Mount Wudang, Hubei.The pure spiritual energy gathered on the verdant peaks of Wudang filled the air, rippling outward in waves. That brilliant force radiated across the grand dueling grounds—because a young woman, barely twenty, was swinging her sword with all her might.The sunlight shimmered along the blade’s arc, gleaming like sword qi. She had not yet reached that realm, but her flawless stance and precise control of qi showed that she wasn’t far from it.Wudang’s late-generation disciple was overwhelming.More than twenty senior brothers and disciples had taken turns facing her in sparring duels, yet not even half a shichen had passed before all of them were driven out of the training floor.The Elders watching from the sidelines smiled in deep satisfaction.One elder spoke with a touch of pride.“Ah, do we even need to hold this duel tournament? The winner is obviously our Yeon-a.”“Haha, truly a blessing of Yeonja Cup. Once those kids lead Wudang, our sect’s name will shake the whole world.”“What use is shaking the world? So long as Wudang lends its strength to perfect the righteous path of the world, that alone will be enough.”The Sect Leader calmed the excited elders with his gentle, steady tone.Then, a booming voice shattered the serene air.“Lending strength, you say! Jeom-chil—no, Yeon-a—looks like she’s going to drag this whole tournament by the scruff of its neck! Hahaha! So when’s the duel starting? Let’s move it up! I’m shaking in anticipation here!”“...Taeguk Sword Sovereign. Your speech is too frivolous.”“This is exactly the time to be lighthearted! When a disciple achieves greatness by carving flesh and bone through sheer effort, it’s a master’s duty to rejoice and leap with joy! Sect Leader, even you can allow yourself some levity for now.”The Taeguk Sword Sovereign lightly tapped the shoulder of his junior and current Sect Leader, Hyeongong.“You’ve seen it too, haven’t you? That child trains as if cutting away her very life just to raise Wudang’s honor.”“I have.”Her training went beyond human endurance.Of course, the one who pushed her that far was even less sane—but since that very person was standing beside him, Sect Leader Hyeongong could hardly say it aloud.That merciless master now laughed heartily, reveling in his disciple’s achievement before the tournament even began, as if she had already won.No one pointed it out.They had seen too many warriors and late-generation prodigies to recognize talent even in a single movement of the sword.The shock they felt now rivaled what they’d experienced five years ago—when they’d first seen Namgung Jin’s duel at the Martial Alliance tournament.Unlike Namgung’s Young Clan Head, who had been pampered on rare manuals and elixirs, this girl ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) had been learning martial arts for barely three years.True, she might have grown up eating Yeonjuhwan and spending time around the Divine Physician—but her potential was still boundless.Thinking that, even the ever-humble Sect Leader Hyeongong felt his chest swell with pride.He recalled the day he first met her.The girl who had stood unflinching beside the Heukcheon Amgui of the Tang Clan, her eyes gleaming bright.Once, Wudang had refused to take female disciples—but that was old talk. It wasn’t deliberate exclusion; it was simply that few girls ever came seeking Wudang’s path, believing the rumors that women weren’t welcome.Like any sect, Wudang valued talent and disposition above all else.And this girl’s talent had been personally guaranteed by the Heukcheon Amgui, while even the Taeguk Sword Sovereign—who had never taken a disciple in his entire life—had shown interest. There was no reason to refuse.As long as her reason for learning martial arts aligned with Wudang’s dao.That day, Hyeongong had asked her directly why she wished to learn martial arts.The girl had taken a deep breath, voice trembling slightly.[ I wish to become a source of strength. ][ Strength? ][ Yes. Someone who, when remembered, naturally gives strength to others... that kind of person. ]Her tone was wistful—far too mature for her age.[ I want to walk forward without hesitation toward my goal, and when fear strikes, to be someone others can reach out to. To become such a person, I must grow stronger—and to be strong, I need martial arts. ]It sounded as if she were thinking of someone specific.So he had to ask.[ Hm. Are you saying you want to learn martial arts for someone else’s sake? ]Since it sounded like she meant to become a killing blade, Hyeongong hesitated to accept her.The girl couldn’t answer right away. She looked toward the Heukcheon Amgui, who gave a noncommittal glance before picking at his ear and turning away.Then she faced Hyeongong again and answered with firm resolve.[ Yes! If they revere righteousness, I wish to become strength for anyone—just like Wudang’s Taoist masters! ]Her speech sounded oddly rehearsed, but he assumed it was from nervousness.There was no way a child with such a pure face could lie.Enchanted by her clear eyes, no one challenged her words.Perhaps encouraged by that, she stammered on in her earnest, awkward way.[ If Wudang accepts me as a disciple, I’ll become the best and spread Wudang’s dao across the Central Plains, becoming... Wudang itself! ]She clenched her fist with solemn determination.[ Wudang’s pride! The very symbol of righteousness—Wudang! ]“...”[ I’ll do my utmost so everyone can see it that way! ]Since the Taeguk Sword Sovereign already liked her, they’d been inclined to accept her—but her passion and sincerity won over all the elders. The girl, Jeom-chil, became a disciple of Wudang.Three years had passed since then.Recently, they had even bestowed upon her a formal Taoist name—Yeon-a.It was a gesture of gratitude toward the Yeonjuda troupe who had instilled such right-minded ideals in her.Yeon-a.'Yes, we will give you all of Wudang. Fulfill your wish. Spread our dao throughout the world, and bring peace to the realm.'While Sect Leader Hyeongong’s heart swelled with emotion, the third-generation disciple catching her breath on the dueling floor was filled with rather impure thoughts.Wiping sweat from her chin, Yeon-a looked ahead.The twenty senior brothers and sisters rolling on the floor filled her view.'...All of the Yeonja Cup challengers are down.'She lifted her head. Beyond Wudang’s peaks stretched a clear blue sky and lush green forest. A serene smile touched her lips.But beneath that pure face, a far baser thought occupied her mind.'Soon, I’ll devour all of Wudang.'Greed burned in the eyes of the prodigy who was Wudang’s hope—but with her face soft as tofu, she only looked like a young woman basking joyfully under good weather.'Just wait a bit longer. When the time comes, I’ll become the sharpest blade you can wield.'The young Taoist dreaming of becoming the world’s foremost killing sword adjusted her stance.Whish—Her spotless sword—untainted by a single drop of blood—slid back into its sheath with a crisp sound.'They said the tournament winner will be awarded a piece of Han Cheol, didn’t they?'Like everyone in Wudang, Yeon-a had no doubt she would win it.The elders assumed she would dedicate her Han Cheol to Wudang—but Yeon-a had already decided who she would give it to.'Should I forge him a throwing knife? Mmm, or sell it and give him the money? No, he’s already wealthy. Wait, he’s studying medicine—then I’ll make him a needle set or scissors! I can make an extra one while crafting Grandfather Jin-cheol’s... yes, that’ll do...'With light steps, Yeon-a headed toward the training hall to cultivate her qi.The Taeguk Sword Sovereign watched her retreating figure and laughed.“Haha! Thanks to Yeon-a, this old man might finally get a new beloved sword before he dies.”Normally, when disciples won tournament prizes, they dedicated them to their sect, and the sect handled the reward—but in Wudang, such honors were passed to the masters who raised such prodigies.So everyone expected that once Yeon-a donated her Han Cheol, it would go to the Taeguk Sword Sovereign.The elders flattered him enviously.“You’re blessed with such a fine disciple.”Thus, while waiting for the Martial Alliance Duel Tournament, Wudang spent their days in cheerful misunderstanding.***Unlike the merry Wudang, Mount Hua was shrouded in solemnity.Many physicians had visited the sect recently, and rare medicinal ingredients arrived at all hours—all to treat a disciple who had lost his mind after a clash with the Blood Cult.“The Martial Alliance Duel Tournament will begin soon.”A Taoist standing before the Medical Hall muttered with a sigh.“This year, Myungdan was supposed to compete...”Wu So stood with his arms folded in silence.At that moment, the doors of the Medical Hall opened, and an old monk stepped out.“Ah, I told you to stay back! Why are you still standing right by the door?”The foul-mouthed, disrobed monk scolded the Mount Hua elders pressed close to the entrance.Wu So ignored the rebuke and asked in a low tone, “How is he?”The monk clicked his tongue. “You show that attitude after I worked myself half to death?”No one knew where the old monk came from or what he truly was, but among wanderers he was famous for miraculous healing. Whatever strange arts he used, patients who’d been bedridden for life stood up again, and the blind regained sight.Desperate, Wu So had entrusted Myungdan to him—but unease gnawed at him all the same.“Has he regained consciousness?”When Wu So asked again, the monk stepped aside. “See for yourself.”The rude remark didn’t stop the elders; they entered the hall at once. The monk chuckled.“Remember, if he’s fully recovered, you owe me double the payment we agreed on!”Creak.As the door slid open, Wu So and the others froze.Myungdan was standing by the bed, already dressed in his Taoist robes, fastening his sword belt.He lifted his gaze toward Wu So, smiling faintly.Then he brought his hands together and bowed deeply.“Disciple Myungdan greets his master.”“...”“Myungdan...”They were speechless.The clarity in his eyes, the confident expression on his once-vacant face—Mount Hua’s beloved prodigy had returned.Wu So looked at him for a long moment, then said briefly, “It seems your mind has returned. You’ve done well.”“It’s all thanks to you, Master.”“Good. Rest a while longer.”Even as he spoke, Wu So turned and left the hall.The monk stood outside, leaning on one leg as if expecting him. A grin stretched across his face as Wu So hurried out.Wu So bowed deeply, shedding all earlier pride.“Thank you. I don’t know how to repay this debt...”“Money.”“Of course. I’ll pay double the promised fee, plus compensation for your journey.”“That’ll do.”When Wu So straightened, the monk scratched his ear.“I’ve places to be, so pay me quickly.”“May I ask where you’re headed? I’d like to offer my respects later.”“I have no fixed home. I just go where my feet take me. I heard a duel tournament’s about to start in Hubei, so I might go watch. Heh, I’ve got a good eye for fighters—makes me decent at betting on duels.”“...”“Just to be clear, I expect payment in cash. Bring me some shabby promissory note, and I’ll be very disappointed.”“...I’ll make sure it’s in cash.”The monk left Mount Hua with a satisfied grin and a purse full of coin.Wu So felt uneasy.The Martial Alliance banned duel gambling, and here he was funding a monk’s betting money. But after saving his disciple, how could he refuse payment?As he sighed, an elder patted his shoulder.“We went through so much trouble finding that monk. Don’t worry—no one will find out.”“That’s supposed to be comforting?”“Ahem. By the way, Senior Brother, you’ll have to keep an eye on Myungdan. He’s already talking about training for the tournament again, says he must win. I’m worried he’ll hurt himself.”“He won’t harm himself over something like that.”Even as he said it, Wu So turned back toward the Medical Hall—clearly intending to supervise him anyway.Seeing the contradiction, the elder clicked his tongue.“Tsk, if that’s how he acts after Myungdan recovered, I can only imagine how he was before. I bet he’s already given the kid a Boeun pae.”Wu So’s lips twitched slightly, which only encouraged his teasing.“Imagine it—a Boeun pae from Mount Hua’s Plum Blossom Sword Wu So! That girl’s lucky. Even if she knocks around a few of our disciples at the tournament, no one can complain.”“She’s not that kind of person. Don’t make jokes like that.”“Yes, yes.”When Wu So replied coldly, the elder laughed and backed off.Under the shadow of gathering clouds, laughter spread pleasantly through the hall.***As the monk descended the mountain, he looked back.High atop the sheer cliff stood the vast compound of the Taoist gate.“Fools.”He smiled thinly and tightened the bundle on his back. The heavy coin pouch brushed against his rosary beads—scraping away their golden lacquer.The exposed surface gleamed darkly between the green trees of Mount Hua, like beads steeped in blood.

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