The gates of the Black Cloud Pavilion remained firmly shut, yet the tension in the air was unmistakable. For weeks, the atmosphere had shifted; the air felt heavy, and unease spread among the disciples.
Only a handful had stayed to defend the pavilion—barely a dozen warriors. Some wavered in fear, yet they ultimately chose to stand their ground. Their footsteps were silent, their gazes uncertain, but their resolve kept them in place.
Many disciples had already left, but those who remained trained relentlessly, aware of the inevitable confrontation ahead.
Strangely, among those lingering around the pavilion were figures who seemed out of place. Individuals bearing the martial arts of the Beggars' Sect had begun appearing near the pavilion, not just outside but even within its walls.
It was no longer mere speculation—the Beggars' Sect had begun their infiltration.
Some of the newcomers were former disciples of the Black Cloud Pavilion, now aligned with the Beggars' Sect. Others were simply warriors who had adopted their techniques. Either way, their presence weighed heavily on the pavilion's already strained morale. And at the center of it all, Lee Do-Hyun was forced to contemplate his next move.
Sitting in deep meditation, he let the wind brush past his face as he pondered.
Why did Murim always seem to be in conflict?
Why did the strong continuously seek to crush the weak?
He had founded the Black Cloud Pavilion to refine his skills, to train warriors, and to grow stronger—not to be entangled in endless strife. Yet here he was, once again forced to defend his home.
"…Why is this happening?"
A faint weight pressed against his mind. Power struggles were common in Murim, but this level of aggression from the Beggars' Sect was unexpected.
Why were they so determined to crush the Black Cloud Pavilion?
Were they expanding their territory, or was this a personal vendetta?
Do-Hyun turned to Yoon Seol-Hwa, his gaze sharp.
"Seol-Hwa, do conflicts like these happen often in Murim? Clashes with groups like the Beggars' Sect?"
She nodded quietly.
"It happens from time to time. Murim factions constantly keep each other in check. But the Beggars' Sect is… unique. They always seek to expand their influence. And some of them… stir up fights for personal reasons."
She paused, sensing his deepening thoughts.
"We need to prepare. A direct confrontation is inevitable."
Do-Hyun exhaled. Seol-Hwa's stance was clear—she wouldn't directly intervene, but she would offer guidance when necessary.
"I cannot fight in your place," she admitted. "But I can ensure you're ready."
Do-Hyun took a deep breath, scanning the pavilion. His disciples stood at the ready, their faces hardened with determination.
"Understood," he finally said. "If that's the case, we must prepare. No more hesitation."
Training intensified. The Black Cloud Pavilion's warriors knew the storm was drawing near. Though the Beggars' Sect had yet to strike, it was clear—they were waiting for the right moment.
And when that moment came, Lee Do-Hyun and the Black Cloud Pavilion would be ready.
***********
The True Battle Begins
With the Beggars' Sect leader arriving in person, tension in the Black Cloud Pavilion reached an all-time high. The entire region had its eyes on this confrontation, eager to witness the battle's outcome. Many believed that today would mark the end of the Black Cloud Pavilion, but Lee Do-Hyun and his disciples refused to give in to despair.
The arrival of the regional Beggars' Sect leader seemed like a death sentence for the pavilion. Having mastered Staff Striking Techniques (Tagubongbeop), his martial prowess was something even seasoned warriors feared. His staff techniques were not merely about brute force; they were an art of breaking through defenses with overwhelming pressure. He wielded them effortlessly, fully prepared to crush Do-Hyun.
As the battle commenced, Geo Sam-Sik unleashed a Triple Staff Strike (Sam-Yeon-Bong), swinging his staff at blinding speed. The sheer force and velocity of his strike tore through the air, the tip of the staff flashing like lightning as it shot toward Do-Hyun. Though anticipating the attack, Do-Hyun barely managed to deflect it with his sword. The staff, however, was too fast—it caught up to his blade and lunged toward his body.
Twisting at the last second, Do-Hyun barely dodged, but the staff grazed his skin, leaving a shallow yet painful wound. Despite the sting, he paid it no mind. Instead, he took a deep breath, strengthening his connection with his sword. A faint flame ignited at his sword's tip, meeting the Beggars' Sect leader's assault. However, compared to the raw power of Staff Striking Techniques, his flames were still too weak.
Geo Sam-Sik smirked, spinning his staff before executing Whirling Staff (Hoebong), forcing Do-Hyun's sword back while launching a devastating Fist-Staff Combo (Kwon-Bong).
"Your sword will no longer block my staff," Geo Sam-Sik declared.
His staff techniques were an intricate balance of offense and defense, making it nearly impossible for Do-Hyun to find an opening. With one hand, he slammed his staff downward, forcing Do-Hyun's sword aside, his aura exuding pure dominance.
But Geo Sam-Sik was not limited to Staff Striking Techniques—he also seamlessly incorporated moves from the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms (Hangryong Sippaljang). The moment he activated Mighty Dragon's Surge (Gangryong Chul-Su), a shockwave of energy erupted from his staff, creating an unstoppable force that forced Do-Hyun on the defensive. The overwhelming energy flow constricted Do-Hyun's movement, his sword struggling against the powerful current.
Then, Geo Sam-Sik unleashed Heavenly Dragon's Claw (Cheonryong-ui Baltop), bringing his staff crashing down toward Do-Hyun's left shoulder.
Do-Hyun barely managed to evade, but the staff's tip sliced through his robes, leaving a deeper wound. The pain was sharp, but he gritted his teeth and pressed on. He could sense the gap in strength—his sword techniques alone were not enough to overcome this opponent. The Beggars' Sect leader was utilizing both the energy flow of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms and the precision of Staff Striking Techniques, creating an overwhelming synergy that exceeded Do-Hyun's current limits.
Yet, he refused to retreat.
Holding his stance, Do-Hyun ignited his sword once more. Flames surged around his blade, and he began to move in harmony with his weapon. He shifted his approach, not just swinging his sword but flowing with its rhythm. The fire clashed against the staff, momentarily pushing back the onslaught. But the force of the Beggars' Sect leader's staff was simply too great—Do-Hyun's Infernal Blade (Hwayeom Geom) was still not enough to fully repel the attack.
Panting, Do-Hyun suddenly felt a burst of energy from his sword. As if responding to his struggle, the flames coiled and condensed, focusing their power into a single explosive burst.
"I have to channel everything into one strike."
Steeling his resolve, he unleashed a relentless counterattack, layering flame-enhanced sword strikes to counter the staff's pressure.
Yet, Geo Sam-Sik refused to be outmatched. Combining his staff techniques with the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, he continued his unrelenting barrage. His technique was both offense and defense, leaving Do-Hyun with no room to breathe.
Then, a surprising shift occurred.
The Black Cloud Pavilion's disciples, who had hesitated before, rose to fight once more. Though fear had initially held them back, seeing Do-Hyun's unyielding spirit stirred something deep within them. Resolving to stand with their leader, they joined the battle, wielding their own weapons to assist.
Their unity gave Do-Hyun a renewed surge of strength.
Beyond the pavilion's walls, villagers who had once remained neutral began gathering. Having endured the Beggars' Sect's oppression, they realized they could no longer remain idle. Standing in solidarity with Do-Hyun, they prepared to fight back.
The sheer will of the people was enough to momentarily disrupt the Beggars' Sect's assault.
Standing amidst his disciples and the villagers, Do-Hyun reaffirmed his determination. With one final breath, he channeled all of his energy into his sword, igniting a roaring blaze.
This time, he would not simply defend—he would turn the tide.