Lee Do-hyun began to speak during dinner, his expression solemn. What he was about to share wasn't a simple confession—it was something that could shake their very perception of him. The fact that he didn't belong to this world was, in itself, shocking. Opening up meant laying bare everything he had lived through.
A tense silence hung over the table. Baek Wol-hui sensed the unusual seriousness in his gaze. Han So-yeon quietly set her spoon down, uncertain of what was to come. Mi-ryeong took a sip of wine, her smile tinged with curiosity.
"I have something to say," Do-hyun said, his voice filling the room.
Baek Wol-hui spoke first. "Do-hyun, everyone has their secrets. But if you're ready to share yours... we'll listen and trust you."
Mi-ryeong added playfully, "Yeah, we've all got skeletons in the closet. Someone might even say they met a dragon in their dreams last night."
But Do-hyun's expression didn't waver. "If it were just an ordinary secret, I wouldn't even bring it up."
As he paused, Han So-yeon sensed the gravity of what was coming and listened with a quiet intensity.
"I am... not a murim man." With that, the air seemed to still.
Han So-yeon tilted her head, unfazed. "We already knew that. You've always been different."
But Do-hyun shook his head. "No, I mean I'm not even from this world. I may have come from a place called Goryeo, but not the Goryeo you know. It might be far in the future—or a completely different world altogether."
Everyone froze. Baek Wol-hui's brows furrowed slightly, Mi-ryeong's mischievous grin faded, and Han So-yeon sat silently, her spoon untouched.
"What do you mean? A different world?" Mi-ryeong was the first to respond.
Do-hyun nodded slowly. "Honestly, I don't fully understand it either. I was just reading a book in a library, and the next moment, I was here, living as someone entirely different. Many things I've experienced defy explanation."
Baek Wol-hui looked into his eyes. "You're saying… you're not from the world we live in?"
"Yes. Where I came from, there was no murim, no inner energy. Just ordinary people living ordinary lives. I looked young here, but back there, I was in my forties—like Cheong Un-jin. I worked as a middle manager in a large corporation."
Han So-yeon tried to wrap her head around it. "A large corporation? Like the Golden Society?"
"Something like that. But much bigger. And unlike the Golden Society, everything was governed by law and regulations. We traded, managed, negotiated—but never fought with weapons like in the murim."
As everyone struggled to process this, Do-hyun continued. "I'm not telling you this just to confess my past. I want to share the knowledge and experience I brought with me. Since arriving, I've done my best to adapt, to learn your ways. But I still view this world through a different lens."
Baek Wol-hui asked cautiously, "What do you mean by a different lens?"
"I used to read a genre called murim fiction. Those stories weren't just entertainment—they revealed how power structures worked, how people led organizations. They helped me understand leadership, strategy."
Mi-ryeong cocked her head. "So… why are you telling us this now?"
"Because we're at a turning point," Do-hyun said firmly. "The conflict between the orthodox and the unorthodox is intensifying, and the Black Cloud Hall is caught in the middle. To survive, we need a broader vision and a more organized structure. I believe my knowledge could help us build that."
Baek Wol-hui absorbed his words and slowly nodded. "So what you're saying… is that we need to turn the Black Cloud Hall into something greater—not just another murim sect, but a true organization with structure and strength."
"Exactly," Do-hyun affirmed. "What we've done so far has worked. But to survive what's coming, we need more—strategy, systems, and unity."
Han So-yeon asked softly, "But… are we ready to accept that?"
Do-hyun smiled gently. "You already are. All I want is to help draw out the potential you already carry."
Silence filled the room again—not of doubt or fear, but of a new resolve. By revealing the truth of his origin, Lee Do-hyun felt that they were finally ready to accept it—and to move forward together.
***
Chapter : The Beginning of Cheonwoohoe
Lee Do-hyun gathered his companions and made a bold declaration: they would abandon the name Black Cloud Hall and be reborn under a new organization—Cheonwoohoe. Rather than clinging to the shattered legacy of Black Cloud Hall, this was a strategic pivot to ensure survival and progress.
"Using real-world experience to persuade"Do-hyun spoke calmly,"We can't overcome this crisis under the name of Black Cloud Hall. The orthodox and unorthodox factions will continue to see us as the same target. But if we change our name and work with allies like the Golden Society and Hongyu Escort Bureau, things will shift."
Baek Wol-hui asked, half-closing her eyes,"So, just changing the name—do you think people will really recognize us as Cheonwoohoe? Won't they still see us as a continuation of Black Cloud Hall?"
Do-hyun shook his head."In the real world, many companies survived crises and became stronger just by changing their names. What matters is that this change gives us a platform for growth beyond mere survival."
Han So-yeon added with concern,"But the problem isn't just how outsiders see us. What about our own people? How do we convince them that we're preserving the spirit of Black Cloud Hall even as we change our name?"
Do-hyun smiled."I'll take care of that. Upholding our values under a new name starts with trust in one another."
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Golden Society shrouded in darkness, Mi-ryeong entered with calm, deliberate steps. Her footsteps disturbed the stillness of the hall, but Chairman Jang Sam-go greeted her with a relaxed smile.
"Cheonwoohoe, huh… not a bad name," Jang said with mild amusement. "But if this Lee Do-hyun wants to win me over, he'll need more than a name."
Mi-ryeong, pouring tea with her usual poise, responded with a faint smile,"Chairman, haven't you already been convinced? You've supported Black Cloud Hall until now, haven't you?"
Jang Sam-go looked at her, his gaze more calculating than curious."Mi-ryeong, you're a fascinating woman. You know far more than someone affiliated with Black Cloud Hall should. Maybe you have ties to the Bureau as well?"
Mi-ryeong sipped her tea and smiled softly."Why do you always ask those kinds of questions? Is what I know really that important to you?"
Jang laughed and shook his head."No, it's not. I trust you because I believe you won't deceive me. That's why I'm willing to support Cheonwoohoe."
Mi-ryeong was silent for a moment, then nodded."If Cheonwoohoe succeeds, you'll gain even greater influence—an opportunity to help shape a new order between the Bureau and the murim."
Jang Sam-go stared into the distance, mulling over her words with a quiet smile."Fine. You're more persuasive than Do-hyun himself. Let's move on to the next step."
Meanwhile, Hong Yu-sang, head of the Hongyu Escort Bureau, was contemplating Do-hyun's request. The Bureau had long maintained a neutral stance, and backing any particular group could provoke the hostility of others. Yet after Do-hyun's approach, the Golden Society reached out as well.
Jang Sam-go made a direct proposal to Hong Yu-sang:"Cheonwoohoe isn't just a renamed Black Cloud Hall. It's a reborn organization meant to protect the weak and bring order to the murim. If we join hands, both the Golden Society and the Escort Bureau will become key players in shaping this new balance."
Hong Yu-sang replied,"The Golden Society and the Bureau have walked different paths, but there's no reason we can't work together. However, I still question how trustworthy Lee Do-hyun is."
Jang Sam-go smiled,"I haven't resolved all those doubts myself. But one thing's clear—he has the strength to carve his own path. It would be wise for you to recognize that potential."
After long deliberation, Hong Yu-sang nodded."Very well. The Escort Bureau will support Cheonwoohoe. But we must tread carefully to ensure our role between the Bureau and the murim remains balanced."
A few days later, the alliance between the Golden Society and the Escort Bureau centered on Cheonwoohoe was formalized. As Do-hyun prepared for the inauguration ceremony, he worked both internally to rally his companions and externally to deliver a new message to the murim.
Do-hyun addressed his allies with conviction,"We're not just changing our name to survive. As Cheonwoohoe, we must be reborn to embody new values. The Golden Society and the Escort Bureau may stand with us, but what matters is that we stand alongside them as equals—not dependents."
Baek Wol-hui folded her arms and asked,"Do you really think they'll treat us as equals? Won't they eventually try to control us?"
Do-hyun replied calmly,"You're right. That's why we need to build powerful neutrality. We'll cooperate, but we won't lose our independence."
Han So-yeon nodded."Starting fresh under a new name... not a bad idea. But can we really pull it off?"
Mi-ryeong smiled and patted her shoulder."Don't worry. As long as we've got the support of the Golden Society and the Bureau, we'll at least have a smooth start."
On the day of the Cheonwoohoe inauguration, people gathered from across the murim. Jang Sam-go and Hong Yu-sang attended in person, formally endorsing the organization's founding.
Do-hyun began his speech with composure:"Cheonwoohoe is not a continuation of Black Cloud Hall. We are a new organization born to realize new values. We will stand with the weak and the marginalized, not to fight the strong—but to restore balance."
His voice was heavy yet resolute."With allies like the Golden Society and the Escort Bureau, Cheonwoohoe will help shape a new order in the murim. The path ahead won't be easy, but we are ready to walk it."
As Jang Sam-go and Hong Yu-sang applauded in agreement, it was clear: Cheonwoohoe was no longer just a renamed group—it was fast becoming a force that could reshape the entire murim.