The atmosphere in the Cheonwoohoe headquarters meeting room was thick with tension. Standing at the center, Lee Dohyun surveyed the leadership and trainees gathered around him. On one side were loyal allies like Han Soyeon and Baek Wolhui; on the other, members who had recently begun to express dissatisfaction with the organization's direction.
"The ideals of Cheonwoohoe are admirable," one trainee began. His name was Kang Hyuk, a long-standing member from the early days. "But ideals alone won't feed us. In reality, we need to pick a side—either with the orthodox sects or the unorthodox. That's the only way we'll have access to resources."
Murmurs rippled through the room. Some trainees nodded in agreement, while others frowned with concern.
"We've worked so hard, but for what?" Kang Hyuk raised his voice. "The orthodox sects still don't trust us, and the unorthodox ones see us as a threat. Staying neutral just means being treated as an enemy by both sides."
Lee Dohyun looked calmly at him before responding. "I understand your frustration, Kang Hyuk. But the moment we align with one side, we'll lose the very values that define Cheonwoohoe."
"Then are we just supposed to keep losing?" Kang Hyuk sighed and shook his head. "I don't see a reason to stay anymore."
Several others nodded silently. To many, Kang Hyuk had voiced what they'd been feeling for a long time.
Dohyun let out a breath and scanned the room slowly. His eyes passed over Han Soyeon, Baek Wolhui, and Cheong Unjin. Their presence helped him steady his voice.
"Kang Hyuk," he said earnestly. "Cheonwoohoe isn't perfect. I admit that. We're a fledgling organization with limited resources and limited reach. That's exactly why every single one of you here matters."
He paused, then turned to face the rest of the room. "But I will never force anyone to stay. Cheonwoohoe is built on mutual effort and shared growth. If you've chosen a different path, I will respect that choice."
Kang Hyuk fell silent. His expression flickered between confusion, disappointment, and perhaps a trace of regret. But in the end, he lifted his head and spoke.
"Understood, Director. Thank you for respecting my decision."
He bowed briefly and left the room. A few trainees followed him out, leaving behind a heavy silence.
Even after Kang Hyuk's departure, an air of unease lingered among the remaining members. But then, Han Soyeon quietly stepped forward.
"Director, we can't hold on to everyone. But if those who stay become even more united, we'll be stronger for it."
Baek Wolhui added with her usual playful smile, "If those who left are off chasing opportunity, then we'll just have to create ours. Isn't that the Cheonwoohoe way?"
Cheong Unjin scratched his chin and nodded. "We're still new, still lacking. But we've got something real—trust, purpose, and the ideals you spoke of, Dohyun."
Dohyun listened to their words and smiled faintly. Rising to his feet, he looked once more around the room.
"To everyone who remains—I'll build a stronger Cheonwoohoe with you. Those who left made their choice. Now, it's time for us to walk our own path."
****
Chapter : The Whisper of Shadows
The nights at Poongwolru remained as glamorous as ever, yet beneath the glitz, danger was seeping in. Poongwolru was no ordinary pleasure house—it was a vital hub in Cheonuhoe's intelligence network. Under Chunhyang's careful watch, it had become a sanctuary for the vulnerable and a crossroads for rumors and secrets across the martial world.
But recently, a rival establishment called Hyeolmaeru had begun making bold and provocative moves. Whispers circulated that Hyeolmaeru was not just competition, but a front for the Demonic Sect's covert operations.
One of Poongwolru's senior managers rushed to Cheonuhoe's headquarters, voice tight with urgency. Lee Dohyeon and his companions listened intently.
"Agents from Hyeolmaeru are threatening us. They're intimidating our guests and luring some away. They're using the fact that we're affiliated with Cheonuhoe as a pretext to pressure us."
Lee Dohyeon furrowed his brow."If they were merely another pleasure house, they wouldn't be resorting to tactics like this. It's highly likely the Demonic Sect is pulling the strings behind them."
Baek Wolhui stepped forward with her signature calm smile."If it's Hyeolmaeru, then they're probably attempting to use the flow of information through the nightlife just as we are. But if they've crossed into coercion and violence, then they're not just competitors—they're agitators. We'll need to respond accordingly."
Han Soyeon spoke softly but firmly."The problem is, if we act directly, they might flip the narrative and paint themselves as victims. The Demonic Sect will surely be meticulous in covering its tracks."
Lee Dohyeon nodded as he reached a decision."Wolhui, go to Poongwolru first. Use your talents to figure out what vulnerabilities they're hiding. Stall them if you have to. Soyeon and I will stay ready to provide backup."
Baek Wolhui chuckled lightly."Alright. But if I'm buying you time, don't blame me if I arrive at the climax looking a little less dramatic."
The night at Pungwolru remained vibrant, yet an undercurrent of crisis loomed beneath its splendor. More than a mere entertainment venue, Pungwolru served as a vital hub for Cheonwoohoe's intelligence network. Under Chunhyang's guidance, it had become a sanctuary for the vulnerable and a nexus for martial world information. However, a new threat emerged as Hyeolmaeru, a rival establishment, began making provocative moves. Suspicions grew that Hyeolmaeru was not just a competitor but a front for the Demonic Cult's intelligence operations.
The manager of Pungwolru urgently approached Cheonwoohoe's headquarters. Lee Dohyun and his companions listened intently to the manager's anxious report.
"Agents from Hyeolmaeru are threatening Pungwolru. They're intimidating our patrons, causing some to defect. They're exploiting our known association with Cheonwoohoe to pressure us."
Lee Dohyun frowned. "If they were merely an entertainment venue, they wouldn't resort to such tactics. It's likely the Demonic Cult is orchestrating this from behind the scenes."
Baek Wolhee stepped forward with a sly smile. "If Hyeolmaeru is gathering intelligence through their operations, like us, their shift to violence indicates a need for a strategic response."
Han Soyeon added quietly, "Direct intervention might backfire. They could feign victimhood and conceal their ties to the Demonic Cult."
Lee Dohyun nodded. "Baek Wolhee, head to Pungwolru first. Use your skills to uncover their weaknesses and buy us time. Han Soyeon and I will prepare to support you."
Baek Wolhee grinned. "Understood. But if I buy time, don't expect me to make a grand entrance later."
That night, Pungwolru appeared bustling as usual, but tension simmered beneath the surface. Suddenly, Hyeolmaeru's operatives stormed in, disrupting the atmosphere with aggressive behavior.
"So this is Pungwolru?" one of them shouted. "We're the new rulers here! Let's see how long you can last under Cheonwoohoe's protection."
The manager calmly confronted them. "This establishment is affiliated with Cheonwoohoe. What's your purpose here?"
The leader sneered. "Trusting a fledgling group like Cheonwoohoe is foolish. We're just a local merchants' guild, but we set the rules here."
As tensions rose, Baek Wolhee gracefully stepped forward, her enchanting smile disarming.
"Hyeolmaeru... Strong individuals wouldn't resort to such crude tactics. It's disappointing to see you behave this way."
The leader scoffed. "And who are you? Another employee? Or Cheonwoohoe's bodyguard?"
Baek Wolhee's voice was soft yet firm. "No need for hostility. I'm part of this establishment, and I prefer harmony over chaos." She gently tapped his shoulder, whispering, "This approach won't succeed. Perhaps a more refined method would be better?"
Momentarily unsettled, the leader retorted, "Do you think words can defeat us? We rule this area."
He signaled his men to attack. Baek Wolhee swiftly drew her sword, executing the Plum Blossom Dance, subduing the assailants with elegance and precision.
The Hyeolmaeru leader then engaged directly, employing a poisonous martial art characteristic of the Demonic Cult. The toxic aura began to hinder Baek Wolhee's movements, draining her stamina.
Just as the poison threatened to overwhelm her, the battlefield was engulfed in intense heat and lightning. Lee Dohyun arrived, his presence shifting the tide. His sword radiated flames and electricity, asserting his dominance.
"Hyeolmaeru... If you're not part of the Demonic Cult, this is quite the coincidence," he remarked coldly. "Your use of poison is telling. Let's reveal your true nature."
He unleashed the Flame-Lightning Sword Dance, his blade weaving fire and lightning to eradicate the poisonous aura.
The leader, taken aback, exclaimed, "What sword technique is this?"
"It's the Black Cloud Sword Technique," Lee Dohyun replied, delivering a powerful strike that overwhelmed the leader.
Defeated, the leader muttered, "We're not... part of the Demonic Cult... But... this isn't over..."
With the battle concluded, the atmosphere calmed. Pungwolru's staff and patrons looked upon Lee Dohyun with a mix of fear and reverence.
Baek Wolhee approached, smiling wearily. "The Flame-Lightning Sword Dance... It effectively neutralized the poison. Quite the spectacle."
Lee Dohyun glanced at her. "You bought us valuable time. Without you, this would have been more difficult. Are you alright?"
She shrugged. "Just a bit tired. But Hyeolmaeru's actions suggest deeper ties to the Demonic Cult."
Geishas from Pungwolru approached, bowing deeply. "Thank you. Without Cheonwoohoe, we couldn't have overcome this crisis."
One added, "Your protection has always meant a lot, but your direct intervention today is truly moving. Please accept our humble offerings."
They presented tea and food, their warmth filling the room. Lee Dohyun accepted with a gentle smile. "We simply did our duty. Pungwolru is a cherished ally of Cheonwoohoe."
Baek Wolhee teased, "This is lovely, but perhaps next time, a finer wine?"
Laughter broke the tension, easing the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the defeated Hyeolmaeru leader and his subordinates retreated to their base, tending to their wounds and drafting a report. Despite his pale complexion, the leader knew he couldn't hide the failure from the Demonic Cult's higher-ups.
He reported, "We aimed to dominate Pungwolru... but Cheonwoohoe's intervention, especially Black Cloud Sword Lee Dohyun, led to our complete failure."
His superior sighed. "Cheonwoohoe... We didn't expect such involvement. You might have escalated the situation."
"That's not the case!" the leader protested. "They were aligned with Cheonwoohoe from the start, and Lee Dohyun's power exceeded our expectations."
After a pause, the superior murmured, "Black Cloud Sword... His name is spreading. I'll report this to the higher echelons. Lord Heukwolcheon might handle this personally."
In a dim corridor, Heukwolcheon pondered over the detailed report of Hyeolmaeru's defeat. He smiled subtly.
"Cheonwoohoe... and Black Cloud Sword. I underestimated their organizational prowess and the significance of Pungwolru as an intelligence hub."