85.The Dialogue Between the Heavenly Sword Demon King and the Second-in-Command
Deep within the headquarters of the Demonic Sect, beneath the shadowy mountain range, stood a grand fortress shrouded in an eerie aura and heavy silence. The Heavenly Sword Demon King returned to her chamber, reflecting on the intriguing moments she experienced at the Black Cloud Pavilion. The room was dim, yet her movements were as fluid as light.
Upon entering, she found a man already awaiting her. Clad in a black robe, he observed her with calm eyes. This was Black Moon Heaven, the Deputy Leader of the Demonic Sect, regarded by many as equal in strength to the Demon King herself.
The Demon King smiled upon seeing him. "You've arrived early. Any issues during my absence?"
Black Moon Heaven shrugged. "The headquarters remains stable without you. However, I question whether it was necessary for you to act personally. The Black Cloud Pavilion and Lee Do-hyun—are they truly worth such attention?"
She seated herself gracefully, pouring him a cup of tea. Her eyes gleamed with a peculiar light. "You won't understand until you see for yourself. Lee Do-hyun is fascinating not just for his swordsmanship but for his convictions and the people he attracts. The Black Cloud Pavilion embodies a new potential."
He sipped the tea thoughtfully. "New potential? Our sect thrives on strength, not ideals. History shows that convictions alone crumble. Only strength defines truth."
She responded with a cold yet serene smile. "True, but some things can't be achieved through strength alone. The Black Cloud Pavilion isn't just a group of the strong; it's a unique nexus formed through alliances with the weak. I wish to test how far such a structure can go in our martial world."
He nodded slowly. "So, you've tested them; now it's my turn."
She looked intrigued. "Is it necessary? Lee Do-hyun has already proven his resolve."
He gently caressed his sword. "I won't confront them directly. Instead, I'll sow discord, challenge their unity, and expose hidden weaknesses. Sometimes, vulnerabilities are more evident when not faced head-on."
She pondered his words. "Very well. Engage with them subtly, but avoid direct conflict. Whether the Black Cloud Pavilion's potential is shattered or enhanced will be my decision."
He rose with a sly smile. "I'll follow your command in appearance, but this time, I'll act my way. If you're intrigued by Lee Do-hyun, I too wish to explore his limits."
As he turned to leave, she added, "Be cautious. His convictions are stronger than they appear. They won't easily falter."
He paused, glancing back. "Convictions... Let's see if they can truly surpass strength."
***
Black Moon Heaven's Secret Scheme
Black Moon Heaven strolled through the deep corridors of the Demonic Sect, contemplating strategies to destabilize the martial world's balance. Unlike the overtly forceful Demon King, he preferred manipulation and subterfuge.
The Black Cloud Pavilion's neutrality amidst the ongoing conflicts made it vulnerable. He decided to exploit this by orchestrating a campaign of misinformation
Summoning his most cunning subordinates—masters of assassination and information warfare—he instructed them:
"Intensify the discord between the righteous and demonic factions. Spread rumors that the Black Cloud Pavilion aligns with both sides. This will sow confusion and create rifts."
His agents nodded, and soon, tales of the Pavilion's alleged alliances circulated. The righteous faction suspected betrayal, while the demonic faction felt deceived.
He further commanded, "Stage a covert attack on the Pavilion, leaving traces pointing to the demonic faction. Ensure our involvement remains hidden."
That night, masked assailants infiltrated the Pavilion, causing chaos among trainees. They left behind symbols associated with the demonic faction, misleading the defenders.
The next morning, the Pavilion buzzed with discussions. Han So-yeon asserted, "The demonic remnants are testing us.We must respond decisively."
Cheong Un-jin countered, "This seems too bold and sloppy for them. Could the righteous faction be attempting to unsettle us?"
Baek Wol-hee sought guidance from Lee Do-hyun, "Should we act or observe?"
He deliberated before replying, "We uphold neutrality. However, this incident might be part of a deeper conspiracy. We must uncover the truth."
Meanwhile, Black Moon Heaven's machinations intensified tensions. Both factions demanded the Pavilion clarify its stance, applying pressure.
***
Father's Decision
Han So-yeon packed her belongings in the training hall of Heukwun-gwan. Amidst the recent turmoil, she believed that gathering more information was crucial. Determined, she set out to meet her father, Han Ui-myeong, a high-ranking official of the Orthodox Sect, to inquire about the rumors surrounding Heukwun-gwan and the sect's stance.
Upon arriving at Cheongunmun, the stronghold of the Orthodox Sect, So-yeon found her father engaged in discussions with several elders. Noticing her entrance, Han Ui-myeong paused the conversation and greeted her with a warm smile, though his eyes betrayed a deep concern.
"So-yeon, what brings you here?" he asked.
Without hesitation, she replied, "Father, I've heard unsettling rumors about Heukwun-gwan and Master Lee Do-hyun. Is it true that some within the Orthodox Sect are uneasy about them?"
Han Ui-myeong sighed heavily, "While Heukwun-gwan maintains neutrality, in these precarious times, neutrality can be perceived as hostility. Without a clear stance, their position could exacerbate conflicts within the martial world."
So-yeon firmly countered, "Heukwun-gwan has clearly stated its intent to remain neutral. Why should the Orthodox Sect view them with suspicion?"
Her father responded sternly, "In order to preserve balance, alliances must be clear. Lee Do-hyun is a remarkable individual, but his neutrality only fuels discord. The Orthodox Sect must solidify its relationship with Heukwun-gwan."
He continued, "Therefore, I propose a union between you and Lee Do-hyun. Such a marriage would bind Heukwun-gwan to the Orthodox Sect, ensuring stability in the martial world."
Shocked, So-yeon protested, "Father, I have no such relationship with Master Lee. Heukwun-gwan seeks independence and ideals that differ from ours. Forcing this union would betray their philosophy."
Han Ui-myeong remained resolute, "Personal feelings are secondary to the greater good. As a member of the Orthodox Sect, you have a duty to fulfill."
With a mix of anger and desperation, So-yeon exclaimed, "Heukwun-gwan cannot be manipulated so easily! Master Lee's convictions are stronger than you realize."
Ignoring her pleas, Han Ui-myeong stood, grasped his sword, and declared, "You lack understanding of the martial world's harsh realities. I will personally visit Heukwun-gwan to discuss this matter with Lee Do-hyun."
So-yeon tried to stop him, "Please, Father, don't proceed with this. Heukwun-gwan is sensitive to external pressures. Your actions might escalate tensions."
Gently removing her hand, he replied, "This is a necessary step. Whether you comprehend it or not, the current situation demands decisive action. If Heukwun-gwan doesn't align with the Orthodox Sect, greater issues will arise."
As he departed with several Orthodox Sect elites, So-yeon stood in turmoil. She couldn't fathom her father's decision but recognized the impending conflict between the sect and Heukwun-gwan.
"Master Lee won't accept such demands," she murmured, concern etched on her face. "But if Father insists, it could irreparably damage their relationship."
Resolute, So-yeon swiftly prepared to return to Heukwun-gwan, determined to witness the forthcoming discussions and prevent any potential discord