14.The Birth of the Black Cloud Sword

With the affairs between the Pyo-Guk Escort Bureau and the Yoon Seol-Hwa clan settled, Lee Do-Hyun quietly finished packing his belongings. His next journey awaited him, and with his sword strapped to his back, he was ready to continue down the unpredictable roads of Kangho.

However, Yoon Seol-Hwa wasn't quite ready to let him go just yet.

"Before You Leave, Let Me Test Your Strength."

"Do-Hyun, wait."

His steps halted as he turned around. Standing before him was Yoon Seol-Hwa, her gaze sharp and unwavering, one hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

"Something feels incomplete. I can't let you leave without seeing your skills for myself."

Do-Hyun let out a soft, almost amused sigh.

"Is there really a need for that? My skills aren't anything worth mentioning in Kangho just yet."

Just then, a familiar voice joined the conversation—Han So-Yeon, wearing her usual teasing smirk.

"That's exactly why we're curious. We want to see if all the effort we put into guiding you actually paid off—and whether you're truly ready to stand on your own."

Feeling the intensity rising from both women, Do-Hyun scratched the back of his head with a dry chuckle.

"Wow, I didn't realize I had become such an important person to both of you."

Without further hesitation, Yoon Seol-Hwa unsheathed her sword, her stance steady and commanding.

"This isn't just a friendly test. This is to confirm whether you have what it takes to survive in Kangho. Draw your sword."

Sighing, Do-Hyun slowly unsheathed his blade, the weight of expectation settling on his shoulders.

"Fine. Let's get this over with. But don't expect too much—I'm still just figuring things out."

 The Spark of Power

Without warning, Yoon Seol-Hwa lunged forward, her strikes swift and precise, each one a testament to years of disciplined training. Her attacks left little room for breathing, forcing Do-Hyun onto the defensive.

But then, a memory surfaced—Han So-Yeon's earlier advice echoed in his mind.

 "Read the flow. Maintain your center. Defend with the least effort, and strike only when the timing is perfect."

Focusing intently, Do-Hyun adjusted his movements. Rather than forcefully blocking, he let her strikes slide past with minimal effort, conserving energy and searching for the right moment to counter.

Suddenly, an eerie vibration pulsed through his sword, followed by a familiar cold whisper in his mind.

 "Accept my power. If you can control me… my strength will become yours."

A flicker of determination sparked in his eyes.

'Alright. Let's see what happens if I embrace it.'

The next swing of his blade erupted in crimson flames, the heat distorting the air as it collided with Yoon Seol-Hwa's strike.

She hesitated for a fraction of a second, her instincts on high alert.

'That's not ordinary swordsmanship… Is it the sword's power? Or his?'

Do-Hyun let the sword's flow guide his hand, the flames wrapping around his movements like an extension of his will. The control was far from perfect—but the power radiating from the blade was undeniable.

From a distance, Han So-Yeon watched with a slight smirk, arms crossed.

"So… this is the result of our efforts? Looks like I did contribute something after all."

The Birth of a Legend

After several more exchanges, Yoon Seol-Hwa lowered her blade, her expression thoughtful yet impressed.

"Do-Hyun, your progress is remarkable. If you ever achieve true synchronization with that sword, your name will surely be carved into the annals of Kangho."

Breathing heavily, Do-Hyun sheathed his sword.

"You flatter me. I still have a long way to go… This sword hasn't fully submitted to me yet."

Yet, among the gathered spectators, whispers began to ripple through the air.

 "Is that… the legendary Black Cloud Sword?"

"His blade… it erupted in flames! That's not something any ordinary swordsman can do!"

A name had been born. A title given not by his own choice, but by the recognition of those who witnessed his newfound power.

Do-Hyun let out a soft sigh, hearing the growing murmurs.

"The Black Cloud Sword, huh? Even if that name follows me, I'm still just a novice. I'll need to train harder if I want to survive in Kangho."

Acknowledgment and Responsibility

Han So-Yeon approached, her smirk playful yet tinged with respect.

"At least now you admit you're still an amateur. I'll expect real improvement next time we meet."

On the other hand, Yoon Seol-Hwa's expression turned serious.

"Receiving a title like Black Cloud Sword means you've been recognized for your potential. But potential alone won't save you in this world. If you truly want to survive in Kangho, you'll need to refine both your sword and yourself."

Taking their words to heart, Do-Hyun nodded, determination solidifying in his eyes.

'If this name has been given to me, I won't let it be meaningless. I'll live up to it—no matter what it takes.'

That night, as he sat by his sword, he whispered quietly under his breath.

"You chose me… but now, I choose you. I will survive in Kangho—and protect what must be protected."

The journey of The Black Cloud Sword had just begun. The world of Kangho remained vast, treacherous, and full of challenges yet to come.

**********************

Han So-Yeon's Decision to Follow

With the business between the Pyo-Guk Escort Bureau and the Yoon Seol-Hwa clan finally settled, Lee Do-Hyun quietly prepared to leave. His determination was clear—this journey would be his alone, and the road ahead was his to carve out.

But as he turned away from the familiar grounds, two women watched him depart with very different expressions.

Yoon Seol-Hwa stood in silence, her sharp eyes lingering on Do-Hyun's retreating figure.

'This man… he's no ordinary martial artist. His sword, the flames he wields—they're unlike anything I've seen before. What kind of journey has shaped him into who he is now?'

Her thoughts were heavy, weighed down by the obligations of her family and the legacy of her clan. Despite her curiosity and unspoken desire to follow, duty bound her in place.

In a quiet murmur meant for herself alone, she whispered,

"I suppose… we'll meet again someday."

Her gaze lingered for a moment longer before she turned away, the weight of her responsibilities anchoring her to the path she could not leave behind.

The Spirit of Freedom—Han So-Yeon's Choice

Unlike Yoon Seol-Hwa, Han So-Yeon had always been a wanderer—a free spirit who followed her instincts rather than duty. Watching Do-Hyun disappear into the distance, she smirked.

"You have your family to take care of, don't you? But me… I've got nothing tying me down."

Glancing sideways at Yoon Seol-Hwa, she added with a playful edge,

"No point in wasting time standing around. He's interesting—I think I'll follow him and see what he's made of."

Yoon Seol-Hwa didn't respond immediately but eventually offered a knowing, almost reluctant nod.

"Do as you please. But be careful. That man… he's not ordinary. There's something dangerous about him, even if he doesn't realize it himself."

Han So-Yeon chuckled lightly.

"Good. Ordinary men don't make for exciting journeys."

The Road Ahead—An Unlikely Partnership

Meanwhile, Do-Hyun was already on the road, the wind carrying his thoughts forward. He was determined to walk his path alone—until a familiar voice interrupted him from behind.

"Where do you think you're going without me?"

Turning around, he raised an eyebrow as Han So-Yeon appeared at his side.

"You're not thinking of tagging along, are you?"

She shrugged with nonchalance.

"Why not? I've got time, and I was getting bored. Besides, someone's got to make sure you don't get yourself killed."

A dry chuckle escaped his lips.

"So you're my babysitter now? How thoughtful. But I prefer traveling alone."

Without missing a beat, Han So-Yeon fell into step beside him.

"Traveling alone is boring. At least with me, you'll have some company. Besides, your sword skills still need serious work."

Realizing she wouldn't be easily shaken off, Do-Hyun sighed in resignation.

"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you—this journey won't be easy."

Her response was a confident grin.

"Good. Easy journeys are boring anyway."

The Bonds of Growth and Destiny

And so, their journey together began.

 He, a man from another world, carrying the weight of an unfamiliar sword and an uncertain destiny, searching for his place in Kangho.

 She, a free-spirited martial artist, chasing an undefined goal, intrigued by the man who wielded a blade of fire and will.

Far behind them, Yoon Seol-Hwa watched quietly, her heart heavy with an emotion she couldn't quite name.

"The next time we meet… what kind of person will you have become, Lee Do-Hyun?"

Her words faded into the wind, a silent promise of an inevitable reunion, as the two figures disappeared into the vastness of Kangho.