A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

In the unstoppable advance of the new external forces led by Bing Baegyeo, a great family that had protected the Central Plains for centuries appeared in the martial world.

Had the people living in the land once protected by the Sima family already forgotten all the favors they had received?

No matter how curious they were about the new customs and ideas presented by the Jo Clan’s Grand Assembly, they completely disregarded the Sima family’s procession!

Sima Gang stared at the martial artists, who were all focused on the leather clothes, not even sparing a glance for the Sima family, feeling more bewildered than angry.

He never imagined that the Sima family would be treated this way.

*Sigh…*

Sima Gang decided to think as positively as possible.

It had been hundreds of years since the Sima family, along with the old factions, had ceased running the martial world.

The Sima family was such a sacred and legendary family, with immense renown, that it might be too daunting for others to approach easily.

But Sima Gang’s positive mindset was soon shattered.

*The Alliance.*

A huge flag embroidered with golden thread displaying a single character.

The symbol of the Martial Alliance, reflecting the sunlight and shining brilliantly, was overwhelming to everyone in its presence.

Step, step, step.

Leading the procession was a figure carrying the Alliance’s flag.

Fully armored in heavy silver armor, the elite of the Martial Alliance’s highest military division, the *Jeongmu Guardian Corps*, escorted Mu Hwang, entering the scene.

Flanking Mu Hwang were powerful figures of the Alliance, including the Alliance’s Grand General, Jeong Gyeolchanhui, the Alliance’s “Grim Reaper” and Inspector General, Dan Baekwoo, and the Chief of the Guardian Corps, Jin Gangcheon.

What was strange, though, was that the Martial Alliance was entering alongside the Hwasan Sect’s procession.

A massive plum blossom flag, embroidered with red thread, marched alongside the Alliance’s flag, showing the Hwasan Sect’s presence that seemed to reach the heavens.

A sect that stood shoulder to shoulder with the Martial Alliance!

Just that fact alone showed the prominence and position of Hwasan in the martial world of the time.

Sima Gang gave a signal, and the Sima family’s standard bearer raised the *Baekho* flag even higher.

Even before the overwhelming fame of the Martial Alliance and the Hwasan Sect, the Sima family could not lower their head.

However, as Mu Hwang’s voice gradually reached Sima Gang’s ears, his composure faltered once more.

“Grand General! That’s the Gyecheon-uncha I was talking about!”

“…”

Mu Hwang became increasingly excited as he spotted the Gyecheon-uncha placed around various spots of the Grand Assembly, making it clear he was thrilled.

As Mu Hwang continued to happily disturb those around him, Grand General Jeong Gyeolchanhui, who was always under his command, was filled with dread.

“Can’t we just buy one with the military department’s budget?”

“Lord, that’s a luxury item. The expense would be documented, how could we use military funds for this? And to suggest such a thing with the Inspector General standing next to you?”

Standing beside them, the Inspector General Dan Baekwoo smirked.

“That’s right, Lord. Private expenditures for the Alliance’s pleasures are subject to inspection.”

“Pleasures? Did you just call it a pleasure?” Mu Hwang snapped in anger.

“That carriage, which floats like a cloud, is called a Gyecheon-uncha! Do you all not know how much I suffer from excruciating back pain whenever I have to travel by regular carriage?”

“Ma-Mu Hwang…”

“All I hear is ‘stay healthy,’ ‘take care of yourself,’ ‘the Alliance leader must be strong for the peace of the martial world.’ If you can’t even say that much, you’re worse than useless!”

Having already experienced the comfort of the Gyecheon-uncha during his visit to the Namgung family, Mu Hwang could not forget its luxurious ride.

“Dan, haven’t you tried it yourself? Why must I suffer from back pain all my life? Speak up if you’ve got something to say!”

“Lord…”

Grand General Jeong Gyeolchanhui, who had been watching this, sighed helplessly.

“Well then, how about the Cheonsang-uncha? The Gyecheon-uncha is simply too costly for the military budget.”

“Ha!”

Mu Hwang remembered the time when Namgung Su had subtly boasted about the splendor of the Gyecheon-uncha during his visit to the Namgung family.

Even though he was the leader of the Martial Alliance, being asked to lower himself to the level of the Namgung family felt insulting.

This was frustrating.

At times like this, the narrow-mindedness and rigidity of his sect’s juniors were truly irksome.

“Fine. I’ll save up from my own allowance and buy one personally.”

Jeong Gyeolchanhui looked at him with pity, knowing full well that once Mu Hwang sulked, it would last for a long time.

For the time being, there was a very high chance that he would use his health or the need to focus on martial arts as an excuse to avoid participating in Alliance events or schedules.

Jeong Gyeolchanhui grimaced at the thought and then, after a pause, clenched his teeth and spoke again.

“I’ll buy it for you.”

Dan Baekwoo’s face was one of complete surprise.

Given Jeong Gyeolchanhui’s personality, he would never misuse the military department’s budget for personal use. He was likely to either use the wealth of the Jeong family or pay for it out of his own pocket.

In an instant, Jeong Gyeolchanhui had found himself drained of his wealth by the Alliance leader, and he could not contain his bitter feelings. He stared at the distant mountains, trying to calm his nerves.

Sima Gang, who had been observing the situation from afar, was about to approach Mu Hwang to greet him, when Mu Hwang suddenly turned his attention to another event.

“What’s going on over there? Why is it so crowded? What valuable object could be drawing so many people?”

“Ma-Mu Hwang?” Jeong Gyeolchanhui froze awkwardly when he noticed Sima Gang approaching. Mu Hwang, having already moved on, had blended into the crowd.

*Hah…*

Indeed, what an incredibly challenging job!

As Jeong Gyeolchanhui managed to calm himself and prepare to show respect to Sima Gang, Mu Hwang’s eyes widened in surprise as he gazed at a rider’s jacket among the crowd.

“Oh? What kind of clothing is that? A unique style.”

Several martial artists who recognized Mu Hwang were startled.

“Ma-Mu Hwang!”

“Greetings, Martial World’s Sky!”

Mu Hwang waved his hand in response to their greetings and then continued walking through the crowd.

Zhou Hui, who had been busy taking preorders, noticed Mu Hwang approaching and looked on with curiosity.

*Hmm.*

Zhou Hui, now facing a second master who surpassed the limits of what could be seen through the barrier of the mind, was impressed by the presence of someone worthy of being called the Martial World’s Sky.

“Oh, this outer garment with pockets is something I’ve never seen before. Moreover, to handle such rough leather with such fine craftsmanship—remarkable skill!”

Mu Hwang began to inspect the pockets of the rider’s jacket, turning them over before looking at Zhou Hui.

“Is there a specific reason you designed the pockets to be on the outside?”

“For practicality. Most clothing in the Central Plains is inconvenient for storing and retrieving belongings. But this leather garment allows for separate pockets to keep various items, and retrieving them is very easy.”

“Ho! That’s an astonishing idea! But won’t things fall out if one moves too vigorously?”

Zhou Hui gently opened the pockets of the jacket to reveal the buttons.

“These buttons can fasten the fabric together.”

“These are buttons?”

At that time, buttons in the Central Plains were typically made from animal bones, metals, or jade, and were inserted into fabric. The style Zhou Hui was showing, where round buttons were sewn into the fabric itself, was a design that emerged only in the medieval period.

The simple yet innovative design was so striking that even Mu Hwang couldn’t help but be amazed.

Rather than buttons hanging off the fabric, these integrated seamlessly with the garment itself, making the whole thing more refined.

“Impressive! What an ingenious method! One can feel the incredible wisdom of the person who conceived this button!”

Martial arts enrich a person’s body and mind, but it is innovators like these who bring prosperity to the entire world.

Mu Hwang had always appreciated such traits in the Grand Assembly of the Jo Clan.

“Who on earth came up with this magnificent clothing?”

The woman overseeing the event politely answered Mu Hwang’s question.

“It was all thanks to the wisdom of the chairman.”

The woman’s glance pointed toward Zhou Hui.

“You?”

“Well, yes, that’s right.”

Zhou Hui felt a little guilty. The clothing felt like a mere copy of modern-day inventions, as though he had plagiarized intellectual property.

“Whoo!”

Suddenly, Zhou Hui felt an immense surge of energy—like a blade slicing through his mind’s barrier. The overwhelming force made his back break into a cold sweat as the vast energy rushed over him.

But as soon as that fearsome power tore through his mental barrier, it softened into a gentle breeze, playfully swirling around him.

The blend of hot and cold energy, the interplay of living and dead forces, created an almost incomprehensible sensation.

Zhou Hui wondered how such incompatible elements could harmonize so perfectly, when he heard the voice of the Sword Master echo in his mind.

– This is truly the *Hongwon Taeguk*, the ultimate state. This is the level of a true Immortal, worthy of the title of a *Jin-in* (True Person).

*Hongwon Taeguk*.

Along with the Shaolin’s *Banya* (Wisdom) and the Hwasan’s *Jaha* (Purple Mist), it was one of the three great powers of the martial world.

Even by simply absorbing the surrounding energy, one could feel the presence of such a profound force.

The delicate, harmonious energy was extraordinarily mysterious.

Zhou Hui immediately understood why the Wudang Sect was revered as the southern peak of the martial world.

To experience a martial artist with absolute capabilities firsthand was more enlightening than ten thousand years of training.

Zhou Hui now understood why so many martial artists yearned to see the Seven Great Masters.

– Up until now, I never once thought that Zhang Sanfeng’s level was below the *Jin-sin* masters. If he had not hesitated to reveal himself to the world, he too would have engraved the divine seal on his being.

Zhou Hui, surprised, muttered to himself.

“Zhang Sanfeng? Was he really that great? Comparable to the Three Immortals?”

The voice of the Demon King echoed in his mind.

– Yes. You can feel it through the martial arts he left behind in Wudang. His *Hongwon Taeguk* was the most profound understanding of nature.

“Ho…”

Zhou Hui had always considered Zhang Sanfeng to be a famous founding figure of Wudang, someone who spent his life cultivating as a Taoist rather than as a martial artist. But now he realized that his level was one that even the Three Immortals would acknowledge.

After all, Zhang Sanfeng was often compared to the great master Dalma, a leader of the Central Plains Zen tradition.

“What? *Jaha Shingong*…?” Mu Hwang, looking surprised, turned to Zhou Hui.

Zhou Hui, sweating profusely, answered nervously.

“Yes? What’s that?”

“This is not the Qi of Zihua, is it?”

In the end, Mu Huang, having carefully examined the martial aura of Zhou Hui, realized that it was imbued with the energy of the Demon Qi.

Zhou Hui, deliberately focusing only on the Sword God’s teachings and looking frantic, opened his mouth.

“Y-you must have seen it wrong? As you can see, I’m a swordsman who follows the teachings of the Sword God, not the Demon God?”

Mu Huang’s eyebrows twitched.

“Are you treating me like a senile old man? You think you can deceive my eyes? I clearly see the Demon Qi swirling within your martial aura! How dare you try to fool me?”

“N-no…”

It’s probably the Demon Fire, not Zihua! This old man’s quite sharp!

“Could it be that the Sword Saint has taken on a disciple…? How could someone called the ‘Little Sword God’ have learned the Zihua Divine Art, the secret technique of the Mount Hua Sect? This is an extremely serious matter, and there must be no falsehoods!”

“…”

But this Demon Qi was not passed on by the Demon God; it was learned from the Sword God himself through legitimate teachings.

If one were to get technical, it would be considered the true inheritance of the Sword God.

However, to explain all this, he would need to reveal the secret of the Bloodstone, something Zhou Hui and his sect had no intention of disclosing.

In a situation where the followers of the Divine Sect’s teachings might be involved, Zhou Hui could never casually reveal the secret of the Bloodstone.

But there was no way to deflect the question because Mu Huang’s expression was too serious.

At that moment, someone from the Huashan Sect’s procession walked toward them with dignified steps.

“Zihua Sword Saint!”

“The World’s Greatest Swordmaster!”

It was none other than the famed Zihua Sword Saint, Dan Tianyang.

Mu Huang tried to greet him, but he froze.

He could not feel any martial aura from Dan Tianyang.

‘Could it be… the Sword Saint has reached that level?’

Had he reached the realm of natural transcendence?

Mu Huang was stunned, unable to believe what he had just sensed. Then suddenly, Dan Tianyang spoke.

“Long life to you, Daoist Master.”

The polite bow of a Taoist.

To Mu Huang’s astonishment, the one Dan Tianyang was showing this utmost respect to was none other than Zhou Hui.

“D-Daoist Master?”

Mu Huang could only blink in disbelief.

“Daoist Master…”

The title “Daoist Master” referred to the Three Clear Ones (Sanqing) of Taoism or other great immortals or mountain gods who had reached similar levels of wisdom.

“Have you been well?”

The Zihua Sword Saint was displaying great respect, while Zhou Hui was looking rather awkward. Neither of them understood what was going on.

What in the world was happening?

Mu Huang was facing his greatest crisis since becoming the leader of the martial alliance.

Dan Tianyang, the World’s Greatest Swordmaster, showed a brief flicker of surprise in his eyes before it disappeared.

The great immortal who had once warned about the Demon Qi in Zihua was now, strangely, wrapped in a similar energy.

But what was even stranger was that the energy emanating from Dan Tianyang was completely different from that of the Huashan Sect’s Zihua.

It was both powerful and pure, gentle yet intense, fiery but dignified. It was an energy that was both overwhelming and embracing, a contrast to the sharp, destructive nature of the Demon Qi. Even Dan Tianyang had never encountered a martial aura like this before.

Why was this great immortal, who had kept his power hidden and had been leading the Huashan Sect as its leader, now showing himself so openly? And why was he calling Zhou Hui “Daoist Master”?

Dan Tianyang had, without a doubt, revealed the martial teachings of the legendary Sword God.

What was clear was that Zhou Hui was either the true reincarnation of the Sword God, or perhaps a different immortal deeply connected to the Sword God, who had assumed the Sword God’s form to impart teachings to Dan Tianyang.

But regardless of the circumstances, the mere fact that this great immortal had personally provided guidance to Zhou Hui was enough for the leader of the Huashan Sect to offer him the highest respect.

Zhou Hui was indeed deserving of respect as a martial artist, and Mu Huang could not help but feel a deep sense of reverence toward him.

“Is it true that this young hero is truly the Sword God’s direct disciple?” Mu Huang asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Dan Tianyang gave a strange expression in response.

The great immortal who had once erased an entire sect with a single strike… could such a person truly be called the Sword God’s disciple?

Such a transcendent sword technique, which Dan Tianyang himself could not even begin to imitate, was beyond any normal understanding.

But since Zhou Hui was pretending to be such a disciple, Dan Tianyang could only play along with it.

It was unclear why this immortal was intervening in the mortal realm, but if his presence became known in the martial world, the chaos it would cause would be unimaginable.

“Yes, indeed, my lord. As the leader of the Huashan Sect, I vouch for his identity,” Dan Tianyang said.

“Wha—!”

A direct disciple of the Sword God?

This meant that Zhou Hui, as the leader of the Alliance of Sages, was now recognized as the most powerful figure in the martial world.

Mu Huang was left speechless, his mind reeling at the implications.

“How is it possible for a person to inherit the martial skills of the Sword God, a figure from hundreds of years ago? It cannot make sense—he must have returned from the dead!” Mu Huang exclaimed.

With the leader of the Huashan Sect vouching for Zhou Hui’s identity, it would be impossible for Mu Huang to deny it. However, this was a matter of great importance, and Mu Huang had no choice but to address it directly.

“Inheriting a martial tradition does not necessarily require the original master to still be alive. For example, the renowned Sword Monarch of the past publicly revealed the existence of the Unmatched Dao Record, thereby proving his connection to the great immortal, the Unmatched Taoist,” Dan Tianyang replied.

Mu Huang turned to Zhou Hui and asked, “Do you have proof to back up your claim of being the Sword God’s disciple?”

Zhou Hui thought for a moment and then asked the Sword God, “Can I reveal the Sword Tomb in Ganquan County?”

Surprisingly, the Sword God agreed without hesitation.

– If those who encounter the Sword Tomb are able to awaken their own sword skills and breakthrough, it will only bring prosperity to the martial world. However, few will be able to truly understand and break through just by encountering the sword marks.

The sword marks left by the Sword God were not easily understood by ordinary martial artists. For Zhou Hui, who had gained immense wisdom, revealing the Sword Tomb posed no danger.

Zhou Hui made a decisive statement, “In Ganquan County, near the Autumn Return Valley, there is a cave called the Sword Tomb. It is there that I received the Sword God’s teachings.”

At this sudden declaration, the entire hall fell into an eerie silence, as if someone had splashed cold water on everyone.

“……”

“……”

Both Mu Huang and the great figures of the martial world froze, their faces blank with disbelief.

Soon, the sounds of shock and disbelief echoed through the gathering.

“Shanxi, Ganqian County, Qiuhui Valley!”

“The… the Sword Saint’s teachings?!”

Mu Huang was completely at a loss.

He had never been so flustered in his life.

To openly reveal that the teachings of the Sword Saint were still preserved in that place—how could such a thing be disclosed so casually?

Did he not understand how much bloodshed the martial world had suffered because of a single relic of a former master’s secret arts?

With a gulp, Mu Huang slowly opened his mouth.

“…Is that really true?”

Zhou Hui answered nonchalantly.

“Would I speak recklessly in front of so many prominent figures of the martial world?”

“Hah…!”

The confirmation from the little Sword Saint caused a stir among the martial masters, who quickly returned to their respective groups.

Though, out of respect for their dignity, they wouldn’t act hastily, many letters were sure to be sent to their headquarters for verification.

And before long, the Ganqian County in Shanxi would undoubtedly turn into a hell on earth for mortals.

Mu Huang, who had been silently pondering this, finally gathered his will and released a commanding roar that reverberated throughout the assembly.

– *Ha!*

His voice, filled with overwhelming authority, sent shockwaves through the entire Zhou Family’s gathering.

*Grrrr…!*

The noisy chaos and confusion immediately calmed down.

Mu Huang, known for his typically amicable demeanor and generous character, was showing such anger for the first time, which made this event highly unusual.

– “From this moment on, all righteous sects are forbidden from entering or leaving Ganqian County in Shanxi! This is a decree from me, Mu Huang! Anyone who dares defy this order will face punishment according to the laws of the Alliance. Do not act rashly!”

His stern and seemingly extreme declaration made the martial world’s masters unable to hide their fear.

This was why he was called the Lord of the Martial World.

Not just because of his martial prowess, but also the inherent majesty he carried as the leader of the most powerful faction in the central plains.

After showing his full authority as the head of the most dominant force in the martial world, Mu Huang turned his gaze back to Zhou Hui.

“You wouldn’t dare to falsely claim to be the Sword Saint’s disciple in front of the Lord of the Martial World, would you? If this is a lie, then forget the alliance; I will personally mobilize the entire force of the Alliance to wipe out every trace of the Zhou Family.”

Mu Huang’s intense expression and the killing intent in his eyes were met calmly by Zhou Hui, who instead countered with a sharp retort.

“What if the Sword Tomb truly exists? What will you promise me then?”

“Ha!”

Mu Huang, deep in thought for a moment, once again displayed his authoritative stance.

“If the Sword Tomb really exists, I will recognize your rank in the name of the Alliance and publicly acknowledge it as the truth. Naturally, you will receive my full support.”

Zhou Hui smirked.

“That’s not enough. I risked everything, including the foundation of the Zhou Family, and all I’ll get is your acknowledgment?”

“Acknowledgment? From the Lord of the Martial World?”

Mu Huang was stunned. The Lord of the Martial World’s recognition was no light matter.

For a sect leader to receive such acknowledgment meant that the title of ‘Little Sword Saint’ would carry an immeasurable amount of authority and prestige—something no amount of gold could buy.

“So, what exactly do you want?” Mu Huang asked, his patience thinning.

Zhou Hui’s eyes gleamed with a sharp merchant’s glint as he replied.

“Since we’ve come this far, give me the rights to manage it. After all, what you are concerned about is the chaos in the martial world, right? If you give me the rights, I’ll handle it cleanly.”

“Rights to what…?”

Zhou Hui grinned widely.

“Ha, I’ll turn the Sword Tomb into a historic site. After all, this is the very place where the divine sword soul rests. People will flock to it, and a proper management system will be necessary.”

“Manage?”

“Of course, it must be managed. If the wrong people gather there, bloodshed is inevitable. We need a system in place. Besides, I am the Sword Saint’s disciple, Little Sword Saint, right? It makes sense both in terms of reason and honor. But…”

“But?”

“Ha, management requires money, doesn’t it? So, I’ll take a small entrance fee from those who visit the Sword Tomb.”

Mu Huang’s face twisted with disgust.

“You want to turn a legendary site, where the Sword Saint’s presence still lingers, into a tourist attraction? And charge admission?”

At that moment, Zhou Hui could almost hear the astonished voice of the Sword Saint in his head, along with the mischievous laughter of the Demon Sword.

– *What are you doing? What the hell is this?*

– *Hahaha!*

Zhou Hui, ignoring the strange thoughts in his mind, addressed Mu Huang, who was still stunned.

“Why hesitate? By rescinding the ban, you’ll be doing something that will not only avoid chaos but also give rise to a new historical landmark. It will be a great boon for all of the martial world. Besides, the bloodshed of the martial world will be prevented, making it a win-win for all.”

“….”

Now, Zhou Hui’s eyes shifted to the slightly confused Da Tianyang, the Sword Saint, who was also flustered by the situation.

“Well, Sword Saint, don’t you have something to add? Do you disagree with my proposal?”

“No, I do not,” Da Tianyang replied, visibly bemused.

Since the birth of the martial world, this is the first time a disciple has attempted to sell their master’s legacy for money.

This was an unimaginable act according to the morals and common sense of the martial world, one that both Mu Huang and the great swordsman, Da Tianyang, were now facing.

“Moreover, Ganqian County is not far from Mount Hua, right? If martial artists—no, tourists—flock there, our faction must be involved as well. This is a great opportunity for the Hua Mountain Sect to experience our Zhou Family’s advanced practices,” Zhou Hui added.

This, in fact, was Zhou Hui’s true goal.

To establish a trade deal with the wealthiest faction among the Old Four Sects, the Hua Mountain Sect!

Dan Tianyang, visibly troubled, struggled to find his words.

How could a revered elder be so money-driven?

The image of him previously sternly criticizing the corruption of the Hua Mountain Sect seemed completely at odds with this.

“We are Taoist monks. How can we place greed above our principles?” Dan Tianyang said.

“Ha, do Taoists not eat? Do you not wear clothes?” Zhou Hui retorted.

“Well, that’s not exactly—”

Zhou Hui scowled.

“Why are you acting like this? Are we some kind of dark merchants, selling poisons and poisons for a living? I never thought you, Lord Da Tianyang, would be so narrow-minded. I’m quite disappointed.”

“…..”

Even amid this, Zhou Hui kept sneaking glances at Mu Huang, who was occasionally looking at the ongoing events, and his eyes gleamed with ambition.

“If you grant me the rights to the business, I’ll get you a ‘Gaecheon Uncha.'”

Mu Huang was stunned.

“A… Gaecheon Uncha?”

“Yes. I’ll have it custom-made with the highest quality features,” Zhou Hui said.

“Highest quality!”

Upon hearing those words, Mu Huang’s eyes lit up.

“Alright! I’ll accept your proposal!”

From a business perspective, the massive amounts of money that could be made from the Sword Tomb made the Gaecheon Uncha seem like a small investment.

And thus, Zhou Hui had successfully merged even the divine reputation of the Sword Saint into his business deal.

The Sword Tomb (劒塚).

It became the largest historical site in the martial world.

—

**The Seven Modern People Who Fell into the Martial World**
BUKDU NEO ORIENTAL FANTASY STORY

By Cheong Ru-yeon
Publisher: Good World Co., Ltd.
Publisher’s Email: [email protected]
This book’s copyright belongs to Good World Co., Ltd. and the author.
No part of this book may be reproduced or altered in any form.

ⓒCheong Ru-yeon / Good World Co., Ltd.

ISBN: 979-11-391-0711-1
Printed in Seoul, Korea

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