A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

A great family, which had defended the Central Plains a hundred years ago under the leadership of Bing Baek-yeo, appeared once again in the martial world.

Had the people living on the land that Sa Ma had protected completely forgotten that grace?

Despite the curiosity sparked by the new inventions presented by the Jo family, they were ignoring Sa Ma’s procession altogether!

Sa Ma-gang felt not so much anger but confusion as he looked at the martial artists, who were completely captivated by the leather clothes.

Who could have imagined that Sa Ma would be treated like this?

*Sigh…*

Sa Ma-gang decided to think as positively as possible.

After all, it had been hundreds of years since the old factions had been involved in running the martial world. The Sa Ma family had become such a sacred legend and a family of such high renown that it might have become difficult for others to approach them easily.

However, even Sa Ma-gang’s positive mindset quickly faltered.

The **Alliance**.

The single character embroidered in gold thread on the massive flag.

The symbol of the Martial World Alliance, shining brilliantly in the sunlight, was overwhelming to everyone present.

*Thud, thud, thud.*

The procession of riders, carrying the Alliance flag in the lead, entered.

Behind them, the highest force of the Martial World Alliance, the **Jeongmu Guardian Corps**, clad in heavy silver armor, escorted the leader Mu Hwang.

Standing beside Mu Hwang were the powerful figures of the Alliance, including the Chief General of the Alliance, Jeo Gan-chan, the death inspector (?) Dan Baek-woo, and the leader of the Jeongmu Guardian Corps, Jin Gang-cheon.

What was particularly striking was that the **Hwasan Sect** was entering alongside the Martial World Alliance.

A massive plum blossom flag, embroidered with red thread, marched in parallel with the Alliance’s flag, its grandeur almost reaching the heavens.

A sect that could stand beside the Martial World Alliance!

Just this alone made it clear how much influence the Hwasan Sect held in the martial world at that time.

As Sa Ma-gang gestured, the Sa Ma family’s rider raised their **Baekho Flag** even higher.

No matter how much the Martial World Alliance and the Hwasan Sect were revered, the Sa Ma family could not bow their heads before them.

However, as Mu Hwang’s voice gradually became audible, Sa Ma-gang was once again taken aback.

“Chief General! This is what I was talking about—the **Gaecheon Uncha**!”

“….”

Mu Hwang, after spotting the event areas laid out in various locations by the Jo family’s new products, became extremely excited.

As he joyfully wandered around, creating a ruckus, the Chief General Jeo Gan-chan was in agony.

“Couldn’t you just buy one with the military budget…?”

“Lord, that is a luxury item. The expense will be recorded in the accounts—how can we discuss using the military funds for that? How can you say such things with the Inspector General of the Alliance right beside you?”

The nearby Inspector General Dan Baek-woo gave a slight smile.

“That’s right, Lord. Any private spending for personal pleasures in the Alliance headquarters is subject to inspection.”

“Pleasure? Did you just say pleasure?”

Mu Hwang exploded in anger.

“That’s the **Uncha** that floats like clouds! Do you know the suffering I endure from constant lower back pain every time I travel by cart?”

“My… My Lord…”

Mu Hwang, who had experienced riding the **Uncha** in the Po Yang Ho region, could never forget its smoothness.

“Dan Baek-woo, didn’t you ride it too? Must I really endure this lower back pain forever? If you have a mouth, speak!”

“My Lord…”

At this, Chief General Jeo Gan-chan let out a long sigh, clearly exasperated.

“Well then, let’s just go with the **Cheonsang Uncha**. The Gaecheon Uncha is too costly for the military budget to cover.”

“Ugh!”

Mu Hwang thought back to when he visited the Namgung family and how Namgung Su had subtly boasted about the magnificent **Gaecheon Uncha**.

Despite being the leader of the Martial World Alliance, it felt humiliating for Mu Hwang to be lowered to the level of the Namgung family.

He felt disheartened.

He absolutely despised the stubbornness and rigidity of the orthodox faction’s juniors at times like this.

“Fine. I’ll save up my own salary and buy it personally.”

Jeo Gan-chan glanced at Dan Baek-woo with pity.

Mu Hwang was the type to sulk for a long time once upset. It was highly likely that he would now use health issues or the need to refine his martial arts as an excuse to avoid participating in the Alliance’s future events or schedules.

Jeo Gan-chan shuddered at the thought and, after clenching his teeth, spoke again.

“I’ll buy it for you, my Lord.”

Dan Baek-woo was shocked, his face filled with surprise.

Given Jeo Gan-chan’s strict personality, it was unlikely that he would misuse the military budget for personal expenses. He would probably use the assets of the Jeo family or his own personal funds to make the purchase.

Now, unexpectedly, he found himself stripped of his wealth by the leader, and Jeo Gan-chan could not suppress the bitter feelings that arose. He stared off into the distance, trying to calm himself.

Sa Ma-gang, observing from afar, was about to approach Mu Hwang to offer his greetings when Mu Hwang’s gaze suddenly shifted to another area.

“What’s going on over there? Why is it so crowded? What precious item could be attracting all this attention?”

“Ma… My Lord?”

Seeing Sa Ma-gang approaching, Jeo Gan-chan froze, awkwardly.

The leader had already moved forward and was blending into the crowd.

“Sigh…”

Such a grueling profession!

Jeo Gan-chan finally calmed his mind and prepared to show respect to Sa Ma-gang when Mu Hwang, from among the crowd, was staring wide-eyed at a rider’s jacket.

“Hoh? What kind of garment is that? Such a unique style.”

Several famous martial artists, upon recognizing Mu Hwang, gasped in shock.

“My… My Lord!”
“Greetings to the heavens of the martial world!”

After briefly waving in response to their greetings, Mu Hwang continued moving forward.

Zhao Hui, who had been taking pre-orders, noticed Mu Hwang approaching and his eyes widened in interest.

“Hm.”

Zhao Hui, now encountering a second transcendent martial artist beyond the realm of ordinary perception, thought to himself that this was truly someone deserving of the title “Heavens of the Martial World.”

“Hoh, I’ve never seen a coat with pockets hanging on the outside. To handle such rough leather in such an intricate manner—what a marvelous skill!”

Mu Hwang, inspecting the pockets of the rider’s jacket, turned to Zhao Hui.

“Is there a reason the pockets are on the outside?”

“For practicality. Most of the clothing styles in the Central Plains are inconvenient for taking out belongings, but this leather garment allows you to place different items in separate pockets, making it very convenient to retrieve them.”

“Hoh! That idea is truly astounding! But won’t things fall out if you move violently?”

Zhao Hui slightly opened the jacket’s pocket to reveal a button.

“With this button, the fabric can be fastened together.”

“This is a button?”

At this point, buttons in the Central Plains were typically made from animal bones, metal, or jade, fastened through the fabric. The round-shaped button, which was sewn into the fabric itself, only appeared after the medieval period.

The simple yet innovative form made Mu Hwang’s eyes widen in astonishment.

Instead of buttons hanging loosely, it blended naturally with the fabric, giving it a more elegant look.

“Impressive! Truly a remarkable and ingenious idea! You can feel the incredible wisdom of the person who thought of this button!”

Martial arts only nourish the body and mind, but such innovators enrich the entire world.

Mu Hwang had always held the Jo family’s ingenuity in high regard.

“Who came up with this extraordinary design?”

In response to Mu Hwang’s question, a woman from the event venue politely answered.

“It was all thanks to the Chairman’s wisdom.”

The woman’s gaze pointed towards Zhao Hui.

“You?”

“Hm, well, yes.”

Zhao Hui felt somewhat guilty. It seemed like he was borrowing ideas from modern inventions, which felt like intellectual property theft.

“Ugh!”

Suddenly, Zhao Hui felt an enormous mental force, like a blade, slicing through his spiritual barrier.

The overwhelming energy seemed to pierce through his spiritual shield, spreading and swirling like a soft breeze.

The heat and cold blended, with life and death energies intertwining in a magnificent display. Zhao Hui, feeling a strange sense of harmony between seemingly incompatible forces, couldn’t help but wonder how such opposing energies could mix so naturally.

At that moment, the familiar voice of the Sword Master from his mind echoed.

– Truly, this is the essence of the **Hunyuan Taiji**. A true Immortal, indeed worthy of being called a sage.

**Hunyuan Taiji (混元太極)**.

It was a power that, along with Shaolin’s *Bodhi* and Mount Hua’s *Zihua*, was known as one of the three great martial arts principles of the martial world.

One could almost feel the profound nature of these principles simply by lightly absorbing their energy.

The soft, almost ethereal energy was truly wondrous in its subtlety.

It became instantly clear why the Mount Wudang sect was called the “Southern Emperor” of the martial world and was so highly revered by martial artists.

Experiencing such an absolute martial artist firsthand left an even deeper impression than a thousand years of training could.

Zhao Hui now understood why so many in the martial world longed to see the Seven Martial Elders in person.

– *Until now, I never thought that the great Wudang Master Zhang Sanfeng, with his transcendent level, could rival the Three Immortal Masters. If he had not hesitated to reveal himself to the world, he too would have been inscribed with divine wisdom upon his soul.*

Zhao Hui muttered in astonishment, “Zhang Sanfeng was *that* great? Comparable to the Three Immortal Elders?”

The voice of the *Demon God* echoed in his mind.

– *Indeed. His martial arts legacy alone is enough to prove his greatness. His *Hunyuan Taiji* is a martial philosophy that understands the essence of nature itself.*

“Hoh…” Zhao Hui was taken aback.

He had always seen Zhang Sanfeng as a famous founding figure of the Wudang sect, closer to a Taoist sage than a martial artist.

But to think his level of cultivation was on par with the Three Immortals’ understanding of nature!

After all, he had often been compared to the great *Damo* of the central plains, who was considered a leading figure of Taoism.

“What’s this? *Zihua Shingong*…?”

Mu Hwang, startled, turned his gaze towards Zhao Hui.

Zhao Hui, sweating nervously, stammered in response.

“Huh? What is that?”

“Isn’t that the energy of *Zihua*?”

Mu Hwang, after examining Zhao Hui’s martial aura, recognized the *Demonic Energy* and inquired.

Zhao Hui, knowing this was a misunderstanding, hastily attempted to clarify.

“Ah, no… You must be mistaken. As you can see, I am the successor of the *Sword Saint* and a swordsman myself…”

Mu Hwang raised his brows, his face skeptical.

“Do you take me for a senile old man? I can clearly see that your *Wuhun* contains *Zihua* energy! Do you think you can deceive my eyes?”

“No, no…” Zhao Hui thought to himself, *It’s not *Zihua* energy—it’s definitely *Mohu* energy!*

“How could the *Sword Saint* have passed on such a power to his successor? How did a swordsman, called the *Little Sword God*, come to learn the *Zihua Shingong*—a secret technique of Mount Hua? This is no small matter, and there must be no lies here.”

“…”

However, Zhao Hui’s *Mohu* technique was not inherited from the *Demon God*; it was officially passed down by the *Sword Saint* himself.

To explain this would require revealing the secrets of the *Blood Jade*, and neither he nor his respected elders wished for that.

Given how far-reaching the influence of those who followed the *Divine Left* was, Zhao Hui could never risk revealing the secrets of the *Blood Jade* recklessly.

But he could not avoid the matter either, as Mu Hwang’s expression was far too serious.

As Zhao Hui fumbled for a response, a dignified figure approached from the direction of the Hua Mountain faction.

“*Zihua Sword Saint!*”

“*The World’s Number One Left!*”

It was none other than *Dan Tianyang*, the acknowledged greatest swordsman in the world.

Mu Hwang, trying to greet him, froze when he couldn’t sense his martial aura.

“*The Sword Saint*… Could it be?”

Mu Hwang’s face turned incredulous as he stood frozen. Did Dan Tianyang achieve the same level of *Natural Tao*?

Before Mu Hwang could process this, Dan Tianyang, with polite reverence, approached Zhao Hui.

“*Amitabha Buddha*, I greet the Taoist Master.”

The polite, formal greeting from Dan Tianyang, who was considered the *World’s Greatest Left* by all, was directed at none other than Zhao Hui.

“*Taoist Master?*”

Mu Hwang stood stunned, his eyes wide.

“*Taoist Master*.”

The term referred to the revered beings of Taoism, like the Three Pure Ones (*Sanqing*), or other sages or mountain gods who reached such a level.

“How have you been?” Dan Tianyang continued, bowing with the utmost respect.

Zhao Hui and Dan Tianyang were both equally baffled, unable to understand what was happening.

What kind of strange turn of events was this?

Mu Hwang, bewildered, watched as Dan Tianyang’s eyes flickered for a moment with a subtle change in expression before it vanished.

Dan Tianyang, a renowned figure who had once warned the Hua Mountain sect about the *Demonic* nature of *Zihua*, was now wearing the very same *Zihua* energy, but with a strange difference.

Unlike the *Zihua* of Hua Mountain, this version of *Zihua* was filled with a harmony of strength and purity, fierce yet expansive. It burned with an intense fire, but carried an air of noble dignity.

Though Dan Tianyang had faced many legendary martial artists, he had never encountered such a strange aura before.

He wondered why Dan Tianyang had concealed his true power, why he hid his immense abilities behind such a majestic appearance, and why he now acted as the leader of the *Dazu Conference*.

Clearly, Dan Tianyang had revealed the martial skills of the legendary *Sword Saint*.

This led Zhao Hui to deduce that the person before him might either be the actual historical *Sword Saint* reincarnated into the mortal world or someone deeply connected to him, now appearing in the form of the *Sword Saint* to teach him martial wisdom.

However, regardless of this, the fact that the great sage who had taught him personally stood before him made it clear that Zhao Hui had every reason to respect Dan Tianyang as the leader of the *Hua Mountain Sect*.

As a martial artist, Zhao Hui naturally felt deep admiration for him.

“Hoh…”

Faced with such a dignified display from Dan Tianyang, Mu Hwang could only feel uneasy.

The *Zihua Sword Saint*, who was considered the greatest swordsman of all, was certainly a formidable figure—one who stood at a higher level than Mu Hwang himself.

Indeed, it was none other than Dan Cheon-yang who possessed the highest martial arts division in the martial world.

To think that someone who had been a generation ahead of him, establishing his reputation long before, would now show such profound respect to Jo Hwi and address him as “Dojo” (Dao Ancestor) in front of a gathering of martial leaders—it was akin to receiving the utmost respect from the greatest elder in the martial world.

This came after Jo Hwi’s masterful schemes had already forced the martial alliance to concede many points to the Jo Clan at the Great Assembly of Martial Artists. And now, to have the greatest division in the world acknowledged by none other than the “World’s Number One” Dan Cheon-yang… What could they do now?

Mu Hwang hesitated for a moment, staring at the Zaha Sword Saint, perplexed.

“Is it really true that this young hero is the disciple of the Sword Saint’s legitimate successor?”

Dan Cheon-yang displayed a subtle expression.

The mighty sage in question could eliminate the entire Hwasan Sect with just a single sword strike. How could such a person possibly be called a mere disciple of the Sword Saint’s successor?

Such a natural swordsmanship, a transcendental realm that even Dan Cheon-yang himself, having reached the beginning of the Natural Realm, could not hope to imitate.

Yet, if he was pretending to be such, he had no choice but to follow along.

Why this great sage was involving himself so deeply in the affairs of the mortal world was beyond comprehension. But if such a presence became known in the martial world, the confusion would be unbearable.

“I, as the head of the Hwasan Sect, will vouch for his identity,” Dan Cheon-yang declared.

“Hah!”

The fact that this young man was a legitimate disciple of the Sword Saint! That meant, from now on, the leader of the Jo Clan at the Great Assembly would be recognized as the most powerful figure in the martial world.

For Mu Hwang, this was a serious dilemma.

“How could someone directly inherit the Sword Saint’s wisdom from centuries ago? He has not come back to life or anything. This is simply nonsensical!”

But with the head of the Hwasan Sect vouching for Jo Hwi’s identity, it was not an easy matter for Mu Hwang to deny it.

However, this was an issue that needed to be addressed, for within the righteous sects, the matter of lineage was of utmost importance.

“It is not necessary for the existence of a master to be a prerequisite for passing on one’s teachings. Long ago, the Supreme Sword King revealed the existence of the ‘Unmatched Dao Origin Record’ and declared his disciple to be the Sage of the Supreme Dao, even though that was a being from centuries ago.”

Upon hearing Dan Cheon-yang’s answer, Mu Hwang turned to Jo Hwi.

“Do you have any proof that you received the teachings of the Sword Saint?”

Jo Hwi paused for a moment and then asked the Sword Saint himself.

“May I reveal the Sword Tomb in the Western Mountains?”

Unexpectedly, the Sword Saint agreed readily.

“Should the sword practitioners who encounter the Sword Tomb break through their limits and attain enlightenment, it would indeed be a great blessing for the martial world. However, there will not be many who will gain enlightenment from merely seeing the sword marks.”

There were limits to what modern martial artists could learn from the Sword Tomb, as it was written for a time and people long gone. Jo Hwi had no reason to worry about revealing it to the martial world.

After all, it was the Sword Saint’s transcendence and natural dao that had allowed him to reach that level.

Feeling resolved, Jo Hwi spoke:

“There is a cave called the Sword Tomb in Chuhui Valley, Gancheon County, Shanxi. I obtained the Sword Saint’s wisdom there.”

At Jo Hwi’s sudden declaration, the entire hall fell into an eerie silence, as if cold water had been poured over everyone.

“……”

“……”

Mu Hwang, Dan Cheon-yang, and all the martial leaders froze, unable to believe their ears.

After a moment, the cries of astonished martial artists echoed through the hall.

“Gancheon County, Chuhui Valley!”

“The Sword Saint’s wisdom…!”

Mu Hwang was utterly flabbergasted.

Never in his life had he been this stunned.

To think that Jo Hwi had just casually revealed the location of the Sword Saint’s legacy! He had no idea how much bloodshed had been caused by the revealing of such ancient secrets in the past.

As Mu Hwang swallowed nervously, he finally spoke, still in disbelief.

“…Is that truly the case?”

Jo Hwi replied nonchalantly, “Would I make such a statement in front of all the respected figures of the martial world if it were not true?”

“Hah…!”

With Jo Hwi’s firm statement, the martial leaders began murmuring and retreating to their own groups.

Although they would not act immediately due to their sense of honor, countless messages would soon be sent out to confirm the truth, and soon, the entire region of Gancheon County would become the center of turmoil.

Mu Hwang, after briefly biting down on his anger, raised his voice as the head of the martial alliance.

– “Stop!”

His voice, filled with intense authority, shook the entire hall.

The raucous noise and confusion suddenly quieted down.

Mu Hwang, always respected for his wisdom and composed demeanor, was now revealing an unprecedented fury, something the martial world had never seen before.

– “From this moment on, the entrance to Gancheon County is forbidden for all members of the righteous sects! This is a decree from the alliance, and anyone who disobeys will be dealt with according to the law of the alliance!”

The stern declaration from Mu Hwang made the martial leaders uneasy, yet they were also in awe of the sheer authority he commanded.

This was why Mu Hwang was considered the head of the martial world.

It was not just because of his martial skills, but because of the natural authority he possessed as the leader of the most powerful force in the Middle Kingdom.

Mu Hwang fixed his gaze on Jo Hwi once more.

“You dare claim to be the true disciple of the Sword Saint in front of me? If this is a lie, I will not hesitate to use all of the martial alliance’s power to crush the foundation of your clan.”

With a grim expression, Mu Hwang exuded a chilling aura, but Jo Hwi remained calm and collected, ready to counter him.

“And if the Sword Tomb really exists, what will you promise me then?” Jo Hwi asked.

Mu Hwang thought for a moment before showing his authority again.

“In the name of the alliance, I will officially recognize your martial status, and I, Mu Hwang, will publicly vouch for it in the martial world. Naturally, you will receive the full respect of the martial alliance.”

Jo Hwi let out a small chuckle.

“Well, that’s not nearly enough. I’ve already risked the very foundation of the clan. Do you think I took this risk just to receive the head of the alliance’s recognition?”

“J-Just that?”

Mu Hwang was taken aback. Wasn’t it the recognition of the head of the martial alliance? How could Jo Hwi dismiss it so lightly?

The recognition from the martial alliance leader was far from trivial. To be acknowledged as possessing the greatest martial division in the world would give the title “Swordsman” an authority and prestige that could not be bought for any amount of gold.

“What is it that you want?” Mu Hwang asked.

Jo Hwi’s eyes gleamed with a sly merchant’s smile.

“Since we’re already at this point, how about granting me the rights to manage the business? After all, the concern you have is the chaos in the martial world, isn’t it? If you give me the business rights, I’ll handle the matter neatly.”

“What business rights…?”

Jo Hwi grinned widely.

“Hehe, I’ll develop the Sword Tomb into a historic site. It’s the very place where the divine sword spirit resides. People will flock there like clouds, so there must be a proper management system in place.”

“Ma-Manage?”

“Of course, it needs to be managed. If random people just show up, it’s sure to cause chaos. A proper system must be in place. Besides, I’m a direct disciple of the Sword Saint, the ‘Small Swordsman.’ This is in accordance with both reason and propriety. But, instead…”

“Instead?”

“Hehe, managing it is a job for the wise. So, for those who enter the Sword Tomb, I propose a modest tour fee…”

Mu Hwang’s face twisted in disgust.

To turn the legendary Sword Saint’s sacred place into a tourist site and charge a fee?

At that moment, Jo Hwi could hear the Sword Saint’s surprised voice and the Demon God’s absurd laugh echo in his mind.

– This kid! What is he doing now?

– Hahahaha!

Jo Hwi pretended not to hear and turned toward the bewildered Mu Hwang, continuing.

“Is this really something to worry about? By retracting the alliance’s strict controls, it will look better, and a new historic site will be born, which will be a great blessing for the martial world. Moreover, it will prevent martial world bloodshed in advance. It’s truly a threefold benefit.”

“……”

This time, Jo Hwi’s gaze shifted to the Zaha Sword Saint, who was equally flustered.

“Shouldn’t the Sword Saint add something here? Is there anything wrong with my proposal?”

“Er… no, there isn’t.”

Since the formation of the martial world, no disciple had ever suggested selling his master’s sacred grounds for profit. This was beyond anything Mu Hwang and the Zaha Sword Saint could have imagined.

“Moreover, Gancheon County is not far from Hwasan, right? Once tourists—no, martial artists—flock there, our people should work together. This would be a good opportunity for the Hwasan Sect to experience our Jo Clan’s advanced customs.”

This was Jo Hwi’s true goal.

To strike a deal with Hwasan, the wealthiest sect among the old martial sects!

Dan Cheon-yang looked troubled, his face full of confusion.

What was this? How could such a sage be involved in money?

This was so different from his past reputation, where he had harshly rebuked the greed of the Hwasan Sect.

“Our sect is a Daoist sect. How can we put material gain first…?”

“Ah, come on, don’t Daoists eat? Don’t you wear clothes?” Jo Hwi shot back.

“Amida Buddha, that’s not it…”

Jo Hwi frowned, visibly irritated.

“What is this? Are we some kind of black market dealers or poison merchants? I didn’t think my respected Zaha Sword Saint would act like this. I’m truly disappointed.”

“……”

Even amidst the confusion, Jo Hwi kept glancing over at Mu Hwang, who was occasionally looking at the event of the Gyecheon-uncha (a martial world gathering). His eyes sparkled with excitement.

“If you grant me the business rights, I’ll provide you with a Gyecheon-uncha.”

Mu Hwang was stunned.

“A… Gyecheon-uncha?”

“Yes, I’ll have a top-of-the-line luxury model made for you.”

“Top-of-the-line!”

At Jo Hwi’s words, Mu Hwang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Alright! I’ll accept your offer!”

From a business perspective, the incredible profits from managing the Sword Tomb far outweighed the small investment in a Gyecheon-uncha.

Thus, Jo Hwi merged the divine prestige with business.

The Sword Tomb.

The largest martial arts historical site in the martial world had finally been created.