32.Remembering Chun-Hyang

At Black Cloud Hall, training continued as usual. However, amidst the rigorous exercises, Lee Do-Hyun suddenly paused, lost in thought. His mind drifted back to his past—to a time before he arrived in this world.

He recalled Chun-Hyang, the woman who had been one of his earliest benefactors when he first stepped into Murim. She had guided him through his difficult journey, helping him adapt to this unfamiliar world. Murim was a harsh and intricate place, and few understood its unforgiving nature better than Chun-Hyang.

She had been more than just a mentor—she was a protector and an advisor. Thanks to her guidance, Do-Hyun had survived within the complex web of Murim's laws and unspoken rules.

Chun-Hyang was not merely a courtesan; she was the leader of the women at Pungwolru. That place was more than just an entertainment house—it was a hub of intelligence, where crucial information exchanged hands between Murim's most powerful factions and figures. Chun-Hyang played the role of an intermediary, gathering and sharing knowledge that shaped the course of events.

Do-Hyun owed her a great debt. He still remembered one of the most valuable lessons she had imparted to him:

"Strength is important in Murim, but knowing how to use it matters even more. My survival was never about martial arts or physical prowess—it was about knowing who to trust and who to ally with."

That lesson had left an indelible mark on his heart. In Murim, individual strength alone was not enough. The ability to discern whom to stand beside was just as critical, if not more so.

As he reflected on the support he had received, Do-Hyun felt a deep sense of gratitude. He had not reached this point alone—he had been uplifted by the aid of those who believed in him. This realization fueled his determination as he continued to establish himself as a growing force in the region.

During training at Black Cloud Hall, Do-Hyun began to suspect that the courtesans of Pungwolru in this area might soon seek his help. They, too, would come to him for the same reasons Chun-Hyang had. She had provided him with a vast network of knowledge and connections, enabling him to navigate Murim's treacherous waters.

Now, it was his turn to repay that favor.

The courtesans of Pungwolru were not mere entertainers. They were individuals caught within Murim's vast power struggles, forced to fend for themselves in a dangerous world. They, too, needed the means to protect themselves.

As training sessions continued, Do-Hyun noticed that some of the women at Black Cloud Hall had ties to Pungwolru. A few of them sought martial training not just for personal safety but also to safeguard the very place they belonged to.

Realizing this, Do-Hyun made a decision—he would not treat them as mere trainees. Their struggles deserved recognition, and if he could help them carve out a place for themselves in Murim, he would. After all, that was the very path Chun-Hyang had once shown him.

"This training won't just end here," Do-Hyun resolved to himself. "If I can protect the Pungwolru of this region, if I can empower them, they will learn how to survive in this world on their own."

It was time for him to give back. The knowledge and strength he had gained from those who had helped him—it was now his responsibility to pass them on.

And so, Do-Hyun began training the courtesans of Pungwolru, teaching them how to defend themselves and fight back against the forces that sought to control them.

As he thought of Chun-Hyang once more, he realized that, in a way, he was following in her footsteps. He was continuing the work she had started—giving people the means to take control of their own fates.

Through this, Black Cloud Hall would not merely remain a place for martial training. It would become a refuge, a stronghold—one where anyone, regardless of their background, could learn to survive and forge their own path in Murim.

**********

Rumors from Pungwolru and Shifting Hearts

Life at Black Cloud Hall remained as busy as ever. Lee Do-Hyun continued his intense training, steadily growing stronger with each passing day. But his growth was not limited to martial arts alone—his relationships with those around him, including Han So-Yeon and Mi-Ryeong, were also undergoing significant changes.

One day, after finishing his training, Do-Hyun took a short break and overheard a conversation between Han So-Yeon and Mi-Ryeong. The topic of their discussion soon turned to Pungwolru, and what they were saying piqued his interest.

 "Did you hear? There's a rumor going around from Pungwolru," Han So-Yeon said with a smile.

"A rumor? About what?" Do-Hyun asked.

"About the courtesans learning martial arts at Black Cloud Hall," she said playfully. "They say some of them only came for self-defense, but others have become skilled martial artists."

"That can't be right…" Do-Hyun murmured, lost in thought.

"Well, that's how rumors spread. In Murim, even small events grow into something bigger," Mi-Ryeong added calmly. "Regardless, these rumors are helping build Black Cloud Hall's reputation."

Do-Hyun remained silent. All he had done was teach them basic self-defense, yet the rumors had already exaggerated the situation, spreading quickly. The fact that courtesans from Pungwolru were learning martial arts wasn't just an interesting story—it was proof that Black Cloud Hall was becoming more than just a martial arts dojo. It was turning into a movement, a shift in the social order of Murim.

 "It's amazing to see this place gain so much recognition," Han So-Yeon said, smiling again. "We used to just train quietly, but now we're drawing serious attention."

"But that also means more challenges will come," Mi-Ryeong added, her gaze steady. "The stronger Black Cloud Hall becomes, the more resistance it will face. As long as we remain neutral, we should be fine… for now."

Do-Hyun nodded at Mi-Ryeong's words. It was true—the more renowned they became, the greater the opposition they would face. But instead of fearing conflict, he welcomed the challenge. It was challenges that drove him forward, forcing him to grow stronger.

And, as he mulled over these thoughts, he found his mind drifting toward Han So-Yeon and Mi-Ryeong.

 "You've really come a long way," Han So-Yeon said, looking at him with admiration.

"I just put in a little more effort, that's all," he replied humbly.

"No, I know how hard it's been for you. I've seen it firsthand. Now, a lot of people will start relying on you." There was a quiet certainty in her voice.

Do-Hyun met Han So-Yeon's gaze. Her words were filled with genuine warmth and care. Even though he didn't fully understand her emotions, he couldn't deny that her words carried a special weight in his heart.

 "Murim is vast," he said with a nod. "If people are going to rely on me, I have to become even stronger."

"Strength is good," she replied with a soft smile. "But do you think you can overcome everything you know?"

"I have to," he answered, his smile unwavering. "That's my role."

Han So-Yeon watched him, her admiration for his determination growing. More than anything, she wanted to help him establish himself as a true leader within Murim. The emotions she felt toward him may have already surpassed mere camaraderie, but she chose to express them through her actions rather than words.

 "Do-Hyun," Mi-Ryeong spoke up. "Your martial arts have limitless potential. But there is much more for you to do."

"Surviving in Murim is more important, right?" he asked with a knowing smile.

"Yes. But even more important than that is deciding who you want to walk this path with," she replied in a composed yet elegant tone. "The path of Murim is not meant to be walked alone. You need allies."

Her words struck a chord within him. Mi-Ryeong was someone who understood the power of relationships better than most. As someone from a prestigious background, she had spent her life navigating the intricacies of people and politics. Her words weren't just advice; they were a warning, a quiet nudge in the right direction.

 "People to walk this path with…" Do-Hyun murmured. "That includes you and Han So-Yeon, doesn't it?"

"Choosing your companions is never a simple task," Mi-Ryeong said with a subtle smile. "But if I am someone you choose, then I will gladly protect that path for you."

There was sincerity in her words. She had always appeared composed and distant, but beneath that exterior, she was someone who supported him in her own way. Do-Hyun recognized this, feeling a quiet warmth in her presence.

Yet, despite his deepening bonds with Han So-Yeon and Mi-Ryeong, he still couldn't fully define his emotions toward them. For now, his focus remained on his martial journey, on growing stronger.

Even so, their presence was becoming an undeniable source of strength for him.

As he honed his martial arts and refined his leadership, he also began to experience subtle shifts within himself. Love, responsibility, and his place in Murim—all of these things were beginning to take on new significance.

Do-Hyun was preparing for the path ahead. But who he would walk that path with would soon become one of the greatest decisions of his journey.