52.The Dual-Faced Orthodox Warrior

The quiet training grounds of Heuk Un-Gwan were suddenly disturbed by the sound of approaching footsteps. Though light, there was an underlying sharpness in the presence they carried, subtly setting the nerves of those nearby on edge.

Stepping into view was a man whose demeanor and attire marked him as an elite member of the Orthodox faction. His name was Yu Geom-Shin, a young yet highly regarded warrior within the Orthodox ranks.

With refined features and a polished manner of speech, he offered a courteous greeting to those present.

"The atmosphere of Heuk Un-Gwan is remarkably serene and orderly. It is an honor to meet such distinguished individuals here."

His voice was smooth, and as he lightly bowed his head, the trainees around the grounds felt a momentary ease. However, the moment his gaze landed on Cheong Woon-Jin, his composed expression wavered ever so slightly.

Yu Geom-Shin's eyes lingered on Cheong Woon-Jin, and after a brief silence, he muttered under his breath, though intentionally loud enough to be heard.

"A place like this hardly seems fitting for a gambler like him..."

Though his words were softly spoken, the subtle condescension in his tone was clear.

Cheong Woon-Jin, ever unfazed by provocation, responded with an amused smirk.

"Oh? It seems my presence here bothers you. What a shame—I find this place rather comfortable."

Yu Geom-Shin turned away as if dismissing him, his expression once again composed.

"I simply believe that the right people should be in the right places."

The implied slight was evident.

Then, shifting his attention, Yu Geom-Shin's gaze landed on Baek Wol-Hee. In stark contrast to his earlier demeanor, his expression softened into a warm smile.

"Could it be that you are the famed 'Black Witch,' Baek Wol-Hee? I have only heard of you in rumors, and to meet you in person is truly an honor."

Baek Wol-Hee tilted her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"Rumors have a tendency to be exaggerated. I have heard tales of your prowess as well, but meeting in person is always a different experience."

Her response was calm, yet her eyes remained keenly observant, subtly evaluating him.

Yu Geom-Shin accepted her words as if they were mere pleasantries, smiling as he replied.

"You flatter me. I am but a humble warrior seeking to uphold the balance of the martial world. However, with someone like you present, that balance is sure to be strengthened."

His words were ostensibly ones of praise, but there was an unmistakable layer of calculation beneath them.

Cheong Woon-Jin chuckled, shaking his head.

"Ha! Just a moment ago, you were preaching about 'the right people in the right places.' Now suddenly, you're showering flattery on Baek-Hee? Quite the smooth talker."

Yu Geom-Shin remained unshaken, keeping his refined smile intact.

"Suitability is a matter of context. I merely adapt accordingly. Even someone like you, Cheong Woon-Jin, may shine under the right circumstances."

Though his words seemed to acknowledge Cheong Woon-Jin, they simultaneously carried an air of dismissal.

At that moment, Lee Do-Hyun entered the training grounds. He had been listening from a distance, an intrigued smile playing on his lips.

"It's not every day that we receive a visit from a prestigious Orthodox warrior like Yu Geom-Shin. A rare guest indeed."

Yu Geom-Shin turned to him, offering a composed smile.

"Ah, Lee Do-Hyun. Your name carries great renown in the martial world. I have heard rumors about your involvement with Unorthodox figures, but seeing you here, I find those rumors to be exaggerated. Or perhaps… are you forging a new path, one that transcends factional lines?"

Lee Do-Hyun chuckled.

"Orthodox, Unorthodox—does it really matter? I simply walk my own path. Wouldn't it be better if everyone had the freedom to do so?"

For the first time, Yu Geom-Shin hesitated. A flicker of uncertainty passed through his otherwise polished expression, though he quickly masked it with a smile.

"Perhaps. But in order for freedom to exist, order must first be upheld."

His response carried a diplomatic ambiguity, carefully crafted to neither challenge nor fully align with Lee Do-Hyun's philosophy.

The unspoken tension between the factions could be felt by everyone present. Yu Geom-Shin, despite his refined manner, sought to assert Orthodox influence within Heuk Un-Gwan, but neither Lee Do-Hyun, Cheong Woon-Jin, nor Baek Wol-Hee seemed particularly swayed.

Baek Wol-Hee observed him with a small smile.

"The order of the martial world… that is a rather fluid concept, wouldn't you say? Orthodox and Unorthodox alike seek to impose their own version of order."

Yu Geom-Shin faltered for a fraction of a second before nodding.

"And that is why warriors of great skill, such as yourself, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance."

Baek Wol-Hee said nothing, merely regarding him with an enigmatic expression.

Though outwardly peaceful, the arrival of Yu Geom-Shin had undeniably shifted the atmosphere within Heuk Un-Gwan. A battle of ideologies had begun.

******

The Dance of Blades Between Baek Wol-Hee and Yu Geom-Shin

Cheong Woon-Jin, weary of Yu Geom-Shin's double-faced rhetoric, stepped forward with a smirk. A glint of light reflected off his fingertips as a faint aura of energy pulsed from his body.

"I'm getting tired of all this posturing. Should we see if those pretty words hold any weight?"

His stance shifted subtly, ready to strike. His attacks were precise and swift, each movement targeting an opponent's weakness with ruthless efficiency.

However, just as he prepared to launch forward, a slender figure gracefully stepped between them.

Baek Wol-Hee.

Her expression was calm, her gaze unreadable. With a slight motion, she redirected Cheong Woon-Jin's offensive energy, causing him to pivot and retreat in an instant.

"There's no need for a fight, Woon-Jin."

As she spoke, her body swayed like flowing water, her presence exuding an effortless grace that seemed almost hypnotic. Her movements were delicate, almost like a dance, yet within them lay an undeniable power.

Yu Geom-Shin observed her closely, his gaze sharpening. Then, almost imperceptibly, he stepped forward to match her rhythm.

Their duel began—not with clashing steel, but with a silent exchange of movements.

Baek Wol-Hee's form drifted like a specter, each step measured and fluid. In response, Yu Geom-Shin adjusted his posture, adapting to her pace as if the two were performing a meticulously choreographed dance. Their movements were precise, every motion both an attack and a defense.

To the onlookers, it did not resemble a battle, but rather an intricate display of martial artistry.

Baek Wol-Hee's blade sliced through the air, yet Yu Geom-Shin was already responding, weaving through her assault with impeccable timing. Their exchange was not about overpowering each other—it was a contest of technique, perception, and adaptability.

Cheong Woon-Jin, now watching from the sidelines, let out an amused chuckle.

"Tch. You two might as well be dancing."

Though he scoffed, there was an unmistakable gleam of respect in his eyes.

As the duel continued, a shift in the crowd's perception occurred. What had started as a potential conflict between factions had evolved into something else entirely—a mutual acknowledgment of skill.

As the two warriors finally disengaged, Yu Geom-Shin exhaled slowly, a rare look of admiration crossing his features.

"Your reputation is well deserved, Baek Wol-Hee."

She smiled faintly.

"And yours as well, Yu Geom-Shin."

For the first time that day, the air between the Orthodox and Unorthodox warriors did not carry the weight of suspicion. Instead, there was a shared understanding—a fleeting moment of respect amidst the growing tension.

But how long could such balance last?