Mu-hui moved to the pavilion and served tea to Im Su-ryeon.

In truth, it was Seon-ju who brewed the tea, as Mu-hui knew nothing about the art of tea-making. All he did was pour the tea into the cups.

“A favor, you say… Has something happened?”

Im Su-ryeon took a sip of the tea, her small lips parting slightly.

“Hmm. ‘Happened’ might be an apt way to put it.”

“Was the caravan attacked, or did someone steal your goods?”

These were the usual issues that plagued trading companies.

“Fortunately, it’s not as you described.”

Im Su-ryeon placed a lavishly decorated golden invitation on the table.

“Would you like to read it?”

Even at a glance, the invitation was extraordinary, likely costing a small fortune to produce.

As Mu-hui read through its contents, he understood why. The Cheonryu Trading Company was hosting a grand banquet to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

“One hundred and fifty years… I didn’t realize the Cheonryu Trading Company had such a long history. Or is that rather short for one of the three great trading companies?”

At Mu-hui’s musing, Im Su-ryeon allowed a small smile.

“Yes. My father is the fourth head of the company.”

“So, the favor is for me to attend this banquet?”

“That’s right. My siblings will also be bringing their own guests.”

Mu-hui nodded. The banquet was not just a celebration but also a stage for the heirs to showcase their chosen supporters, a subtle competition of influence and discernment.

“I suppose I should earn my keep for all the hospitality I’ve received.”

Mu-hui was confident he wouldn’t be outshone by anyone else’s guests.

“Attending a banquet is hardly a favor. Of course, I’ll go.”

With Mu-hui’s easy agreement, Im Su-ryeon bowed her head in gratitude.

“Thank you, sir.”

“So, we’re heading to Hanam?”

“Yes, the banquet will be held at the main branch of the Cheonryu Trading Company in Hanam.”

Mu-hui quickly calculated the schedule in his head and nodded.

“It’ll take some time, but I should be able to return to Mount Hua right after.”

He planned to leave the second-generation disciples at the Martial Alliance, as participating in the trading company’s banquet was less beneficial than engaging in missions and sparring with other young martial artists.

“When should we depart?”

“We have about two months.”

“Perfect.”

That was plenty of time to finish reading the remaining books in the library. He could tackle the library and then head to Hanam.

“May I come along as well?”

“Of course, Miss Seon-ju.”

“Wow, I’ve never been to Hanam. This is exciting.”

Since their first meeting in Shaanxi, Seon-ju and Im Su-ryeon had grown closer through their interactions at the Martial Alliance.

***

Clang!

With a lively clash of steel, Mu-jin and Mu-hwa’s figures intertwined, red and white petals scattering around them.

The two disciples, practicing the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique, clashed fiercely, their swords countering each other’s moves.

Mu-hwa unleashed the Plum Blossom Bloom, three blossoms blocking three directions, scattering sword energy and petals. But Mu-jin’s Plum Blossom Fall descended from above, enveloping the air.

As the plum blossoms intertwined, the surrounding sword energy and the red and white hues intensified.

Mu-hui watched as the two disciples stepped on the hidden marks, dodging each other’s strikes and responding with the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

Clang!

The swords, thrust from above and below, collided in the middle and bounced off.

With superior footwork, Mu-hwa used the hidden marks to create afterimages, seeking an opening in Mu-jin’s defense.

“Not yet!”

Mu-jin twisted his waist back, demonstrating a textbook sword move, trying to capture Mu-hwa with a whirlwind of plum blossom sword energy.

“Did Mu-ryun and Mu-sang manage to bloom the plum blossoms?”

“Yes, though faint, they definitely did.”

Mu-cheol’s report from their recent mission amused Mu-hui.

“Impressive. I expected it from Mu-ryun, but Mu-sang blooming the plum blossoms so quickly is surprising.”

“He’s gained a lot of experience from recent missions. Mu-sang’s growth is the most remarkable.”

Excluding the youngest, Mu-hwa, Mu-sang was the least advanced among the second-generation disciples. Usually lazy, he was someone Mu-hui kept an eye on.

Yet, surpassing his seniors to bloom the plum blossoms so quickly brought a smile to Mu-hui’s face.

“I should teach the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique to Mu-ryun and Mu-sang as well.”

Mu-hui had set the blooming of plum blossoms as the entry requirement for the technique.

“I heard you’ll be accompanying Miss Im to the Cheonryu Trading Company soon.”

“Yes, you’ll have to return to Mount Hua on your own. I’ll head to Shaanxi directly from Hanam.”

“Understood. Senior Brother Mu-jin has already set the departure date from the Martial Alliance to match your schedule.”

“Already? That’s just like Mu-jin.”

If everything went according to Mu-jin’s plan, they would arrive at Mount Hua around the same time.

Unlike their first journey into the martial world, Mu-hui had no worries about sending the disciples out on their own now.

If that weren’t the case, Mu-hui would have had to refuse Im Su-ryeon’s request or take all the disciples to Hanam.

Mu-hui felt the passage of time and the significant growth of his disciples.

Through their experiences in the martial world and the Martial Alliance, the disciples had matured into capable martial artists.

‘If only that one had been more diligent, he could have grown stronger.’

Mu-hui thought of Dok-go Yul, who was struggling somewhere, and let out a wry smile.

In his past life, he had taken him as a disciple due to his martial arts potential but had paid little attention to him.

Having taught him only the basics and then neglecting him, Dok-go Yul had seen little benefit from his master.

Mu-hui resolved to train him more rigorously the next time they met.

Just as he had spoon-fed the current disciples, he intended to force-feed Dok-go Yul as well.

‘And…’

There was still much to do in Mu-hui’s eyes, beyond just Dok-go Yul.

“Things will get busy again once we return to Mount Hua.”

Mu-hui was in the process of creating a manual for the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique and writing a commentary with annotations.

Upon returning to Mount Hua, he planned to teach the technique to the first-generation disciples and elders, followed by the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation.

‘Only then can I establish a new organization.’

The rapid growth of the second-generation disciples under Mu-hui’s guidance had narrowed the gap between them and the first-generation disciples.

Especially in the case of the Mount Hua Quartet, few among the first-generation disciples could match them.

Yet, the core strength of the current Mount Hua Sect lay with the first-generation disciples.

If he were to create an organization representing the sect’s martial prowess, akin to the Seven Swords of Wudang, the first-generation disciples would have to be its backbone.

Mu-hui was contemplating something similar, which would be his first reform as the head disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.

“Mu-cheol, are you doing what I asked?”

“You mean the commentary?”

Though usually concise, Mu-cheol hesitated this time.

“It seems you’re having some trouble.”

“Yes. It’s not easy to articulate the vague insights I have into words.”

Mu-cheol was tasked with creating a commentary on the Iron Plum Sword Technique. However, he had only managed to fill a single page so far.

“Moreover, I’m not sure if it’s right to annotate the Iron Plum Sword Technique when my mastery is still lacking.”

Mu-hui nodded with a smile.

“It’ll be different. Even the same technique can have entirely different annotations in the future.”

“Isn’t that a futile effort, then?”

“Not at all. Leaving the process as it is and turning the changes into annotations is beneficial. Future disciples might face the same trial and error as you, or they might be able to prepare in advance.”

Mu-cheol nodded in agreement. There were multiple commentaries on a single martial art, and each disciple followed a different one.

“You are the first Mount Hua disciple to truly master the Iron Plum Sword Technique. Whether it fades into obscurity or continues to be passed down depends on you.”

“Hmm…”

Mu-cheol had thought Mu-hui’s request was merely to enhance his mastery of the Iron Plum Sword Technique.

Realizing there was a deeper purpose, he fell into contemplation.

Indeed, it seemed likely that few would choose to learn the Iron Plum Sword Technique compared to other Mount Hua techniques.

‘I have a more important role than I thought.’

While the beauty and fragrance of a flower were important, it also played a role in creating the environment for new blooms in the next spring.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

With renewed determination, Mu-cheol’s voice grew firm.

Clang!

With a lively sound, Mu-hwa was pushed back.

“Tch!”

Mu-hwa, knowing she had lost, exhaled in frustration.

“Ah! Just a little more…”

While Mu-hwa lamented and reviewed the spar, Mu-jin wiped his sweat and approached Mu-hui.

“Senior Brother, was the sparring satisfactory?”

“You seem quite confident. Is it because you’ve recently bloomed your sixth plum blossom?”

“Haha.”

Mu-jin laughed awkwardly, and Mu-hui rose from his seat.

“I should assess my skills before heading to Hanam.”

“Oh, then I’m next after Senior Brother Mu-jin!”

Hearing this, Mu-hwa eagerly raised her hand and ran over, while Mu-hui placed his hand on the hilt of his sword with a smile.

***

Kaifeng, Henan Province

A bustling metropolis with a vast population and a crucial transportation hub due to its waterways connecting various cities.

For these reasons, the main branch of the Cheonryu Trading Company was located here.

After leaving the Martial Alliance, Mu-hui and Seon-ju traveled with Im Su-ryeon by carriage, eventually arriving in Kaifeng.

“This must be Kaebong.”

As soon as Mu-hwi stepped down from the carriage, he noticed the beggars scattered around the area.

Even as Mu-hwi’s gaze swept over them, the beggars continued to beg or lay down, seemingly unfazed.

Sensing Mu-hwi’s attention, Seon-ju asked, “Are they all disciples of Gaebang?”

“Yes.”

Kaebong was not only home to the main branch of Gaebang but also the location of Geukcheonmun, one of the Seven Heavenly Gates.

“Kaebong is vast, but considering the martial arts skills of the warriors here, it feels surprisingly calm.”

“It won’t stay that way forever. They’re just keeping a low profile for now.”

As Mu-hwi and Seon-ju crossed the threshold of the Cheonryu Trading Company, a few beggars’ eyes gleamed with interest.

“You must be tired from your journey to Hanam. Please, rest in the guesthouse first.”

Im Su-ryeon had arranged for a servant to guide Mu-hwi and Seon-ju to the guesthouse so they could relax immediately.

“Thank you.”

Seon-ju enjoyed the comfort and scenery during the carriage ride, but Mu-hwi felt differently. Sitting still made him restless. He was eager to swing his sword at the guesthouse Im Su-ryeon had prepared.

“Brother Mu-hwi, you seem eager to move.”

“How did you know? Shall we spar once we reach the guesthouse?”

“Sounds good.”

As they chatted and headed toward the guesthouse, they noticed the servant leading them had stopped.

“What’s going on?”

Mu-hwi saw two groups blocking the path, facing off against each other. The servant seemed unsure of what to do.

“How dare they…”

“Heh, want to have a go?”

At the front of each group stood two men, locked in a fierce standoff. They seemed to be from prestigious families, likely guests invited to the Cheonryu Trading Company’s banquet, just like Mu-hwi.

“Tsk.”

Mu-hwi clicked his tongue and stepped forward. Waiting for the fight to end, taking a detour, or mediating between them—none of these options suited him.

The two men, who seemed ready to clash at any moment, turned their attention to Mu-hwi as he walked between them.

“Move aside. If you’re going to fight, get on with it. You’re blocking the way.”

Mu-hwi spoke nonchalantly, slightly furrowing his brow, and the two men’s eyebrows knitted in response.

“What?”

“This crazy fool…”

Their attention and intimidating aura focused on Mu-hwi, but he merely laughed it off.

Whoosh!

Instead, Mu-hwi’s presence exerted pressure on not just the two men but also the warriors standing behind them.

“Ugh! Do you even know who I am?”

“Impressive…”

The man in the blue martial robe trailed off in surprise, while the man in black gritted his teeth, eyeing Mu-hwi with interest.

“Judging by your attire, you’re from Geukcheonmun and Paewangseong.”

“How dare you act like this knowing who I am? I’m the young master of Geukcheonmun!”

The man in the blue robe, the young master of Geukcheonmun, spat out his words, and Mu-hwi smirked.

“And what of it? Should I bow my head because you’re the young master of Geukcheonmun?”

“How dare you… Who are you?”

“I am the head disciple of the Hwasan Sect.”

Mu-hwi’s voice was filled with pride for the Hwasan Sect.

As he lightly waved his hand, his sleeve fluttered, revealing a red plum blossom.

The young master of Geukcheonmun widened his eyes upon seeing the plum blossom pattern on Mu-hwi’s sleeve.

“I am the head disciple of the Hwasan Sect.”

“This is the distance between you and me.”