The conference room, where prominent figures of the Sapa sect had gathered, was filled with a heavy and ominous air. Without Baek Wolhui present, the focus of the meeting was squarely on Lee Dohyun, the now-famous head of Heukwoon-gwan. The key discussion centered on how to deal with this rising figure in the martial world.
Ju Holyeon was the first to speak."Lee Dohyun is undeniably gaining influence in the murim. Baek Wolhui seems to think she can bring him over to our side, but I doubt it will be that easy," he said, his tone calm but laced with calculation.
Jang Cheon, another master from the Sapa, smirked as he looked at Ju Holyeon."You're right. We need a clear strategy. It'd be ideal if we could recruit him, but if not... then we consider other options."He tapped his finger on the table slowly and added, "With a man like that, you either recruit him—or eliminate him."
A moment of silence followed. The others exchanged glances. It was an unspoken agreement: if they couldn't win Lee Dohyun to their side, they'd need to neutralize the threat.
Then Han Myeongjin, wearing an expression of distaste, finally opened his mouth."So I heard this Lee Dohyun is developing martial arts for women now? And even consorting with courtesans? How disgraceful. Courtesans are for entertainment, not comradeship. If women are to serve any role in the Sapa, it's for assassination or espionage. They can't be equals."
Jang Cheon chuckled in agreement."Exactly. Courtesans are tools, not allies. What is Dohyun thinking, building martial arts for women? Sounds more like an excuse to be close to them than any real ideology."
The room filled with murmurs of ridicule and contempt. To them, Lee Dohyun was either a fool or an opportunist, certainly not someone to be taken seriously—unless he joined them.
Ju Holyeon concluded,"Then here's the plan. Let's summon Lee Dohyun and extend our offer one final time. If he refuses..."He trailed off, but everyone knew what he meant. Heads nodded around the room in agreement.
Thus, the meeting ended with a decision to make a final recruitment attempt. If that failed, their response would be swift—and merciless. The hypocrisy and patriarchal dogma of the Sapa sect was now clearer than ever, exposed by their fear and rejection of a man who dared to empower the weak.
****
Han Myeonghun's Test and Han Soyeon's Stand
At the Han household, the morning was quiet, yet tension hung in the air. Han Myeonghun, deep in thought, couldn't stop wondering about the rumors surrounding Lee Dohyun—particularly the fact that his father had considered Dohyun a potential suitor for Soyeon.
"Lee Dohyun... is he truly worthy of our family?"With this question haunting him, Myeonghun approached his father with a request."Father, as Soyeon's brother and a member of the Han family, I'd like to meet Lee Dohyun myself. I want to judge him personally."
Han Uimyung closed his eyes in thought for a moment before nodding."Very well, Myeonghun. I trust your judgment. Go and see for yourself."
With his father's blessing, Myeonghun made his way to Heukwoon-gwan. As he neared the residence of the headmaster, he ran into Han Soyeon. She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.
"Oppa, what are you doing here?"
Myeonghun scratched his head awkwardly."I came to meet your master. I just want to see what kind of man he is."
Soyeon pouted."Why do you get to meet him before me? You don't trust my judgment?"
"It's not that," he replied. "I just want to be cautious. As your brother, I have a duty to our family."
She looked away, clearly displeased."Still, it feels like you're here to test him. You'll see—he's more than you think."
Just then, the door opened and Lee Dohyun himself appeared."Is something going on?" he asked. "You both came together?"
Myeonghun bowed politely."I'm Han Myeonghun, Soyeon's older brother. I'd like a moment of your time, if that's alright."
Lee Dohyun smiled and welcomed them inside.
As they shared tea, Myeonghun began asking about Dohyun's philosophy, values, and vision for Heukwoon-gwan. Dohyun answered sincerely, his words filled with purpose.
"I see now why my sister respects you," Myeonghun said, nodding. "But I have to ask—why focus on martial arts for the weak, especially women? It goes against tradition."
Dohyun took a breath and replied."Tradition matters, but people matter more. No one should be powerless just because they were born weaker or into hardship. Giving them a way to protect themselves—that's my mission. That's what Heukwoon-gwan stands for."
Myeonghun went quiet, impressed by his conviction."I understand now. And I see why Soyeon follows you."
Soyeon added gently,"Now do you see, Oppa? Dohyun-nim sees more than just strength—he sees people."
Myeonghun smiled."Alright, Soyeon. I trust your choice. And Master Lee—I'd like to test your skills. Would you oblige me with a friendly match?"
Dohyun hesitated but nodded."Of course. I'll do my best."
Soyeon, alarmed, rushed to the training grounds."Oppa, please go easy on him…"
Myeonghun grinned."Don't worry. Just a light test. If you admire him, I want to see that strength myself."
The match began in the center of the training ground. Myeonghun wielded the Han family's famous Qingliu Sword Technique—a graceful yet relentless style flowing like a clear stream. Dohyun blocked the opening strike, surprised by the fluid transitions and hidden force behind each move.
"Not bad. Soyeon must've taught you something," Myeonghun quipped.
"She has," Dohyun replied, barely keeping up with the pace.
Soyeon watched nervously as the two exchanged blow after blow. She whispered to herself,"Please do well…"
Though Myeonghun's technique was superior, he gradually adjusted his strikes to test rather than overwhelm. Dohyun gave his all, earning respect through resilience rather than dominance.
At the end, Myeonghun lowered his sword and extended a hand."You'll do. I understand why Soyeon trusts you."
"Thank you. I'll strive to live up to that trust," Dohyun answered sincerely.
Soyeon blushed."Oppa... you didn't have to say it like that..."
Myeonghun chuckled."Oh come on. 'Not yet' is still a good start."
Dohyun smiled at their banter, feeling a warm acceptance blooming in his heart. For the first time, he truly felt recognized—not just as a master or a warrior, but as someone worth trusting.
***
Discussions for Developing Martial Arts for the Vulnerable
Baek Wolhui stood at the center of the Heukwoon-gwan training grounds, demonstrating the first draft of a new martial arts style. It was a rare sight—Baek Wolhui, known for guarding her techniques and using her allure as both shield and sword, was openly sharing her skills. Perhaps, for the first time, she wished that women like her—those who had survived by wielding beauty as their only weapon—would no longer have to live that way.
Though infused with her signature techniques, she had carefully removed overly aggressive elements, instead emphasizing evasion, defense, and psychological maneuvering. The movements were fluid and swift, focused on redirecting an opponent's force and exploiting openings. The foundational principles emphasized agility, escape techniques, defensive posturing, and subtle manipulation of the opponent's expectations.
Han Soyeon, ever the martial artist, quickly picked up on Wolhui's form. Drawing from her experience with the Qingliu Sword Style, she naturally incorporated the new techniques into her own rhythm. Observing the demonstrations, she began to see ways to adapt the style—not merely copy it, but expand it. After several trials, she offered thoughtful suggestions to improve transitions and grounding in motion.
Even Miryung participated, despite not being a martial artist. The techniques were difficult for her, but she persevered, finding the movements surprisingly practical for self-defense. Her firsthand experience offered insight into the perspective of non-martial practitioners. Based on her challenges, she proposed modifications to make the form more accessible to the general public, particularly women in environments like Pungwol-ru.
Cheong Unjin, observing silently at first, soon offered his own advice. As a gambler who excelled at reading people's psychology, he emphasized the importance of emotional cues and intent. He pointed out that the technique could further develop its utility by training students to read an opponent's mental state and react accordingly. He also noted the need to reinforce the foundational stances so that practitioners would feel secure while executing redirections.
Baek Wolhui listened intently. What began as a personal style born of experience was now evolving through collaboration. Soyeon, Miryung, and Cheong Unjin weren't just refining the technique—they were transforming it into something more profound and universally applicable. Although she knew this process would be difficult, she felt a sense of strange joy in witnessing what they were building together.
"This can become something meaningful," Wolhui said with a soft smile. "Let's make this a martial art that can help not only warriors, but anyone—especially those who've never held a sword before."
Soyeon, Unjin, and Miryung all nodded in agreement. From behind, Lee Dohyun watched silently, his expression warm. He saw this not simply as a development of martial technique, but as something greater—a moment of shared wisdom and growth, built on empathy and strength.
The new form was far from complete, but it was already taking shape as something invaluable. For some, it might become a lifeline. And that belief—that even the weak deserve to defend themselves—was the very force driving them forward in the murim.