The Yuan imperial court, which held dominion over Zhongyuan, was closely monitoring the growing unrest in the Murim world. Historically, the imperial family and Murim had maintained a delicate balance—an unspoken agreement to respect each other's boundaries. But now, that boundary was beginning to fracture. The brewing conflict between Jeongsayeon, the Magyo, and Cheonuhoe was no longer a mere power struggle—it bore the potential to disrupt the very order of Zhongyuan itself.
Within the heart of the palace, the emperor's close aides brought troubling news.
"Reports indicate a large-scale mobilization of Murim factions targeting Cheonuhoe. It is highly unusual that both Jeongsayeon and the Magyo are moving at the same time."
The emperor's chief eunuch added with a furrowed brow,
"Your Majesty, no matter how insignificant Murim's affairs may seem, even the smallest spark can ignite a great fire. Even if they resolve it internally, we cannot rule out the risk of collateral damage reaching the throne."
The emperor slowly scanned the report, sinking into deep thought.
"Murim has always been a double-edged sword. When stable, it served the empire's interests—but when chaos prevails, our rule is put at risk. We must tread carefully this time."
He then issued an immediate command:
"Conduct a thorough investigation. If necessary, dispatch troops. We must contain this conflict before it spills over and threatens the imperial order."
A portion of the imperial army was deployed to monitor Murim's movements—not merely for surveillance, but as a proactive buffer to prevent any escalation that might undermine the emperor's control.
Another senior official spoke up.
"Your Majesty, if both Jeongsayeon and the Magyo are moving, this is no ordinary Murim dispute. What's more, Cheonuhoe—the new faction at the center—should not be overlooked. They're beginning to influence not only Murim, but the common people as well."
The emperor nodded slowly.
"Cheonuhoe… a rising force. If they help restore order, they may benefit the empire. But if they grow too powerful, they'll become a threat. Investigate this carefully."
Informed through the palace's intelligence network, Miryeong quickly grasped the gravity of the situation.
"Jeongsayeon and the Magyo are in motion, and Cheonuhoe is involved in a clash of this scale… The empire cannot stand idle. We must act before His Majesty officially intervenes."
She gathered her most trusted allies within the palace. To Miryeong, this was no longer just a Murim matter—it had implications for the entire balance of Zhongyuan.
"This may be the empire's chance to reassert control over Murim. But if we act rashly, the rift between us and Murim will deepen. We must proceed with caution."
Miryeong used her personal network to reach out to Cheonuhoe. She aimed to steer them away from any course that might clash with imperial interests.
Meanwhile, imperial troops had already been stationed to monitor key routes within Murim. The soldiers were given strict orders:
"Do not allow this conflict to bleed into imperial territory. But do not intervene prematurely—we must preserve the dignity of the throne."
Though the empire outwardly remained neutral, internally it was preparing to seize control of the unfolding situation.
The Murim factions kept a wary eye on the imperial court. Jeongsayeon's leadership understood that the emperor's involvement would pose a threat to both orthodox and unorthodox forces alike.
"The court is watching. We cannot exhaust our strength too heavily in this battle against Cheonuhoe."
The Magyo, too, were sensitive to the imperial presence. The Celestial Sword Demon King gave quiet orders to his strategists:
"The court moves to keep us in check. We must redirect their attention—make them focus on Jeongsayeon and Cheonuhoe instead."
Cheonuhoe, sensing the empire's looming presence, heightened their defensive readiness. At a strategy meeting, Lee Do-hyeon spoke with determination:
"Imperial intervention may present us with new opportunities—but it also carries enormous risk. We must handle our relationship with the court with the utmost care."
Baek Wol-hee smiled knowingly.
"Captain~, even the emperor is getting involved now. Things are getting interesting. But that means we have to be more cautious."
Chunhyang nodded and added:
"Through Hwanggeumhoe, we may gain better insight into the imperial court's intentions. If we earn their trust, we might seize a decisive advantage."
The empire. Murim. Cheonuhoe. The Magyo. The lines between them were tightening, tangled in a web of influence, suspicion, and shifting power.
And at the eye of the storm, imperial intervention loomed—a harbinger of the changes yet to come.
***
Chapter : Pressure Under Siege
The imperial court remained vigilant, stationing troops at key locations to monitor the Murim movements. Strict orders had been issued within the palace walls:
"Do not let their battle cross into imperial territory. But direct intervention shall only be executed with caution. Until the fire grows too great—we observe."
Though military deployment was extensive, the court sought to avoid entering Murim conflicts without clear justification. Their stance was one of poised restraint—maintaining authority while preparing for chaos.
At Cheonuhoe's stronghold, the pressure mounted. Surrounded on both fronts by the advancing forces of Jeongsayeon and the Magyo, the leaders of Cheonuhoe began to feel the weight of impending siege.
In the war room, Lee Do-hyeon reviewed the situation with his comrades.
"Facing one faction would already strain us. But being attacked from both sides? We may not even last. Unless the imperial forces move, we stand little chance of winning this."
Baek Wol-hee, calm and composed, offered a sharp insight:
"Captain~, if we want to draw the imperial army in, we need to give them a reason. For now, we endure. And we build that reason."
Chunhyang nodded solemnly.
"She's right. But if Jeongsayeon and the Magyo strike at once, I doubt we'll hold. Their numbers more than double ours."
Elsewhere, within the imperial court, Miryeong searched for a way to support Cheonuhoe. Leveraging her position, she made a quiet report to the emperor:
"Your Majesty, this conflict in Murim threatens to spill into imperial lands. Cheonuhoe may be at the center, but if Jeongsayeon and the Magyo keep clashing, civilians will suffer."
The emperor fell silent in contemplation, then spoke deliberately:
"Then watch closely. But don't let Cheonuhoe fall. If they collapse entirely, Jeongsayeon and the Magyo may turn their eyes to us next."
Understanding the emperor's intent, Miryeong resolved to buy Cheonuhoe time—supporting them discreetly until intervention became inevitable.
Meanwhile, Jeongsayeon unleashed overwhelming forces:
"Cheonuhoe defies our order and the Murim balance. Crush them entirely. Sever any ties they may have to the Magyo."
The Magyo, however, had a different plan:
"Let them believe we aid Cheonuhoe. But ultimately, they are enemies too. We weaken them now—and deepen their rift with Jeongsayeon."
As both enemy factions drew closer, Cheonuhoe mobilized every resource they had. In the war room, Do-hyeon sighed heavily.
"We're running out of time. Endurance won't be enough. We need to force the imperial army to act."
Han So-yeon's voice cut through the air:
"Captain, if we're to survive, we need to create the narrative. We must give the empire a reason to save us."
Jeong Ho-rim, resolute, added:
"If we highlight our efforts to protect civilians under the banner of open borders, the court might move. If Jeongsayeon or the Magyo harm innocents, the emperor won't sit idle."
Baek Wol-hee turned to Do-hyeon with a quiet smile.
"Captain~, let's hold out for as long as we can. Let's give them the reason they need. That's our only way through."
Cheonuhoe braced itself, awaiting imperial intervention. But the pressure only intensified. As enemy troops encroached, each leader took their place—holding the final line that could not break.
The empire. Jeongsayeon. The Magyo. Cheonuhoe. Four powers now pulled taut by tension. The Murim world teetered on the edge of a blade.
And this battle—it was no longer just about force.
It had become a war of survival, waged with legitimacy, strategy, and time.