Kwon Dong Hee

Kwon Dong Hee(권동희) is one of the elders of the Song Mu guild, in addition to being one of the few who survived the clash against the Black Winds, putting a halt to Cheon Ma Sin Gun's dream of uniting the martial realm.

## **Appearance**

He has a very long beard and mustache, and is always wearing two large shoulder guards with long white robes.

## **Personality**

Elder Kwon is shown to have a very righteous and caring disposition. He frequently does his best to advise Master Yu in what he feels to be the best course of action, especially when it is apparent that the young master is endangering himself (even if it is apparent that his advice won't be well received). He is also concerned with the future of the Song Mu guild, and as a result, is constantly looking to both protect the younger warriors of the guild in addition to instructing them. Elder Kwon is also portrayed as having good standing among the other elders, who often follow him in his decisions and provide support for him (both on and off the battlefield).

He is also shown to be very discerning, as he was the only elder who understood the true intentions behind Yu Won Chan's abrasive behavior. This enabled Kwon Dong Hee to better appreciate Master Yu, as well as pave the way for a better relationship between the two.

## **Relationships**

He is the retainer of Yu Won-Chan, and is very loyal to him, even in the face of extreme (initial) disrespect. This disrespect was explained to be the result of Yu's contempt at Elder Kwon being indirectly responsible for his father's death, as well as his frustration concerning Kwon's apathy towards making the clan more self-sufficient. However, after Elder Kwon was able to understand Yu's feelings and motivations, the two were able to repair their damaged relationship (with Yu being noticeably more respectful of Kwon).

### Hong-Kyun

He has been the rival of Hong-Kyun ever since the first clash between the Song Mu Guild and the Black Winds. After defeating Hong-Kyun in single combat, Elder Kwon spared his life in acceptance of his challenge for a future rematch with Hyun Woo by Hong-Kyun's side. This conflict was eventually realized, with neither being able to score a decisive blow, as a result of an interruption by Master Yu. After this break in the duel, the two combatants ceased any further interaction with each other, rendering Hong-Kyun unable to fulfill his challenge.

## **History**

As the protector of the Song Mu Guild's previous master, he fought against the Black Winds fourth division during the war between Black Winds and Song Mu Guild for control of the Southern area of Murim. It was at this time in which he slaughtered many Black Winds members and gained great recognition for his skill. Notably, he engaged Hong-Kyun in single combat and easily defeated him (in addition to scoring a blow across Hong Kyun's eye that resulted in his distinctive scar). After Hong-Kyun boasted that he would never lose with Hyun Woo by his side, Elder Kwon challenged him to return one day for a rematch, in order to test his claim. He's one of the few who survived the battle, and in the process, helped put a stop to Cheon Ma Sin Gun's dream of unifying Murim.

However, Elder Kwon still suffered a great loss in the battle when Master Yu's father - the current guild master at that time - succumbed to his injuries and ultimately lost his life. This was a severe defeat since the role of the elders included protecting the life of the guild master. Consequently, Master Yu became embittered with Kwon and the other elders for their failure, leading to many clashes between the two (which were mainly facilitated by Yu).

## **Story**

### **The Demon Sword Arc**

Kwon Dong Hee and the other elders confronted Yu Won-Chan concerning his ambitions to conquer outside clans, as this contradicts the Song Mu Guild's peaceful philosophy. However, they were ultimately unable to dissuade him due to his disgust for their non-violent ways. Kwon Dong Hee and the other elders expressed their disappointment at Yu's characteristic haste, but did not press the matter further. They eventually confronted Yu again after learning that the aim behind attacking Hyun Woo was to obtain the Ma Ryong Sword, since the sword was known to be the property of the Sword Emperor (the highest ranking person in White Force). As such, they conveyed their worries about unnecessarily upsetting one of their own allies, but were again met with hostility from Yu Won Chan, who ordered them out of his sight. Obeying his order, Kwon Dong Hee and the elders took their leave for the second time.

After the Black Winds arrived to protect Han Bi Kwang from Master Yu, the Song Mu guild fell into disarray due to being outnumbered. However, with the arrival of Elder Kwon and his peers, the guild regained confidence and subsequently resumed the fight against Bi Kwang and the Black Winds. Yet, before any progress could be made, Cheon Ma Sin Gun arrived on the battlefield, halting the attack of the elders. In order not to rouse the anger of the Black Force leader, Elder Kwon attempted to apologize for the Song Mu guild's actions. However, Master Yu immediately silenced him, condemning his actions as cowardly before addressing Cheon Ma Sin Gun. Fearing for Yu-Won Chan's life, Elder Kwon proceeded to knock him unconscious and send him away from the battlefield before preparing to resume the fight. As a result of entering the conflict, Kwon Dong Hee inevitably encountered Hong-Kyun in combat for the second time (after a span of ten years). After being challenged by Hong-Kyun, Kwon Dong Hee accepted his proposal for a rematch. The elder fought with many high level techniques, drawing the admiration of Hong-Kyun. However, their duel was soon interrupted by Master Yu, who angrily retaliated against Cheon Ma with a ranged attack. When Cheon Ma returned the favor, Elder Kwon tried in vain to stop the Black Force leader's blast against Master Yu. Instead, Master Yu was saved by Bi Kwang, who wished for a duel between the two. Elder Kwon attempted to fight Bi Kwang in his stead, but Yu strongly protested against being protected. His outburst helped Kwon Dong Hee realize that Master Yu had matured into a responsible and strong leader, and was no longer a weak child that relied upon his elders. As a result, Elder Kwon and all the other Song Mu Guild members were sent away so that Yu and Bi Kwang could prepare for their duel in peace. While the guild exited the battlefield, Elder Kwon revealed to the other elders that Master Yu's coarse behavior towards them was fueled by his desire to make the younger guild members more powerful by forcing them to be independent, rather than simply relying on the elders' strength. This realization helped Kwon Dong Hee see the worthiness behind Yu Won-Chan's seemingly hateful actions.