Mount Hua Reincarnation - Chapter 7: Master's Debut

Chapter 7: Master’s debut

‘Just as I thought.’

Zhou Xuchuan’s eyes captured the image of Liu Zhengmu.

Liu Zhengmu was still slowly executing the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword technique.

However, it was quite different from when he executed the Fourteen Movements of Plum Blossom Sword Art.

He executed the sword techniques, making sure his disciple could comfortably observe.

Zhou Xuchuan, standing and watching, was able to see much due to Liu Zhengmu’s slow movements and deliberate actions, like enlarging his movements or showing the direction of his gaze.

But this consideration strangely stopped around the time the third form of the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword began.

Unless Zhou Xuchuan moved to a different position, there were moments he couldn’t properly grasp due to Liu Zhengmu’s position.

It wasn’t because Liu Zhengmu was tired or bored.

On the contrary.

He was so immersed in the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword that he forgot about the presence of his disciple.

‘A future that changes with my actions.

And to think that it wasn’t just once, but twice, that I would learn from my master.’

Just before, Zhou Xuchuan noticed something odd when Liu Zhengmu showed the entire essence of the Fourteen Movements of Plum Blossom Sword Art.

‘An imbalance in the five elements.

Due to taking the Water Spirit Fruit, his Water Qi was significantly biased.’

The power of the Water Spirit Fruit prevented the leakage of his Congenital True Qi.

Initially, it seemed that was all, but on closer inspection, there was more to it.

Subtle remnants remained.

Zhou Xuchuan didn’t realize this until Liu Zhengmu demonstrated the Fourteen Movements of Plum Blossom Sword Art.

Liu Zhengmu exerted all his strength, even manifesting sword qi, and within that qi, he sensed the Yin qi, namely the qi of water.

That’s why Zhou Xuchuan specifically requested the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword be performed slowly.

The technique, true to its name, embodied the principles of the five elements cycle.

It was perfect for correcting the imbalance of the elements.

And asking for it to be performed slowly was to focus more on this aspect.

It was so subtle that it could easily be missed.

‘I never imagined that a single spiritual medicine could cause such a change…’

He had cured what he thought was a congenital weakness, and this became a clue to advancing his realm.

“……”

While he was thinking, Liu Zhengmu completed the final form of the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword.

Then, he began circulating his Qi to absorb the insights gained and elevate his realm.

Zhou Xuchuan guarded the surroundings but kept quiet so as not to disturb Liu Zhengmu.

‘The imbalance of the five elements was just a starting point.’

The remnants of the Water Spirit Fruit and the Qi of Water weren’t that significant.

Even though it was an imbalance, it wasn’t at a severe level.

It was just a minor adjustment, and his internal energy became more stable, increasing only slightly.

What, then, was Liu Zhengmu’s true realization?

‘Rest.’

Liu Zhengmu was a diligent and hardworking person.

But his intensity was a bit excessive.

His straightforwardness was so pronounced that some even considered him inflexible.

He had been relentless even after failing to join Plum Blossom Swordmasters.

He had never rested in his life.

In fact, some of his senior brothers were tired of his diligence.

His effort was so excessive it seemed like an obsession.

No one could convince him otherwise.

He had only one mindset of working hard, and since joining Mount Hua Sect, his body was always tense.

Even his daily Qi cultivation showed this.

Liu Zhengmu pushed himself too hard.

‘Ah, sometimes it’s necessary to let go.’

The five elements represent circulation, the natural flow.

While correcting the imbalance of the five elements, Liu Zhengmu pondered, thought about, and understood the five elements anew.

He realized that sometimes, like water flowing, things need to be left alone.

Water Qi, the five elements, circulation.

He comprehended and understood these three aspects.

And he successfully overcame the bottleneck of his cultivation.

After a long time, Liu Zhengmu slowly opened his eyes.

His gaze and Qi had changed completely.

There was a new ease that wasn’t there before.

But his soft and comfortable smile remained the same.

Now, with added serenity, he seemed like a sage.

“It’s not me, but you who have taught me.

All of this is thanks to you.”

His first words were filled with affectionate softness.

Hearing this, Zhou Xuchuan shouted in a voice filled with emotion.

“Congratulations, Master!”

Zhou Xuchuan was genuinely happy, as if it were his own achievement.

Before his reincarnation, he had always been a burden to his master.

He deeply regretted not being able to properly witness his master’s passing.

Feeling indebted and uneasy…

Now, he felt happy to have repaid that debt in this way.

Once again, Zhou Xuchuan was thankful for his new life.

***

“Ho, Gentle Smiling Blade has reached transcendence?”

Liu Zhengmu had transcended the peak.

The news spread in less than a day.

“What a joyous occasion!”

In old-school factions like the Mount Hua Sect, there are many experts.

It’s not for nothing that they are called a major sect.

However, that doesn’t mean there are too many to count.

A transcendent master is a precious asset even within a major sect.

And now Liu Zhengmu had become such an expert.

It was definitely something noteworthy.

His fellow disciples, who knew Liu Zhengmu well, visited him to offer their congratulations.

Zhou Xuchuan had never seen so many visitors at their residence in either his past or present life.

“Truly, congratulations.”

“If it’s the Gentle Smiling Blade, Master Liu Zhengmu, I have always believed that you would achieve it someday.”

“It’s nothing much, but please accept this.”

Liu Zhengmu wasn’t known for having widespread connections.

At most, he could count five people he considered close.

However, the recent visitors exceeded a hundred, most of them seeking to establish connections.

Naturally, Mount Hua Sect wasn’t only composed of its own people.

Among the outer disciples, those from high-standing families brought attendants and bodyguards.

Moreover, the visitors included clients, merchants, and those seeking martial arts challenges; a diverse group indeed.

Many of them were aiming to establish connections with the core disciples of Mount Hua Sect.

Honestly, almost all the visitors had this in mind.

Being from Mount Hua Sect, one of the old-school sects, having a proper relationship could be more valuable than any sword.

For smaller sects without much power, having a connection to a core disciple of Mount Hua could keep even notorious unorthodox sects at bay.

In a negative sense, it could also be used to exert power, with Mount Hua as a backdrop.

‘Ah, Master really…’

Zhou Xuchuan sighed inwardly.

In his view, his master, Gentle Smiling Sword, Liu Zhengmu, was diligently entertaining each visitor.

He had learned to rest, but his upright nature remained unchanged.

‘If he just said he was tired from his recent ascent, no one would bother him anymore…’

Zhou Xuchuan was worried, but Liu Zhengmu was fine, smiling gently as usual while dealing with people.

Fortunately, the master was not naive; he didn’t let himself be taken advantage of or accrue debts.

He skillfully handled the onslaught of gifts, accepting or declining appropriately.

Lianhua Peak, the Upper Palace

A structure that has remained since the inception of Mount Hua Sect, never once changing its appearance over its long history.

Designed by the greatest architects of the time, its maintenance required considerable effort, time, and money.

It was a place of great importance for several reasons.

The view of Mount Hua from the Upper Palace was stunning, captivating anyone who saw it.

Its reputation was immense, making it a dream destination for connoisseurs of culture.

Apart from its scenic beauty, the Upper Palace itself was magnificent.

Constructed long ago by the greatest architects of the time, it naturally cost a fortune.

Its perfect structure and aesthetic appearance spoke for themselves.

It was deliberately made slightly less imposing than the Imperial Palace to not overshadow the emperor’s power, but it was still one of the most remarkable buildings in the central plains.

“Liu Zhengmu, I knew that boy could do it.”

In the Upper Palace, an elderly man with a dazzlingly white beard, seated in the highest seat, chuckled in a pleased manner.

There are approximately hundred masters in the world, known as the ‘Hundred Great Masters Under Heaven’.

It is primarily composed of masters who transcended the peak, and there are also masters in the Unrestrained Realm.

Then, are these the strongest people of the martial world?

No.

Beyond the unrestrained realm, there exist those who surpass the limits of humanity and are regarded with awe.

The Ten Heavenly Seats

‘Hundred Great Masters Under Heaven’ are, after all, beneath the heavens.

Above them, there were ten absolute masters, the ‘Ten Heavenly Seats’.

The elderly man sitting in the highest seat was also one of them.

The leader of Mount Hua Sect, daoist You Riwen ‘the Sword Immortal’!

“If it weren’t for his frail constitution, he would have easily become a Plum Blossom Swordmaster. It’s truly regrettable.”

Flanking You Riwen were middle-aged men nearing old age, the assistants to the leader of Mount Hua Sect, the Five Elders of Mount Hua, second only in authority to the leader.

“Hmm, I heard that his frail body improved upon transcending the peak…”

“Indeed?”

You Riwen showed interest.

Liu Zhengmu was an expert, but his frail constitution had prevented him from being treated as a proper force.

Not bad in character, a hard worker to the point of being called stubborn, and reasonably talented.

However, his frail constitution meant a lack of endurance, so he wasn’t given proper tasks.

“Hmm, how about we give him a proper examination?”

For Mount Hua Sect, neglecting someone like Liu Zhengmu would be a waste of talent.

“That’s a good suggestion.”

The future changed once again.

During the meeting in the Upper Palace, Liu Zhengmu was discussed.

This meeting, held by the leader and the Five Elders, was the highest council of Mount Hua Sect.

The issue of what to do with a transcendence master was significant enough to be included in this council’s agenda.

And about a fortnight later.

Despite it being two weeks since the meeting, Liu Zhengmu didn’t cough even once after taking the Water Spirit Fruit.

Thus, the leadership of Mount Hua Sect concluded that his frail constitution had completely healed.

They called him and assigned him a new mission.

It was to venture into the martial world.

***

“Ah, unbelievable.”

Something unprecedented had happened.

Since becoming Liu Zhengmu’s disciple, Zhou Xuchuan had never seen him venture into the martial world for anything other than social purposes.

He was astonished to hear the news.

“Uh.”

To be honest, he was worried.

With Liu Zhengmu venturing into the martial world, the future became an impenetrable darkness, unpredictable even for Zhou Xuchuan, who knew decades of future events.

Especially in a situation like this.

This was a future he had never experienced, not even slightly.

“What on earth happened at this time?”

In his previous life, at the age of ten, he was busy shuttling between Louya Hell and his residence, dedicating himself to martial arts training.

He didn’t have the leisure to pay attention to other matters.

Moreover, this was before the era of turmoil.

Information about this period was almost nonexistent.

Zhou Xuchuan’s mainly knows about the era of turmoil. It all started from the Three-Eyed Divine Thief’s Valut which was also the turning point.

His knowledge of events prior to that was limited to trivial matters.

“Hahaha, I can’t remember when was the last time I had a mission.”

Liu Zhengmu laughed genuinely, regardless of his disciple’s anxiety.

Zhou Xuchuan wanted to say something, to protest, but he couldn’t.

He knew better than anyone what Liu Zhengmu had been through.

Despite his skills, Liu Zhengmu was often excluded from most missions.

The missions he did receive were usually short-term or relatively easy.

Long-term missions require significant endurance.

In urgent situations, if one becomes ill or faces physical limitations, it could be disastrous.

Thus, despite his strength, Liu Zhengmu missed out on many crucial missions, often lamenting his inability to fully repay his sect.

How could Zhou Xuchuan possibly dissuade his master?

Though worried, he couldn’t stop him.

“What is the mission?”

Zhou Xuchuan asked with concern, looking at Liu Zhengmu.

Liu Zhengmu, with his usual comforting smile, squatted down to meet his disciple’s eyes.

“Don’t worry too much. Your master isn’t going to his death.

I might have cured my frail constitution, but they didn’t give me a significant task since it’s still uncertain.”

Even though he had recovered his health upon transcending peak, it wasn’t feasible to immediately entrust him with a crucial mission.

Liu Zhengmu lacked proven track records and had a past of frail health, so it was difficult to place complete trust in him.

Liu Zhengmu understood this and didn’t take offense, accepting the decision.

The Mount Hua Sect leadership, therefore, decided to assign Liu Zhengmu a mid-level mission as a trial.

“I understand. I wish you a safe return.”

Zhou Xuchuan sent off Liu Zhengmu with a mix of worry and congratulations.

In the year Zhou Xuchuan turned ten, a significant change occurred in his life.

“Ah, and I’ve put your name forward for the Lotus Pavilion examination. Prepare in advance.

I believe you’ll be more than capable.”

“Cough, cough!”

The mere mention of Lotus Pavilion triggered a cough.

‘Why now?’

It was better to remain inconspicuous in childhood, especially for future considerations.

But why Lotus Pavilion!

It was a gathering place for Mount Hua’s talents, watched closely by both Mount Hua Sect and other sects in the martial world.

Most of the future Plum Blossom Swordmasters came from there, naturally attracting attention.

“I don’t know how long the mission will take, but with me gone, there won’t be many to look after you.

Being in Lotus Pavilion, you won’t have to worry about that.

Actually, they might even teach you better than this unworthy master.”

“That’s not true!”

“Hahaha, as I always say, you tend to overestimate me.

Anyway, I believe you can make it into Lotus Pavilion.

But don’t feel too pressured.

It’s okay even if you don’t get in.”

The pressure was immense.

Kind eyes. The emotion within was ‘trust’.

His disciple would surely get into Lotus Pavilion.

There was no reason to fail the examination, he was confident.

It wasn’t unreasonable for Liu Zhengmu to think so, as Zhou Xuchuan indeed possessed the necessary skills.

“Well, I’m off then.”

Zhou Xuchuan, trying not to frown, didn’t want to worry Liu Zhengmu, who was overly concerned for his disciple. He reluctantly forced a bright smile and sent him off.

***

Four days later

“Ah, damn it.”

Zhou Xuchuan screamed in frustration, pulling at his hair.

“What should I do?”

He was agonizing over the dilemma left by his master. For the past four days, he had barely slept, troubled by the upcoming examination for Lotus Pavilion.

Logically, he should fail the examination. Being accepted would only draw more attention and bring hassles. While he wasn’t worried about exposing his Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method, other nuisances could arise.

But his emotions pulled him in a different direction.

‘Am I going to betray my master’s trust?’

To Zhou Xuchuan, his master Liu Zhengmu was like a deity. Ignoring his master’s belief in him was difficult. He wanted to meet those expectations and enter Lotus Pavilion.

‘In my past life, I so desired to be part of it, and now I’m contemplating whether to join or not!’

Lotus Pavilion. The name alone made his heart race. To the core disciples, it was a sacred place. Entry meant being recognized as one of Mount Hua’s future hopes. It also brought him closer to becoming a Plum Blossom Swordmaster, a revered position among Mount Hua Sect disciples. In his previous life, Zhou Xuchuan had longed to join this elite group. After his reincarnation, he dreamed of a more impressive life. He couldn’t deny his emotional attachment to Lotus Pavilion.

To clear his mind, Zhou Xuchuan immersed himself in sword practice in a secluded spot. He practiced the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword and other techniques like the Six Harmonies Sword and Falling Blossom Sword Technique, even mastering the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique that even Liu Zhengmu hadn’t. He wanted to practice the Violet Mist Sword too, but that required reaching the four-tenths of mastery in the Violet Mist Divine Cultivation Method.

‘I’m already attracting attention…’

A transcendence master isn’t something one becomes easily. Liu Zhengmu, had been an early candidate for the Plum Blossom Swordmaster, had a certain level of recognition within Mount Hua Sect. This attention extended to Zhou Xuchuan as Liu Zhengmu’s disciple, particularly among outer disciples and visitors trying to forge connections with Liu Zhengmu.

Caught between reason and emotion, Zhou Xuchuan struggled to make a decision.

“And as if the conflict around the three-eyed divine thief wasn’t enough headache… Oh?”

Lotus Pavilion, drawing attention, and the implications of the three-eyed divine thief conflict – these factors intertwined, leading to new revelations.

After sweating out his thoughts with sword practice, he dipped his feet in a stream, organizing his thoughts. The discovery of the secret vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief was five years away, and he needed to make his move into the outside world at least two years earlier. The amount of treasure in the vault was unknown, but it was significant. Moving and hiding it would take at least a year, perhaps even requiring trustworthy help, making two years a necessary preparation time.

‘At least a year, better two. I need to enter the martial world by thirteen.’

A plan suddenly came to him.

“This idiot!”

He cursed his own stupidity. All his previous worries seemed pointless now.

“If I have to enter the martial world around the age of thirteen, conventional methods won’t work.”

Even if he asked his master, without a valid reason, Liu Zhengmu couldn’t get permission from the sect. But there was a simple solution to this complex situation.

Mount Hua Sect’s practice of sending core disciples into the martial world at a mature age was due to the fear of losing a promising talent prematurely. When they send fourth-generation disciples, they also assign skilled third-generation disciples as protectors.

Life in the martial world is unpredictable.

No one knows what variables will apply.

That’s why the sect conducts assessments, demanding a certain level of strength and martial arts proficiency to increase the odds of survival.

The Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief and standing out. If I weigh these two, there’s no need for further discussion. The Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief comes first.

The value of the vault was astronomical. The treasures inside had numerous uses. First, the spiritual medicine, which could bolster his internal energy and help him regain his previous cultivation base. Second, the manuals and weapons, useful for gathering talented allies in the upcoming era of turmoil. He needed to secure these treasures first.

‘Just stand out enough to get into Lotus Pavilion.’

His mind raced, sketching a big picture. It wasn’t detailed yet, but the outline was there.

“Despite having a second chance at life, how inept I am.”

He sighed, chastising himself.

‘Smart for nothing. Full of knowledge, but lacking in practical application. Reflect on this, Zhou Xuchuan.’

He tapped his head, trying to focus. He had an advantage over others, but that was it. His ability to adapt to unforeseen variables was questionable.

After all, Zhou Xuchuan wasn’t particularly competent. He had followed Mount Hua Sect’s teachings and was used to taking orders. Was he wise? That was debatable. He broke through a bottleneck keeping him at transcendence and ascended to the unrestrained realm only at death’s doorstep.

He was just ordinary.

Not exceptional, but not incompetent either.

Zhou Xuchuan remembered this. If he had been truly wise, he would have been recognized by everyone in his previous life and become a proper Mount Hua Elder.

But Zhou Xuchuan had one advantage: he knew his limits. That’s what kept him alive during the era of turmoil.

“Three years left. I’ll join Lotus Pavilion this year with outstanding performance. Then, if I nag my master enough, maybe I can venture into the martial world. It’s not my style to try hard, but I have no choice.”

Three years. Until he turned thirteen.

Zhou Xuchuan decided to commit everything to this timeline.

Entrance to Lotus Pavilion!

Venturing into the martial world!

The Secret Vault of the Three-Eyed Divine Thief!

He pondered these three goals.