Tension thickened within Cheonuhoe's headquarters like a storm about to break. News had arrived that a royal envoy would summon Jeongsayeon, Cheonuhoe, and even the Magyo for a mediated negotiation. The very notion sent fresh ripples across the entire Murim—setting it ablaze with speculation, dread, and veiled ambition.Lee Do-hyeon couldn't yet tell whether this imperial intervention would restore balance—or plunge them all into deeper chaos.
The royal envoy stood at the heart of the gathering, exuding neutrality and undeniable authority. The meeting was held at an imperial retreat, located in a politically neutral zone. Jeongsayeon had sent its leaders from the Hwasan and Mudang clans. Representing Cheonuhoe were Lee Do-hyeon, Baek Wol-hee, and Jeong Ho-rim. As for the Magyo, their cult master was absent; instead, they sent a close elder—an act clearly meant to convey formality without commitment.
The envoy's gaze swept across the hall as he began, voice cold and firm.
"The Empire has allowed the Murim to govern itself out of respect. But recent developments have crossed the line. Jeongsayeon, Cheonuhoe, and the Magyo—each of you have mobilized thousands of troops. Did you think the Empire would remain silent?"
It wasn't just rhetoric. Imperial guards stood behind the envoy—fully armed, radiating presence. The weight of their presence settled heavily across all sides.
A Hwasan elder stood and raised his voice.
"We understand the Empire's concern. But it is Cheonuhoe and the Magyo that have disrupted the order. Jeongsayeon acts only to contain their chaos."
The Mudang leader spoke with less volume but more resolve.
"Our movement is in service of stabilizing Murim. Please do not misunderstand us, Your Grace. A potential alliance between Cheonuhoe and the Magyo poses a threat to all of Murim."
The envoy nodded thoughtfully.
"We understand Jeongsayeon's position. However, if your actions are perceived as a challenge to Imperial authority, we will not overlook it."
Lee Do-hyeon stepped forward as Cheonuhoe's representative, with Baek Wol-hee and Jeong Ho-rim silently flanking him.
"We hear the Empire's warning and take it to heart," he said, voice steady."Cheonuhoe moves not to disrupt, but to survive. With Jeongsayeon and the Magyo pressing from both sides, we've had no choice but to defend ourselves."
Baek Wol-hee added with a faint smile.
"We do not defy the Empire. But please understand—it is Jeongsayeon's aggression that threatens our survival."
Jeong Ho-rim spoke calmly.
"Cheonuhoe does not seek to shatter Murim's balance. On the contrary, if the Empire intends to help stabilize the realm, we are ready to cooperate."
The Magyo elder spoke next, voice low and deliberate.
"We respect the Empire's intervention. But we did not initiate conflict. Jeongsayeon encroached on our domain, igniting the tensions. Cheonuhoe failed to resolve it—hence, the unrest."
The envoy's lips curled into a cold smile.
"To hear restraint from the Magyo... how unexpected. But let me remind you—your every movement is under Imperial watch."
The elder closed his mouth, refusing to argue further.
The envoy's gaze moved slowly over every delegate in the hall.
"The Empire tolerates Murim's independence out of grace, not weakness. But the moment that independence threatens the stability of the realm—we will act. This is your final warning."
He let the words hang in the air before continuing.
"Return to your respective territories. Cease reckless troop mobilizations and unnecessary provocation. If this continues, the next time, it will be Imperial troops that march."
None dared raise an objection. Heads bowed. With those words, the meeting came to a swift and uneasy close.
Back in Jeongsayeon's camp, tension flared between the Hwasan and Mudang leaders.
The Hwasan elder exploded.
"This intervention undermined our authority! We should strike harder—reclaim our position."
But the Mudang leader replied with caution.
"Clashing with the Empire would cast us out of Murim's center. We must observe their next move before pressing against Cheonuhoe."
Meanwhile, Cheonuhoe saw an opening. Lee Do-hyeon immediately gathered his closest allies.
"The Empire issued a warning, but Jeongsayeon won't retreat easily. We must fan the flames of their internal strife."
Baek Wol-hee grinned.
"Captain~, if they move against us again, why not stoke the fire between their factions ourselves?"
Chunhyang nodded.
"The Magyo won't stay idle either. Let's pull them in—force them into open conflict with Jeongsayeon."
At the same time, the Magyo convened their own secret council.
One elder sneered.
"It's been a long time since the Empire intervened like this. Jeongsayeon's pride won't tolerate it. We can use that."
The Magyo's acting leader responded with a cold smirk.
"Let them weaken themselves. Push Jeongsayeon and Cheonuhoe into checkmating each other. When the Empire moves again—we'll be ready to seize what remains."
The Empire's warning had, for the moment, silenced open warfare. But beneath the surface, every faction was already plotting anew. The storm had only paused—not passed.Cheonuhoe, now at the center of the spiraling conflict, began crafting its next strategy.
***
Chapter : Pride and Chaos in Murim
Inside the Cheonuhoe meeting hall, the air was tense. Ever since the Imperial intervention, the entire Murim had been stirred into unrest. Although the royal troops had withdrawn, all major forces—Jeongsayeon, Magyo, and others—were gripped by an intensifying sense of crisis. Even within Cheonuhoe, opinions were divided.
Jeongsayeon's internal meeting was filled with frustration and outrage.
A Hwasan elder slammed the table.
"The Empire's interference is an insult to Murim itself! If word spreads that we backed down before Imperial troops, we will have no honor left!"
The acting head of the Mudang Clan calmly countered.
"I don't mean to dismiss honor. But right now, we lack the strength to defy the Empire. If we move recklessly, Jeongsayeon will collapse."
The leader of the Amipa let out a cynical smile.
"It's true that the Empire has overstepped Murim's boundaries. But we haven't yet gathered enough strength. We must deal with Cheonuhoe first. Only after eliminating them and resolving matters with the Magyo can we even think about facing the Empire."
The Hwasan elder nodded in agreement.
"Very well. Then we'll devote our efforts to crushing Cheonuhoe first. If necessary, we can consider aligning with the Magyo."
Meanwhile, anger also spread within the Magyo ranks.
One sub-commander barked,
"The Empire's intervention is a direct threat to the Magyo's survival! If we are truly part of Murim, then perhaps it's time to consider cooperating with Jeongsayeon. This time, Murim must unite."
But another leader shook his head in opposition.
"To challenge the Empire, we need power greater than Jeongsayeon's. Joining them now would be suicide. Instead, we must pressure Cheonuhoe and force them into a disadvantage."
The acting representative of the cult master finally broke his silence.
"The cult master has ordered us to monitor the Empire's movements. But rather than opposing them directly, we are to maintain relations with Jeongsayeon while seeking a strategy to fully isolate Cheonuhoe."
Cheonuhoe, too, held a discussion on the recent Imperial interference.
Chunhyang quietly began.
"Captain, to Murim's warriors, the Empire isn't just a ruling power. Murim has always taken pride in its independence—its freedom from Imperial control. Their pride must have been deeply wounded by this intervention."
Han Soyeon nodded in agreement.
"Not just Jeongsayeon, even the Magyo likely feel the same. Murim has preserved its independence for generations, and they fear losing that balance."
Baek Wol-hee added with a playful smile,
"Do-hyeon~, you'll need to at least pretend you understand the pride of Murim. Otherwise, we'll end up making even more enemies."
Lee Do-hyeon gave a weary smile.
"You're right, Wol-hee. But I'm not from Murim. I don't fully grasp their pride. Still, we have to respect their emotions without compromising our position. We can't afford to make enemies of them."
Cheong Un-jin spoke with arms crossed, his tone grave.
"Exactly. If Jeongsayeon and the Magyo put aside their differences to face the Empire, we'll face an even greater threat. We must be fully prepared."
Chunhyang continued calmly.
"Captain, Murim isn't just about brute force. These warriors have long served as self-governing protectors in regions untouched by Imperial authority. Now that this implicit boundary has been violated, Murim is bound to tremble."
Han Soyeon elaborated,
"Their pride isn't just emotional—it's a symbol of Murim's independence. We must show that we understand and respect that."
Baek Wol-hee snapped her fingers.
"Then all you have to do is publicly declare that Cheonuhoe respects Murim traditions. That should do the trick, right?"
Lee Do-hyeon nodded thoughtfully.
"That might be necessary. But our goal isn't just to honor traditions—we need to balance between the Empire and Murim while ensuring Cheonuhoe's survival and growth."
After a moment of deep thought, Lee Do-hyeon concluded,
"Good. Let's make our position clear:First, we will respect Murim's pride and traditions while maintaining neutrality with the Empire.Second, we'll exploit the internal conflicts of Jeongsayeon and the Magyo to prevent any alliance.Third, we must create a reason for the Empire to act again—on our terms."
Chunhyang smiled.
"Then we'll need to demonstrate that Cheonuhoe understands and honors Murim's values. That's the only way to gain their trust."
Baek Wol-hee raised her hand with a teasing grin.
"So, Do-hyeon, are you ready to tell Murim warriors how much you respect their pride?"
Lee Do-hyeon laughed.
"Looks like I have no choice. But remember—this is more than just about respect. We're balancing Cheonuhoe, Murim, and the Empire."
Even after the Imperial intervention, Jeongsayeon and the Magyo did not hide their hostility toward Cheonuhoe. Under pressure from both sides, Cheonuhoe had no choice but to continue its strategic maneuvering to survive.
In the end, Lee Do-hyeon told his comrades:
"If we survive this storm, Cheonuhoe will rise to a new place within Murim. Be ready. The battles ahead will be even fiercer."
And so, Cheonuhoe prepared to face even greater conflict—caught between Murim's traditions, the Empire's authority, and their own evolving strategy.