57.A Brief Respite & Unsettling Tension

After the fight, the atmosphere of Heukwoon Hall began to settle. However, peace never truly lasted in Kangho.

Baek Wol-Hee, ever the enigma, took this moment to approach Lee Do-Hyun with an enticing smirk. She leaned slightly forward, deliberately highlighting her curves as she murmured,

"Lee Do-Hyun, are you perhaps… a eunuch? I mean, a man should react when he sees such flawless skin and an irresistible body like mine, yet you show nothing at all."

Her words dripped with playful provocation, her eyes gleaming as she gauged his reaction.

Lee Do-Hyun, unfazed, calmly responded,

"There is no doubt that you are an enchanting woman. But I am not a beast; I am a man who values restraint. Falling into temptation is easy, but choosing the right path is far more important."

Baek Wol-Hee scoffed.

"Restraint? And what good does that do?"

Before she could press further, Han So-Yeon intervened, stepping between them with a sharp glare.

"Enough, Baek Wol-Hee. This is Heukwoon Hall. Do not cause unnecessary disruptions with your antics."

Baek Wol-Hee chuckled at Han So-Yeon's reaction.

"Oh? Jealous, are we?"

The tension between them thickened, their gazes locked in an unspoken challenge. Their hostility was palpable, and even those watching could feel the weight of the moment.

Meanwhile, Mi-Ryeong and Cheong Un-Jin observed from a distance, sharing a knowing glance.

Cheong Un-Jin chuckled.

"Heh. Looks like Do-Hyun has his hands full."

Mi-Ryeong nodded with a smirk.

"Indeed. It seems he's truly become the center of Kangho."

Cheong Un-Jin watched Lee Do-Hyun closely before murmuring,

"I was curious how he'd react in such a situation… but he really is unshakable. That's rare in a man."

Mi-Ryeong agreed.

"With all these temptations and conflicts surrounding him, he remains unmoved. That's true strength—not just in martial arts, but in character."

Lee Do-Hyun, watching the storm unfold around him, sighed internally.

"Kangho is never peaceful. But if I must walk this path, then I will maintain the balance, no matter the trials ahead."

As Baek Wol-Hee finally stepped back with a teasing smirk and Han So-Yeon's frown remained unwavering, Lee Do-Hyun found himself reaffirming his resolve.

His battle was not just against enemies. It was against the chaos of Kangho itself.

 ******

A Market Outing with Han So-Yeon

On a rare day of respite, Han So-Yeon and Lee Do-Hyun decided to visit the marketplace together. They weren't particularly looking to buy anything but were simply enjoying a moment of freedom, strolling through the lively streets. The market was bustling with activity, colorful tents fluttering in the wind as vendors called out to potential customers. Unlike the complex and often dangerous affairs of the martial world, the atmosphere here was peaceful, and the faces of the people were adorned with warm smiles.

Han So-Yeon seemed to be in a slightly lighter mood than usual. As she walked alongside Lee Do-Hyun, her gaze naturally drifted toward the various stalls lining the streets. Then, her eyes caught something—a beautiful hanbok with soft, feminine hues. The delicate combination of pink and white lace made it stand out, capturing her attention as she stopped in her tracks to take a closer look.

Lee Do-Hyun noticed this and, slightly surprised, asked,

"Do you like that dress? It's a bit different from what I usually see you wearing."

Han So-Yeon, realizing she had been staring, quickly glanced at him, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

"Oh… I just happened to notice it. It's not like I actually want to buy it or anything."

She gave an awkward smile, but deep down, she was curious about his reaction. A part of her couldn't help but think of Baek Wol-Hee's flirtatious advances toward him and how he had remained completely unaffected. Perhaps that memory lingered in her mind, or maybe she was simply recalling the things her father used to say about ideal suitors.

Lee Do-Hyun gave a small, knowing smile.

"I think it would suit you well, Han So-Yeon. You should try wearing something like this from time to time—it would look beautiful on you."

His words were straightforward yet sincere. There was no trace of teasing or judgment in his expression, only a quiet warmth as if he was simply picturing how lovely she would look in the dress.

For a moment, Han So-Yeon froze. She had always tried to present herself as strong and resolute, prioritizing her role in the martial world over personal desires. Feminine attire had always felt foreign to her, but hearing those words from Lee Do-Hyun stirred an unfamiliar emotion within her. She hesitated before nodding slightly.

"Maybe… I'll consider it."

Lee Do-Hyun chuckled, sensing her subtle shift in demeanor.

"It'll suit you, I'm sure of it."

There was no pressure in his voice, only the reassurance that no matter what she chose, he would support her.

As they continued walking through the marketplace, Han So-Yeon found herself feeling more at ease. She walked side by side with Lee Do-Hyun, the lively chatter of vendors and the laughter of children filling the air around them. For just a little while, the harsh realities of the martial world seemed distant, and the simple pleasure of conversation with him felt comforting and warm.

 *****

Counterattack Against a Coordinated Assault

As they strolled through the bustling market, Lee Do-Hyun and Han So-Yeon suddenly sensed a shift in the air. The previously lighthearted atmosphere turned heavy, a creeping tension replacing the carefree chatter. The market's energy felt disrupted.

Then, from the shadows of a nearby alley, a group of martial artists emerged. They wielded various weapons—swords, spears, and axes—but their movements were coordinated. These were no ordinary thugs; they were trained fighters. They moved swiftly, forming a semi-circle around the two.

One of the men stepped forward and shouted,

"Black Cloud Sword Lee Do-Hyun! Han So-Yeon! Today, we will take you down and claim your fame for ourselves!"

With his declaration, the assailants moved into formation, preparing to strike.

Lee Do-Hyun slowly unsheathed his sword and spoke calmly,

"If we fight here, innocent people will get hurt. I suggest you turn back."

But his words were ignored. The assailants launched their attack, executing a well-coordinated assault.

A spear-wielder struck first, driving forward with immense force. As Lee Do-Hyun deflected the strike, a swordsman behind him immediately closed in, aiming for his exposed flank. Before he could fully counter, an ax-wielding opponent swung from another angle. The continuous, overlapping attacks left no time to rest.

Han So-Yeon found herself in a similar predicament. Dodging a flurry of blades and spears, she quickly assessed the enemy's movements. The attackers weren't acting individually—they fought as a unit, seamlessly supporting one another in a relentless offensive.

"Do-Hyun, cover my back!" she called out as she leaped into the air, flipping over her assailants to disrupt their formation. But the enemies adjusted instantly, closing ranks again.

Lee Do-Hyun channeled a fiery aura through his blade, unleashing a burst of flame to force some distance between them.

"Flames of Flow!"

But the enemies quickly adapted, dodging and pressing forward again. Han So-Yeon shouted from above,

"Leave the flow-breaking to me!"

She landed behind the enemy, precisely striking the handle of a spear, altering its trajectory and throwing off the wielder's balance.

Lee Do-Hyun saw the opening and didn't hesitate.

"Reinforcement - Swift!"

His body surged with speed-enhancing energy, allowing him to slip through the enemy's formation, delivering precise counterstrikes. His sword flickered with blue lightning as he drove it through an opponent's armor.

Despite their overwhelming numbers, the assailants struggled to keep up with their adaptability. Han So-Yeon expertly targeted weak points in their coordinated attacks, breaking their formation piece by piece. Meanwhile, Lee Do-Hyun capitalized on those openings, delivering devastating blows.

"Thunderous Edge!" Lee Do-Hyun's sword crackled with electricity, repelling the attackers' weapons.

"Heaven's Breaking Palm!" Han So-Yeon infused her strike with internal energy, sending shockwaves through her target's defenses.

The enemies regrouped for one final push, but by then, their pattern was fully exposed. Han So-Yeon soared into the air, drawing attention while Lee Do-Hyun exploited the gap in their defenses.

"Let's finish this." Lee Do-Hyun declared, his blade humming with power. With a decisive strike, he shattered the last of their resistance. Han So-Yeon followed up with a finishing blow, ensuring no one could rise again.

As the final assailant fell, silence returned to the marketplace. The townspeople, who had been holding their breath, finally exhaled, murmuring among themselves in awe.

Lee Do-Hyun slid his sword back into its sheath and turned to Han So-Yeon.

"Their coordinated attacks were well-practiced, but we were stronger."

Han So-Yeon smiled, brushing dust off her sleeve.

"Of course. Our teamwork was better."

The two warriors exchanged a glance of mutual respect, knowing that no matter how many challenges lay ahead, as long as they fought together, no enemy could stand against them.