Lee Dohyeon had already found four of the designated recovery sites. Now, he set off in search of the final one. Unlike the others, this last location stood out for one peculiar reason—not because of any unusual aura or environment, but because of its ordinariness. It was a small cave on the outskirts of a ruined village, appearing completely mundane at first glance. Yet, Lee Dohyeon could sense another flow of mana there, faint but distinct.
As he explored the cave and examined the ambient energy, a sudden presence made itself known. Lee Dohyeon turned instinctively toward the source—and standing there was a figure he recognized. It was the nameless master who had once appeared at Heukwoon-gwan. Both of them displayed brief expressions of surprise, clearly neither had expected this encounter.
The woman stepped slowly into the cave, approaching him with measured grace. Her footsteps were quiet, yet carried an unmistakable air of confidence. Lee Dohyeon kept his guard up, watching her every move.
"I didn't expect to see you here again," she said. Her voice was soft, but there was an unmistakable distance in her tone—one that made it clear she wasn't someone easily approached. Lee Dohyeon studied her carefully and asked,
"What are you doing here?" His words were brief, edged with curiosity and caution. He knew she was no ordinary martial artist.
She gave a faint smile and answered slowly, "I'm investigating this place. Just like you, I suppose." Her gaze drifted to the sword in his hand, and for a brief moment, her eyes glimmered—with curiosity, and perhaps suspicion.
"That sword… It's quite unusual," she said meaningfully. Lee Dohyeon's grip on the sword tightened in response to her words.
"Do you know something about it?" he asked, his tone more direct now.
She tilted her head slightly. "Perhaps. But I don't think this is the right time to tell you," she replied with the kind of look someone wears when they know far more than they're willing to share.
Lee Dohyeon narrowed his eyes, not letting up. "Why are you here? What do you know about this sword?" Deep down, he could sense that this meeting was no coincidence. The mystery surrounding the blade seemed to intertwine with her presence.
She met his gaze, silent for a moment, then smiled. "Our paths will cross again, someday. When that time comes, you'll understand more about that sword." With that, she walked past him and exited the cave without another word.
Lee Dohyeon stood still, her final words echoing in his mind. She was more than just a martial arts master—he was certain of it now. There was a secret—one connecting her and the sword he carried—and unraveling it was becoming an increasingly important part of his journey.
After she vanished from sight, Lee Dohyeon closed his eyes, letting the recovery energy of the cave flow into him as he steadied his thoughts. The sword's secrets, and the path he must walk… it was all becoming clearer.
And with renewed resolve, he vowed—next time they met, he would uncover more. The journey toward the truth behind the sword had only just begun.
***