65.Diverging Paths and Inner Conflict

Inside a grand chamber where the righteous faction's masters gathered, a heavy silence filled the air. A large, circular table sat at the center, around which the leading figures of various sects took their seats. The atmosphere was tense, as the discussion about Lee Do-Hyun's fate had grown increasingly serious.

One of the elders, a middle-aged man clad in gray robes with a calm yet resolute expression, spoke first.

"Lee Do-Hyun is a talent we should bring into the righteous faction." His voice carried firm conviction. "His skills are more than enough to benefit from our teachings. Strengthening our forces by accepting someone like him would be to our advantage."

Across the table, another elder scoffed and immediately opposed the idea.

"Nonsense!" His tone was sharp with distrust. "That man is connected to the unorthodox faction, and his abilities are anything but ordinary. His presence disrupts our discipline, and his very existence could be a threat to the righteous world." He then turned his gaze toward Kang Mujin, his eyes filled with expectation. "Great Master Kang, you have fought him yourself. Do you truly believe he belongs in our ranks?"

Kang Mujin closed his eyes for a moment, lost in thought, before slowly lifting his head.

"Lee Do-Hyun is undoubtedly strong and possesses immense potential." His voice was steady, but he did not stop there. "However, I cannot be certain whether he aligns with our values. His martial arts follow a different flow—one that makes him formidable yet unpredictable. This, in itself, is both his strength and his greatest danger."

Silence fell once more. The masters exchanged glances, torn between their choices. Some saw Do-Hyun as an asset to recruit, while others viewed him as a threat that needed to be eliminated. The division among them was evident, and the discussion became increasingly convoluted.

After much debate, Kang Mujin finally made his decision.

"We will hold off on making a final judgment." His voice left no room for argument. "More information is needed before we act. Lee Do-Hyun may alter the balance of Kangho, and until we understand his true role in this shift, we must observe him carefully."

With that, the meeting reached its temporary conclusion. The righteous masters rose from their seats, deep in contemplation over the weight of the decision they had yet to make.

Whispers Spread Through Kangho

As time passed, rumors of the meeting began to spread beyond the righteous faction, reaching the far corners of Kangho. Information networks carried whispers of Lee Do-Hyun's name, and soon enough, the news made its way to Heuk Un-Gwan (Black Cloud Pavilion).

A messenger from Pyo-Guk (the escort agency), who had worked closely with Do-Hyun before, delivered the news with a grim expression.

"Brother Do-Hyun, the righteous faction's masters have been discussing what to do about you. Their decision is still unclear, but they are watching you closely." The messenger spoke cautiously, fully aware of the weight his words carried.

Do-Hyun took in the information without reaction, though his mind was already processing what it meant. He had known that various factions had taken notice of him, but now, their interest had escalated into something far more dangerous.

Meanwhile, Baek Wol-Hee prepared to leave Heuk Un-Gwan for an urgent meeting with the higher-ups of the unorthodox faction. Just before her departure, she flashed her signature playful smile at Do-Hyun.

"I have some business to attend to with the elders of the unorthodox faction. I'll bring back some interesting news—good or bad, who knows?" Her tone was light, but underneath it, there was an undeniable trace of concern for him.

At the same time, Cheong Un-Jin made his way to Pungwolru (Fragrant Moon Pavilion), his usual place of leisure and information gathering. Though an official member of the unorthodox faction, he preferred his independence. Arriving at Pungwolru, he casually poured himself a drink, but his sharp eyes were focused on the conversations swirling around him. As he listened to the murmurs of hidden plots within the righteous and unorthodox factions, he sensed that something larger was at play.

A Strategic Meeting at Black Cloud Pavilion

That evening, Do-Hyun, Han So-Yeon, and Mi-Ryeong gathered in a quiet chamber within Black Cloud Pavilion to discuss the situation.

Han So-Yeon, being well-versed in the politics of the righteous faction, spoke first. "Do-Hyun, you must be careful. The righteous faction values order above all else. They won't easily accept someone like you, whose martial arts they cannot understand. To them, anything beyond their doctrine is dangerous."

Do-Hyun nodded, absorbing her words. "I understand, So-Yeon. I'll be cautious. But if they come for me, I won't run—I'll face them head-on."

It was then that Mi-Ryeong spoke, her voice calm yet enigmatic. "Kangho is unpredictable. Sometimes, the best solutions don't come from within but from outside." A mysterious glint flickered in her eyes as she continued. "Have you ever considered seeking aid beyond Kangho? There are other powers, other forces that might be useful."

Do-Hyun furrowed his brows, sensing that Mi-Ryeong was hinting at something deeper. "Aid from outside… Are you suggesting I look beyond martial arts? Beyond the established factions?"

She nodded subtly. "Yes. Kangho doesn't hold all the answers. Sometimes, looking at things from a different perspective offers a path forward." Her tone was light, but Do-Hyun could tell she was gauging his reaction.

Han So-Yeon, however, felt conflicted. As someone who upheld the principles of the righteous faction, the idea of seeking aid from external forces unsettled her. Yet, she couldn't deny that Do-Hyun was now in real danger. The thought of him being hunted down by the powerful factions of Kangho made her uneasy.

Do-Hyun remained silent for a moment, considering his options. Mi-Ryeong's suggestion was unconventional, yet intriguing. Perhaps the time had come to look beyond the rigid boundaries of Kangho's traditions. But what lay beyond? And was it worth the risk?

A deep breath escaped his lips as he pondered.

"I need to make a choice." He clenched his fists. "I have people to protect. And to do that, I must decide which path to take."

Conclusion

The weight of his decision loomed over him. The righteous faction had yet to make their move, but their deliberations proved that Do-Hyun had become an unavoidable force in Kangho. The unorthodox faction had their own plans, and now, Mi-Ryeong had opened the possibility of an entirely different path.

Standing at the crossroads of destiny, Lee Do-Hyun prepared for what lay ahead