The duel with Kang Mu-Jin had echoed far beyond the stone yard.
Though no official declaration had been made, the fortress now bent subtly around Baek Sun-Ho's presence. Disciples watched him differently—some with awe, others with unease. In corridors and courtyards, conversations fell silent when he passed.
The myths were growing teeth.
---
Morning – Between Banners
The group strolled through the central plaza, where sect banners flapped like anxious flags. The sun filtered through them like stained glass, coloring their path with forgotten glories.
Ji-Mun eyed a martial arts demonstration by one of the smaller sects. "They're showing off basic footwork as if they invented walking."
Ma-Rok snorted. "Let them. If they think we're underestimating them, it'll hurt more when we don't."
Yeon handed So-Ri a folded slip of paper—his sketched map of rival heir camps. She studied it with a frown.
"Lady Seong has kept to herself for days," she murmured. "But her people are everywhere. Soft voices, blank expressions, no insignias."
Sun-Ho nodded. "She's preparing something subtle. Jin Ye-Hwa's faction won't challenge me openly—they'll strike from the shadow of manners."
"Should I poison their tea?" Yul-Rin offered lightly.
"No," Sun-Ho replied with a half-smile. "Not unless they serve theirs first."
Master Jang, who had been trailing behind enjoying a candied plum, finally spoke. "Her style's elegance belies danger. The Falling Blossom Pavilion was built to dismantle minds, not walls. She'll test your conviction before your fists."
"And if I fail that test?" Sun-Ho asked.
"Then all your power will crumble before you draw your blade."
---
Meanwhile – In a Lotus Chamber
Lady Jin Ye-Hwa leaned beside a circular window carved from rose-tinted jade. Her fingers traced the rim of a porcelain teacup—untouched, cooling.
A young attendant stepped forward, whispering, "Baek Sun-Ho did not retaliate after the duel. He returned to routine training. Calm."
Ye-Hwa smiled faintly. "That's what makes him dangerous. He does not rise when challenged. He absorbs, then adapts."
Her gaze turned toward the horizon, where clouds gathered over the high ridge. "We strike not at his blade or lightning… but at what grounds him."
"The girl?"
"The people," Ye-Hwa said. "His companions are more than allies. They anchor him. We test the tree by shaking the roots."
She turned. "Send a letter. An invitation. With a gift."
---
Later – Campfire Diplomacy
That night, as firelight painted warm shadows, a messenger approached their camp under white flags and folded sleeves.
"For Baek Sun-Ho," he said, presenting a lacquered scroll and a velvet pouch.
Ji-Mun leaned over the fire. "A duel invite?"
Sun-Ho read the scroll. His brow furrowed.
"No," he said. "An invitation to tea."
So-Ri blinked. "That's worse."
The pouch contained a single lotus blossom—dyed black with hints of silver thread.
Yul-Rin hissed softly. "Blossom of Withheld Judgment. It means 'we know your weakness.'"
Ma-Rok stood up. "I'm coming with you."
Sun-Ho shook his head. "Only So-Ri."
"Why me?" she asked.
"Because she's expecting someone I care about to be there."
---
Blossom Pavilion – Beneath Hanging Lanterns
The chamber was perfumed with incense, soft and sharp—made to slow the mind.
Lady Jin Ye-Hwa stood in white and red, her fan held closed like a blade sheathed in silk.
Sun-Ho bowed slightly. "Lady Jin."
She nodded. "Sun-Ho."
He gestured. "This is So-Ri. My companion."
Ye-Hwa's eyes flicked to her. "A fan wielder. The Wind Petal Style?"
"Yes," So-Ri replied calmly.
"Lovely. And deadly."
The tension settled like dew.
They drank tea. Polite words flowed. Then, Ye-Hwa placed her cup down and said, "You fight like someone trying not to kill."
Sun-Ho didn't respond.
She continued, "Do you think that kindness will protect those behind you? Your restraint is beautiful. But eventually, it invites blood."
So-Ri stiffened, but Sun-Ho raised a hand.
"You want me to crack."
"I want to know your truth."
He met her gaze. "You already do. You just hope I'll abandon it."
She smiled faintly. "You'll be tested. Not in battle—but in what you hold sacred. We'll see then if your ideals survive."
---
That Night – Under the Stars
Back in their camp, So-Ri threw her cloak off and exhaled hard. "I hated her."
Sun-Ho chuckled. "She's terrifying in a completely different way."
"She meant it. About targeting your heart."
"I know."
"You're still calm."
"I'm not."
She glanced over.
He turned his hand over—lightning flickered, but then fire joined it.
And now… wind.
Just a breeze. But controlled.
"She's not wrong," he said. "The only way I survive this… is if I master every edge before they cut me."
So-Ri took his hand. "Then we help you sharpen."
---
End of Chapter 86 – Whispers Before the Thunder