The mysterious assault on the Hongyu Escort Bureau brought a new wave of tension to Cheonuhoe. The bureau's master, Hong Yusang, requested assistance from Lee Dohyeon, and Cheonuhoe responded by launching an investigation into the incident. As Dohyeon traced the culprits, he discovered strange traces amidst the power struggles of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions—clues that hinted at the rise of a new force.
With the situation at Hongyu Escort Bureau becoming more urgent, Dohyeon decided to bring in new allies for the mission. He summoned Yu Sanbaek and Poongwolgeom—two elite martial artists recently recruited into Cheonuhoe.
Yu Sanbaek had once been a famed Orthodox master. Known for his powerful internal energy and precise swordsmanship, he had left the Orthodox sect disillusioned by its corruption and infighting.
Poongwolgeom, real name Kang Soyun, was a wanderer once associated with the Unorthodox path. Her agile swordplay and unmatched light-step techniques made her a formidable opponent—always entering battle with a wry smile.
Though both had contributed in different ways since joining Cheonuhoe, this would be their first field operation together.
"This mission is more than just guarding an escort," Dohyeon explained. "The attack likely involves a new power that transcends both Orthodoxy and Heresy. We must protect the Hongyu Bureau and uncover their identity."
Yu Sanbaek nodded, gripping his sword slightly.
"I sense something rotten here. If the Orthodox sect is involved, I'll recognize it."
Poongwolgeom chuckled, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"A new power, huh? Sounds like the perfect place for a wandering swordswoman like me to stake a claim."
"This is no game," Dohyeon said firmly. "If we let our guard down, not only the Hongyu Bureau but Cheonuhoe itself could be at risk."
As the escort convoy set out, attackers struck with chilling precision. Dressed in black and masked, they moved in silence and coordination.
"Identify yourselves!" Hong Yusang shouted.
But the enemies stayed silent. Their techniques resembled a hybrid of Orthodox and Heretical martial arts. Dohyeon studied their movements carefully.
"These techniques… it's like someone combined both traditions into something new."
Yu Sanbaek blocked multiple strikes with controlled defense.
"These moves lack the foundation. They're mimicking skills they never properly learned."
Poongwolgeom danced between enemies, disrupting their formation.
"Numbers aside, they're pretty annoying. Guess this'll take a while."
As the battle intensified, Dohyeon spotted what seemed to be the enemy commander—faster, sharper, and clearly more experienced.
"Who are you? You're neither Orthodox nor Heretical. What's your goal?"
"Simple," the masked leader said, evading the question. "To ensure Cheonuhoe never finds its place in the martial world."
He launched a rapid assault, but Dohyeon countered with Black Cloud Swordsmanship. Lightning crackled from his blade, deflecting the enemy's strike and forcing the leader to retreat momentarily.
Sanbaek and Poongwolgeom joined in, cornering the leader.
"Three-on-one? Tough luck, friend," Poongwolgeom quipped.
The enemy triggered a smoke bomb, attempting to flee. Dohyeon cut him off.
"If you claim neutrality while attacking Cheonuhoe, then you've already chosen your path—to destruction."
The leader fought back but was ultimately overwhelmed by Dohyeon's Flame-Thunder Sword Dance. Defeated, he collapsed, muttering:
"We're not finished… your ideals… they won't last."
Yu Sanbaek examined the aftermath.
"I've seen some of these weapons and moves before. There's definitely someone behind them."
Poongwolgeom frowned.
"They didn't reveal their real objective. If they're willing to go this far, there's something bigger brewing."
Hong Yusang bowed to Dohyeon in gratitude.
"Thanks to you, the escort was protected. But I doubt this is the end."
Among the wreckage, Dohyeon found a curious emblem—blending symbols from both Orthodox and Heretical factions.
"This isn't just bandits or the cult. This could be a new force trying to control the martial world through false neutrality."
He turned to his comrades.
"We need to uncover who they are. They claim neutrality, but their ambition is clear: to reshape the order of the world. If Cheonuhoe stands in their way, we must be ready."
Though the mission was a success, a new storm was gathering—one that would challenge the very foundation of Cheonuhoe and the future of the martial world itself.
****
Chapter : Establishing the Symbol of Cheonuhoe
The Cheonuhoe headquarters bustled with activity as usual. Lee Dohyun summoned the key members—Cheong Unjin, Baek Wolhui, Han Soyeon, Yusanbaek, and Pungwolgeom—to the main conference room. His expression was unusually serious.
"I just realized—we don't have a flag," Dohyun began bluntly.
Everyone looked at him with puzzled expressions. Cheong Unjin tilted his head. "A flag? Is that really so important?"
"It's not just decoration," Dohyun replied firmly. "A flag is the symbol of an organization. It's a signal to the world of who we are—and to those who follow us, it can be a beacon of hope."
Baek Wolhui smiled with curiosity and added, "So you're saying Cheonuhoe needs its own emblem? But Chief, don't you think something like this requires a bit more... flair? You're more the practical type."
Han Soyeon spoke calmly. "It's a good idea, Chief. But maybe it's best if someone with a better eye for design handles it. You're... let's say more function-over-form."
Dohyun chuckled wryly. "Exactly why I need your input. We need a symbol that represents Cheonuhoe—not just a flag, but uniforms too."
Pungwolgeom nodded. "How about blue? It symbolizes the sky and also represents peace and hope—it suits Cheonuhoe well."
Yusanbaek agreed. "Then how about adding a wave pattern to the flag? Since we're an organization that helps the weak, it could symbolize how our influence flows gently but widely, like water."
Han Soyeon thought for a moment. "And what if we add the Chinese character '天' (cheon)—meaning sky? It ties into our name, and reflects our ideals."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Energized, Dohyun continued, "Good. A blue flag with white waves and the character '천'. And for the uniforms—a blue base with the '천' symbol on the back."
Baek Wolhui gave a playful smile. "But Chief, won't we stand out too much walking around in those? Makes it easier for enemies to spot us."
Cheong Unjin nodded gravely. "That's something to consider. But in battle, it helps to have a clear symbol of who we are."
Han Soyeon calmly organized their thoughts. "Then let's keep the symbols concealed during normal times, but use them prominently in key missions and battles."
Dohyun smiled in satisfaction. "Perfect. Soyeon, you always tie things together well. Let's move forward with this."
A few days later, the flag and uniforms were ready. The blue flag, embroidered with white waves and the bold '천' character, immediately drew everyone's attention. All members gathered in front of headquarters to see it unveiled.
Standing before the flag, Dohyun declared, "This flag represents the ideals we protect—justice for the weak, and unity among us. So long as this flag flies, we will not waver."
The members of Cheonuhoe erupted into cheers, their determination renewed.
That night, Baek Wolhui approached Dohyun with a mischievous grin. "Chief, I have to say, great call on the flag. But what about name tags next? Something stylish, just for me?"
Dohyun shook his head and laughed. "You never stop, do you? But name tags... maybe I'll think about it."
From afar, Han Soyeon watched the scene unfold and smiled silently to herself. "May this flag guide our path…"
On the day the new flag and uniforms were officially presented to the trainees, everyone gathered in the courtyard. As the flag unfurled, applause and cheers echoed.
"This really makes me feel like I'm part of Cheonuhoe!""Now we can proudly show who we are, anywhere!"
One trainee, donning the new uniform, grinned. "This looks amazing. The '천' character on the back makes me feel more confident."
Dohyun looked around at them and said, "This flag and these uniforms are more than just symbols—they represent the values we stand for. Cheonuhoe stands with the weak, and we face the strong. Never forget that."
Cheers erupted once more, and the morale of Cheonuhoe soared to new heights.