The Black Cloud Sword Chronicles: The Demon Queen’s Path

As the trio journeyed through the mountain path, they stopped at an inn, where they encountered two renowned martial artists of the righteous sects.

The first was Kang Cheon-un (姜天雲), a widely respected figure in the martial world.

He was an upright and composed warrior, embodying the humility that only true masters possessed.

His martial arts were a blend of restraint and power, reflecting his disciplined and righteous nature.

The second was Wei Mun-ryang (魏文良), a high-ranking officer of the Martial Alliance.

He outwardly championed justice, but his actions were driven by self-interest.

His words and demeanor gave the impression of a wise senior concerned with the order of the martial world,

but beneath his courteous facade, his every move was calculated.

Both Jin of Mount Hua and Wei Yeon of Kunlun recognized them.

They stood from their seats and bowed respectfully.

"Senior Kang, Senior Wei, it has been a long time."

Kang Cheon-un smiled warmly and responded with his characteristic politeness.

"Indeed, it has been a while. It is always a good sight to see young and promising warriors traveling together."

Wei Mun-ryang also smiled—but his was more practiced, almost artificial.

"Oh-ho, such talented young men working together. The future of the martial world looks promising indeed. Hahaha."

Seo-eun remained silent for a moment before offering a polite bow.

"I am Li Shan. It is an honor to meet you both."

Jin and Wei Yeon felt relieved.

"Good, at least Li Shan isn't being too prickly from the start…"

However, Seo-eun was quietly observing the two men.

And soon, her attitude would shift.

As the conversation continued, the discussion naturally drifted toward the ideals of the martial world—order and justice.

Kang Cheon-un sipped his tea and spoke.

"To wield a sword in the martial world is not merely about mastering techniques.

It is about protecting others and walking the righteous path."

His words were neither dramatic nor exaggerated—they were sincere.

Both Jin and Wei Yeon nodded in agreement.

But—

Wei Mun-ryang offered a different perspective.

"Hahaha, walking the righteous path is certainly important…

But isn't maintaining order even more crucial?

And in the end, that order must be upheld by power."

His statement sounded reasonable at first glance.

However, Seo-eun caught something in his wording.

When he spoke of "order,"

what he truly meant was his own authority and the power of the Martial Alliance.

Seo-eun's gaze sharpened slightly.

But she maintained a composed expression.

"That is a compelling argument."

Wei Mun-ryang chuckled in satisfaction.

"Haha, I see we have a young man with some wisdom here."

However—

As soon as Seo-eun saw through his true intentions, her demeanor shifted.

Wei Mun-ryang casually asked,

"What are your thoughts on the Martial Alliance's recent campaign against the unorthodox sects?"

Jin and Wei Yeon hesitated before responding carefully.

"We do not intend to involve ourselves too deeply at this stage."

Wei Mun-ryang chuckled.

"Oh? That is most fortunate to hear."

His eyes then shifted toward Seo-eun.

"Lately, I've heard rumors about an unknown swordsman appearing in the martial world…"

It was an unmistakable warning.

Seo-eun lifted her teacup and took a slow sip.

Then, she smiled politely and responded,

"And how does the Martial Alliance deal with such individuals?"

Wei Mun-ryang's lips curled slightly.

"Why, those who threaten the peace of the martial world must naturally be eliminated.

After all, only through discipline can justice and order be maintained."

Seo-eun smirked.

"Such an admirable sense of justice."

Wei Mun-ryang's expression darkened.

"And what exactly do you mean by that?"

Seo-eun calmly set down her teacup and spoke evenly.

"Senior Wei's version of justice…

Seems to be nothing more than the preservation of power for those who already hold it."

Silence fell over the inn.

Wei Mun-ryang let out a short laugh.

"Hah… Young people these days certainly speak their minds."

But his tone had lost its previous ease.

At that moment, Kang Cheon-un intervened.

"I have noticed that the word 'justice' is being used frequently in this discussion."

His voice remained calm, yet firm.

"Justice is not something that can be enforced by power alone.

The martial world should be a place where righteousness and chivalry coexist."

Wei Mun-ryang scoffed slightly.

"Brother Kang, you always speak so ideally."

Kang Cheon-un maintained his serene expression.

"Idealistic? No.

It is the righteous who must hold power.

But having power does not automatically make one righteous."

He glanced between Wei Mun-ryang and Seo-eun.

"The martial world descends into chaos when the strong begin to interpret justice however they please—

when strength itself becomes the definition of righteousness."

Seo-eun studied Kang Cheon-un.

His words were genuine.

However—

She knew better.

She knew that such an ideal was rarely realized in reality.

She finally spoke.

"Righteousness and chivalry… What noble words."

Yet, her tone carried a hint of skepticism.

Wei Mun-ryang offered one final remark.

"In the martial world, siding with justice is the only way to survive."

At that, Seo-eun simply smiled.

But her gaze remained cold.

Kang Cheon-un gave a quiet response.

"Righteousness and chivalry will not disappear from the martial world.

It is only that people forget they exist."

Seo-eun pondered those words as she stood.

In that moment, she became more certain of the path she had chosen.

A Narrow Escape – The Hidden Struggles of a Disguised Warrior

A remote mountain village.

Seo-eun and her companions arrived at a small inn, intending to rest for the night.

After a long journey, exhaustion weighed on them, and dust clung to their clothes.

Sweat dampened their garments, leaving a faint, musty scent.

It was time to wash.

"Are you planning to eat first without cleaning up?"

Wei Yeon rubbed the back of his neck.

"There's a hot spring here, you know. The innkeeper just told me—it's supposed to be amazing!"

Jin raised an eyebrow.

"A hot spring?"

Wei Yeon grinned.

"Yeah! It's not free, but how often do we get a chance like this?"

Jin sighed and shook his head.

"Hmph. I'll pass. A simple wash will do."

He stood and headed to his room.

But then—

Wei Yeon turned to Seo-eun with a completely natural expression.

"Come on, Li Shan! Let's go together!"

Seo-eun's expression froze for a fraction of a second.

What?

Her mind rapidly calculated the situation.

I have to refuse.

But—Wei Yeon was already excited.

"You're covered in dust too! What's the problem? It's just us men."

He clapped her on the back.

Even that small gesture sent a ripple of tension through her.

This is dangerous.

She had always been careful about maintaining her disguise.

She hadn't expected such a casual situation to turn into a crisis.

Seo-eun forced a neutral expression.

"I'll pass. I'm not that tired."

Wei Yeon tilted his head.

"Huh? Do you not like hot springs?"

"It's not that, I just—"

"Then let's go!"

At that moment—

Jin, who had been watching quietly, narrowed his eyes slightly.

Wei Yeon spoke without suspicion,

but something about Li Shan's reaction was off.

Why is he so reluctant?

Jin studied her carefully.

Seo-eun, however, simply maintained her usual composure.

"Some people prefer to bathe alone. No need to force him."

Wei Yeon nodded.

"Well, if you say so! I'll be off, then!"

As he left, Jin continued watching Seo-eun with a thoughtful gaze.

And Seo-eun…

Knew she was running out of time.

"Only the strong survive in the martial world... But legends? They are written by those who dare to walk this path. Will you join me?" (Add to Collection!)

"Witness the rise of the Demon Queen—be part of history before it's too late!"