13,A Strange Rivalry—Yoon Seol-Hwa and Han So-Yeon

Several days had passed since the Pyo-Guk escort group had settled at Yoon Seol-Hwa's clan estate. The atmosphere remained calm and disciplined, as expected of one of the most prestigious martial households in the Martial World.

But that calm was soon disrupted by the arrival of a familiar figure at the entrance—Han So-Yeon.

On the surface, her presence appeared to be in response to an official request from the Yoon Clan—a simple mission of assistance. Yet, for those who truly understood the history between Han So-Yeon and Yoon Seol-Hwa, this was more than just a professional visit.

A Rivalry Born of Respect

In the Martial World, few female martial artists commanded as much recognition as these two. Their journey had begun as allies, bonded by mutual respect. But as the years passed and comparisons grew more frequent, their bond gradually shifted from friendship to rivalry.

At first, Han So-Yeon had clearly been the superior. Her fast, razor-sharp swordplay had earned her widespread recognition among the top martial clans. But Yoon Seol-Hwa's relentless discipline and unwavering focus allowed her to close the gap. Before long, whispers began to circulate—rumors that perhaps Yoon Seol-Hwa had surpassed her old ally.

Their relationship remained courteous, yet beneath the surface, an unspoken tension always lingered. As two of the most exceptional female martial artists in a male-dominated world, they couldn't help but be measured against one another, pushing them into a quiet but undeniable rivalry.

 The Encounter Begins

As Han So-Yeon stepped onto the clan grounds, her sharp gaze immediately swept over the Pyo-Guk escort team. It didn't take long for her eyes to find the one figure she was truly searching for—Lee Do-Hyun.

Just as she was about to approach, a familiar voice intercepted her.

"So-Yeon, what brings you here?"

Yoon Seol-Hwa stood in her path, her expression calm yet unmistakably guarded.

Han So-Yeon offered a faint smile, her tone casual yet laced with subtle provocation.

"The clan requested my assistance. A simple task, nothing more."

Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Do-Hyun before adding,

"Though… I couldn't help but notice you seem rather preoccupied. Taken an interest in someone from the escort team, have you?"

Yoon Seol-Hwa hesitated for a brief moment but quickly dismissed the implication.

"It's nothing. Just… curiosity."

Han So-Yeon's eyes narrowed slightly, picking up on the subtle shift in her old rival's demeanor.

"Curiosity, huh? And here I thought nothing could shake your focus. But it seems this stranger has caught even your attention."

Following the direction of Yoon Seol-Hwa's earlier gaze, Han So-Yeon locked eyes on Do-Hyun. Recognition flickered across her face.

"That man… I saw him at Pungwolru."

A Subtle Battle of Wits

Turning back to her rival, Han So-Yeon's smirk deepened.

"Don't tell me… he's the reason for your curiosity? That man's the one wielding the legendary sword, isn't he?"

Yoon Seol-Hwa remained silent, but her lack of denial was answer enough.

Han So-Yeon let out a soft, knowing chuckle.

"Fascinating. He certainly caused a stir at Pungwolru. But to think you—of all people—would be paying attention to him… That's even more intriguing."

Yoon Seol-Hwa's eyes sharpened, her voice cool and dismissive.

"Let it go, So-Yeon. I'm only observing. There's nothing more to it."

But Han So-Yeon wasn't one to back down so easily. Stepping closer, her voice dropped to a near whisper.

"If he truly wields a legendary sword, he's bound to reshape the Martial World. And you expect me to believe you're just… observing?"

Yoon Seol-Hwa held her composure, but her frown deepened.

"And what exactly do you plan to do about it? Knowing his identity won't change anything."

Han So-Yeon's smirk widened.

"Who knows? Sometimes, just knowing is enough to gain the upper hand. Or maybe… it's enough to unsettle you."

The tension between them was palpable—an invisible battlefield where neither would yield. Their words remained polite, but every glance and tone carried the weight of years of unspoken rivalry.

Yoon Seol-Hwa sought to test Lee Do-Hyun's limits.

Han So-Yeon aimed to confirm her suspicions—and perhaps, to challenge Yoon Seol-Hwa once more.

Unseen Storms Brewing

All the while, Lee Do-Hyun remained blissfully unaware of the intricate web forming around him. His focus was singular: to grow stronger, to master his sword, and to carve out his own path in the Martial World.

But the two women circling him had their own stakes in the unfolding drama—stakes that neither of them could yet fully understand.

The storm was building, and when it broke, the entire Martial World would feel its impact.

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The Beginning of a Rivalry, and Do-Hyun's Growth

During his stay at Yoon Seol-Hwa's clan, Lee Do-Hyun couldn't shake the subtle tension hanging over him like a storm waiting to break. Every interaction, every glance—it all carried weight.

Both Yoon Seol-Hwa and Han So-Yeon seemed to be observing him with sharp focus, though neither openly confronted him. Their scrutiny was constant, quiet, and suffocating in its intensity.

The Unspoken Challenge

Yoon Seol-Hwa watched from a distance, her gaze calm yet razor-sharp. She wasn't the type to issue challenges lightly; instead, she waited, studying his every move with patient calculation.

"Lee Do-Hyun, merely escorting goods isn't enough if you wish to master martial arts."

Her words were casual on the surface, yet every syllable carried the weight of expectation—a subtle but undeniable challenge.

Do-Hyun managed a sheepish smile, though his instincts were on high alert.

"That may be true, but I'm just a Pyo-Guk escort. My responsibility is to ensure the safety of the goods, not to become a master swordsman."

Her eyes narrowed, and her voice dropped in tone.

"Even an escort must learn to fight if they wish to survive in the Martial World. Sooner or later, you'll have to prove your strength."

There was no mistaking the meaning behind her words. This wasn't a suggestion—it was an invitation for a test.

 Lessons from a Rival

Meanwhile, Han So-Yeon had no interest in playing subtle games. She found Do-Hyun practicing alone and approached without hesitation.

"Your stance is too stiff. You're wasting energy with every movement."

Startled, Do-Hyun turned to face her.

"Oh? So-Yeon-nim, do you always critique people mid-training?"

Arms crossed, she smirked with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how skilled she was.

"Only when someone is clearly in need of guidance. Your posture's inefficient—you'll burn out quickly in a real fight."

Without waiting for permission, she stepped closer and adjusted his shoulders, guiding his arms with deliberate precision.

"This is basic. Balance, not brute strength, will determine your survival. Without mastering the fundamentals, you won't last long in the Martial World."

Do-Hyun absorbed her advice carefully, nodding in acknowledgment.

"I see… I've been too focused on raw power instead of refining my form. Thank you for the guidance."

A rare, satisfied smile flickered across Han So-Yeon's face.

"You'll need more than polite gratitude when you inevitably spar with Yoon Seol-Hwa. Take this seriously—you're going to need every advantage."

A Duel Brewing in Silence

Between Yoon Seol-Hwa's silent, calculated scrutiny and Han So-Yeon's direct coaching, Do-Hyun felt the pressure mounting with every passing day.

"Are they testing me? Or just sizing me up?"

Regardless of their intentions, Do-Hyun took every lesson to heart. He refined his movements, adjusted his stance, and focused on conserving energy rather than wasting it on needless exertion.

Each interaction felt like preparation for a confrontation that was inevitable but not yet spoken aloud.

The Sword and Self-Mastery

Beneath the external pressure, Do-Hyun knew there was another battle—one deeper and far more personal.

"Before I leave this place, I need to truly understand both this sword… and myself."

Every swing of his blade was no longer just about combat; it was about control. His mind wrestled with the lingering will inside Igo's Sword—the voice of Laxis waiting in the shadows of his consciousness.

His goal was no longer just survival. It was mastery. Over the sword, over his doubts, and over the expectations surrounding him.

For now, he trained harder, listened closer, and prepared relentlessly—knowing full well that soon, he would have to stand against both Yoon Seol-Hwa and Han So-Yeon.

And when that moment came, it wouldn't just be a test of skill. It would be a clash of will, determination, and destiny.