56.A Moment of Rest and Assessing the Situation

After the battle, Black Cloud Hall found itself in a brief period of respite. Though exhausted, no one could truly let their guard down. The situation remained unstable, and the attention of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions was fixated on Black Cloud Hall.

To stand between the two factions was to make enemies on both sides. Whether Lee Do-Hyun wanted it or not, the world often demanded people to take a side. The world desired a simple division of good and evil, expecting its inhabitants to choose a camp. However, Lee Do-Hyun refused to conform to this expectation. He walked a path that was neither aligned with the Orthodox nor the Unorthodox, seeking a balance that few could understand.

As they rested, Do-Hyun and his companions exchanged their thoughts. Han So-Yeon hoped he would choose a safer path, Mi-Ryeong believed that siding with the Orthodox faction would solidify Black Cloud Hall's position, and Cheong Un-Gwi respected Do-Hyun's pursuit of freedom but voiced concerns about the realistic dangers. Meanwhile, Baek Wol-Hee warned that the threats of the Unorthodox faction could not be ignored and emphasized the necessity of maintaining a delicate balance.

However, Do-Hyun shook his head firmly. "I will walk my own path. Instead of choosing a side and fighting for it, I'd rather maintain balance and move forward. Even in the modern world I came from, it was the same. If you align too strongly with one side, you inevitably make enemies of the other. In the end, the path I've chosen is to seek a way for both sides to coexist."

His voice was unwavering, his gaze filled with firm resolve. As he drew from his experiences in the modern world, he explained his reasoning to his companions.

A brief silence followed his words. Each of them processed his decision in their own way. Han So-Yeon admired his conviction but also thought it reckless. Mi-Ryeong worried that his neutrality would expose him to greater dangers. Cheong Un-Gwi found himself impressed by Do-Hyun's unwavering will and chose to stand by him. Baek Wol-Hee, despite knowing the risks of his path, felt that walking it together was the challenge they all needed to face.

They were all aboard the same ship, and no matter where it sailed, they had decided to navigate the waters together. Though uncertain and perilous, they believed that as long as they had each other, they could overcome any obstacle.

Black Cloud Hall returned to a moment of tense tranquility. They rested while preparing for what lay ahead. The Orthodox, the Unorthodox, and themselves—standing at the intersection of these factions, they had chosen to carve out a path of their own.

*****

The Arrival of the Mad Master, Cho Chil-Do

The brief peace in Black Cloud Hall was shattered with the arrival of one man—the infamous 'Mad Master,' Cho Chil-Do. Known throughout the martial world, his reputation was not only for his incredible martial prowess but also for the chaos he caused wherever he went.

Even before he reached Black Cloud Hall, he had already stirred up trouble in the nearby town. Holding a massive jug of liquor in one hand, he laughed boisterously as he staggered through the streets. The townspeople, recognizing him, hurriedly avoided his path, fearful of getting caught in his unpredictable antics. Some bold martial artists attempted to confront him, but he simply scoffed at them and easily subdued them.

"Is this how quiet Black Cloud Hall always is? I, Cho Chil-Do, have come personally, and there's not even a proper welcome?" His thunderous voice echoed across the entrance of Black Cloud Hall.

The gatekeepers exchanged uneasy glances, fully aware of his reputation. They instinctively understood that this was no mere visit.

Cho Chil-Do tilted his head and smirked. "No need to be so scared. I'm not here to pick a fight—I just came for some fun." His voice carried an unmistakable mischief. "I heard that a certain Lee Do-Hyun resides here. I came to see for myself whether he truly lives up to the rumors."

His eyes scanned the hall, brimming with curiosity and a hint of excitement. His presence alone exuded an undeniable pressure, making even the seasoned disciples feel uneasy.

"Everyone here seems too focused on training. Hmph… The true martial world isn't just about discipline. It's about blood, sweat, and laughter!" Cho Chil-Do proclaimed, his philosophy loud and clear.

By this time, Do-Hyun and his companions had already sensed his presence and were preparing accordingly. Observing his boisterous aura, Do-Hyun attempted to gauge his intent.

"So that's Cho Chil-Do…," Do-Hyun murmured, gripping his Black Cloud Sword. His eyes reflected neither fear nor hesitation—only determination.

The moment Cho Chil-Do stepped into the heart of Black Cloud Hall, he stopped in front of Do-Hyun and grinned.

"Lee Do-Hyun! So you're the famed warrior I've heard so much about? I came to test your skills firsthand! Are you ready?"

Do-Hyun frowned slightly at his provocative attitude but had no intention of backing down. Stepping forward, he answered calmly, "Ready? I don't mind. But this is a place of training. I'd prefer to avoid unnecessary chaos."

Cho Chil-Do momentarily paused his laughter and nodded. "Fair enough. I do enjoy a good fight, but I also dislike meaningless brawls. However, if you truly consider yourself a warrior, you won't refuse my challenge, will you?"

Though his words carried an air of playfulness, his eyes gleamed with undeniable seriousness.

With Cho Chil-Do's arrival, Black Cloud Hall's once-peaceful atmosphere shifted entirely. His challenge and Do-Hyun's response sent waves of tension rippling through the hall.

The duel between Lee Do-Hyun and Cho Chil-Do was about to begin, and everyone in Black Cloud Hall held their breath, waiting to witness what was sure to be an unforgettable battle.