The vast forces of the Jeongsayeon began moving to strike both the Cheonuhoe and the Magyo at once. Masters from the Hwasan and Mudang sects led the charge, with the hardliners commanding their troops from the front.
The leadership of the Jeongsayeon sought to reclaim their position as the central authority of the Murim by weakening the Cheonuhoe and neutralizing the Magyo. But their advance, heedless of the royal court's warnings, was quickly spiraling into a dangerous conflict.
Lee Do-hyeon issued a calm but firm order.
"We must uphold our convictions, even in this battle. The essence of the Cheonuhoe is to protect the weak. Even if they attack us, we must walk our path."
Amidst the chaos of battle, the Cheonuhoe continued to evacuate women, children, and the wounded to safe areas, demonstrating through their actions what true justice and honor meant.
Han So-yeon blocked a strike from the enemy and turned to Do-hyeon.
"Commander, when people see us defending the weak even in times like this, some within the Jeongsayeon will come to understand our sincerity."
Do-hyeon nodded, swinging his sword in a wide arc.
"You're right. Our actions will show them what justice truly looks like."
Witnessing the Cheonuhoe's compassion on the battlefield, some leaders within the Jeongsayeon began to waver. The more moderate warriors, in particular, were deeply moved and began to reflect on their own cause.
A young master from the Hwasan sect murmured to his companion,
"We claim to fight for justice and righteousness, yet it is the Cheonuhoe who are protecting the helpless. Are they not the true embodiment of honor?"
One of the moderate faction's leaders made a decisive choice after a long inner struggle.
"The Jeongsayeon has lost its essence under the hardliners' grip. I will stand with the Cheonuhoe and uphold true justice."
He approached the Cheonuhoe's defensive line and raised his hands in surrender.
"Cheonuhoe, I abandon the Jeongsayeon and stand with you. I now see that your path is the one that truly upholds justice in the Murim."
Do-hyeon accepted him without hesitation.
"If you fight with us, your beliefs will be respected. Let's protect the Murim together."
This shift began to ripple through the Jeongsayeon ranks.
Meanwhile, their main force was locked in fierce combat with the Magyo on another front. Yet the Magyo, with their potent inner energy and unorthodox tactics, held their ground.
One of their martial artists sneered.
"You can cry 'justice' all you want, Jeongsayeon, but you cannot defeat us. You call yourselves righteous, yet your core has already rotted."
The Jeongsayeon's forces found themselves unable to break through. The battle devolved into a grinding war of attrition. As frustration mounted, the hardliners grew more anxious—and discontent began to fester from within.
**
Chapter : A Shifting Balance
The hardliners of the Justice Alliance were regrouping, preparing for a large-scale assault on the Cheonuhoe. However, as their forces concentrated on the Cheonuhoe front, their hold over the Magyo weakened. Disagreement began to surface even among the hardliners themselves.
An elder of the Hwasan Sect spoke adamantly,"It's true the Cheonuhoe has been weakened. Even with the moderates joining them, they won't withstand our full force. Now is the time for an all-out offensive."
The leader of the Gaebang nodded in agreement."Indeed. We can push the Magyo aside for now. Once we crush the Cheonuhoe, we can turn to the Magyo later."
But the acting head of the Mudang Sect offered a voice of caution."We must not overlook the possibility that the Magyo might strike while we focus on the Cheonuhoe. They've surely noticed the cracks forming within our alliance—they won't miss the opportunity."
The elder of the Hwasan Sect let out a scornful laugh."Then we strike the Cheonuhoe before the Magyo can move. Enough discussion—gather all forces toward the Cheonuhoe."
At last, the hardliners made their decision: to withdraw troops from the Magyo front and direct them all toward the Cheonuhoe. Surveillance and pressure on the Magyo all but vanished, and their objective became clear—utterly decimate the Cheonuhoe.
Within the Cheonuhoe, tension was palpable. Though their numbers had grown with the moderate faction's support, the threat from the hardliners remained immense.
Lee Do-hyeon gathered with his companions in the war room to discuss strategy. Chunhyang spoke first, her voice calm.
"Captain, reports say the Justice Alliance's hardliners are shifting their troops from the Magyo front to focus entirely on us. Their aim is clear—overwhelm us. But this heavy focus on a single front could become their weakness."
Jeong Ho-rim nodded and added,"Exactly. They've left themselves exposed to the Magyo. If we can time it right, that gap can become our chance to counterattack."
Baek Wolhui smiled with lighthearted confidence."Do-hyeon-nim~, our forces aren't what they used to be. With the moderates on our side, we finally have a real shot at standing our ground—or even matching them."
Lee Do-hyeon let out a long breath."We must prepare to confront the hardliners head-on, yes—but we also can't ignore the Magyo. They're bound to strike the hardliners from behind. We have to find a way to use that chaos to our advantage."
Meanwhile, at the heart of the Magyo, the Sword Demon Queen received a report.
A representative of the Chilheukhoe spoke in a composed tone,"The hardliners of the Justice Alliance have redirected their forces toward the Cheonuhoe. Their internal divisions are deepening. Now is the time to strike from behind."
A subtle smile crept across the Sword Demon Queen's lips."Indeed. They've poured everything into crushing the Cheonuhoe. If we strike their core from behind, the entire alliance will collapse. The Cheonuhoe won't be able to avoid a full-scale confrontation with us amidst the chaos."
The representative nodded."We'll move at once. We'll exploit their weakness and bring them down from within."
The Sword Demon Queen added one final command."Let the Cheonuhoe and the hardliners wear each other out. Our victory will come in the wake of their ruin."
At the imperial palace, the growing unrest in the Murim did not go unnoticed. A close aide reported solemnly to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, the forces of the Justice Alliance are concentrating on an offensive against the Cheonuhoe. This conflict may soon erupt into a much larger war."
The emperor spoke with composure,"The Murim has always been a land of disorder. But if this disorder threatens the stability of the realm, then we shall have cause to intervene. Begin drafting measures to place the Murim under greater control. If they cannot resolve their chaos, we shall."
Behind closed doors, the imperial secret forces quietly began to mobilize. If the chaos continued to spiral, they would be ready to act.