24.Lee Do-Hyun and His Party Depart

The time had come for Lee Do-Hyun and his companions to leave the Zhang family estate. After days of rest, reflection, and unexpected encounters, they were once again ready to step back into the unpredictable currents of the martial world.

Standing before the head of the Zhang family, Zhang Mun-Ho, Do-Hyun bowed respectfully, his posture straight and resolute.

"I am deeply grateful for the hospitality we have received. The lessons learned within these walls will remain with us as we continue our journey."

Zhang Mun-Ho offered a warm, measured smile, his gaze carrying a sense of genuine respect.

"It saddens me to see you go, but I understand the calling of the road. May your blade remain sharp, and may your name echo across Kangho with honor."

Do-Hyun hesitated for a moment, absorbing the weight of the patriarch's words, before offering a nod of sincere appreciation.

"This estate offered us more than just rest—it gave us clarity. But there are paths we must walk that stretch far beyond these walls."

At his side, Han So-Yeon bowed as well, her voice soft but steady.

"We'll never forget the kindness shown here. Thank you, Lord Zhang."

With final farewells exchanged, the group turned to leave the estate.

Beyond the Walls

As they passed through the grand gates, a quiet sense of anticipation filled the air. Each step forward carried the weight of understanding—they were now deeper in the martial world than ever before. The dangers ahead would be far greater, but so would the stakes.

Yet, beneath this shared resolve was an undercurrent of tension, particularly surrounding Mi-Ryeong. Despite days of travel together, her true purpose remained an enigma. Why had she chosen to join them? What was it that she sought?

The uneasy silence was broken by an unexpected sight.

A carriage approached from the distance, flanked by a group of men clad in the dark robes of government officials. Their presence was a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere of the estate—silent, calculated, and radiating an undeniable authority.

The officials didn't stop to address Do-Hyun's group; instead, they made their way directly toward the estate.

Inside, Zhang Mun-Ho received them with composure, his expression unreadable. A brief, hushed exchange took place, the conversation too quiet for any outsider to overhear. After a few short moments, the officials nodded curtly, returned to their carriage, and disappeared as quickly as they had arrived.

From a distance, Han So-Yeon caught a glimpse of the scene and frowned.

"Government officials? That's not a coincidence," she muttered under her breath. Still, with Do-Hyun walking ahead, undeterred by the presence behind them, she chose to keep her concerns quiet—for now.

Unspoken Tensions

As they continued their journey, Do-Hyun occasionally found his eyes drawn toward Mi-Ryeong. She had been quiet before, but now there was a distinct distance in her demeanor. It was as if she was preoccupied by something far beyond the road ahead.

So-Yeon, always observant, finally broke the silence.

"Mi-Ryeong, is something bothering you?"

The question seemed to pull Mi-Ryeong from her thoughts. She blinked, her gaze momentarily unfocused before she responded in a low voice.

"No… I'm fine. There's simply a path I need to follow. That's all."

The answer was too vague, too rehearsed.

So-Yeon's eyes narrowed slightly. "You've been quiet since we left the estate. If there's something we need to know—"

"It's nothing," Mi-Ryeong interrupted, her voice calm but firm. "When the time comes, I'll tell you everything."

Even Do-Hyun, who had grown used to Mi-Ryeong's cryptic nature, could sense she was withholding something important.

'There's more to her presence than she's letting on.'

He didn't press her for now, but the thought lingered like an unspoken promise—her secrets would surface eventually.

A Gathering Storm

Back at the Zhang estate, the officials gathered in a private chamber, their expressions solemn. Whatever had passed between them and Zhang Mun-Ho was clearly of great significance.

"They've left," one official murmured.

Zhang Mun-Ho nodded slowly, folding his hands behind his back.

"Yes, but their journey will not remain unnoticed. There are eyes beyond Kangho now—forces that seek more than mere martial prowess."

The official exchanged a glance with his companions.

"And the woman? The one with them?"

Zhang Mun-Ho's gaze darkened. "She carries more secrets than she reveals. But for now, we let the game unfold naturally. The martial world will soon know her importance."

The Road Ahead

Unaware of the silent machinations behind them, Do-Hyun, So-Yeon, and Mi-Ryeong continued their journey. Each of them bore unspoken burdens—some heavier than others.

Their movements were no longer those of mere wanderers in Kangho. Every step forward drew the attention of unseen forces, political factions, and martial clans alike.

And though they didn't yet realize it, the storm was already gathering.

Their story was no longer just about survival—it was about shaping the future of the martial world itself.

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