The Black Cloud Sword: The Rise of Do-Hyun

An imperial envoy arrived at the heart of the Murim Alliance's stronghold. Clad in resplendent armor adorned with the imperial insignia, the envoys carried themselves with solemn authority. Their presence stirred ripples across the Alliance, and Lee Do-hyeon, the leader of Murim, came out to receive them alongside key figures from both the orthodox and unorthodox sects.

With a grave expression, the imperial envoy conveyed the Emperor's decree:

"His Majesty wishes to strengthen ties between the Murim Alliance and the Empire. He proposes a marriage between Murim Leader Lee Do-hyeon and Her Highness Princess Miryeong. This union is His Majesty's resolution to ease tensions and usher in a new era of harmony."

Lee Do-hyeon maintained a composed façade, but within, his thoughts churned. He understood the true intent behind the proposal. This was no mere marriage—it was the Empire's calculated move to bind and subdue the Murim through political means.

The news spread rapidly through the Alliance. Both Han So-yeon and Baek Wol-hee were visibly affected by it.

Han So-yeon sat alone in her quarters, lost in thought. She whispered to herself,

"My father always wanted Do-hyeon to be his son-in-law… and now the imperial family has moved first."

She could no longer be sure where her relationship with Lee Do-hyeon stood. She tried to remain strong, but the weight of the situation clouded her heart.

Baek Wol-hee, more expressive by nature, vented her frustration directly. She stormed into Cheong Un-jin's quarters and grumbled,

"Do-hyeon-nim! How can the Empire just barge in like this? This isn't a marriage—it's a trap to swallow the Murim Alliance whole!"

Cheong Un-jin responded calmly,

"We all know that, Wol-hee. But Lee Do-hyeon isn't someone who gets swept up by schemes. He'll find his own way to handle this."

Left alone after the envoy's departure, Lee Do-hyeon sat at his desk, silently pondering the proposal.

"A marriage… On the surface, it sounds like unity. But in truth, they seek to chain me—to chain all of Murim."

He ran his hands through his hair and let out a quiet sigh. The weight of his choice pressed down on him. He knew too well that whatever path he chose would determine not only his fate, but the future of the entire Alliance.

**

Chapter : Trembling Hearts and the Crossroads of Resolve

Han So-yeon sat in deep contemplation, sifting through documents on her desk as she reread the letter from her father, Han Ui-myeong. His words echoed the values of family honor and his long-held wish to see Lee Do-hyeon as his son-in-law. Yet the reality unfolding before her was far from the ending she had envisioned.

"I can't just sit idly by. I must do what I can—for Do-hyeon and for the Murim Alliance."

With newfound resolve, she sent a message to her father. She also reached out to the major noble clans of the orthodox sects, aiming to counterbalance the imperial marriage proposal with internal support. Her strategy was not to oppose the union outright, but to ensure that the Empire could not tighten its grip on the Alliance.

"Do-hyeon isn't just facing a marriage proposal—he's carrying the entire weight of the Murim Alliance. If I don't support him, he'll have to bear it all alone."

Baek Wol-hee, on the other hand, was someone who acted with open emotions rather than complex political maneuvering. She approached Lee Do-hyeon directly, finding him resting after a day of training. Without hesitation, she asked:

"Do-hyeon-nim~, are you really thinking of accepting the marriage proposal from the imperial family?"

Lee Do-hyeon paused for a moment, caught off guard by her bluntness, but soon responded calmly.

"Wol-hee, this isn't a decision I can make as an individual. The fate of the entire Alliance is at stake."

She sighed and nodded, her expression softening.

"I know, Do-hyeon-nim. But no matter what choice you make, I'll support you. Please remember this—you're the center of all of us. So many people believe in you. I believe in you."

Then, flashing a playful smile, she added:

"And don't forget me. My heart is always on your side."

After she left, Lee Do-hyeon sat alone in thought. He carefully weighed the consequences of accepting or rejecting the proposal. Acceptance might ease tensions with the Empire, but it risked distrust and division within the Alliance. Rejection, however, would almost certainly provoke stronger pressure from the imperial court.

He asked himself:

"What benefit could this union bring to the Alliance? Should I build this bridge with the Empire, or is preserving our independence more important?"

Suddenly, memories from his life in the real world surfaced—of the failing project he had once been forced to salvage at his company, and the hard-earned lessons he had gathered from it. Just like then, he understood that if he didn't make a decision, everything could fall apart.

"In the end, my choice will decide the fate of the Murim Alliance."

He convened a council of the major leaders and masters. There, he shared his thoughts and the significance of the imperial proposal.

"This isn't merely a marriage between me and Princess Miryeong. It is a turning point that will define the relationship between the Empire and the Murim. I want to hear your thoughts."

Master Jin Cheong-wu of the Hwasan Sect spoke calmly:

"Lord Lee, collaboration with the Empire may bring temporary stability. But if it comes at the cost of our independence, the price will be far too high."

Master Do Hyeon-jung of the Gonryun Sect nodded in agreement.

"We must remain vigilant. Full opposition to the Empire would be dangerous, but so too would blind cooperation. This is a moment where your leadership must stand firm."

Han So-yeon, present at the meeting, stood and spoke with conviction.

"We may accept the marriage, but we must also establish a system that safeguards the Alliance's autonomy. If the clans and sects stand united, we can minimize the Empire's interference."

Baek Wol-hee raised her hand and chimed in:

"I agree with So-yeon. And whatever decision Do-hyeon-nim makes, I'll always stand by him."

After listening to all their voices, Lee Do-hyeon made his decision.

"Even if I accept this marriage, I will not become the Empire's pawn. I will protect the independence and honor of the Murim Alliance and maintain balance with the imperial court."

A heavy silence filled the chamber, but heads slowly began to nod. In that moment, Lee Do-hyeon was no longer just a leader—he was becoming the unshakable center of the Murim Alliance.

***

Chapter : Chunhyang's Letter and a Trembling Heart

The golden glow of evening sunlight spilled through the window of Pungwollu. Sitting alone, Chunhyang quietly penned a letter. Ever since she heard the news of Lee Do-hyeon's proposed marriage to Princess Miryeong of the Imperial Court, she had been unable to speak. The emotions coiled within her chest refused to unravel, and only through writing could she begin to steady herself.

"Being by your side was everything to me… but I'm someone who cannot remain there."

She whispered to herself as her pen moved across the page. The letter she wrote—addressed to Han So-yeon and Baek Wol-hee—carried her sorrow and her fragile hope. Through her words, she began to sort out her heart.

To my younger sister So-yeon and older sister Wol-hee,

Greetings from Chunhyang at Pungwollu.

I've heard the news of Commander Lee Do-hyeon's impending marriage. At first, I was shocked—but more than that, I was reminded of how great a burden he carries.

I know I am not someone who can stand beside him. So, I humbly ask this of you. Please be there for him in my place. Though Princess Miryeong will become his primary wife, I ask you both to become his companions as well.

I've heard that monogamy is not a strict rule in the Murim world, and that polygamy is not uncommon. But more than that, what matters most is this: that you become not only his partners but his family—true companions who understand and protect him. He means so much to all of us.

Our feelings for him may differ, but I believe they all stem from the same place. So please, follow your hearts for his sake.

If you can accept this request, I will be forever grateful, even if I can never return to his side.

Wishing you both health and peace.

— Chunhyang

When Han So-yeon finished reading the letter, she remained in quiet thought. Chunhyang's sincerity stirred something deep within her, forcing her to reexamine her own feelings for Lee Do-hyeon.

"For Chunhyang unni to speak with such truth… What can I do for him, truly, from the depths of my heart?"

Baek Wol-hee, too, read the letter—then gave a wistful smile.

"What a sweet, pure-hearted girl. For her love to be so selfless… But I can't give him up that easily, either."

Having sealed the letter and sent it to the two women, Chunhyang exhaled deeply. She had made up her mind to accept the marriage proposal. The ache in her heart lingered, but she stifled it and said to herself:

"As long as he's happy, that's enough for me. All I can do now is cheer him on from afar."

She turned her gaze to the world beyond the window and offered a smile instead of tears.

"Commander, even if my heart never reaches you, I still wish you joy. Always."

The night at Pungwollu remained still—but within Chunhyang's heart, a quiet resolve had taken root.