At dawn, the training grounds of Heukwoon Hall buzzed with the fervor of its trainees. The air was filled with the sounds of spirited shouts and the clashing of weapons—a place where the weak aspired to new beginnings. Yet, one observer's gaze remained cold amidst the warmth.
Heukyeom, a core member of the Demonic Cult's elite Chilhwe, and a confidant of the cult leader, had meticulously concealed his true identity, posing as an ordinary trainee within Heukwoon Hall. To his peers, he appeared clumsy and lacking in skill, but his sharp eyes missed nothing on the training grounds.
Heukyeom mingled with the trainees, feigning participation in training while covertly surveying his surroundings. Outwardly, he seemed quietly sociable, but internally, he harbored scorn and disdain for Heukwoon Hall.
"Why does this gathering of the talentless draw attention from the righteous sects, the unorthodox factions, and even our Demonic Cult?"
To him, Heukwoon Hall was a meaningless experiment. Its philosophy starkly contrasted with the Demonic Cult's doctrine, which revered strength above all. The idea of empowering the weak through unity seemed to him an idealistic folly.
"Without strength, how do they expect to survive? Ultimately, they are destined to crumble beneath the feet of the strong."
Yet, he understood why the cult leader had taken an interest in Heukwoon Hall. Even if it appeared illusory, their philosophy had the potential to disrupt the established order of the martial world.
While maintaining his cover, Heukyeom closely observed the key figures of Heukwoon Hall:
Lee Dohyun: Known as the Heukwoon Sword, he was the central figure of Heukwoon Hall. His martial arts deviated from traditional righteous or unorthodox styles, incorporating elements that seemed almost fantastical to Heukyeom.
"His strength is undeniable. But associating with the weak? He's merely an idealist."
Han Soyeon: Presumably from a righteous sect lineage, she passionately taught martial arts to the weak, aiding their growth.
"A child of the righteous sects in a place like this? Her compassion will only render her vulnerable."
Baek Wolhui: A master from the unorthodox factions, even Heukyeom wouldn't dare challenge her lightly. Yet, her allegiance to Lee Dohyun baffled him.
"An unorthodox master acting as a guardian for the weak? Does she harbor some hidden weakness?"
Cheong Unjin: A laid-back yet insightful figure from the unorthodox factions. Heukyeom acknowledged his prowess but questioned his commitment to Heukwoon Hall's ideals.
"A true master forges his own path. What difference does following Lee Dohyun make?"
Miryung: Though untrained in martial arts, she managed the hall's affairs and was trusted by the trainees.
"A non-martial individual holding a significant role here? Does she share a special bond with the Heukwoon Sword?"
During training, Heukyeom inevitably engaged in conversations with fellow trainees.
"Brother Heukyeom, how was today's sword practice?"
Suppressing his irritation, he replied awkwardly, "Still getting used to it. I need to work harder."
The trainees nodded, encouraging him.
"You'll improve soon, brother. We're all growing stronger together!"
Heukyeom forced a smile, internally scoffing.
"Encouraging each other's weaknesses—what meaning does this truly hold?"
While Heukyeom gathered information among the male trainees, another member of Chilhwe, Dokyeon, infiltrated Heukwoon Hall through Pungwolru, engaging with the female trainees to assess the hall's atmosphere. She meticulously concealed her abilities, presenting herself as the most fragile among them.
Dokyeon naturally built rapport among the women, gradually uncovering the internal structure and relationships within Heukwoon Hall.
She discerned that the hall's greatest strength lay in the bonds among its key members, particularly the relationships Lee Dohyun maintained with Han Soyeon, Baek Wolhui, and Miryung.
"Strong bonds can sometimes be the most fatal weakness. Exploiting these connections could bring down Heukwoon Hall."
"Dokyeon unnie, how was your lesson with Master Baek Wolhui?"
Smiling gently, she responded, "Thanks to Master, I'm making gradual progress. Everyone here is so kind."
The trainees nodded, sharing more stories.
"You'll become strong like us soon. Everyone here has transformed."
Listening to their innocent words, Dokyeon smiled inwardly.
"Transformation? Believing that such unity leads to strength—how amusing."
Heukyeom and Dokyeon each devised plans to dismantle Heukwoon Hall in their own ways.
Heukyeom aimed to sow discord among the trainees and directly challenge Lee Dohyun's philosophy.
"A master falls when unaware of his own weaknesses. Can Lee Dohyun truly uphold the illusion of unity among the weak?"
Dokyeon focused on destabilizing internal relationships.
"Lee Dohyun's emotions will be the perfect weapon against him. Destroying his bonds will collapse Heukwoon Hall instantly."
The cult leader permitted their independent actions, believing their competition would yield more information.
"Prove yourselves through results. I will judge who disrupts Heukwoon Hall more effectively."
Aware of each other's presence, Heukyeom and Dokyeon monitored one another, each striving to fracture Heukwoon Hall through their distinct methods.
Their maneuvers gradually introduced cracks within Heukwoon Hall. In this clash between the unity of the weak and the philosophy of the strong, their actions would significantly influence the hall's fate. Yet, unforeseen variables might emerge within this setting.
Heukwoon Hall and Lee Dohyun—can their ideals withstand the might of the Demonic Cult?
****
The Shadow of the Demonic Cult
The training grounds of Heukwoon-gwan were more vibrant than ever. Here, the weak gathered to learn martial arts, encouraging one another and building strength—a scene reminiscent of an idealistic experiment. Yet, at the heart of this vigor, a deepening darkness loomed.
Heukyeom's Provocation
Heukyeom observed quietly, feigning camaraderie with fellow trainees. Internally, however, he simmered with barely contained rage.
A trainee approached him.
"Hyung-nim, shall we practice a bit more today? Your skills have improved lately. If we combine our efforts, we can become even stronger!"
Heukyeom forced a smile, masking his contempt.
'These insignificant ones think they're getting stronger? Ridiculous.'
Reluctantly, he mimicked basic drills, concealing his true abilities. However, the trainee's clumsy movements tested his patience.
"Hyung-nim, shouldn't this move be executed like this?" The trainee inquired, adopting an awkward stance.Heukyeom's patience snapped, his eyes flashing sharply.
"Enough," he said coldly. The trainee recoiled, startled, as others began to notice Heukyeom's demeanor.
Realizing his slip could have dire consequences, Heukyeom nevertheless found the atmosphere intolerable. Mocking the trainees and Heukwoon-gwan's philosophy, he shouted:
"You all cling to the illusion of unity. The Murim doesn't permit such fantasies. The weak remain weak; they cannot become strong. Heukwoon-geom! Do you dare face me?"
Tension gripped the training grounds. Heukyeom's challenge echoed, drawing the attention of trainees and masters alike. His words, sharp as blades, mocked Heukwoon-gwan's ideals, testing everyone's resolve.
As the atmosphere grew taut, Heukyeom taunted Heukwoon-geom, Lee Dohyeon, to step forward. In response, Han Soyeon advanced, her gaze fierce.
"To face the head of Heukwoon-gwan, you'll have to defeat me first."
Han Soyeon employed the Cheongnyu Sword Technique, a modified version of her family's traditional style, adapted to her physique. Her sword flowed like water, seeking openings in Heukyeom's defense.
"Cheongsu Yuyeon!"
Her blade moved fluidly, deflecting Heukyeom's attacks and probing for counterattacks. Heukyeom sneered.
"Graceful and flexible, but without strength, it's meaningless."
He countered with his technique, Heukbisoo, parrying her strikes and launching swift retaliations. His attacks, sharp as daggers, pressured her relentlessly.
"Yeonhwa Wol-do!"
Han Soyeon shifted tactics, employing continuous spins to disrupt Heukyeom's rhythm. Her sword danced in multiple directions, aiming to obscure his vision. Yet, Heukyeom anticipated her moves.
"A beautiful technique, but it won't bring me down."
He transitioned from defense to offense. His strikes surged like waves, eventually overpowering Han Soyeon and sending her sprawling.
At that moment, Baek Wolhui stepped forward, glancing at the fallen Han Soyeon with a sigh.
"Orthodox swordsmanship won't suffice. The Sapa's methods differ."
Raising her sword gracefully, Baek Wolhui's eyes gleamed with confidence. Her technique, Wolyeong Yuhwa, combined illusions and seduction into a lethal assassination style.
"Wolhwa Sword!"
Her blade swirled like moonlight, attacking Heukyeom with elegance and deadly intent. Her movements resembled a dance, mesmerizing yet perilous.
Heukyeom momentarily faltered, then scoffed.
"Illusions and seduction... typical Sapa tactics. But such tricks won't defeat me!"
Baek Wolhui intensified her assault.
"Yuyeong Hwanhui!"
She generated multiple afterimages, confusing Heukyeom and concealing her true position. However, as a member of the Chilheukhoe, Heukyeom remained unfazed. He unleashed his technique, Hyeoldo Pacheon, nullifying her illusions with a powerful force that dispersed the afterimages.
"Intriguing, but futile against me."
Han Soyeon, regaining her footing, joined Baek Wolhui for a coordinated attack.
"Alone, it's challenging, but together, we stand a chance."
Han Soyeon's precise Cheongnyu Sword Technique combined with Baek Wolhui's deceptive Wolyeong Yuhwa posed a significant threat. Heukyeom found himself momentarily on the defensive. Yet, he soon retaliated.
"...An alliance between Jeongpa and Sapa? This place truly is bizarre. But even together, you cannot defeat me."
Heukyeom shifted techniques again, unleashing his Heukbi Hyeoljang (Black Flying Blood Palm)—a technique unique to the Demonic Cult that allowed him to deflect attacks from multiple opponents simultaneously and deliver a fierce counterstrike. Han Soyeon and Baek Wolhui, despite their combined effort, were gradually pushed back. Even Baek Wolhui faltered under Heukyeom's unrelenting pressure.
The tension in the training ground reached its peak. Brimming with confidence, Heukyeom mocked them both as they struggled to stand.
"So this is the strength of your Heukwoon-gwan? Even when the weak gather, the result is the same. Heukwoon-geom! Will you just stand there and watch your people fall?"
From a distance, Cheong Unjin strolled forward leisurely. Wearing a mischievous smile, he approached Lee Dohyeon.
"Hey, Gwanjang-nim. Looks like your beloved companions are getting wrecked by that guy. Don't you think it's time for a romantic grand entrance?"
Despite the tension, Lee Dohyeon cracked a faint smile.
"Beloved? They're just reliable comrades. And hyung, seriously—now's the time for that kind of joke?"
Cheong Unjin raised an eyebrow teasingly.
"Reliable, huh? Well, let's just say it looks like you'd throw yourself into a volcano to save any one of them. That's what I'm seeing, anyway."
Lee Dohyeon sighed, shaking his head.
"Stop, hyung. I'll step in, sure, but if that guy's hiding something, I'd appreciate a heads-up."
Unjin studied Heukyeom carefully, then smiled faintly.
"Alright. He's got one clear habit. When he gets too into the fight, his left shoulder drops slightly. That's when his defense is at its weakest. Time it right, and you've got a real chance."
Drawing his sword, Lee Dohyeon took a deep breath and muttered to himself:
"Feels like I'm the substitute being sent into the World Cup final during the last few minutes. The pressure's unreal, but someone's got to do it for the team."
Unjin chuckled.
"A World Cup final, huh? That's a very you kind of metaphor. But don't forget, you're not just a player—you're also the coach of this team."
Lee Dohyeon smiled as he raised his sword.
"Then it's time I show I'm both coach and player."
He walked calmly to stand before Heukyeom. The latter sneered.
"So, you finally show yourself. You'll soon realize you're no different from these weaklings."
Lee Dohyeon raised his sword silently and replied:
"It's only natural for the strong to protect the weak. And no matter how strong you are—if you can't understand that—your path ends here."
Recalling Cheong Unjin's advice, Dohyeon closely observed Heukyeom's movements. Though Heukyeom attacked with confidence, Dohyeon parried steadily, learning his opponent's rhythm.
From afar, Cheong Unjin watched and murmured:
"Alright, Dohyeon. Now's the time to show him what it means to be the head of Heukwoon-gwan."
Gripping his sword tightly, Dohyeon prepared to launch into a true battle against Heukyeom. He recalled all the trials and obstacles he'd endured in this world and reminded himself:
"This isn't a soccer field—it's a battlefield. But one thing I've learned is that in any fight, the one who endures to the end wins."
As his sword gleamed with renewed resolve, the stage was set for a fierce showdown between Lee Dohyeon and Heukyeom.