44.The Duel Between Do-Hyun and So-Yeon

The training ground of Black Cloud Pavilion was brimming with tension. Every disciple present held their breath, knowing that today's duel was more than just a test of skill—it was a test of their relationship, a battle that could alter the course of their futures.

Standing across from each other, Lee Do-Hyun and Han So-Yeon prepared to fight.

So-Yeon clenched her fingers slightly, steadying her breath. 'This is just a duel,' she told herself. 'Like any other training match we've had before.'

But deep down, she knew this was different.

Do-Hyun's gaze had changed. He was no longer the same man who had once trained beside her as a fellow disciple. The air around him carried a newfound intensity, a raw strength she had never felt before.

"So-Yeon," Do-Hyun spoke calmly, his voice firm. "Are you ready?"

So-Yeon exhaled slowly before nodding. "Always."

Before either could move, Han Ui-Myeong's voice rang out.

"Fight seriously!" His commanding tone left no room for hesitation. "If you hold back, this duel is meaningless!"

So-Yeon tensed at his words.

Her father's overbearing presence made it clear—this was no mere sparring match. This was a judgment.

"…Understood," she murmured.

Then, without another word, the duel began.

So-Yeon was the first to move, her footwork swift and precise as she closed the distance. Her attacks were fluid, her strikes calculated, but Do-Hyun matched her blow for blow, blocking and countering with an ease that startled her.

'He's… faster than before.'

A few months ago, she could have easily broken through his defenses. But now?

His movements were different. Stronger. Sharper.

Do-Hyun didn't just react—he predicted her attacks before they even landed.

"He's improved this much…?" So-Yeon whispered to herself, stepping back in momentary disbelief.

Then came her father's voice once again.

"So-Yeon! Fight seriously! Do not hold back!"

A mix of frustration and pressure surged within her. Was this really about testing Do-Hyun? Or was it about proving something else entirely?

She gritted her teeth and pushed forward, her blade moving faster than ever before.

But Do-Hyun had already adapted.

As So-Yeon launched her strongest technique, he countered with a strike infused with fire and lightning. The sheer force of his attack broke through her stance, knocking her weapon aside and forcing her back.

She staggered, barely catching herself.

It was over.

Lee Do-Hyun had won.

So-Yeon stared at him, breathing heavily. She had lost. But somehow, deep inside, she wasn't upset—she was proud.

"…You've really become strong, Do-Hyun," she admitted.

Do-Hyun, still holding his sword at the ready, nodded. "You fought well, So-Yeon."

At that moment, Han Ui-Myeong stepped forward.

His expression remained unreadable as he spoke.

"Do-Hyun."

Do-Hyun turned toward him, waiting for the elder's words.

"…I acknowledge your strength." Han Ui-Myeong said, his voice even. "You have proven yourself worthy."

So-Yeon's breath hitched slightly. "…Father?"

Her father's next words carried the weight of finality.

"Lee Do-Hyun… you will be my daughter's husband."

The words echoed like a thunderclap, sending shockwaves through both So-Yeon and Do-Hyun.

Everything had changed.

This was not just the result of a duel—it was the start of something far greater.

********

A Conversation Between Han Eui-myeong and Do-hyun, and Mi-ryeong's Complicated Emotions

The guest hall of the Black Cloud Pavilion was unusually quiet and solemn. Han Eui-myeong stood by the window, gazing out with a distant look. After a brief moment of silence, he turned his head slowly as Lee Do-hyun approached.

"I have seen enough of your skills," Han Eui-myeong said, his voice still cold and authoritative, yet tinged with a faint sense of acknowledgment. "The duel with So-yeon clearly displayed your abilities. You have exceeded my expectations beyond what I had previously heard."

Do-hyun lowered his head humbly. "I still have much to improve. The duel was simply a way for me to test myself."

Han Eui-myeong smirked. "That humility is one of your strengths. But more importantly, I wanted to assess whether you were fit to be my daughter's husband."

Do-hyun hesitated for a moment before speaking. "So-yeon and I are not in such a relationship. I am merely the head of Black Cloud Pavilion, and I am not yet ready to make such a decision."

Han Eui-myeong nodded. "I expected as much. I do not intend to force a marriage upon you. I simply wished to see your true strength and determine whether you could be worthy of my daughter. At this point, I see you as nothing more than a good ally."

Hearing these words, Do-hyun let out a small sigh of relief. He met Han Eui-myeong's gaze and replied, "Thank you. If that was your intention, I am glad to accept it as such."

Han Eui-myeong turned toward the door and began walking away, his steps heavy yet resolute. "Then, take care of my daughter. For now, this is merely training, but in the future, it may become something far more important for our family as well."

Without another word, he left, and Do-hyun quietly watched as he disappeared into the distance. Though Han Eui-myeong's words were stern, they carried traces of both concern for So-yeon and recognition of Do-hyun. Do-hyun took a moment to reflect on their conversation, attempting to understand the deeper meaning behind his words.

Meanwhile, Mi-ryeong had been observing everything unfold from the sidelines, her emotions in turmoil. Watching the duel, she had felt admiration and respect for Do-hyun's growth, yet at the same time, an inexplicable sense of jealousy and sadness welled up within her.

Mi-ryeong found herself letting out a small, involuntary smile—one that she did not fully understand. She asked herself, Why do I feel so conflicted?

She had been by Do-hyun's side for a long time, sharing countless moments together. But seeing him engage so deeply with So-yeon, even if it was only in the context of martial arts, made her heart ache in an unfamiliar way.

"So this is how things are in the martial world," Mi-ryeong murmured to herself, tilting her head slightly. "Even if Do-hyun and So-yeon aren't in that kind of relationship, he is still in a position where such a bond is possible. Did I... ever want that for myself?"

She forced a smile and stood up. Now, she was certain—her feelings weren't merely the concerns of an ally. The duel between Do-hyun and So-yeon wasn't just about proving strength; it had stirred something deeper within her.

"This isn't something I expected." She sighed internally. "Now, what should I do? Should I step back from them? Or should I find my own place in all of this?"

Taking a deep breath, Mi-ryeong made up her mind and walked toward Do-hyun. She knew, instinctively, that things would only grow more complicated from here on.