The Black Cloud Sword: The Rise of Do-Hyun

After deep contemplation, the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen came to a conclusion. No matter the origins of the Magyo, she could no longer deny that both she and her sect had become an undeniable part of the Murim. A clear conviction settled in her heart.

"Whatever our roots may be, I am a warrior of the Murim. Dynasties that conquer Jungwon rise and fall within a few centuries, but the Murim has always remained. That is our essence."

Having made her decision, she summoned her subordinates. The senior officers of the Magyo, along with members of the elite Blackshade Assembly, stood solemnly before her. Her cold gaze swept across them all as she spoke.

"We are the Magyo. But more than that, we are part of the Murim. Anyone who dares betray the Murim by joining hands with the imperial court is no longer under my command. I will never cooperate with the Empire."

She slowly drew her sword and added in a firm voice:

"If there is anyone here who wishes to reject my command and ally with the Empire, then draw your sword now. Be prepared to face me."

The room fell into a silence so complete that even breathing seemed forbidden. The overwhelming aura radiating from her deep inner energy made the officers and Blackshade members tremble. No one raised their sword.

"Good."

She slowly sheathed her blade and declared,

"From this day forward, we of the Magyo shall uphold our identity as warriors of the Murim. We will fight the Empire that seeks to destroy us. And those who defy this decision must be prepared to meet my blade."

Her voice rang out with commanding force, etching her resolve into the hearts of all gathered.

Meanwhile, at the imperial command post, the leadership gathered upon hearing news that the Murim could not be easily subdued. What followed was a fierce and frustrated debate.

"This is absurd!"

The imperial general slammed the conference table in rage.

"How could our mighty imperial army be stopped by a mere alliance of martial sects? Does this make any sense?"

The strategist responded calmly.

"General, the forces deployed in the recent operation were only a small elite detachment—not the main army. Though their failure is regrettable, if we dispatch the full force, the outcome will be different."

The general glared at the strategist with dissatisfaction.

"Still, I never imagined our forces would suffer such disorder. We possess overwhelming strength, and yet this is what we face?"

Another commander nodded gravely.

"In sheer numbers, we dominate. But their individual combat skills and mastery of the terrain posed a formidable challenge. Their use of Gyeonggong, especially, allowed them to move in ways our soldiers could not match."

The general let out a long sigh, suppressing his fury.

"Fine. Our main army is still being mobilized. In the next battle, there will be no mercy. Gather all forces and devise a campaign to crush both the Murim Alliance and the Magyo."

The strategist bowed quietly.

"Yes, General. We will not repeat our mistakes this time."

As the imperial forces began reorganizing for their next major offensive, the Murim Alliance and the Magyo both fortified their defenses with everything they had.

The Heavenly Sword Demon Queen's decision quelled the inner discord within the Magyo and preserved the alliance with the Murim. However, whether her decree would be accepted by all within the Magyo remained uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Empire was burning with the will to crush the Murim in the coming battle.The embers of war were now blazing into an inferno, fiercer and more relentless than ever before.

**

Chapter : A Crossroads of Choices and the Warning of the People's Will

The imperial conference room was saturated with a heavy, tense air. The Emperor had summoned his strategists and high-ranking generals to discuss a solution to the ongoing Murim problem. After two failed attempts to achieve decisive victories against the Murim Alliance and the Magyo, the Emperor was more enraged than ever.

"Such failures must never happen again,"the Emperor declared firmly."That our imperial forces failed not only to triumph, but to even gain the upper hand—this is utterly unacceptable. We must find a way to crush the Murim's pride and restore the authority of the Empire at once."

Voices of dissent and discussion rose among the strategists. Various schemes to break apart the Murim alliance were proposed, but none were satisfactory to the Emperor.

Then, from a quiet corner of the chamber, Miryeong stepped forward. During her time under censure, she had been studying the Murim's situation and preparing her thoughts.

"Your Majesty, may I speak?"

Her composed voice echoed through the room.The Emperor turned to her and nodded.

"You likely understand the Murim better than anyone here. Speak your mind."

Bowing her head slightly, Miryeong began calmly.

"Your Majesty, the Murim is not a group that can be subdued by sheer strength alone. Though they have witnessed the might of the imperial army, they remain united. If we continue to confront them through force, it will be difficult to break that unity."

One strategist voiced his skepticism.

"Your Highness, do you truly believe they will submit to imperial authority without conquest?"

Miryeong met his gaze and replied without wavering.

"It may be impossible to fully subjugate them. However, if we offer them a degree of autonomy under the protection of the Empire, they may fracture internally or begin to accept imperial influence."

The Emperor listened, intrigued.

"You believe it's possible? That we can wound their pride and still draw them beneath us?"

Miryeong continued cautiously.

"Your Majesty, I also fear another matter. The people's hearts are wavering. As the conflict between the Empire and the Murim drags on, anxiety grows among the populace. While the Empire and the Murim wage war, the people struggle just to survive."

Another strategist scoffed.

"The will of the people? The commoners will always follow the Emperor's authority. What can they possibly do?"

Her voice sharpened as she responded.

"Strategist, history shows us that the people care little for who sits on the throne. What they truly desire is stability and survival. Should this instability persist, a popular uprising cannot be ruled out. If the Empire loses the people's trust, even the throne cannot protect itself."

The Emperor fell silent, contemplating her words.

"A revolt of the people... Do you truly think that could happen?"

Miryeong nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Empire's strength lies in its armies and authority, but its foundation is the people's support. If this conflict continues unchecked, the people will act for their own survival. To prevent that, we must find a way to mediate with the Murim."

With a resolute expression, she added,

"Your Majesty, allow me to serve as envoy. I will speak to the Murim Alliance and the Magyo, and help them understand the true intent of the Empire. If they agree to negotiate, we can reshape our relationship. But if they refuse…"

She paused, her voice dropping to a grim tone.

"Then and only then should the full might of the imperial army be brought to bear."

A strategist sneered.

"Even if the princess serves as envoy, do you truly think they would welcome the Empire's hand? Wouldn't your life be in danger instead?"

Miryeong replied steadily.

"I will bear that risk. If my experience among the Murim counts for anything, I believe I can convey the Empire's intentions. Should they reject it, then the next decision lies with His Majesty."

Another strategist remained doubtful.

"The Murim is an arrogant faction. They will reject imperial authority to the very end."

Miryeong firmly responded,

"They may fear the Empire's power, but for the sake of their own survival, they will consider negotiation. If we extend our hand first, they will at least weigh their gain before swatting it away."

After a long silence, the Emperor gave his verdict.

"Very well. Do as you propose. Go to the Murim and deliver the Empire's will. Lead the negotiations. But if you fail, you must bear the consequences."

She bowed calmly.

"I will carry out Your Majesty's will. I will serve as the bridge between the Murim and the Empire to the best of my ability."

After the meeting, Miryeong returned to her quarters alone and exhaled deeply. Staring out her window, she spoke to herself quietly.

"The Murim and the Empire… Balancing these two worlds will not be easy. But I must stand at the center of it. If I fail, both the Empire and the Murim will fall."

Resolving herself once more, she looked out at the moonlight beyond the window.

"Lee Do-hyeon… I don't know if you'll understand my choice, but as one who belongs to the Empire and understands the Murim, I will see this through."

For Miryeong, this was more than a negotiation—it was a turning point for two worlds. Her choice would shape the fate of both the Empire and the Murim.