The day after the grand meeting, at the hour of Yin.
At an early hour before dawn even broke, Tianhui slipped out of his thatched cottage.
Though he woke up earlier than usual, a distinct smile lingered on his face.
His appearance was quite different from usual.
His pupils beneath his sharply slanted eyes were filled with anticipation, and his hair, which he usually left loose every day, was neatly tied up in a single bundle and swaying.
However, even more eye-catching than that was the martial uniform he wore and the sword dangling from his waist.
"It's not a great sword, but this much is sufficient."
Flicking the sword, he then lifted the uniform slightly to inspect it before sporting a highly satisfied smile.
"The uniform is to my liking as well. Good."
The martial uniform Xuanlü had specially prepared last night was a blend of black and red, giving off a distinctly different feel from the red-and-white uniforms of the Huashan Sect.
In particular, with a red plum blossom embroidered against a black background, it exuded a unique aura.
"Hmm."
Inspecting himself as he walked, he eventually stood atop a hill and surveyed his surroundings.
Perhaps because it was still early, the outside was dark, and the chilly night air gently brushed against his cheeks.
But even that felt pleasant.
For today was the day he would leave the Huashan Sect and see the Central Plains.
"Then..."
Tap.
As he spoke, he lightly stomped his foot.
However, the resulting event was astonishing.
The darkness split in half, and Tianhui shot through the gap.
Leaving behind only a single flash of light.
Arriving at the Huashan Sect's main gate from his thatched cottage in a single breath, he looked ahead.
There stood four men and one woman.
They were the Plum Blossom Swordsmen selected yesterday to carry out the mission heading to the Bifeng Merchant Guild.
"You all gathered quickly."
Seeing Tianhui suddenly appear like a mirage, their eyes widened in shock.
But only for a moment.
"Fourth Martial Uncle!"
"You have come."
Startled, Chijian and Xuelan immediately welcomed him as soon as they realized it was Tianhui.
Especially Chijian, knowing that this mission was tied to the Bifeng Merchant Guild, harbored a bright smile on his lips as he looked at Tianhui.
'It's a relief that Fourth Martial Uncle is accompanying us.'
He let out a huge sigh of relief.
No matter how eccentric he was, his martial prowess and skill were no lie.
"This martial nephew greets Fourth Martial Uncle Tianhui."
"We greet Fourth Martial Uncle."
Just as the rest of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, who had belatedly gathered their wits, followed Chijian and Xuelan's lead to bow to Tianhui—
'What a fine sight.'
The Sect Leader, who had been watching the entire scene from above with a pleased expression, spoke in a voice full of dignity.
"You are all gathered."
The six raised their heads upward.
Gathering their gazes, the Sect Leader stared intently at each and every one of them.
Chijian and Xuelan, as well as Chizai and Chiyun.
And Chibi.
They were all reliable disciples.
However, a hint of anxiety remained.
Not only had they never traveled to the Central Plains before, but they had also never experienced the Jianghu, which was fraught with harsh storms.
'A little worrying...'
However, his anxiety washed away completely the moment his eyes finally met Tianhui's.
'Haha, with Tianhui around, my worries are groundless.'
With a much lighter heart, the Sect Leader spoke in a solemn voice.
"Your first journey into the Jianghu will be an arduous endeavor."
The faces of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen stiffened slightly.
The anticipation of their first journey into the Jianghu, coupled with the weight of being Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
They wore complex expressions—a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and a hint of worry about soon leaving the Huashan Sect.
"But do not worry too much. Are you not Plum Blossom Swordsmen?"
To ease their tension, the Sect Leader spoke words of encouragement.
Whether his intention got through or not, determination flashed in the eyes of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
To them, the title of Plum Blossom Swordsman was their pride and honor. Nodding briefly with shining eyes, they shouted vigorously.
"Yes!"
At their spirited response, the smile lingering on the Sect Leader's lips widened significantly.
No further words were necessary.
"Take care of yourselves."
At the Sect Leader's closing words, Chijian, standing in the center of the five Plum Blossom Swordsmen, raised his head and replied respectfully.
"Understood."
Seeing Chijian answering as their representative, Tianhui suddenly twisted the corners of his mouth.
'Chijian is the representative?'
Tianhui found it quite agreeable.
In truth, while he was supposed to lead this journey into the Jianghu, he had found the very notion bothersome.
Yet, seeing Chijian seemingly representing the Plum Blossom Swordsmen at just the right moment, how convenient was it for him?
'If any annoying tasks come up, I can just shove them all onto Chijian.'
Thinking that Chijian would foam at the mouth if he heard that, Tianhui turned his head away.
"Tianhui."
"Hui."
Xuandao and Xuanlü, who had been standing quietly in the back while the Sect Leader spoke, stepped forward.
"Oh? You're here."
Tianhui welcomed them as they approached.
Having spent five years in close proximity, his relationship with the two had grown considerably close.
"Will you truly be alright?"
Just as Xuanlü was about to fuss over him—
"Of course he will be alright."
Xuandao interjected.
Seeing Xuandao answer on Tianhui's behalf, Xuanlü fiercely raised her eyebrows.
"Martial Brother!"
Her voice rang loud and clear.
She had objected to Tianhui being appointed as the leader of this journey.
However, unlike her, Xuandao and Xuanqing were in favor, and ultimately, the Sect Leader sided with the two of them and Tianhui.
Looking at Xuanlü, who was glaring at him viciously, Xuandao smirked and spoke.
"Are you worried?"
"Of course I am worried."
"Even though it is Tianhui? If it is Tianhui, no matter who appears..."
Xuanlü frowned as she replied.
"Martial Brother knows it too. The Jianghu is a place where all manner of schemes and machinations run rampant."
"That is true."
Xuandao agreed with her words.
Just as she said, the Jianghu was a ruthless and merciless place, where different rules applied compared to the laws of the world.
However, precisely because he had watched Tianhui up close, Xuandao—far from worrying about his journey into the Jianghu—actually found him reliable.
"But it is Tianhui, is it not?"
"..."
Xuanlü lost her words.
She too knew Tianhui just as well as Xuandao did.
That Tianhui possessed exceptional martial arts, and his true skill was difficult to even fathom.
But knowing something in her head and feeling it in her heart were two completely different things.
To Xuanlü, Tianhui was nothing more than a frail child, and always would be.
Swish—
"Enough!"
Glaring at Xuandao and snapping sharply, Xuanlü whipped her head around.
She then rummaged through her robes, pulled out a leather pouch, and pressed it into Tianhui's hand.
"Use this if anything happens."
Watching the two bicker, Tianhui casually slipped the pouch into his sleeve.
"I'll put it to good use."
While Tianhui was receiving farewell gifts and necessities for the journey from the two—
Thud— thud—
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen, who had finished their preparations to depart, were also exchanging their farewells.
"Wherever you go, whoever you meet, never lose your pride as Plum Blossom Swordsmen."
The Wulian Pavilion Master, who was standing alongside the two, earnestly instructed the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
At his words, the bodies of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen stiffened.
The Wulian Pavilion Master was known within the Huashan Sect as a ruthless figure from whom not a drop of blood would flow even if pricked by a needle, and he was the very man who had subjected them to grueling training every day.
But then, the Wulian Pavilion Master's expression softened.
"However, if a situation arises where your life is in danger, you must run away without hesitation."
Seeing the Wulian Pavilion Master speaking with a worried expression, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen were taken aback.
The sight of the Wulian Pavilion Master—usually so cold-hearted, only ever pushing them through ruthless training—worrying over them, along with his words, came as a profound shock to them.
"The most important thing in this world is your very lives."
As if unaware of their thoughts, or perhaps precisely because he was aware, the Wulian Pavilion Master gently patted their shoulders and urged them on.
After all the farewells were exchanged—
"Then we will be on our way."
As soon as the time came, Tianhui pushed the main gates open and stepped outside. The Plum Blossom Swordsmen, lined up behind him, followed, and soon they began their descent down the mountain.
Thud— thud—
Watching the vigorous backs of the six descending the mountain, the Sect Leader and the elders pressed their hands together in a prayer-like gesture, their faces filled with worry.
"Amitabha."
"May you all return safely."
* * *
The journey had already passed the half-month mark.
Xianyang County, their destination which had felt so distant when they first departed, was now right before their eyes.
This was entirely thanks to Chijian, who was anxious to arrive, sparing no expense to travel as quickly as possible.
Elated at the thought of arriving at the Bifeng Merchant Guild soon, Chijian spoke excitedly.
"Hahaha, fortunately, we were able to shorten our travel time by taking a boat and moving quickly."
Perhaps because he had returned to familiar territory, Chijian displayed a highly elated expression.
He then sidled up to Tianhui, who was walking beside him, and began to chatter away.
"Fourth Martial Uncle, did you know? Our Bifeng Merchant Guild is counted among the very best of the merchant guilds operating across Shaanxi. Over the past twenty years, through the routes connecting Shaanxi and Shanxi, we've conducted countless trades..."
Chijian was explaining the Bifeng Merchant Guild in great detail to Tianhui.
And right beside them followed Xuelan, ready to move the instant Tianhui gave an order.
Watching the three from behind, Chiyun, Chizai, and Chibi furrowed their brows, displaying expressions of utter bewilderment.
'Why are Martial Brother Chijian and Martial Sister Xuelan watching Fourth Martial Uncle's mood so closely?'
It was their shared question.
Throughout the journey, Chijian and Xuelan had been constantly watching Tianhui's mood, acting exceedingly cautious.
As if they were facing the Sect Leader himself.
Of course, they knew that at the Gathering of the Five Peaks five years ago, Tianhui had displayed astonishing divine prowess, saving the reputation that Chijian had nearly tarnished.
But that was already five years ago.
At the recently held Gathering of the Five Peaks, the Huashan Sect had regained its former majesty, and its prestige was ringing out loud and clear.
Not only that, Chijian and Xuelan had shown amazing growth, displaying strength that placed them near the very top among the Plum Blossom Swordsmen residing in the Huashan Sect.
In contrast, Tianhui had been quiet.
So quiet, in fact, that aside from the incident five years ago, they had no idea what his current martial prowess was, nor even how he spent his days.
'The events from five years ago should have faded by now.'
'What exactly is their relationship?'
'Do they know something about Fourth Martial Uncle Tianhui?'
Just as they were struggling to understand the subtle dynamic between the three—
"We've greatly expanded our influence over the past twenty years, even building a two-story annex this time around. On top of that, we released our grain reserves in the middle to distribute to the common folk..."
Listening to the continuous stream of explanation, Tianhui raised his index finger and pointed to the west.
"It's over there, isn't it?"
Chijian's eyes widened.
"How did you know?"
"Because I can see it."
"..."
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen were horrified, as Tianhui spoke as if he could see straight through to the Bifeng Merchant Guild two hundred zhang away.
But Tianhui remained nonchalant.
For it was a perfectly ordinary thing to him.
"Hmm?"
Just then, Tianhui's brow furrowed.
"We need to hurry a little."
"Pardon?"
"A fight has broken out."
Chijian's face drained of color.
"I-I will go on ahead!"
Drawing upon his inner qi, Chijian anxiously executed the Five Elements Plum Blossom Steps.
"...I will go as well."
Seeing Chijian dash off, Xuelan swiftly chased after him.
Seeing even the remaining Plum Blossom Swordsmen follow suit, Tianhui twisted his lips at the aura wafting over from the distant Bifeng Merchant Guild.
"Killing intent..."
Feeling an aura he hadn't sensed in a very long time, Tianhui kicked off the ground with a smile on his face.