After suffering a humiliating defeat in the previous confrontation with the Magyo, the Hwasan and Gonryun sects moved to reclaim their pride. Enraged at their own misjudgment in underestimating the Magyo, they resolved to strike back by launching an assault on one of the cult's known strongholds. Although other orthodox sects advised a more cautious approach, the heads of Hwasan and Gonryun had already made up their minds.
"This time, we must show the Magyo the full extent of our strength," declared Jang Taejun, head of the Hwasan Sect, as he stood alongside Yun Gwanghu of the Gonryun Sect. Their aim was to reassert justice in the Murim by crushing a Magyo base and restoring the authority of the orthodox factions.
After gathering intelligence on a Magyo stronghold, they mobilized their elite warriors and advanced. Despite objections from elders of other sects, the two leaders, determined to reclaim their honor through direct action, could not be dissuaded.
But they weren't planning to fight alone.
Hwasan and Gonryun made their way to Cheonuhoe to demand their participation. Citing righteousness and loyalty to the Murim, they insisted that Cheonuhoe must also rise against the Magyo's growing threat.
"The Murim must stand united in its righteous cause, Lee Dohyeon," Jang Taejun said solemnly. "Those who refuse to fight against evil are turning their backs on the very ideals of our world. Shouldn't Cheonuhoe also walk the path of justice with us?"
Lee Dohyeon convened a meeting with key members of Cheonuhoe. Under mounting pressure from Jang Taejun and Yun Gwanghu, who invoked the cause of righteousness, they had to make a careful decision. Cheonuhoe valued the ideals of honor and loyalty. They acknowledged the threat the Magyo posed. But their fundamental goal was freedom—they would not become anyone's pawn.
Han Soyeon cautiously spoke first. "We understand the need to fight the Magyo. But if we simply comply with the demands of the orthodox sects, we'll be used as their tool."
Baek Wolhui added firmly, "She's right, Captain. They call us in when they need us, but who's to say they won't cast us aside when it's over?"
Lee Dohyeon nodded, making his decision. "Fine. We'll assist them—but on our terms. We walk our own path."
He chose to cooperate with the orthodox sects against the Magyo, but without compromising Cheonuhoe's autonomy. They would join the battle, yes—but not blindly follow the commands of the larger factions. Their goal wasn't to serve others, but to protect their place in the Murim and realize a justice of their own making.
Hwasan and Gonryun accepted Cheonuhoe's decision for now. They believed the added strength would improve their chances of success. Still, a seed of distrust remained.
Yun Gwanghu spoke quietly to Jang Taejun. "Cheonuhoe may have agreed to help, but their true goals differ from ours. We should remain cautious."
Jang Taejun nodded. "I agree. But for now, let's make use of them. Their strength will be critical in our confrontation with the Magyo."
The alliance of the orthodox sects, Cheonuhoe, and the looming presence of the Magyo pushed the power dynamics of the Murim into a new phase. Though cooperating for the time being, Cheonuhoe had chosen to walk an independent path—and in the battles to come, they would have to prove their resolve.
Meanwhile, the Magyo had not been idle. The Heavenly Sword Demon King closely observed the movements of the orthodox factions and Cheonuhoe. Realizing their plan to launch an assault on one of her strongholds, she devised a strategy of her own. Rather than respond directly, she planned to let them think Cheonuhoe had fallen into her trap—while preparing a strike of her own.
"They think they can use Cheonuhoe?" she said with a smirk. "Let's act as if we've taken the bait… then strike from the shadows when their backs are turned."
The Demon King issued secret orders to her elite warriors within the Chilheukhoe. While the orthodox sects and Cheonuhoe were preoccupied preparing for a large-scale assault, her forces silently advanced—this time targeting the main stronghold of Cheongpunghoe.
This battle was no longer just about restoring order in the Murim—it had become a carefully orchestrated war of deception. As the allied forces launched their campaign against the Magyo, Cheongpunghoe's headquarters came under a sudden and brutal assault.
Caught entirely off guard, Cheongpunghoe's warriors scrambled to respond. Amid growing divisions between the orthodox and unorthodox sects, the unexpected attack further intensified the chaos spreading throughout the Murim.
***
Chapter : Ambush in the Final Showdown—Chilhukhoe and the Surprise Strike of the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen
Hastily assembled, the coalition of Hwasan and Gonryun sects rushed toward the Magyo stronghold, resolved to crush the cult once and for all. Despite internal strife among the orthodox and unorthodox factions (Jeongpa and Sapa), they truly believed that defeating the Magyo was the only way to restore stability to the Murim.
But when they arrived, they found themselves walking into a trap. Waiting silently were the elite fighters of Chilheukhoe, and at their center—calm and composed—stood the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen.
"Welcome, illustrious warriors of the orthodox sects," she intoned, her black robe billowing behind her. Six members of Chilheukhoe flanked her, forming an encompassing ambush. Her cool, predatory gaze conveyed that she had anticipated their arrival all along. "I was expecting your return."
Hwasan's supreme elder, Jang Taejun, and Gonryun's headmaster, Yun Gwanghu, immediately ordered their disciples to withdraw. They recognized that this was no ordinary skirmish—the woman before them was the true leader of the cult. The tension on the battlefield was palpable; every moment poised on the brink of decisive action.
"Let us settle this—just the two of us," Jang Taejun declared, resolute in his intent to shield his younger students. "This is a duel between masters. Let the innocents step back."
The Demon Queen allowed a wry smile to form. "Very well. If two masters challenge me, I cannot refuse."
At her command, the Chilheukhoe fighters melted into the shadows, leaving her standing alone. With a flourish, she summoned seven floating swords into the air around her, each brandishing distinct patterns and weights. They hovered, exuding immense, ominous energy.
Simultaneously, Jang Taejun and Yun Gwanghu launched a fierce counterattack. Their weapons blazed like storms, dazzling with light and flame to encircle her.
Drawing upon Hwasan's fiery spirit, Jang Taejun kindled his "Flame Lotus Blade," flames spiraling like lotus petals, crashing against the celestial swords to weaken them. His fire roared with the intensity of midsummer's sun.
Seizing the moment, Yun Gwanghu invoked "Heavenly Thunder of Gonryun." Lightning-charged steel berserk, his blades struck precisely at the gaps between her seven swords. His explosive force, combined with Jang Taejun's raging fire, mounted tremendous pressure upon her.
For a brief moment, the Demon Queen staggered. She withdrew slightly, consolidating her sword array for defense. Jang Taejun's searing flames forced her swords into a tight formation, while Yun Gwanghu's piercing strikes found critical openings. The Demon Queen's eyes dimmed—as if overwhelmed.
But friction arose between the two masters. Long-buried resentments between their sects skewed their timing. While Jang Taejun advanced with infernal precision, Yun Gwanghu hesitated a step behind, disrupting their synergy. The Demon Queen watched, allowed her icy smile to widen, and struck with ruthless precision.
Two of the seven swords split off, aimed like slaughtering blades between them—targeting the crack in their unity.
"How amusing that your emotions are so obvious," she remarked, exploiting their weakened bond. The swords' strike disrupted Yun Gwanghu's stance, forcing Jang Taejun's fire to scatter.
Jang Taejun narrowed his eyes: the imbalance was clear—his rebellious pride and old grudges sabotaging their cooperation.
She seized the moment, guiding her celestial swords with deadly finesse to counterattack. Rotating in unison, the seven swords struck from all angles, forcing the loyal duo onto the defensive.
"Hahaha—your masters couldn't defeat me. And what makes you think you could?" the Demon Queen taunted. The memory of their masters' tragic defeat at her hands resurfaced.
Jang Taejun bristled. "You dare mock our teachers!" He unleashed an even more explosive inferno, attempting to envelop the swords—but his wrath clouded his judgement, and she easily sidestepped it.
Yun Gwanghu, equally wounded by the memory of loss, invoked his fiercest thunder—yet both their hearts trembled under her psychological assault.
The Demon Queen retreated further, remarking, "Anger won't win this fight." Her swords danced like living extensions of herself, deflecting attacks while gradually tightening their trap.
A swift strike pierced Yun Gwanghu's flank; another sheathed itself between Jang Taejun's fiery circle and her sword defense. The pressure rose as if tidal surge, pushing them to their limits.
"You're not yet ready. True unity, true strength—you have yet to learn." With a final wave, the seven swords rushed forward. Jang and Yun forced their reserves to stop the assault—but both were gravely weakened.
"Fall back!" Jang Taejun barked, becoming the protective shield for his juniors. Yun Gwanghu echoed, shielding his students with his drained strength.
The Demon Queen watched with a calm finality. "Remember this: you're not yet ready. Admit now you cannot contend with me."
As Hwasan and Gonryun's masters reeled under her pristine power, the Magyo's dominance became painfully evident.
Upon hearing the battle's outcome, Lee Dohyeon of Cheonuhoe set off immediately. The sect had to decide whether to intervene—but he vowed, "We'll not be manipulated. We'll help, but on our terms."
Before departure, Cheonuhoe fully replenished at their recovery sanctuary. They renewed their vow: not mere tools in a proxy war, but guardians striving for true balance in the Murim.