The forces of the orthodox factions arrived at the gates of Heukwoon-gwan.Their footsteps broke the heavy silence of the murim, each step pressing down on the once-calm air with mounting tension.Inside the compound, training was in full swing, and the disciples remained unaware of the impending threat.But Lee Dohyeon felt it—an ominous pressure closing in.
He turned to Baek Wolhui and Han Soyeon, speaking in a low, firm voice."Get ready. Something big is about to happen."
Just then, a surge of powerful energy exploded from outside the gates.The assault had begun.
The elders of the orthodox factions cried out accusations, claiming Heukwoon-gwan had allied itself with the dark sects and even the demonic cult.They moved to justify their attack with lies, smearing Heukwoon-gwan's name to cover their own ambitions.
"We know Heukwoon-gwan has colluded with the demonic cult!" one elder shouted, voice boiling with righteous fury."You pretend neutrality, yet you harbor agents of evil among your disciples! For the sake of justice, this place must be purged!"
Their cries rang out like a death sentence.But their claims were fabricated.Heukwoon-gwan had never allied with the demonic cult or the dark factions; it had remained stubbornly neutral, standing for balance in the murim.The so-called righteous factions, fearing what they could not control, sought to destroy what they did not understand.
As the assault began, chaos erupted inside Heukwoon-gwan.Lee Dohyeon, Baek Wolhui, and Han Soyeon sprang to their feet, their hearts gripped by the clash between conviction and survival.
Lee Dohyeon clenched his fists, murmuring grimly,"If they dare to brand us as traitors for refusing to kneel, maybe... neutrality is no longer an option."
Baek Wolhui's expression hardened with resolve."Neutrality is a luxury only the strong can afford. If they brand us enemies no matter what, then perhaps it's time we chose a side."
Han Soyeon nodded, her voice steady."No matter what side we choose, our first duty is to protect Heukwoon-gwan's ideals. Even if neutrality crumbles, our conviction must endure."
The so-called righteous factions, so eager to preserve their own fragile authority, had twisted the truth.They launched their assault under false pretenses, desperate to snuff out a threat they could no longer manipulate.
Another elder stepped forward, voice thundering with manufactured outrage."Heukwoon-gwan has turned against the murim! They must be destroyed for the sake of order!"
But to Lee Dohyeon and Baek Wolhui, it was clear.This attack wasn't about justice—it was about fear.The orthodox factions feared that a truly independent Heukwoon-gwan could one day stand against them.
Realizing neutrality was now a meaningless ideal, Heukwoon-gwan began to move openly toward alliance with the dark factions.They could no longer stand isolated while enemies closed in from all sides.
Lee Dohyeon exhaled, making his decision."We can't cling to neutrality anymore.If survival means joining forces with the dark factions, then so be it."
Baek Wolhui, her eyes cold and clear, spoke firmly."We'll use their strength to protect what matters.Neutrality was never a shield—it was a target painted on our backs."
Han Soyeon, too, found clarity in that moment."Our path hasn't changed.No matter what alliances we make, we fight to protect Heukwoon-gwan."
Their choice sent ripples across the murim.In the storm of clashing ideologies, Heukwoon-gwan stood at the epicenter—its future balanced on the blade's edge.
They would not falter.They would carve a path forward, no matter the cost.
****
Heukwoon-gwan Cornered – The Escape Begins"
Heukwoon-gwan now stood on the edge of collapse, cornered by the conspiracies of the orthodox factions.Their efforts to uphold neutrality and balance in the murim had been shattered under the weight of relentless assaults.Lee Dohyeon, Han Soyeon, and Baek Wolhui realized the time had come.They could no longer cling to ideals—survival demanded action.
They decided: it was time to escape.
But the Beggar's Union, with its vast network of informants, caught wind of their plans almost immediately.The news of Heukwoon-gwan's intended escape spread swiftly, and the Beggar's Union moved to intercept, determined to block their path at any cost.Twisting the truth to suit their ends, the Beggar's Union painted Heukwoon-gwan as traitors seeking alliance with the dark sects.
"Neutrality? Don't make me laugh!" the leader of the Beggar's Union roared."It's nothing but cowardice! A cheap ploy to secretly side with the dark sects and the demonic cult!"
Fueled by anger and fear, they launched a full-scale pursuit.To them, Heukwoon-gwan's independence was not just inconvenient—it was dangerous.
Meanwhile, Han Euimyeong and Baek Yeongseon were making their way toward Heukwoon-gwan from different directions.Each was driven by the same desperate purpose: to save their children.
They met by chance halfway, silent recognition flashing between them.There was no need for words—their shared history, once allies, now walking different paths, was written plainly in their eyes.
Han Euimyeong spoke first, voice low."We can't stay here. Heukwoon-gwan... they'll be forced to make a choice soon enough."
Baek Yeongseon nodded calmly."If they retreat, so must we. The world is changing."
With no more to say, they parted ways, each disappearing into the shadows, focused solely on their mission.
Heukwoon-gwan had no choice but to move quickly and silently.If their identities were revealed, they would become targets—and the Beggar's Union would show no mercy.
Baek Yeongseon made her decision.She would guide Heukwoon-gwan toward a defensive alliance with the dark factions.The dream of neutrality was dead, crushed by the orthodox factions' treachery.
"Heukwoon-gwan can no longer preserve its ideals alone," Baek Yeongseon said quietly."Survival demands a new path."
Meanwhile, the Beggar's Union continued to manipulate public opinion, spreading rumors that Heukwoon-gwan was conspiring with the dark sects and demonic cult.They framed Heukwoon-gwan's neutrality as nothing more than a mask for treason.
"Heukwoon-gwan is a threat to balance!" cried the informants."They pretend neutrality, but their actions betray the murim itself!"
Their lies fanned the flames of fear and justified the tightening noose around Heukwoon-gwan.
As Han Euimyeong and Baek Yeongseon advanced, their paths diverged not only in purpose but also in belief.Their disagreement went deeper than the classic orthodox vs. unorthodox divide—it was a clash of principles, of how to survive in a world built on shifting lies.
"You only chose the dark faction to save yourself," Han Euimyeong accused quietly."This isn't the time to compromise our ideals."
Baek Yeongseon met his gaze, unflinching."No," she said. "It's a necessary decision.If we don't act, we'll be destroyed.We can't afford to trust the so-called righteousness of the orthodox sects anymore."
Han Euimyeong lowered his head for a moment, then murmured,"Maybe. But even so, we must walk the path we believe in."
As the walls closed in around them, Lee Dohyeon and Baek Wolhui faced their own moment of truth.Escape was no longer a matter of strategy—it was survival.Their decisions now would shape not only Heukwoon-gwan's future, but the future of the murim itself.
The flight from Heukwoon-gwan would mark the beginning of a new era.Betrayed, hunted, and vilified, they would forge new alliances and new strength—or be swallowed whole by the storm.