Lee Do-hyun was lingering in the training grounds of the Black Cloud Hall when a delegation from the Escort Bureau arrived. Renowned for their reliability within the martial world, the Escort Bureau specialized in transporting and protecting commercial goods through a network of skilled escorts.
Do-hyun had once worked briefly with them, helping protect merchant caravans from harm. The bureau's representative, remembering that past favor, had now come to see him in person.
The representative, Hong Yoo-sang, was a man in his middle years, bearing the composed demeanor of a seasoned professional. As he shook hands with Do-hyun, he offered a respectful smile.
"Master Do-hyun. It's been a long time. Thanks to your help back then, we avoided a great loss. I've come today not only to express my gratitude… but also to ask for your assistance."
Do-hyun tilted his head slightly, curious. "Assistance? What kind of help does the Escort Bureau need from us?"
Hong Yoo-sang hesitated briefly before speaking with care.
"We would like to recruit some of your students as escorts. We've heard nothing but praise about their discipline and skill. If some of them are willing to join us, it would be a tremendous help."
Do-hyun was taken aback for a moment. The Black Cloud Hall was still a young martial school, yet its trainees were now being considered for employment by one of the most respected escort organizations in the realm. It felt like seeing students land their first jobs after graduation.
"I'll speak with them," he said. "If any are interested in joining your ranks, I'll arrange it."
Hong Yoo-sang bowed in thanks, and the two agreed to hold interviews within the coming days.
Later that week, the interviews took place at the training grounds. Several trainees stepped forward to apply, and a few were selected in the end.
Among them was Park Sung-jin—a young man from a struggling family who saw this opportunity as a life-changing moment. He had trained tirelessly at the Black Cloud Hall, and now, he was ready to take his next step.
Sung-jin stood before Do-hyun and Hong Yoo-sang, bowing deeply.
"Thank you… both of you. I never thought someone like me would be chosen. This means everything. Now I can finally help my family."
Do-hyun smiled warmly and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You've earned this, Sung-jin. You worked hard every single day, and this is the result of that effort. You may start at the bottom, but stay sincere, and better opportunities will come your way."
Hong Yoo-sang chimed in with encouragement of his own. "That's right, Sung-jin. Show us what you're made of. The Escort Bureau always has a place for capable and loyal people."
Tears welled up in Sung-jin's eyes as he bowed once more.
It was a proud moment for the entire Black Cloud Hall—proof that their efforts were being recognized outside. As Do-hyun watched his trainees take their first steps into the wider world, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment.
May this place continue to give others the courage to chase their own paths.
****
Strategic Calculations of the Golden Assembly
Inside the dim chamber of the Golden Assembly's headquarters, the atmosphere remained calm, deliberate—and cold. At the center of the table sat Jang Sam-go, eyes glittering with calculation, surrounded by the Assembly's core members.
The meeting had been underway for some time, now circling a new subject: the recent alliance forming between Lee Do-hyun and the Escort Bureau.
"The Bureau has begun recruiting trainees from the Black Cloud Hall," said one middle-aged man, the Assembly's information coordinator—known for his accuracy.
His tone held both interest and caution. "It's hard to believe they'd make such a decision purely out of gratitude. It's more likely a response to Do-hyun's growing reputation. The Bureau is clearly making moves for the future."
Jang Sam-go nodded slowly. "So even the Escort Bureau sees value in aligning with him. The Hall may still be young, but its influence is already being felt."
He paused in thought, then continued, his voice measured. "This means the Bureau has begun its calculations. And we… we can't afford to stay idle."
Several others nodded in agreement.
Another member leaned forward. "Strengthening ties with the Bureau could benefit us as well. They need reliable funding—we could provide that and gain their trust."
He looked toward Jang Sam-go. "Now is the perfect time. With Do-hyun raising the Hall's profile, we're in a prime position to enter the picture."
Jang Sam-go let out a small, satisfied laugh. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
"Very well. Let's pursue a partnership. Offer them financial support—along with an information-sharing arrangement. We'll show them just how necessary we can be."
Nods of agreement swept the room as members began mentally outlining the steps they would need to take.
Then, Jang Sam-go's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone shifting.
"And then there's Mi-ryeong… the woman staying at the Black Cloud Hall."
He spoke slowly, watching the flickers of interest around the table.
"She's no ordinary person. Everything we've uncovered suggests she's of noble lineage. Possibly someone with powerful connections. Our previous decision to assist her—yes, it's already paying off. Just look at how Do-hyun's position has grown since."
He smiled faintly, almost to himself. "It's becoming clear that helping her was the right move. It will bring significant benefits to the Assembly."
Some of the others exchanged glances and nodded. They too had suspected Mi-ryeong was more than she appeared.
"Then what do we do next?" one of them asked. "Should we try to build a deeper connection with her?"
Jang Sam-go paused, then nodded slowly.
"If the opportunity arises—yes. But not hastily. We still don't know her true intentions. For now, let's keep observing. Use our networks. Learn everything we can."
He remained cautious but focused. The meeting continued, centering around a growing strategy that involved the Escort Bureau, the Black Cloud Hall—and Mi-ryeong herself.
As the session drew to a close, Jang Sam-go sat back with a satisfied expression.
Everything is aligning. Our future influence will only grow stronger from here.
"Everyone, carry out your tasks with care," he said firmly. "What we do from here on out may change the future of the martial world itself."
His voice carried weight—and the members of the Assembly rose, unified in purpose.
A new era was coming. And the Golden Assembly was ready to shape it.