162. The Aftermath of Battle and a New Resolution

The aftermath of the battle still hung heavily over the Murim Alliance. Although they had dealt a significant blow to the Imperial forces, the price they paid was equally immense. Lee Do-hyeon walked through the wreckage of the battlefield, letting out a long sigh. Doubt clouded his heart.

"Did we really win? With all this loss, how can this be called victory...?"

By evening, the top masters of the Murim Alliance gathered in the conference hall. Representatives from both orthodox and unorthodox factions filled the room, but the Magyo did not appear. Their leader had declared the sect would no longer intervene directly, and the alliance had accepted this.

The head of the Hwasan Sect was the first to speak, his voice grave. "Though the Lord of the Alliance leads us now, his strength is not yet enough. To withstand the next wave from the Imperial forces, we must aid in his growth."

A master of the Gonryun Sect nodded solemnly. "We must dissolve the boundaries between orthodoxy and heresy. Share our inner energy techniques, our secret arts—put everything on the line."

The representative from the Beggars' Gang raised a hand. "The Alliance Lord must stand at the center. Only then can we unite. He must grow stronger if there is to be any hope for Murim's survival."

Cheongunjin of the Cheonuhoe quietly spoke. "Lee Do-hyeon has never trained in the traditional ways of Murim. Making him stronger is not just about teaching him inner energy or techniques. He is different. We must understand that."

Baek Wolhui, with her usual mischievous smile, added, "That's right. Do-hyeon-nim is not like us. But that uniqueness should become his weapon."

As Lee Do-hyeon entered the hall, all the masters turned to him. He offered a bitter smile. "I'm grateful for all your help. But this fight won't end just because I grow stronger. All of us must raise our strength together."

The next day, a training ground opened, prepared by the masters from both orthodox and unorthodox sects. Elders from the Hwasan, Gonryun, and Beggars' Gang stepped forward to pass on their secrets.

The head of the Hwasan Sect taught foundational techniques to strengthen inner energy. "Your base is solid. Now, you must learn to guide the flow of inner energy freely. It's not about accumulation. It must flow naturally."

A master from the Gonryun Sect guided him in meditation. "Your mind must always remain calm. If you falter, the entire alliance falters with you. To reach clarity, stillness must come first."

The master from the Beggars' Gang focused on practical combat techniques. "The Imperial forces excel in numbers and coordination. Break their rhythm. Sow confusion. In real battle, decisive actions and technique are key."

During the training, Lee Do-hyeon muttered to himself, "In martial arts novels, there's always some miracle pill to boost inner energy. Nothing like that here...?"

Cheongunjin, overhearing him, laughed heartily. "If such things existed, Murim would already be overflowing with masters."

Baek Wolhui chimed in playfully, "Do-hyeon-nim~, if that pill existed, I would've taken it first and solved everything!"

Lee Do-hyeon chuckled awkwardly. "You're right. There's no easy way."

As fatigue mounted, his inner energy began to flow erratically. A Hwasan elder noticed and approached. "Alliance Lord, I will harmonize your meridians. Please sit."

The elder placed his hand on Lee Do-hyeon's shoulder, circulating his own energy to untangle the young man's blocked meridians. Lee Do-hyeon felt his body gradually lighten. "That's... quite something."

The elder smiled. "Meridians must be cleared for inner energy to flow properly. This isn't something training alone can fix."

Meanwhile, at the Imperial command post, preparations for the next assault were already underway. The commander addressed his officers coldly. "The Murim Alliance and the Magyo may have joined forces, but we won't retreat because of one setback. With our overwhelming forces and strategy, we will crush them completely."

Their strategy meeting was ruthless and meticulous. The next battle would be aimed at utterly annihilating the Murim Alliance and the Magyo.

After training, Lee Do-hyeon pushed past his limits under the masters' guidance. He swore to himself: "This fight isn't just about Murim Alliance winning. It's about survival—for all of us. As its leader, I must endure."

With his renewed resolve, the Murim Alliance began preparing once more to face the Imperial Army.

Chapter 348: Teachings and Realizations of Four Masters

The training grounds of the Murim Alliance were still steeped in tension. The battle with the Imperial forces had ended, but the war was far from over. The fate of the Alliance now rested on Lee Do-hyeon's growth, and so the leaders of four major sects stepped in to guide him.

First was Jin Cheong-woo of the Hwasan Sect. Facing Lee Do-hyeon with sword in hand, he said, "The sword is fundamental to Murim. But it's not merely a weapon. It reflects your heart and must become part of your flow."

He had Lee Do-hyeon assume the basic stance, then struck with speed and force. "Defend!"

Startled, Lee Do-hyeon stumbled backward. He tried to block, but the force rattled his grip. "Don't resist it directly—redirect it. Control your grip. Let your movement absorb the attack."

On his second attempt, he failed again. Jin's strike tapped his shoulder. "You're rushing. Swordsmanship isn't about speed. It's about flow."

Only on the third try did Lee Do-hyeon manage to read the attack and block successfully. Jin nodded, seeing the change in his eyes. "Good. Now we begin."

Next was Doh Hyeon-jung of the Gonryun Sect. He taught the flow of inner energy. "Your energy is strong but coarse. It should be like water—gentle, constant, and focused where needed."

Taking Lee Do-hyeon's hand, he channeled his own energy to clear and guide the young man's qi. "Follow the flow. Don't force it. Let it move naturally."

Lee Do-hyeon closed his eyes and tried, but his energy surged wildly. "Your mind is unsettled. Find stillness first."

On his second attempt, the energy stalled halfway. But on the third, he managed to control the flow smoothly. "At this pace, your inner energy will grow rapidly."

The third master was Yeon Hwa-seon of the Amipa Sect, who taught meditation and harmony between mind and energy. "Your inner energy is scattered. It's not just power—it must connect to inner peace. Learn to maintain calm."

She guided his breathing. "Breath is the key. Inhale and feel your flow. Exhale and release chaos."

At first, his breath was rough and energy erratic. "You're forcing it. Accept the flow."

By the second attempt, his breathing and energy aligned. Seeing the calm return to his face, she smiled. "Now, you're beginning to find inner peace. Remain in this state for deeper training."

Lastly, Jang Jin-pyo of the Mudang Sect stepped up, focusing on practical combat. "The Imperial Army is experienced. To face them, you must use confusion and control the battlefield."

He taught precision strikes and rhythm-breaking tactics. "Deflect their attacks. Strike when they show a gap. Battle is about breaking the enemy's flow."

Lee Do-hyeon struggled at first but gradually adapted. On the third try, he succeeded in countering and striking. "Well done. With mastery of this, even the Imperial Army won't stand against you."

After the sparring, the masters quietly admired his potential.

Jin Cheong-woo thought, If he were my disciple, he'd become a formidable swordsman. To learn this much so fast—his potential is remarkable.

Doh Hyeon-jung nodded to himself. His inner energy isn't perfect yet, but his growth is limitless. He's worth every lesson I can offer.

Yeon Hwa-seon smiled softly. If he were mine, I'd teach him all our sect's secrets. He can grow not only in strength, but in spirit.

Jang Jin-pyo also nodded. Lee Do-hyeon is no ordinary man. If he becomes the center of this war, we might just have a chance.

Bowing deeply, Lee Do-hyeon thanked them all. "I'll never forget what you've taught me. I'll grow stronger, defend the Alliance, and fight alongside you all."

The four masters encouraged him. As they looked upon the young Alliance Lord, they saw not just a student—but a leader in the making.

The training grounds fell silent again, but Lee Do-hyeon's resolve burned ever brighter.

**

Chapter : The Targeted Alliance Leader

At the royal court, the commander—having endured two grueling battles—realized that the resistance from the Murim Alliance would not be easily broken. He began devising a new strategy.

"The core of the Murim Alliance is Lee Do-hyeon. If we eliminate him, their unity will collapse on its own."

The strategist nodded and continued, "Once the leader falls, the alliance will fracture from within. The orthodox and unorthodox sects were never truly united. This is the perfect moment for the royal court to seize complete control."

The commander agreed and summoned the imperial assassination unit, the finest in the realm.

"From this moment forward, Lee Do-hyeon is your target. As long as he lives, the Murim Alliance remains strong. You must succeed."

Back at the Murim Alliance's stronghold, Lee Do-hyeon was exhausted from days of intense training. Still, he could feel the teachings of the grandmasters settling into both body and mind.

"That's enough for today, Alliance Leader," said Doh Hyeon-jung of the Gonryun Sect gently.

Baek Wol-hui added playfully, "Do-hyeon-nim~, if you collapse from overtraining, what will you do when the royal forces attack again?"

Lee Do-hyeon offered a tired smile. "You're right. All this training would mean nothing if my body gives out. But this is the price we pay to survive."

That night, the Murim Alliance compound was silent—but shadows moved beneath the stillness. The royal court's elite assassination unit infiltrated the stronghold, their mission clear: eliminate Lee Do-hyeon.

The leader of the assassins signaled silently.

"Target: Lee Do-hyeon. Minimize contact with others. Move quickly."

Avoiding guards and patrols, they slipped across rooftops and dark alleys, closing in on Do-hyeon's quarters with practiced, fluid precision.

Inside, Lee Do-hyeon was reviewing techniques with Baek Wol-hui and Han So-yeon.

"Let's see if I've internalized today's lessons," he said, assuming a stance that blended Jin Cheong-woo's swordplay with Doh Hyeon-jung's breathing techniques.

Baek Wol-hui smirked, "Do-hyeon-nim~, you're being way too serious today. You could take a break, you know."

Han So-yeon nodded. "Alliance Leader, we have more training tomorrow. Don't overdo it."

But then, Wol-hui's expression sharpened.

"Wait. Do-hyeon-nim, something's wrong. Someone's approaching."

Lee Do-hyeon tensed. "I thought the perimeter was secure. Intruders…?"

Before he could finish the sentence, assassins burst in through windows and rooftops.

"Target confirmed! Eliminate Lee Do-hyeon!"

Their strikes were fast, deliberate, deadly. Each blade and movement aimed squarely at Do-hyeon.

Baek Wol-hui was the first to react, her sword flashing between the assassins and her target.

"Do-hyeon-nim~, don't worry! I've got this!"

Han So-yeon unsheathed her blade and stepped forward.

"These aren't common killers. They're the imperial elite. Be on guard!"

Drawing on what he had learned, Do-hyeon stayed calm.

Read their flow. Redirect their force. Channel your internal energy with precision.

He moved with growing confidence, combining technique and breath to intercept the attacks.

The assassins faltered, surprised by Do-hyeon's unexpected composure and skill.

Meanwhile, Baek Wol-hui dazzled them with swift, seductive movements, disrupting their focus before delivering precise, lethal strikes. Han So-yeon's elegant swordplay supported Do-hyeon closely.

"Stay calm, Alliance Leader," she said. "Together, we can overcome this."

At last, Lee Do-hyeon brought down the final assassin. He breathed heavily.

"So the royal court moves in the shadows now. We can no longer remain passive."

Baek Wol-hui caught her breath, joking, "Well~ this night turned out to be way more exciting than I expected. So much for rest."

Han So-yeon's tone was grave. "This confirms it. You're now too important. Stronger attempts will follow. We must prepare."

Lee Do-hyeon nodded firmly.

"Agreed. If we are to survive this war, we must trust each other—and become even stronger."

Everyone present nodded in agreement. Once again, the Murim Alliance resolved to stand united.

Back at the royal camp, word of the failed assassination enraged the commander.

"That man—Lee Do-hyeon—I will see him destroyed! Prepare a stronger, more decisive plan!"

The strategist added quietly, "We must strike with overwhelming force. Letting the Murim Alliance regroup is no longer an option."

The royal army began mobilizing anew, readying for an all-out campaign. The war was far from over.