A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

**Chapter 46**

The first day of the frenzied faction battle quieted down just before the end of the Yin hour.

Zhou Hui looked at the muscular warriors who were sprawled out, snoring, and couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

Some might criticize the martial world as a cold, cruel place entangled with all sorts of grievances, but on the other hand, it was also a place where ordinary men and women lived their lives.

Even if they trained in refined martial arts and competed for fame, is there really any difference from the lives of common people?

Zhou Hui felt oddly detached as he left under the support of the Zhao family clan.

After accepting all the congratulatory drinks from the renowned figures of the martial world, a slight sentimental feeling began to rise in him.

When Zhou Hui arrived at the courtyard, he stood under the clear moonlight, slowly drawing out his Zhao family sword.

Another chuckle escaped from him.

*“Such a sharp real sword…”*

It was a sword so sharp that it could only be seen in movies, something modern people would never encounter in their lifetimes.

After spending nearly ten years in this martial world, going through many twists and turns, and becoming a master of both the Sword and the Demon, Zhou Hui had come to this point.

Yet, even this ordinary steel sword still felt unfamiliar to him.

With a complicated feeling, Zhou Hui gazed at the night sky.

The night sky here in the central plains was incomparable to that of the modern city.

In the city, even if one tried to admire the stars, the vast galaxy could not be seen through the haze of city lights.

But here, under the stars of the central plains, it felt as though all the stars were about to fall right toward him.

In the vast universe, under the immense forces of nature, humans were mere specks of dust.

No matter how desperately one struggled, they would still be no different from the drunk men who had entangled themselves in their own troubles and fallen asleep.

*”What’s this nonsense? This doesn’t suit you.”*

It was the voice of the indifferent Sword Master, but it carried a hint of concern.

Zhou Hui chuckled again and looked up at the night sky.

“Do you like it that much?”

*”Stop your nonsense and go to sleep.”*

The mind demon (Xin Mo) was not necessarily born from malicious thoughts or intense hatred.

Often, it started with a slight contradiction or simple emptiness, leading to self-destruction.

Therefore, it was crucial for a warrior—no, for a swordsman—to maintain a clear mind and calmness at all times.

A mind in such emptiness wasted vital energy.

If only he had a physical body, he would gently press the sleep point, but the reality that he was without a body made the Sword Master bitter.

Just then, someone’s presence was felt.

Ssshh.

The sliding sound of footsteps was like the fragrance of the hidden plum blossom from Mount Huashan.

The aura of reverence and thoughtfulness in the footsteps could only belong to someone like the leader of the Zhao family, who combined skill and profoundness.

Approaching with the deep scent of plums, Zhao Tianyang, the leader of the Zhao family, appeared, his eyes half-closed as he gazed at Zhou Hui.

“Master.”

At that moment, Zhou Hui almost burst into laughter.

*Master?*

I’m just a seven-time failed exam taker.

“Heh, I think I’ve had too much to drink. I want to be alone right now.”

Zhao Tianyang looked troubled and said in a low voice.

“I have already checked the surroundings using the will of the infinite Buddha and confirmed there are no signs of danger. You must already know this, Master. Why are you making me so anxious?”

Zhao Tianyang still couldn’t forget the cleansing of his soul through the Master’s teachings.

The Master’s guidance was like pure jade water, and if he could meet the true essence of that teaching again, he would be willing to give up his life.

“The infinite Buddha, no matter how worldly you may act, I have refrained from inquiring or letting my curiosity get the best of me. However, from what I’ve observed, your Zhao family’s martial arts could have a great influence on the martial world, even the entire world.”

He respectfully bowed his head.

“You, Master, have treated this ignorant disciple as a companion and taught me. I ask you to enlighten me once again so I may understand your intentions.”

His honest and sincere actions moved the Sword Master, who had been watching silently.

“No, no! Master…!”

Whoooosh!

Just like that, the Sword Master manifested in Zhou Hui’s body and smiled elegantly as he gazed at Zhao Tianyang.

In that instant, Zhao Tianyang shuddered and kneeled before him, recognizing the change.

“Ah, Master!”

The Sword Master looked at Zhao Tianyang with a distant expression and spoke gently.

“…You are a child full of affection. Did you miss the elders from Mount Huashan?”

Although the leader of the Zhao family was respected as the greatest in the martial world, his true self was simply a disciple who had spent his life cultivating under the teachings of his Master at Mount Huashan.

Without the title of the leader of the Zhao family, he was merely a disciple, always yearning for the Master.

“Ha ha! You felt the past in me, didn’t you? Yes, the greatest swordsman in the world, the one known as the master of the Zhao family, is still just a disciple seeking comfort and guidance.”

“Indeed…” Zhao Tianyang couldn’t deny it.

At fifty, Zhao Tianyang had reached the peak of his swordsmanship as the most skilled swordsman of Mount Huashan.

At that time, his Master was still alive, but there was nothing left to teach, as his disciple had already surpassed his teacher in skill.

Afterwards, Zhao Tianyang had spent decades in solitude, honing his craft alone.

The lonely path of swordsmanship.

Just when he thought he had become numb to this solitude, the Master appeared.

With just his aura, the Master rendered all of Zhao Tianyang’s inner power useless and obliterated Mount Huashan with a single strike.

The Master had scolded him for his accumulated skills and had shown him the true meaning of the plum blossom sword with a single, transcendent technique.

Zhao Tianyang bit his lip.

“I won’t deny it.”

“Haha…”

The Sword Master laughed as if he couldn’t believe it.

The greatest swordsman of that time, the one known as the leader of the Zhao family, was now humbling himself and asking for guidance.

The Sword Master casually sat down on the ground, his eyes half-open.

“Well, show me. I’d like to see your sword as well.”

With those words, Zhao Tianyang’s face quickly flushed.

Clang!

The sound of the sword unsheathing echoed through the silent courtyard.

It wasn’t a formal draw of the sword, but just a light unsheathing, yet with that single move, it was enough to feel the profound mastery of his swordsmanship.

Sssss—

His sword began to move slowly.

It was pure swordsmanship itself, without a trace of internal energy or intention.

Strangely, the swordplay being unfolded by Dan Cheonyang wasn’t the Twenty-Four Floral Swordsmanship of the Hwasan Sect, but the Six-Harmony Sword.

The Six-Harmony Sword was a step above the Three-Disaster Sword, though it was still a common swordplay in the martial world, one that could be learned by many.

As the name suggests, it is a swordplay that understands, seizes, and controls space first.

It advances slowly, sweeping forward, then turns to guard the rear.

It boldly strikes left, while at the same time striking right, establishing its foundation firmly beneath the heavens and the earth.

This was the Six-Harmony.

If one could perfectly dominate these six directions, no attack in the world would be feared.

By dividing these six directions into thirty-six smaller directions and embedding even more profound principles within them, one could create the Thirty-Six Swords of the World.

Even though the Six-Harmony Sword was a common technique, the extreme principles contained within it could not be dismissed lightly.

However, this was not the swordsmanship of the Hwasan Sect.

“Stop. Stop it,” the sword master said.

Before Dan Cheonyang could even finish his series of sword forms, he was ordered to stop, and he looked at the sword master with a confused expression.

But the sword master simply closed his eyes and remained silent.

After a moment of contemplation, Dan Cheonyang respectfully sheathed his sword and approached the master, sitting down in front of him.

After some time, the sword master finally opened his mouth.

“…How dare you mimic my swordplay?”

“…”

At these words, Dan Cheonyang felt as though he had been stabbed in the gut.

But how could he explain his determination in such a simple manner?

“Mu Ryang Su Bul, regardless of my identity as a member of the Hwasan Sect, I am a swordsman. It is only natural for a swordsman to pursue the path of the divine. How can you say that my resolve is wrong?”

“Shut up!”

The sword master opened his eyes wide and shouted.

“You are a swordsman representing the martial arts of the Central Plains! How can you chase after the swordsmanship of foreigners? Even if you reach such a level, how can you be proud of yourself?”

Dan Cheonyang was taken aback.

“Mu Ryang Su Bul, foreign swordsmanship?”

The sword master revealed the deep feelings of frustration he had been suppressing for a long time.

“I ask you, as a junior, to not follow the empty path of the Three Gods, and instead, let the martial arts of the Central Plains blossom.”

To think that the martial arts of the Three Gods were empty—what a laughable thing this was in the eyes of the world!

“The sword of the Hwasan Sect is like the plum blossom that survives through the harsh winter, blooming first. It is spring itself, the life force that revives all things. It is the sword that breathes life into the world.”

Dan Cheonyang’s eyes slowly opened wider.

“You fool. The sword you must study and cultivate is not the emptiness (Kong), but the vitality (Hwa) and life (Saeng). How have you still not understood this simple truth?”

“…”

It was a scolding as sharp as a direct strike to his mind.

A powerful force began to gather around Dan Cheonyang, and the fragrant scent of plum blossoms filled the courtyard, surrounding him.

The sword master’s face finally brightened, and he slowly rose from his seat.

“I still don’t know. What fate lies within this child’s destiny.”

The sword master gazed at the bright moon.

“How can one person bear all the calamities of the world alone?”

Even though Jo Hwi was a gifted individual of the ages, and his actions were guided by a destined cause, as he himself said, he was still just a single human being.

If the divine beings of the Three Gods began to oppress him, standing against them alone would be nearly impossible.

“When the time comes, you must assist this child. As a swordsman of the Central Plains, and as a swordsman of Hwasan, do you promise me this?”

At that moment, surrounded by the blossoming life energy of the plum blossoms, Dan Cheonyang looked up at the sword master, his eyes reflecting the pale light of the moon.

“Master, I vow upon my Plum Blossom Sword to do so.”

Thus, Dan Cheonyang, having attained the Six Divine Powers due to his cultivation, realized that this moment would be his last with the sword master.

When the sword master returned to the realm of spirits, Jo Hwi, his face now devoid of alcohol’s influence, frowned in irritation.

“No, how can that old man still have the strength to summon spirits again? What’s going on?”

The sword master had very little remaining spiritual power.

Among the voices of various beings from the realm of spirits, only the sword master’s voice could still be heard faintly, a sign of the growing severity of the situation.

Jo Hwi, his eyes now filled with tears, wiped them away with his sleeve and shouted again in frustration.

“Do you really want to die? They say once your spiritual power is completely gone and your existence fades, you can never reincarnate!”

At that moment, the voice of the sword master grew even more faint, but it resonated in Jo Hwi’s mind.

“…You must face him in battle.”

What was this? Even in this dire situation, what was the meaning of this command?

Jo Hwi furrowed his brows, still trying to make sense of it.

“…His natural mastery has reached the stage of Hwa Yeong (Transformation of Eternity). It’s not easy to find such a high-level practitioner. ”

The absolute mastery of nature, or the stages of natural power, were divided into three levels: Hwa O (Transformation of Enlightenment), Hwa Yeong (Transformation of Eternity), and Hwa Sin (Transformation of Spirit).

Facing someone at the peak of this mastery, like Dan Cheonyang, would be a tremendous opportunity for Jo Hwi to experience.

“…When the calamity arrives, you must attain this mastery. The battle with him will grant you great enlightenment, so quickly seek him out for battle.”

Jo Hwi was left speechless.

Even as his own power and existence were waning, the sword master was still concerned about his destiny.

Jo Hwi sighed deeply and spoke.

“The beings of the Three Gods are far beyond my ability to resist. How could I possibly stop them?”

It was a fundamental question that weighed heavily on Jo Hwi’s heart.

Having experienced their overwhelming power and magical abilities, it was only natural for him to feel powerless.

“…You are different from us.”

The voice was from Ma Shin, who had watched Jo Hwi expel the enormous forces of the Golden Heaven Sect with just his sheer presence.

Jo Hwi’s strength was a kind that could not be explained by martial arts, magic, or any ordinary means.

His divine eye (Shin An), which allowed him to perceive the essence and flaws of spirits, was an ability no other prodigy had ever possessed.

“Mu Ryang Su Bul, I see… It makes sense now. That necklace contains numerous spirits. Truly, an extraordinary item.”

Having reached the stage of Hwa Yeong, Dan Cheonyang now possessed the power to use basic forms of the Six Divine Powers.

Therefore, he could faintly overhear the conversation between Jo Hwi and the spirits.

“…Mu Ryang Su Bul, could it be that the spirits of the Three Gods are connected to your soul?”

“…”

Dan Cheonyang, using his powers to observe the spirits of the elders in the realm of blood, realized something even more extraordinary.

“Ah! The energy and qualities of the other spirits, their rank, are on par with or even exceed that of the Three Gods. There are countless fateful encounters in the martial world, but such a vast and unparalleled fate is unheard of.”

Now, Dan Cheonyang understood why Jo Hwi had so confidently referred to the sword master as his predecessor and teacher.

Jo Hwi let out a small sigh before speaking.

“The sword master wants me to face the Sword Saint in battle.”

Dan Cheonyang nodded gravely.

As a disciple of the great sword master, it was natural for them to engage in such a challenge.

“Mu Ryang Su Bul, very well.”

As Zhou Hui drew the iron sword from his waist, his eyes gleamed brightly.

“Can I go all out?”

Dan Cheon-yang smiled warmly and firmly planted the Plum Blossom Divine Sword in the air.

“Mu-ryang-su-bul, you may unleash everything you have.”

At Dan Cheon-yang’s declaration, Zhou Hui’s competitive spirit surged.

An opportunity to pour out everything in a duel was a rare chance for any martial artist.

“Then I will ask for your help.”

In that instant, Zhou Hui’s eyes turned into blinding white, and his aura transformed.

He pulled up every ounce of his absolute martial energy, reaching the peak of Wu Wu, draining it completely.

KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA—

A storm of intent raged.

The immense energy of Zhou Hui surged like a roaring storm, enveloping the entire martial community.

The martial artists, sensitive to energy, woke up with pale faces, unable to fathom such a vast and unimaginable force.

Soon, the great masters of the Nine Sects, the heads of the Five Great Families, and Zhou Hui’s companions appeared in the arena, flying in with lightness.

“…President!”

Zhang Geun, with a terrified expression, looked at him, and Zhou Hui responded with a squint.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a duel.”

Zhang Geun stood frozen, his face showing disbelief. He had experienced Zhou Hui’s martial energy several times before, but today’s was undoubtedly the most overwhelming.

The sheer, crushing power seemed to press down on the entire arena, making it hard to stand—yet this was only a duel?

“…Hah!”

The man who entered with a face marked by exhaustion was, to everyone’s surprise, Heo Cheon-dae-sal.

Aside from Zhou Hui’s companions, he was the only martial artist in this arena who had experienced Zhou Hui’s true level of power. But even he was astonished by Zhou Hui’s energy.

His teeth clenched, blood filling his mouth.

Had he known the extent of that man’s overwhelming abilities, Heo Cheon-ryeon would never have provoked him in the first place.

But regret, no matter how fast, was always too late.

At that moment, Zhou Hui, still enveloped in his immense energy, spoke calmly.

“I’m going.”

Woo-woo-woo-

A tremendous surge of intent erupted from Zhou Hui’s iron sword.

The eighth style of the Tianjian Flow.

The Heavenly Way of the Universe.

The sword energy representing the sword saint’s concept of “emptiness” finally revealed its true nature before the entire martial world.

Ts-ts-ts-ts-ts-

Countless dark dots appeared in the empty space before Dan Cheon-yang.

The multitude of points quickly devoured the space, building momentum as they expanded. Mu Huang swallowed hard.

“Hah…”

Mu Huang could instantly feel the astonishing power of the technique.

Swallowing space with pure intent!

With this, the opponent could dominate any direction of movement in an instant.

But the Sword of the Purple Mist was truly the essence of the Volcano.

Dan Cheon-yang’s sword lightly shook.

At that moment, a deep fragrance arose, enveloping the world.

Mu Huang realized the ancient legend of the Volcano had returned.

The fragrant scent of plum blossoms filled the air.

Finally, the rebirth of the Volcano spirit, and the hidden fragrance of life.

The Plum Blossom Divine Sword.

First form.

Hidden Fragrance, Heavenly Net.

It wasn’t a mighty, overwhelming force meant to swallow the world.

It was gentle, lyrical, and infinitely natural.

With the deep fragrance of the plum blossoms, Dan Cheon-yang’s sword energy advanced smoothly, harmonizing perfectly with Zhou Hui’s Heavenly Way of the Universe.

Ssssss—

The wounds caused by the Heavenly Way of the Universe were slowly healed by the power of the sword.

As the points of the Heavenly Way faded, Zhou Hui’s face was filled with unprecedented confusion.

His Heavenly Way had destroyed the core of the techniques containing the Divine Sovereign’s power.

Although the Demon God’s energy hadn’t been activated, he never imagined that it would be countered in this manner.

Only now did Zhou Hui realize the opposing sword energy, the vitality of the Volcano, was the perfect counter to his own technique.

– Hah, did you see? That is the Sword Sect of Zhongyuan.

The voice of the Sword Saint, who had reached the natural state, was filled with pride.

No, who exactly is this old man rooting for?

Zhou Hui clenched his teeth in frustration, realizing his current level was insufficient.

If only the Sword Saint’s energy were present, the outcome would have been entirely different!

Clenching his teeth, Zhou Hui quietly withdrew his sword, enduring the struggle.

With his current level of energy, he could never counter the vitality of the Plum Blossom Divine Sword.

He wanted to reveal his strongest hand, but how could he do so in front of the great masters of righteous sects?

At that moment, Dan Cheon-yang’s voice pierced into Zhou Hui’s ear.

Ho?

Zhou Hui decided to trust his words, considering the boast of the world’s greatest.

In an instant.

A desperate, ghostly purple flame ignited in Zhou Hui’s eyes.

Flarrrrr-

As the Demon God’s martial energy erupted from his body, the martial artists, already on edge from Zhou Hui’s immense energy, fled in terror, unable to withstand the pressure.

Even the experts capable of shielding themselves with protective qi could not stand.

“Hah! What is this?”

Mu Huang’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Even he, who had reached the boundless realm, would be paralyzed by this immense energy if he didn’t use his martial energy.

Zhou Hui’s Demon God power was a completely different kind of energy than the one traditionally associated with the Demon God.

Combined with the techniques of the Heavenly Sword, its power was multiplied by several times.

“Mu-ryang-su-bul, truly, as a disciple of the Sword Saint, your martial ability is impeccable. You control the essence of the Volcano so freely.”

Zhou Hui looked at the technique with awe and confusion.

Zhao Yihu?

At that moment, Cho Hwi tilted his head in confusion, but soon he understood Dan Cheon Yang’s intent and faintly smiled.

At that moment, a pitch-black aura began to form around Cho Hwi’s steel sword.

It was a violent, demonic energy so fierce it could swallow the entire world.

Cho Hwi envisioned the strongest sword technique he could unleash with his power.

It was the aura of destruction rising from the cauldron.

The darkness that emanated from Cho Hwi’s entire body caused the moonlight, which once illuminated the world, to lose its glow in an instant.

The martial art of the sword god, if it represented the void, the martial art of the demon god represented destruction.

It was the absolute opposite of the vitality of a volcano.

Cho Hwi’s steel sword revealed the divine might of the celestial demon, who wandered through the endless darkness of the cauldron.

Kugugugugu—

The entire area, beyond the Council of Great Masters and across the Po Yang Lake, was enveloped in a tremor, as though an earthquake had struck.

The Three Celestial Demon Swords.

Second Form.

Celestial Demon Destruction Soul.

In that moment.

Without the usual sound of a sword cutting or any shockwaves, the place where Dan Cheon Yang had been standing was completely ‘erased’ from existence.

It happened so quickly that everyone who witnessed it was too stunned to react!

Not only had Dan Cheon Yang disappeared, but even the surrounding scenery vanished without a trace.

“…Impossible!”

Mu Huang’s thoughts came to a halt.

It was an unthinkable phenomenon!

Scenery, by nature, has depth and distance—how could such a thing happen?

What was it? A mystical art or magical power? Could this really be a martial art performed by a human?

As everyone stood dumbstruck, staring in disbelief, the crackling sound of tearing space could be heard from within the pure darkness that now filled the scene.

“Hmm?”

Mu Huang’s eyes widened in surprise.

From the murky darkness, a sword suddenly shot out with a sharp sound.

“Plum Blossom Divine Sword!”

Realizing it was Dan Cheon Yang’s sword, Mu Huang’s face brightened.

Crack, crack, crack!

A great burst of flames erupted, and space was torn vertically.

Soon, Dan Cheon Yang, with an indifferent expression, emerged from the darkness that had been completely shredded.

“Heh, what an interesting sword,” Dan Cheon Yang remarked with a gentle smile.

Looking at him with a kindly expression, Dan Cheon Yang observed Cho Hwi.

Cho Hwi couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Celestial Demon Destruction Soul.

When Cho Hwi’s sword was seen, the demon god was deeply impressed.

His own sword spirit, which was filled only with madness and destruction, was completely different from Cho Hwi’s.

Cho Hwi’s sword spirit was an entirely different kind of destruction, perfectly merging with the void of the sword god—a different dimension of destruction.

The demon god then realized something.

Both he and the sword god had obtained enlightenment from the traces left behind by modern humans.

He had awakened the concept of destruction from the stone slabs of the modern age, while the sword god had awakened the concept of the void from the sword marks.

The same thing had been seen, but the interpretations had been different.

However, in the two types of enlightenment, Cho Hwi was the only one who could glimpse a similarity and continuity between them.

Just like the modern humans who left behind the sword manuals and stone slabs, he too was a modern man.

Thus, the martial ideal that ancient modern humans sought might have been what Cho Hwi had just demonstrated with his Celestial Demon Destruction Soul.

Because of this, the demon god felt his heart race strangely.

Then, Dan Cheon Yang, holding the Plum Blossom Divine Sword at an angle, spoke in a stern voice.

“I have seen your martial soul.”

As a fellow sword master, Dan Cheon Yang showed respect to Cho Hwi, though it also implied that there was nothing more to learn from him.

Had it been anyone else, this might have seemed like arrogance, but he was none other than the world’s greatest.

At this, Cho Hwi also sheathed his steel sword, his eyes glowing intensely.

Dan Cheon Yang had already deduced that the Celestial Demon Destruction Soul was the strongest martial soul Cho Hwi could perform.

In a sense, it was a declaration that there was no longer anything of value to see, which made Cho Hwi feel a strange sense of defiance.

He had never encountered such a situation since reaching the state of ultimate mastery.

But now that his Celestial Demon Destruction Soul had been blocked, what else could he do?

“Hah…”

How had he been able to tear through the destructive space, which even distorted time, with just a single sword?

The Celestial Demon Destruction Soul was a compressed version of the Celestial Demon Oblivion.

The destructive aura that had once spread over hundreds of pages had been compressed into a single person through the control of an extraordinary mind, making its destructive power so immense that it could warp time itself.

The physical pressure, the density of that power, was beyond imagination.

Yet, Dan Cheon Yang had naturally torn it apart without much effort.

Even if his natural skills were incredible, to block such a force with such ease, Cho Hwi could only feel a sense of emptiness.

But the next words from Dan Cheon Yang were even more shocking.

“Mu Liang Su Bu, you will never reach the state of the natural realm.”

Upon hearing this declaration, Mu Huang’s face showed immense surprise.

Cho Hwi was a swordsman who had reached the state of ultimate mastery before even turning thirty, an unprecedented figure in the long history of the martial world.

Even the greatest of the Three Gods had revealed their divine might only in their later years.

Thus, Cho Hwi was the prime candidate to reach the natural realm in the next generation.

Undoubtedly, Dan Cheon Yang knew that Cho Hwi’s accomplishments were far from light.

Yet, such a definite statement?

Still, since it was Dan Cheon Yang who said it, there must be a reason behind it.

Mu Huang decided to observe further.

“Hah…”

What was most shocking was that Cho Hwi, the person involved, was the most stunned and looked deeply troubled.

At first, it had seemed like a distant goal, but now achieving the natural realm had become a massive ambition for him in life.

Moreover, it was the will of the sword god himself.

No, perhaps it was the unfulfilled wish of all the great masters.

But to hear that he would *never* be able to reach it?

Cho Hwi’s expression grew grave, and he let out a bitter sigh.

“How can you so decisively claim such a thing, blocking the bright path of a young man? What’s your reasoning?”

His face clearly showed displeasure at the statement.

Yet, Dan Cheon Yang’s face remained frustratingly serene.

“Heh… Mu Liang Su Bu, your martial soul is undoubtedly a unique and powerful spirit of destruction in the long history of the martial world. But what else is there outside of that martial soul?”

“Hmm?”

Martial soul.

Or the path of intent.

There were no words more indicative of a master who had achieved the highest martial realm than these.

The martial soul is everything to a martial artist who has reached the absolute realm.

For such a martial artist, there was nothing more to be said outside of the martial soul.

Realizing this, Cho Hwi still couldn’t quite grasp the meaning behind Dan Cheon Yang’s words, and once again, his voice echoed.

“Mu Liang Su Bu, there is no *Tu Ro* in your body. A martial artist who cannot carve out their own path of struggle cannot truly exist. This is a serious flaw and could lead to significant problems in the future. Or perhaps such a contradiction in a martial artist who has reached the absolute realm is nothing short of a divine joke.”

A martial artist, by nature, goes through intense physical training, mental discipline, and desperate battles—gaining a unique essence that cannot be exchanged for anything.

Some even describe this life of a martial artist as the “way of seeking,” as it is something beyond simply mastering martial techniques—this is the true essence of a martial artist.

Dan Cheon Yang referred to this essence of a martial artist as *Tu Ro*, the “path of struggle,” but it could be expressed with many other words.

“Tu Ro…” Cho Hwi pondered deeply.

The literal meaning in Korean is the “fight path.”

Even if one expresses it more elegantly, it would simply be understood as the “combat trajectory.”

For Cho Hwi, such a path was nothing more than a physical concept conveyed to him through the Eye of the Sword, a mathematical calculation of the optimal movement.

“You see, your martial soul, Mu Liang Su Bu, is more like a technique than the manifestation of one’s true self honed over a lifetime.”

At this, Cho Hwi finally understood why Dan Cheon Yang had such an impression.

But it couldn’t be helped. His martial art, which combined the power of modern physics with the martial arts of the Central Plains, naturally gave off an artificial, almost unnatural feeling.

Cho Hwi felt unjust.

The reason his martial art was unfamiliar to those from the Central Plains was because they didn’t understand modern mathematics.

Cho Hwi glared sharply at Dan Cheon Yang.

“You say that I am a martial artist without a *Tu Ro*? I understand why you might feel that way, but such a definitive statement is a little premature, don’t you think?”

Dan Cheon Yang’s face showed a growing sign of irritation.

“Mu Liang Su Bu, heh… Even though I may be a simple man, I am

still a person who has truly walked through the path of destruction. Do you really believe that I, who have gained insight into the true essence of martial arts, could be wrong?”

At this moment, a profound understanding slowly crept into Cho Hwi’s thoughts.

He had been striving to find the path to mastery for his entire life.

But just then, his thoughts began to converge on a single realization.

The face of the “World’s Greatest” stiffened.

How dare you challenge the Sword Sect of Mount Hua, one of the most powerful sects in the martial world, in a pure sword duel?

What kind of sect is the Hua Mountain Sect?

It is a sect that wields the renowned Illusionary Sword, said to be the greatest in the Central Plains.

Even the entrance exam for the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship involves cutting all the falling plum petals from the top of the Heavenly Palace in a single breath, in less than a second.

This task requires mastering at least eight of the twenty-four Plum Blossom Sword techniques, which is only achievable after years of tireless practice.

The swordsmen of Hua Mountain spend their whole lives striving for precision and elegance in their techniques.

Now, someone dares to challenge the leader of the sect to a pure sword duel?

Anyone who knows anything about Hua Mountain would know such a thing is utter nonsense.

It is akin to carrying firewood into a furnace!

Even the Demon King would never make such a reckless challenge!

“May the Amitabha Buddha, so be it.”

The sound of the Plum Blossom Divine Sword of Dan Cheon Yang flashed once more with a dazzling blade.

Cho Hwi’s sword technique, like an arrow, shot forward with perfect precision.

Cha-cha-cha!

Cho Hwi’s iron sword stretched out, forming a sweeping arc.

Dan Cheon Yang effortlessly retreated, countering with the Plum Blossom techniques.

Although he wielded his sword without a single trace of internal energy, his Plum Blossom Divine Sword created dazzling afterimages, ultimately becoming a wave of flowers, applying pressure on Cho Hwi from all sides.

Then, something astonishing occurred.

Ching, ching, ching!

Dan Cheon Yang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The tip of Cho Hwi’s sword met every attack, parrying them with a sword point.

The movements of the Plum Blossom Sword techniques were designed to cover 128 different angles.

To meet every strike with precision, especially at such incredible speed, meant only one thing.

Dan Cheon Yang, who had blocked Cho Hwi’s final strike, stood in disbelief as he lowered his sword.

“How did you—?”

Cho Hwi, with a calm smile, said nothing but chuckled lightly.

The “Sword Heaven” ability allowed him to instantly replicate even the most complicated sword techniques after seeing them just once.

It was no different from Hua Mountain’s illusionary sword.

To the untrained eye, it appeared as if he were performing the same dazzling illusionary sword techniques. But, in reality, it was more about the physical principles, making it easier to counter them.

The movement toward the highest level twisted at intermediate angles.

Vertical axes extended the distance, weakening the force.

Variable speeds slowed down acceleration, all of which made it easier for Cho Hwi to nullify the vectors in Dan Cheon Yang’s Plum Blossom techniques.

This ability to instantly counter all the angles and velocities was too much for ordinary practitioners to comprehend, and to even attempt such a feat was the mark of understanding the sword techniques completely.

Dan Cheon Yang stood frozen in silence.

The world’s greatest sword master, who had once betrayed Hua Mountain to join the Heavenly Demon Sect, had spent his whole life studying the Hua Mountain sword techniques to no avail.

The idea that Cho Hwi could perfectly counter the sword techniques was beyond Dan Cheon Yang’s understanding.

“Do you still think I have no sword path?” Cho Hwi asked, his voice carrying a note of amusement.

“…”

Dan Cheon Yang had no choice but to admit it.

He realized that it wasn’t that Cho Hwi lacked a sword path—he had simply failed to recognize it.

Closing his eyes deeply, Dan Cheon Yang revisited each of Cho Hwi’s sword techniques.

The Plum Blossom techniques he had used earlier were the core of Hua Mountain’s swordplay, but Cho Hwi had countered each of them without effort.

This wasn’t simply about knowing the techniques. It was about understanding them completely, recognizing their essence.

Every practitioner of Hua Mountain’s swordsmanship had unique variations in their sword paths, influenced by their individual physique and training.

Even slight differences in height and arm length could change the way one executed these techniques.

The legendary practitioners of the martial world were revered as “masters”—ones who became the foundation for others to follow.

And Dan Cheon Yang, as the leader of Hua Mountain’s Sword Sect, was undoubtedly a “master” in the truest sense.

But Cho Hwi had countered everything, not just in knowledge but in full understanding.

Dan Cheon Yang was left stunned.

In his earlier years, the notorious “Demon Sword of Hua Mountain,” who had once betrayed the sect, had also spent years studying the secrets of Hua Mountain’s sword techniques, but even that man had never been able to accomplish what Cho Hwi had just done.

Dan Cheon Yang finally lowered his head, his expression filled with deep respect.

“I have no right to teach him,” he said.

This was no longer directed at Cho Hwi but toward the sword saint hidden within him.