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 hesitation—no 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.

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 place—we 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?