176. Resolve and a Secret Message

Night deepened over the Murim Alliance stronghold.In the stillness of the room, only a faint candle flickered as Lee Do-hyeon sat at his desk, unfolding the document once more—the one handed to him by the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen.

The summoning ritual.The power sealed within the Sword of Ego.The scattered pieces of the puzzle were beginning to align.At last, he could believe it—a real possibility.A path home.The thought filled him with anticipation... and a tangle of emotions.

He firmed his resolve, whispering to himself quietly,

"I just need to confirm it.To know for certain that a path home exists.But I must find a way to do this without shaking Murim's peace."

Do-hyeon carefully folded the document and set it aside, exhaling deeply.

"The Heavenly Sword Demon Queen… she knows far more than I do.If there's a key to unlocking this mystery, it lies with her."

He made his decision: he would contact her in secret.The Demon Queen stood at the peak of Murim—not merely an ally, but someone deeply entwined with the mystery of the Sword of Ego and the path to his homeland.She had already shown great interest in these matters.But this time, it wasn't just about curiosity.He felt certain—this cooperation might be his only way back.

Choosing caution, Do-hyeon composed a message using a different code than he typically employed:

"To the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen:I offer my gratitude for what I learned during our last encounter.There are things I must ask—truths I must find.Please grant me a quiet meeting, so we may speak freely."

The sealed letter was entrusted to a trusted member of the Cheonuhoe—someone discreet and loyal.Every precaution was taken to ensure the message remained secret.

After sending the letter, Do-hyeon stood by the window for a moment.The stars above glittered in tranquil silence,but inside him, a storm brewed—a longing for home, and the weight of responsibility he bore within Murim.

"I don't know what answer she'll give me…but I must move forward."

He sat down once more, steadying his breath.Even if the path home opened before him,he would not turn his back on the duties of the Murim Alliance's Lord.

Now, all that remained was her reply.Would she answer his request?And if she did, what doors would their conversation unlock?

***

Episode : The Clash of Great Power

The place of recovery was cloaked in silence.A broad clearing deep within the forest, bathed in the crimson hues of sunset.The wind rustled gently through the leaves, heightening the tension in the air.

Lee Do-hyeon walked steadily forward, guided by a secret message from the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen.His steps were firm with resolve, but an uneasy feeling crept in with each breath.

She was already there.Standing alone beneath the fading light, her gaze remained deep and sharp,and the pressure she exuded seemed to dominate the very space around her.

"You've come, Lee Do-hyeon."

She turned her head slightly as she spoke.Her voice was calm, yet beneath it lingered a subtle tension, perhaps even anticipation.

"I told you, didn't I?This place is more than a sanctuary for healing."

Approaching her, Do-hyeon asked,

"What is it you know?Is the path I seek truly here?"

The Demon Queen held up a document and replied,

"This scroll, your sword, and this place—if they respond, we'll know.The clash of great powers may be the key to unraveling all of this."

Do-hyeon hesitated for a moment.

"And if that clash leads to disaster?We can't know what might happen.Isn't that too great a risk?"

The Demon Queen drew her sword slowly, a faint smile curling on her lips.

"There are no answers without risk.Draw your blade.This time, I'll see for myself how far you've come."

It was a challenge—clear and undeniable.

Do-hyeon took a deep breath and unsheathed the Sword of Ego.The blade shimmered faintly, resonating with his internal energy and mana.

"Very well.I'll show you everything I have.And I'll find the answers I seek."

The Demon Queen's smile deepened, almost amused.

"Good.Show me what you've become.Perhaps our answers will emerge in the clash itself."

And so, their duel began.

Do-hyeon launched forward without hesitation, fusing the techniques he had learned from various sect leaders with his own unique flow of mana.

"Flowing Blade!"

His sword surged toward her like a wave—graceful yet deadly.

But the Demon Queen met his strike with a single motion.Her sword danced like a wall of steel, effortlessly redirecting his force.

"You've improved.But not enough."

Her swordsmanship was not merely martial—it was art.Each movement flowed like water, yet struck with the power of a mountain.Do-hyeon barely blocked her counter, a grim realization striking him.

'This... this is beyond the Flowing Realm.She's already in the Manifestation Realm... a true master.'

She struck again, and Do-hyeon twisted his body just in time—only to find her blade already coming at him from a new angle.

"So this is what it means to stand at the pinnacle of Murim…"

Catching his breath, he drew both internal energy and mana at once.

"But I won't stop here!"

Their blades collided again—a thunderous clash that sent a ripple through the air.The recovery site trembled.Leaves floated upward, and the very air warped as invisible forces stirred.

Then, the Sword of Ego began to hum.A tremor.

The Demon Queen narrowed her eyes.

"Do-hyeon, your sword is reacting.If the place you seek truly exists…this power may be the key."

A faint crack shimmered in the space before them.The Demon Queen murmured,

"Elysium…So this is it."

Do-hyeon caught a fleeting glimpse—a vivid image of Korea,familiar enough to steal his breath.

'My home…Could I truly return?'

But the vision faded as quickly as it appeared.The space stabilized.The crack vanished.

The Demon Queen sheathed her sword.

"Our power is still lacking.It will take a stronger resonance to open that door."

Then she pointed once more at the Sword of Ego.

"And remember—this blade is not just a tool.When you truly understand its essence,your path will open on its own."

Do-hyeon took her words to heart, vowing silently.

"I will find the answer.And whatever path it leads to—I'll take responsibility."

The Demon Queen gave a small nod of satisfaction.

"Good.I'll look forward to facing you again—stronger."

With that, she disappeared into the dusk.

Do-hyeon remained alone.His mind replayed her words, his heart growing resolute.

'Now, I must prepare for everything.I will open that path.'

Gripping his sword tightly,he made his vow once more.