite efficiently.”

“It’s a position I must earn with my abilities. I won’t ask for help unless it’s beyond my capabilities.”

Im Su-ryon’s firm words displayed a strength that few men could emulate, and Mu-hui simply nodded in acknowledgment. Trying to lighten the mood, Im Su-ryon relaxed her expression slightly and asked, “Is there anything else the Hwasan Sect needs recently?”

Mu-hui responded immediately, “Would it be possible to acquire some celestial silk?”

He hesitated slightly, having already requested another rare elixir from Im Su-ryon before leaving Hwasan.

“Celestial silk, you say?”

Celestial silk, spun from silkworms imbued with spiritual energy, was considered a mystical material. It could withstand blades, resist fire, and was waterproof. While it could be cut by a master swordsman, it was not easily torn. Its light weight made garments crafted from it akin to wearing armor.

“Though celestial silk is rare and expensive, it’s easier to obtain than some elixirs. After all, sixty percent of the celestial silk in the martial world comes from the Cheonryu Trading Company.”

“Sixty percent? Even for a top trading company, that’s impressive… Do you raise the silkworms yourselves?”

Seeing Mu-hui’s surprise, Im Su-ryon couldn’t help but smile slightly. “I can’t reveal our trade secrets, but it’s nice to see you surprised.”

She stifled her laughter and resumed her businesslike demeanor. “I assume you intend to make clothing from the celestial silk. Judging by your past requests, it won’t be just one or two garments.”

One or two wouldn’t be an issue, but Mu-hui’s requests were never modest. Even with the Cheonryu Trading Company’s substantial stock, acquiring enough celestial silk for multiple garments was a significant burden.

Im Su-ryon spoke calmly, her eyes betraying a hint of unease as she looked at Mu-hui, who feigned indifference.

“Ahem.”

Mu-hui didn’t plan to outfit all his disciples with celestial silk robes. However, he intended to equip members of new groups like the Wudang Seven Swords and the Eighteen Arhats with them.

‘Have I been asking for too much?’

Sensing Im Su-ryon’s concern, Mu-hui offered a wry smile. “If it’s too much to ask, feel free to disregard it.”

“No, it’s fine. I was the one who first offered to invest in you and the Hwasan Sect. Just understand that it will take some time.”

Seeing Im Su-ryon’s slightly weary smile, Mu-hui couldn’t help but bow his head.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not at the moment. Besides, your continued success is already a great help to me.”

The Cheonryu Trading Company’s leader had given the heirs a task, and Mu-hui was the most prominent figure among those they had recruited. While some candidates had already stagnated or faltered, Mu-hui’s reputation continued to soar, boosting Im Su-ryon’s standing as well.

“In that case, I’ll do my best at the Cheonmu Tournament. Perhaps I’ll even take down your second brother’s champion.”

Im Su-ryon’s previously lifeless smile began to regain its vigor.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Watching her faint smile, Mu-hui couldn’t help but mirror it with a wry grin.

‘I’ll have to repay her someday. I feel like I’m taking advantage of her like a bandit.’

***

The Grand Plaza of the Martial Alliance.

At the center of the plaza stood nine martial stages, surrounded by spectator seats. The massive venue was designed to accommodate martial artists from all over the world who had gathered for the Martial Alliance’s inauguration.

The seats, including the prestigious ones reserved for renowned sect leaders, were all filled, except for one—the seat of the Martial Alliance Leader.

At that moment, a group of martial artists entered the plaza.

Each individual’s aura was sharp and well-honed, making it clear they were not to be underestimated.

“Who are they?”

“They must be masters with quite a reputation.”

The spectators couldn’t take their eyes off the martial artists, who wore pristine white uniforms with the word “Eui-cheon” embroidered on their chests.

They were the Eui-cheon Corps, the elite guards of the Martial Alliance Leader.

Leading the Eui-cheon Corps by three steps was a man in a black martial robe and a resplendent gold cloak, incongruously wearing a worn bamboo hat.

Yet, no one commented on his attire, as the combination of his luxurious robe and the faded hat and scabbard created a unique harmony.

It was as if he embodied both a wandering hero and a leader above all.

‘Is this the aura of a true hero?’

Mu-hui watched as Gang Ho-baek, commanding the attention of all the martial artists, confidently ascended to the highest seat in the plaza.

Neither too fast nor too slow, Gang Ho-baek climbed the steps to the platform with steady steps. The renowned sect leaders and masters in the prestigious seats rose to greet him with silent respect.

Once at the top, Gang Ho-baek turned to face the crowd, his gaze falling on the silver ceremonial robe.

After a moment, he turned back to the audience, feeling the weight of countless eyes upon him.

“The reason the leader’s seat is so high is to see far and wide, just as I am now looking at all of you.”

Gang Ho-baek’s voice, imbued with inner strength, filled the plaza, making the atmosphere feel heavier.

As he spoke, the plaza fell silent, everyone focused on his words.

“What can a mere wanderer like me do? As a leader, my role is to see broadly and carry the weight of the Martial Alliance from the ground up.”

Having roamed the martial world, Gang Ho-baek spoke naturally, unbound by formalities.

“So, I urge all of you gathered here to cast off any burdens and step forward. In the martial world, let your skills shine for the sake of justice and righteousness. This is our martial world and the reason we gather here.”

Listening to Gang Ho-baek, Mu-hui nodded in understanding.

“So that’s what it means.”

He had thought the Martial Alliance was simply a gathering of many sects and people, or a means to protect the martial world from external threats. But Gang Ho-baek seemed to have a different vision.

A place where justice and righteousness thrived.

Even if these ideals faded from the martial world over time, the Martial Alliance would remain a bastion for them—a small martial world within itself.

Gang Ho-baek’s words revealed his vision for the Martial Alliance and how he intended to lead it.

“As the leader of the Martial Alliance, I vow to stand at the forefront, at the highest point, and at the very bottom of the martial world.”

Gang Ho-baek’s self-reference shifted from a mere wanderer to the leader of the Martial Alliance.

The leader of the martial alliance, Kang Ho-baek, slowly removed the bamboo hat from his head and gently placed it on the ground.

The sunlight, soft as silk, illuminated Kang Ho-baek’s face, allowing everyone in the audience to see him clearly.

“I am Kang Ho-baek, leader of the martial alliance.”

Kang Ho-baek folded his hands and bowed slowly to the crowd. His poised and commanding presence left everyone speechless.

“We greet the leader of the martial alliance!”

Thud!

With a shout from the head of the Eui-cheon Corps, the entire unit, waiting below the platform, dropped to one knee and saluted in unison.

“Wow!”

“We greet the leader!”

“We pay our respects to the leader of the martial alliance!”

Following the Eui-cheon Corps’ lead, even the stiff-necked heads of the prestigious martial families bowed their heads in respect, and the martial artists gathered in the audience followed suit, shouting their greetings.

“Winning hearts isn’t just a matter of intellect.”

Watching this, Jegal Jin, the head of the Jegal family, nodded in agreement, a slight smile playing on his lips.

The original plan was for Kang Ho-baek to deliver a grand and fiery speech written by Jegal Jin.

However, Kang Ho-baek had refused, choosing instead to speak from the heart.

Now, Jegal Jin realized that Kang Ho-baek’s few words had pierced the hearts of the martial artists far more deeply and sharply than his lengthy speech ever could.

“Sometimes, complex strategies and formations are simpler and easier to understand than people. I must strive harder.”

Despite the wry smile on his face, Jegal Jin signaled to the martial artists standing by.

“Let the Cheonryong Tournament begin.”

As the military officer of the martial alliance, Jegal Jin’s duties were just beginning.

It was his responsibility to ensure that all events proceeded smoothly until the opening ceremony of the martial alliance concluded.

***

Boom!

A milky white energy surged, but it only managed to overturn the floor of the martial stage in vain.

Meanwhile, a dark shadow darted across the stage.

“What is that footwork from the disciple of the Mount Hua Sect?”

“Is it the Illusory Step? No, it’s something different.”

Martial artists witnessing Amhyangpyo for the first time widened their eyes, trying not to miss Mu-hwa’s movements.

At the end of the dark shadow Mu-hwa created, a long red line trailed behind.

Soon, petals began to scatter across the stage.

The stage was awash with red and white light.

“Gasp!”

The dizzying diagonal lines and the mesmerizing swordplay left the young monk from the Shaolin Sect increasingly disoriented.

Seizing the opportunity, Mu-hwa tripped the staggering monk and pointed the Plum Blossom Sword at his throat.

“Stop! The winner is Mu-hwa of the Mount Hua Sect!”

At the judge’s declaration, Mu-hwa withdrew the Plum Blossom Sword, his cheeks twitching with emotion.

“What? The young monk from Shaolin was defeated so easily?”

“No wonder the Mount Hua Sect has been making waves in the martial world lately.”

The scent of plum blossoms was permeating the Cheonryong Tournament.

End