News from Poongwollu spread quickly: a new deal had been struck between Hwanggeumhoe (Golden Assembly) and Hongyu Pyoguk (Escort Bureau), and at the center of it all was none other than Lee Do-hyun of Heukun-gwan (Black Cloud Hall).
Hong Yoo-sang, the head of Hongyu Pyoguk, sent one of his men to personally express gratitude to Do-hyun, acknowledging that this major deal would not have been possible without him. Do-hyun was surprised by the gesture—but deep down, he began to sense that the name Heukun-gwan was finally gaining real weight within the world of Murim.
Back in his previous life, Do-hyun had negotiated large-scale contracts before. But the political maneuvering in the world of Kangho was proving far more intricate than he had anticipated. This recent alignment between Hwanggeumhoe and Hongyu Pyoguk didn't feel like mere business—it carried the scent of something deeper. Strategic. Calculated.
While he was lost in thought, Mi-ryeong returned to Heukun-gwan. Welcoming her warmly, Do-hyun sat with her and shared the recent developments. She listened quietly, her expression thoughtful.
"Hwanggeumhoe is clearly trying to deepen its ties with us," she said, her voice calm. "They've taken notice of how quickly Heukun-gwan is rising. This is their way of investing early." She paused for a beat. "Though… I do wonder why they're moving this quickly."
Her eyes briefly lowered. A subtle unease flickered in her expression.Could they know?Could Hwanggeumhoe have discovered my connection to the royal court?
She didn't voice these doubts, but a sliver of hesitation crept into her gaze.
Do-hyun nodded slowly. "Then it's best we stay cautious for now. It's not an immediate threat… but if they're making moves too fast, it could become one."
Mi-ryeong smiled faintly. "Exactly, Do-hyun-nim. We should tread carefully. And if you ever need information, just ask. I'm here to help you."
Their conversation ended with a quiet but firm understanding.Though questions lingered in Mi-ryeong's mind, she reaffirmed her resolve: she would do whatever it took to protect Do-hyun—and Heukun-gwan.
And Do-hyun, now more aware than ever of the delicate balance of power in Kangho, began to consider his next move.
****
The Meeting Between Hongyu Pyoguk and Hwanggeumhoe
At the heart of Hongyu Pyoguk's grand estate stood a hall of staggering scale. Soft lantern light poured down from the ornate ceiling, illuminating crimson pillars and slate-gray walls—a space reserved for only the most significant deals.
A massive wooden table stretched through the center, covered in sumptuous food and rare liquors. On one end sat Hong Yoo-sang, head of Hongyu Pyoguk. Across from him, Jang Sam-go of Hwanggeumhoe.
The tension between the two was palpable, though cloaked in courtesy.
Hong Yoo-sang furrowed his brow slightly as he lifted his cup.Jang Sam-go returned the gesture with a calm smile, raising his own.
Their gazes locked—two men probing, calculating, each weighing the other's words before they were even spoken.
Behind them stood silent courtesans, awaiting the end of negotiations. Everything in this room—the wine, the food, even the company—was curated to reflect the power and prestige of the deal at hand.
Jang Sam-go set down his cup with measured grace."This deal will benefit us both. Surely you agree, Master Hong, that aligning our strengths is the best way forward?"
His tone was smooth, confident.
Hong Yoo-sang narrowed his eyes slightly before nodding."Indeed. Together, Hongyu Pyoguk and Hwanggeumhoe can cement our dominance in this region." He took a sip of his drink before adding, "Though I must say, I believe Lee Do-hyun is the real keystone of this partnership. The name Heukun-gwan is no longer ignored in Kangho."
Jang Sam-go smiled knowingly."Yes… That young man has already built strong ties with your Pyoguk. And now, his connection with us grows deeper as well. His presence lends this deal greater weight."
Silence followed as the two men each disappeared into thought, studying the other's ambitions.This was no ordinary business transaction—it was a symbol. A maneuver in the great game of power that governed the martial world.
Both Hwanggeumhoe and Hongyu Pyoguk were already top-tier organizations. But with this alliance, they sought to rise even higher.
As the final terms were settled, Hong Yoo-sang gestured toward the courtesans. They stepped forward gracefully, refilling the men's cups with polite smiles.
Jang Sam-go turned to them briefly, then smiled at Hong."Now that the deal is sealed… shall we toast to our future?"
Hong Yoo-sang raised his cup with a grin. "Of course. Tonight, let us drink to what lies ahead."
The room's atmosphere shifted. Tension gave way to celebration. The guests laughed, exchanged stories, and sipped from their cups while the courtesans circled with platters and wine.
Every moment radiated one truth: this deal meant everything.
And at the center of it all was a name neither party could ignore—Lee Do-hyun.His growing influence had become a common thread between both sides.
Jang Sam-go, sipping quietly, let his thoughts drift.Do-hyun… and that woman beside him, Mi-ryeong. I want to know who they really are.
He had his suspicions—especially about Mi-ryeong. But he said nothing. Not yet. Instead, he committed to watching, gathering information, waiting for the moment to act.
This deal was more than just numbers on paper.It was the opening move in something far larger.
And now, all eyes in the martial world—Murim and Kangho alike—were turning to Heukun-gwan, to Do-hyun, and to Mi-ryeong.What came next could change everything.
****
Support from the Escort Agency and the Golden Society
Even in the martial arts world where weapons could be freely used, it was impossible to evade the government's scrutiny. Martial artists were permitted to carry weapons for defense, but the use of high-quality weapons or armor that might attract governmental attention was strictly restricted. This was an implicit, unwritten rule. While the government tacitly allowed some autonomy in martial affairs, it was determined to block the distribution of weapons or armor that could potentially incite rebellion.
Armor remained a taboo among martial artists. The concern was that wearing protective gear might enable individuals to escape governmental control or attain excessively formidable power. Ordinary martial artists found it difficult to acquire high-quality weapons unless they were wealthy or had become renowned masters. However, within these regulations, the Hongyu Escort Agency enjoyed certain exceptions.
The Hongyu Escort Agency had built trust through dealings with the government, earning permission to use a certain level of defensive equipment. The government aimed to utilize them to balance the civilian and martial sectors, allowing the agency's escorts to equip basic protective gear. Of course, the permitted armor was limited to simple upper body protection and required thorough inspection.
Recently, as some trainees from Heukwoon-gwan were selected as escorts for the Hongyu Escort Agency, the agency generously supported Heukwoon-gwan. Particularly after transactions with the Golden Society, high-quality weapons began to be supplied to Heukwoon-gwan. It was unclear whether this was solely due to the influence of the Hongyu Escort Agency or if the Golden Society's support was also involved. Perhaps it was both.
The trainees cheered upon hearing this news. They felt as if they were dreaming when they saw the new weapons they could use. Lee Do-hyun took pride in the recognition his trainees were receiving in the martial world. As a reward for their growth, he promised to provide weapons to those who diligently completed their training, fostering a warm atmosphere.
However, Mi-ryeong observed the situation with mixed feelings. She felt uneasy about the Golden Society supporting Heukwoon-gwan. While she could understand the connection with the escort agency, she knew that the Golden Society's involvement was not merely an act of goodwill. Although they might not present an invoice immediately, it was evident they would come to collect their dues in the future. Mi-ryeong rejoiced in Heukwoon-gwan's growth but couldn't shake off the worry that all this might eventually become a burden.
The trainees were unaware of Mi-ryeong's concerns. They were excited, holding their new weapons and hopeful about becoming stronger. Lee Do-hyun watched them with a smile, but deep down, he shared Mi-ryeong's apprehension. He knew this situation wouldn't end as a simple gift.
Lee Do-hyun quietly approached Mi-ryeong and asked, "Mi-ryeong, is something bothering you?"
Mi-ryeong looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Do-hyun, the Golden Society's support is by no means pure goodwill. They will surely demand something from us someday. Right now, we're in a position of receiving help, but we must remember that we're also incurring a debt."
Lee Do-hyun pondered her words and nodded. "I understand, Mi-ryeong. Let's not forget that and prepare accordingly. While it's important for our trainees to grow now, we'll be ready when the time comes to repay this debt."
Mi-ryeong smiled at his response and nodded again. "That's enough. We can prepare. And I believe you'll navigate this situation well."
Lee Do-hyun felt relieved by her words and held her hand. "Thank you, Mi-ryeong. Your wisdom and advice are invaluable to us. Let's continue together."
That night, Heukwoon-gwan was lively with the new weapons, but few recognized the heavy reality underlying the situation. Only Lee Do-hyun and Mi-ryeong watched over the events, feeling the need to prepare for the future. As Heukwoon-gwan grew, the circumstances surrounding them became increasingly complex.
The power of weapons holds significant meaning in the martial world. However, only a few understand the weight and responsibility that come with them. The trainees of Heukwoon-gwan merely cheered for the strength before them, while Lee Do-hyun and Mi-ryeong stood behind them, seeking ways to protect them.