Mae Jonghak (매종학), better known as the Sword Saint (Hangul: 검성, Hanzi: 劍星)[1][2] or First Sword Under Heaven (Hangul: 천하제일검, Hanzi: 天下第一劍),[3] is a grand elder of the Huashan sect[4] and a legendary swordsman who has reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship d or beyond it. He rewrote the history of the murim's orthodox faction decades ago.[5]
Jonghak had the appearance of an old man with long white beard and hair before his rejuvenation.
Personality[]
Many describe him as having an eccentric personality, often unpredictable and unconventional. However, when the situation demands it, the Sword Saint becomes remarkably serious and focused,.
Background[]
It's unclear when, but Mae Jonghak took on three disciples, the first of which went on to become Huashan's Heavenly Sword Sage and Baek Museong's master.[6]
After defeating the Thousand Poison Demon Lord in the Great Faction War, Jonghak gained the title of Sword Saint. After the curtain fell on the great faction war, he continued to immerse himself in martial arts. He adopted Cheongpung, raising him as his own grandson and disciple.[7] 10 years ago, several elders and the sect leader from the sect sought him out, including two of his former disciples, but an annoyed Sword Saint chased off.[6] As Cheongpung turned 20, he ran off to test his strength in the outside world, leaving Jonghak alone in their abode on Mount Hua. By then, it had been over 30 years since the jianghu had last seen or heard from him.[4] Just when he thought he'd touched the pinnacle, Jonghak discerned another summit, and with his body achieved Return to Youth. Rejuvenated, the outside world piqued his interest, and he wondered about how his mischevious grandson was faring. To avoid making too many ripples, he took on the identity of Jong Richu.[7]
Power & Ability[]
Jonghak is the strongest swordsmen among the Three Stars.[3]
Etymology[]
Upon achieving Return to Youth, Jonghak hid his identity and took on the name Jong Richu, the self-proclaimed Ever-Victorious Sword, a peak level martial artist in his 20s from Yunnan.[8][9] During the Great Celestial Banquet, he was nicknamed the Precarious Sword due to barely winning all of his matches with an old rusty sword.[10] Other titles or variations include the Sword of Fate and the Rising Sword[11].
