66. Baek Wol-hee’s Strategic Negotiation

The meeting room, where the key figures of the Sapa had gathered, was thick with tension. Masters of the unorthodox sect sat in a circle, their expressions unreadable. At the center, Baek Wol-hee took her seat, guiding the discussion toward Lee Do-hyun. Her eyes did not waver, and she spoke with clarity and purpose.

"Lee Do-hyun is no ordinary martial artist," she began in a calm, unwavering tone. "He possesses a power that threatens both the orthodox and the unorthodox sects. But if we can bring him to our side, he will become an invaluable asset to us."

Her words were soon interrupted.

Joo Ho-ryeon, a master with a cold, stern demeanor, shook his head. "Baek Wol-hee, that man cannot be trusted. Attempting to recruit someone connected to the orthodox sect is nothing but a dangerous gamble."

His voice cut through the air like a blade, and the room momentarily fell into a heavy silence, seemingly swayed by his assertion.

Baek Wol-hee merely turned her head slightly and offered a serene smile. Her gaze met his, and with a small shrug, she replied, "Danger is a constant in the martial world, Master Joo. What matters is not the risk itself, but how we turn that risk into opportunity."

Her voice was soft, yet resolute—an elegant confidence veiled beneath grace.

But Joo Ho-ryeon stood firm. "Even so, his nature is too far removed from ours. He will only disrupt the order of the Sapa if we let him in."

At that moment, Baek Wol-hee leaned slightly forward. The gentle shift of her collar revealed the curve of her neck, and a subtle fragrance began to fill the room. Her eyes locked with his, her smile deepening just a touch.

"Master Joo, what exactly is this 'order' you speak of? What are we truly protecting?" Her voice was as sweet as it was enigmatic, laced with an unspoken allure. The gazes of several men in the room wavered, caught in the atmosphere she so effortlessly commanded.

Joo Ho-ryeon turned his eyes away, visibly unsettled. He faltered, unable to respond.

Sensing the shift, Baek Wol-hee seized the moment.

"The orthodox sect is already paying close attention to Lee Do-hyun. If we don't act, they will. Imagine the consequences should he fall into their hands. We cannot afford to lose such a key piece in this game."

Her tone sharpened, but her charisma never faltered.

"He is not bound by the traditions of either side. That is precisely why he holds the potential to become something more—a force that could shape the future of the martial world itself. We must extend our hand now, while we still can."

The masters in the room exchanged glances, but no one stepped forward to refute her. Her words—firm yet enticing—had taken root in their minds.

Baek Wol-hee scanned the room slowly, her gaze confident and unshakable. "Lee Do-hyun belongs to neither orthodoxy nor chaos. He is his own being. But if he chooses to walk with us, his strength will become our strength."

A moment of silence followed. Even Joo Ho-ryeon gave a faint nod, unable to deny the logic in her words.

Baek Wol-hee smiled inwardly. She had swayed the room, not with brute force, but with the subtle mastery of charm, political instinct, and iron will. She had done everything she could for Lee Do-hyun—and for the future of the Sapa.

As the meeting concluded and she stepped outside, she made a quiet vow to herself:

"Lee Do-hyun… I will do everything in my power to make you one of us."Her eyes glimmered with unshakable resolve.

*****

The Shadow of Poongwollu – Cheong Un-jin's Information Hunt

Poongwollu, as always, was filled with colorful lights, lively music, and the sweet aroma of fine liquor. More than a place of entertainment, it served as a hub of gossip and intelligence—a nexus where rumors and secrets of the martial world converged.

Cheong Un-jin knew this well. He didn't come merely to enjoy the night. He came to gather what he needed—fragments of truth to secure the place of Black Cloud Hall in the ever-shifting tides of the martial world.

He entered with a smooth gait and a carefree smile, blending in like any other pleasure-seeker. Yet, his eyes scanned the room sharply, assessing. After a brief look around, he moved toward a quiet, reserved seat—one prepared specially by Yeonhwa, the mistress of the house.

It was a spot hidden from most eyes, but with a perfect view of the surroundings.

Yeonhwa noticed him and approached with a teasing smile. "Long time no see, Un-jin. Still looking as sharp as ever."

She gave his shoulder a playful tap. He chuckled. "And you, Yeonhwa, are as stunning as always. No wonder this place feels like home."

She set a drink before him and leaned in. "You're not here just for the fun, are you? What information are you after today?"

Her eyes glinted with cunning.

Cheong Un-jin raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice. "I need intel on someone both the orthodox and unorthodox sects are watching. Have you heard of the name Lee Do-hyun?"

Yeonhwa's eyes narrowed slightly. "Lee Do-hyun… yes, I've heard whispers. Both sides seem wary of him, especially the orthodox. Maybe because his martial arts don't follow their traditional path."

Un-jin nodded. "And how does the Sapa view him?"

Yeonhwa exhaled lightly. "They see potential in him. Some want to bring him in, others see him as a threat. There's no unified stance."

Then she smiled playfully. "But for even Black Cloud Hall to be paying attention to him… he must be quite the man."

Un-jin smiled faintly. "He is. Maybe someone we need to protect."

But deep inside, his thoughts churned. This isn't just a factional skirmish anymore. The balance of the entire martial world is shifting.

He thanked Yeonhwa and turned his focus to the ambient conversations drifting around Poongwollu.

"Did you hear? Kang Mu-jin from the orthodox sect visited Black Cloud Hall recently."

"They say Lee Do-hyun doesn't belong to any side. What's his angle, showing up in the martial world now?"

"The Sapa's trying to win him over—but not everyone's convinced. Some say he's dangerous."

Un-jin listened, collecting pieces of the puzzle, confirming that both factions were actively watching Lee Do-hyun. Their attention wasn't simple curiosity—it was fear. A recognition that this man could upset the existing balance.

He drained his glass and rose. With a polite nod to Yeonhwa, he stepped out into the night. The thoughts in his mind were heavy and tangled.

Lee Do-hyun… You're no ordinary man. And now, you've become someone the entire martial world can't ignore.

As he returned to Black Cloud Hall, Cheong Un-jin reviewed the facts in his mind. A plan was already forming.

We can't stand idly by anymore. Before the others move, we must be ready. If we're to survive, we may have to walk this new path together—with him.