The air in Black Cloud Hall's training grounds was thick with tension, so much so that even breathing felt difficult. Both sides—trainees and disciples alike—fixed their gazes on their respective champions, unable to look away.
Standing before Lee Do-Hyun was none other than the master of the orthodox sect, White Dragon Sword Kang Mujin. His sheer presence alone was enough to dominate the entire training grounds, his overwhelming aura filling the space with an almost tangible weight.
Kang Mujin's eyes were as calm as a still lake, but behind that serenity was a piercing gaze that scrutinized every movement. Meanwhile, Do-Hyun steadied his breath, feeling the immense pressure from the man before him. Kang Mujin was not just a wall to overcome—he was a towering cliff, daring him to challenge the impossible.
The master's lips curled into a faint smile as he raised one hand, gesturing toward Do-Hyun.
"You attack first, Do-Hyun." His voice was calm but brimming with unshakable confidence. "Whether in the martial world or on the battlefield, striking first always holds an advantage. But today, I'll grant you that opportunity."
He took a step back leisurely, assuming a stance. There was a natural, fluid power in the way he moved—like an ocean wave that carried both grace and destructive force. His mere stance seemed to ripple through the very air around him.
"But don't hold back." Kang Mujin continued, his gaze unwavering. "You should come at me with full force. As a master of the orthodox sect, I must demonstrate both my honor and my true skill."
His composure sent a ripple of unease through the trainees. Even those from Black Cloud Hall couldn't help but worry—was Kang Mujin simply too formidable an opponent for Do-Hyun?
But at that moment, something in Do-Hyun's eyes changed.
He slowly drew his sword and took his stance, suppressing the tension that threatened to shake him. Determination flared in his gaze.
'I can't afford to start weak.'
Retreat was not an option. He had come too far, endured too much. The ones who had placed their trust in him—Cheong Un-Jin, Han So-Yeon, Baek Wol-Hee, and the trainees of Black Cloud Hall—they all watched from behind him, their silent support pressing against his back.
Raising his sword in his right hand, Do-Hyun let out a slow breath. The moment his grip tightened, a blue aura burst forth from the blade, surging like a raging tide.
A resonating force spread across the training grounds, shaking the air itself.
"Azure Heart Strike (靑天之心)!" Do-Hyun shouted as the surge of energy exploded toward Kang Mujin like a thunderous wave.
Kang Mujin, witnessing the attack, finally wiped the smile off his face. Lowering his stance, he focused—but notably, he had yet to draw his sword.
Instead, he flowed with the attack, shifting his weight in a way that made his body seamlessly glide past the blue surge, as if he were part of the wind itself.
His movements weren't just fast—they were fluid, like water redirecting the force of an incoming wave.
"Good. That's how it should be." Kang Mujin murmured, his tone now holding an edge of seriousness. Finally, with a deliberate motion, he unsheathed his sword.
The moment the blade was drawn, a brilliant white aura burst forth, radiating with an intensity akin to a dragon's roar.
"White Dragon's Sword (白龍之劍)!"
His blade cleaved the air, sending a powerful surge of energy crashing forward like a dragon taking flight.
Do-Hyun gritted his teeth, immediately shifting his stance to intercept. A barrier of blue energy formed around him in an attempt to withstand the attack.
But the weight behind Kang Mujin's strike was beyond expectation. The moment it clashed with Do-Hyun's defense, he was pushed back, his stance momentarily breaking.
Then, a familiar voice called out.
"Don't let him dictate the pace, Do-Hyun. Use your versatility!"
Baek Wol-Hee's voice carried across the battlefield—not just as a spectator, but as someone who understood battle.
Do-Hyun's eyes flickered.
'Versatility… Yes, I am not limited to one style.'
He steadied himself, recalling techniques he had learned from Cheong Un-Jin, and more importantly—the unpredictable, elegant movements of the courtesans from Pungwolru.
Channeling his inner energy, he exhaled sharply. A gentle yet formidable aura swirled around him, soft yet unyielding.
"Azure Wind Wall (靑風壁)!"
The barrier solidified, successfully absorbing the force of Kang Mujin's strike. But Do-Hyun knew he couldn't just defend—he had to counterattack.
This time, he called forth a different power from within his sword. Flames erupted from the blade, intertwining with the existing blue energy.
The sword now burned with both fire and wind, its aura shifting between raging heat and cutting gales.
"Flame Blade (火焰劍)!"
Kang Mujin's eyes widened slightly at the new energy radiating from Do-Hyun's sword.
"Fire as well? Just how many techniques do you wield, Do-Hyun?"
His surprise quickly turned into a smirk. He was finally beginning to enjoy the fight.
Kang Mujin's sword glowed even brighter, as if responding to the challenge. The sheer brilliance of its white aura made it appear as though a celestial dragon was emerging from within.
"White Dragon's Wrath (白龍猛烈)!"
A spectral dragon surged from his sword, diving toward Do-Hyun with unstoppable force.
Do-Hyun did not waver.
Instead, he combined everything he had learned—the defensive techniques of Cheong Un-Jin, the unpredictable grace of the courtesans, and the raw power of his flame and wind-infused swordsmanship.
With a deep breath, he adjusted his footing and allowed his body to flow rather than resist.
"Unrivaled Flow (風流無敵)!"
His movements became graceful yet lethal, evading Kang Mujin's attack while simultaneously striking back.
The blend of wind and fire clashed against the spectral dragon, igniting the battlefield in a dazzling display of energy.
Kang Mujin, watching his techniques at work, whispered under his breath, "This man… His martial arts transcend factional lines."
He was seeing something unique—a warrior who did not belong solely to the orthodox or unorthodox paths, but who had created his own way.
The duel continued, each clash pushing both fighters to their limits.
When the battle finally reached its conclusion, Do-Hyun stood, exhausted yet resolute.
Kang Mujin, sheathing his sword, offered him a satisfied nod.
"That is enough for today. I have witnessed your potential. And that potential… may very well reshape the martial world itself."
His voice turned serious. "But remember, this strength is not for boasting—it is for protecting those who need it most."
Do-Hyun bowed deeply. "Thank you. I will take those words to heart."
As the tension in the training grounds eased, both Black Cloud Hall and Blue Dragon Hall disciples dispersed, carrying with them the lessons of the day's duel.
And within Do-Hyun's heart, a firm resolve had taken root.
"I must become stronger. Not for power's sake—but to protect those who stand with me."
With renewed determination, he stepped forward—toward the path he would carve with his own hands.
Chapter 146: Kang Mujin's Decision and Dilemma
After his duel at Black Cloud Hall, Kang Mujin returned to Blue Dragon Hall. The moment he stepped inside, Chief Master Joo Cheon-Ryong and his disciples welcomed him with bright smiles. However, Kang Mujin's expression remained composed—his mind deep in contemplation.
Joo Cheon-Ryong was the first to speak.
"Master Kang, surely you've seen for yourself how insignificant Black Cloud Hall's skills are? That Lee Do-Hyun—you must have realized just how arrogant he is today."
Kang Mujin slowly turned his gaze toward Joo Cheon-Ryong, his eyes carrying a heavy weight of silent reprimand. Under that piercing gaze, Joo Cheon-Ryong instinctively shrank back.
"Joo Cheon-Ryong," Kang Mujin finally spoke, his voice calm yet filled with unmistakable authority. "You incited your disciples to provoke Black Cloud Hall. Was your goal truly to uphold the honor of Blue Dragon Hall under the name of the Orthodox Faction?"
Joo Cheon-Ryong hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words. He quickly lowered his head in an attempt to justify himself.
"W-We only acted because their arrogance was unbearable… We simply wanted to teach them a lesson."
But Kang Mujin cut him off.
"Teaching a lesson and stirring chaos are two different things. The duty of the Orthodox Faction is not to flaunt power, but to uphold order and preserve balance in the martial world."
His voice grew heavier.
"Your actions disgraced the name of the Orthodox Faction. If Black Cloud Hall had retaliated against your provocations, they would have been justified in doing so."
Joo Cheon-Ryong's face stiffened. For the first time, he realized that he had been in the wrong. Slowly, he bowed his head further.
Kang Mujin let out a quiet sigh before continuing.
"I went to meet Lee Do-Hyun not merely to test his strength, but to understand the kind of man he is. And because of your blunder, I was forced to evaluate him even more deeply. He is not merely a stubborn martial artist."
Joo Cheon-Ryong cautiously raised his gaze.
"Then… Master Kang, what is your opinion of him?"
Kang Mujin remained silent for a moment before giving a firm nod.
"Lee Do-Hyun does not easily conform to the rules of the Orthodox Faction. But that does not mean he belongs to the Unorthodox either. His actions and philosophy hold a sense of righteousness. He does not follow the established order of the martial world, yet he upholds his own code, gathering strong allies along the way."
His voice turned solemn.
"This could make him dangerous. But at the same time, he holds the potential to bring change to the martial world."
Joo Cheon-Ryong's expression twisted in confusion.
"Then… are you saying we should try to recruit him to our side?"
Kang Mujin shook his head firmly.
"Not yet. Rushing to a conclusion would be unwise. I will observe him further and discuss this matter with other Orthodox masters. We need to determine whether he is a threat to our order or a potential ally."
His gaze sharpened as he looked back at Joo Cheon-Ryong.
"Joo Cheon-Ryong, your duty is not to fight petty battles over pride. As a member of the Orthodox Faction, you must protect the balance of the martial world and stand for those who need defending. I hope this incident has taught you a lesson."
Joo Cheon-Ryong had no response. His face was a mix of shame and uncertainty.
Kang Mujin, seeing his expression, gave him one final glance before turning away. He had already made up his mind.
He would leave Blue Dragon Hall and begin discussions with the other great Orthodox masters. Together, they would decide Lee Do-Hyun's place in the martial world—whether he was to be welcomed, controlled, or eliminated.
As he departed from Blue Dragon Hall, Kang Mujin's thoughts grew heavier.
"Lee Do-Hyun… You are a danger. But you are also an opportunity. Should the Orthodox Faction claim you—or should we strike before you grow too powerful?"
A weighty decision loomed over him.
Kang Mujin, as a guardian of order, knew that the choice he made now would shape the future of Kangho itself.