63.Conflict Between Trainees and Disciples

The training grounds of the Black Cloud Hall were bustling with energy and passion. Under Lee Do-Hyun's leadership, the trainees diligently honed their skills and refined their martial arts techniques. The systematic training and structured guidance set the Black Cloud Hall apart from other martial schools, making its trainees stand out in both skill and discipline. Every day, they pushed themselves to their limits, competing against each other to grow stronger.

On this particular day, a group of disciples from another martial school visited Black Cloud Hall under the pretext of a friendly exchange. However, hidden beneath their supposed goodwill was a sense of arrogance and disregard toward Black Cloud Hall's trainees.

"So, let's see just how impressive these Black Cloud Hall trainees really are." One of the visiting disciples sneered, his tone filled with mockery. He scanned the trainees with a smug expression, his contempt evident.

The Black Cloud Hall trainees, who had been immersed in their training, couldn't ignore the blatant provocation. The disrespectful attitude of the visiting disciples fueled their anger, and one of them stepped forward, unable to hold back.

"You look down on us? Let's see where that confidence comes from." The trainee clenched his fist, his eyes gleaming with determination.

The arrogant disciple smirked as if he had been waiting for this response. "Good. Let's settle this right here." He assumed a combat stance, ready to engage.

The duel began swiftly. The visiting disciple, brimming with confidence, launched an aggressive attack against the Black Cloud Hall trainee. However, his arrogance was misplaced. The Black Cloud Hall trainee, having undergone rigorous and structured training, displayed exceptional skill. With effortless movements, he dodged his opponent's attacks and countered with precise strikes. His technique was sharp, and his timing flawless. The visiting disciple, caught off guard, quickly found himself overwhelmed. Before long, he was completely outmatched and subdued.

As the fight concluded, murmurs spread through the gathered onlookers. Cheers erupted from the Black Cloud Hall trainees, while the visiting disciples looked embarrassed and humbled. Their earlier confidence had vanished without a trace.

At that moment, Lee Do-Hyun entered the training grounds. He surveyed the scene before him, exhaling softly. Even without words, the tension between the trainees and disciples was palpable. Stepping forward, he calmly addressed the group.

"Enough." His voice was steady but firm, immediately drawing everyone's attention. The trainees and disciples alike turned to him, the weight of his presence demanding their focus.

Approaching the victorious Black Cloud Hall trainee, Lee Do-Hyun nodded. "You fought well in response to their provocation. I understand why you accepted the challenge. However, never forget this—" he paused, his gaze unwavering, "We do not learn martial arts to flaunt our strength."

The trainee lowered his head slightly, acknowledging the words of his mentor. Lee Do-Hyun placed a reassuring hand on the trainee's shoulder before continuing. "That being said, you were not wrong to defend yourself. There are times when challenges must be met. However, unnecessary conflicts should always be avoided. That is the responsibility of a true martial artist."

His tone was not scolding but rather one of guidance, and his expression carried both warmth and resolve.

Turning his attention to the visiting disciples, Lee Do-Hyun continued, "You, too, are martial artists. You should recognize and respect the differences in our teachings. The fact that we come from different schools does not mean one is inherently superior to the other."

The visiting disciples, initially defiant, now stood in silence, unable to refute his words. They exchanged uneasy glances before nodding, the weight of their arrogance finally dawning upon them.

Seeing their reaction, Lee Do-Hyun offered a small, knowing smile. "Next time, instead of fighting to prove dominance, let us test our skills in a manner that fosters mutual growth. Martial arts are not meant to be used to crush others, but rather to understand one another and strive for self-improvement."

His words resonated deeply with both the trainees and the visiting disciples. The tension that had filled the air began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound understanding.

Finally, turning back to his trainees, Lee Do-Hyun concluded, "We train not to boast about our power but to refine ourselves and, ultimately, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Never forget that."

His words left a lasting impression. The trainees, reflecting on his teachings, nodded with newfound determination in their eyes. The training grounds, once brimming with animosity, returned to a state of discipline and purpose. Through Lee Do-Hyun's guidance, they were reminded of the true essence of martial arts—not as a tool for dominance, but as a path to self-betterment and protection.

With their resolve strengthened, the trainees of Black Cloud Hall vowed to continue their training with humility and respect, ensuring that their martial skills would always serve a greater purpose.

****

The Blue Dragon Hall's Conspiracy

Not long after the Black Cloud Hall incident, the disciples of Blue Dragon Hall returned to their school. Their faces were filled with frustration and wounded pride. Upon arrival, they immediately reported the incident to their master. Of course, they conveniently left out the part where they had first provoked the Black Cloud Hall's trainees. Instead, they painted themselves as victims who had been unjustly attacked.

"Master, they looked down on us and assaulted us first. We only went there for a friendly exchange, yet the Black Cloud Hall trainees responded with violence." One of the disciples lowered his head, feigning humility as he spoke.

The master of Blue Dragon Hall, Zhu Tianlong, frowned deeply as he listened to his disciples' words. "Black Cloud Hall, you say? They dare to treat the disciples of Blue Dragon Hall with such disrespect?" He clenched his fist lightly as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with simmering anger.

Blue Dragon Hall had long established its reputation in the region as a prestigious martial school dedicated to upholding orthodox martial values. However, the rise of Black Cloud Hall had begun to shake its dominance. Zhu Tianlong had been hearing more and more about the new training methods and growing influence of Black Cloud Hall, and he couldn't ignore the threat it posed.

"Even if it wasn't provocation, the fact that our disciples lost to them is a disgrace to my pride," Zhu Tianlong thought to himself, his lips pressing into a firm line.

A sudden idea flashed through his mind. In just a few days, a revered figure in the orthodox sects, Grandmaster Kang Mu-Jin, was scheduled to visit Blue Dragon Hall. Kang Mu-Jin was a highly respected master whose martial prowess was legendary even among the righteous sects. A slow, calculating smile spread across Zhu Tianlong's face.

"This is the perfect opportunity to teach those upstarts in Black Cloud Hall a lesson."

His interest in Lee Do-Hyun, the so-called Black Cloud Sword, was piqued. Who was he, really? What level of skill did he possess to defeat the Blue Dragon Hall disciples so easily? But merely understanding wasn't enough.

"Even if that boy is strong, he will be nothing in front of Kang Mu-Jin."

Zhu Tianlong formulated a plan. When Kang Mu-Jin arrived, he would use the recent conflict as a pretext to summon Lee Do-Hyun. In front of Kang Mu-Jin, he would humiliate Black Cloud Hall and ensure that its rising influence was crushed.

"Once Kang Mu-Jin hears that Black Cloud Hall provoked a righteous sect, he will naturally step in. No matter how strong Lee Do-Hyun thinks he is, he won't stand a chance against my master's techniques."

A sinister smirk crossed his face.

"This time, I'll make sure to break Black Cloud Hall's pride and show them the true power of Blue Dragon Hall."

With that, Zhu Tianlong refined his plan, ensuring that Black Cloud Hall would not easily recover from what was to come.

******

The Arrival of Grandmaster Kang Mu-Jin

The air around Black Cloud Hall was thick with tension. Word had spread that Kang Mu-Jin had arrived at Blue Dragon Hall. His presence alone was enough to stir anxiety, for he was no ordinary master. Clad in an elegantly simple black robe with a subtle sheen, he exuded an aura of absolute control. His sharp gaze scanned his surroundings, carrying the weight of a warrior who had stood at the pinnacle of the martial world.

Zhu Tianlong hurried to greet him with an eager expression. "Master, you must have had a long journey. Welcome." He bowed deeply, his expression a mix of reverence and concealed intent.

Kang Mu-Jin offered a small nod, his voice calm yet unwavering. "Zhu Tianlong, it has been some time. Now, tell me why you summoned me here."

Zhu Tianlong straightened, a hint of feigned concern in his tone. "There is someone you should meet, Master. A man from Black Cloud Hall has been causing trouble, disregarding the honor of the righteous sects."

He tactfully omitted the part where his own disciples had initiated the conflict. Instead, he framed Black Cloud Hall as a growing threat that sought to expand its influence through dishonorable means.

Kang Mu-Jin listened in silence before finally speaking. "So, this man is called the Black Cloud Sword?" A flicker of intrigue crossed his face. He had heard rumors of Lee Do-Hyun—an enigmatic warrior, neither wholly aligned with the righteous nor the unorthodox sects. His name was beginning to circulate through the martial world, and his rising strength had not gone unnoticed.

Zhu Tianlong nodded. "Yes, Master. His martial arts are formidable, but I fear his influence will lead many astray. It would be beneficial for you to witness his skills firsthand." His words were carefully crafted to subtly provoke Kang Mu-Jin's sense of duty as a guardian of the righteous sects.

Kang Mu-Jin took a moment before responding. "Very well. If he is truly a rising force in the martial world, it would be wise to observe him myself." There was no arrogance in his tone, only the assurance of a man who had long stood at the top.

Meanwhile, news of Kang Mu-Jin's arrival quickly reached Black Cloud Hall. The members gathered, the weight of the situation settling upon them.

Baek Wol-Hee was the first to react, raising an eyebrow. "Kang Mu-Jin? Even among the righteous sects, he's a living legend. Even I, a member of the unorthodox sects, have heard of his name." There was no fear in her voice—only curiosity.

Cheong Un-Jin crossed his arms, nodding. "Yes. He is no ordinary master. His reputation alone is enough to make entire sects tread carefully."

Then, Han So-Yeon, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "I have met Grandmaster Kang Mu-Jin before. He and my father, Han Eui-Myeong, are well-acquainted." There was both respect and worry in her voice.

Hearing this, Baek Wol-Hee smirked playfully. "So, what's your impression of him? Should we be concerned?"

Han So-Yeon hesitated for a moment before replying. "He is a man of principle, but also one who will not hesitate to act if he believes something threatens the balance of the martial world."

The room fell silent. They all knew what this meant—if Kang Mu-Jin perceived Lee Do-Hyun as a danger, he would not hold back.

Baek Wol-Hee finally broke the silence with a chuckle. "Well, then. This is getting interesting. A legend like him personally coming to assess Lee Do-Hyun? That just means Do-Hyun is making waves."

Cheong Un-Jin nodded. "True. But we cannot afford to be careless. If Kang Mu-Jin sees us as a threat, this could escalate."

As the discussions continued, Lee Do-Hyun sat quietly, processing the information. Unlike the others, he felt no apprehension—only an odd sense of anticipation.

"A duel with a man like Kang Mu-Jin… This will be an important test."

He could feel it. This was more than just an encounter—it was a crossroads that would determine his place in the martial world. The moment of reckoning was approaching, and he would have to be ready.

Meanwhile, all eyes in Black Cloud Hall turned toward the distant Blue Dragon Hall, where fate was about to set the stage for a confrontation that could shake the entire martial world.

Lee Do-Hyun took a deep breath, his resolve hardening.

"Let him come."