As the tension between Han So-Yeon and Do-Hyun finally subsided, another figure from the younger generation stepped forward. It was Jang Young-Pil, his cold gaze fixed on Do-Hyun.

"Hey, Do-Hyun."

His tone was calm, but his words carried a sharp edge.

"To think an outsider like you would dare to embrace a woman so openly. Do you truly believe such behavior is acceptable in the martial world?"

On the surface, his words seemed reasonable. The martial world placed great emphasis on decorum between men and women, and as a member of the righteous sects, Jang Young-Pil's stance carried weight.

The surrounding martial artists murmured in agreement.

"As expected of a proper disciple of the righteous sects."

"Now Do-Hyun is really in trouble."

Han So-Yeon's expression hardened.

"Jang Young-Pil, this was something I could have handled myself. You had no need to interfere."

However, Jang Young-Pil smiled smoothly.

"So-Yeon, this isn't just about you. Everyone here upholds the order of the martial world, and it's only natural that I step in."

At that moment, Jin Baek-Woo, another rising star, stepped forward. With his massive cudgel resting on his shoulder, he scoffed.

"Jang Young-Pil, step aside. I'll be the one to fight him."

His eyes locked onto Do-Hyun with a predatory grin.

"This guy… the so-called chosen one of the sword? I'll see for myself how strong he really is."

His aggressive stance irked Jang Young-Pil. But as a representative of the righteous sects, Jang Young-Pil took another step forward, exuding an imposing presence.

"Jin Baek-Woo, if you fight him now, this will escalate beyond a simple clash. We are in Pungwolru, and our role is to uphold order, not just seek petty challenges. Leave this to me."

Jin Baek-Woo hesitated, then clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Fine. But mark my words—I'll be the one to test his strength properly one day."

With Jin Baek-Woo stepping back, Jang Young-Pil turned to face Do-Hyun directly, his demeanor firm yet courteous.

"Do-Hyun, your reputation has spread throughout the martial world. People say you were chosen by the sword. They say no one knows where you came from."

Stolen novel; please report.

He paused before continuing.

"But the martial world does not move based on rumors alone. If you wish to walk among us, you must prove yourself."

Do-Hyun sighed lightly at his words.

"I have no desire to disrupt the order of the martial world. And whether my rumors are true or not… that shouldn't be a reason to fight."

But Jang Young-Pil remained unwavering.

"Excuses won't erase the doubt. Draw your sword. Show us your worth."

The crowd, now watching with rapt attention, whispered among themselves.

"Now we'll see if the rumors are real."

"But facing Jang Young-Pil won't be easy. He's trained in the Iron Armor Defense, one of the most formidable techniques in the righteous sects."

From the sidelines, Chun-Hyang sighed deeply.

'Do-Hyun… if you don't prove yourself here, surviving in the martial world will only get harder for you.'

Do-Hyun slowly unsheathed his sword.

"If you insist, I'll fight. But I will do so in my own way."

Jang Young-Pil gathered his internal energy, readying himself.

"Very well. Whatever your method, the martial world will judge you accordingly."

As their duel was about to begin, a strange energy flickered from Do-Hyun's blade. Jang Young-Pil narrowed his eyes.

'What is this aura coming from his sword? This is more than just swordsmanship…'

The moment their weapons clashed, the air around them ignited with tension.

****************************

The Sword's Intervention, and the Limits of Strength

Jang Young-Pil entered Pungwolru's garden and calmly adjusted his stance.

"It would be a shame if this were just a sword fight. I specialize in Iron Armor Defense—I want to see if your sword can break through it."

The Iron Armor Technique was renowned across the martial world. By channeling internal energy, a practitioner could create an invisible shield around their body, nullifying most physical attacks.

"Your sword's flames are impressive, but let's see if they can penetrate my defense."

His voice was confident.

Do-Hyun clenched his teeth.

'A technique specialized in defense… but my sword isn't even obeying me. How am I supposed to fight?'

Jang Young-Pil activated Iron Armor, his body shimmering with a faint, metallic glow.

"Strike me. Let's see if your sword is worthy."

Do-Hyun gripped Igo's Sword, but once again, it moved on its own.

'Not again… this damn sword won't listen to me.'

The sword lashed out with flames, striking Jang Young-Pil's Iron Armor—but it left no mark.

Jang Young-Pil smirked.

"A flashy display, but it won't get through."

Do-Hyun's sword continued attacking, but the iron barrier remained unscathed. His energy was draining rapidly.

'Damn it. This isn't working. I need a different approach!'

The sword's voice rang in his head.

"You are weak. You cannot win. But I will ensure your survival."

Do-Hyun growled.

"Survival? You're controlling me like a damn puppet!"

Jang Young-Pil stepped forward, effortlessly blocking another strike.

"You rely too much on your sword. A true warrior must master his own strength."

The battle wore on. Do-Hyun's body was failing, while Jang Young-Pil only grew stronger.

Just as Do-Hyun was about to collapse—

A commanding voice rang out.

"Enough."

Everyone turned toward the entrance of the garden.

A man in ragged clothes stepped forward, his presence alone silencing the crowd. Behind him stood several warriors of the Beggar's Sect—including Jeong Ho-Rim, the Regional Chief.

He surveyed the scene with a cool gaze.

"Pungwolru is not a battlefield. If you continue this fight, you disrupt the order of the martial world."

Jang Young-Pil sheathed his sword reluctantly.

"I only wished to confirm his strength. If he cannot prove himself, he has no place here."

Jeong Ho-Rim's tone remained steady.

"Strength is not proven through endless fights alone. If you continue, you may be the one breaking the martial world's order."

Realizing he could push no further, Jang Young-Pil stepped back.

"Fine. But Do-Hyun—next time, prove to me that your sword is worthy of its reputation."

Do-Hyun, exhausted, fell to his knees. His sword finally fell silent, its flames flickering out.

Chun-Hyang rushed to his side.

"Don't move! You need to rest!"

Jeong Ho-Rim observed Do-Hyun with interest.

"A sword does not make a warrior. Right now, you are neither a true swordsman nor a true warrior. But… there is something in you worth watching."

Do-Hyun clenched his fists.

'If this sword won't obey me… then I'll find a way to master it. If I want to survive, I have to become stronger.'

This duel was only the beginning.