As Cheonwoohoe steadily secured its foundation, outside attention toward Mi-ryeong began to sharpen. Her ability to secure partnerships with the Golden Society and the Hongyu Escort Bureau made her an irreplaceable asset within Cheonwoohoe—but externally, it also made her a target.
Factions within the orthodox sects, unorthodox sects, and even the government began expressing wariness toward her. Rumors circulated that Mi-ryeong was not just a member of Cheonwoohoe, but someone with deeper connections and abilities.
A group of orthodox martial artists whispered in secrecy:"So she moved both the Golden Society and the Escort Bureau? She's clearly no ordinary martial artist.""If she plays that large a role in Cheonwoohoe, perhaps we should exploit that weakness.""Don't rush. If we strike too soon, we don't know how Cheonwoohoe might retaliate."
The unorthodox leaders were thinking similarly:"She's more than a negotiator. If we remove her quietly, it'll deal a blow to Cheonwoohoe.""But who will do it? We can't let the orthodox sects or the Demonic Cult trace anything back to us."
The tension surrounding Mi-ryeong extended beyond the martial world into the government. Certain officials who opposed her connections within the administration disapproved of her growing influence within Cheonwoohoe.
One official whispered:"Mi-ryeong is too deeply entangled with the murim. Her actions could eventually stain the reputation of the administration.""She's hard to touch directly. In the murim, she's said to be the core of Cheonwoohoe. If we fail, it could backfire.""Then we'll need someone from the murim—someone who can erase her without leaving a trace."
A few days later, on her return from a meeting with the Golden Society, Mi-ryeong sensed something was off. Only a handful knew her travel route, yet she was intercepted on the road by an unfamiliar group.
"Why are you blocking my way?" Mi-ryeong asked calmly.The masked figures didn't speak—but their intent was clear. They were targeting her.
Cheonwoohoe members accompanying her drew their swords in alarm."Mi-ryeong-nim, we'll hold them off. You must escape!"
But Mi-ryeong didn't retreat."If I run, it's you who will be in danger. We face this together."
After a brief skirmish, Mi-ryeong and her guards managed to escape unharmed. But she knew immediately: these weren't just random assassins. Someone had sent them—someone trying to sabotage her efforts to secure external support.
Back at Cheonwoohoe, Mi-ryeong reported the incident to Lee Do-hyun and the others."This wasn't just a random attack. Someone is trying to block me from strengthening our external ties."
Do-hyun's expression turned grim."Whether it's the orthodox sects, unorthodox, or the government—if they're targeting you, it means they're trying to weaken Cheonwoohoe. We need to formulate a response."
Han So-yeon added calmly,"Sending Mi-ryeong outside for negotiations may be too risky now. We need to find a way to maintain support without exposing her."
Cheong Un-jin nodded."She's right. If Mi-ryeong steps outside again, they'll use it as an excuse to strike. We need to share her role and keep her out of sight."
Baek Wol-hee spoke firmly:"But we can't just hide Mi-ryeong away. Her role in securing support is vital. We should prepare a way to strike back at those who would target her."
Mi-ryeong listened to everyone quietly. After a pause, she spoke calmly,"If no one else can take over my role, then I'll continue—even if it means putting myself at risk. But this incident made one thing clear: if I fall, Cheonwoohoe shakes. I need more than protection."
Lee Do-hyun looked at her seriously."What are you thinking, Mi-ryeong?"
With a resolute gaze, she replied,"We must decentralize the negotiations and support efforts I lead. We need a system where the organization moves—not me personally. They must see Cheonwoohoe in motion, not Mi-ryeong."
****
Chapter : Mi-ryeong's Dilemma and Decision
Though Cheonwoohoe was gradually stabilizing, Mi-ryeong's mind remained restless. She sensed that things were veering away from what she had originally intended.
She hadn't entered the murim to become a central figure or a power broker. Rather, she wanted to escape the protection and comfort of the court and experience the martial world for herself—to feel its reality and understand it. Yet now, she found herself entrenched in it, her identity at risk as she became a key figure within Cheonwoohoe.
Late at night, Mi-ryeong stood alone by a window at Cheonwoohoe's headquarters, lost in thought. Her eyes were fixed on the darkness outside, but her mind was tangled in memories of past and present.
Why did I come this far?She recalled all the moments she'd persuaded the Golden Society, secured support from the Escort Bureau, and defended Cheonwoohoe from threats. But everything now seemed distant from the simple desire she once had.
I just wanted to see the murim for what it was. But now... I've poured too much of myself into this.
She feared the growing reliance others placed on her. The more people leaned on her, the greater the damage would be if her secrets were ever revealed.
She began to reflect on those secrets.
The first secret: her ties to the government.This had already been suspected by the Golden Society and the Escort Bureau, and even the senior members of Cheonwoohoe were beginning to sense it.
The second, and far weightier secret: she was one of the emperor's daughters.That fact was the true reason she had entered the murim. Life within the imperial court, constrained by politics, had suffocated her. She had chosen the martial world to break those chains—but her identity as a royal princess was a burden she could never truly cast off.
If I were to reveal that I'm the emperor's daughter... could Do-hyun and Cheonwoohoe bear that truth?
She wasn't ready to reveal everything yet. Instead, she decided to disclose just the part about her governmental ties—for now, that might open a better path for both herself and the organization.
The next day, she approached Lee Do-hyun quietly."Do-hyun-nim, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Seeing her serious expression, Do-hyun nodded."Of course. What's on your mind?"
Mi-ryeong began calmly."I'm aware that my role in Cheonwoohoe has grown. I also know that my involvement could eventually put the organization at risk."
Do-hyun looked at her silently for a moment."What are you trying to tell me, Mi-ryeong?"
Taking a deep breath, she spoke with resolve."I'm not just a wandering martial artist. In truth, I have close ties to the government. The reason I've been able to secure external support is because of the connections and information I have from my past."
Do-hyun's eyes flickered briefly, but he replied calmly."I'd already suspected as much. But why tell me this now?"
Mi-ryeong bowed her head slightly and continued."It's becoming harder to carry this alone. I believe that Cheonwoohoe deserves at least this level of honesty. Still… this is as far as I can go for now."
After a brief pause, Do-hyun said,"I know how important you are to Cheonwoohoe. That also means you're in more danger than most. I'll protect your secret. As long as you keep doing what you can for us—that's enough."
Relieved, Mi-ryeong nodded."Thank you, Do-hyun-nim. When I'm ready to share the rest, I'll come to you."
After speaking with him, Mi-ryeong also shared her secret—partially—with the core members: Baek Wol-hee, Han So-yeon, and Cheong Un-jin.
"I'm someone with ties to the government. The reason I could secure support was because of those connections. But if this is exposed, it could put Cheonwoohoe in danger."
Cheong Un-jin smiled faintly."Well, I can't say I'm surprised. It makes sense, given how you pulled off those deals."
Han So-yeon nodded quietly."If you have such ties, then we'll need to be more cautious. But Mi-ryeong-nim, your secret isn't a burden to us. What matters is how we use it wisely."
Baek Wol-hee, more coldly, said,"If the government is targeting you, protecting you will become even harder. Depending on how you manage that connection, Cheonwoohoe's fate might shift."
Mi-ryeong responded calmly,"That's exactly why I chose to tell you first. I'll continue to fulfill my role as best I can—but I'll need your support so I can keep moving for Cheonwoohoe."