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

Dark clouds loomed overhead.

The trio wandered through another village in their journey across the martial world. However, something was different this time.

Martial artists gathered in small groups, whispering in hushed voices. There was an unspoken tension in the air.

"This doesn't feel right," Jin muttered cautiously.

Wi-Yeon pointed toward the village entrance. "Look over there."

At the village entrance, members of the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions stood in a tense standoff.

"It's as I feared…" Jin murmured. "The conflict between the factions is escalating."

Seo-Eun also studied the scene carefully.

The Orthodox faction had raised their banners, surrounding the Unorthodox forces.

On the other side, the Unorthodox martial artists shouted defiantly, their expressions filled with hostility.

And then—

"You righteous bastards think you can drive us out so easily?!"

A warrior from the Unorthodox faction leaped into the air, his martial energy flaring.

A swordsman from the Orthodox faction drew his blade, his voice calm yet commanding.

"This land must abide by the laws of the martial world. The remnants of the Unorthodox faction must leave immediately."

The air grew heavy.

A fight was about to break out.

"This isn't something we should get involved in," Jin muttered under his breath.

Wi-Yeon folded his arms, nodding. "We're neither Orthodox nor Unorthodox. This isn't our fight."

But then—

"Please, help us!"

Terrified villagers ran out from their homes, their faces stricken with fear.

If the battle broke out, innocent people would be caught in the crossfire.

Jin clenched his fists. "Damn it. This is why I hate martial world conflicts."

Wi-Yeon drew his sword. "We may not be on either side, but we can at least protect the people."

Seo-Eun silently grasped her sword.

They moved toward the battlefield—not to take part in the fight, but to shield the villagers from harm.

The battle erupted.

Blades clashed, martial techniques illuminated the sky, and the air filled with the scent of blood.

The trio maneuvered through the chaos, leading the villagers to safety.

However—

A warrior from the Unorthodox faction noticed Seo-Eun's movements amidst the battle.

His eyes narrowed.

'She's neither Orthodox nor Unorthodox…'

Something about her presence unsettled him.

Her movements were precise yet fluid, unlike the rigid techniques of the Orthodox faction. They lacked the sheer aggression of the Unorthodox faction as well.

But what truly caught his attention—

Was the familiarity.

There was something eerily familiar about her swordsmanship.

And then, it hit him.

The Demonic Cult.

His expression hardened.

'Could she be connected to the Demonic Cult?'

The warrior dashed toward her without hesitation.

"You… Who are you?"

His voice was laced with suspicion.

Jin and Wi-Yeon quickly noticed the shift in his demeanor and stepped forward.

"What's your problem? Why are you targeting him?" Wi-Yeon demanded, gripping his sword.

But the Unorthodox warrior remained wary.

"You… You're not with the Orthodox or Unorthodox factions, are you?"

His eyes locked onto Seo-Eun.

"Then… Are you with the Demonic Cult?"

Silence.

Jin and Wi-Yeon froze at the accusation.

"…What?" Jin whispered.

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

"The Demonic Cult?"

"Is that man from the Demonic Cult?"

Tension surged instantly.

Wi-Yeon's expression darkened. "That's a ridiculous accusation. We have no connection to the Demonic Cult."

But the warrior was resolute.

"No… That sword technique. That movement. I've seen something similar before."

His grip on his weapon tightened.

"The flow of your sword—it resembles the Demonic Cult's techniques. If that's true, then you must be from the Cult!"

Seo-Eun gazed at him calmly.

Then—

A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

"How absurd."

Her voice was cold.

"If someone isn't Orthodox or Unorthodox, do they automatically belong to the Demonic Cult?"

The warrior flinched.

Jin stepped forward, voice firm. "Iseon is not from the Demonic Cult. Neither are we."

Wi-Yeon's tone was equally resolute. "We have no intention of joining this fight, so don't drag us into your paranoia."

But the fire of suspicion had already been lit.

The crowd's unease grew.

"Could this be related to the Demonic Cult's recent movements?"

"I thought the Cult had been destroyed long ago…"

Seo-Eun's fingers trembled slightly.

The Demonic Cult.

She had abandoned it long ago.

Yet now, it seemed determined to drag her back.

'No matter how far I run… I can never truly escape it, can I?'

But she remained calm.

"Hmph. Stop spewing nonsense."

And with that, she tightened her grip on her sword.

A choice would have to be made soon.

A Hidden Loyalty

As the tension reached its peak, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the village.

A group of warriors in pristine white robes arrived, exuding an aura of authority.

Jin frowned. "Orthodox faction?"

Wi-Yeon narrowed his eyes. "Looks like it."

The leader of the newcomers dismounted and surveyed the scene.

Upon spotting Jin and Wi-Yeon, his expression shifted slightly.

"So, a disciple of Mount Hua… and a disciple of Kunlun."

His gaze lingered before he nodded.

"If Mount Hua and Kunlun stand here, then I trust the righteous path is being upheld."

Hearing this, the Orthodox faction members visibly relaxed.

Meanwhile, the Unorthodox warriors scoffed.

"Tch. Just because they're Orthodox doesn't mean they're trustworthy."

But the leader of the newcomers took another step forward.

"This conflict must end here."

"Any further battle will only bring harm to innocent people."

His words carried undeniable weight.

Slowly, the tensions eased.

Both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions saw no further reason to escalate the conflict.

And so, they reluctantly withdrew.

But—

Not everyone left without suspicion.

One of the Unorthodox warriors continued watching Seo-Eun closely.

His thoughts churned.

'That sword technique… It's not Orthodox. It's not Unorthodox. But it feels familiar…'

He narrowed his eyes.

'Could she really be connected to the Demonic Cult?'

His suspicions lingered.

But without proof, he said nothing.

For now.