Return of the Mount Hua Sect

Yoo Iseol’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

The moment she blocked one dao, another dao flew in and crushed her sword. And before she could react, another dao flew in.

Kaaaang!

The dao that flew in preemptively struck her quickly, restricting the movement of her sword, and the heavy attacks that came in succession seemed to bind her, preventing any movement.

Within this sequence, it was impossible to execute the elaborate sword technique characteristic of Mount Hua.

Even if the numerical difference had been merely two to three times, there might have been a chance for a counter, but the overwhelming odds of more than ten times made it impossible. Moreover, aren’t they really skillfully taking advantage of the difference in number?

However!

‘Slow.’

Paaaaat!

Her sword was pulled back like a flash. Yoo Iseol, who pulled her sword in a sweeping arc that left a long trail in the air, thrust her sword forward even faster.

The elite of Black Ghost Fortress widened their eyes as they saw the sword flying like a thunderbolt, but before a scream could come out of their mouth, Yoo Iseol’s sword mercilessly pierced through one of their necks.

Kwadeuk!

Yoo Iseol, who was trying to lift herself up habitually using the recoil of pushing down the sword stuck in the opponent’s neck, stopped without realizing it.

They were just waiting for her to jump there.

It wasn’t just her at risk. The moment she was surrounded by enemies, her Sahyungs would rush in without a second thought for their own lives to save her.

The burden of knowing that her momentary error in judgment might lead to the annihilation of her Sahyung suddenly came over her.

The elites of Black Ghost Fortress ignored the death of their comrade and swung their swords at Yoo Iseol’s exposed side again.

Swaeaeaeaek!

When she saw the dao flying towards both sides, she quickly retrieved the sword that had been inserted into the enemy’s neck. She then swung it vigorously from side to side.

‘Nothing to be flustered about.’

Kaaaaang!

The flying dao collided with her sword and bounced away swiftly.

Mount Hua’s swordsmanship clearly centers on illusion (?(幻)) and changes (?(變)). The essence of Mount Hua’s sword is the swordsmanship that causes countless changes and cleverly mixes real and illusion within those changes to bewilder the opponent.

But that is not all there is to Mount Hua.

Paaaaaat!

Yoo Iseol’s sword quickly stretched out again and immediately pierced the retreating enemy’s shoulder.

Kwadeudeuk!

Certainly, their strategy was quite formidable. It was the first time Yoo Iseol and the disciples of Mount Hua faced enemies who sought to destroy their swords.

It is true that she felt momentary dismay and shrank back. She couldn’t use her feet for propulsion as usual, and she couldn’t recklessly execute the Plum Blossom Sword Technique she had wielded countless times. It is a precarious situation that cannot be fully expressed in simple words such as disadvantageous.

However, Yoo Iseol’s eyes did not waver as usual.

Paat!

She stepped forward in place and swung her sword like a beam of light, splitting the air. It is an extremely efficient sword strike that has no unnecessary elements and does not allow any waste.

‘My body already knows.’

Clearly, this is the first time they have encountered an enemy (?(敵)) who destroys Mount Hua’s swordsmanship. Yes, it’s the first time.

However, Mount Hua’s disciples have already fought countless fierce battles with someone who destroyed their swordsmanship too easily. They have been shattered and smashed, yet they have continuously risen to fight again and again.

Therefore, when they encounter such an enemy, their bodies, not their minds, are engraved with how to confront them.

‘Sajil!’

The sword of Mount Hua is extremely strong in battles between groups, but it cannot demonstrate its power in extreme melees where swords are intertwined.

But they are different.

Basics that went beyond stubbornness and emphasized obsessively. And a series of battle-like sparring that a any common prestigious Righteous Sects would never ask for.

All of this is now fully ingrained in their bodies.

Like forging steel to make it stronger, their constantly tempered bodies move before their minds to slay the enemy.

Kaaaaang!

The moment the flying dao collided with the thin sword, it bounced off with absurd ease.

‘Strength and internal strength isn’t everything.’

She knew it in her head. Strength isn’t something that comes from mere exertion. What’s important is to apply strong force precisely when needed. If one can know the exact moment and timing, the same force can create multiple times the impact.

And the appropriate moment and timing are precisely what her body remembers.

All the know-how that was almost forcefully instilled is embodied in her body and released.

Sogok!

She cleanly severed the carotid artery of someone retreating in panic. And then she stared unwaveringly with cold eyes at another enemy rushing towards her.

‘Look at this?’

Im Sobyeong’s eyes widened slightly.

The difference in numbers is obvious. The difference in overall strength is also evident. Therefore, various strategies were prepared. To be able to overcome this huge difference in power, it was almost a fluke.

But everything he had prepared was turning out to be useless at this moment.

‘Growing stronger here?’

There’s no way that could make sense. These are individuals who have been trained to the utmost already. Unless you are a beginner, your skills will not improve rapidly just by experiencing a real battle once.

This isn’t about becoming stronger; it’s about adapting, and more than adapting, it’s about changing. Depending on the opponent, everything from footwork to sword techniques to breathing is adjusted accordingly.

It was a truly astonishing sight.

Martial art is a framework. It’s about standardizing. That’s why those who begin to learn the sword start by accurately drawing the sword path, right?

Constant repetitive training is a process of solidifying one’s own framework. The longer one practices martial arts, the more solid that framework tends to be. Thus, changing a framework that has been set once at will is virtually impossible.

But now they are doing the impossible. Their framework, which seemed extremely solid, is gently distorted and transformed into a framework suitable for the enemy.

‘Who in the world has ever seen something like this?’

The existence of Magyo and the power of the bishop were a huge shock, but this sight was also shocking in another way. Anyone who understands what is involved in this change will be even more shocked.

‘I thought they would have gotten stronger over the past three years.’

Since that monster Chung Myung trained them, of course they should become stronger. It’s unthinkable in Kangho that a master of his caliber would guide these kids one by one.

However, what they showed was beyond Im Sobyeong’s common sense.

‘What on earth did you create, Dojang….?’

Goosebumps ran up his spine. A sword capable of responding on any battlefield, under any circumstances? Doesn’t that imply a sword without weaknesses?

Of course, having no weaknesses doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but…

‘At least there will never be a case where they fail to utilize their skills and die helplessly.’

Im Sobyeong, who was looking at the scene before him, eventually burst out laughing.

“…What a terrible person.”

He can feel it in that sword. What did the person who taught them such a sword truly want?

If he had only focused on strengthening the sword of Mount Hua Sect, the moment the sword of Mount Hua was destroyed for the first time, someone would have definitely died or been seriously injured.

Because they learned a sword capable of responding in any situation, they can defend and endure. Their tendency itself is focused on overpowering and defeating their opponents, but the sword is more specialized in protecting own life.

It’s easier said than done. He can’t even imagine what process they must have gone through to learn such a sword.

A tremendous determination that is almost terrifying is palpable.

It is clear that both the teacher and the learners must have crossed countless life-and-death situations. The direction in which that tenacity wanted to go was clearly visible to Im Sobyeong, who was watching from behind.

“Isn’t that a bit too greedy…?”

Im Sobyeong shook his head as if in disbelief, and his eyes lit up again. In any case, from his perspective, the number of cards in his hand has increased.

‘Let’s see.’

Centered around Chung Myung, Five Swords, including Baek Cheon, surround him on all sides. And between Chung Myung and Five Swords, Un Gum, Hye Yeon, Tang Soso, Namgung Dowi, and Im Sobyeong are located to support those guarding the front.

The martial prowess of those inside is inconsistent, but it doesn’t matter. Now it’s like they’re standing with impenetrable shields.

“Shall we push a bit harder then?”

Hwiiiiik!

He lightly waved his fan. The fan energy that emanated from the tip of the fan went over Yoon Jong’s back and instantly pushed away those charging from the front.

“Let’s widen the gap a little bit to make room for a fight!”

As soon as his words left his mouth, Five Swords took a step forward.

Thanks to this, the number of enemies to face at once has increased, but it also freed their movements a bit more.

“Dieeeee!”

Jo-Gol unleashed his specialty, a storm-like barrage of strikes, towards the elite of Black Ghost Fortress charging with terrifying force. Dozens of sword energy erupted in an instant and pierced the attacking enemy one after another.

The space in front was momentarily empty, but instead of charging forward like usual, Jo-Gol looked around.

Paaaaat!

And without hesitation, he struck with his sword towards the enemy charging at Yoon Jong.

The elite of Black Ghost Fortress, caught off guard by the sword that suddenly flew from the side, quickly moved and turned his head, but Jo-Gol’s sword was twice as fast.

Puuk!

“Keuk….”

The sword that pierced through the side of the neck came out the other side. The elite of Black Ghost Fortress, covered in blood, collapsed on the spot.

“No need for thanks.”

“Just do your job, you idiot!”

“…Even helping gets me insults.”

The brief gap he created was used not to kill the enemy, but to help others. Uncharacteristically for Jo-Gol.

Im Sobyeong’s gaze sharpened even more.

Maybe Plum Blossom Island was too narrow a battlefield for them to perform. After all, how could mere numbers bring out all their skills?

“You created quite a few monsters.”

Im Sobyeong’s eyes scanned the battlefield. Still, the situation is far from good even with empty words. Even if a few had died, it was merely a drop in the ocean against the swarms of ant-like enemies.

Im Sobyeong’s gaze turned to Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold beyond.

‘You’ve created a hell of a man where one’ll die if they get nervous and rush in?’

Im Sobyeong gripped his fan tightly.

“I guess that’s the same thing there too?”

Whoever moves first loses. In his opinion, this was more of a battle of nerves than a battle of strategy. Im Sobyeong glanced back.

Just as expected.

‘That’s right.’

Chung Myung had both eyes closed. At first glance, he may appear carefree, unsuited to the battlefield. But in reality, he was not just resting, but entering a state of deep meditation (??(入功)).

By meditating while standing, he tries to obtain the minimum physical condition to fight again as quickly as possible.

To perform energy circulation while standing on a battlefield where blades fly and hidden weapons are unleashed? It’s an impossible task for anyone in their right mind.

This is impossible without the confidence that those surrounding him will surely block no matter what attack might come.

“He’s crazy.”

Im Sobyeong’s eyes, smiling softly, turned once again to Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold.

Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold was likely witnessing this scene as well. Just knowing that Chung Myung was meditating could be causing unbelievable mental pressure.

“Now, let’s see who has more nerve.”

Im Sobyeong, with a bright smile on his face, looked at Great Master of Ten Thousand Gold with a relaxed expression.