39. The Climax of the Battle

Despite his resurgence, Do-Hyun remained under constant pressure. Geo Sam-Sik's staff techniques were ruthless, his every strike infused with unwavering strength. The energy waves from his staff continued to push Do-Hyun back, his speed increasing with each move.

Do-Hyun was nearing his limit. His strength was waning, yet deep within him, a flame refused to die.

"I can't let it end like this."

His breath steadied. If he fell now, the Black Cloud Pavilion would fall with him. There was no room for failure.

At that moment, something shifted.

He felt a connection with his sword, stronger than ever before. The Igo's Sword, as if resonating with his will, responded. His heartbeat aligned with the weapon's pulse, and suddenly, light surged from the blade—a radiance like lightning flashing across the sky.

His sword was no longer just a weapon.

It was alive.

It moved on its own, a force of instinct and will. The realization sent shivers down his spine.

"This sword…"

Before he could fully process it, his sword took action. Moving almost of its own volition, it parried an incoming attack, intercepting the Beggars' Sect leader's staff with flawless precision.

For the first time, Do-Hyun and his sword fought as one. No longer did he wield it—it guided him, as if knowing exactly what needed to be done.

Geo Sam-Sik narrowed his eyes.

"Your sword… it's extraordinary."

Despite his admiration, he refused to concede defeat. Summoning all his might, he launched his final strike. The force of his staff strike was immeasurable.

Do-Hyun, sensing the decisive moment, gathered everything he had. The sword's energy surged, a combination of flames and lightning, forming a blazing arc.

A clash of unprecedented power erupted.

For a moment, it seemed the world stood still.

Then, the battle was over.

Geo Sam-Sik stepped back, his staff shattered from the overwhelming force. He studied Do-Hyun, his expression serious yet respectful.

"You are stronger than I expected."

Silence settled over the battlefield. Then, with an approving nod, Geo Sam-Sik turned and left.

The Black Cloud Pavilion stood victorious. But Do-Hyun knew—this was only the beginning.

 *******

Mi-Ryeong's Conflict and Resolution

Mi-Ryeong carefully supported Lee Do-Hyun, making her way through the dense forest. His body was completely drained, drenched in sweat and blood, revealing just how dire his condition was. She could feel the weight of his exhaustion, the desperate need for him to recover his mana as quickly as possible.

She knew that this location was crucial for his recovery—a place imbued with mana regeneration properties. However, if their presence was discovered, this advantage could be lost. Thus, she remained extremely cautious, scanning her surroundings while guiding Do-Hyun to the secluded spot.

As she checked his condition, Mi-Ryeong paused momentarily. His face was pale, his entire body covered in sweat and wounds, his breathing shallow. The realization that Do-Hyun had become this weak, that he had drained so much of his mana, sent a pang of pain through her chest.

Her hands trembled slightly as she felt his body temperature—a faint warmth, the only proof that he was still alive. But if he did not recover soon, he might not be able to rise again.

She knew this place would aid in his recovery. The magical properties of the area ensured that his mana would return without requiring extreme measures. Yet, she was also aware of another, more immediate method—one that would instantly replenish his mana.

A method she had always known about.

A method that required physical connection.

She knew that sharing intimate energy exchange was the fastest way to restore his depleted mana. It was a known technique—one that warriors of old had used in desperate situations. And yet, as she slowly began to unfasten her clothing, she hesitated.

Her fingers trembled, her heartbeat quickened.

This wasn't just about mana recovery. This was about them.

Was this truly the right decision?

Mi-Ryeong bit her lip, her mind torn. "No... this isn't right," she whispered to herself. Her conscience was firm and unwavering. She was desperate to heal him, but she could not force such a connection when he was in this vulnerable state.

She knew that their relationship was not at that stage yet.

She knew that Do-Hyun, once he regained consciousness, would not approve of this choice.

Taking a deep breath, she retracted her hands and instead reached for his, gently clasping them.

"You'll be fine. We can recover here."

Her voice was soft but determined. She would find another way.

There was no need for desperation.

He would recover in due time.

And when the day came that their bond deepened naturally, she could reconsider this path. But not today.

For now, she would simply stay by his side, ensuring his safe recovery.

She held him close, feeling his faint warmth.

"He's starting to stabilize," she thought, relief washing over her.

Her duty now was not to rush things—but to support him, protect him, and trust that their connection would grow at its own pace.

******

Recovery and Lee Do-Hyun's Awakening

When Lee Do-Hyun opened his eyes, he was immediately aware of the warm air surrounding him and the serene atmosphere in which he lay. At first, his vision was blurry, his senses sluggish, but soon, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body.

Strength.

He had regained far more than he had lost.

His muscles no longer ached, his wounds had closed, and most importantly, the flow of mana within him had changed. It was stronger—more refined, more powerful than ever before.

Do-Hyun slowly raised his hand, flexing his fingers.

His mana was circulating at a speed far beyond his previous limits. It was as if his body had undergone a transformation, pushing him into a new state of strength.

He had never felt anything like this before.

This wasn't just recovery—this was an awakening.

His eyes shifted to Mi-Ryeong, who lay beside him, exhausted from watching over him.

If not for her, he wouldn't have made it this far.

Do-Hyun felt a sense of deep gratitude toward her, a realization of just how much she had done for him. He wanted to wake her, to share the overwhelming sensation of his newfound strength, but upon seeing the exhaustion on her face, he decided against it.

Instead, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, focusing on this new power within him.

A few moments later, Mi-Ryeong stirred awake.

Her eyes widened when she saw him sitting up. "Do-Hyun… are you alright?" she asked, her voice still laced with concern.

"I'm fine," he reassured her with a slight smile. "Actually, I feel stronger than ever."

She examined him carefully. "Stronger…? What do you mean?"

He flexed his fingers once more, feeling the flow of power running through him.

"My mana flow is completely different. It's more stable, more refined… stronger."

Mi-Ryeong let out a relieved sigh. "That's good. But don't push yourself too hard yet. Even if you feel fine, your body needs time to fully adjust."

"I know," he nodded. But deep inside, he knew—this was a turning point.

He was no longer the same person he had been before this battle.

This was just the beginning.

Returning to the Black Cloud Pavilion

Upon their return, Yoon Seol-Hwa was the first to greet them.

Her sharp eyes scanned Do-Hyun, immediately noticing something different.

"You're back," she said. "How do you feel?"

"Better than before. Much better."

Seol-Hwa's expression remained serious. "That's good, but don't get overconfident. Gaining new strength is one thing—but knowing how to use it is another."

Do-Hyun gave a small chuckle. "I know. But tell me—what's been happening while I was gone?"

She glanced toward the horizon. "The Golden Council (Hwanggeumhoe) has sent reinforcements. They've provided resources, weapons, and information to aid us. It seems they're taking a keen interest in the Black Cloud Pavilion."

"The Golden Council…?" Do-Hyun frowned. "Why would they help us?"

Seol-Hwa crossed her arms. "That's the question. Their assistance is useful, but there's always a price. We need to be cautious."

Do-Hyun nodded, his expression growing serious.

"Still," Seol-Hwa added, "for now, we should take advantage of this support. The enemies we face are only getting stronger."

Do-Hyun knew she was right.

Their world was shifting, and he had no choice but to move forward with it.