As the remaining members of Cheongpunghoe joined the ranks of Cheonuhoe, tensions and conflicts began to rise within. In the central meeting room, all key members of Cheonuhoe had gathered—Yoo Cheon-rin, Seol Yeon-hwa, and the newly allied leader of Cheongpunghoe, Moon Hee-seok. Also present were Han So-yeon, Baek Wol-hui, and Cheong Un-jin. They had come together to decide the future direction and discuss how to accept the new members.
Yoo Cheon-rin broke the silence with a deep sigh."I still have serious doubts about whether it's right for Cheongpunghoe to join us. They've clashed with us in the past, and that history hasn't disappeared. How can we be sure they share our values?"His words were laced with distrust and concern.
Seol Yeon-hwa nodded in agreement."Can they truly understand and follow the solidarity and freedom we've built here? I believe many of them are still trapped in old ways."Though her voice was cold, it was clear her intent was to protect Cheonuhoe.
In the midst of this tension, Lee Do-hyeon quietly stood and looked around. Taking a step forward, he addressed both the old and new members with calm gravity."We share the same goal: true freedom and justice in the Murim. Everyone here has fought in their own way for that dream."
Han So-yeon followed up in a gentle tone."Members of Cheongpunghoe have also come here to change the order of the Murim. We may be different, but if we can rise above those differences, we can form a stronger alliance than ever before."Her sincerity softened the atmosphere in the room.
Cheong Un-jin folded his arms, raised a brow, and let out a sigh."Right… instead of fighting among ourselves, maybe we should focus on how to move forward. If we waste time on distrust and resentment, we'll gain nothing. Let's not forget the real enemy is out there."
Baek Wol-hui added with a warm smile,"The road we've walked hasn't been easy, and I know the feelings between us won't be resolved overnight. But now that we're on the same ship, we're family. And families—well, they argue, misunderstand each other, but in the end, they protect one another."Her words reminded everyone of the value of hope and unity.
Moon Hee-seok, hearing these words, slowly stood and glanced at the remaining members of Cheongpunghoe."We didn't come here just for safety or refuge. We left the oppression and manipulation of the orthodox and unorthodox sects behind. We're here to join you in pursuit of true freedom and solidarity."His voice was firm with conviction and responsibility.
Yoo Cheon-rin and Seol Yeon-hwa slowly relaxed as they listened to Do-hyeon and the others.Yoo nodded after a long breath."I still believe we need to be cautious. But if we're all facing the same direction, then perhaps… we can try trusting you."Though traces of doubt lingered, he was beginning to shift.
Seol Yeon-hwa added quietly,"This path we walk will be difficult. It will take time to move past distrust, but through that process, we'll come to understand each other better."She looked at both Lee Do-hyeon and Moon Hee-seok with genuine eyes.
After a brief silence, Lee Do-hyeon raised his hand to gather attention."This road is not an easy one. Overcoming past wounds and divisions is never simple. But if we can stand together, no trial can break us. To change the Murim and end oppression, we need everyone's strength."
Moon Hee-seok nodded with resolve."Then we will remain here and fight by your side. Against both the orthodox and unorthodox sects, we will take one step forward toward the Murim we all dream of."
Cheong Un-jin smirked at him."Alright. That sounded pretty convincing. Just make sure you're ready to stand by those words."
Baek Wol-hui stepped forward and offered her hand to Moon Hee-seok."Let's walk this hard road together. Instead of clinging to the past, we'll gather our strength for the future."Grasping her hand, Moon Hee-seok looked more determined than ever.
That night, a new sense of unity flowed through Cheonuhoe. While tensions with Cheongpunghoe had not completely dissolved, they had taken the first steps toward mutual trust. The remaining members of Cheongpunghoe accepted Cheonuhoe's values and prepared to fulfill their roles in the alliance.
Together with the core members, Lee Do-hyeon reviewed future strategies, confident that this decision had strengthened their group. Alongside Han So-yeon, Baek Wol-hui, and Cheong Un-jin, he reflected on the significance of growth through conflict.
Later, Han So-yeon quietly asked Do-hyeon,"Do you truly think Cheonuhoe has become stronger through this decision?"
He nodded deeply."Yes. Because now we've begun to understand each other beyond our conflicts. That's the core of our strength. The Murim is not a place one can protect alone. If we stay together, we can endure even greater trials."
Baek Wol-hui smiled beside him."This was the first conflict we overcame together. I think we all grew—Cheongpunghoe included."
Cheong Un-jin crossed his arms and quipped,"Sure, the conflict's not gone overnight… but we've got time, and plenty to prove. What matters is that we trust each other and keep moving forward."
That night, with renewed determination, Cheonuhoe prepared for the next battle. Amidst the chaos of the Murim, Lee Do-hyeon and his comrades had found the meaning of true strength and unity. They no longer clung to old wounds, but stood ready—as a family—to face the future together.
***
Chapter : Imperial Tensions and Mi-ryeong's Dilemma
Tension hung in the air within the Yuan imperial palace. Though everything appeared peaceful on the surface, fierce debates raged behind closed doors over the dynasty's relationship with the Murim. Recent rumors and intelligence reports had put the imperial family on edge. As the influence of the Murim grew stronger, they were beginning to be seen as a potential threat—one that might one day rise against the throne.
Mi-ryeong stood alone in the imperial garden, deep in thought. She was fully aware of the heated discussions occurring within the palace. Some members of the imperial family feared the Murim's growing autonomy and influence. They believed the Murim could become a destabilizing force, challenging the emperor's authority, and had begun quietly discussing ways to restrict or suppress them.
But Mi-ryeong thought differently. Through her connection with Lee Do-hyeon, she had come to understand the Murim beyond its surface. It wasn't just a rebellious faction—it was a network of people driven by their own sense of justice and autonomy. The Murim protected the common folk in ways that differed from the imperial system. Mi-ryeong couldn't see them as enemies deserving suppression.
Inside the imperial council chamber, several royal members were gathered, their voices tense.
"The Murim is becoming too influential," one noble said with a scowl. "They could soon pose a real challenge to the central government. We can't just sit back and allow this to continue."
Others nodded in agreement, clearly unnerved by the idea. The Murim's independence, its own laws and codes beyond the reach of imperial governance, was unacceptable from the perspective of royal authority. To them, it was a dangerous rogue power.
Mi-ryeong sat silently among them, listening with growing internal conflict. She had seen a different side of the Murim—one defined not by rebellion but by resolve. Through Do-hyeon and the Cheonuhoe, she had witnessed a spirit of justice and honor. The Murim wasn't trying to tear the empire down. They were fighting for those who suffered in silence, against the injustices that the court often failed to see.
Cautiously, Mi-ryeong raised her voice.
"I don't believe suppression is the only path forward. The Murim is not just a rebellious threat. Among them are those who care about the empire's people, and who fight to right wrongs. If we push them too hard, we risk turning them into the very enemies we fear."
Several nobles furrowed their brows at her words. One spoke in a heavy tone.
"Princess, the Murim is a power we cannot control. They may possess noble intentions, but that makes them even more dangerous. The more leniency we show, the more emboldened they'll become in challenging the throne."
Mi-ryeong wanted to argue—but she held her tongue. She knew the hardships Do-hyeon and the others endured. And she could already imagine how such distrust from the court would weigh heavily on their shoulders.
After the meeting ended, Mi-ryeong let out a long sigh and wandered deeper into the garden. Her thoughts turned to Lee Do-hyeon. Where was he now? What was he facing out there? The Murim protected people through a path wholly different from that of the court. She had come to respect their conviction and understood that their struggle was for something beyond self-interest.
Her heart was torn. As a member of the imperial family, she was bound to protect its interests. But she also wanted to support Do-hyeon and the Murim in their own fight. They weren't enemies. They too were protectors, each in their own way.
"Lee Do-hyeon… what would you do, if you were here?" she whispered, eyes fixed on the distant sky. She knew the weight he carried. In her heart, she wished she could help ease even a part of it.
But the burden she bore was equally heavy. Mi-ryeong took a deep breath and steadied herself."I must do everything I can to preserve the balance between the Murim and the empire."
With that silent vow, she turned and walked away.
The rift between the imperial court and the Murim was only growing deeper. And Mi-ryeong found herself at the center—caught between loyalty and empathy, duty and conviction. She now faced the challenge of bridging two worlds and determining what role she must play in the fate of both.