《The Black Cloud Sword Chronicles: The Demon Queen’s Path》 Prologue – The Rise of the Demon Queen A black night. The nights in the Demon Sect were always deep and cold. Dim red lanterns flickered across the Blood Demon Palace, the heart of the sect. There, the strongest warriors of the Demon Sect had gathered their razor-sharp gazes cutting through the darkness, their crimson cloaks billowing, exuding a chilling killing intent. The strong survive. The weak perish. This place followed only one law. Only the strong could endure. The weak were fated to be cast aside. And at the very center of this ruthless world stood a young girl. A child who had learned to wield the sword from an early age, who had trained relentlessly to survive.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Her name was Lee So-Eun (Ѷ). But the moment she saw her father, collapsed on the floor, bleeding out her world crumbled. "Father?" A secret underground chamber, drenched in blood. The air was deathly still. Men clad in scarlet robes stood over the lifeless body, sneering as if amused. Her fatherthe Third Leader of the Demon Sectlay motionless, impaled by countless blades. Her instincts screamed at her to hide. Holding her breath, she curled into the shadows, watching as the scene unfolded before her. A power struggle within the Demon Sect. The strong devoured the weak. Even family could be betrayed in the name of power. And for the first time, she understood The law of the strong could even justify the murder of one''s own blood. "Only the strong survive. Your father was simply too careless." "If you wish to live, there''s only one pathgrow stronger." Without hesitation, the men trampled over her father''s corpse. Her small hands trembled. And in that moment a single resolution took root deep within her heart. "I cannot stay here." To survive. To grow stronger. She had to leave the Demon Sect. She ran through the darkness. She never looked back. Through the Black Forest of the Demon Sect, across the barren mountain ranges, she fled toward an unfamiliar world the martial world. She knew the road ahead would be perilous. But she had to see for herself what true martial arts truly meant. That night Lee So-Eun vanished from the Demon Sect. And years later Rumors began to spread throughout the martial world. A wandering swordsman, shrouded in mystery, moving from land to land A nameless warriorwhose blade struck with inhuman precision. And yet, those who crossed paths with the swordsman would always mutter the same thing. "There''s something strange about him" "No matter how I look at it doesn''t he seem a little too delicate?" Thus, the legend of a masked swordsman, veiled in secrecy, began to take root. 1: Why Travel as a Man, Not as a Woman? "Hey, have you seen that person over there?" A dimly lit tavern, just another inn among many in the martial world. A group of warriors sat around a table, sipping their drinks while occasionally glancing at someone nearby. At the end of their gaze sat a lone young swordsman. Dressed in a refined yet practical manner, a long black coat draped over his shoulders, and a well-crafted sword rested at his waist. His frame was lean, almost delicate, but his poised demeanor and sharp eyes revealed that he was no ordinary wanderer. "I feel like I''ve seen him somewhere before Who was he again?" "He''s an outsider, but they say he''s quite skilled. I heard he defeated a Wudang disciple effortlessly." "Really? But he''s so slender, almost sickly-looking." "Yet, when he draws his sword, his presence changes entirely. It''s like" One of the warriors tilted his head slightly and muttered, "like he moves with the flow of the sword itself." At his table, Seo-eun silently lifted her cup, taking a sip. She listened to the murmurs around her but remained composed, as if oblivious to their words. She was used to such attention by now. At first, it was bothersome, but over time, she had come to expect it. ''If they discover I am a woman, I''ll attract unnecessary attention.'' The martial world was a realm dominated by men. Female warriors existed, but they always faced an invisible wall. "A woman practicing martial arts? What use could that be?" "Strength is what matters in the martial world. Women should stay in the background." She had heard such words beforeeven within the demonic cult where she was raised. Nothing had changed, even after stepping into the wider world. Seo-eun had chosen to disguise herself as a man not just to conceal her identity, but to move freely in the martial world, avoiding distractions and being judged solely by her skill. "If I present myself as a man, people will lower their guard. They will judge me by my swordsmanship alone." And it worked. At first glance, most assumed she was just a frail young swordsman. But the moment she drew her sword, their perception changed.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. She did not rely on brute strength. Her technique was swift, her intuition keen, and she exploited every opening with razor-sharp precision. "You therehow about sparring with me?" A voice suddenly called out from across the room. Seo-eun lifted her gaze. A man had risen from his seathis attire elegant yet functional, with a long sword strapped to his waist. A disciple of the Mount Hua Sect. His expression was serious, devoid of arrogance or mockery. "I''ve heard rumors of your exceptional swordsmanship," he said, drawing his sword. "I''d like to see it for myself." A hush fell over the tavern. Onlookers turned their attention to the two martial artists, their eyes filled with anticipation. Seo-eun stood up unhurriedly, resting a hand on the hilt of her sword. "Very well. But only one strike." The Mount Hua disciple smiled. "One strike will be enough." The two stepped outside into the moonlit courtyard. Their swords moved. The Mount Hua disciple struck first, but Seo-eun did not even flinch. Then There was no sound of steel clashing. Just the whisper of air being sliced. And then The Mount Hua disciple''s sword slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the ground. The match was over in a single instant. The disciple looked down at his wrista faint, shallow cut. "" For a brief moment, he stood still before letting out a quiet chuckle. "Impressive." He acknowledged his defeat. The tavern erupted into murmurs, but Seo-eun sheathed her sword and returned to her seat as if nothing had happened. However Among the gathered spectators, a few eyes lingered on her with unusual sharpness. They were no ordinary travelers. They were not nameless wanderers. Their gazes held both curiosity and suspicion. And from that moment on, Seo-eun''s presence in the martial world would not go unnoticed. An Unexpected Journey The sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the sky in hues of amber and crimson. Seo-eun walked alone through a mountain path, moving silently. Though she carried a sword at her waist, she preferred to keep her presence hidden. Attracting attention in the martial world rarely led to good outcomes. Yet, whether she moved carefully or not, danger always found its way to her. "Stop right there." A rough voice rang out. Seo-eun looked up to find five men emerging from the trees. Their ragged armor, dirty clothes, and low-quality blades made their identities clear. "Bandits." She sighed inwardly but maintained an impassive expression. The leader of the group eyed her from head to toe. "Well, look at this one. Traveling alone but dressed in fine clothes." "A noble brat, perhaps?" "Think he even knows how to fight?" They saw only a frail young man. Even with a sword at her waist, they did not seem the least bit wary. "Hand over your money and your sword, and we''ll let you walk away." "It''s a fair deal. Just cooperate, and we won''t rough you up too much." Seo-eun remained motionless. She did not even reach for her sword. At that moment "That''s enough." A deep, authoritative voice echoed through the trees. A figure stepped onto the path. Tall and broad-shouldered, his robes bore the emblem of Kunlun. At his waist rested a well-crafted sword. He drew his blade with ease, scanning the bandits. "So you''re the ones who''ve been terrorizing the nearby villages." The bandits stiffened momentarily but quickly regained their composure. "Tch, a Kunlun bastard?" "Great timing, huh?" But it was already too late. "Surrender, or face the consequences." The Kunlun swordsman lunged forward. His strikes were heavy, each swing carrying immense force. His swordsmanship was powerful, each blow sending bandits sprawling. "Kugh!" "Argh!" In moments, the battle turned against them. Seo-eun merely watched in silence. "He''s good." She assessed him calmly. But while she observed, the bandit leader made his move. With surprising speed, he slipped past the Kunlun warrior And lunged straight for Seo-eun. "One move, and this brat dies!" Tension gripped the air. The Kunlun warrior froze, staring at Seo-eun with wide eyes. The bandit leader grinned, pressing his blade against her throat. "So, Kunlun dog, what will it be?" "If this kid is your ally, you''ll let me walk away, won''t you?" The Kunlun swordsman frowned. "" But then "Ally?" Seo-eun''s voice was quiet and calm. A chill ran down the bandit leader''s spine. "You''re mistaken." A moment later "Aghh!" A dull thud. His wrist twisted unnaturally, his blade slipping from his grasp. Before he could even react, he was already on the ground. Dazed, he looked up. Seo-eun stood over him, adjusting her coat with quiet precision. "I have no allies." "Well, that was quite the display." A voice called out from the trees. A figure clad in a crimson robe approached, a smirk playing on his lips. "We meet again." Seo-eun turned to face him. She recognized him instantly. A Mount Hua disciple. A man she had crossed swords with once before. And now, fate had brought them together once again. 2.A Common Tavern, A Name to Remember / A Duel with a Demonic Cultist As dusk settled, the three travelers arrived at a small tavern in a nearby village. Outside, merchants and martial artists bustled about, while inside, drunken patrons filled the air with laughter and chatter. Seo-eun quietly took a seat in the corner. She still wasn''t used to companionship. She had always been alone. Traveling with others was more foreign to her than she had expected. Her two new companions, however, were entirely at ease. "A bottle of wine and some meat, please!" The Kunlun disciple ordered without hesitation. The Mount Hua disciple chuckled, sitting beside him, both of them instinctively scanning their surroundings. "Well, I suppose it''s time for proper introductions, isn''t it?" The Mount Hua disciple grinned. "I am a disciple of Mount Hua. My surname is Jin. But real names are boring in the martial world, so just call me Brother Jin." The Kunlun disciple let out a hearty laugh. "I''m from Kunlun. The name''s Wei Yeon. Not exactly a complicated name, so feel free to call me that." The two exchanged names naturally before turning their attention to the last member of their group. "And you?" Jin looked at Seo-eun expectantly. For a brief moment, she hesitated. ''I can''t tell them my real name.'' "Seo-eun" could be used as a man''s name as well, but Perhaps it would be wiser to adopt an entirely new identity. Feigning indifference, she finally spoke. "I am Li Shan." She chose Shan (), soft and neutral, omitting Seo () from her name. It wasn''t uncommon in the martial world for people to hide their true names. However A brief pause. Wei Yeon, the Kunlun disciple, studied her closely. Then his lips curled into a smirk. "Li Shan?" With a hearty laugh, he clapped Seo-eun''s shoulder. "Hah! You''re skilled, but you seem awfully timid!" "You hesitated so much just to say your name. Are you always this reserved?" He spoke casually, merely joking. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. But one other person had caught onto that hesitation as well. Jin, the Mount Hua disciple, took a sip of his drink and smiled slightly. "You''re making a mistake." "Huh?" Wei Yeon turned to him, puzzled. Jin studied Seo-eun with a knowing smile. "From the way you speak and act, I''d say you''re someone who rarely uses your real name." "That means you either weren''t originally from the martial world or you have a reason to hide your identity." Hearing that, Wei Yeon raised an eyebrow in intrigue. "Hmm, that does make sense. But why would someone in the martial world bother hiding their name?" Crossing his arms, he eyed Seo-eun curiously. "Well, it doesn''t really matter. I suppose we''ll find out once we get to know each other better." He laughed it off. Jin, on the other hand, thought to himself: ''There''s something off about him.'' He had crossed swords with Seo-eun once before. Comparing that swordplay to the way Li Shan acted now, something didn''t quite add up. But he didn''t pry. The martial world was full of people with secrets. If Seo-eun had something to hide, they would find out in time. "Well, now that we all have names, it''s time for a proper drink!" Jin poured the wine. Wei Yeon laughed heartily, raising his cup. "To our journey together!" Seo-eun raised her cup as well. She was still quiet. But somehow, this strange companionship was starting to feel a little less unnatural. After some time, they walked towards the square. *********************************** A Duel with a Demonic Cultist In the martial world, strength ruled over all. And that same rule applied to men and women alike. Wives beaten by their husbands. Women abandoned, powerless to defend themselves. Seo-eun understood that this was the way of the world. But understanding did not mean acceptance. "Stop! Please!" A woman''s desperate cries rang through the village square. The townsfolk walked past indifferently. Some pretended not to notice. Others chuckled and moved along, as if it was nothing unusual. A man stood in the center. A heavy presence. A leather whip in his hand. With every strike, the woman before him trembled. Her flesh was already raw and bleeding. She was his wife. And he He was a martial artist. No one dared to interfere. To challenge him would be to face the darkness of the martial world itself. But "" Seo-eun''s gaze turned cold. She was a warrior first, a woman second. In the world she had grown up in, strength was everything. But what she saw before her "Using strength against the powerless?" That was not true strength. Seo-eun stood. "That''s enough." Her voice was calm. The man stopped his whip and turned slowly. Disdain and amusement flickered in his eyes. "Oh? And what do we have here?" He glanced Seo-eun up and down before scoffing. Slender frame. A handsome face. To him, she was nothing more than a delicate strategist or scholar. At that moment "Hey, Li Shan. If you act first, what are we supposed to do for fun?" Jin, the Mount Hua disciple, strolled forward with a lazy grin. Beside him, Wei Yeon from Kunlun followed. "If you take all the action, what are we supposed to do?" "Exactly. Don''t be so greedy, Li Shan." Though they were smiling, their eyes told a different story. They were ready to fight. The martial artist sneered. "Hah. You think you can stop me?" He unsheathed his sword. "Kill them." His subordinates drew their weapons. Blades clashed. Attacks exchanged. Their skills were roughly equal But "Tch!" Jin and Wei Yeon were forced a step back. Demonic techniques. Poisoned blades. Cheap tricks and ambushes. "This bastard fights dirty." Jin gritted his teeth. Wei Yeon scowled. "He doesn''t fight fair." They had trained in orthodox sects, where honorable combat was everything. But their opponents They exploited those very principles. Setting traps. Using poison. Striking where least expected. "This is what true victory looks like," the martial artist sneered. "A strong sword isn''t the only weapon. This is the way of the demonic sects." Jin and Wei Yeon''s faces darkened. Then "This much is nothing." Seo-eun moved. The martial artist narrowed his eyes. She spun her sword lightly. "Victory at all costs?" Her voice was barely a whisper. "If that''s all you rely on, then you''re not much of a fighter, are you?" The martial artist''s face stiffened. Swish! Seo-eun vanished. Or at least, that''s how it seemed. "Wha?!" Before he could react A heavy impact struck the back of his neck. "Guhh!" His body hit the ground with a loud thud. And at that moment, he realized ''This one is from the Demonic Cult!'' This wasn''t just speed or trickery. She had read his every move And used his own deception against him. That''s why his tricks had failed. Because Seo-eun had been raised in the very world he thought he ruled over. "" The martial artist trembled. "You what are you?" Seo-eun didn''t answer. She simply stared down at him, cold and unyielding. Around them, silence fell. And then "My love! Are you alright?!" His wife rushed to his side, tears in her eyes. "Please don''t hurt him! He loves me!" Jin and Wei Yeon both sighed. "Unbelievable." "Some people can''t be saved." Seo-eun remained expressionless. She had expected this. But still ''Perhaps, once I was like this, too.'' She closed her eyes for a moment. And then She turned away. 3.The Model of Righteousness and the One Who Pretends to Be As the trio journeyed through the mountain path, they stopped at an inn, where they encountered two renowned martial artists of the righteous sects. The first was Kang Cheon-un (), a widely respected figure in the martial world. He was an upright and composed warrior, embodying the humility that only true masters possessed. His martial arts were a blend of restraint and power, reflecting his disciplined and righteous nature. The second was Wei Mun-ryang (κ), a high-ranking officer of the Martial Alliance. He outwardly championed justice, but his actions were driven by self-interest. His words and demeanor gave the impression of a wise senior concerned with the order of the martial world, but beneath his courteous facade, his every move was calculated. Both Jin of Mount Hua and Wei Yeon of Kunlun recognized them. They stood from their seats and bowed respectfully. "Senior Kang, Senior Wei, it has been a long time." Kang Cheon-un smiled warmly and responded with his characteristic politeness. "Indeed, it has been a while. It is always a good sight to see young and promising warriors traveling together." Wei Mun-ryang also smiledbut his was more practiced, almost artificial. "Oh-ho, such talented young men working together. The future of the martial world looks promising indeed. Hahaha." Seo-eun remained silent for a moment before offering a polite bow. "I am Li Shan. It is an honor to meet you both." Jin and Wei Yeon felt relieved. "Good, at least Li Shan isn''t being too prickly from the start" However, Seo-eun was quietly observing the two men. And soon, her attitude would shift. As the conversation continued, the discussion naturally drifted toward the ideals of the martial worldorder and justice. Kang Cheon-un sipped his tea and spoke. "To wield a sword in the martial world is not merely about mastering techniques. It is about protecting others and walking the righteous path." His words were neither dramatic nor exaggeratedthey were sincere. Both Jin and Wei Yeon nodded in agreement. But Wei Mun-ryang offered a different perspective. "Hahaha, walking the righteous path is certainly important Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! But isn''t maintaining order even more crucial? And in the end, that order must be upheld by power." His statement sounded reasonable at first glance. However, Seo-eun caught something in his wording. When he spoke of "order," what he truly meant was his own authority and the power of the Martial Alliance. Seo-eun''s gaze sharpened slightly. But she maintained a composed expression. "That is a compelling argument." Wei Mun-ryang chuckled in satisfaction. "Haha, I see we have a young man with some wisdom here." However As soon as Seo-eun saw through his true intentions, her demeanor shifted. Wei Mun-ryang casually asked, "What are your thoughts on the Martial Alliance''s recent campaign against the unorthodox sects?" Jin and Wei Yeon hesitated before responding carefully. "We do not intend to involve ourselves too deeply at this stage." Wei Mun-ryang chuckled. "Oh? That is most fortunate to hear." His eyes then shifted toward Seo-eun. "Lately, I''ve heard rumors about an unknown swordsman appearing in the martial world" It was an unmistakable warning. Seo-eun lifted her teacup and took a slow sip. Then, she smiled politely and responded, "And how does the Martial Alliance deal with such individuals?" Wei Mun-ryang''s lips curled slightly. "Why, those who threaten the peace of the martial world must naturally be eliminated. After all, only through discipline can justice and order be maintained." Seo-eun smirked. "Such an admirable sense of justice." Wei Mun-ryang''s expression darkened. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" Seo-eun calmly set down her teacup and spoke evenly. "Senior Wei''s version of justice Seems to be nothing more than the preservation of power for those who already hold it." Silence fell over the inn. Wei Mun-ryang let out a short laugh. "Hah Young people these days certainly speak their minds." But his tone had lost its previous ease. At that moment, Kang Cheon-un intervened. "I have noticed that the word ''justice'' is being used frequently in this discussion." His voice remained calm, yet firm. "Justice is not something that can be enforced by power alone. The martial world should be a place where righteousness and chivalry coexist." Wei Mun-ryang scoffed slightly. "Brother Kang, you always speak so ideally." Kang Cheon-un maintained his serene expression. "Idealistic? No. It is the righteous who must hold power. But having power does not automatically make one righteous." He glanced between Wei Mun-ryang and Seo-eun. "The martial world descends into chaos when the strong begin to interpret justice however they please when strength itself becomes the definition of righteousness." Seo-eun studied Kang Cheon-un. His words were genuine. However She knew better. She knew that such an ideal was rarely realized in reality. She finally spoke. "Righteousness and chivalry What noble words." Yet, her tone carried a hint of skepticism. Wei Mun-ryang offered one final remark. "In the martial world, siding with justice is the only way to survive." At that, Seo-eun simply smiled. But her gaze remained cold. Kang Cheon-un gave a quiet response. "Righteousness and chivalry will not disappear from the martial world. It is only that people forget they exist." Seo-eun pondered those words as she stood. In that moment, she became more certain of the path she had chosen. A Narrow Escape C The Hidden Struggles of a Disguised Warrior A remote mountain village. Seo-eun and her companions arrived at a small inn, intending to rest for the night. After a long journey, exhaustion weighed on them, and dust clung to their clothes. Sweat dampened their garments, leaving a faint, musty scent. It was time to wash. "Are you planning to eat first without cleaning up?" Wei Yeon rubbed the back of his neck. "There''s a hot spring here, you know. The innkeeper just told meit''s supposed to be amazing!" Jin raised an eyebrow. "A hot spring?" Wei Yeon grinned. "Yeah! It''s not free, but how often do we get a chance like this?" Jin sighed and shook his head. "Hmph. I''ll pass. A simple wash will do." He stood and headed to his room. But then Wei Yeon turned to Seo-eun with a completely natural expression. "Come on, Li Shan! Let''s go together!" Seo-eun''s expression froze for a fraction of a second. What? Her mind rapidly calculated the situation. I have to refuse. ButWei Yeon was already excited. "You''re covered in dust too! What''s the problem? It''s just us men." He clapped her on the back. Even that small gesture sent a ripple of tension through her. This is dangerous. She had always been careful about maintaining her disguise. She hadn''t expected such a casual situation to turn into a crisis. Seo-eun forced a neutral expression. "I''ll pass. I''m not that tired." Wei Yeon tilted his head. "Huh? Do you not like hot springs?" "It''s not that, I just" "Then let''s go!" At that moment Jin, who had been watching quietly, narrowed his eyes slightly. Wei Yeon spoke without suspicion, but something about Li Shan''s reaction was off. Why is he so reluctant? Jin studied her carefully. Seo-eun, however, simply maintained her usual composure. "Some people prefer to bathe alone. No need to force him." Wei Yeon nodded. "Well, if you say so! I''ll be off, then!" As he left, Jin continued watching Seo-eun with a thoughtful gaze. And Seo-eun Knew she was running out of time. 4:The Day We Left the Inn, An Unexpected Misunderstanding The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the inn. The trio had been up early, preparing to set off on their journey. "Whew, that was a nice break," Gonryun Sect''s Wi-Yeon said with a stretch. He looked noticeably refreshed, likely thanks to his time at the hot springs the previous night. "How about you, Iseon? You got some good rest too, right?" At his casual question, Iseon nodded calmly. "Yes. I rested well." But inwardly, she felt differently. ''That was close'' She still remembered the man from the previous nightthe one who had been watching her closely. "That woman she looks familiar." Fortunately, nothing had happened, but if he recognized her again, it could become a serious problem. "Well then, shall we go?" Jin of the Hwasan Sect opened the door, signaling for them to leave. As they descended to the first floor of the inn "Huh? Hey! You look just like that woman from yesterday!" For a split second, Iseon''s heart sank. She slowly turned her head. And there, approaching them with a cup in hand, was the very man from the previous night. "Hmm You do look quite similar" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then suddenly seemed convinced of something. "Do you have a younger sister?" The atmosphere inside the inn shifted subtly. Some of the other martial artists, who had been drinking, turned to glance in their direction. Jin and Wi-Yeon were visibly confused. "What?" Jin asked, looking utterly perplexed. Wi-Yeon nearly choked on his tea. "Haha! What nonsense! Iseon with a younger sister? You must be mistaken." Wi-Yeon laughed it off, but Jin shot a fleeting glance at Iseon, his eyes holding a peculiar glint. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. However, Iseon remained unshaken. "Younger sister? I''m an only child." She answered without hesitation, her face devoid of emotion. Still, the man didn''t seem convinced. "That''s odd. You really do look alike Hmm, there''s just something about you that feels the same." He scrutinized her for a few more seconds before sighing. "Ah, well Must''ve been my imagination. What a shame." He muttered as he returned to his seat. Back at his table, he swirled his drink and mumbled to himself. "Strange That woman was truly beautiful." He tried to recall her face. "She had the same kind of presence as that guy, but more graceful. More refined." His gaze flickered back toward ''Iseon,'' the swordsman in men''s clothing. "Could he be hiding something?" He continued musing, his curiosity growing. "Why? I mean, it''s not unheard of for people in the martial world to conceal their identities, but why would a woman disguise herself as a man?" He let out a deep sigh and finally gave up. Meanwhile, Wi-Yeon let out a hearty laugh. "Puhaha! Iseon, looks like you''re quite popular! First, people say you look like a woman, and now they think you are one? Incredible!" He playfully patted Iseon on the shoulder. But Jin, who had been quietly observing the whole interaction, did not laugh. "Iseon." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. And in that brief instant, Iseon could sense it He was beginning to suspect her. ''This man he''s starting to see through me.'' She turned away, unwilling to meet his eyes. ''Something is off. If he simply thought I looked feminine, he wouldn''t be watching me like that.'' Jin remained silent, but he was analyzing every little detailevery slight inconsistency in Iseon''s behavior. ''First, refusing to bathe, and now this Too many small things don''t add up.'' "Let''s go." Iseon acted natural and walked ahead. Watching her back as she strode forward, Jin quietly murmured to himself. "Iseon Just what are you hiding?" A Moment of Crisis, The Unshaken Demon Sect Warrior ********************************************** The Forest Path C An Unexpected Ambush As the three continued along a quiet forest path, a strange presence filled the air. They stopped walking just as a group of men emerged from the shadows. "Well now, travelers You''re in our territory. You weren''t thinking of passing through for free, were you?" Dressed in dark clothes, each man bore the same insignia. ''Mountain bandits? No maybe a rogue martial sect?'' Iseon swiftly assessed the situation. ''Fifteen of them. Just the three of us. If we must fight, we should end this quickly.'' "Ah, what a pain," Wi-Yeon grumbled, drawing his sword. Jin''s hand rested on his hilt as well. "Hardly a surprise. People like this don''t gather in remote places for friendly conversations." But before they could engage One of the bandits snickered, pointing at Iseon. "That little runt''s your leader?" He let out a loud laugh. "Hey, kid! You look way too pretty to be a man! Like a damn woman!" Jin''s expression subtly shifted. But Iseon? She didn''t even flinch. "Shut up." And Swish! Before anyone could react, her blade cut through the air. The leading bandit fell before he even knew what had happened. "What the?!" The remaining men hesitated. Jin and Wi-Yeon took advantage of the moment. "No choice but to fight now," Jin muttered as he lunged forward. Wi-Yeon laughed, striking down another enemy. One after another, the bandits collapsed. The battle was swiftly concluding. But then "Watch out!" Jin''s voice rang out. A hidden enemy hurled a dagger straight at Iseon''s shoulder. Whoosh! She twisted, barely avoiding a direct hit, but the blade nicked her robe, tearing the fabric. Jin''s sharp gaze flickered toward the exposed area beneath the tear. Smooth skin. The faintest curve of a body. At that moment, realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. ''No way?'' His mind raced. ''If Iseon were truly a man, this shouldn''t be a big deal.'' ''But if Iseon were actually a woman there should be a hint of hesitation.'' However Iseon remained utterly unfazed. She glanced down at her torn clothing. "Oh, my robe is ripped." She casually adjusted it, her face as indifferent as ever. Jin hesitated. ''Wait Did I imagine it?'' From childhood, Iseon had been trained in the Demon Sect. In that world, there was no distinction between men and womenonly the strong and the weak. "Only the strong survive." That was the law she lived by. She had fought alongside men, suffered injuries beside them, slept in shared quarters with them. Her body had never been a factor in battle. "Your gender doesn''t matter. Win, and you live." That''s what her master had always said. So, to her, a torn robe was meaningless. Jin''s eyes darted between her and his own thoughts. ''No I must be overthinking it.'' ''Would a woman really react this calmly?'' For now, he decided to let it go. Iseon simply walked ahead, as if nothing had happened. Wi-Yeon chuckled, stretching. "Ah, that was a decent warm-up." But Jin Jin wasn''t so sure. ''I swear something isn''t right But I still don''t have proof.'' He exhaled deeply. For now, his suspicions were quieted. But he hadn''t let them go. Not yet. 5.The Traces of a Forgotten Sword Art The three travelers continued their journey through the winding mountain path. "Are you sure this is the right way?" Wi-Yeon grumbled, glancing around skeptically. Jin frowned as he studied the map. "It should be but the path is rougher than I expected." Iseon remained silent, her sharp gaze sweeping across the surroundings. Something felt off. The air was unnaturally still. Even the wind barely made a sound. ''This isn''t normal.'' A strange, almost eerie silence blanketed the area, as if time itself had come to a halt. Then, as they ventured further A massive boulder appeared before them. And carved across its surface Were dozens of sword marks. Wi-Yeon ran his fingers over the deep grooves, eyes widening in astonishment. "This isn''t just from random sword swings." Jin narrowed his eyes. "Someone actually wielded their sword here, deep in the mountains?" But Iseon quietly examined the etchings. And she realized something. These weren''t just random slashes. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. They formed a shape. A flow. It wasn''t mere destructionit was a record of movement. A seamless connection of strikes, as if someone had inscribed their technique into the very air itself. She reached for her sword. Then, she traced the grooves with her blade. Swish A gust of wind swirled around her. And her body naturally followed the movement. "This is no ordinary sword mark," she murmured. She swung her blade once more And her swordsmanship shifted. Jin and Wi-Yeon watched in awe. "What the? That''s not how she usually moves." At first, she was simply mimicking the marks. But then Her movements became her own. ''Is this a technique left behind by someone long ago? A forgotten sword art?'' She wasn''t certain. But the way her blade moved The way the energy flowed Felt utterly natural. "There are seven distinct flows in this technique." Her voice was barely a whisper. Seven Blades Dance. An unfinished sword styleone that was now, slowly, taking shape in her hands. Two Rumors That Shake the Martial World A quiet tavern. Iseon, Jin, and Wi-Yeon sat at a corner table, enjoying a brief rest on their journey. But tonight The atmosphere inside the tavern was tense. People were murmuring, voices hushed but urgent. Something was happening. "Have you heard the rumors?" A grizzled warrior at a nearby table leaned in, speaking in a low voice. "About the righteous sects? Yeah. Word is, they''ve begun a large-scale purge of the demonic sect remnants." Wi-Yeon paused, setting down his chopsticks. Jin sighed, swirling his drink. "So it''s finally begun." Wi-Yeon scoffed. "They''re just looking for an excuse to wipe out anyone who opposes them." "Still, it''s better than letting the demonic sects regain power," someone else argued. Just then A stranger at the far end of the tavern smirked and spoke up. "You think this is about righteousness?" He chuckled bitterly. "No. It''s about power." Jin''s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" The man leaned back, voice dripping with amusement. "Some of these so-called righteous sect leaders are using this as a way to expand their influence. The purge isn''t just about ''justice''it''s about securing power." Wi-Yeon snorted. "Hah. The martial world has never been clean. Even the righteous sects are nothing more than wolves in sheep''s clothing." Just as Jin was about to reply Another voice, this time quieteryet far more chillingechoed through the room. "That''s not even the biggest news." Silence fell. All eyes turned to a cloaked traveler nursing his drink in the shadows. "What''s bigger than a righteous sect war?" someone asked. The traveler exhaled slowly before dropping the bombshell. "The Demon Sect is moving again." Jin froze. Wi-Yeon''s expression darkened. Iseon Her fingers, wrapped around her cup, tightened ever so slightly. "What did you say?" Jin''s voice was dangerously calm. The traveler nodded grimly. "There have been reports. Strange figures appearing in remote regions. Signs of activity from old demonic sect members. Some say they never truly fell." The tavern erupted into whispers. "Impossible! The Demon Sect was wiped out years ago!" "They must be remnants. They can''t still be organized" Wi-Yeon scoffed, though his tone lacked confidence. "Tch. Just rumors. The Demon Sect was destroyed long ago." But Iseon remained silent. ''The Demon Sect is moving again?'' For the first time in years, her pastthe life she had left behindwas stirring once more. She raised her cup to her lips, expression unreadable. ''This was not part of my plan.'' She had walked away from it all. But now The past was coming back to find her. 6. An Unavoidable Fate Dark clouds loomed overhead. The trio wandered through another village in their journey across the martial world. However, something was different this time. Martial artists gathered in small groups, whispering in hushed voices. There was an unspoken tension in the air. "This doesn''t feel right," Jin muttered cautiously. Wi-Yeon pointed toward the village entrance. "Look over there." At the village entrance, members of the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions stood in a tense standoff. "It''s as I feared" Jin murmured. "The conflict between the factions is escalating." Seo-Eun also studied the scene carefully. The Orthodox faction had raised their banners, surrounding the Unorthodox forces. On the other side, the Unorthodox martial artists shouted defiantly, their expressions filled with hostility. And then "You righteous bastards think you can drive us out so easily?!" A warrior from the Unorthodox faction leaped into the air, his martial energy flaring. A swordsman from the Orthodox faction drew his blade, his voice calm yet commanding. "This land must abide by the laws of the martial world. The remnants of the Unorthodox faction must leave immediately." The air grew heavy. A fight was about to break out. "This isn''t something we should get involved in," Jin muttered under his breath. Wi-Yeon folded his arms, nodding. "We''re neither Orthodox nor Unorthodox. This isn''t our fight." But then "Please, help us!" Terrified villagers ran out from their homes, their faces stricken with fear. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. If the battle broke out, innocent people would be caught in the crossfire. Jin clenched his fists. "Damn it. This is why I hate martial world conflicts." Wi-Yeon drew his sword. "We may not be on either side, but we can at least protect the people." Seo-Eun silently grasped her sword. They moved toward the battlefieldnot to take part in the fight, but to shield the villagers from harm. The battle erupted. Blades clashed, martial techniques illuminated the sky, and the air filled with the scent of blood. The trio maneuvered through the chaos, leading the villagers to safety. However A warrior from the Unorthodox faction noticed Seo-Eun''s movements amidst the battle. His eyes narrowed. ''She''s neither Orthodox nor Unorthodox'' Something about her presence unsettled him. Her movements were precise yet fluid, unlike the rigid techniques of the Orthodox faction. They lacked the sheer aggression of the Unorthodox faction as well. But what truly caught his attention Was the familiarity. There was something eerily familiar about her swordsmanship. And then, it hit him. The Demonic Cult. His expression hardened. ''Could she be connected to the Demonic Cult?'' The warrior dashed toward her without hesitation. "You Who are you?" His voice was laced with suspicion. Jin and Wi-Yeon quickly noticed the shift in his demeanor and stepped forward. "What''s your problem? Why are you targeting him?" Wi-Yeon demanded, gripping his sword. But the Unorthodox warrior remained wary. "You You''re not with the Orthodox or Unorthodox factions, are you?" His eyes locked onto Seo-Eun. "Then Are you with the Demonic Cult?" Silence. Jin and Wi-Yeon froze at the accusation. "What?" Jin whispered. Murmurs spread through the crowd. "The Demonic Cult?" "Is that man from the Demonic Cult?" Tension surged instantly. Wi-Yeon''s expression darkened. "That''s a ridiculous accusation. We have no connection to the Demonic Cult." But the warrior was resolute. "No That sword technique. That movement. I''ve seen something similar before." His grip on his weapon tightened. "The flow of your swordit resembles the Demonic Cult''s techniques. If that''s true, then you must be from the Cult!" Seo-Eun gazed at him calmly. Then A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "How absurd." Her voice was cold. "If someone isn''t Orthodox or Unorthodox, do they automatically belong to the Demonic Cult?" The warrior flinched. Jin stepped forward, voice firm. "Iseon is not from the Demonic Cult. Neither are we." Wi-Yeon''s tone was equally resolute. "We have no intention of joining this fight, so don''t drag us into your paranoia." But the fire of suspicion had already been lit. The crowd''s unease grew. "Could this be related to the Demonic Cult''s recent movements?" "I thought the Cult had been destroyed long ago" Seo-Eun''s fingers trembled slightly. The Demonic Cult. She had abandoned it long ago. Yet now, it seemed determined to drag her back. ''No matter how far I run I can never truly escape it, can I?'' But she remained calm. "Hmph. Stop spewing nonsense." And with that, she tightened her grip on her sword. A choice would have to be made soon. A Hidden Loyalty As the tension reached its peak, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the village. A group of warriors in pristine white robes arrived, exuding an aura of authority. Jin frowned. "Orthodox faction?" Wi-Yeon narrowed his eyes. "Looks like it." The leader of the newcomers dismounted and surveyed the scene. Upon spotting Jin and Wi-Yeon, his expression shifted slightly. "So, a disciple of Mount Hua and a disciple of Kunlun." His gaze lingered before he nodded. "If Mount Hua and Kunlun stand here, then I trust the righteous path is being upheld." Hearing this, the Orthodox faction members visibly relaxed. Meanwhile, the Unorthodox warriors scoffed. "Tch. Just because they''re Orthodox doesn''t mean they''re trustworthy." But the leader of the newcomers took another step forward. "This conflict must end here." "Any further battle will only bring harm to innocent people." His words carried undeniable weight. Slowly, the tensions eased. Both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions saw no further reason to escalate the conflict. And so, they reluctantly withdrew. But Not everyone left without suspicion. One of the Unorthodox warriors continued watching Seo-Eun closely. His thoughts churned. ''That sword technique It''s not Orthodox. It''s not Unorthodox. But it feels familiar'' He narrowed his eyes. ''Could she really be connected to the Demonic Cult?'' His suspicions lingered. But without proof, he said nothing. For now. 7.Emotions Blooming Amidst Chaos Night had deepened. Jin was inside his guesthouse room, polishing his sword, yet his gaze was fixed on a single point. "Iseon No, just what is this?" The thought of one person refused to leave his mind. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Too different to be a man But I can''t be sure she''s a woman either." He recalled the events from earlier that day. The hot spring, the moment when her clothes were torn, and the subtle, inexplicable atmosphere. And The strange aura that radiated when she wielded her sword. "Could it be the Demonic Cult?" His grip on the sword tightened. If Iseon was truly from the Demonic Cult "Then am I falling for a demonic cultist?" That thought made him shudder. He had tried to deny it repeatedly, but he couldn''t stop himself from watching her. Jin stood from his seat and opened the window, staring up at the night sky. Yet, the memories kept resurfacing. Their first duelwhen she had effortlessly defeated him. The peculiar feeling he had sensed at the inn. That fleeting moment at the hot spring. The silhouette he had glimpsed by the river. He clenched his teeth. "No, Iseon is a man! But then why am I feeling this way?" He covered his face with one hand. "Could it be that I like men?" The thought made his stomach twist. Yet, at the same time, he firmly denied it. "No she must be a woman. She must be." As if casting a spell on himself, he repeated it. "Unless she is a woman these feelings don''t make sense." But "What if she isn''t? Then what does that make me?" The denial, the conflict within himself It only grew stronger. At that moment "Why do you look so serious?" The door creaked open, and Wiyun stepped inside. He casually sat down, pulling out a bottle of wine. "Something on your mind?" Jin hesitated. But Wiyun''s lighthearted attitude strangely irritated him. He spoke coldly. "What do you think about Iseon?" Wiyun took a sip from his bottle, a faint smile forming. But he feigned ignorance. "What do I think? Just a good companion." "Do you really think that''s all?" This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Jin gritted his teeth. At that, Wiyun chuckled. "Seeing how troubled you are this is getting interesting." Jin''s face stiffened. "What do you mean by that?" Wiyun downed another drink, his gaze turning sharp. "Jin, could it be that you have feelings for Iseon?" Jin flinched. "No, I that''s not" But the moment he hesitated Wiyun laughed. "Then why are you so worked up?" Jin fell silent. He couldn''t answer. Because the fact that he was troubled at all meant he already knew the answer. "Jin, you''re already wavering." Wiyun pretended not to care, but deep inside, he was entertained. "Well, think it over." He set his cup down and stood. "But one thing is clear." Jin narrowed his eyes. "And what would that be?" As Wiyun walked out, he turned back and spoke from the shadowy hallway. "No matter how much you deny it your feelings for Iseon won''t just disappear." And with that, he closed the door behind him. Jin sat in silence. "Iseon just who are you?" His emotions They were only growing deeper. A Matter of Life and Death, An Unexpected Help A dense fog covered the mountain path. The trio moved swiftly, speaking little. Iseon sensed something was off. It wasn''t mere intuitionshe felt the presence of a hidden predator. "Can you feel it?" She whispered. Jin and Wiyun gripped their swords. "This isn''t just some common bandits." Jin''s gaze sharpened. "Yeah, this is" Wiyun pressed his lips together. And then Whoosh! A dark figure darted through the forest. A gust of wind split the air as a shadow lunged at them. Boom! The trio instantly reacted, deflecting the first strike. But "Ugh!" For the first time, Iseon staggered back. Since their journey began, this was the first time she had been pushed back in a battle. "Not bad." A cold voice echoed from the darkness. A man emerged, his eyes glowing red. He wielded a sharp blade, smirking. "What a surprise, running into you here." "Who are you?" Jin demanded. The man didn''t answer. Instead Swish! He lunged. Iseon swung her sword instantly, but He was faster than expected. Crash! A powerful force traveled up her arm. "This isn''t just internal energy." She gritted her teeth. This man wasn''t just some martial artist. A cold-blooded killer A warrior who had honed himself through countless battles. Jin and Wiyun launched counterattacks, but the enemy was predicting their every move. "This is the end for you." His blade slashed down mercilessly. Swish! A tear formed in Wiyun''s clothing. "Tch!" Jin barely deflected a strike, but their techniques weren''t working. This opponent He was the strongest they had ever faced. At that moment Whoosh! Another shadow shot out from the darkness. "What?!" Jin instinctively reacted. A sudden flash of steel intercepted the enemy''s blade. "Hmph. Didn''t expect to see you here." A new group appeared Dressed in black, eyes sharp as daggers. Wiyun murmured, "The Unorthodox Sect?" Opposed to the righteous sects, Yet now standing between them and their enemy. "Who are you people?" Jin asked, frowning. The enemy warrior took a step back, glaring. "Tch, so you lot are getting involved too?" One of the unorthodox warriors stepped forward, scoffing. "We don''t kill without reason." And They clashed. As the battle raged on, the enemy was finally forced to retreat. The unorthodox warriors turned away, preparing to leave. But Iseon stepped forward. "Why did you help us?" Her voice was calm, but her question carried weight. One of the warriors glanced back. "Just because they call us evil" His voice was quiet. "Doesn''t mean we actually are." With that, they vanished into the night. Yet, their words remained. Wiyun crossed his arms. "I think we need to reconsider what we know about this world." Jin stared at his sword. "Justice, evil do those labels really mean anything?" Iseon gazed into the depths of the forest. For the first time She felt the lines between good and evil blur. She had been raised in the Demonic Cult, watching the endless conflict between the righteous and the unorthodox sects. But now For the first time, She questioned if those boundaries had ever truly existed. Conviction and Confrontation Deep within the forest, as the evening settled in, the trio found a quiet clearing where they decided to set up camp for the night. Iseon had stepped away, saying she needed a short walk, leaving Jin and Wiyun alone by the campfire, finishing their meal. Tonight, however, Jin was unusually quiet. He sat by the fire, sharpening his sword without a word. Wiyun took a sip of his wine and chuckled. "You''re acting strange these days." Jin didn''t stop his movements. "In what way?" Wiyun smirked. "You seem a little too concerned about Iseon." Jin didn''t respond. But His hand, for just a brief second, hesitated. And Wiyun caught that moment instantly. "Iseon''s been on your mind a lot, hasn''t he?" Jin slowly raised his head. His eyes were filled with conflict. "Wiyun." His voice was low, but firm. "You already know, don''t you?" Wiyun tilted his head, pretending not to understand. "Know what?" "Iseon." Jin exhaled, staring at the fire. "She is not a man." Wiyun''s expression barely shifted. He maintained his usual, relaxed demeanor, yet there was a subtle tension in his gaze. "You''re sure?" "I am." Jin''s voice was unwavering. "I can''t deny it anymore." He clenched his fist. "At first, I just thought something was off. But little by little, the signs became too clear to ignore." He recalled every moment. "She refused to bathe in the hot spring, hesitated when her clothes were torn, displayed small but distinct behaviors She''s hiding it, but now I know for certain." Wiyun took a deep breath, then let out a slow sigh. He finally placed his wine bottle down and spoke. "So, what do you plan to do with this knowledge?" Jin turned his gaze toward him. "You knew from the beginning, didn''t you?" Wiyun smirked but didn''t deny it. "Yeah." Jin''s eyes narrowed. "Then why didn''t you tell me?" Wiyun let out a short chuckle. "Did I need to?" Jin clenched his jaw. "Are you trying to protect her?" At those words, Wiyun''s expression finally changed. He set his cup down and slowly rose to his feet. "Jin." His voice turned lower. "Now that you know what are you going to do about it?" Jin remained silent. Wiyun clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Have you ever stopped to think about why she''s disguising herself as a man?" Jin blinked. "What?" Wiyun crossed his arms. "It''s one thing to know she''s a woman. But it''s another thing entirely to understand why she''s keeping it a secret." His gaze sharpened. "And if you expose that secret, she may never be safe again." Jin gritted his teeth. A storm of thoughts raged inside his mind. "Then why?" "Why what?" "Why is she hiding it?" Wiyun sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "That''s something she has to tell you herself." Jin clenched his fists. The more he got to know her, the more conflicted he became. The more he watched her, the more his emotions swayed. Wiyun gave him one last glance before picking up his cup again. "If you care about her, you won''t push her on this." He took a slow sip and spoke lightly. "Besides, I''m curious to see how long it takes you to figure things out on your own." Jin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I still don''t know." Wiyun grinned. "I figured as much." He turned, walking away into the night. Jin was left alone with the crackling flames, staring at his sword. Iseon who are you? Doubt and curiosity Those feelings had long since evolved into something else. 8.Different Approaches, But Together The three walked along a quiet mountain path, heading toward their next destination. On the surface, everything seemed the same as before. But something had changed. Lee So-eun could sense it. "This feels different." She muttered inwardly. Jin and Wi-yeon''s attitudes had subtly shifted. Before, they would have been joking around or engaging in playful arguments. Now, however, they were unusually careful around her. Especially Jin. His gaze had changed. She could tell that he was looking at hernot just out of casual interest, but with a newfound certainty and confusion mixed together. Meanwhile, Wi-yeon was different. He still acted cheerful and carefree, but underneath his demeanor, there was a subtle protective instinct that hadn''t been there before. So-eun pretended not to notice. But she had already realized it. They knew something. Jin was silently wrestling with his thoughts. "What am I supposed to do?" He had confirmed that Lee So-eun was a woman. But he still didn''t know why she was hiding it. And he couldn''t just ask her outright. So He became more cautious. He stopped being rough with her or teasing her like before. Instead, he paid attention to every little detail, making sure she wasn''t uncomfortable. But in doing so He only made things more awkward. Wi-yeon, on the other hand, was different. He had already known. And from the beginning, he had no intention of exposing her secret. "So-eun has her reasons for hiding her identity." If that was the case, Then he didn''t need to interfere. So he simply acted the same as alwaysjoking around, laughing, pretending as if nothing had changed. However, because their approaches were so different, the way they treated her also became inconsistent. As they walked, So-eun kept her expression neutral, but she was becoming increasingly aware of their behavior. Jin was too careful. As if she was someone fragile who needed to be handled delicately. Wi-yeon was too relaxed. As if he was pretending not to see anything at all. But one thing was clear. They were both conscious of her now. And So-eun had a thought. "Do they know?" As they approached a small town, a passing martial artist bumped into her. "Hey! Watch where you''re going," the man grumbled. So-eun didn''t react and started to walk past him. But at that moment Jin glared at the man. "Apologize." His voice was calm but heavy. The man flinched. "W-What?" "You were rude to Lee Seon." Jin''s hand gripped his sword slightly. Wi-yeon sighed. "Jin, you''re being overly sensitive." But Jin didn''t back down. "This isn''t something to just let go." So-eun immediately realized that Jin was more sensitive than usual. She quickly stepped in to settle the situation. "It''s fine. Let''s just go." She spoke briefly and resumed walking. Jin remained standing for a moment before reluctantly following. As they continued, Wi-yeon walked beside him with a knowing smile. "You might want to tone it down." Jin frowned. "What are you talking about?" Wi-yeon shrugged. "You''re making it too obvious." Then he sighed. "Do you know what So-eun least wants right now?" Jin had no response. Wi-yeon smirked before walking ahead. A Warrior''s Choice Deep in the mountains, beneath the quiet night sky. The three sat around a campfire, as they had done many times before. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. But tonight felt different. Jin and Wi-yeon were staring at each other, tension thick in the air. "You," Jin started, voice firm, "why are you acting like this?" Wi-yeon took a sip of his drink and smiled. "Acting like what?" Jin''s expression hardened. "You''re being too indifferent." Wi-yeon sighed. "And you''re being too protective." Jin clenched his jaw. "So-eun needs to be protected." Wi-yeon''s eyes turned cold. "Says who? So-eun? Or you?" Jin opened his mouth, but no words came out. Wi-yeon chuckled and shook his head. "I get it. You care about her. But let me ask you something Are you protecting her because she asked for it? Or are you just protecting what you want her to be?" Jin was silent. Then, finally, he spoke. "After knowing the truth, how am I supposed to treat her the same way?" And at that moment "Enough." A quiet voice cut through the conversation. Both of them turned. So-eun was standing. Her face was unreadable. She slowly looked toward the fire. Then, at last, she spoke. "I won''t hide anymore." Her voice was calm, yet filled with conviction. Jin and Wi-yeon''s eyes widened. So-eun took a deep breath and said: "Yes, I am a woman." She looked down at herself, her silhouette flickering in the firelight. But then, she added something that changed everything. "But before that, I am a warrior." Jin swallowed hard. Wi-yeon''s smirk faded. So-eun''s gaze was firm. "I disguised myself, not because I was afraid of being a woman in the martial world but because I wanted to be recognized as a warrior." She looked between the two men. "And if you now only see me as a woman then" She paused. Then, she declared firmly: "I can no longer walk the same path with you." Jin was speechless. Even Wi-yeon, who usually had a quick remark, was quiet. But her words were not spoken out of frustration. They were the truth of what she had come to realize through her journey. Jin clenched his fists. "But I don''t want you to be in danger" So-eun sighed. "See? You''re still treating me differently." Jin had no argument. Wi-yeon finally let out a quiet laugh. "As expected of you, Seon." He met her gaze. "But even if you say that knowing you''re a woman, it''s not like we can completely act the same as before." So-eun gave a cold smile. "Then I have no reason to stay with you." Jin quickly said, "Wait!" But she had already turned away. "I am not special." Her voice was quiet. "I am just like youa warrior." Then, she declared firmly: "So if you can''t treat me as an equal, I won''t walk this path with you." Silence followed. Jin bit his lip. He was caught between wanting to protect her and respecting her wishes. Wi-yeon let out a breath and smirked. "I''ve already made my decision." He raised his hands in surrender. "If you want to be treated the same as before, then fine. I won''t change." His attitude remained unchanged. Jin clenched his teeth. But in the end, he sighed and nodded. "Fine." He exhaled. "But that won''t be easy." So-eun smirked. "That''s your problem, not mine." She sat back down. The fire flickered between them. Now, their journey had entered a new phase. She had revealed her truth But she demanded to be seen as a warrior, not just a woman. Could the two men truly uphold that? And could she truly walk the path she desired? 9.A Confrontation with the Elders of Wulin A quiet village. As the three walked through the streets, they noticed a small pavilion in the courtyard where a group of martial artists was engaged in a heated discussion. Among them, one man stood out the most. Baek Do-cheon (׵). A senior figure of the righteous sects, he had built a reputation over the years not just for his martial prowess but also for his notoriously rigid personality. "Hah! The martial world these days is in utter chaos!" His sharp voice echoed through the air. Before him, several martial artists stood respectfully, quietly listening to his lecture. Jin (Hwasan Sect) and Wi-yeon (Kunlun Sect) both frowned at the familiar sight. "There he goes again." Wi-yeon muttered under his breath. Jin smirked. "The infamous old grump of Wulin. Among the elders, he''s the most stubborn of them all." Lee So-eun silently observed him. Then Baek Do-cheon''s gaze turned toward them. His eyes narrowed. "Hmm?" Slowly, he scrutinized Lee So-eun. Then, he sighed. "Do young men all look like this nowadays?" The atmosphere subtly shifted. Lee So-eun kept her expression unreadable. But inside, she was analyzing the situation. ''Did he notice?'' The old man''s gaze was sharp. "Hey, youngster." Baek Do-cheon spoke slowly. "These days, do all martial artists have such frail-looking bodies?" His tone was calm, yet there was clear suspicion in his words. "Well, I suppose youngsters these days wandering around calling themselves martial artists, pfft" He shook his head in disapproval. Lee So-eun''s eyes turned cold. "Elder." Her voice was low and steady. "Is a martial artist judged by appearance alone?" Baek Do-cheon paused for a moment. His eyes became even sharper. "My, my, such an impudent young one." He clicked his tongue. "But in the world I''ve lived in Martial artists have always been men." The weight of his words caused the air to grow heavy. Lee So-eun narrowed her eyes. "And?" She asked coldly. "Are you saying that women cannot be martial artists?" Baek Do-cheon chuckled. "Well, of course. Even if a woman learns martial arts, her nature remains different, doesn''t it?" He folded his arms. "My own daughter practiced martial arts, yet I never understood why a woman should be wielding a sword." At his words, Jin and Wi-yeon both frowned. Then Jin stepped forward. "Elder." His voice was firm and steady. "Isn''t Wulin a place where only the strong survive?" Baek Do-cheon glared at him. "So what?" "Then, whether man or woman, if one is strong, they survive. If they are weak, they perish. Is that not the law of Wulin?" Jin spoke unwaveringly. Baek Do-cheon''s brows furrowed. At that moment Wi-yeon smirked and joined in. "Oh, Elder. The world is changing." His tone was light and teasing. "We''re no longer in an era where women should be barred from learning martial arts." Baek Do-cheon turned his glare to Wi-yeon. "So you two are saying you approve of this young one disguising herself as a man?" At his words, silence fell over the area. Jin and Wi-yeon exchanged glances. Then, they each responded in their own way. Jin answered bluntly. "I don''t care." Baek Do-cheon''s eyes narrowed. "What?" Jin met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "In Wulin, what matters is not ''who'' you are, but ''how strong'' you are." His voice was resolute. "Whether Lee Seon is disguised as a man or is actually a woman, he is already strong enough to be recognized as a martial artist." Baek Do-cheon had no immediate rebuttal. Then Wi-yeon, with a sly grin, added, "And besides, Elder" His voice was playful. "If both a Hwasan and a Kunlun disciple are standing by one person, wouldn''t that mean that person isn''t ordinary?" Baek Do-cheon was momentarily speechless. He looked at the three, then let out a deep sigh and chuckled bitterly. "Hmph Young people these days sure are strange." At that moment A gentle voice interrupted. "Husband, that''s enough." They turned to see a middle-aged woman approaching. It was Baek Do-cheon''s wife. "Are you still talking about such outdated things?" Her voice was soft, yet firm. Baek Do-cheon flinched and looked at her. "But, dear, I was just" "Enough." Her tone left no room for argument. "It''s time you accepted reality. The world is changing." Baek Do-cheon fell silent. She turned to Lee So-eun with a warm smile. "Young one, My husband may be stubborn, but he means no harm. Please don''t take his words too seriously." Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. She smiled kindly. Then, turning back to her husband, she sighed. "Come now, let''s go. No need to embarrass yourself by sounding like an old relic." Baek Do-cheon sighed deeply. But he didn''t argue further. As he turned to leave, he muttered under his breath. "Kids these days sure are strange." And with that, the elder of Wulin departed. Encounter with the Demonic Sect, and Unfolding Suspicion The trio was traveling along a deep mountain path. Lee So-eun quietly surveyed her surroundings. ''This feels strange.'' The energy here was different from usual. It was quiet. Too quiet. Suddenly Whoosh! A sharp presence emerged from the darkness. "Be careful!" Jin and Wi-yeon drew their swords simultaneously. However, before they could act, Lee So-eun moved first. Bang! With a loud clash, blades collided. She took a step back. And in front of her stood a man dressed in black. The man, with dark eyes glowing ominously, spoke. "I felt a strong energy So it was you." A sword was in his hand. Jin gritted his teeth. "The Demonic Sect" Wi-yeon immediately adopted a defensive posture. "Why are they here?" However, the man''s gaze was solely on Lee So-eun. He slowly raised his sword and spoke. "Your swordsmanship It feels so familiar." At that moment, Lee So-eun''s eyes subtly flickered. But she quickly concealed her expression and replied. "Talking nonsense." The man from the Demonic Sect chuckled. "Really? But I can''t shake the familiar feeling emanating from your sword." He tightened his grip on the sword. "Then Let''s confirm it." And with that, his sword swiftly swung. The fight began. Lee So-eun moved quickly, dodging his strikes. But as the battle continued, the man kept talking. "This swordsmanship Where have I seen it before?" His movements grew faster. Jin and Wi-yeon couldn''t easily intervene. They realized that this wasn''t just a duel. Lee So-eun was from the Demonic Sect. She knew it. The man could sense a similar flow of swordplay to the Demonic Sect''s techniques in hers. ''This is dangerous.'' She quickly assessed the situation. The longer this fight lasted, the more her true identity would be exposed. So She altered her swordsmanship. In an instant, the flow of her sword changed. Jin and Wi-yeon also sensed it. "What is this?" Jin muttered softly. Wi-yeon wore a subtle expression. Lee So-eun''s sword seemed different from her usual style, but the essence was the same. ''Is she deliberately hiding her swordsmanship?'' But the man from the Demonic Sect didn''t miss it. He stopped the fight and sheathed his sword. And then, he gave her a meaningful smile. "Interesting." He muttered softly. "I''ll figure out who you are, slowly." He turned and disappeared into the darkness. However, his last words lingered deeply in Lee So-eun''s mind. "I''ve seen this swordsmanship before. Where could it have been?" What that meant was clear. Her past was slowly catching the attention of the Demonic Sect. After the man from the Demonic Sect disappeared. The trio briefly reorganized. But then Quiet footsteps approached. "Hmmm" An old monk in worn robes was quietly observing them. His face was wrinkled, but a soft smile was on his lips. Jin and Wi-yeon looked at him with surprise. "Master?" They could tell at a glance that he wasn''t just an ordinary monk. However, The old monk slowly looked at Lee So-eun. And then, he silently observed her hand. "Your energy is unusual." With those words, Lee So-eun''s fingertips trembled slightly. But she calmly responded. "What do you mean?" The old monk smiled gently. Then, slowly turned his back and spoke. "You don''t know yet. But what flows within you is not just swordsmanship." With that, he quietly vanished. However, His words resonated deeply, shaking Lee So-eun''s thoughts. Jin and Wi-yeon looked at her. "Lee So-eun, are you okay?" Wi-yeon asked cautiously. However, Lee So-eun gave a brief answer. "I''m fine." But inside, She was thinking one thing. ''Is there something I don''t know yet?'' The man from the Demonic Sect sensed the familiar energy in her swordsmanship. And the old monk spoke of another power flowing within her. Now, She was becoming more exposed to many eyes. Could this be a mere coincidence? Or, Was some truth from her past slowly revealing itself? Now, She had to make a choice. Should she continue to hide her true identity, 10.A Village Stained with Blood, and Growing Suspicion The trio was walking down the usual path. However, off in the distance, dark red smoke was rising. "...I sense something ominous," Jin muttered softly. Wi-yeon also surveyed the surroundings and said, "That smoke... Is the village burning?" Lee So-eun remained silent, gazing at the smoke. Her intuition was speaking to her. This was no mere accident. And when they arrived at the village, their suspicions were confirmed. The town was already in chaos. Buildings were engulfed in flames, and people were running away in fear. In the center of the village, A group of people dressed in black were trampling the villagers. It was the demonic cult. Wi-yeon gritted his teeth. "These bastards, massacring innocent people so blatantly..." Jin also gripped his sword. "This isn''t a conflict between martial factionsit''s pure slaughter." But, Lee So-eun said nothing and stared coldly at them. These people were from the demonic cult. But to her, they were no longer ''her organization.'' She slowly drew her sword. "...I''ll deal with this." Her voice was cold. When the cultists saw the trio, they sneered and drew their swords. "Hah! More of the righteous faction," one of them mocked. Their attention was only on Jin and Wi-yeon. However, When Lee So-eun drew her sword, their expressions changed. "...Your swordsmanship is unusual," one of them said with a wary gaze. Before they could say more The battle began. Jin and Wi-yeon quickly dispatched the cultists, using their righteous martial arts. However, The most striking thing was Lee So-eun''s swordsmanship. Her sword moved gracefully, as if dancing, with a strange flow that could only be seen in the demonic cult. One of the cultists gasped in disbelief. "That swordsmanship...!?" But before he could finish his sentence, Lee So-eun''s sword stopped right in front of his throat. "...No need for words." She swiftly cut him down. The cultists were quickly defeated. And the villagers, seeing this, bowed their heads in gratitude. "Thank you so much...!" Jin and Wi-yeon smiled and reassured them. But, At that moment, A group of righteous martial artists arrived from a distance. They looked at the trio, stunned. "Are you... the disciples of Mount Hua and Mount Kunlun? Did you save this village?" Wi-yeon chuckled lightly. "We were just passing by and decided to help." But, Their gazes also turned to Lee So-eun. The leader of the group spoke. "...Are you a disciple of the righteous martial arts too?" At that moment, Lee So-eun''s hand gripped her sword. However, She calmly responded, "No, I''m just a wandering martial artist." But, Their looks became more intense. "That''s hard to believe with such exceptional swordsmanship." "Especially... the way you wield your sword isn''t like the typical righteous sect style." At that moment, Jin quietly spoke, "We vouch for her abilities." Wi-yeon added, "We''re just traveling together, but Lee So-eun is undoubtedly a strong martial artist." The righteous martial artists nodded. "I see... In any case, this incident will definitely raise your reputation." Their gaze was filled with approval and acknowledgment. However, The subtle shift in their reactions bothered Lee So-eun. She muttered softly, "...I''ve drawn unwanted attention." The trio left the village. However, Two important changes had occurred because of this incident. First, The righteous martial artists had begun to take notice of Lee So-eun. She was no longer just a wandering martial artist, but someone with the skill worthy of recognition from the righteous factions. Second, The demonic cult had started to notice her as well. During the battle, they had clearly sensed a familiar energy in her swordsmanship. And, This fact would surely spread within the demonic cult. Lee So-eun sensed this instinctively. "...I must be more careful from now on." However, She could no longer quietly wander the martial world without drawing attention. Finding a New Path This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. In the deep mountains, The trio found a small cave and decided to rest there for a while. Lee So-eun silently built a fire and lightly tapped her sword hilt with her fingertips. Her mind was preoccupied with a single thought. This cannot continue. Both the demonic cult and the righteous sect were beginning to take notice of her. She could no longer use her swordsmanship as she had before. Jin glanced at her briefly from beside her. "...You seem deep in thought." Lee So-eun quietly replied, "A little." Wi-yeon, polishing his sword on the side, spoke up. "Well, at least today the righteous martial artists recognized us, so that''s a good thing, right?" Jin smirked. "It''s a good thing... but also a dangerous one." Wi-yeon tilted his head in confusion. "Dangerous? How?" Jin quietly looked at Lee So-eun and said, "Lee So-eun has already begun to draw attention. You know, don''t you? Anyone who''s skilled with a sword in this martial world always attracts attention." Wi-yeon now understood and nodded. "I see..." However, Lee So-eun had already reached her conclusion. She would have to learn new swordsmanship. She slowly closed her eyes. After some time of contemplation, she suddenly remembered something. Not long ago, she had discovered sword marks deep in the mountains. They were not just simple marks. They were a ''flow''an ancient sword technique that cut through space. She stood up. Jin and Wi-yeon looked at her, surprised. "Lee So-eun? Where are you going suddenly?" Wi-yeon asked. Lee So-eun gently twirled her sword and answered, "I need to practice my swordplay for a bit." Jin squinted as he watched her. "...You''re going to practice your sword?" However, she didn''t explain further and walked out of the cave. Wi-yeon, confused, said, "...Has Lee So-eun always been this impulsive?" Jin quietly watched her and murmured, "She''s trying to change." In the darkness of the forest, Lee So-eun walked deeper into the woods. And there, Was the huge rock she had seen earlier, marked with the sword traces. She slowly drew her sword. And, following the traces, she moved. Swish Every time the sword followed the marks, her body naturally flowed with it. ''This isn''t just a simple sword strike.'' She realized then. This was a ''flow.'' It wasn''t just about cutting, but about using space, creating momentum, and pressuring the opponent with the sword. She became more and more absorbed in it. But then, Wi-yeon silently observed her. He had followed her. He watched from behind a tree, silently observing. Her swordplay was changing. ''...This is something different.'' He instinctively knew that she wasn''t just practicing swordplay. Wi-yeon bit his lip. ''How far are you planning to go, Lee So-eun?'' He understood why she was learning this sword technique. Lee So-eun had to become stronger. And, she had to hide her true identity. Wi-yeon sighed and turned away. He mumbled to himself. "Alright... Then, I''ll just watch you." He didn''t approach her and quietly left the spot. Lee So-eun practiced until dawn. She followed the sword marks, shaping the technique in her own way. It wasn''t just any swordsmanshipit was a new flow. It was as if the sword dancedsmoothly moving, then suddenly striking with force. She stopped her sword and whispered quietly. "...It''s like a ''dance.''" She looked down at her sword. And from that moment, She began to create her own swordsmanship. When she returned to the cave, Jin and Wi-yeon silently looked at her. Jin spoke first. "...Is your practice over?" Lee So-eun nodded. "Yes." However, Jin''s gaze remained skeptical. "Your swordsmanship... It seems a bit different now." She raised an eyebrow slightly. "Does it seem different?" Jin nodded. "Definitely. But..." He muttered quietly, "That change... it''s not a bad thing." Wi-yeon smiled lightly. "If you refine your swordplay even more, you''ll become much stronger." Lee So-eun remained silent, staring at the fire. But, She was thinking to herself. ''From now on, I must walk an entirely new path.'' 11.The Reappearance of the Martial Arts Demon’s Expert, Revealing the Truth The three of them were passing through a deep mountain path. Before they knew it, night had fallen, and the moonlight shone through the branches of the trees. At that moment Shhh! A sharp sword energy cut through the air, approaching them. "Be careful!" Wi-yeon reacted quickly, drawing his sword. Jin also instinctively drew his sword. However, Before either of them could react, Iseo-eun unsheathed her sword and accurately blocked the incoming sword energy. Clang! The air trembled, and the forest shook violently. Then, From the darkness, a figure stepped forward. "It''s been a while." A man dressed in black. He was the same expert from the Demon Sect they had encountered earlier. The man smirked as he looked at her. "Just as I expected." His gaze sharpened. "Your swordsmanship has changed." He slowly drew his sword and said, "When I first saw you, there was definitely a trace of the Demon Sect in your style." He casually twirled his sword as he glared at her. "But now it''s like something between the orthodox sect and the evil sect." He raised the corners of his mouth. "Are you intentionally hiding it?" At that moment, Jin and Wi-yeon simultaneously turned their gaze to Iseo-eun. However, Iseo-eun calmly raised her sword and said, "What are you trying to say?" The Demon Sect expert lifted his sword. "Let''s find out for ourselves." And once again, their swords clashed. The battle was intense. Iseo-eun no longer used the same swordsmanship as before. She was applying a new sword technique, the flow she had studied from the sword marks. The Demon Sect expert quickly noticed this. ''...This is not the Demon Sect''s swordsmanship.'' In that instant, He tried a surprise attack. "Tch!" Iseo-eun twisted her body to evade, but The tip of his sword grazed her, tearing her sleeve. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. The thin fabric fluttered in the wind, Revealing her skin and the curve of her body. For a moment, The Demon Sect expert''s pupils wavered. Jin and Wi-yeon reflexively glanced at her. However, Iseo-eun nonchalantly raised her sword again. Her expression and demeanor remained unchanged. She simply asked, "Are you going to continue?" Her gaze was still cold. Seeing this, The Demon Sect expert became more convinced. ''This person is definitely from the Demon Sect.'' He muttered as he observed her reaction. "Any ordinary woman would have been startled." He tilted his head slightly. "But you''re unfazed. And you don''t even show any signs of being flustered." He looked at her sharply. "This is the attitude only someone raised in the Demon Sect can show." At that moment, Jin and Wi-yeon''s faces stiffened. The Demon Sect expert smiled and sheathed his sword. "Now I''m sure." He spoke briefly. "I will uncover your true identity." He turned his body, seemingly ending the fight. However, before leaving, he spoke one last time. "You will be seeing me again, Iseo-eun..." He smirked meaningfully and added, "''Iseo-eun''." And with that, He disappeared into the darkness. After the enemy left, Jin and Wi-yeon looked at her. However, Iseo-eun, without saying a word, slowly covered her torn sleeve. Wi-yeon spoke first. "Are you okay?" She answered shortly. "Mm." However, Jin, looking at her quietly, spoke softly. "Soon, the Demon Sect will start looking for you." His gaze was sharp. "This could be a threat of a whole new level." She didn''t respond. But, She too knew. That now, the Demon Sect would begin their hunt for her in earnest. Meanwhile, The Demon Sect expert stood alone in the darkness. He smiled faintly and murmured, "I''ll have to investigate the old records." He searched through his memories. An individual who had disappeared from within the Demon Sect in the past, And, The daughter of the third-ranking member of the Demon Sect. He was slowly piecing the connections together. "If that child is still alive" He whispered with a smile. "This will be interesting." At that moment, A piece of paper in his hand glowed under the moonlight. It was part of the Demon Sect''s old records. And within it, one name was written. ''Iseo-eun (Ѷ)'' The Power of a Giant Sect, and the Growing Threat The three of them were wandering through the Wulin, walking down another path. Now, none of them could remain ordinary wanderers any longer. This fact was something all three instinctively felt. However, The righteous sect still did not know her true identity. Iseo-eun knew that she had altered her swordsmanship, had come into contact with the Demon Sect, and was now attracting the attention of the righteous sect as well. However, Jin and Wi-yeon were still uncertain. Jin had a strong desire to protect her, but he was still confused. ''I want to protect her... but is this just camaraderie?'' ''I can no longer deny that she''s a woman, so why do I keep feeling more and more concerned about her?'' Wi-yeon, while still acting nonchalantly, was also paying attention to her. ''Iseo-eun wants to walk her own path, but should I just watch over her?'' ''Jin is too emotionally swayed. I''ll help her only when she wants it.'' Now, their relationship had grown beyond simple camaraderie, and they began to care more deeply for each other. But, Unbeknownst to them, The attention on her was steadily growing. The Demon Sect had fully realized her existence. The information that ''she is alive'' had spread within the Demon Sect, and they had begun making moves to bring her back to the sect. "She is not just a wandering warrior. She might be someone who could become a successor in the Demon Sect." However, the righteous martial artists who had seen her swordsmanship in the previous village began to take an interest in her as well. "There''s a wandering warrior using strange swordsmanship." "An odd flow of swordplay, neither from the orthodox nor the evil sect... Could this be a trace of the Demon Sect?" Although there was no solid evidence, her presence was becoming more widely known throughout the Wulin. And, She was becoming more and more vulnerable. Jin and Wi-yeon had now realized that she was becoming more and more dangerous. After much thought, they decided to request help from their respective sects. "Please help. Our companion is being threatened." Inside the Volcano Sect, the conflicts among the righteous sects were intensifying, and there were reactions like, "We must not act recklessly for now," but with Jin''s strong plea, some members of the Volcano Sect decided to help. Wi-yeon, although usually lighthearted, knew his sect was powerful. "I will ask for help so that the Kunlun Sect can protect her directly." He too requested help from his sect''s martial artists, and quietly, those who would monitor and protect her began to gather. Now, Iseo-eun, unknowingly, was being protected by the sects. However, Could that really protect her? The actions of Jin and Wi-yeon had further clarified that they thought about her in different ways. Jin viewed her as a woman and instinctively wanted to protect her from danger. However, he didn''t understand that she might not want that protection. Wi-yeon was trying to accept her as she was. He wanted to protect her but also respected her wish to act according to her own desires. Yet, he couldn''t deny that he was concerned about her. And, Iseo-eun began to become more aware of their actions. ''Why does Jin try so hard to protect me?'' ''Wi-yeon acts nonchalant, but isn''t he still concerned about me?'' They were both concerned about each other, but there was still no clear resolution of their emotions. However, This relationship was becoming more deeply intertwined. And, The Demon Sect had finally initiated their first move to reclaim her. One of the Demon Sect''s experts set off to find her directly. They didn''t know where she was yet, but they remembered her swordsmanship and began to trace the traces she had left. Now, The threat surrounding her was becoming more and more real. 12.The Power of a Giant Sect, and the Growing Threat The three of them were wandering through the Wulin, walking down another path. Now, none of them could remain ordinary wanderers any longer. This fact was something all three instinctively felt. However, The righteous sect still did not know her true identity. Iseo-eun knew that she had altered her swordsmanship, had come into contact with the Demon Sect, and was now attracting the attention of the righteous sect as well. However, Jin and Wi-yeon were still uncertain. Jin had a strong desire to protect her, but he was still confused. ''I want to protect her... but is this just camaraderie?'' ''I can no longer deny that she''s a woman, so why do I keep feeling more and more concerned about her?'' Wi-yeon, while still acting nonchalantly, was also paying attention to her. ''Iseo-eun wants to walk her own path, but should I just watch over her?'' ''Jin is too emotionally swayed. I''ll help her only when she wants it.'' Now, their relationship had grown beyond simple camaraderie, and they began to care more deeply for each other. But, Unbeknownst to them, The attention on her was steadily growing. The Demon Sect had fully realized her existence. The information that ''she is alive'' had spread within the Demon Sect, and they had begun making moves to bring her back to the sect. "She is not just a wandering warrior. She might be someone who could become a successor in the Demon Sect." However, the righteous martial artists who had seen her swordsmanship in the previous village began to take an interest in her as well. "There''s a wandering warrior using strange swordsmanship." "An odd flow of swordplay, neither from the orthodox nor the evil sect... Could this be a trace of the Demon Sect?" Although there was no solid evidence, her presence was becoming more widely known throughout the Wulin. And, She was becoming more and more vulnerable. Jin and Wi-yeon had now realized that she was becoming more and more dangerous. After much thought, they decided to request help from their respective sects. "Please help. Our companion is being threatened." Inside the Volcano Sect, the conflicts among the righteous sects were intensifying, and there were reactions like, "We must not act recklessly for now," but with Jin''s strong plea, some members of the Volcano Sect decided to help. Wi-yeon, although usually lighthearted, knew his sect was powerful. "I will ask for help so that the Kunlun Sect can protect her directly." He too requested help from his sect''s martial artists, and quietly, those who would monitor and protect her began to gather. Now, Iseo-eun, unknowingly, was being protected by the sects. However, Could that really protect her? The actions of Jin and Wi-yeon had further clarified that they thought about her in different ways. Jin viewed her as a woman and instinctively wanted to protect her from danger. However, he didn''t understand that she might not want that protection. Wi-yeon was trying to accept her as she was. He wanted to protect her but also respected her wish to act according to her own desires. Yet, he couldn''t deny that he was concerned about her. And, Iseo-eun began to become more aware of their actions. ''Why does Jin try so hard to protect me?'' ''Wi-yeon acts nonchalant, but isn''t he still concerned about me?'' They were both concerned about each other, but there was still no clear resolution of their emotions. However, This relationship was becoming more deeply intertwined. And, The Demon Sect had finally initiated their first move to reclaim her. One of the Demon Sect''s experts set off to find her directly. They didn''t know where she was yet, but they remembered her swordsmanship and began to trace the traces she had left. Now, The threat surrounding her was becoming more and more real. The Movement of the Demonic Sect, The Beginning of a Full-Fledged Clash Deep in the mountains, night had fallen. The three were staying at a quiet inn under the protection of the righteous sect. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. However, they were unaware. In the darkness, those seeking her were slowly closing in. And tonight, the Demonic Sect had finally made their move to reclaim her. Outside the inn, dozens of shadows moved in silence. The warriors of the Demonic Sect had finally appeared. They did not attack recklessly with force. They moved carefully, attempting to retrieve her without drawing attention. However Swish! The righteous martial artists stationed around the inn reacted immediately. "Who goes there?!" "Identify yourself!" Inside the inn, Jin and Wi-yeon, who had been resting, immediately sensed the disturbance and reached for their swords. However, the first to react was Lee So-eun. She stood by the window, gazing into the darkness. At that moment, her eyes gleamed sharply. "They''ve come." She gripped her sword tightly. And outside the inn, the conflict had already begun. The martial artists of Mount Hua and Kunlun quickly drew their weapons. Mount Hua Disciple: "They''re from the Demonic Sect! Stand down!" Kunlun Disciple: "You dare to intrude here?!" However, the warriors of the Demonic Sect were unshaken. They were not here for battle. They had only one goal To retrieve Lee So-eun. A man, seemingly their leader, spoke in a low voice. "Lee So-eun is here." For a moment, the righteous martial artists exchanged puzzled glances. "Lee So-eun? Who is that?" "Is there such a person here?" However, those words made Jin and Wi-yeon tense up. Jin clenched his teeth. "They finally called her by name!" Wi-yeon also tightened his grip on his sword as he scanned the surroundings. "If this continues her identity will be in danger." But, Lee So-eun remained unfazed. She quietly stepped out of the inn. "Stop this." Her voice was cold. At that moment, all the Demonic Sect warriors turned their eyes toward her. And, their leader smiled. "We''ve found you." He spoke calmly. "You must return." For a moment, the entire inn fell into silence. Jin and Wi-yeon instinctively stepped in front of her. Jin: "Yi-seon has nothing to do with the Demonic Sect!" Wi-yeon: "We won''t hand him over." However, the Demonic Sect leader chuckled coldly. "She is not ''Yi-seon''." He drew his sword and spoke. "Her real name is ''Lee So-eun''a descendant of the Demonic Sect''s bloodline." At that moment the righteous martial artists began to murmur. "What?" "She''s from the Demonic Sect?" "That can''t be!" However, Lee So-eun made no excuses. She calmly raised her sword and spoke. "So what?" She stared straight at the Demonic Sect leader. "Just because I was born in the Demonic Sect, does that automatically make me one of you?" Her voice was cold. However, the righteous martial artists were still unable to shake their doubts. Their expressions became increasingly conflicted. "But if the Demonic Sect is trying to reclaim her" "Could it be that she really?" A seed of suspicion had been planted. In the end, the clash between the righteous sect and the Demonic Sect concluded in victory for the righteous side. Realizing they could not hold out any longer, the warriors of the Demonic Sect withdrew. However, before leaving, their leader stared at Lee So-eun and spoke softly. "We will return." He gave her a meaningful look. And then, he added: "You will come back to us eventually." With those words, the Demonic Sect warriors vanished into the night. After they disappeared, a heavy silence filled the inn. The righteous martial artists were now looking at Lee So-eun with different eyes. "Yi-seon No, Lee So-eun?" "Is she really from the Demonic Sect?" "Why are they trying to reclaim her?" Their gazes were filled with doubt. Jin and Wi-yeon immediately stepped forward to defend her. Jin: "Yi-seon has no connection to the Demonic Sect." Wi-yeon: "They were simply trying to take her back against her will." However, their words were no longer enough. From this moment on, the righteous sect would begin watching her closely. And, Jin and Wi-yeon resolved to protect her even more fiercely. 13.Pressure from the Righteous Sect, and the Two Men Standing at a Crossroads At one of the main headquarters of the righteous sect, the key figures of Mount Hua and Kunlun gathered. Present at the meeting were Jin and Wi-yeon''s senior martial brothers and sect leaders. News of the inn incident had spread quickly throughout the martial world. And the moment it was revealed that she was ''Lee So-eun,'' the attitude of the righteous sect shifted drastically. "The Demonic Sect tried to take her.""If it''s true that she was part of the Demonic Sect in the past?""Protecting her is dangerous!" A wave of opposition surged through the assembly. However, Jin and Wi-yeon stood firm at the center of it all. They were fighting to protect her. Jin spoke resolutely. "Yi-seonno, Lee So-eunis NOT part of the Demonic Sect!" His voice rang through the hall. "She left the Demonic Sect. She no longer has any ties to them." Wi-yeon supported him. "It may be true that she was once part of the Demonic Sect. But we have seen her live as a righteous martial artist." However, their words were not enough to sway the elders. A senior martial artist from Mount Hua spoke. "Jin, I understand your feelings." "But we are part of a sect. This is not a decision you can make alone." Jin clenched his teeth. "Then does this mean our sect refuses to accept her?" The Mount Hua Sect Leader firmly responded. "Yes." The air became chillingly heavy. Wi-yeon was also facing similar pressure. A Kunlun senior looked at him and said: "Wi-yeon, you are acting too emotionally." "The sect is not something you can decide on your own." The Kunlun Sect Leader also spoke. "We understand your reasoning. But you are a disciple of Kunlun. You cannot act independently." Jin and Wi-yeon gritted their teeth. They were fighting to protect Yi-seon, but in the end, they too belonged to their sects. Under the crushing weight of the sect leaders and senior martial artists, they had no choice but to bow their heads. However, they did not back down. They declared with unwavering determination. "Lee So-eun was exiled from the Demonic Sect. She is no longer one of them!" "And we will stand by her as a fellow martial artist!" "To attack her is to attack us!" At that moment, all the martial artists in the hall murmured among themselves. "Mount Hua and Kunlun''s finest disciples are standing up for one person?" "Are they willing to abandon their sects for her?" "Protecting someone from the Demonic Sect is too dangerous" However, Jin and Wi-yeon''s voices grew even stronger. "If our sects refuse to accept her" "Then we will leave, even if it means abandoning our sects!" At that moment, silence fell over the entire martial world. Even the elders of the righteous sect were left speechless. Jin and Wi-yeon were not people who spoke lightly. And yet, they had just declared that they would abandon their sects for her. In the end, the sect leaders decided to postpone their final decision. Would they cast her out, or reconsider in light of Jin and Wi-yeon''s pleas? One thing was certain Lee So-eun was now a figure that the entire martial world had their eyes on. Chapter 27 C The Rejected One, and a New Encounter Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. The major orthodox sects had finally made their decision. They would not accept her. Though there were some voices within the Mount Hua and Kunlun sects who wished to defend her, in the end, she was cast aside under a single justification: "We cannot accept someone from the Demonic Cult into the Orthodox Sect." Even the elders of the orthodox sects spoke with unwavering resolve. "Even if she has no direct ties to the Demonic Cult, we cannot accept her into the martial world while things remain so unstable." "We do not wish for unnecessary conflict with the Demonic Cult. There is no reason to invite such a risk." "Two sects have already stepped forward to protect her. We cannot afford to let this issue cause further division." And so, the orthodox sects rejected her. Wei Yeon and Jin were enraged. "If this is the justice of the martial world, then what does ''righteousness'' even mean!?" Jin clenched his teeth in frustration. But the sect leader of Mount Hua merely let out a weary sigh. "We wish to protect her as well." "But we cannot afford to turn the entire martial world against us." Wei Yeon and Jin could say nothing more. They had fought for her, but in the end, the orthodox sects abandoned her. Meanwhile, the Demonic Cult had begun to move in earnest. The moment they learned that the Orthodox Sect had turned her away, they acted without hesitation. Within the cult, a strong sentiment arosethey had to reclaim her. "If she returns to us, the prestige of the Demonic Cult will rise even higher." "We cannot afford to leave her alone. The Orthodox Sect has abandoned hernow is our best chance." "Retrieve her. If she refuses, bring her back by force." And so, the Demonic Cult began their pursuit. Lee So-eun watched all of this unfold in silence. And she made her decision. She had to leave. Just as she had in the beginning. She had to escape the martial world altogether. She belonged neither to the Orthodox Sect nor to the Demonic Cult. She had no place in either. "So, I truly have nowhere to belong" Silently, she prepared to leave. She said nothing to Wei Yeon or Jin. On a night veiled in darkness, she vanished without a trace. However, it didn''t take long for Wei Yeon to notice her absence. "So-eun?" His instincts immediately screamed that something was wrong, and he quickly looked around. But she was already gone. Jin, too, jolted upright and began searching for her. But she was nowhere to be found. "Damn it!" For a brief moment, they were at a complete loss as to where she had gone. But one thing was clear. She had left on her own. At that moment, Wei Yeon murmured quietly. "Could we have ever stopped her?" Jin clenched his fists but had no answer. She had made this choice herself. Not long after Lee So-eun set off alone, a group of unfamiliar individuals appeared before her. They were all women. Dressed in neatly arranged martial attire, they carried themselves with a powerful presence. A woman, seemingly their leader, stepped forward. Her sharp gaze locked onto So-eun''s. And then, she spoke in a calm but firm voice. "We''ve finally found you." Lee So-eun narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?" The woman stared at her and, with an unwavering tone, said: "We are the Qingyun Society (i녕), a martial organization composed solely of women." "And we have come looking for you." Lee So-eun''s expression wavered. Who were these people? Why were they searching for her? A new force had entered the fray And with them, a new fate was beginning to unfold. 14.The Azure Cloud Society, A New Order in the Martial World Lee So-eun stood quietly, gazing at the unfamiliar women before her. Their eyes were resolute. Even after finding her, they did not act recklessly. For some reason, they did not seem to consider her as a direct enemy. Taking a slow breath, she finally spoke. "Azure Cloud Society?" At her words, the woman standing in front of her nodded. "That''s right. We are called the Azure Cloud Society (i녕)." Lee So-eun had never heard of this name before. Yet, it did not feel entirely unfamiliar. The woman continued speaking at a steady pace. "We are a gathering of women who belonged nowhereneither to the Orthodox Sect, the Unorthodox Sect, nor the Demonic Cult." She raised her hand and gestured around her. "Most of the people here were abandoned by the martial world, or used as mere tools by those in power." Her eyes sharpened. "Women treated as disposable tools by the Orthodox Sects. Women exploited as mere playthings by the Unorthodox Sects. Women discarded by the Demonic Cult once they were no longer useful." Her voice was firm and unwavering. "And so, one by one, we gathered and came to a realization." "That merely gathering together was not enough." Lee So-eun listened in silence. Then she quietly asked, "So you decided to form an organization?" The woman nodded decisively. "Yes." A thought crossed Lee So-eun''s mind. "What is the structure of this organization?" Hearing this, the leader of the Azure Cloud Society smiled. "Our rules are simple." "The strong rise to the top." For a moment, Lee So-eun''s eyes sharpened. It was a system similar to that of the Demonic Cult where status was determined not by age or background, but by strength. However, the leader continued. "We do not despise the weak." "Rather, the strong must take the lead and guide our society." Lee So-eun murmured quietly. "Why?" The leader of the Azure Cloud Society answered without hesitation. "Because we have always been disregarded, simply for being women in the martial world." "No one recognized us as martial artists." Her hands clenched into fists. "That is why the weak must be protected, and the strong must lead them." "This is our way." A strange feeling stirred within Lee So-eun. The Azure Cloud Society was not just a gathering of the weak. They were a force that sought strength in unity. And they were walking a path entirely opposite to the established martial order. The leader took a step closer. "Lee So-eun." She met her gaze directly. "You have already been rejected by the martial world." "The Orthodox Sects have refused you, and the Demonic Cult seeks to reclaim you." She whispered softly. "Do you still have a choice left?" Lee So-eun remained silent. Seeing this, the leader smiled and spoke again. "Join the Azure Cloud Society." Lee So-eun''s eyes wavered. "You must survive in this world." "To do that, you will need us." Her words were not a demand, yet they carried a strange persuasion. Lee So-eun slowly clenched her fists. ''These people may be like me.'' The abandoned ones of the martial world. Those who carved their own path. But Did that mean she had to stay here? She had to make a decision. Would she accept the Azure Cloud Society''s offer? Or would she leave once more, alone? The Azure Cloud Society''s Trial, and the Two Men Seeking Her Lee So-eun stood at the center of a vast training ground. The leader of the Azure Cloud Society spoke to her. "To join us, you must pass our trial." Lee So-eun narrowed her eyes. "A trial?" The leader nodded. "We are a society led by the strong. It is not just about ideologywe prove it through skill." At her signal, four female martial artists stepped forward. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. "You will face these four in battle." "These women are not mere wanderers of the martial world. Each of them was once part of a sect before being abandoned or choosing to escape." Lee So-eun carefully examined them. She could tell at a glance that each of them used different sword techniques and martial arts. She quietly drew her sword. "I''m ready." The leader smiled in satisfaction. "Good. Then let''s begin." The four opponents moved simultaneously. The first opponent was an expert in agility. She wielded dual daggers and aimed for Lee So-eun''s openings with lightning-fast movements. Swish! A swift attack shot forward But Lee So-eun twisted her body, narrowly dodging the strike before countering. Slash! Her sword moved like a bolt of lightning, grazing her opponent''s wrist. "Guh!" The first opponent lost grip of her weapon. Immediately, the second opponent charged. She wielded a massive iron club. Boom! A powerful impact shook the ground. Yet, Lee So-eun leaped gracefully, avoiding the attack with ease. ''A straightforward power type, then?'' But there was no time to lower her guard. The third opponent approached, wielding a sword. Her technique was precise and disciplined. "This is the Huashan Sword Style?" At that moment, a sharp sword strike flew toward her. Lee So-eun took a step back, parrying the attack with her own blade. Screech! The sound of clashing swords rang through the air. She swiftly maneuvered, deflecting her opponent''s moves. ''She''s skilled, but'' Swish! Lee So-eun''s counterattack landed at the nape of her opponent''s neck. "It''s over." The third opponent lowered her sword. Only one opponent remained. The final woman smirked as she raised her blade. "So, it''s just us now." Lee So-eun calmly held up her sword. "Are you the strongest among them?" The woman grinned. "You''ll have to find out for yourself." She took a firm stance. And then Whoosh! A powerful strike came flying toward Lee So-eun. This opponent was different. Every attack was sharp, and her sword movements were highly refined. "This is the Kunlun Sword Style?" Lee So-eun swiftly moved to block. In an instant, the opponent''s sword came slicing toward her neck. Swish! But Lee So-eun ducked just in time and countered with her own blade. " " The opponent''s sword cut through empty air And Lee So-eun''s sword stopped just before her throat. "It''s over." The woman let out a short breath. Then, she lowered her sword. "I lost." The leader of the Azure Cloud Society watched with a satisfied expression. "Excellent. You pass." Meanwhile Far away, two men were searching for her. "The Azure Cloud Society?" Jin furrowed his brows. Wi-yeon also wore a grim expression. "Even the Orthodox Sects don''t have detailed information on them." They had been gathering intelligence in various villages. That was when a martial artist quietly spoke. "I heard a woman recently joined the Azure Cloud Society." Jin and Wi-yeon tensed. "Was it Lee Seon?" The martial artist nodded. "It''s likely. A warrior with exceptional skill who belongs to neither the Orthodox nor the Unorthodox sects The Azure Cloud Society would certainly seek her." Jin clenched his jaw. "Then we need to go find her." Wi-yeon sighed. "If we rush in recklessly, it could be dangerous." Jin smirked. "Then we''ll approach them head-on." He firmly gripped his sword. "If she left to avoid us, we''ll stand before her and ask her directly." Wi-yeon exhaled deeply. "There''s no turning back now." Together, they set off toward the Azure Cloud Society. They were ready to see her again. But What that meeting would bring, no one could yet predict. 15.Farewell, and the Paths We Choose Jin and Wiyon stood before the headquarters of Cheongunhoe, deep within the mountains. The massive entrance loomed before them, and the women of Cheongunhoe silently observed their presence. Wiyon murmured, "They don''t seem hostile toward us." Jin surveyed the surroundings and nodded. "This is said to be a place for women, but it seems they don''t reject men outright." At that moment, the leader of Cheongunhoe emerged. She examined the two men carefully before speaking. "You must be the ones looking for Iseon." Jin stepped forward. "We wish to see her." The leader of Cheongunhoe studied them for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh. "Iseon has already become one of us. Even if you try to persuade her, do you really think you can change her mind?" Wiyon smirked. "There''s only one way to find out." The leader hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I won''t refuse your visit." She then turned to her subordinates. "Bring Iseon." A short while later, Iseon stepped forward. Her gaze remained calm as ever, yet there was a certain firmness in her demeanor, one that hadn''t been there before. Jin and Wiyon looked at her. Wiyon was the first to speak. "You seem to be doing well." Iseon nodded. "Yes. Better than I expected." Jin took a step closer. "You''ve decided to stay here?" She exhaled softly before answering. "Yes." Her response was resolute. Jin and Wiyon''s expressions subtly changed. Wiyon folded his arms and questioned, "Iseon, weren''t you someone who roamed freely? And now, suddenly, you''re settling down?" Iseon smiled faintly. "This isn''t just about settling down. This place isn''t a mere refuge." She glanced around at the women of Cheongunhoe. "This is a place for people like me. Those cast aside by the world, or those who have gathered to carve out their own paths." Her eyes deepened with conviction. "Here, I no longer need to hide." Jin clenched his fists. "So, does that mean we won''t see each other again?" Iseon smiled quietly. "That won''t happen." She slowly shook her head. "We will meet again someday." Jin and Wiyon stared at her. But in her expression, there was no sign of hesitationno indication that she was considering leaving with them. She stood up and said, "So don''t worry too much." Her smile was gentle, but it felt like a farewell. Jin and Wiyon remained silent as they watched her. Then, Jin clenched his fist tightly. "Then, I''ll wait." He spoke through gritted teeth. "Until the day we meet again in the martial world." Wiyon let out a light chuckle and nodded. "Well, if this is what you want, we won''t stop you." In the end, they chose to respect her decision. The leader of Cheongunhoe stepped forward. "It''s time for you to leave now." Jin and Wiyon took one last look at Iseon. She also looked at them. "Take care." She bid them a short farewell and turned around. And just like that, she walked away. Jin and Wiyon stood still, watching her retreating figure. Finally, she disappeared behind the doors of Cheongunhoe. Jin took a deep breath. Then, he murmured, "We''ll meet again." Wiyon let out a quiet breath and nodded. "Yes, we will." And so, they left her behind. The Shadow of the Demonic Cult Looms Over Cheongunhoe Deep within the mountains, at the heart of Cheongunhoe''s headquarters, the night had fallen. Yet, the air within the fortress was tense. "The Demonic Cult is making a move." As word spread, the atmosphere grew heavy. In a secluded gathering hall, several women of Cheongunhoe were whispering among themselves. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Some were filled with anger, others with anxiety. "They''re targeting us again?" A woman with deep scars across her face clenched her fists. "I barely escaped the Cult once, and now they''re coming for us again?" Another woman voiced her concerns. "If they''ve learned about us, we''re in danger. We''ve worked so hard to establish this placewe can''t run anymore." The murmurs grew louder, their emotions boiling over. But the sharpest accusation came next. "This is all because of her." "Iseon." A chilling silence settled over the room. Cheongunhoe had been built by women who had been rejected or abandoned by the martial world. Whether by the Demonic Cult, the Orthodox Sects, or the Unorthodox Clans, they had been used, discarded, or hunted down. They had gathered here to escape all of that. But now, because of Iseon, the Demonic Cult was coming. "The Cult isn''t after us. They''re after her." Murmurs of doubt and frustration filled the room. Some were furious. "The Cult took everything from me." "And now, we let one of their own live among us?" "She could betray us at any moment." Others hesitated. "She hasn''t done anything to harm us." "But the Cult won''t stop until they get her." "Should we protect her?" "Or should we drive her away?" The heated debate threatened to divide the group. Then, one of the top warriors of Cheongunhoe stood up. Her voice was sharp and unwavering. "We need to bring her here. She needs to answer for herself." Silence fell. They all turned to look at her. "If she''s truly on our side, she should prove it." Her words sent a ripple through the group. Would Iseon truly stand with them? Or would she bring destruction to Cheongunhoe? The Truth Unveiled, and Cheongunhoe''s Decision Inside the assembly hall of Cheongunhoe, the women stood in a tense silence. Their eyes were filled with suspicion and caution. One of them asked, her voice sharp, "Are you connected to the Demonic Cult?" Iseon stood at the center of their gaze, silent. But her silence was not hesitation. Finally, she spoke. "Yes." A wave of shock rippled through the room. But she didn''t waver. Her voice was steady. "My father was one of the Three Great Elders of the Demonic Cult." Gasps filled the air. Some clenched their fists. Others glared. But Iseon kept speaking. "And yes, I was raised in the Cult." The room tensed further. Then, she said, "But I hold no allegiance to them." Her voice carried absolute certainty. A woman shouted, "How can we trust you?!" "You''re one of them!" Iseon''s expression remained calm. "I was betrayed by the Cult. They took my family from me." The leader of Cheongunhoe finally spoke. "If you are no longer one of them then tell us." She locked eyes with Iseon. "Are you still part of the Demonic Cult?" Iseon answered without hesitation. "No." "I will never serve them again." A long silence followed. Then, the leader made her decision. "Iseon stays." Some protested. But the leader spoke once more. "If she betrays us, we will cut her down." Iseon nodded. "That''s fair." And so, she remained. But doubt still lingered in the air. Would Cheongunhoe ever truly accept her? And Would the Demonic Cult allow her to live? 16.Fate Refuses to Let Her Go It had been several months since Lee So-eun joined the Blue Cloud Society (Cheongunhoe). She had adapted quickly to the organization, and though not everyone fully accepted her yet, the members of Blue Cloud Society gradually began to recognize her as one of their own. However Just when she started to feel truly safe, fate refused to let her go. One Night A strange presence was detected at the outer perimeter of the Blue Cloud Society. And that presence was unmistakably familiar. A presence she could never forget. A presence she could not avoid. The Demonic Cult. They had finally made their move. The Demonic Cult''s Infiltration The Demonic Cult had been waiting for the right time. Before casting a larger shadow over the martial world, they first needed to deal with a few unresolved matters. One of those matters was Blue Cloud Society. A place where women who had suffered under the Demonic Cult had gathered. A place where those who rejected the Cult had formed their own path. If that place grew stronger, it would become a threat to the Demonic Cult. However There was a more pressing reason behind their actions. They had learned that Lee So-eun was there. Her existence was becoming widely known within the Demonic Cult. She was once of their bloodline. She was the daughter of the Demonic Cult''s Third Elder. There was no way they would simply ignore her. Thus The decision was made. The Blue Cloud Society had to be ''handled.'' The Night Raid The attack came suddenly and without warning. In the dead of night, the Blue Cloud Society''s defenses were breached in an instant. The elite warriors of the Demonic Cult moved swiftly, silently, and with deadly precision, quickly seizing control of the society''s critical locations. Then, they surrounded the leader of the Blue Cloud Society and its key figures. "Hah so it''s come to this." The Blue Cloud Leader clenched her teeth. "I didn''t expect you dogs to come all the way here." The Demonic Cult warriors sneered. "We never intended to destroy this place." Their gaze shifted Locking onto Lee So-eun. "We simply came to retrieve what belongs to us." The Decision Lee So-eun had always known this moment would come. She knew the Demonic Cult would never leave her alone. What she hadn''t expected Was that the Blue Cloud Society would try to protect her. She immediately rushed to find the Blue Cloud Leader. "If I leave, this will end. Please, protect everyone." But the leader''s response was firm. "This isn''t just about you." "Handing you over won''t stop them." Lee So-eun gritted her teeth. "But if I stay, the Blue Cloud Society will be destroyed!" Even as they spoke, the Blue Cloud warriors were already locked in battle with the Demonic Cult forces. They fought with all their might, but they were not a structured, disciplined order like the great orthodox sects. They were survivors. And Lee So-eun knew They wouldn''t be able to win this battle. The Demonic Cult was simply too powerful. The warriors of the Blue Cloud Society fell, one by one. Their leader, wounded, collapsed. A Choice Had to Be Made "Enough, Lee So-eun." A high-ranking warrior of the Demonic Cult stepped forward, pointing his sword at her. "Enough blood has been spilled because of you." "There''s no point in resisting any longer." "Come with us." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Lee So-eun gripped her sword tightly. But in that moment, she realized ''This battle is already over.'' The Blue Cloud Society warriors no longer had the strength to fight. The Blue Cloud Leader spoke weakly. "Go, So-eun." "As long as you are here, this fight will never end." "Don''t let our sacrifice be in vain." Lee So-eun clenched her fists. But there was only one choice left. She slowly lowered her sword. "Fine." With a blood-stained face, she lifted her gaze and said "I''ll do as you say." The Demonic Cult warrior smirked. "A wise decision." And so, Lee So-eun was taken back to the Demonic Cult. The Aftermath The Blue Cloud Society had survived, but it would never be the same again. Lee So-eun did not look back. But she knew ''Just because I left, doesn''t mean this is over.'' ''The Demonic Cult will cast an even greater shadow.'' And once again, Fate had pulled her back into the darkness. The Prisoner of the Demonic Cult and the Duel of Survival When Lee So-eun opened her eyes She found herself in a cold, dark chamber. Iron bars blocked her way. Beyond them stood Demonic Cult guards, watching her every move. She tried to move, only to feel the cold chains around her wrists and ankles. ''I''ve been taken.'' She clenched her teeth. She had expected this. But what she hadn''t expected Was that the Demonic Cult had no intention of simply keeping her alive. A Familiar Face "Lee So-eun." A low, chilling voice called out to her. She slowly lifted her head. Beyond the iron bars stood Wei Hyeok, one of the high-ranking figures of the Demonic Cult. A man infamous for his ruthlessness. He smirked. "We''ve decided to see whether you''re worth keeping alive." Lee So-eun narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?" Wei Hyeok folded his arms. "There are only two fates for a traitor." "One they die meaninglessly." "Two they prove their worth." His gaze sharpened. "You have no choice." "You will fight." "Win, and you live. Lose, and you die." Lee So-eun took a deep breath. ''So that''s how it is.'' She slowly stood up. Then, she smirked. "Fine." "I''ll survive." A Duel of Life and Death A massive underground arena. Hundreds of Demonic Cult warriors gathered around, eager to witness the fight. In the center Lee So-eun stood alone, gripping a single sword. Wei Hyeok''s voice echoed through the arena. "Begin." A warrior lunged toward her. A Demonic Cult swordsman. He sneered. "Beg for your life, and I might spare you." But Lee So-eun''s response was cold. "Don''t waste your breath." "Worry about your own survival first." Then She moved. A flash of steel. Her blade cut through the air. Her opponent''s eyes widened. "What?!" But before he could react Slash! Blood sprayed through the air. The man collapsed, lifeless. For a moment, the arena fell silent. Then, a roar erupted. "Hahaha! The traitor can fight after all!" "Maybe she''s worth keeping alive!" But Lee So-eun knew This wasn''t over. She took a deep breath. ''If I want to survive I have to keep fighting.'' The game had only just begun. 17.The Final Victor, and a New Challenge The stench of blood filled the arena. Around her, the warriors of the Demonic Cult roared with excitement. "Kill! Finish the last one off!" "I can''t believe the traitor is the last one standing!" Lee So-eun took a deep breath, gripping her dagger. Lying before her was the massive body of a defeated opponent. And in front of her stood her final challenger, sword drawn and eyes locked onto hers. "So you''re the last one left." The man''s gaze was filled with murderous intent. But Lee So-eun remained calm, raising her sword. "Let''s finish this." The two warriors rushed at each other with all their might. Boom! A tremendous shockwave erupted as their blades clashed. The very air of the battlefield trembled from the sheer force of their collision. Then Slash! In the blink of an eye, Lee So-eun''s blade found an opening. Blood gushed from her opponent''s wound as he fell to his knees. The moment her final opponent collapsed The arena erupted in deafening cheers. "Uwooooooo!" "The traitor actually won!" "She''s the last one standing! I can''t believe it!" "That means she has the right to challenge anyone!" From his seat, Wei Hyeok watched with amusement. Slowly, he stood up and addressed the crowd. "Good." "Since you''ve survived to the very end, the right to challenge is now yours." Lee So-eun steadied her breath. Wei Hyeok''s gaze sharpened as he spoke. "Now, choose." "Who will you challenge?" An Unprecedented Decision The crowd buzzed with excitement. Most assumed she would choose to challenge one of the Cult''s mid-tier executivesperhaps a 5th or 6th-ranked warrior. That was the usual choice. Even among the strongest, no one rushed to challenge the top. That would be suicide. Surely, Lee So-eun would do the same. But She did not. Instead, she calmly plunged her sword into the ground and declared: "The one I challenge is" A tense silence fell over the arena. Lee So-eun lifted her gaze And with unwavering determination, she spoke: "The Third Seat of the Demonic Cult." "I, Lee So-eun, challenge the Third Elder." The Arena Falls Silent For a brief eternity, no one spoke. Then Chaos erupted. "What?!" "Did she just say what I think she said?!" "She''s challenging the Third Elder? Is she insane?!" "That''s suicide! The Third Seat is one of the strongest in the entire Cult!" Even Wei Hyeok was momentarily stunned. Then He grinned. "Hooh?" His curiosity was piqued. "You''re challenging the Third Elder?" Lee So-eun''s voice was steady. "That''s right." "If I have the right to challenge, I will aim for the highest." Laughter and mockery burst from the crowd. "Hahaha! She''s completely lost her mind!" "She barely survived the arena, and now she thinks she can take on the Third Elder?" "She won''t last ten seconds!" But One man had yet to speak. The Third Elder himself. Seated at the highest position in the arena, He had been watching everything unfold. Now, all eyes were on him. Would he accept this absurd challenge? Or would he crush her for her arrogance? Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Slowly The Third Elder stood. The Third Elder Descends His movements were deliberate. Step by step, he descended the stairs, his boots echoing in the silent arena. Then, he stood before her. "Lee So-eun you dare to challenge me?" His tone was neither angered nor amused. Instead, it carried a strange curiosity. His lips curled into a faint smile. "How amusing." His eyes glimmered with an unreadable emotion. "Very well." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "But you''re not foolish enough to fight me right now, are you?" Lee So-eun met his gaze without flinching. "No." "I need time." The crowd stirred. Time? The Third Elder raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?" Lee So-eun''s voice was calm but resolute. "Because I must perfect my swordsmanship." The Countdown Begins The Third Elder chuckled. It was a low, amused sound. "So you plan to stand before me with a ''perfected'' technique?" "Interesting." He studied her for a long moment. Then He smiled. "Fine. I will allow it." "You have time." The crowd erupted again. "What?! He''s giving her time?!" "There''s no need! He could crush her right now!" "What''s the point? Even if she trains, she''ll still lose!" But the Third Elder ignored them. Instead, he looked down at Lee So-eun and spoke: "Train as much as you like." "It won''t change the outcome." His smile was cruel. "No matter how strong you become, the moment you stand before me, the result will be the same." "You will die." But Lee So-eun did not waver. Her voice was steady. "I know." The Third Elder turned and began walking away. But his final words lingered in the air. "Train well, Lee So-eun." "Because when you return, I will be waiting." The Path to Victory Even after the Third Elder left, the arena was in turmoil. Some laughed. Some scorned her. Some were wary. But Lee So-eun no longer cared. She had made her choice. Now, she had to win. She turned away from the arena and walked toward the Cult''s inner sanctum. There She retrieved a book she had discovered some time ago. "The Sky Opens with the Heavenly Seal (_)" She opened the pages. Her eyes widened. A New Sword Style C Seven Blades Dance The will of the swordsman merges with the blade. A single sword moves as if wielding seven. The blade fights in place of the master, becoming an extension of their will. She remembered the mural she had seen An ancient depiction of seven swords moving as one. "This is the same concept." She flipped the pages faster. The ''Heavenly Seal'' technique allows the swordsman''s will and energy to flow into the sword, turning the blade into a living entity. Ordinary warriors would dismiss it as fantasy. But She knew it was possible. Lee So-eun exhaled slowly. "This is it." She had only a few months. To forge a technique unlike any other. To defeat the Third Elder. To survive. And She would succeed. 18.The Demotion of the Third Seat, and the First Step Toward the Truth The scent of blood that once dominated the Demonic Cult''s arena was beginning to fade. After the duel, everyone expected Lee So-eun to kill Kang Yoon-heuk. In the Demonic Cult, defeat meant death. However She lowered her sword. And in a calm voice, she declared: "Kang Yoon-heuk, I will not kill you." At that moment The Demonic Cult''s warriors erupted in chaos. "What?!" "She''s sparing him?" "Is she defying the laws of the Cult?" Murmurs of confusion spread, but her decision was firm. "However, you will lose your position." She looked directly at Kang Yoon-heuk and declared: "From this moment, you are demoted to the Fourth Seat." At her words, the Cult fell into an even greater uproar. Kang Yoon-heuk stared at her in silence. At first, he seemed taken aback. But then He let out a soft chuckle. "Hah. Interesting." He accepted his defeat without hesitation. And rather than anger or regret, he seemed strangely amused. "If I am still alive then that means there''s still a role for me to play." He chuckled softly and rose to his feet. Then, with a calm voice, he spoke: "I''ll be watching how your methods unfold." With that, he turned and walked away. The warriors of the Demonic Cult were still in shock. But Lee So-eun said nothing. Because her mind was already elsewhere. She now had the authority to access the Cult''s internal records. ''I can finally uncover the truth of the past'' For years, she had known only one thing That her father, a former Third Seat, had been ruthlessly killed. But she had never known the full story. Who was truly behind his death? Now, she had the power to find out. "I must uncover the truth." But she also knew The truth is often a secret someone desperately wants to keep hidden. By walking this path, she would inevitably make new enemies. So, she had to become even stronger. And most importantly She had to find out who was truly responsible for her father''s murder. The Hidden Truth, and a Moment of Silence Deep within the heart of the Demonic Cult, lay an archive of ancient records. This vault contained centuries of history, war strategies, internal conflicts And the secrets that had been buried away. As a newly appointed Third Seat, Lee So-eun now had full access to these records. For days, she scoured the ancient texts, searching for any clue regarding her father''s fate. And then She found it. Her father''s death was not caused by the Third Seats. It was ordered by the Cult''s Leader. But it had not been a simple execution. The Cult Leader had planned this for years. "The strong must rule the Demonic Cult." That was what he had always claimed. But his true goal was not simply to rule. He had spent years eliminating any potential threats. And among those threats, her father had been the most dangerous. Her father had been one of the greatest martial artists in the Cult''s history. Even the Cult Leader himself had been wary of him. But there was only one way to eliminate someone that powerful Betrayal from within. ''Should I expose this now?'' She hesitated. If she revealed everything now, the Cult Leader would have her killed immediately. He was too strong, and she was not ready to face him. ''If I expose this now, I will not survive.'' She needed time. She closed the records and made her decision. "Now is not the time." The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. But She would not bury the truth forever. She would wait and prepare. She needed power. Because only when she stood at the very top could she reveal the truth. And when that day came She would settle the score with the Cult Leader. The Cult Leader''s Ambition and Lee So-eun''s Resolve Within the grand hall of the Demonic Cult''s headquarters The Cult Leader stood before an assembly of warriors, his voice calm yet commanding. "The martial world will no longer be divided into righteous and demonic." "From this moment forward, only the strongest shall rule." His words ignited the fire in his followers. The Demonic Cult was about to launch a full-scale operation. The Leader gathered his most trusted officers and gave them precise instructions: Sow division among the righteous sects. Recruit and manipulate the unaligned forces. Orchestrate attacks on neutral villages and frame the righteous sects for them. His goal was not war. His goal was to make the martial world destroy itself. "A true war is not fought with swords." "Victory comes when your enemies destroy themselves." After the meeting Lee So-eun and the other Third Seats gathered before him. "Lee So-eun." The Leader''s gaze pierced through her. "Do your part." She bowed respectfully. "As you command, Cult Leader." But Inside, her determination burned. ''This man must be eliminated.'' Not for revenge. Not even to destroy the Demonic Cult. But to reshape it. The Cult''s philosophy had always been survival of the strongest. If that was true Then the strongest should rule. And that ruler would be her. But not yet. The Cult Leader was too strong. And he had too many loyal followers. She had to wait for the right moment. The moment he showed weakness. The Cult Leader''s Success and Lee So-eun''s Plan Across the martial world, chaos spread. The Cult Leader''s strategy was working perfectly. The righteous sects turned on each other, paranoid that spies were among them. The unaligned factions were tempted by power and began cooperating with the Cult. Neutral villages were attacked, and the righteous sects were blamed for it. The martial world was now fractured. Exactly as the Cult Leader had planned. "The moment they begin to fear each other, they can no longer stand united." Lee So-eun stood by his side, acting as his trusted enforcer. She followed every command. She never questioned him. And this made her his most trusted subordinate. But He knew. "Lee So-eun you are different from the others." "You do not truly serve me." Yet "Even so, I acknowledge your competence."** The Cult Leader trusted no one. But right now, he saw her as the most useful person at his side. And that was exactly what she wanted. She had made up her mind. "I must drag him onto the battlefield." If he thought himself invincible, She had to force the righteous sects and unaligned factions to unite against him. Only then Would his end come. With a calm smile, she turned to the Cult Leader and spoke: "Cult Leader." "It is time for you to personally take the battlefield." The Cult Leader''s lips curved into a smirk. "Oh? And why do you think that?" Lee So-eun''s eyes gleamed. "Because the martial world is already in chaos." "It is time to claim your throne." And in that moment Her final plan was set in motion. 19.The Blade that Tempted a God, Prelude to His Downfall Lee So-eun planted a rumor. At first, it was a mere whisper. "The Cult Leader intends to completely dominate the martial world." "He plans to destroy both the righteous sects and unorthodox factions while they are divided." This tiny spark began to spread across the martial world. At Shaolin C "We cannot allow someone to destroy the order of the martial world." At Wudang C "If the Cult Leader moves, we must respond." At Mount Hua, Kunlun, and the Beggar''s Sect C "We must keep a close watch on the movements of the Demonic Cult." The martial world was beginning to stir restlessly. And then The Cult Leader heard the rumors. He laughed loudly. "Hahahaha! So, the time has finally come." He stared into a mirror and spoke to himself. "The martial world has always feared me." "Do they truly believe they can stand against me?" His eyes gleamed with both arrogance and absolute confidence. He was powerful. Many great warriors had come to challenge him, but not a single one had ever put him in true danger. He saw himself as an invincible force. The righteous sects were divided. The unorthodox factions feared him. The Demonic Cult worshiped him as a god. In this situation The Cult Leader made a decision. "Very well. I shall step forward myself." His command was given. The elite warriors of the Demonic Cult began to mobilize. At Wudang, the Grandmaster of the Sect, Qingyun Daoist (녵), took action. He was one of the most respected figures in the martial world. And when he heard about the Cult Leader''s movement, he personally decided to intervene. "We cannot retreat from this battle." "If he truly seeks to conquer the martial world, we must act now." The Cult Leader faced the Wudang Grandmaster with an overbearing presence. "So, you''ve finally come forward." "Good. I will personally trample Wudang''s pride beneath my feet." The battle between the two strongest warriors began. The Cult Leader''s sword aura vs. The Wudang Grandmaster''s Taiji techniques. Their clash split the heavens and shook the earth. In the end The Cult Leader emerged victorious. The Grandmaster of Wudang fought to his last breath, but the Cult Leader''s overwhelming strength was too much. His sword strike shattered the Wudang Grandmaster''s defense. Qingyun Daoist fell, severely wounded and unable to fight any longer. The Cult Leader slowly lowered his sword and spoke. "Even Wudang could not stop me." "It is only a matter of time before I rule the martial world." His arrogance had reached its peak. His strength was undeniable. But at that moment The other leaders of the righteous sects could no longer remain silent. Mount Hua, Shaolin, the Beggar''s Sect, and Kunlun Masters united. if Wudang had fallen, they could not ignore the threat. If they did nothing, the martial world would fall into the hands of the Demonic Cult. The greatest warriors of the righteous sects moved forward. And all the while, watching silently, Lee So-eun whispered to herself. "Now the real battle begins." The Moment of Arrogance, The Cult Leader Falls After the fall of the Wudang Grandmaster, Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The leaders of Mount Hua, Shaolin, and Kunlun entered the battlefield. They were the greatest masters of the righteous sects. And they had one goal. "We must eliminate the Cult Leader here and now." Shaolin''s Grandmaster quietly pressed his hands together. "Evil must be eradicated." Mount Hua''s Sect Leader drew his sword and spoke. "There is no turning back now." Kunlun''s Grandmaster declared with cold precision. "It ends here." The strongest warriors of the righteous sects turned their blades toward the Cult Leader. But The Cult Leader did not fear death. No. He never even considered the possibility of losing. With a slow movement, he raised his sword and spoke. "Do you fools really believe you can kill me?" He was strong. He had defeated Wudang''s Grandmaster. He was the absolute ruler of the Demonic Cult. He was still surrounded by the most powerful warriors of the Cult. He sneered. "Even if you attack me all at once, you cannot defeat me." One by one, he would overwhelm them all. His confidence reached the heavens. But He had yet to realize. That all of this was part of Lee So-eun''s plan. Lee So-eun stood quietly behind him. The Cult Leader trusted her. She was now the Third Seat of the Cult. The Cult Leader believed she would never betray him. To him, she was merely a loyal bodyguard, one who had never shown any signs of rebellion. He let his guard down. "I am invincible." That was his fatal mistake. And Lee So-eun gripped her sword tightly. The battle began. Mount Hua, Shaolin, and Kunlun''s masters attacked the Cult Leader with all their might. The Cult Leader fought them off with overwhelming swordsmanship. The battlefield shook under the clash of powers. But The Cult Leader had not prepared for death. Even as he fought, he was certain. "I will not die here." "If I take them on one at a time, I will surely win." And then In the briefest moment of arrogance Lee So-eun struck. Seven Sword Dance (߄) C An unfinished but deadly technique. A martial art that combined evasion, counterattack, and movement into one. She found the Cult Leader''s opening. And he had never once suspected her. That was his final mistake. Her sword pierced through his body. "Kuh!" The Cult Leader''s eyes widened in disbelief. He had never imagined this was possible. The one he trusted the most The one he never guarded against Lee So-eun had betrayed him. His conviction shattered. His arrogance crumbled. As he collapsed, he gasped. "You dare" His hand trembled. His sword fell from his grasp. The absolute ruler of the Demonic Cult had fallen. The warriors of the Cult were stunned in horror. The righteous warriors stood in shock. "The Cult Leader is dead?" "That woman!" The Demonic Cult fell into chaos. The righteous sects believed they had won. But Lee So-eun remained calm. She looked down at her bloodied sword. And in silence, she whispered: "This is only the beginning." Epilogue – “The Legend Has Not Ended” The seal of the Demonic Cult was broken, and the hidden power was unleashed. The name of the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen resurfaced once more. At the heart of the chaos, she stood. The righteous and unorthodox factions of the martial world united to oppose her. And among them stood two figures who had once walked alongside her. Jin, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua. Wi-Yeon, the Sect Leader of Kunlun. They were no longer wandering warriors. Now, they had become the leaders of their respective sects, guardians of order in the martial world. However, the enemy standing before them was none other than Heavenly Sword Demon Queen, Lee So-Eun. "Tell me Have you truly become the Lord of the Demonic Cult?" Jin''s voice trembled with disbelief. Wi-Yeon let out a bitter smile. "This this isn''t the reunion I wanted." So-Eun gazed at them with unreadable eyes, void of emotion. "Are you hesitating now?" No more words were needed. Their swords were already drawn. Now, they had to cross blades. The Final Battle Begins Mount Hua''s blazing sword technique tore through the air, Kunlun''s fluid spear technique surrounded her from all sides. Yet, her blade deflected them all. Jin and Wi-Yeon had reached the peak of their martial prowess. But so had she. Each clash of steel shattered the ground beneath them, each strike carved through the mountains, but none of them would fall so easily. Heavenly Sword Demon Queen was strong. Too strong. Jin and Wi-Yeon recalled the first time they had witnessed her swordplay. It had been an overwhelming force back then. Now, it was something beyond comprehension. Yet, even as she fought, she wavered. Once, they had walked the same path. Once, they had protected each other. Now, they stood as mortal enemies. After countless exchanges, the decisive moment arrived. All three of them were exhausted. But an end had to come. Jin and Wi-Yeon prepared for their final strike. So-Eun raised her sword in response. Their three techniques collided A blinding explosion of steel, will, and fate. When the light faded, only three fallen figures remained. A Tragic Ending Jin, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua, tried to lift his sword. But his body had already reached its limit. "At the last moment, he hesitated. The memories of their time together The times when he had called her a comrade That moment of hesitation became his fatal mistake." He gazed at So-Eun. Her vision was already fading. Wi-Yeon lay on the ground, breathing heavily. He, too, knew that death was inevitable. With blurred vision, Jin forced out a question. "Was this truly the path you wanted to take?" So-Eun did not answer. She, too, was fatally wounded, yet she tried to stand. But her body had no strength left. Jin looked at her one last time before closing his eyes. Wi-Yeon did the same. That was how their journey ended. The Heavenly Sword Demon Queen fell into the abyss of the valley. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. As she plunged into the darkness, the last thing in her mind was their faces. Once, they were comrades. Once, they had protected each other. But now She had sent them to their graves with her own hands. Even the slightest hesitation had cost her everything. And so, she sank into endless darkness. "Fate refuses to let her go." A Second Chance But she did not die. Beneath the freezing currents, someone pulled her out. Her body was broken, wracked with unbearable pain, but her inner energy had already begun healing her wounds. She had crossed the threshold of death, but she could not stay there. "Fate still refuses to let me go." The martial world rejoiced. With the disappearance of the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen, the Demonic Cult retreated. The righteous and unorthodox factions breathed a sigh of relief. But she knew the truth. This was not the end. The Birth of a New Era Decades passed. Or perhaps, mere years. The martial world once again trembled. The Demonic Cult had not disappeared. From the shadows, it had been growing stronger. The righteous and unorthodox sects continued to watch each other warily, knowing that another great conflict was inevitable. Yet, Lee So-Eun had discovered something even more important. A variable that could change everything. A man who was defying the fundamental laws of the martial world. The Black Cloud Sword, Lee Do-Hyun. ? The martial world''s truth had always been the same: "The strong thrive, the weak perish." That was the principle of the Demonic Cult. That was the undeniable nature of the martial world. But he He was different. The righteous and unorthodox sects were no different from each other. They merely wore different masks, hiding behind so-called justice. But he Lee Do-Hyun was shaking the very foundation of the martial world. "Is he really achieving the impossible?" "Is he the one who will change the very essence of this world?" So-Eun had to find out. Thus, she took a new identity. She became Yeon-Hwa (ɏ), the Wandering Swordswoman. And under this name, she knocked on the doors of the Black Cloud Pavilion. She would see for herself whether this new force could truly alter the fate of the martial world. And when the time came she would decide. Would she shatter his ideals? Or would she acknowledge his vision? That answer Had yet to be determined. [The Story of the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen and the Black Cloud Sword continues in the main story of Lee Do-Hyun.]