The Cloud Bridge of the Cheonryu Trading Company.

The head of the company and his twelve children were walking in a line, making their way to the banquet at the watchtower.

Crash!

The sudden noise shattered the tranquility of the pond, drawing everyone’s attention.

The master of the Geukcheon Sect had fallen outside the watchtower, landing on a rock after flipping out of the pond. The head of the company and his children watched the spectacle unfold.

Whoosh!

A gust of wind swirled around the watchtower, causing the head of the company’s clothes to flutter wildly.

“Behold, this is the distance between you and me.”

The voice of Muhwi echoed from across the pond, prompting the head of the company to burst into laughter.

“Hahaha!”

He turned to his eldest son, who looked flustered.

“It seems things didn’t go as you planned.”

“Father…”

Though the head of the company wore a gentle smile, his eyes were somber.

“I suspected something was amiss when you urgently requested my presence.”

Originally, the head of the company intended to host a banquet for his children and their patrons. However, due to his eldest son’s sudden report, only the patrons were left to enjoy the feast.

“I let it slide because the consequences of your actions are yours alone to bear. But it seems you’ve only incurred losses.”

The head of the company didn’t concern himself with the methods his children used. He only ensured they took responsibility for their actions.

“I’m sorry, Father.”

“No need to apologize. I haven’t suffered any loss. Even if I did, it would be up to you to resolve it.”

With a detached tone, the head of the company resumed walking.

“Damn…”

Watching his father walk away, the eldest son clenched his fists in frustration.

The day’s events had unfolded due to the eldest son’s attempt to undermine Im Suryun and the Geukcheon Sect master’s targeting of Muhwi, but the outcome was unexpected.

‘No matter how renowned he is, he’s still the master of the Seven Stars Sect. How could he be humiliated like this? Was he careless?’

Fuming, the eldest son glared at his third sister, Im Suryun, who ignored him and followed their father.

‘As expected of Muhwi.’

In the recent martial arts tournament, Muhwi had single-handedly thwarted the fifth brother’s interference, and now he had crushed the eldest son’s scheme head-on. Though Muhwi was unaware of the details, his ability to handle the situation was a testament to his skills.

Thanks to the eldest son’s blunder and Muhwi’s intervention, Im Suryun’s standing had risen significantly.

This banquet was not just a gathering; it was a test for the head of the company to evaluate those his children wished to support.

“The air feels heated with all these heroes gathered here.”

As the head of the company entered the banquet hall, the attendees rose from their seats.

He greeted each person with a respectful bow.

“As you may have heard, an urgent matter delayed our meeting. I apologize to all the esteemed guests.”

The eldest son, trying to mitigate the situation, apologized to the patrons gathered at the watchtower. Since the chief manager had already apologized and sought their understanding, the patrons merely nodded in acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, the Geukcheon Sect master leaped back onto the watchtower.

[I will repay today’s humiliation.]

Muhwi pretended not to hear, gently caressing the hilt of his plum blossom sword.

[If we met elsewhere, your head would already be rolling.]

“What!”

Muhwi’s amused telepathic message twisted the already sour expression of the Geukcheon Sect master.

“Master, please calm down.”

The eldest son hurriedly whispered, and the Geukcheon Sect master exhaled deeply.

‘Fine. Let’s see whose head rolls next time.’

The Geukcheon Sect master glared at Muhwi, who sat beside Im Suryun, before taking his seat.

Once everyone was seated, the head of the company raised his glass.

“It seems there was a minor clash due to the diverse backgrounds of those gathered here.”

He glanced between Muhwi and the Geukcheon Sect master.

“But in the world of commerce, there is only the way of trade, beyond right and wrong. I hope you enjoy this gathering without pretense.”

With a smile, the head of the company took a sip, prompting others to follow suit.

‘Indeed…’

‘Who will he show interest in?’

Though they pretended otherwise, the children were keenly observing their father’s reactions.

Who he spoke to first would determine the ranking of the tasks he assigned.

“Haha. How do you find the taste? Our chef makes the best noodle soup in Hanam.”

Tasting the noodle soup, Muhwi nodded in approval. The rich broth, made from pork and lamb, was filled with wide noodles and vegetables, offering a refreshing yet deep flavor.

It was enough to quell his earlier desire to pummel the Geukcheon Sect master.

“Does it suit your taste?”

“Indeed. I can feel the strength of the Cheonryu Trading Company here.”

Muhwi replied with satisfaction to Im Suryun’s question.

Having tasted noodle soup at various inns in Hanam, he found none could compare to this.

The head of the company was right to claim it as the best in Hanam.

As Im Suryun and Muhwi conversed quietly, the head of the company suddenly addressed Muhwi.

“Muhwi, I’ve been hearing tales of the Volcano Sword Ghost daily. It’s an honor to meet you in person.”

The other children’s faces subtly tensed, while Im Suryun calmly set down her chopsticks.

“It’s just a brief moment of good fortune. Thank you for your kind words.”

Muhwi responded with a modest bow, which pleased the head of the company more than false humility.

He glanced between Muhwi and Im Suryun before asking slyly.

“The Volcano Sect isn’t bound by worldly ties, is it? Do you have any thoughts on marriage, Muhwi?”

Im Suryun’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, understanding the implication behind the question.

While Im Suryun was momentarily unsettled, Muhwi remained composed.

“I haven’t given it much thought. I’m too busy with other matters.”

“Haha. To achieve such fame, one must indeed work tirelessly.”

The head of the company looked at Im Suryun, who was slightly bowing her head.

‘A dragon holding a pearl, they say?’

Recalling Im Suryun’s previous assessment of Muhwi, the head of the company shook his head.

Muhwi wasn’t a dragon preparing to ascend; he was already a divine dragon soaring the skies.

‘Though others are remarkable in their own right, they pale in comparison to the Volcano Sword Ghost.’

Despite the presence of notable figures like the Geukcheon Sect master and the young lord of the Overlord’s Book, the head of the company felt no particular excitement.

Looking at Muhwi, he felt a rare sense of intrigue.

Having engaged in numerous trades and investments since childhood, he knew that the greatest returns came from investing in people.

Recognizing those destined to soar and supporting them was his belief in the true essence of commerce.

“Hmm.”

The head of the company stroked his beard, addressing the gathered guests.

“Seeing all of you here, I realize you’re all exceptional talents in the martial world. As a token of appreciation, I’d like to offer each of you a gift.”

He then turned to Muhwi.

“Muhwi, is there anything you desire?”

Im Suryun’s lips curled slightly, realizing her father had taken a liking to Muhwi.

The offer of gifts to the supported individuals was unprecedented, likely a move to prevent misunderstandings among his children.

“Nothing comes to mind at the moment.”

Im Suryun was already preparing celestial silk, and Muhwi had no need for elixirs, having received potent ones from the King of the Blue Ice.

The head of the company tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought, before finally speaking.

“How about cold iron?”

His words drew the attention of everyone, including Muhwi.

“Cold iron?”

“The cold iron from the North Sea?”

Cold iron, known for its deep blue hue, was a rare metal found only in the North Sea. It was second only to meteoric iron, a metal said to be a gift from the heavens.

Renowned weapons in the martial world often contained either cold iron or meteoric iron.

“Through recent exchanges with the North Sea Ice Palace, I’ve acquired some cold iron. Not a large amount, but still.”

“Father! That cold iron is…”

The eldest son tried to protest, but a stern look from the head of the company silenced him.

“Cold iron… You’re offering such a rare metal as a mere gift?”

“Haha… Indeed. Consider it a bribe to take good care of my daughter.”

After a moment’s contemplation, Muhwi smiled and bowed.

“I’ll gladly accept. While this plum blossom sword is excellent, crafting a new one with cold iron would greatly enhance my disciples’ chances of survival in the martial world.”

“Yes, indeed. For martial artists, weapons are as crucial as martial skills.”

The head of the company nodded briefly.

Though he intended to give only a small amount of cold iron, Muhwi’s mention of his disciples implied he expected a significant quantity.

“The disciples will be reminded of the Cheonryu Trading Company when they see the newly forged Plum Blossom Sword.”

The head of the trading company, observing Mu-hwi’s sly grin, realized that his words were intentional.

“He’s got a cunning side for a Taoist, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

With that thought, the head of the trading company decided to be bold since he was already invested.

“I’ll send Han-cheol to the Blacksmith’s Guild soon. And I’ll throw in the materials needed for crafting other fine swords as a bonus.”

“I’ll relay this to the head of the sect.”

“Haha, it’s always a pleasure to converse with you, young hero.”

The head of the trading company raised his glass to the people gathered at the banquet.

“Now, I’ll make sure to prepare gifts for everyone else with the utmost care, so please look forward to them.”

Despite the head of the trading company distributing gifts, none were as precious as the one given to Han-cheol.

This included the head of the Geukcheon Sect as well.

From the start of the banquet, the head of the Geukcheon Sect had been in a foul mood, and seeing Mu-hwi receive better treatment only fueled his irritation.

“Han-cheol… I wonder if he’ll ever actually use that sword.”

The head of the Geukcheon Sect cast a twisted smile as he watched Mu-hwi enjoy a meal with Im Soo-ryeon.

“Young hero Mu-hwi, you should try this as well.”

Im Soo-ryeon carefully placed a piece of meat on Mu-hwi’s plate.

“Thank you.”

Gathering her courage, Im Soo-ryeon felt a wave of relief when Mu-hwi responded positively.

***

After the banquet at the Cheonryu Trading Company, Mu-hwi and Seon-ju parted ways with Im Soo-ryeon and headed west of Hanam.

They were on their way to return to Mount Hua and Zhongnan Mountain via Shaanxi.

Mu-hwi and Seon-ju were traversing a steep gorge.

Sanmenxia.

Located in Pinglu County, the gorge was characterized by its rugged cliffs rising like fortress walls, and the river was divided into three parts by protruding islands, hence its name.

They needed to cross this narrow gorge to reach the end of Sanmenxia, where they would take a boat to Shaanxi.

As they passed through the gorge, Mu-hwi suddenly asked Seon-ju, “I’ve heard you’ve killed many villains during your travels.”

“Yes, that’s how I earned the nickname ‘Golden Sword.'”

“Today, it seems like we might end up killing more than all those villains combined.”

“That’s the life of a martial artist. The sword never stays dry.”

As they chatted nonchalantly, countless martial artists appeared before them.

The disciples of Mount Hua and Zhongnan simultaneously gripped their swords.

“The sword never stays dry.”

“It’s really hard to travel together, isn’t it?”