Tension weighed heavily in the imperial court. The Emperor and his strategists analyzed the results of their covert negotiations with the Demonic Sect. As conflict between the Imperial Army and the Murim Alliance intensified, the Sect's dual strategy brought about a decisive shift.
On one front, the Demonic Sect launched sudden attacks on imperial forces, provoking both the Murim Alliance and the court. Meanwhile, high-ranking members of the Sect secretly extended offers of alliance to the imperial family, seeking to expand their own influence. This dual approach left both sides with no choice but to reckon with the Sect's power.
The Heavenly Sword Demon King, overseeing the operation, addressed her subordinates:
"We shall not be used—by the Murim or the court. Let our presence be carved into their memory. We stand where we choose."
The guerrilla assaults inflicted heavy losses on imperial troops. Still, the imperial court could not ignore the Sect's proposal. Aligning with the Demonic Sect could severely weaken the Murim Alliance—too tempting a prospect.
The Emperor, after deliberating with his strategists, made the decision:
"The Demonic Sect may be a part of the Murim world, but their nature diverges from the Alliance. Supporting them could tip the war in our favor."
A strategist nodded and added:
"Simply bringing them to the negotiation table will sow unrest within the Murim Alliance. Doubt and division will fester among them."
As the secret negotiations proceeded, open conflict between the Murim Alliance and the imperial army ceased. Both sides, bloodied and wary, feared the catastrophic outcome of further escalation.
The court officially announced a ceasefire. But it was a peace only in appearance—beneath it, tension continued to simmer.
Lee Do-hyeon convened the senior figures of the Murim Alliance.
"The end of the war is a relief," he said, "but this is not true peace. The imperial court may strike again. We must stay united and reinforce our defenses."
Han So-yeon, standing at his side, nodded solemnly.
"Our priority now is to ensure unity among the clans. Only with true solidarity can we endure another assault."
The Heavenly Sword Demon King, pleased to see her strategy succeed, nonetheless remained poised to shift allegiances should the winds change. She sent a discreet message to Lee Do-hyeon:
"We have chosen to remain part of the Murim. But our terms must be honored. If the Alliance betrays them, we will turn to the court once more."
Meanwhile, other factions within the Demonic Sect saw opportunity in their ties with the imperial court and began maneuvering to expand their own power—sparking internal discord.
Though the war between the Murim Alliance and the court had reached its end, mutual vigilance persisted. Both sides prepared for the battles of tomorrow. Lee Do-hyeon, knowing the weight of his decisions, steeled himself for what lay ahead.
"This fight is not truly over. We must remain ready."
The Heavenly Sword Demon King, though she had momentarily set aside her ambitions for the Central Plains, remained sharp-eyed and unyielding.
"Neither Murim nor the court shall look down on us. The Demonic Sect will survive—on our terms."
The fragile balance among the
***
Chapter : A Bold Confession and a Hidden Truth
Tension lingered over the Murim Alliance's headquarters as talks of marriage with the imperial family progressed. While an alliance with the royal court could be key to the survival and stability of the Murim Alliance, the decision weighed heavily on Leader Lee Do-hyeon's life.
Do-hyeon found himself torn. He understood the political and strategic reasoning—but in his heart, other voices stirred. This wasn't a matter of strategy alone; the marriage carried far greater emotional weight.
Han So-yeon and Baek Wol-hui spoke privately, each realizing they could no longer hide their feelings for Lee Do-hyeon as they watched the engagement with Princess Mi-ryeong unfold.
"So, what should we do…?"So-yeon asked carefully.
Wol-hui smiled and replied,"We have to be honest about our hearts. He's too precious to be reduced to some political pawn."
The two decided to meet with the princess in person.
So-yeon was the first to visit Mi-ryeong."Your Highness, I have something to tell you."The princess smiled gently."Please, speak freely, Lady So-yeon."
Blushing, So-yeon spoke quietly."I have feelings for Lord Do-hyeon. But I have no intention of interfering with your engagement. I only hope that my feelings don't cause you any distress."
Mi-ryeong was surprised at first but soon gave a warm smile."Thank you for sharing your heart with me. I won't deny what you feel. In fact, I respect your honesty."
Next, Baek Wol-hui visited the princess."Your Highness, I too care deeply for the Commander. But whatever he decides, I'll respect it. Because we trust that his choice will be what's best for the Murim Alliance."
Mi-ryeong smiled at her."You both are remarkable for being so open. I'll try to understand all of this. In the end, what matters most is Lord Do-hyeon's decision."
That night, So-yeon and Wol-hui visited Lee Do-hyeon together.He looked surprised at their serious expressions."What brings you both here together?"
So-yeon spoke first."I have something to say, Commander."She hesitated for a moment, then said,"I like you. No, I mean… more than respect. I truly care for you."
Do-hyeon paused, taken aback, then responded sincerely."Thank you, Lady So-yeon. I can't deny your heartfelt words."
Then Wol-hui, wearing her usual teasing smile, added,"Commander~, I have a confession too. I like you. And I'm sure you've known that for a while, haven't you?"
Do-hyeon scratched his head with a chuckle."Your honesty never fails to amaze me, Wol-hui."
Wol-hui continued playfully,"Oh, and So-yeon, maybe it's time you knew—I once shared a night with the Commander during his recovery. Important detail, right?"
So-yeon turned crimson and shouted,"Unni! Why would you bring that up?!"
Wol-hui laughed."Because every moment with him is precious. And you deserve to know."
Do-hyeon, caught in the middle of their exchange, flustered, said,"Ladies, this really isn't the time for all this! We've got serious matters to handle!"
Still, despite his awkward protest, both women felt relieved having shared their hearts openly.
News of the conversation spread quietly among the elders of the Murim Alliance.Jin Cheong-woo, head of the Hwasan Sect, smiled wordlessly."Lee Do-hyeon is no longer an outsider. He's earned his place at the center of the Murim."
Do Hyeon-jung of the Kunlun Sect nodded in agreement."It's not just his martial prowess. He draws people to him. That's what makes a true leader."
Masters of the Wudang and Ami Sects shared similar thoughts."If this union with the imperial family can unify the Murim Alliance, we may finally have the strength to resist the royal court's threats."
That night, Do-hyeon sat alone in his room, lost in thought."Do I really deserve to carry this burden?"
He recalled similar moments in the real world."I was always the one forced to choose. But this time, it's not just about me. It's everyone's fate."
He stood and made up his mind."If I falter, everything crumbles. I have to be the one who stands firm."
With that resolve, he prepared for the coming day."This battle isn't mine alone. It's ours. And I will carry that weight."