The influence of the demonic faction remained formidable within the martial world, yet internal conflicts simmered beneath the surface. Since Baek Wol-hee aligned herself with Lee Do-hyun, dissent grew among those who viewed her actions as betrayal. They felt not only deprived of valuable information but also affronted by her defection. Among the most aggrieved was Baek Yeong-seon, Baek Wol-hee's mother and a high-ranking member of the demonic faction. Her heart, hardened by past experiences, saw most matters as mere strategic plays. However, her daughter's allegiance shift was a personal affront she couldn't overlook.
The faction's leaders contemplated coercing Baek Yeong-seon, believing that subduing her could tilt the scales against Lee Do-hyun. Yet, confronting someone of her caliber was no trivial matter. To this end, they summoned the elite twin swordsmen, known as the "Shadows of the Twin Swords." These identical twins moved with uncanny synchronicity, their swordsmanship so harmonized it appeared as though wielded by a single entity.
Upon their arrival, the faction leader addressed them with a sly smile, "Only you two possess the prowess to challenge Baek Yeong-seon. If persuasion fails, let your blades speak."
The twins nodded in unison, their eyes gleaming with lethal intent. Their reputation wasn't merely built on skill but on an almost supernatural coordination that left opponents overwhelmed. Their mission: to confront Baek Yeong-seon and, if necessary, subdue her by force.
Baek Yeong-seon, ever vigilant, sensed their approach. Recognizing the imminent threat, she prepared herself, her grip tightening around her sword. As the twins launched their assault, their movements mirrored each other flawlessly, creating a seamless barrage of attacks. Baek Yeong-seon parried and countered, analyzing their rhythm and seeking an opening. Despite her formidable skills, the twins' relentless coordination began to wear her defenses.
Realizing the futility of prolonged resistance, she momentarily retreated, stating, "Continuing this clash serves no purpose. I acknowledge your strength." The twins, interpreting her withdrawal as submission, ceased their attack.However, Baek Yeong-seon's retreat was strategic, aimed at preserving her strength for future confrontations.
News of this encounter swiftly reached the Black Cloud Pavilion, stirring concern among its members. For Baek Wol-hee, the revelation that her mother faced such peril was deeply unsettling. Yet, beyond familial ties, she felt a profound responsibility as a disciple to aid her mentor.
Determined to act, Baek Wol-hee prepared to depart alone, but Han So-yeon intervened, "Venturing forth solo is perilous. We must face this together." Lee Do-hyun concurred, "Baek Yeong-seon is not just your mother but a pivotal figure in our world. We stand united."
Accepting their support, Baek Wol-hee nodded, "Together, we'll ensure her safety, regardless of the cost." The trio readied themselves, honing their skills and fortifying their resolve. Lee Do-hyun, having deepened his bond with the Ego Sword, was prepared to harness its power fully. Han So-yeon refined her Azure Flow Sword Technique, her inner strength reaching new heights. Baek Wol-hee, setting aside personal turmoil, focused solely on the mission ahead.
As they embarked on their journey, the demonic faction, anticipating interference, bolstered their ranks with additional swordsmen, aiming to thwart any rescue attempts. Their leader, resolute, declared, "We must eliminate Baek Yeong-seon and any who dare oppose us."
Undeterred, Lee Do-hyun, Han So-yeon, and Baek Wol-hee pressed forward, their unity and determination unwavering.For them, this mission transcended mere survival; it was about restoring balance and reaffirming their convictions.
****
Pride and the Shadow of Defeat
Baek Yeong-seon closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She had known, deep down, that this day would come. Once hailed as the most beautiful woman in the martial world and one of the strongest masters in the demonic faction, she now found herself on her knees before the infamous Twin Shadow Swordsmen—a bitter, ironic turn of fate.
"Shouldn't we at least take that face everyone used to brag about in the martial world?" one of the twin swordsmen sneered, his eyes scanning her with thinly veiled contempt.
"Your golden years are long past. The era of the demonic faction's great beauty is over," the other mocked.
Baek Yeong-seon no longer had the strength to respond. Time had worn down her body, and with her internal energy disrupted, she could no longer fight as she once had. She knelt in silence, enduring their ridicule.
But inside, a fire stirred.
No, it can't end like this.
Anger, pride, and a desperate thirst to break free surged within her. Her voice trembled, but her resolve rang clear. "No matter what you are—even if you're the twin masters of the demonic faction—I still have this sword. I won't let it end like this."
The twins merely laughed louder, treating her words with casual amusement.
"In the end, it's not beauty or reputation, but strength that decides the victor," one said smugly.
"The fact that you're still breathing is a miracle," the other added coldly. "But it ends here."
Baek Yeong-seon lifted her head. Despite the pain, her gaze remained unwavering. "This isn't the end. No matter how much I've lost, the life I've lived... I will not surrender it so easily."
She said no more. Though her energy was all but drained, the flame within her refused to die. She hoped this wouldn't be a final defeat, but reality was unforgiving.
The twin swordsmen moved in, no longer hiding their full strength. They had once respected her beauty and power, but now, they saw her as nothing more than a fading threat.
In that moment, Baek Yeong-seon thought of her daughter, Baek Wol-hee. She prayed Wol-hee would never see her like this. The thought that everything she had once stood for was crumbling weighed heavily on her.
"Was I truly too weak to overcome this..." she whispered to herself, her self-doubt mounting. Yet with it came an awakening of will. She clung to the belief that this humiliation and defeat could one day become a source of strength—not just for her, but for her daughter as well.
A Moment of Resolve
Just then, Lee Do-hyun and Han So-yeon arrived. They were appalled at Baek Yeong-seon's condition but knew that, even in such dire straits, she held fast to her dignity and conviction. Lee Do-hyun silently vowed to fight with everything he had to free her.
She sensed their presence and, deep inside, felt a flicker of warmth. These two understood her—her principles, her pride.
Then came Baek Wol-hee's voice:
"Mother, don't you dare kneel to them."
The sound of her daughter's voice struck her like lightning. Tears welled in her eyes. She had longed for the chance to hold her daughter's hand again, but the moment had not yet arrived. There was still a battle to fight.
And Baek Yeong-seon was not finished yet.