175. The Hidden Secret of Growth

After completing his training with the heads of the major sects, Lee Do-hyeon returned to the main headquarters of the Murim Alliance.His body was exhausted, but his heart brimmed with a newfound confidence.In a short span of time, he had achieved remarkable progress. The techniques and knowledge he had gained from the masters had elevated both his combat prowess and his inner energy.

But his rapid development stirred more than admiration—it sparked deep curiosity among the grandmasters.

Konlun's Do Hyeon-jung, recalling Do-hyeon's movements, muttered with disbelief:

"He learned in days what took me decades. Just what lies behind such progress?"

Jin Cheong-woo of Mount Hua nodded solemnly.

"Indeed. His growth is not merely natural talent. Is it simply potential—or is there something he's hiding?"

The matriarch of Emei spoke with calm insight.

"He never spoke much about the source of his strength. There's clearly more to his story than he lets on."

The Wudang master, as ever, was concise:

"What matters isn't why he's grown—it's how he chooses to wield that growth."

Unaware of their conversations, Do-hyeon nevertheless anticipated such questions.In a quiet corner of the training grounds, he polished his sword in silence, his thoughts unwavering.

"Of course they wonder. But I can't explain the truth behind my strength.They wouldn't accept it if they knew—the fusion of mana and inner energy…or the reason I came to this world."

His thoughts drifted back to his battle with the Heavenly Sword Demon.

"Fighting someone like her wasn't just combat—it was a lesson. She taught me, not with words, but with every strike.It was that fight… that awakening… that forged who I am today."

That didn't mean he took the masters' teachings lightly.

"Konlun, Mount Hua, Emei, Wudang… each of their lessons became a part of me.Their guidance is what helped me rise. I will never forget what they gave me."

That night, Do-hyeon entered deep meditation.He regulated his breathing as he circulated both mana and inner energy, seeking perfect harmony between the two. His control was becoming increasingly refined—his progress nearing perfection.

He remembered the Heavenly Sword Demon's words.

"Lee Do-hyeon, your power is not merely the sum of mana and qi.You carry the force of this world—and another.Only when you realize that truth will you reach the next realm."

Do-hyeon reaffirmed his resolve.

"I must become stronger. But more than that—I must forge my own path."

Meanwhile, the grandmasters returned to their sects, each remembering him with mixed admiration and reflection.

"The road ahead of him, as the leader of the Murim Alliance, will be treacherous.But… it seems he's ready to walk it."

None of them could forget the sheer speed of his development—or the potential that radiated from him.

"If only he had been our disciple… what a legend he would've become."

His rise sparked hope throughout Murim.

But alongside that hope, a quiet unease began to spread—The secret behind his power… might one day come to light.

**

A Quiet Invitation

Lee Do-hyeon held an unfamiliar invitation in his hand.Stamped with the seal of the Heavenly Sword Demon, it bore only a single line:

"Lee Do-hyeon, come to one of your recovery grounds. This time, it will be a peaceful conversation. – Heavenly Sword Demon"

He recognized the place at once—a vast, eerie site among the ones he'd discovered, where the flow of energy was unlike anywhere else.It had always felt like more than just a space for healing—as if something forgotten still lingered there.

When night fell, Do-hyeon followed the summons.

She was already waiting.

The Heavenly Sword Demon stood amidst the pale glow of moonlight, her weapons set aside for once. Her stance was relaxed, her expression unreadable.

"You're here, Lee Do-hyeon," she said quietly."Your arrival is no coincidence. I wanted to see if you've grown."

Do-hyeon's gaze stayed sharp.

"So this isn't a duel, but a conversation?"

She smiled faintly and raised her hand.In her palm, a scroll glowed softly—sealed tightly with inner energy.

"No battle today. Just… something you might find interesting."

She let the scroll float toward him, guided by a precise flow of qi.Do-hyeon caught it mid-air, eyes narrowing.

"What is this?"

"You'll know once you read it," she replied, taking a seat on a nearby rock.

Do-hyeon opened the scroll.His brows furrowed immediately.

It was written in an archaic script—a detailed ritual guide, describing the summoning process. Every step, every condition, meticulously recorded.

His heart tightened.

"This… this is the same summoning rite that called forth Ego's Blade and its master…"

The Heavenly Sword Demon watched his reaction with keen interest.

"Yes. Your sword is deeply tied to that world. If summoning is possible... have you ever wondered if reverse summoning might be, too?"

Do-hyeon looked up, scroll still in hand.

"Why show this to me? What is it you want?"

She met his eyes, her voice firm but unthreatening.

"What I want is simple. Even standing atop this world, I still seek more. If your blade—and the world it connects to—holds a power I don't know, I want to understand it."

He clutched the scroll tighter, then looked around.

"This place… it's more than just a recovery ground, isn't it?"

She nodded slightly.

"It's not. The veil between this world and another is thinner here. Hasn't your blade reacted?"

Do-hyeon drew Ego's Blade.It shimmered faintly in the air—resonating softly, almost breathing.

"Then this may well be the site where the summoning once occurred…"

The Heavenly Sword Demon nodded again.

"You'll learn much from this place. But if you plan to use that scroll… know this: the risk will be great."

Do-hyeon fell into thought.The idea of returning to his world—of crossing the boundary—brought more than longing. It brought fear. What would such a move mean for the Murim? For himself?

She spoke once more.

"Whatever you choose, the consequences are yours alone. But if you do walk that path…""I'll be waiting at the end of it."

Do-hyeon lowered his head respectfully.

"Then I will think deeply. About what this path means—for Murim… and for me."

The conversation ended, but between the two, a subtle understanding lingered.Their meeting, born in secrecy, had opened the door to something far greater.

And in this quiet place of healing, a new chapter had quietly begun.

***

A Conversation with His Wives

In the quiet of night, Lee Do-hyeon sat alone in his room, staring at the document in his hands.The possibility of returning to his homeland weighed heavily on his mind—but it was no simple decision.

Just then, the door opened. Mi-ryeong, Han So-yeon, and Baek Wol-hee stepped inside.They saw the solemn expression on his face and quietly approached him.

"Lord Mengju, what are you thinking about so deeply?"Han So-yeon asked softly.

"Captain, if there's anything we can do to help, please tell us,"Baek Wol-hee said with her usual playful tone, though the concern in her eyes was evident.

Mi-ryeong sat beside him with a gentle smile.

"Hyeonrang, whatever it is, share it with us. You don't have to carry everything alone."

Do-hyeon hesitated for a moment, then held up the scroll slightly.

"As you can probably guess, this scroll contains a way back to my homeland.But… I don't know how that path will affect Murim, or what it might mean for us."

The three women were momentarily surprised. Then, exchanging glances, they began to speak one by one.

Han So-yeon spoke first.

"Mengju-nim, it's only natural to long for home. I can understand that.But if the path is dangerous, shouldn't we prepare together?"

Baek Wol-hee chimed in, her voice light but sincere.

"Captain~ don't even think about going alone. Do you really believe we'll just wait here while you disappear on some grand journey?Wherever you go, we go too."

Mi-ryeong gently reached for his hand.

"Hyeonrang, I feel the same.Whatever choice you make, I'll stay by your side.As long as we're together… I believe there's no path we need to fear."

Do-hyeon listened in silence, deeply moved.Their trust and devotion warmed him—but the thought of endangering them filled him with dread.

"This path won't be easy," he said honestly."I don't even know what awaits at the end."

Han So-yeon's voice grew firm.

"Mengju-nim, we've fought by your side.We're not just comrades anymore—we're family.And facing danger together… that's what family does."

Baek Wol-hee nodded.

"Exactly. Whatever risks we face, we'll overcome them together.And, honestly? This sounds like the start of one hell of an adventure."

Mi-ryeong tightened her grip on his hand.

"Hyeonrang, I can't imagine you walking that path without us.Wherever you go, please… let us walk with you."

Overwhelmed by their sincerity, Do-hyeon took a deep breath.

"Hearing this from you all… it means more than I can say.But before I make any decisions, we'll need to stabilize Murim first. And above all else—your safety comes first."

Mi-ryeong nodded firmly.

"Then let us help you.Let's secure Murim together—and prepare for what's ahead."

That night, Do-hyeon realized this journey was no longer his alone.Beside him were those who believed in him, who chose to stand with him.Their love and loyalty gave him new resolve.

"Very well.If we're together… there's no hardship we can't overcome."He promised them."Whatever this path may bring—we walk it as one."