10.The Whirlwind of Fate

– A destined encounter between warriors, though one has yet to obtain his fated enlightenment.

A Strong One Recognizes Another

The recruitment by the Murim Alliance was complete.Now came the stage of strategic assignment.

To prepare for the full-scale battle against the Magyo,the warriors of Gangho would be organized into squads and sent on various missions.

But before that—the strong would test the strong.Whether allies or enemies, that was the law of martial paths.

Seung-chan vs. Jin Ha-yeong – A Clash Between Equals

The two stood face-to-face.They had already recognized each other as formidable.No need for words—their swords would speak on their behalf.

Swoosh—Jin Ha-yeong struck first.A fast and precise blade—clean and fluid.

But something was missing.Not skill, but the invisible weight behind it.

Seung-chan calmly drew his sword.

Samjae Sword Form – Cheon (Heaven).One stroke shattered Jin Ha-yeong's flow.

But Jin Ha-yeong did not retreat.He struck again, deeper, faster.

Swoosh—Ji (Earth). In (Human).Seung-chan responded naturally,weaving through the rhythm with flawless timing.

The clash ended.

Jin Ha-yeong steadied his breath.

"Impressive.""I can't deny that you're stronger than me."

"But…""Someday, I will catch up."

He accepted defeat,but knew his path did not end here.His journey was not yet complete.

Fate Intertwines Again – Same Squad, or Rival Squad?

The Murim Alliance began forming operational squads to strike at the Magyo.

It was likely that the strongest would be split into different groups.But—

"Shouldn't Jin Ha-yeong and Seung-chan be placed in the same squad?""No… perhaps they'd grow more if assigned to rival squads."

The elders deliberated.

Together, they might create synergy.But apart, they might sharpen each other through competition.

A Pivotal Choice – Ally or Rival

Two paths emerged:

1️⃣ Same squad – mutual respect, growing together through battle.2️⃣ Rival squads – separated, pushing each other from afar.

The moment of decision arrived.

"You two—what is your choice?"

An elder asked.

"Will you fight together, or face each other from opposing fronts?"

Seung-chan answered first.

"It doesn't matter to me.""Whether we stand side by side or clash blades, we'll meet again in Gangho."

Jin Ha-yeong looked at him.And then made his decision.

Chapter 36: Those Who Duel with Destiny

– The strong forge one another. And in the end, they always meet again.

Two Warriors, Now Rivals

Squad assignments were finalized by the Murim Alliance.Each group was dispatched to different regions to suppress the Magyo.

And so—Seung-chan and Jin Ha-yeong were not placed in the same squad.Their paths had diverged.

Jin Ha-yeong's Resolve – The Road to Become Stronger

He had faced Seung-chan's sword.That experience was more than just a loss.It was a new beginning.

He had realized something.That to truly become a master, he needed more than just technique.There was a realm unreachable by swordsmanship alone.

The leader of his squad said to him:

"With your current skill, you won't surpass him.""If you truly wish to grow stronger, be prepared to give up everything."

Jin Ha-yeong clenched his fists.

"I will…""I will surpass him—no matter what it takes!"

That was the path he chose.That was why he accepted the role of a rival, not a companion.

Two Warriors Walking Different Roads

Seung-chan gripped his sword with quiet indifference.He was still walking his own path, unchanged.But Jin Ha-yeong had begun to change.

He started seeking deeper martial techniques.He was ready to abandon all comfort to grow stronger.

Their paths had diverged.

But—

They would meet again.That was the nature of fate.

Chapter 37: The Land Stained with Blood– An inevitable large-scale battle between the Murim Alliance and the Magyo.

A Storm of Blood Sweeping Across Gangho

At last, the full-scale war between the Murim Alliance and the Magyo had begun.At the edge of the northwestern wastelands, the battlefield was set.The two forces could no longer avoid the clash.

The wind howled fiercely through the wastelands.The banners of the Murim Alliance flapped violently, while the dark shadows of the Magyo crept forward.A suffocating tension tore through the battlefield.Those who held swords could not take even a single step back.

And then—The stench of blood began to fill the air.

Clash of the Titans — Swords and Spears, Martial Arts Collide

"Charge!"

The leader of the Murim Alliance shouted.Hundreds of warriors surged forward in unison.Swords flashed and spear tips tore through the air.

On the other side,The warriors of the Magyo also charged with wild ferocity.Their martial arts were bizarre—and devastating.

Boom!Techniques collided.The clash of internal energy sent shockwaves in all directions.The sky was torn by sword force, and the earth was soaked in blood.

Thud!The first casualty fell.And then, countless warriors spilled blood and crumpled to the ground.

The Murim Alliance wielded orthodox martial arts.In contrast, the Magyo's techniques were irregular and ruthless.

Jeolmyeong Slash (絶命斬) — A killing sword that takes a life with a single strike.

Blood Qi Absorption Art — A vampiric technique that drains the enemy's blood and energy.

Ghost Hand Divine Art — A horrific martial art that causes the body to explode upon a single hit by reversing blood flow.

The warriors of the Murim Alliance began to fall.

Jin Ha-yeong's Unit — Desperate Struggle and Defeat

Jin Ha-yeong's unit also faced off against the Magyo.They fought desperately.

Clang!His sword slashed down a Magyo warrior.But wounds began accumulating across his own body.

Boom!A Magyo expert stretched out his hand.A torrent of internal energy surged outward.Jin Ha-yeong's squad was pushed back in an instant.

"Aaargh!"Comrades fell.The tide of battle began to turn.

Jin Ha-yeong gritted his teeth.He intended to fight to the end.But the outcome was already leaning against him.

Something was missing.He was strong—but not complete.

After the Defeat — A Tactical Retreat

Jin Ha-yeong clenched his teeth and chose to retreat.He could not afford to die in a pointless struggle.To become stronger, he had to survive first.

He gathered his fallen comrades and pulled back.Magyo pursuers followed.But he fled with everything he had.

He acknowledged defeat.But he would return.

This time he lost by a hair's breadth—Next time would be different.

He swore through clenched teeth:"Next time... I will win."