The Murim was crumbling under the Empire's overwhelming force and oppressive dominance. Each clan and faction, unable to trust the others, still found themselves contemplating unity—bound by the looming threat they all shared. Yet what seemed like alliance on the surface was riddled beneath with distrust and veiled ambitions.
A representative of the moderate faction of the Justice Alliance stood up during a grand council meeting.
"The Empire no longer respects the pride of the Murim. If we allow this to continue, we will all kneel beneath its shadow. Now is the time to unite."
The head of the Maenghodan nodded in agreement.
"You speak truth. But for us to rally around one banner, we need a leader with true strength."
The master of the Chilseongmun smirked.
"A leader, you say... Then who shall it be? The hardliners of the Justice Alliance cannot be trusted. And the Magyo? We can't accept them as anything more than reluctant allies."
Then someone quietly proposed,
"What about the Black Cloud Sword, Lee Do-hyeon?"
The name stirred a wave of murmurs through the hall.
Han So-yeon stood and spoke with conviction.
"Commander Lee may not fully understand the ancient traditions of the Murim. But his actions have always upheld righteousness and solidarity. If anyone can lead us impartially, it's him."
The Chilseongmun master gave a sly smile.
"Very well. Should he become the alliance leader, all blame and burden will fall on him."
The Maenghodan leader frowned.
"We nominate him not to deflect responsibility, but because of his integrity and neutrality. Though it's also true—if things fall apart, he'll bear the cost alone."
Jeong Ho-rim rose and added,
"Lee Do-hyeon has always protected the weak of the Murim, even at the cost of himself. He is a man of true honor and justice. He deserves to lead."
Back at the Cheonuhoe's headquarters, Lee Do-hyeon fell into silent contemplation upon hearing of his nomination as leader of the Murim Alliance.
"Leader of the Alliance… It's no different from stepping onto a scaffold for judgment."
His thoughts drifted back to his former life. There had been a time when he led a massive project already doomed to fail—assigned by higher-ups unwilling to face reality. When the fallout came, he was left as the scapegoat, absorbing every accusation and suffering deeply for it.
Han So-yeon approached cautiously.
"Commander, will you refuse?"
He sighed.
"If I could, I would. But in this moment, someone must step forward to stand against the Empire. And if that someone is me, then I have no choice."
Baek Wol-hui spoke with a teasing smile.
"Do-hyeon-nim~, being Alliance Leader sounds kind of cool, doesn't it? Everyone's going to be looking to you. Better get used to being busier than ever."
He chuckled bitterly.
"You make it sound worse. But you're right. If leading is what it takes to keep us alive… then I'll do it."
A few days later, the founding ceremony of the Murim Alliance was held. Leaders from every clan and faction gathered to officially proclaim Lee Do-hyeon as their Alliance Leader. Rising to the occasion with a heavy sense of responsibility, he addressed the crowd.
"I do not claim to fully understand the ancient ways of the Murim. But I share your goal—to stop the Empire, and to protect our freedom."
He bowed deeply.
"I may be unworthy in many ways. But I will fight beside you, and I will learn. Let us defend the Murim together."
Meanwhile, Imperial soldiers received reports of the Murim factions beginning to unite. Tension rippled through their ranks.
"The Murim is rallying. Even divided, they were dangerous. If they stand together, they will threaten the Empire's dominion."
The Emperor gave a stern order to his closest commander.
"If this so-called Alliance is real, destroy it before it gathers momentum. Prepare a stronger force."
The Murim now appeared to move as one. But their unity remained fragile. Though Lee Do-hyeon had taken on the weight of leadership, far greater trials and perils awaited him.
The final confrontation with the Empire was approaching.
***
Chapter : Fracture Within the Alliance and Shadows of the Spy
At the headquarters of the Murim Alliance—formed around the caves of the Cheonuhoe—the newly united forces of the Murim found themselves facing their first true test. Though outwardly they appeared united, within the alliance, voices of distrust and discontent grew louder by the day.
The elder of the Hwasan Sect, a leader of the hardline faction, began the meeting with a forceful tone.
"The Imperial forces continue to close in. At this rate, the entire Murim will fall under the heel of the Empire. We must strike first!"
The acting sect leader of the Wudang Sect, representing the moderates, shook his head in disagreement.
"If we initiate hostilities, the Empire will seize upon it as justification to crush us with full force. Now is the time for calculated strategy, not reckless aggression."
The Hwasan elder slammed his palm onto the table.
"And what has caution gotten us? The Empire seeks nothing less than the destruction of the Murim! Lee Do-hyeon is not even a Murim man—how can we entrust our future to someone like him?"
Lee Do-hyeon responded calmly to the pointed accusation.
"Elder, I understand your concerns. But a hasty war will only hasten our downfall. We must first study the Empire's movements and identify their vulnerabilities."
But his words carried little weight with the hardliners. The Hwasan elder sneered.
"You know nothing of the Murim's traditions or the depth of inner energy. How can you claim the right to lead us?"
Lee Do-hyeon met his gaze without flinching.
"It's true—I am not of the Murim. But I am here to protect your lives and preserve the freedom of the Murim. I will prove myself through action. But I will not allow foolish pride to turn us into prey for the Empire."
At that moment, shadows began to stir within the alliance.
Imperial spies had already infiltrated its ranks, fanning the flames of discontent. One such spy approached a hardline leader in secret and whispered:
"Lee Do-hyeon is using the Murim Alliance to advance the interests of the Cheonuhoe. In the end, he will betray you."
The seed of doubt grew deeper in the mind of the hardliner.
Elsewhere, another spy moved among the moderates.
"The hardliners intend to sacrifice you. They seek all-out war with the Empire, even if it dooms the entire Murim. Lee Do-hyeon will not be able to stop them."
These carefully planted lies began to carve fissures deep into the alliance's foundation.
Detecting these covert operations, Chun-hyang, head of intelligence for the Cheonuhoe, urgently reported to Lee Do-hyeon.
"Commander, it's confirmed. Imperial spies have infiltrated the Murim Alliance and are deliberately sowing discord between the hardliners and moderates."
Lee Do-hyeon exhaled a long breath.
"Then what we need now is unity. We must expose the spies and bind the factions together again."
Baek Wol-hui smiled playfully.
"Commander~, how about I take the lead this time? Tracking spies is something of a specialty of mine."
Lee Do-hyeon nodded seriously.
"Go ahead. But be cautious. These spies may not be ordinary agents. The Empire might be hiding something much larger beneath the surface."
Lee Do-hyeon began meeting leaders from both factions in person, one after another.
"If we allow ourselves to fracture now, that alone will grant the Empire what it desires. We must root out their spies and forge our strength anew, together."
Though mutual suspicion remained, the exposure of espionage and Lee Do-hyeon's persistent appeals slowly began to sway them. Both sides, grudgingly, began to recognize the necessity of unity.