After suffering defeat at the hands of the Magyo, the orthodox and unorthodox sects were once again rallying their forces—this time centered around the Cheongpunghoe—in a renewed attempt to pressure their common enemy. However, they now faced a different concern. Cheonuhoe had been steadily growing in influence, and there was a growing fear that while they exhausted their strength battling the Magyo, Cheonuhoe might seize the opportunity and rise further.
It was Mun Heeseok, leader of Cheongpunghoe, who first raised the issue during the council.
"Even if we manage to defeat the Magyo," he said gravely, "if Cheonuhoe uses the chaos to gain a stronger foothold in the Murim, we'll have simply created another powerful adversary."
Jang Taejun, the head of Hwasan Sect, replied coldly, "Exactly. Cheonuhoe has remained neutral, watching our clashes with the Magyo from a distance. They've been waiting for their chance. We can't afford to leave them unchecked. This time, we need to bind their hands completely."
Thus, the orthodox and unorthodox sects devised a classic martial world scheme: to suppress Cheonuhoe while also attempting to manipulate them into becoming allies. Their plan was simple in structure but devious in intent—a so-called "two-faced operation." One side would pressure Cheonuhoe to join them against the Magyo, while the other would provoke conflict between Cheonuhoe and the Magyo, leading the latter to turn hostile toward them.
First, Jang Taejun proposed sending an envoy to Cheonuhoe, urging them to join in the fight against the Magyo. The official reason would be "a united front for the peace of the Murim," but the real goal was to drag Cheonuhoe into a costly war, thereby weakening their forces.
"We need to get Cheonuhoe moving with us. If Lee Dohyeon refuses to cooperate, the consequences will be greater than he anticipates," Jang Taejun said coldly. "As the legitimate powers of the Murim, we must show them our strength."
At the same time, Yun Gwanghu presented the second part of the plan. "Let's leak information to the Magyo suggesting that Cheonuhoe poses a threat. If we frame them as disruptors of the Murim's balance, the Magyo will likely strike first."
Shin Myeonghui, a prominent figure of the unorthodox faction, nodded in agreement. "If the Magyo senses that Cheonuhoe is trying to surpass them, they won't stay idle. We only need to provoke their pride. If we make them attack first, we'll save ourselves the burden of an early confrontation."
The plot unfolded with the usual trappings of martial world intrigue—entangle Cheonuhoe in a war with the Magyo, while preventing their growth through indirect pressure from both sides. But Cheonuhoe was not blind to the maneuver.
Lee Dohyeon, leader of Cheonuhoe, convened a meeting with his closest allies at their stronghold, discussing the mounting pressure from the other factions.
"It's obvious they're trying to force our hand," Lee Dohyeon said calmly. "But if we get pulled into their war, we'll be the ones spending our strength while they grow stronger behind the scenes."
Han Soyeon nodded at his words. "They're also clearly trying to provoke the Magyo into attacking us first. I wouldn't be surprised if they've already started feeding them misinformation—framing us as a threat."
After a brief silence, Lee Dohyeon made his decision. "Fine. We won't dance to their tune. We'll handle this our way. While they underestimate us—while the orthodox, unorthodox, and the Magyo all scheme—we'll find a way to grow stronger through them."
Despite the looming threat from all sides, Cheonuhoe steeled their resolve not to bend. They would reinforce their forces, train their people, and walk their own path toward the coming conflict. Lee Dohyeon, meanwhile, planned to use this time to seek out more recovery sites and continue strengthening Cheonuhoe's foundation.
The schemes of the orthodox and unorthodox factions threatened to plunge the Murim into deeper chaos, but Cheonuhoe was prepared to use that chaos as fuel for growth. Another war loomed ahead—no one knew how the tides of power would shift next, but one thing was certain: Cheonuhoe would be ready, moving carefully at the center of change.
**
Chapter : The Deception of the Magyo and the Plot Targeting Cheongpunghoe
The Heavenly Sword Demon King of the Magyo saw through the orthodox and unorthodox sects' attempt to provoke Cheonuhoe and began crafting a counter-scheme. She had clearly understood that they intended to manipulate Cheonuhoe into attacking the Magyo—and so, she decided to turn their plot against them.
"How foolish, thinking they could deceive us so easily," the Demon King muttered with a cold smile. She was well aware of their intentions and intended to use their manipulative tactics to her advantage.
Summoning Heukwolya, the leader of the Chilheukhoe, she issued a calculated command. "Attack Cheonuhoe—but not directly. Make it look like we're engaging in serious combat while keeping our true strength hidden. Let the orthodox and unorthodox believe we've fallen into their trap. In reality, our primary force will strike Cheongpunghoe."
With a sharp gleam in his eyes, Heukwolya nodded. "Understood, my lord. We'll use their overconfidence to our advantage without revealing our true aim."
Soon, a portion of the Magyo's forces advanced toward Cheonuhoe. Their attacks probed Cheonuhoe's defenses, but something felt deliberately restrained—almost hesitant. It was clear they weren't pushing with their full might, acting instead as though testing the waters.
Battle cries echoed near Cheonuhoe's stronghold. Miryeong and the other members of Cheonuhoe braced themselves. Lee Dohyeon drew his sword and stood firm against the approaching Magyo forces.
"Strange… they're holding back," Lee muttered, eyes narrowing. "This smells wrong." He quickly noticed the lack of intensity in the assault—it felt more like a performance than a true attack.
Meanwhile, the Magyo's main force, unseen and unaccounted for, had already pivoted toward their real target—Cheongpunghoe. While the orthodox and unorthodox sects had pushed for Cheongpunghoe to ally with Cheonuhoe, the Magyo launched a surprise strike on Cheongpunghoe's base.
Magyo elites shattered their defenses in a sudden blitz. Taken off guard, Cheongpunghoe had no time to organize a proper resistance and was forced into retreat.
"We never expected to be the main target…" Mun Heeseok cried out in dismay. "This is the price of our complacency. Everyone, form up! Defend the stronghold!"
But the Chilheukhoe swept through their fortifications with devastating power, quickly taking over critical points. The fake battle with Cheonuhoe had succeeded in distracting their enemies—allowing the Magyo to land a decisive blow where no one was looking.
Satisfied reports reached the leaders of the orthodox and unorthodox sects. They believed Cheonuhoe and the Magyo were clashing with full force, weakening each other as planned. Their next move was supposed to involve picking off the survivors.
That illusion shattered when a desperate message from Cheongpunghoe arrived.
"Magyo's main force is attacking us! We can't hold them off!" the messenger reported breathlessly, shocking the sect leaders.
Jang Taejun of Hwasan furrowed his brow. "So the Magyo wasn't fighting Cheonuhoe at all… Cheongpunghoe was the real target?"
Yun Gwanghu of the Gonryun Sect shook his head, stunned. "We've been completely deceived. The Magyo turned everything around—moved where we didn't expect and struck with precision."
Only now did the orthodox and unorthodox sects understand the severity of the situation. Their entire strategy had collapsed in the face of the Magyo's cunning. They had underestimated their opponent—and Cheongpunghoe was paying the price.
The Magyo's scheme was a resounding success. They had blinded the other factions with false movements and delivered a crippling blow to Cheongpunghoe, who now had no choice but to await outside help.
Cheonuhoe had barely repelled the Magyo's probing attacks, but Lee Dohyeon and his companions quickly realized it had all been a ruse. In time, they uncovered the Magyo's true objective.
"It wasn't us they were after—it was Cheongpunghoe all along," Lee Dohyeon said, finally piecing the situation together. He realized this revelation meant they had to reassess the Magyo's capabilities and strategy.
Through this deception, the Magyo had reasserted their terrifying presence across the Murim. Their cunning had alarmed not only Cheonuhoe but also the orthodox and unorthodox sects. They had proven they weren't just powerful—but dangerously intelligent.
"The real strength of the Magyo… has yet to be revealed," Lee said grimly to his comrades. As Cheonuhoe offered temporary support to the weakened Cheongpunghoe, they began preparing for the inevitable: the next phase of the Magyo's advance.