The morning at Heukwun-gwan was as peaceful as ever. Trainees were immersed in their training, drenched in sweat, and Lee Dohyeon watched them with a smile. Yet, a sense of unease lingered in the corner of his mind. Before the threat of the Demonic Sect and internal discord had fully subsided, his instincts warned him that yet another external force was looming over Heukwun-gwan.
That afternoon, unfamiliar figures appeared at the entrance of Heukwun-gwan. They were envoys of the orthodox sect, clad in pristine white robes and armed with swords. Their gazes were firm and brimming with confidence.
"We are here to meet Lee Dohyeon, the Black Cloud Sword."
Lee Dohyeon greeted them and spoke calmly, "What brings you here today?"
Cheongpung Do-in, the representative of the orthodox faction, smiled as he replied, "Your reputation has already spread across the martial world. The ideals of Heukwun-gwan and your strength would shine even brighter aligned with the orthodox sect."
His words carried both subtle persuasion and underlying pressure. Dohyeon narrowed his eyes and asked, "And what exactly does aligning with the orthodox sect entail?"
After a brief pause, Cheongpung Do-in answered firmly, "We ask that Heukwun-gwan join the orthodox alliance and lead in upholding the order of the martial world. Naturally, you must sever all ties with the unorthodox factions."
At that moment, a sharp voice interrupted from behind. "It's not so simple a matter."
Baek Rin, the Crimson Flame Sword and representative of the unorthodox sect, appeared. His red robes fluttered in the wind, leaving a striking impression.
"Black Cloud Sword, do not bind yourself to the chains of orthodoxy. Heukwun-gwan's freedom and ideals are best realized alongside us. To fight freely, to unite freely—that is the true path of the martial world."
Cheongpung Do-in frowned. "The unorthodox sects bring chaos and destruction. If Heukwun-gwan aligns with them, the martial world's order will collapse. Their version of freedom is nothing more than lawlessness."
Baek Rin smirked. "Order? More like oppression for the sake of their own gain. True freedom requires breaking the chains of orthodoxy."
Dohyeon silently watched their argument, pondering Heukwun-gwan's place between these conflicting ideologies. Then, another voice cut through the tension.
"Let's all calm down."
Out of the shadows stepped Kang Yeol, envoy of the Demonic Sect. His eyes glimmered with a cold light.
"Our Demonic Sect seeks not revenge, but a new path. We welcome Black Cloud Sword and Heukwun-gwan. Why not rise above the conflict between orthodoxy and heresy and join us?"
Both Cheongpung Do-in and Baek Rin flared with anger.
"Do not be swayed by their schemes!"
"They cannot be trusted!"
Kang Yeol shrugged. "We merely offer a proposal. The choice is yours, Black Cloud Sword."
Dohyeon took a deep breath and looked around. "I understand your offers and concerns. But Heukwun-gwan will decide its own path." His voice was unwavering. In that moment, he fully understood what he must protect.
Cheongpung Do-in stepped forward with a raised eyebrow. "Then please consider carefully. Aligning with the orthodox sect would contribute to peace in the martial world. But if you refuse, you may find Heukwun-gwan branded as an enemy of justice. And remember—justice is defined by those who uphold it."
Baek Rin shrugged. "I hope you choose wisely. Our unorthodox path is always open. If you seek freedom, not oppression, you know where to find us."
Kang Yeol gave a faint smile. "Interesting. But let's see what consequences your choice will bring. The Demonic Sect is always prepared."
Once they departed, the members of Heukwun-gwan let out a sigh of relief, though the tension remained. The orthodox sect's final warning left them uneasy.
Han Soyeon approached Dohyeon. "Turning them down like that… it could bring danger. The orthodox sect won't leave us alone. They won't tolerate anything that threatens their order."
Dohyeon replied with quiet conviction, "Even if danger comes, protecting our own path is what matters. We will grow stronger together. Upholding our ideals is worth more than safety."
Baek Wolhui nodded. "Right. We must advance on our own strength, not relying on others. No matter what threats come, standing under no one is our pride and Heukwun-gwan's spirit."
Miryeong smiled at them all. "Our unity can overcome any threat. Even if our beliefs differ, we must stay united. That's the path forward for Heukwun-gwan."
Listening to their words, Dohyeon felt his burden ease. "Yes. We are one. No matter what comes, we will endure. Neither orthodoxy, heresy, nor the Demonic Sect can break our will."
He sensed all eyes upon him and exhaled deeply. His mind was filled with thoughts on what decisions he must make for Heukwun-gwan's future.
"If we side with the orthodox sect, we might be safer… but wouldn't their rules suffocate Heukwun-gwan's freedom? The unorthodox speak of liberty, but disorder lies at the end of that road. And the Demonic Sect… nothing needs to be said."
He slowly looked down at the sword in his hand. His reflection on the blade seemed unfamiliar.
"I didn't take up this sword just to be acknowledged by the martial world. I fight to protect Heukwun-gwan's ideals.
***
Embers of Conflict
In the front courtyard of Heukwoon-gwan, the envoys of the orthodox sects, the unorthodox sects, and the Demonic Cult had gathered once more. The tension in the air was palpable. With a cold voice, Cheongpung Do-in of the orthodox sects broke the silence.
"Heukwoon Sword Do-hyun, we of the orthodox sects wish for Heukwoon-gwan to stand with us in the pursuit of justice across the murim. However, in this pursuit, we cannot join hands with unnecessary elements."
His gaze drifted meaningfully toward Baek Rin of the unorthodox faction. Baek Rin snorted in disdain and tapped his sword sheath lightly.
"Justice? Justice is nothing but an excuse to impose your order on others. If Heukwoon-gwan truly seeks freedom and strength, it must not be bound by the constraints of the orthodox sects."
Whispers and murmurs broke out among the trainees. The verbal clash between the two factions seemed ready to ignite into physical conflict. Do-hyun quietly took a breath, observing the situation.
At that moment, Kang Yeol, the envoy of the Demonic Cult, emerged slowly from the shadows.
"Let's put a stop to this. Seeing you bicker like this, it's clear the Heukwoon Sword has little desire to ally with any of you."
Kang Yeol wore a sly smile as he observed the scene with amusement.
"You're both talented at pointing out each other's flaws. But perhaps the most suitable choice for Heukwoon Sword is our Demonic Cult. We welcome all without prejudice."
Cheongpung Do-in scowled and glared at Kang Yeol. "I do not believe Heukwoon Sword is foolish enough to fall for the Demonic Cult's schemes."
Baek Rin chimed in. "As expected of the Demonic Cult. Masters of stirring chaos with mere words."
Kang Yeol chuckled, shrugging nonchalantly. "You all are the true arsonists. I'm just here to watch the flames."
The tension escalated. Eyes from both sides turned toward each other. Baek Rin was the first to draw his sword.
"Shall we see just how righteous and superior the orthodox really are?"
Cheongpung Do-in responded without hesitation. "I'll show you that the unorthodox sects are nothing but bringers of chaos and destruction."
The two squared off in the courtyard. The trainees held their breath as the air trembled with the sounds of clashing swords and lightning-fast movements.
Amid the chaos, Kang Yeol placed his hand on his sword sheath and smirked.
"The fight's truly begun. Whichever of you loses—how about you join hands with the Demonic Cult?"
At his comment, the fighters froze. Baek Rin lowered his raised blade and glared at Kang Yeol.
"You... was this your plan all along?"
Cheongpung Do-in, barely restraining his anger, added, "The Demonic Cult proves again that it is untrustworthy."
Kang Yeol stepped back with a grin. "Fascinating. To see you two cooperate—how long will that alliance last, I wonder?"
Eventually, both Cheongpung Do-in and Baek Rin took a step back. Cheongpung Do-in spoke with a frigid tone.
"Heukwoon Sword, the orthodox sects hope Heukwoon-gwan will stand with us for the sake of justice. But understand—our justice is not a lofty ideal. It is the force that maintains order. Your decision will determine the future of Heukwoon-gwan."
Baek Rin nodded and added, "Justice sounds noble, but in truth, it's just a means to enforce one's own order. If you seek true strength and freedom, the path of the unorthodox is the only way."
Kang Yeol, still smiling, said, "We of the Demonic Cult merely offer possibilities. When the time comes, we'll be watching the consequences of your decision."
Do-hyun let out a deep breath and began to speak calmly.
"I understand your offers. But Heukwoon-gwan will walk its own path. We will stand with no one, and we will protect our ideals and freedom."
Cheongpung Do-in furrowed his brow and withdrew. "Then you choose to abandon justice. We'll see how high a price that choice will cost you."
Baek Rin sheathed his sword with a shrug. "I hope it's the right decision. If not, you know where to find us."
Kang Yeol left one last ominous remark. "Every choice has its cost. I wonder if Heukwoon Sword can bear the weight of his."
Though the three factions left, their presence lingered like a shadow over Heukwoon-gwan. The trainees and members still felt the tension in the air, uncertain of the fate that lay ahead.