50.Baek Wol-Hee’s Fluid Counterattack and Lee Do-Hyun’s Arrival

The air in the training ground grew tense as the duel between Han So-Yeon and Baek Wol-Hee escalated. Yet, despite Han So-Yeon's powerful swordsmanship and relentless pressure, Baek Wol-Hee showed no sign of distress. In fact, she appeared more confident, as if she were merely enjoying a dance rather than engaging in combat.

"Shall I start now?" Baek Wol-Hee smirked, her sword gracefully tracing the air as if moving to an unseen rhythm. Her technique was both swift and mesmerizing, flowing like a beautifully choreographed dance. Han So-Yeon had never encountered such swordplay before.

Initially, she had assumed that Baek Wol-Hee's movements were merely evasive, aimed at avoiding direct confrontation. However, the more she observed, the more she realized the hidden precision behind each step and strike.

"What is this...?" Han So-Yeon momentarily hesitated. The sheer elegance of her opponent's movements was baffling. Baek Wol-Hee wielded her sword as if she were painting in midair, seamlessly blending attack and defense in a way that defied conventional swordplay.

Determined to turn the tide, Han So-Yeon tightened her grip on her sword and launched another ferocious attack. But Baek Wol-Hee dodged effortlessly, responding with smooth counterattacks that forced Han So-Yeon onto the defensive.

Han So-Yeon gritted her teeth and channeled all her inner energy into one decisive strike. "This will settle it!" she shouted, unleashing a devastating attack while simultaneously utilizing Gyeonggong to reposition herself for an advantage.

However, as if she had anticipated this move, Baek Wol-Hee countered with a deceptive maneuver. She appeared to stumble backward—almost as if she were about to fall—only to suddenly pivot and strike from an unexpected angle.

The sheer speed and precision of her counterattack left Han So-Yeon with no choice but to retreat. Her energy reserves were nearly depleted, and her breathing had become ragged. She realized that Baek Wol-Hee's strategy had been to exhaust her before going in for the final blow.

As Baek Wol-Hee's sword closed in on Han So-Yeon, a figure suddenly stepped in between them.

"That's enough, Baek Wol-Hee."

Lee Do-Hyun's voice echoed through the training ground, his sword raised to intercept the attack. The impact of their clash sent a sharp vibration through the air, causing a momentary hush to fall over the spectators.

Baek Wol-Hee's eyes flickered with surprise. "Lee Do-Hyun..."

Lee Do-Hyun's expression was firm as he looked at her. "You've gone too far."

Without hesitation, he turned to Han So-Yeon and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, steadying her exhausted form.

"Are you alright, Han So-Yeon?" His voice was gentle, carrying a warmth that reassured her.

She instinctively leaned into his support, breathing heavily. "Lee Do-Hyun..." For the first time, she fully realized just how drained she was.

Lee Do-Hyun kept his gaze locked on Baek Wol-Hee. His voice was composed, yet tinged with unspoken intensity. "Stop this now."

Baek Wol-Hee studied him carefully before smiling—an ambiguous, unreadable smile.

"Are you really this protective?" she mused. "How amusing."

Lee Do-Hyun, however, wasn't in the mood for games. His tone sharpened. "You crossed the line."

Her smirk didn't fade, but there was a hint of something unreadable in her expression. "So you think so too, huh? I see..."

Understanding that a continued battle would serve no purpose, Lee Do-Hyun made his stance clear. "This ends here."

After a brief pause, Baek Wol-Hee gracefully sheathed her sword and took a step back.

"Alright then, if that's what you want… I'll stop for now."

The tension in the training ground slowly dissipated as she withdrew, casting one last enigmatic smile over her shoulder before disappearing into the distance.

Han So-Yeon, still leaning on Lee Do-Hyun for support, took a deep breath and reflected on her mistake. She had underestimated Baek Wol-Hee, assuming that her skills relied solely on seduction. But the truth was undeniable—her opponent was a true master of martial arts.

Lee Do-Hyun gently reassured her. "It's alright. You fought well."

Han So-Yeon nodded, feeling a renewed determination within herself.

******

Baek Wol-Hee's Return and a New Presence

A few days had passed since Han So-Yeon's duel with Baek Wol-Hee. However, despite everything that had happened, Baek Wol-Hee returned to the Black Cloud Pavilion as if nothing had changed.

"I quite like this place," she remarked casually, strolling through the training grounds with a relaxed demeanor.

Both Han So-Yeon and Lee Do-Hyun watched her, puzzled by her nonchalant attitude.

"You seem awfully comfortable for someone who caused such a scene," Han So-Yeon said, unable to hide her frustration.

Baek Wol-Hee merely chuckled. "Well, I go where I please. And right now, this place is the most interesting."

Lee Do-Hyun observed her quietly before finally responding with a smirk. "If you like it here that much, then I suppose you're welcome to stay."

His tone was light, yet laced with a subtle sense of caution.

"Oh? How generous of you," Baek Wol-Hee teased.

But before their conversation could continue, another figure arrived at the training ground.

It was Cheong Un-Jin—the infamous gambler known as the "Demon of Wagers." He was an enigmatic figure with a notorious reputation, but to Lee Do-Hyun, he was something of an unusual ally.

Cheong Un-Jin sauntered in, exuding his usual air of confidence. Though his presence alone was enough to unnerve the disciples, Lee Do-Hyun and Han So-Yeon regarded him with mild curiosity rather than fear.

Upon spotting Baek Wol-Hee, Cheong Un-Jin raised an eyebrow.

"Well, well, if it isn't Baek Wol-Hee. What brings you here?" His tone was both familiar and amused.

Likewise, Baek Wol-Hee looked at him with mild surprise. "You, of all people?"

Lee Do-Hyun's gaze flickered between the two, sensing an unspoken history between them.

"Wait, you two know each other?" Han So-Yeon asked, frowning slightly.

Cheong Un-Jin grinned. "Let's just say we've crossed paths before."

Baek Wol-Hee smirked. "Oh, we go way back. But that's not important."

Cheong Un-Jin turned to Lee Do-Hyun. "And you? You've been making quite the name for yourself. Thought I'd come see what all the fuss was about."

Lee Do-Hyun chuckled. "What, you're just here to spectate?"

"Maybe." Cheong Un-Jin shrugged, his smirk widening. "Or maybe I just like stirring up a little trouble."

Lee Do-Hyun eyed him warily, unsure of his true intentions.

Regardless, it was clear that with both Baek Wol-Hee and Cheong Un-Jin now present, the Black Cloud Pavilion was about to enter an entirely new chapter—one filled with unexpected encounters and shifting alliances.