Cheonwoohoe was a gathering of people from diverse backgrounds and with distinct personalities.Han Soyeon was a righteous warrior from the orthodox sect.Baek Wolhui, a charismatic strategist from the unorthodox faction.And Miryeong, a special figure from the royal court.
Each stood at a different corner of Cheonwoohoe, playing vital roles. Though they had once eyed each other with suspicion, they now walked toward a shared goal, building a growing friendship.
The three gathered in the courtyard, enjoying a rare moment of peace.Chunhyang was away on another mission, so the remaining trio quietly began to talk.
Han Soyeon was the first to speak."Sometimes I wonder… I never thought I'd stray from the discipline of the orthodox sect. Cheonwoohoe has really changed me."
Baek Wolhui chuckled teasingly."I still remember you scowling at me, Soyeon. You grew up in the orthodoxy—just accepting someone like me, from the unorthodox side, was a big leap for you."
Soyeon nodded with a gentle laugh."That's true. I used to be wary of you just because you were from the unorthodox sect. But now... I know that Cheonwoohoe wouldn't be what it is today without you."
Miryeong, sipping her tea quietly, added,"I wasn't a martial artist to begin with, so your world always felt distant. Even the distinction between orthodoxy and unorthodoxy was hard for me to grasp at first. But thanks to you both, I feel like I'm slowly finding my place in Cheonwoohoe."
Wolhui glanced at Miryeong with a sly grin."Miryeong, for someone who isn't a martial artist, you sure play one of the most important roles here. Be honest—it couldn't have been easy hiding your connection to the royal court, right?"
Miryeong paused before nodding."You're right. It was really difficult at first. I was always afraid that if my identity was exposed, it would put Cheonwoohoe in danger. But now… I can feel that you all trust me."
Han Soyeon spoke in a calm, sincere voice."To be honest, I didn't understand either of you in the beginning. Wolhui because of her unorthodox background… and Miryeong because you weren't a part of murim. But watching Do-hyun taught me something: that it's not where someone comes from that matters—it's what values they live by."
Wolhui's usual playful smile softened as she replied,"You've really changed, Soyeon. Back when you were with the orthodoxy, you wouldn't have even looked my way. But now, I can feel that we're truly fighting together."
Miryeong lowered her gaze and said in a small voice,"I'm not as strong as either of you. I'm not used to murim's rules or combat. But I wanted to help Cheonwoohoe in the only way I could—by using what I've learned from the court and the palace."
Han Soyeon gave her a warm smile."There are many kinds of strength, Miryeong. You showed me that strength isn't just about martial arts or battle. Using your knowledge and connections to help Cheonwoohoe—that's something none of us could have done."
Wolhui nodded."Exactly. You filled in the gaps we couldn't. That's what made Cheonwoohoe stronger."
Then Wolhui looked at Miryeong and said,"Even after finding out you're a royal heir, we still trust you. You've shown us your sincere dedication to Cheonwoohoe. You may not be from murim, but you've stood shoulder to shoulder with us."
Miryeong lifted her head and smiled faintly."Thank you, Wolhui. It's because of you that I'm slowly changing. I want to become strong like the two of you."
Han Soyeon gently held Miryeong's hand."You already are strong, Miryeong. Fighting with us like this… it shows you have one of the strongest hearts of all."
Wolhui grinned."It's funny, isn't it? The three of us, so different, yet united like this. Different roots, different lives, but now… moving toward the same goal."
That night, the three women acknowledged their differences and affirmed their strong bond.
Wolhui smiled and said,"Alright. From now on, let's rely on each other. We're all fighting for Cheonwoohoe—and for Do-hyun, too."
Soyeon nodded gently."You're right. As long as the three of us stand together, we can overcome anything."
Miryeong nodded and smiled softly."I believe in you. With the three of us… I think we can face anything together."
*****
Chapter : Schemes in Cheonwoohoe and the Shock of Heukamdo
On a quiet night at Cheonwoohoe's headquarters, Lee Dohyun sat in strategic discussion with Chunhyang and Jang Samgo of the Golden Society.
"Jungpa and Sapa still keep each other in check. But we need to make them believe that the Demonic Sect is targeting both sides," Dohyun said, glancing at Chunhyang of Pungwolru.
Chunhyang pondered for a moment, then nodded."Then we should leak information to the orthodox sect claiming the Demonic Sect is colluding with Sapa, and to Sapa that Jungpa has allied with Cheonwoohoe."
"We need to make them keep each other in check. Cheonwoohoe must survive from all directions," Dohyun said with calm conviction.
Chunhyang, visibly concerned, asked,"If the misinformation spreads the wrong way, Cheonwoohoe might be the one in danger. Aren't we making too many enemies?"
Dohyun smiled faintly."We have to steer the rope before it snaps. That's how we do things."
At the Golden Society's base, Jang Samgo made his decision to support Cheonwoohoe."You're walking a tightrope this time, Dohyun. If this fails, both Pungwolru and Cheonwoohoe will go down."
Dohyun nodded."Then we'll just have to tread that rope even more precisely."
Later, while the trainees rested after their day's training, the stillness of Cheonwoohoe was shattered by a sharp presence. The sound of footsteps echoed as Heukamdo walked through the halls, black robes flowing with each step.
The trainees instinctively reached for their swords, but Heukamdo didn't spare them a glance.
"Bring out Wolhui," he said coldly.
Moments later, Lee Dohyun emerged with composed eyes, though he didn't miss the killing intent radiating from Heukamdo.
"This isn't a place where you can demand someone so casually. Whatever you want—say it to me," Dohyun said in a low, firm voice.
Heukamdo looked him over with a scoff."You're the one who's been standing by Wolhui's side? I had to see for myself who she chose."
Just then, Baek Wolhui appeared, frowning."If that's your only reason for coming, leave. My choices are not for you to judge."
But Heukamdo unsheathed his sword, his tone ice-cold."Wolhui, I won't judge. But prove to me that the man you chose is worthy."
His first strike was aimed at Dohyun. The blow was sharp and swift, imbued with Sapa's signature trickery and elusive movement.
Dohyun parried with Flowing Blade, neutralizing the momentum with smooth, natural movements."Your swordplay is strong, but if you can't break the flow of force, you'll only wear yourself out," he said coolly.
Heukamdo didn't relent. His blade shifted endlessly, testing Dohyun's defenses."Do you really think you're worthy of standing with Wolhui? She seeks strength. Can you truly satisfy someone like her?"
Suddenly, Wolhui stepped in, deflecting Heukamdo's blade with her own, the clash ringing out sharply.
"Heukamdo, Dohyun doesn't fight alone. You need to understand that we fight as one."
Heukamdo laughed bitterly."So, you chose him for his strength? Or is this just pity?"
He resumed his attack, aiming now to disrupt the synergy between them.
Wolhui summoned illusions, blurring Heukamdo's vision. Her sword danced like a waltz, deflecting attacks and waiting for an opening."Dohyun, his left footwork is slow. Focus there," she directed calmly.
Dohyun infused lightning mana into his blade and moved in, piercing through the gap like a bolt of thunder.
"Got it. You shake him—I'll finish this." The two moved in perfect coordination.
Heukamdo faltered, clearly shaken."You fight to protect each other? Is this your idea of battle? This is nothing but a farce!"
But Wolhui fought with a smile, her expression showing a serenity and confidence he could never give her.
"With Dohyun by my side, there's nothing to fear," she said, shaking Heukamdo to his core.
He paused, visibly affected."You… you're truly happy with him?"
"I am. Being here with him, in this moment, makes me happy."
Heukamdo staggered slightly at the realization—Dohyun had effortlessly given her what he never could.
"No matter how hard I tried… I could never make you smile like that."
He slowly sheathed his sword, acknowledging his loss.
"You chose him over me. But remember—this isn't over. Next time, I'll make you regret that smile."
Wolhui replied coldly,"I won't regret my choice. But let's see if you can gain anything from clinging to hate."
Heukamdo left Cheonwoohoe, his shadow long and heavy with defeat.
Afterward, Wolhui quietly approached Dohyun."Dohyun… today confirmed it for me. If I ever left this place, that would be the real regret."
Dohyun smiled gently."I believe in your choice. Now it's time you believe in yourself too."
From a distance, the trainees who had witnessed the battle looked on with awe.
"If we can fight like that, together… no enemy could scare us," one whispered, inspired.