27.Training, Research, and a Crossroad

For several days, Lee Do-Hyun immersed himself in deep meditation and relentless training. The energy surrounding the sacred place wasn't just replenishing his mana—it was reshaping his very essence. The longer he stayed, the more certain he became:

"This feels like I've stepped into a completely new realm. The mana and internal energy here surpass anything I've ever encountered—even beyond what I thought possible in Murim."

The power flowing through him was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It wasn't just recovery; it was evolution.

Turning toward Han So-Yeon and Mi-Ryeong, he finally broke his silence with a determined expression.

"So-Yeon, Mi-Ryeong… I've made a decision. I believe it's better for me to stay here and focus on my training."

So-Yeon, her arms crossed, studied his face carefully. Before she could respond, Do-Hyun continued.

"I can feel it—this place offers something no other part of Murim can. Rather than wandering aimlessly, wouldn't it be wiser for me to refine my inner strength here? If I leave without mastering this energy, I'll be wasting an opportunity that may never come again."

After a moment of reflection, So-Yeon slowly nodded.

"If that's what you believe is best, then I'll support you. The journey isn't about how far we travel—it's about how much we grow. No matter where we are, as long as we're following our path, that's what counts."

Do-Hyun offered a small smile of gratitude before turning to Mi-Ryeong.

"Mi-Ryeong, this place… It feels tied to something greater, maybe even your family's legacy. Would you allow me to continue training here? I don't want to impose, but I need this space."

In an awkward gesture reminiscent of his previous life, he pulled out a makeshift contract. Though he had little understanding of how agreements worked in Murim, it was a habit carried from his old world.

Mi-Ryeong glanced at the document and raised an eyebrow.

"This isn't how contracts usually work here," she remarked, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "But there are no major issues. This land is tied to my family's heritage, yes—but if it serves your growth, I have no objections. Consider it granted."

With Mi-Ryeong's approval, Do-Hyun resumed his training with renewed focus. Yet soon, a much more mundane issue crept into the back of his mind—money.

The Harsh Reality of Survival

Days passed, and while Do-Hyun poured himself into training, reality struck with blunt force.

He had no money.

While the energy of the sacred place fed his body and spirit, daily necessities still demanded payment. Food, travel expenses, supplies—none of these could be ignored. Worse yet, he wasn't alone. He was responsible for both So-Yeon and Mi-Ryeong, who had accompanied him without hesitation.

One night, around a modest fire, Do-Hyun spoke carefully.

"So-Yeon, Mi-Ryeong… We need to stop for a moment and face a hard truth." His voice was heavy with guilt. "We're running out of money. If I were alone, I could manage. I've endured hunger and cold before. But I can't ask the same of you two."

So-Yeon looked at him thoughtfully, her gaze softening.

"You're not responsible for us, Do-Hyun. We're here because we chose to be. But… you're right. We need a plan."

Though her words eased some of his guilt, the practical problem remained unresolved. Just as the silence began to grow uncomfortable, Mi-Ryeong suddenly spoke, her voice calm but certain.

"Give me a little time, Do-Hyun. I'll handle the money."

Both Do-Hyun and So-Yeon turned to her, surprised by her confidence.

"Mi-Ryeong… Are you serious? How do you plan to get the money?" Do-Hyun asked cautiously.

Mi-Ryeong's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile.

"I have experience with… situations like this. You don't need to worry—I'll find a way."

Her cryptic response left them both unconvinced but with little choice. There was something about her composure, her quiet confidence, that made it difficult to argue.

Do-Hyun, after a moment of hesitation, nodded.

"I trust you, Mi-Ryeong. While you handle that… I'll focus on mastering the energy here. I won't let your efforts go to waste."

Mi-Ryeong's smile never wavered.

"That's all I ask. Just leave it to me."

A Crossroad of Power and Responsibility

As Do-Hyun returned to his training, the uncertainty of their financial future loomed over him. Yet, for the first time since arriving in this world, he felt hope—hope that they could carve their own path, not bound by survival but driven by purpose.

What Mi-Ryeong planned remained a mystery. But if anyone could navigate the complexities of Murim's hidden politics and unspoken deals, it was her.

"I'll carry my burden," Do-Hyun thought, tightening his grip on the Black Cloud Sword. "But this time, I won't walk this path alone."

 **********

Mi-Ryeong's Plan to Obtain Money

Mi-Ryeong arrived at the headquarters of the Golden Assembly, a prestigious financial syndicate that held vast influence across Murim. The grand, imposing building exuded an air of both aristocratic elegance and rigid discipline, its towering spires casting long shadows over the surrounding district.

Inside, the constant shuffle of hurried footsteps echoed through the expansive marble corridors. Servants and clerks moved with calculated precision—every gesture deliberate, every word measured. Here, wealth wasn't just counted in gold but in power, connections, and influence. This was not merely a place for financial transactions—it was a dominion where the powerful dictated the fate of many.

Mi-Ryeong's gaze remained cold and focused as she walked with quiet authority through the gilded halls.

"The time for hesitation is over."

Her thoughts were clear, her resolve unwavering.

 A Scene of Injustice

As she turned a corner, an unsettling scene caught her attention.

A young woman, clearly from a lesser household, was being forcibly restrained by a nobleman clad in fine robes. His grip on her wrist was cruel, his voice dripping with disdain.

"How dare a woman like you enter my house uninvited!"

His voice echoed across the corridor.

"Do you not understand the consequences of your actions?"

The man's lips curled into a sneer as he twisted the woman's wrist tighter, feeding off her pain and helplessness. The surrounding servants remained frozen, too fearful to intervene.

Mi-Ryeong's expression didn't change, but her presence seemed to grow heavier.

Without uttering a word, she gathered her internal energy.

A sudden force—silent yet devastating—rippled through the air. The nobleman's body flew backward with violent precision, crashing against the cold marble wall behind him. His eyes rolled back, unconscious before his body even hit the ground.

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Mi-Ryeong.

"Men like you have no right to abuse your power so carelessly," she said, her voice calm but laced with chilling authority.

Her mere presence was enough to make the servants back away in fear, bowing their heads to avoid meeting her gaze.

 A Business Proposition

Moments later, a deep, rumbling laugh filled the corridor.

"What's this? Causing trouble in my house, are we?"

The voice belonged to none other than Jang Sam-Go, the influential head of the Golden Assembly. A large man with sharp eyes and a reputation for cunning, he stepped forward with an air of confidence. His gaze briefly lingered on the unconscious nobleman, then shifted to Mi-Ryeong, amusement flickering across his features.

"You… I don't believe we've met before."

His voice was low but carried an undeniable authority.

"Most people would think twice before making a scene here. But you? You're interesting."

Mi-Ryeong's expression didn't waver.

"Your servant's actions were unacceptable. If you take pride in your house, then you should take responsibility for those who represent it."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Jang Sam-Go let out a hearty laugh.

"Hah! You're not afraid of speaking boldly in front of me. Fine—he deserved what he got."

He waved a hand casually, signaling for the unconscious man to be removed.

"But let's get to the real reason you're here. You wouldn't risk offending me without good cause."

Mi-Ryeong met his gaze without flinching.

"I need funding. A considerable amount. And I'm willing to negotiate the terms."

Jang Sam-Go's eyes narrowed with interest.

"Money, is it? You don't seem like someone who begs for gold. Fine—let's hear your offer."

Mi-Ryeong took a seat across from him, her voice steady.

"This isn't charity. I need resources for training, but I understand the value of debt. I'm prepared to offer my services in return, under agreed-upon conditions."

A slow smile crept across Jang Sam-Go's face.

"Smart girl. Here's my offer—I'll give you the funds you need, but in return, when the time comes, you'll owe me a favor. Not just any favor, mind you—when the Golden Assembly calls for you, you must answer, no questions asked."

Mi-Ryeong didn't hesitate.

"Agreed."

Jang Sam-Go raised an eyebrow, impressed by her confidence.

"You're either very brave or very foolish to accept so quickly. But I like that. Consider the deal sealed."

They shook hands, the agreement made with silent understanding.

"You'll have the resources you need for training," he added. "But remember, when I come to collect my debt… I expect full cooperation."

Mi-Ryeong's expression remained composed, her gaze unwavering.

"I will honor our agreement. Just be sure that the favor you ask is worth the price."

A Deal with Consequences

As she left the Golden Assembly's grand hall, Mi-Ryeong allowed herself a brief moment of reflection.

This wasn't just a financial deal—it was a calculated gamble. Jang Sam-Go was not a man to be taken lightly, and when the time came, the favor he demanded would be significant.

But for now, she had accomplished what she needed.

"Do-Hyun will have his resources," she thought. "And when the time comes, I'll deal with the consequences."

Unbeknownst to her, the deal she had just made would set into motion a series of events far more dangerous than any of them could have anticipated.