47.Baek Wol-Hee’s Provocation and an Unexpected Reaction

The next morning, Baek Wol-Hee sat in front of the training grounds of Black Cloud Hall, waiting for Lee Do-Hyun to pass by. She deliberately adjusted her posture, allowing the delicate fabric of her clothing to shift, revealing the curves of her body in just the right way.

The plan was simple. She would capture his gaze, triggering his instincts as a man.

Baek-Hee understood male desire. No matter how rational or disciplined a man was, he was still a man. If Do-Hyun showed the slightest hint of attraction, she would seize control of the situation.

She waited patiently as Do-Hyun approached, his stride steady and composed.

The moment he entered her line of sight, Baek-Hee subtly adjusted her pose, letting her robe slip just enough to hint at the soft curves beneath.

The wind assisted her, lifting the hem of her clothing just slightly. The fleeting glimpse of her skin was intentional. She watched his reaction carefully.

Would his eyes waver? Would he flinch? Would he reveal a hidden desire?

Baek-Hee smiled inwardly. Any normal man would.

For a brief moment, Do-Hyun did pause. His eyes flickered—but not with desire. Instead, he sighed quietly.

Then, before she could process what was happening—he removed his outer robe and draped it over her.

Baek-Hee's eyes widened in surprise.

The thick, dark fabric covered her completely. It was not a reaction of temptation. It was a gesture of protection.

"You shouldn't be out like this," he said calmly, adjusting the robe over her shoulders. "It's easy to get sick in this weather."

Baek-Hee froze.

She had expected lust—but what she received was kindness.

She had used her beauty as a weapon countless times before, but for the first time, it failed her. Instead of responding as most men would, Do-Hyun treated her as someone in need of protection rather than an object of desire.

Her mind reeled.

"He... he didn't even react?"

Baek-Hee struggled to process it. She had encountered men who resisted, but not like this. Even those who feigned disinterest always had some level of struggle in their eyes.

But Lee Do-Hyun had none.

His gaze wasn't suppressed desire—it was complete disinterest.

A realization crept into her mind, and her pride cracked.

"Could he be... a eunuch?"

Baek-Hee almost laughed at the absurdity of the thought, but it haunted her. If he weren't a eunuch, then... why?

She had heard rumors that Lee Do-Hyun had been with women before. So if he wasn't uninterested in all women, why was he indifferent to her?

For the first time, she doubted herself.

Was he truly immune to beauty? Or was she not special enough?

Baek-Hee's confusion deepened.

"Lee Do-Hyun... what do you really want?"

Her frustration and curiosity mingled. She was used to controlling others—but this man had turned the game around on her.

And she hated it.

But at the same time, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

******

The Tension Between Han So-Yeon and Baek Wol-Hee, and Mi-Ryeong's Intervention

A heavy silence filled the training ground. Baek Wol-Hee remained seated on one side, her flowing garments accentuating her silhouette with every gust of wind. She had intentionally positioned herself to subtly showcase her allure, hoping to catch Lee Do-Hyun's gaze.

From a distance, Han So-Yeon observed the scene with growing discomfort. Seeing Baek Wol-Hee attempt to draw Do-Hyun's attention stirred an undeniable sense of unease within her. Since discovering that her father considered Do-Hyun a potential son-in-law, So-Yeon had developed increasingly complex emotions toward him. Now, another woman was openly vying for his attention.

"What exactly is she trying to do?" So-Yeon thought, narrowing her eyes. If Baek Wol-Hee was a martial artist, then her intentions toward Do-Hyun were undoubtedly calculated. However, So-Yeon had yet to confirm the extent of her skills. For now, all she could sense was the growing tension in the air.

As Baek Wol-Hee shifted slightly, her robe subtly slipped, momentarily revealing the graceful curve of her chest. So-Yeon, noticing the deliberate gesture, clenched her fist.

"This woman is too obvious." So-Yeon thought coldly.

She decided she could no longer remain a bystander. Timing her approach, she took deliberate steps toward Baek Wol-Hee, letting out a small whistle to announce her presence.

"That's enough, Baek Wol-Hee," So-Yeon said in a cool, firm voice.

Baek Wol-Hee responded with a slow, teasing smile, tilting her head slightly as if unfazed. She subtly lifted her arm, sending a provocative gaze toward So-Yeon, a silent challenge.

"So it's my turn now?" Baek Wol-Hee mused internally, watching So-Yeon's movements with sharp eyes.

Sensing an impending confrontation, So-Yeon flicked her wrist slightly, sending a feigned strike toward Baek-Hee's shoulder. However, Baek-Hee smoothly evaded, barely shifting her body.

So-Yeon's eyes widened slightly.

"She dodged that effortlessly?"

Baek Wol-Hee smirked. "Now, now, is this a little test?" Her voice was laced with amusement, but there was an unmistakable edge of provocation.

So-Yeon's expression hardened. Her instincts told her that Baek-Hee wasn't just an ordinary woman. If she could move with such ease, she was definitely a skilled martial artist. However, without knowing the full extent of Baek-Hee's abilities, she had to tread carefully.

Determined, So-Yeon moved again, this time with more precision. But once more, Baek-Hee dodged effortlessly, her movement as fluid as flowing water.

"You really shouldn't be picking fights," Baek-Hee said softly, her gaze sharp yet unreadable.

Before So-Yeon could respond, another presence entered the training ground.

It was Mi-Ryeong.

Sensing the tension in the air, Mi-Ryeong halted in her steps, taking in the scene before her.

"What's going on here?" Mi-Ryeong asked, her voice calm yet assertive.

So-Yeon hesitated momentarily before glancing at Baek-Hee. The other woman met her gaze with an easy smile, as if nothing had happened.

"There's no problem here," Baek-Hee replied smoothly. "Just a little misunderstanding."

Mi-Ryeong's sharp gaze flickered between them. She didn't believe Baek-Hee's words for a second, but she also knew escalating the situation wouldn't be wise.

"Do-Hyun is training nearby," Mi-Ryeong stated, her tone carrying a subtle warning. "If you two need to talk, do it somewhere else."

So-Yeon, realizing Mi-Ryeong was trying to de-escalate the situation, exhaled slowly and took a step back.

Baek Wol-Hee, however, simply smiled—one that carried the glint of an unspoken victory.

For now, the tension remained unresolved, lingering like an impending storm.