Chapter 159
**
The Sword of Huashan carries the scent of plum blossoms.
This was a famous saying. Some might question it.
How can a sword emit the fragrance of flowers?
Yet, it was true. At the elegantly extended tip of the sword, the scent of plum blossoms indeed gathered, and for a moment, the world brightened as if surrounded by petals.
The pinnacle of graceful martial technique and charisma.
That was the Sword of Huashan.
“Wow… Dad, look at that!”
“Yeah.”
I looked down at the Sword of Huashan. As a guest, I could watch the public practice that was taking place with ease.
The warriors moved. A booming sound erupted, mixed with the force of an explosive burst.
The mountain shuddered. It didn’t actually shake, but the fierce energy and booming sound created an illusion of trembling.
I had heard numerous times that the Sword of Huashan was the best in the martial world.
However, today, I could finally confirm that this could indeed be true.
With such a combination of quantity and quality…
It wasn’t a mere reputation. Regardless of the internal power dynamics, this was something to be called ‘genuine.’
Should I say it’s the Nine Great Families? I admired it briefly.
One of Huashan’s disciples, Bai Hyun, asked, “What do you think of seeing the Sword of Huashan in person?”
“…It’s magnificent. The cutting edge and impeccable posture align perfectly. I’ve heard that the Sword of Huashan is the finest among swords… that assertion likely holds truth. Truly, it is Huashan.”
“…Haha?”
Bai Hyun’s shoulders twitched at the flood of compliments.
“I didn’t expect you to say that… I thought you might evaluate it a bit lower.”
“Excuse me?”
“Usually, renowned swordsmen are dripping with self-importance. Those famous names visiting Huashan were all like that. But… you are different, Jeok Dae-hyeop.”
“I merely expressed what I felt. I’ve never seen such an orderly and arranged swordsmanship before. What is visible is impressive, so wouldn’t it be natural to praise what is impressive?”
“…Many people fail to adhere to such simple truths. That’s why relatively few are respected, isn’t it?”
Bai Hyun laughed.
“Is there anywhere else you’d like to take a look?”
I paused for a moment at the unexpected question.
If I asked for the location of the divine residence, they likely wouldn’t tell me…
It’s better to keep it light.
“Sua, is there anywhere you’d like to go?”
“I… then I’d like to look a little closer.”
“Of course, that’s possible. Follow me.”
I followed Bai Hyun. As we approached the training area, curious eyes gathered.
However, Bai Hyun waved his hand as if to say not to worry. The gaze upon us quickly faded.
Bai Hyun guided us to a suitable spot.
Even closer than before. Close enough for us to speak to the people on the training grounds.
He brought over some simple snacks. Sua bowed her head.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. The child is very well-mannered.”
“She’s not just my daughter; she’s my assistant.”
“…Assistant?”
Sua, chewing the snacks, flinched. After swallowing what she was chewing, she cleared her voice.
“Yes. I’m Dad’s assistant.”
“…That’s impressive.”
Bai Hyun lowered his voice.
“The child is not just kind but cute.”
I nodded without a moment’s hesitation.
“I think so too.”
“Phuhuhu… Jeok Dae-hyeop is indeed different from what I’ve heard.”
“What have you heard?”
“Rumors of being self-absorbed, selfish, and lacking perception are circulating.”
“Excuse me?”
“I reckon these rumors come from disciples who left Shaolin. Because of it, the words about Jeok Dae-hyeop are half good and half bad. I thought so too at first, but…”
Bai Hyun smiled.
“Perhaps, it seems that rumors cannot be trusted.”
“…I am only thankful that you see the good in me.”
“I merely expressed what I saw.”
What a good man.
I quietly asked him,
“Bai Hyun.”
“Yes?”
“I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“I heard that there were originally four people who were to participate in the Huashan Martial Arts event… what exactly happened to the one who disappeared?”
Bai Hyun’s smiling expression stiffened immediately.
“…That person is unworthy. Jeok Dae-hyeop need not concern yourself with them.”
As expected, he wouldn’t say.
I nodded and shifted the topic. Even though it was somewhat stiff, Bai Hyun engaged willingly in the topic I changed.
Meaningless small talk. And amidst it, Bai Hyun peered at me and asked.
“Um… but Jeok Dae-hyeop.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve heard you cannot cultivate your inner power.”
The rumors were spreading correctly. I nodded.
“That’s right.”
“…Isn’t there a limit to martial arts that can only be cultivated through external power?”
“That’s indeed true. However, recently, I acquired a suitable secret manual.”
“Secret manual…?”
“It’s related to external power cultivation. I had been stuck, but it has been quite helpful.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Bai Hyun’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. He seemed genuinely interested in where my swordsmanship currently stood.
I wanted to say not to expect too much. But before I could, someone approached me with a greeting.
“Older Brother. Would you mind introducing me to the person beside you?”
A nobleman radiating elegance. Bai Hyun frowned.
“…This is Martial Alliance Inspector Jeok-un.”
“He is known as Bai Hyang, a disciple of Huashan.”
“Nice to meet you.”
The one who introduced himself as Bai Hyang smiled slightly.
With his smile came an overflowing confidence. It bordered on arrogance.
“I have also heard of the fame of Jeok Dae-hyeop. The one who toppled the corruption of Shaolin and led them back to the right path. I’ve also heard that even Bul-jun of Shaolin recognizes your prowess.”
“Actually, the power I possess isn’t comparable to my reputation.”
“A member of the Sacred Sect wouldn’t utter such words lightly, would they? How about it? Would you show the disciples of Huashan that sword of yours once?”
Bai Hyang smiled brightly.
Yet, there was absolutely no courtesy in that smile.
“Why not bestow some teachings upon a junior so far beneath you?”
“Bai Hyang! What do you think you’re doing? I clearly told you not to act arbitrarily!”
“Older Brother. Isn’t it disrespectful to refuse a request for teaching? Many others are curious about it. They wonder what Muk Geom’s sword is like. Whether it’s truly as heavy as rumored.”
“This little brat…! Can’t he just back down? Jeok Dae-hyeop, no need to listen. It’s nothing but the foolish display of an undisciplined disciple.”
“You are ignoring my words again today, Older Brother. Focusing solely on martial arts has left you like this, hasn’t it? You should learn how to mix with people… Just look at my back. See how many share my opinion.”
Disciples of Huashan gathered behind Bai Hyang.
They spoke loudly as if they wished to be overheard.
“How strong is Muk Geom, who is recognized by the Master?”
“But… I don’t think he can defeat Older Brother.”
“Isn’t he someone who broke through at a young age?”
“They say his skill is now reaching super-peak…”
“To deal with him using only external power would be difficult. Indeed.”
Clearly, it was a provocation.
Recognizing his intent, I stood up from my seat. Bai Hyun tried to stop me.
“You don’t need to engage. Jeok Dae-hyeop, I can handle them lightly…”
“No, it’s fine. Since they asked for teachings, I should oblige. Luckily, I don’t have too little knowledge…”
I should solidify my relationship with Huashan here.
I need to establish some degree of standing as the Martial Alliance Inspector to maintain weight in my words…
Let’s make it clear.
“Bai Hyang, was it?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
“Then, junior. As a senior, let me teach you a few things. Where should we go?”
Contrary to what he had just said, upon being treated like a clear junior, his eyebrows twitched.
A naturally hostile expression emerged. He whispered.
“What’s far to go? The training ground is right in front, so we can settle this here.”
“Won’t the ones trained here still be around?”
“It’s merely free training. Or… are your eyes afraid of being watched?”
His tone was hostile, almost combative.
I didn’t particularly enjoy competitions of this nature, but… if I’m to do it, I’ll do it properly.
“I’m concerned for the Bai Hyang dojo.”
“…Excuse me?”
“If the future of Huashan, known as Bai Hyang dojo, gets tossed around in front of everyone… wouldn’t that look a bit bad?”
“What did you just say…?”
“If you didn’t understand, I can break it down more simply.”
I looked down at him, slightly shorter than me.
Confidently, without avoiding his eyes.
“I prefer to finish things in one go, so even if Bai Hyang dojo ends up looking somewhat foolish, I won’t stop. If you can withstand it, come up. To the training ground.”
“…Ha! Do you look down on the disciples of Dae Hwa Mountain? A half-baked warrior who can only learn external power!”
“It would be better for you to tone it down. There’s nothing uglier than losing after chirping away.”
“…Come up! Right now! I will personally see what strength lies within your reputation of Muk Geom!”
He stomped his foot. With a single step of lightness, he jumped to the training ground and cleared the area.
“Everyone, clear out!”
Seeing those around him obey, I gauged his position.
Right under the elder. He must hold the highest position among the gathering disciples of Huashan.
“You brat! Stop it right there!”
“It’s fine, Bai Hyun.”
“But…! Jeok Dae-hyeop!”
I subtly pushed Bai Hyun aside. I placed my hand on the sword.
No lightness was seen. I merely walked slowly onto the training ground.
Bai Hyang drew his sword. The sound was clear and the blade stood firm.
Not only was his martial power solid, but his sword was undoubtedly a good sword.
“Although I originally intended to take it lightly, it’s you who crossed the line. Know that you cannot leave gracefully.”
“Strange. Wasn’t it you who started this trouble? It seems you intend to overwhelm me, the Inspector, with your strength.”
I drew my sword. The red blade of the Blood Sword overshadowed the world.
“You must have misjudged. If you wanted me out, you should have brought the elder of Huashan.”
“…Ha! The rumors of Muk Geom were indeed true! It was said that despite the prowess of your temperament, you are arrogant and self-serving… you are no different from the rumors! Hold your sword properly! I’ll bestow some courtesy upon you, half-hearted fool!”
A scent of plum blossoms brushed past the tip of Bai Hyang’s sword. The energy that flowed down began to take the shape of blossoms.
Plum Blossom Sword… is it? But the scent was less than I expected.
It doesn’t seem to be the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique…
Is it the Seven Plum Sword, famous for being the Sword of Huashan?
“I will concede three counts! Personally!”
I stared at the sword energy blooming over his blade. The hazy blade energy clearly wasn’t stronger than his swordsmanship, yet it was bright enough to be seen.
Peak. It is likely… close to maturity. At such a young age, it’s normal to be called a genius.
However, you see, my criteria have recently risen. My daughter, who had only been learning martial arts for less than a month, had formed her sword energy.
“Dad.”
Sua, clinging below the training ground, whispered.
“Please punish him.”
“Okay.”
“…You dare… what…?”
Bai Hyang sneered.
“Looks like I should beat you first and then teach that kid a lesson. You need to learn what happens when you run your mouth.”
A lesson to be taught.
I ordered Sua to step away. I spun the drawn sword and planted it into the ground of the training ground.
I lightly warmed up. Originally, I planned to eliminate the three counts and resolve this matter fairly…
But my mind changed.
“To touch my daughter…”
I awakened all my muscles until my hand cracked. After confirming my physical condition, I withdrew the sword I had stuck.
I shouldered it. To use the Three Calamities Sword Technique.
“I said I will concede three counts.”
“That’s right. But… you won’t be able to handle all three counts. The moment you move your sword, your blade itself will utterly shatter.”
“I am afraid my knees are trembling. To duel with an expert wielding sword energy.”
“You! It’s too late to say that now!”
“I said I would grant three counts. Remember that precisely.”
“Come at me anytime!”
Bai Hyang laughed. I took a step toward that laugh.
I gripped the sword tightly as if it would shatter. The Blood Sword, now part of the famous swords, screamed out.
With that much of an intent, it surpassed sword energy, barely withstanding even sword strength.
I arrived steadily at his front. Clearly enough for everyone to see, I raised the sword leisurely…
And struck hard ahead.
—KAAAAAAANG!!!!!!!
The sharp sound shook the training ground violently. I watched Bai Hyang, who rolled on the ground, spitting blood.
The sword, responding instinctively, managed to block my blow…
But it couldn’t completely absorb the shock, and his right arm shattered.
“Ku… Kuuh…?!”
I walked toward him, who was struggling in disbelief.
“Didn’t I say I was granting three counts?”
I lifted my sword once more.
I met his gaze, now filled with fear.
“There’s still one count remaining.”
