The Murim remained in turmoil. Although the orthodox and unorthodox factions had declared cooperation, unrest was brewing even within the Gae-bang. The Gae-bang was originally a self-governing organization founded to protect the weak and uphold order. However, as time passed, its leadership had become central to Murim politics, drifting far from its founding ideals.
In a quiet stronghold of the Gae-bang, Jeong Ho-rim sat alone in his study, deep in thought. He sifted through old records, recalling the moment the Gae-bang had first been established.
"We exist for the weak. We were founded to escape the order imposed by the powerful in the Murim and to realize true justice."
But now, the upper ranks of the Gae-bang were entangled in the power struggles of the Murim. They had aligned themselves with the orthodox faction to maintain order, yet Jeong Ho-rim felt this path strayed from their true essence.
The regional Gae-bang under his leadership saw growing dissent. Many members began questioning the decisions of the central leadership. Especially under Jeong Ho-rim's guidance, his comrades began to ask themselves:
"Are we truly protecting the weak?"
"Brother, the 'justice' the upper ranks talk about… isn't it really just their own brand of justice?" Park Hyun-soo, sitting beside him, grumbled. "They say we're joining hands with the orthodox faction to fight the Magyo, but it's clear they just want to use us as shields."
Jeong Ho-rim nodded. "You're right. What we must protect isn't Murim's power but the weak who live within it. The Gae-bang is losing its original spirit."
He began contemplating an alliance with the Cheonwoo Alliance and discussed it with his comrades. Park Hyun-soo hesitated and asked, "Can we really uphold our ideals through the Cheonwoo Alliance? Sure, they operate outside the existing order, but there's always the risk that they'll become a new kind of power."
Jeong Ho-rim thought back to his brief encounter with the Black Cloud Sword, Lee Do-hyeon. In that moment, he had sensed sincerity.
"The Cheonwoo Alliance is different. They're trying to find a new path for the weak. If we join hands with them, maybe we can reclaim the ideals we've lost."
He made his decision.
"Let's join with the Cheonwoo Alliance. But we won't be absorbed into them. The Gae-bang will preserve its autonomy and cooperate with them in the form of an alliance."
A few days later, Jeong Ho-rim and his companions visited the Cheonwoo Alliance headquarters. Their arrival had already been communicated, and Lee Do-hyeon was ready to greet them.
"Jeong Ho-rim, it's been a while." Lee Do-hyeon welcomed him with a calm smile. "What brings you here today?"
Jeong Ho-rim bowed and said, "Black Cloud Sword Lee Do-hyeon, the ideals I hold no longer align with those of the Gae-bang's leadership. I believe the values of the Cheonwoo Alliance can guide us back to the path we've lost."
From the side, Baek Wol-hee teased with a smirk, "Oh my, Captain. A new comrade? Don't tell me he's fallen for your charm too?"
Lee Do-hyeon gave her a light glare. "Baek Wol-hee, this is a serious conversation."
Jeong Ho-rim chuckled and replied, "Rather than your charm, it's the values the Cheonwoo Alliance upholds that I admire. But we won't be entirely absorbed. The regional Gae-bang wishes to maintain our independence and cooperate as equals."
Lee Do-hyeon nodded thoughtfully. "I respect your position. The Cheonwoo Alliance stands for freedom, not domination. If we work together, we can create a new order in the Murim."
After a long discussion, the Cheonwoo Alliance and the regional Gae-bang came to an agreement. Jeong Ho-rim said, "We want to protect the weak in our own way. If our paths align, this alliance will be worth it."
Lee Do-hyeon answered firmly, "The Cheonwoo Alliance seeks a path beyond the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions. With your will to protect the weak, we'll become even stronger."
Baek Wol-hee couldn't help herself again. "So, Captain, is he going to start calling you 'Do-hyeon-nim' now too? Or am I still your one and only?"
Jeong Ho-rim burst into laughter. "I don't plan to go that far. But Baek Wol-hee, you certainly are entertaining."
With the regional Gae-bang under Jeong Ho-rim joining forces, the Cheonwoo Alliance grew into an even stronger coalition. Amid the alliances of the orthodox and unorthodox factions and the looming threat of the Magyo, the Cheonwoo Alliance steadily rose as a central force within the Murim.
However, Jeong Ho-rim remained cautious. He ensured the independence of the Gae-bang was preserved and watched carefully to make sure the Cheonwoo Alliance would not turn into another power-hungry faction. He reminded himself:
"Our cooperation with the Cheonwoo Alliance must lead us back to our ideals. If it doesn't, then we must find another path."
The union between the Cheonwoo Alliance and the regional Gae-bang sent ripples through the Murim. The orthodox and unorthodox factions grew wary of the Cheonwoo Alliance's expanding influence, and the Magyo kept a close eye on their every move.
This alliance was not just cooperation. It marked the beginning of a new movement—one that would reshape the power dynamics of the Murim.
***
Chapter : The First Movements of Ami and Mudang
The Murim was gripped by extreme tension. After the Demonic Cult's leader, the Heavenly Sword Demon King, inflicted devastating losses on Hwasan and Gonryun, the Jeongsayeon—the alliance of the orthodox and unorthodox factions—began taking concrete action to restore order to the shaken world of Gangho. With Hwasan and Gonryun weakened, Ami and Mudang rose as new central forces, reaffirming their roles and discussing the future of the Murim.
Ami, a female-led sect renowned for its powerful inner energy and strict moral code, had long been considered not just a martial powerhouse but a moral compass in the Murim. However, the rise of the Cheonuhoe and regional Gae-bang factions—who were forging a new path in the name of aiding the weak—unsettled Ami, as these groups often ignored traditional values.
Master Unwol, a leading figure of Ami, spoke firmly during a Jeongsayeon council meeting.
"The Cheonuhoe, under the guise of protecting the weak, disregards the traditions of the Murim. Their alliance with courtesans tarnishes the identity and honor of our world. If we do not correct this, the Murim's order will fall into greater chaos."
Her disciple, Seol Ok-ryeon, followed up passionately:
"Master, the Cheonuhoe gathers followers for their own benefit, including those who defy the true path of the Murim. If they continue to be recognized as part of our world, our very purpose will become unclear."
Master Unwol declared resolutely:
"It is our role to set the Cheonuhoe straight. If they claim to represent justice, then we must show them what true justice means."
Meanwhile, Mudang, long regarded as a standard-bearer of discipline and spiritual cultivation, had refrained from taking the lead, instead positioning itself as a stabilizing force within Jeongsayeon.
Cheongun Jin-in, a respected elder of Mudang, spoke in a calm tone:
"The fall of Hwasan and Gonryun revealed the fragility of the orthodox factions. We can no longer fight for our own gain. Under Jeongsayeon, we must unite as one."
However, when the topic shifted to the Cheonuhoe, Cheongun Jin-in took a more cautious stance:
"I understand the Cheonuhoe's attempt to help the weak and establish a new order. But if their methods oppose Murim tradition, we cannot accept them. Mudang will support Jeongsayeon while keeping the Cheonuhoe in check."
Master Unwol nodded in agreement:
"If Mudang provides the foundation, Ami will take the lead in disciplining the Cheonuhoe. As Jeongsayeon's moral pillar, we must restore order to the Murim."
Ami, in particular, viewed the Cheonuhoe's alliance with courtesans as a serious transgression. Although courtesans were seen as social outcasts deserving protection, they were also considered morally questionable by Murim traditionalists. Ami regarded this alliance as a disruptive force.
Seol Ok-ryeon voiced her anger:
"The Cheonuhoe's alliance with courtesans to expand their influence threatens the very foundation of our world. We cannot overlook their wrongdoing."
Master Unwol agreed:
"As a moral anchor, we are duty-bound to protect the traditions and order of the Murim. The Cheonuhoe's actions must be addressed."
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Sword Demon King was closely observing the growing tensions between Jeongsayeon and the Cheonuhoe, devising a secret plan. Smiling, she instructed her subordinates:
"So Jeongsayeon plans to strike the Cheonuhoe? Interesting. If we pretend to support the Cheonuhoe from the shadows, Jeongsayeon will push even harder. The more chaos, the better for us."
She deliberately left traces suggesting a connection between the Demonic Cult and the Cheonuhoe, aiming to deepen the conflict between the two sides. Her goal wasn't to help the Cheonuhoe, but to provoke both factions into treating each other as enemies, plunging the entire Murim into deeper turmoil.
Ami and Mudang, at the forefront of Jeongsayeon, began applying pressure on the Cheonuhoe. Under Lee Do-hyeon's leadership, the Cheonuhoe and regional Gae-bang began preparing new defensive strategies to counter the movement.
Though the Demonic Cult's schemes threatened them all, neither side recognized their true enemy and became further entangled in the whirlpool of conflict.
Lee Do-hyeon, reinforcing the Cheonuhoe's united front, declared:
"If Jeongsayeon seeks to destroy us, we will resist in our own way. Whether the Demonic Cult interferes or Jeongsayeon resorts to force, our path will not waver."
Thus, the Murim entered a new era of confrontation, split into a triangular conflict: the Cheonuhoe, Jeongsayeon, and the Demonic Cult.