The Iron Fist King’s Celestial Iron Fist.

A martial art imbued with the intent to pierce the very center of the sky with a single punch.

Rather than relying on a variety of techniques or rapid strikes, it focuses on channeling the entire body’s energy into one concentrated punch.

The hallmark of the Celestial Iron Fist is unleashing that power in a single, explosive strike.

Its momentary, devastating force was unmatched in the martial world.

Sensing danger from Cheolmae, U Taegang instinctively summoned all his strength to deliver his best punch.

Recalling the essence of the Celestial Iron Fist he had mastered, he launched his punch, feeling a surprising sense of clarity.

Yet.

“It didn’t break.”

U Taegang, his eyes swirling with fighting spirit, stared at the massive iron plum blossom conjured by Mucheol.

Unlike the vibrant and ostentatious blossoms created by other disciples of the Mount Hua Sect, it stood quietly, as if floating on a serene lake.

When U Taegang glanced at his reddened fist, the iron plum blossom Mucheol had created lost its strength and dispersed like bubbles.

Through the dissipating mist, the two men saw each other again, but neither moved.

The tip of Mucheol’s plum blossom sword, always aimed at eye level, hovered just above the ground, while U Taegang’s fist trembled slightly.

Locking eyes, they realized neither had lost their fighting spirit.

After a fleeting moment, as U Taegang’s lips began to move, Mucheol spoke first.

“I concede.”

With Mucheol’s admission of defeat, the referee raised U Taegang’s hand in victory.

Mucheol slowly sheathed his plum blossom sword.

Though he wished to continue the duel all day, he knew it was more important to sit in meditation and remember the sensation of the iron plum blossom he had just conjured, rather than pushing himself to the brink.

“It felt like I transcended something for a moment.”

A fleeting sensation of having stepped beyond his current level.

“Senior Brother was right. I’m on the right path. I just need to forge it myself.”

While other disciples of Mount Hua followed the paths laid by their predecessors, Mucheol was carving his own.

Despite the constant doubts and temptations that threatened to lead him astray, Mucheol pressed on with quiet determination.

In the end, he confirmed it.

A single iron plum blossom blooming along the path he had forged.

With this milestone, Mucheol’s steps would surely quicken.

As Mucheol returned to the Mount Hua Sect’s tent, U Taegang approached the Iron Fist King, Ma Yeonho, who had been watching the duel from the main seat.

“Master.”

“You won.”

U Taegang remained silent at Ma Yeonho’s response.

Ma Yeonho, who had been lifting a large iron weight with one hand, set it down upon seeing his disciple.

U Taegang, observing the pulsating muscles of Ma Yeonho, spoke.

“I was actually about to concede. I couldn’t break the plum blossom Mucheol conjured. Not with my current punch.”

Ma Yeonho crossed his arms, his muscles bulging menacingly.

“Mucheol was a step below you. Normally, you would have won easily. But Mucheol, even if just for a moment, displayed a remarkable skill. That’s the result of the plum blossom.”

“Are you saying it was just a stroke of luck?”

“It’s not uncommon in the martial world for one’s level to rise in the face of crisis. Mucheol hasn’t fully ascended yet, but he’ll reach it soon. He’ll remember that feeling.”

Ma Yeonho, who had been speaking while looking at the duel stage, turned his head.

“And that arm. Is it broken?”

Ma Yeonho’s eyes were on U Taegang’s right arm, which had struck the iron plum blossom.

“There’s a fracture. When I hit the blossom, the petals subtly rippled and rebounded. It wasn’t just hard.”

“An interesting junior indeed. Fascinating.”

Ma Yeonho’s final words weren’t directed at the plum blossom sword technique or Mucheol.

His gaze was fixed on Muhwi.

Compared to when he had seen the Mount Hua Sect at the Flower Soul Gate, it seemed as if a decade had passed, given their remarkable growth.

While the talent of the Mount Hua disciples was impressive, it was clear that an exceptional master had played a significant role.

Of course, Muhwi’s own achievements were astonishing.

The pinnacle of excellence.

In this place, only the leader and Ma Yeonho could truly gauge Muhwi’s martial prowess.

“Is a new Sword Saint emerging from Mount Hua?”

The Sword Saints of Mount Hua had always reached at least the transcendent level.

When Muhwi reached that level, a new Sword Saint would indeed be born.

“And to think he’s also a great teacher. In a few years, Mount Hua will see a new golden age.”

If it were the old Mucheol, he would have barely lasted thirty exchanges against U Taegang.

Seeing how Muhwi had drawn out Mucheol’s potential, Ma Yeonho couldn’t help but be impressed.

“That new sword technique of Mucheol’s. Did that junior create it too?”

Recalling Muhwi naming the new martial art “Plum Blossom Landscape,” Ma Yeonho chuckled.

“Master. I’m thinking of withdrawing from the next duel.”

“A wise decision. Focus on healing your bones first. For now, concentrate on training your lower body.”

“Yes, that’s the plan. I should work on my thighs while I’m at it.”

U Taegang muttered, touching his tree-trunk-like thighs.

Before long, the master and disciple were engrossed in a conversation about muscles.

***

As the main rounds of the Celestial Dragon Tournament progressed, numerous young martial artists emerged to showcase their skills.

But the martial world is vast, and masters are many.

It was common for confident challengers to lose to unknown young martial artists.

After countless duels, four young martial artists remained in the Celestial Dragon Tournament.

Seonghoe of the Southern Sea Sword Sect.

Seonju of the Golden River Sword.

Mujin, the Silent Flower Sword.

Muhwa, the Gale Plum Sword.

The leader of the martial alliance, Kang Hobaek, stood up and smiled at the four young martial artists lined up in the center of the grand plaza.

“This year’s Celestial Dragon Tournament has been more impressive than expected. There wasn’t a dull moment watching the duels.”

Everyone who had watched the tournament agreed with Kang Hobaek’s words.

“The remaining young martial artists are surprising. I thought two of the Six Dragons would make it.”

“To think two of them would be defeated by disciples of the Mount Hua Sect.”

Mujin had defeated the Thunder Dragon, and Muhwa had bested the Cloud Dragon. The River Dragon had lost to the Golden River Sword.

All the original Six Dragons had been defeated.

No one had anticipated this outcome at the Celestial Dragon Tournament.

Muhwi, however, merely smirked at the astonished spectators.

Mujin had calmly wielded the Plum Blossom Sword Technique against the Thunder Dragon’s lightning attacks.

While Mujin held his ground with composure, Muhwa used his expertise in evasive techniques.

Muhwa and the Cloud Dragon clashed, each using their respective techniques to create chaos across the duel stage.

As a result, the new martial art of the Mount Hua Sect, the Hidden Fragrance Step, was etched into the minds of the many martial artists gathered at the Celestial Dragon Tournament.

“Among the Mount Hua disciples, the Silent Flower Sword exudes the most serene, sage-like aura. It’s a fitting nickname.”

“What about the Gale Plum Sword? In terms of footwork alone, he seems to be the best among the young martial artists.”

“To think two disciples of the Mount Hua Sect would make it to the final four, surpassing other prestigious sects.”

“I thought the only famous young martial artist from Mount Hua was the Sword Demon.”

“Why didn’t the Sword Demon participate?”

Even in the main seats, the atmosphere was no different from the spectator stands.

Baekyu was besieged by renowned martial artists and sect leaders.

“It seems Mount Hua and Zhongnan have fully recovered from the Blood Sect’s wounds. Congratulations.”

“With new young martial artists emerging, the true purpose of the Celestial Dragon Tournament has been realized.”

“Master, how do you train your disciples so well? Please share some tips.”

Baekyu, though overwhelmed, couldn’t hide his smile.

“Hahaha!”

Though the stands and main seats were noisy, Kang Hobaek’s voice resonated clearly throughout the grand plaza.

“The semifinals and finals of the Celestial Dragon Tournament will be held in three days. Use this time to bring your bodies to peak condition and study your opponents’ techniques to secure victory.”

Kang Hobaek shifted his gaze from the young martial artists to the spectators.

“After the Celestial Dragon Tournament finals, the Celestial Martial Tournament will follow immediately, so please keep that in mind. Today’s events conclude here.”

Though everyone dispersed from the grand plaza, the excitement lingered.

Those who had been in the plaza scattered throughout the martial alliance, using the Celestial Dragon Tournament as an excuse to drink late into the night.

***

“What did you say? The Celestial Martial Tournament?”

“Is that so strange?”

At Muhwi’s relaxed tone, Seonju widened her eyes and retorted.

“The Celestial Martial Tournament will have formidable masters.”

“Well, playing with young martial artists isn’t much fun.”

Having fought alongside Muhwi, Seonju quickly understood.

She believed that if Muhwi had entered the Celestial Dragon Tournament, he would have undoubtedly won.

“I know you’re amazing, but be careful.”

“Sure.”

Muhwi and Seonju walked side by side through the streets of the martial alliance, just as they had in the past.

They were constantly talking, though it was mostly Seonju speaking, with Muhwi occasionally responding.

Still, Seonju seemed to be enjoying herself, her mouth moving non-stop, while Muhwi occasionally allowed a small smile to play on his lips.

“So, I just went ahead and took his head off.”

“Jeoksahyeongrang? That rogue must have been really careless.”

“Who would have thought a stunning beauty like me could also be a martial arts master?”

“……”

When Muhwi didn’t respond, Seonju tugged gently at his sleeve, urging him to answer.

But when he continued to feign ignorance, Seonju’s smile turned chilling, devoid of any warmth.

“Why so silent all of a sudden?”

Seonju furrowed her brows slightly, her gaze turning cold. Muhwi couldn’t help but wonder if this was the same look she had when she beheaded Jeoksahyeongrang.

Just as Muhwi was about to open his mouth, Seonghoe appeared before them.

“Good to see you two sticking together. Saves me the trouble.”

“Namhae Sword?”

Seonju released Muhwi’s sleeve and glared at Seonghoe, clearly displeased at the interruption.

Unfazed, Seonghoe continued, “Today, I defeated a disciple of Kunlun. All that’s left are Huashan and Zhongnan. Once I take you two down, the Nine Schools Tournament will be complete.”

He looked directly at Seonju. “I hope you make it to the finals. I’d rather not have to go all the way to Zhongnan Mountain.”

“Hmph!”

Seonju scoffed, but Seonghoe ignored her and turned his attention to Muhwi.

“Huashan Sword Demon, why didn’t you enter the Tianlong Tournament? Were you scared?”

Muhwi met Seonghoe’s gaze and smirked. “Why bother with the Tianlong Tournament? I’m entering the Tianwu Tournament.”

“What? The Tianwu Tournament…”

Seonghoe’s demeanor shifted at Muhwi’s provocative tone.

“You do realize the tournaments are separated because of the skill level difference, right?”

A vein throbbed on Seonghoe’s forehead.

“Skill level difference? I have the martial prowess to compete in the Tianwu Tournament too.”

This wasn’t just bravado; even Muhwi acknowledged Seonghoe’s capabilities. He was betting on Seonghoe to win the Tianlong Tournament.

Yet, Muhwi’s smile didn’t waver. “Then why didn’t you enter? It’s obvious. You weren’t confident you’d win.”

Seonghoe clenched his jaw, his fists twitching in frustration.

“Now you understand. I’m entering the Tianwu Tournament because I know I can win.”

“Win, you say?”

Seonghoe hadn’t even known Muhwi was entering the Tianwu Tournament, and now Muhwi was talking about winning it, leaving Seonghoe at a loss for words.

Muhwi chuckled softly and walked past Seonghoe.

“Challenging for the Nine Schools Tournament? I’ll be watching.”

He gave Seonghoe’s shoulder a light pat as he passed. Seonghoe, watching Muhwi’s retreating back, was momentarily stunned.

How had Muhwi managed to touch his shoulder without him noticing? It was something Seonghoe couldn’t accept.

“How…?”

But Seonghoe hadn’t realized until Muhwi’s hand was already on his shoulder.

He stood there, staring blankly in the direction Muhwi had disappeared.

The End