Chapter 7.1: The Uninvited Guest

By the time June arrived, the Black Sky Clan was bustling with activity. It was because the martial artists from the White Virtue Clan were scheduled to visit.

After receiving a letter from Namgoong Ji-yak, who was acting on behalf of the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster, the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan frowned but eventually gave permission for their visit.

The Black Sky Clan and the White Virtue Clan had once been long-standing allies. It was common knowledge throughout the martial world that the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan and the Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan had fought side by side to crush the Blood Cult. However, things had changed since the previous Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan passed away, and the new Grandmaster had since gone missing. Now, the relationship between the two clans was not what it once was.

Moreover, the history of conflict between the Righteous path and the Unorthodox path was longer than the time they had spent as allies.

For that reason, those affiliated with the Black Sky Clan couldn't entirely welcome the visitor from that clan. Some wondered whether this unexpected visit signaled a reunion between old allies or the beginning of a storm. The uncertainty stirred the clan like a disturbed beehive.

At a gathering with his three disciples, Ye Jin-rang shared information about the visitor.

"The leader of the delegation from the White Virtue Clan is Kong Yool, known for his mastery of spears."

Most martial artists used swords or sabers, but there were others who specialized in spears, axes, whips, and other weapons. Kong Yool was known for his mastery of the spear. Despite his relatively young age, his achievements with the spear were remarkable, earning him a high reputation in the martial world. His title, 'God of the Five Blooded Spear', meant that 'with a single sweep of his spear, he could draw the blood of five men in an instant,' signifying that Kong Yool possessed extraordinary skill with the weapon.

However, Kong Yool's reputation wasn't based on his martial prowess alone.

The master of the God Of the Five-Blooded Spear was none other than the missing current Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan, Dan Woo-Hyo.

In his youth, Kong Yool, who once dominated the martial world, was known for his arrogant nature. He believed that among his peers, no martial artist was more skilled than him. Although Kong Yool had never publicly revealed his lineage, it was clear that the refined spear techniques he employed were inherited from the reclusive 'King of Spears'. Rumors spread in the martial world that Kong Yool had failed to control his youthful fervor and had stormed into the martial world, spreading his influence far and wide.

Supporting these suspicions, Kong Yool easily defeated renowned masters of the martial world, raising his name in the process. He was first called the 'Ghost Spear of Guizhou' but became known as the 'Heroic Spear of Guizhou' after single-handedly eliminating the Green Forest Bandits, who had been plaguing the common folk. Later, after defeating a disciple expelled from the Spear School who wielded the 'Falling Sun Steel Sword', he earned the title 'Divine Spear of Guizhou'.

Afterward, Kong Yool sought out other young masters and eventually arrived at the White Virtue Clan, where he met Dan Woo-Hyo. At the time, Dan Baek-hoon was still alive, so Dan Woo-Hyo's external activities were limited. Nevertheless, Kong Yool considered Dan Woo-Hyo, the heir to the White Virtue Clan's leadership, to be a worthy opponent and immediately challenged him to a duel.

The details of that duel were never disclosed, but most people believed that Kong Yool had lost. The reason was simple—after the duel, Kong Yool swore loyalty to Dan Woo-Hyo, who was younger than him, and joined the White Virtue Clan as an ordinary martial artist.

With his skill, Kong Yool quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Dan Woo-Hyo's right hand and a key figure within the White Virtue Clan. Before long, the name 'Guizhou' was dropped from his title, and he became known as the 'God of the Five-Blooded Spear'.

After Dan Baek-hoon's sudden death, Kong Yool played a major role in helping Dan Woo-Hyo secure his position as the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster.

"The God of the Five-Blooded Spear himself coming to the Black Sky Clan… how unexpected."

Moyong Yoon quietly spoke up.

Since Kong Yool was a key figure in the White Virtue Clan, which stood in opposition to the Black Sky Clan, all of Jin-rang's disciples had heard of him.

"What kind of person is he?"

Seung-han nudged Kang-oh in the side. In the past, Kang-oh challenged Kong Yool into a duel.

Kang-oh set down the cup he had been holding with a slight hum and spoke.

"He's someone who values efficiency."

"Efficiency?"

Seung-han repeated, puzzled. Even Yu-woon, who usually didn't show much interest in others' words, seemed intrigued and quietly listened.

Ever since Yu-woon became convinced that the servant staying at House of Joy was likely Dan Woo-Hyo, the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster, he had started watching Kang-oh's every move. He was trying to gather any clues from Kang-oh's thoughts, speech, and actions.

"When the match within the Baekhap didn't produce a winner, he suggested ending it in a draw. Then he went off to work."

"He went off to work?"

Seung-han looked at Kang-oh in shock.

"It ended in a draw?"

Jin-rang asked quietly. While he didn't show a dramatic reaction like Seung-han, there was a hint of surprise in his tone. It was understandable—he had never personally met God Of The Five-Blooded Spear, so hearing that he was on par with Kang-oh's skills was unexpected.

"I apologize for failing to bring honor to the name of the Black Sky Clan due to my inadequate skills as your disciple."

"There's no need for humility. If Oh Ju-shin-chang had a child early, that child would be about your age now. For you to match someone of that level, who is much older and more experienced, is no small feat."

As expected, Jin-rang's words ended up sounding like praise for Kang-oh.

"Since this visit was initiated by the White Virtue Clan, there must be a reason behind it. Do you have any idea what it might be?"

Moyong Yoon opened his mouth as if he had been waiting for this moment.

"Recently, there have been reports that a group of martial artists from the White Virtue Clan has been traveling around Gansu and Sichuan. Considering they're based in Luoyang of Henan, it's quite unusual for them to be moving outside of Hubei or Shaanxi, so I looked into it."

"Hmm, go on."

"It seems the White Virtue Clan is still conducting a search for their missing Grandmaster. I suspect they may be seeking the Black Sky Clan's help because their search in Gansu and Sichuan has faced difficulties. Especially considering that they've dispatched someone who is one of the Grandmaster's closest aides."

It was no secret that the White Virtue Clan had been searching for their missing Grandmaster for ten years.

In the early days, some people even showed up at the White Virtue Clan's front gate, claiming to be the missing Dan Woo-Hyo.

Every single one of them was quickly exposed as a fraud, causing quite a stir.

"Well, it's not like Seol Bu-yong is the type to give up on her son. It's a reasonable assumption."

Jin-rang gave a slight nod. Despite being the only person who knew that Dan Woo-Hyo was hiding in the Black Sky Clan, his expression remained completely calm.

Soon, Jin Rang's gaze shifted to his second disciple, Seung-han.

"What do you think?"

"I'm not clever enough to consider what the White Virtue Clan might be thinking. I only assumed they're visiting to strengthen ties with the Black Sky Clan, given the White Virtue Clan's unstable situation."

"…"

Jin-rang's eyes narrowed as he studied Seung-han. The Second Disciple of the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan wore a smug smile, as if he knew nothing at all.

Finally, Jin-rang turned to Kang-oh and asked, "If they're here to request help in searching for their missing Grandmaster, as your senior disciple suggests, what do you think we should do?"

Kang-oh, who had been silent, slowly shook his head.

"It's better to lend a hand without stepping in directly."

"Why is that?"

"It's been ten years since the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster disappeared. Even if the Black Sky Clan gets involved, I doubt they'll be able to find him now. There's no way the White Virtue Clan members haven't considered what I, an outsider, have already thought. They may have asked for help, but I don't believe what they truly expect is for us to find their Grandmaster."

His words were calm, yet that very calmness made them feel more convincing.

"Then what do you think they're aiming for by asking for the Black Sky Clan's cooperation?"

"I'm not certain, but I suspect it may be related to their internal affairs."

"Internal affairs…"

Jin Rang murmured.

"No matter how sturdy the pillars may be, a house without its master can't avoid turmoil."

In response to his master's question, Kang-oh carefully explained his thoughts.

"Since I've spent a long time wandering the martial world after leaving the Black Sky Clan, I've heard quite a bit about what's happening outside. From what I hear, there's a conflict within the White Virtue Clan between Namgoong Ji-yak, the acting Grandmaster, and Princess Yeongrin, the mother of the missing Grandmaster. The acting Grandmaster wants to call off the search, while Princess Yeongrin insists they continue looking for her son. So, the one who sent Kong Yool to the Black Sky Clan must be Princess Yeongrin."

"…"

"The disappearance of the Grandmaster isn't exactly something they'd want to publicize and ask for help with—it would be embarrassing. Princess Yeongrin was born into a proud imperial family. If someone like her is openly asking the Black Sky Clan for help, it must mean she has something to gain from it."

The thought of reputation came to mind because of the murder that occurred in Honamgak. Woo had once explained the nature of the Righteous path and prestigious families when he gave Kang-oh an advice on how to bring down the merchant. People tend to hide things they find shameful.

Although Woo had never met Princess Yeongrin in person, being born into royalty meant she would likely value her reputation even more than most noble families. For someone like her to cast aside her pride and reach out for help, whatever she's seeking must hold considerable value.

"Princess Yeongrin is likely trying to keep Namgoong Ji-yak, the acting Grandmaster, in check. By reminding everyone that the alliance between the Black Sky Clan and the White Virtue Clan was formed by Dan Baek-hoon, she's reinforcing Dan Woo-Hyo's position as Dan Baek-hoon's son and rightful heir. If Dan Woo-Hyo never returns, Namgung Ji-yak will probably take over. But since she's only Dan Baek-hoon's disciple and not his daughter, her claim to leadership isn't as strong."

"You're right."

Jin-rang nodded.

Yu-woon smiled faintly, while Seung-han clicked his tongue inwardly.

Even though Kang-oh wandered the martial world, sending out challenges as if obsessed with martial arts, his sharpness showed in moments like this. The problem was that he wasn't saying these things to show off — he was simply giving the best possible answer to his master's question.

What's the use of being so sharp that you can figure out other people's affairs and keep track of rumors if you can't even handle your own matters properly?

"This matter will only backfire the more we get involved. But if we stand by and do nothing, it will create a rift between the White Virtue Clan and the Black Sky Clan. Therefore, I think we should cooperate just enough to uphold appearances — nothing more."

"Good. Very good."

Jin-rang nodded and turned to his first disciple, Mo Yong Yu-woon.

"The situation will become clear once Kong Yool from the White Virtue Clan arrives, but make preparations in advance."

"Of course."

Moyong Yoon respectfully clasped his hands and bowed his head.

"A guest is still a guest — even if they are an unwelcome one."

Jin-rang clicked his tongue and downed the contents of his cup in one go. It was a perfect chance to get rid of someone he couldn't stand the sight of, but it seemed like he'd have to cover for him again. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Meanwhile, it wasn't just the Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan who felt uncomfortable about the visit from White Virtue Clan.

***

"Wh-what...?"

Woo asked Yeon-jin with a shocked expression.

"A few days from now, a warrior from the White Virtue Clan is scheduled to visit, so the Black Sky Clan is in a frenzy right now."

Yeon-jin repeated what she had already said without any sign of displeasure as she cleared away the dishes. After neatly arranging the bedding, she noticed Woo frozen stiff and asked,

"Are you perhaps afraid of White Virtue Clan? You don't have to be too scared. While the Righteous path can be a bit troublesome, they are still the only ones who have formed an alliance with Black Sky Clan." Yeon-jin spoke soothingly.

It was true that the Righteous Path and the Demonic Path viewed each other with contempt. The Righteous Path didn't hesitate to call the Unorthodox Path "evil cultists," and the Unorthodox Path, in turn, openly mocked the Righteous Path as "hypocrites." The problem was that when conflicts arose between the martial artists of the two factions, it was often the civilians working under them who suffered the most. The rift between them ran deep.

For instance, if a fight broke out between the righteous and the unorthodox factions, the martial artists could manage to escape or fight back. But the servants and workers often suffered heavy losses. So to Woo, a servant of the Black Sky Clan, hearing that a warrior from the White Virtue Clan — a group associated with the Righteous path — was coming might well have felt like hearing a grim reaper was arriving.

"I-is that so?"

Woo, unable to hide his unease, muttered, pretending to be frightened as Yeon-jin had guessed.

"Do you… know who is coming?"

"Hmm... Was it the Five Bloods or Six Bloods... God of Sword? Something like that."

Yeon-jin tilted her head, unable to recall clearly.

"God of the Five-Blooded Spear…" Woo muttered with a sigh.

Of all the warriors in the White Virtue Clan, why did it have to be Kong Yool...

For Woo, who had been counting the days until he could leave the House of Joy, this news felt like a warning bell ringing in his ears.

The fact that the God of the Five-Blooded Spear was being dispatched also weighed on his mind.

What if Kong Yool had come knowing that he was here?

Jin-rang had respected Woo's desire not to return to the White Virtue Clan and had quietly allowed him to live as a servant for the past eight years. Naturally, he never informed the White Virtue Clan about it. But now that Kang-oh was starting to pay attention to him, things might change…

"That's right! That was the title. There aren't many martial artists who use a spear, but to be called the God of Spear… He must be incredibly skilled." Yeon-jin said, unaware of Woo's complicated feelings.

"I'll go grab some snacks," she added as she stood up.

Woo, unable to bring himself to say that he was not hungry, simply nodded as Yeon-jin cheerfully left the room.

With the situation at Honamgak resolved, Kang-oh finally had time to decide where to send Woo. He mentioned that he had chosen an island somewhere near the South Sea, as far from the Black Sky Clan as possible. The island wasn't frequented by outsiders, had mild weather year-round, and was said to have a nearby temple called Botaam. He added that the disciples of the Geomgak managed security there, so there was little need to worry about pirates.

It was far from both the Black Sky Clan and the White Virtue Clan, so it seemed like a reasonable choice.

Meanwhile, upon hearing that Woo would be leaving soon, Yeon-jin seemed to have mixed feelings. However, perhaps thinking that it was better for Woo to be away from the Black Sky Clan, she quickly regained her usual energy. Still, her efforts to treat Woo even better in the remaining time made things a little awkward.

No matter where he went, he was living a life burdened with debt.

Many people had treated him well, thinking he was the son of Dan Baek-hoon, and he could hardly count them all. He owed his life to Kang-oh before Kang-oh lost his memories. When Woo had given up on life and laid down to die, it was Jin-rang who had saved him. And now, there was Yeon-jin, who couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

Even though Kang-oh couldn't remember the past, he was still willing to do anything for Woo. Kang-oh had gone so far as to send people to search the distant southern sea and personally arrange a place for Woo to stay using his own resources.

"..."

As soon as Woo decided to finally leave the Black Sky Clan and part ways with Kang-oh, the unexpected arrival of Kong Yool complicated his feelings. Ideally, Woo wanted to leave before Kong Yool arrived at the Black Sky Clan. However, to make that possible, he needed to ask Kang-oh about the schedule.

But he couldn't bring himself to ask Kang-oh when he would be leaving. Even though he had been desperately waiting for the day he could leave this place, a part of him still wanted to stay by Kang-oh's side.

Kang-oh had not clearly told Woo about when he would be leaving. Perhaps he was still making preparations. Since it was clear he wouldn't be leaving right away, there was no way to completely avoid crossing paths with Kong Yool while he remained here. All Woo could do was be twice as careful as usual for as long as Kong Yool stayed in the Black Sky Clan.

The God of the Five-Blooded Spear, Kong Yool, was fundamentally an arrogant man. However, his extensive experience gained from roaming the martial world couldn't be overlooked. He was skilled and perceptive enough that Woo couldn't be certain whether the severe burn scar on his face and his slightly hunched posture would be enough to deceive him.

More than anything, Woo didn't want Kong Yool to see him like this..

Kong Yool was the first person to swear loyalty to Woo purely because of Woo's own strength and abilities–not because of his status or anyone else's influence.

For a subordinate to swear loyalty to their master wasn't a one-sided act of devotion. The master also had responsibilities toward their subordinate.

The murim world was big, and there were many people in it. Everyone had different reasons for following a master. Some followed a master because they had the same goal.Others followed because they admired the master's wisdom and plans for the future. Some were simply drawn to the master's strength and wanted to serve them out of respect.

If loyalty was rewarded with nothing more than material compensation, then it would be no different from a relationship between an employer and an employee.

Woo had already betrayed Kong Yool once by deciding not to return to the White Virtue Clan despite still being alive. Letting Kong Yool see him now, weakened and in such a pitiful state, would feel like betraying him a second time— as if proving that the person Kong Yool had once trusted and followed no longer existed.

That was something he had to prevent.

Kong Yool was someone who had placed his trust in Woo, dedicating his strength and entire life to him. Yet despite that, Woo had failed to fulfill his duty to him.

Anxiously, Woo watched the passing of the day with his neck stretched out, waiting. It wasn't until dusk that Kang-oh finally returned.

They used to visit Honamgak together, but ever since Woo announced his intent to leave, he had not set foot outside the House of Joy.

Kang-oh, unable to break Woo's stubborn resolve to leave, finally seemed to understand that he could not stop him. After giving him a rough idea of his next steps, he did not personally seek Woo out again.

However, one thing that hadn't changed was that Woo's dining table was always set just as lavishly as Kang-oh's. On days when Woo had no appetite or couldn't finish his meal because he wasn't feeling well, various tonics believed to restore strength would be sent to his quarters from the medical hall. Naturally, it was all by Kang-oh's order.

This awkward sense of distance, this bond that Woo couldn't bring himself to sever first, weighed on him with endless guilt.

He needed to leave soon—before his feelings deepened to the point where he could no longer muster the resolve to walk away on his own.

It was late in the evening, when the night dew began to settle, that Woo finally crossed paths with Kang-oh after deciding to meet him.

"... M-My Lord."

For some reason, Kang-oh had returned to House of Joy later than usual that day. Judging by the hydrangeas in his arms, it seemed he had taken a walk in the garden.

The cool night air brushed against Woo's cheeks. During the day, the sun would warm his skin with a sharp intensity, but once twilight fell and the moon began to rise, the chill would creep in.

It was the brink of summer.

Woo had intended to take one last walk through the House of Joy to commit it to memory. But when he came across Kang-oh, he froze, completely forgetting what he had meant to say.

It was no wonder—under the moonlight, Kang-oh's figure was nothing short of breathtaking.

The man standing under the night sky seemed more striking than when seen in broad daylight. He wasn't wearing his usual calm expression. Instead, his gaze seemed somewhat heavy and distant. The fact that he was holding a blue hydrangea in his arms only added to that feeling. Bathed in the faint blue moonlight, the delicate flower flaunted its final bloom, like adorning the end of a season with its final splendor.

His slightly startled eyes, the faint tremble of his lashes, and the subtle tilt of his head as he looked at Woo—those small details momentarily tied Woo's tongue.

"Even though summer is approaching, it's still cold, and your clothes are thin."

"This is… fine."

Woo barely managed to mutter. Kang-oh clicked his tongue and started to take off his outer garment to offer it to Woo. But Woo sensed his intent and quickly stepped back.

Kang-oh stopped, still holding the hydrangea in one hand. Even after being rejected time and time again, he didn't seem to grow used to it.

Feeling that he had embarrassed Kang-oh, Woo fiddled with the hem of his clothes. An awkward silence settled between them.

Just when Kang-oh let out a quiet sigh and started to move, Woo hurriedly spoke, thinking Kang-oh was about to leave.

"May I ask when exactly would I be able to... leave?"

He wasn't asking when he would be able to step away from Kang-oh now — he was asking when he should leave the House of Joy and return to the world beyond the Black Sky Clan.

Woo carefully chose his words, going over them in his head several times to avoid sounding like he was interrogating or rushing Kang-oh. But when the moment came, all that effort turned out to be pointless.

Kang-oh, who was holding a bundle of hydrangeas, answered.

"…You've heard that the envoy From White Virtue Clan is planning to visit the Black Sky Clan this time, haven't you?"

"Yes."

"Due to a significant shortage of personnel, we won't be able to send someone to escort you at the moment."

That was a lie. Kang-oh smiled bitterly.

"I-Is that so...?" Woo muttered.

A visit from White Virtue Clan was no small matter. Since it was an official visit, the preparations involved would be extensive.

Woo recalled how, back when he was the Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan, the visit of a prominent figure from the martial world required handling countless administrative procedures. Even sending out a single attendant could strain the already limited manpower..

An odd feeling spread in Woo's chest. Kong Yool would be arriving at the Black Sky Clan soon, so if his departure had been delayed, he should have felt on edge. Yet, what he felt now was closer to relief.

Why…?

Why was it so hard to let go of you?

"It's fine if I leave alone," Woo said cautiously, swallowing his emotions.

At his words, Gang-oh tightened his grip on the hydrangeas.

"…It's a long way to the southern seas. Even if the place you're headed to is safe, what about the Green Forest bandits and the beasts along the way?" Kang-oh's voice was strained and tense. He was relieved to have a valid reason to refuse.

"…"

Woo bit his tongue. He had once been praised for his intelligence, but his impatience was making him stumble.

"No."

Kang-oh repeated firmly. Watching Woo, who seemed desperate to leave House of Joy as soon as possible, unsettled him.

After repeatedly rejecting Woo's request to leave, what remained was a sense of pathetic desperation. It wasn't that asking Woo to stay was difficult.

It was just that each time it happened, Woo's face—his uncertain expression, the way his gaze wavered helplessly—left Kang-oh unable to press further.

Even after refusing him, Kang-oh kept watching Woo's face, trying to gauge how he would respond.

Even when facing a sword so close it seemed like it could pierce his eyes, Woo had never felt this kind of tension before. The pounding in his chest was unfamiliar.

"I-I understand. I'm sorry for causing you concern…"

It seemed inevitable that he'd have to remain at Black Sky Clan until Kong Yool's visit was over.

But after meeting Kang-oh, the problem with Kong Yool—once as daunting as a mountain—suddenly felt distant, overshadowed by something even greater.

That was what meeting Kang-oh meant. To Woo, Kang-oh carried a weight so heavy that it erased all other concerns and troubles.

"I-I'll be going now," Woo mumbled awkwardly as he stepped back.

"Wait."

Kang-oh's voice halted him mid-step. The man, who had been standing at a reasonable distance, had suddenly closed the gap as if compelled by urgency. When Woo blinked up at him, Kang-oh extended the blue flower in his hand.

"I remember… you liked peonies, so I said I would bring you more flowers."

Kang-oh handed Woo the bouquet of hydrangeas he had been holding.

"It's a promise I made back then."

Seeing Woo's delighted expression at the sight of the blue peony sparked an impulse to give him every flower he could find. But when Kang-oh actually went looking for flowers to give him, none seemed good enough.

After the rain last night, the edges of the petals had turned yellow, and the way they blended with the leaves was unappealing to him...

As a result, he had postponed the gift until today. As night approached, he spotted a cluster of blue hydrangeas glistening under the moonlight. He thought that if he were to bring this flower, it would surely bring joy to Woo, despite his earlier dissatisfaction with the other flowers.

He wanted to show it to Woo.

With hands more accustomed to holding a sword than handling delicate things, Kang-oh picked the blue hydrangeas himself. The particularly lush blue blossoms were imbued with the cool scent of the night.

He was wondering if it would be all right to bring them to Woo right away when he heard a movement and looked around. His heart sank when he saw Woo standing there.

He had thought Woo might be asleep, so he was surprised to find him waiting. Kang-oh felt relieved that he had picked the flowers at the right time—but at the same time, the encounter made him uneasy, as if it wasn't a coincidence.

If Woo was seeking him out first, it could only mean one thing.

Because the only thing Woo had ever asked for was to leave House of Joy—to leave Kang-oh's side, it was inevitable that worry would overshadow any feelings of joy or excitement.

"This is…?"

Woo's lips trembled slightly. Kang-oh studied his expression before asking in a slightly softer voice, "Is it... not to your liking?"

Shaking his head, Woo bit his lip.

'I should say I can't accept it...'

But if I'm going to leave anyway... would it be so wrong to be greedy just this once? If the time comes when this hydrangeas is forgotten, perhaps then he'lll be able to let go of the things weighing down his heart.

Hesitating, Woo reached out and accepted the hydrangea from Kang-oh. He couldn't bring himself to lift his gaze, almost burying his face in the flower as if seeking refuge.

"…T-thank you."

The words were mumbled, barely more than a whisper, and Kang-oh couldn't tell how much sincerity they carried.

"It suits you well." Kang-oh murmured softly as he stepped back.

Despite the scars that marred Woo's face, despite how he always kept his gaze down to avoid meeting anyone's eyes, there was something about him that never failed to draw Kang-oh's attention.

Not even the dazzling peonies, nor the hydrangea steeped in the night's serene beauty, could overshadow Woo's presence.

It was like finding beauty in the faded eyes of a wise old man, or feeling reverence at the sight of a fisherman's calloused, battered hands. Like the quiet admiration that stirs when you see the weary back of a father returning home after a hard day's work to feed his family—or the unexpected warmth that wells up at a child's bright, carefree smile.

Beauty didn't have to lie in outward appearances to touch the heart. Kang-oh believed that no matter what Woo looked like, he would have come to mean something to him all the same. Because he had seen and experienced who Woo truly was.

He knew the stubbornness hidden behind that face. The quiet diligence of someone who never abandoned his work even when no one was watching. The patience that could be mistaken for weakness because Woo always bowed so low. The kindness that drove him to consider others' burdens even when he could barely manage his own. The person with a sharp mind that once advised him when he was on the verge of falling into a trap. And the caution that kept all those qualities carefully concealed.

It was hard for Kang-oh to resent Woo for wanting to leave without understanding his feelings. After all, Woo had once gently told him that a bruised magnolia blooms again.

And so, Kang-oh's frozen heart melted once more.

At first, he had pitied Woo for enduring unfair treatment. Then, he found it remarkable that Woo maintained his own stubbornness even in a position that seemed to have nowhere lower to fall. Even though Kang-oh knew he might lose his master's favor, his nature made him want to protect Woo rather than push him away.

And as Kang-oh kept watching him, exchanging glances and even the briefest of conversations, affection had inevitably taken root.

It was around that time that Kang-oh realized he didn't want to let Woo leave Black Sky Clan.

He needed a reason to justify it, so he used Woo's extraordinary potential as an excuse—convincing himself that he would keep Woo by his side as a subordinate.

But while Kang-oh was drawing closer, Woo, with no intention of staying, kept searching for reasons to leave.

It was a strange tug-of-war.

Even though he didn't know how it would end, Kang-oh couldn't let Woo go.

He didn't even stop to consider that he might fall out of favor with the First Disciple by staying at Black Sky Clan longer than usual. It was an uncharacteristic decision for him, especially since he usually avoided conflict among the disciples out of concern for troubling their master. Despite his master's warnings, Kang-oh couldn't push Woo away. He constantly worried over what Woo wore, what he ate—whether he lacked anything.

As he reflected on the things he had done without knowing exactly why, Kang-oh slowly blinked.

He didn't even know what this was—but the only thought that came to him was that he couldn't let go.

Was this really the right thing to do?

"F-Forever..."

Woo knew Kang-oh wasn't joking about how the flowers suited him. Kang-oh's voice was too weighed down for that.

So Woo carefully parted his lips.

"I will not forget the kindness you have shown me."

"…"

It was a thank-you given with the premise of leaving. Kang-oh smiled bitterly.

"I should have said it's a debt, not a favor."

He said it lightly, as if joking, so Woo wouldn't feel burdened.

"If I had, with your stubborn nature, you might have stayed just to pay it back."

As the weight of his words settled between them, silence enveloped them.

It wasn't a conversation filled with warmth, nor was it a moment of shared comfort. The cold night air pierced through the space between them, and Kang-oh gave up trying to cover it with a smile.

"I…"

Woo's lips parted slightly. Kang-oh pretended not to notice and cut him off.

"The night air is cold. Let's go inside."

At those words, Woo's face twisted strangely. It wasn't because he'd been rejected—it was the realization that this might really be the last time.

Woo, who had been about to say something, pressed his lips shut. Letting silence settle between them seemed like the right thing to do—for both of them.

Perhaps because he'd already said everything he needed to, Kang-oh's steps moved ahead of Woo's without hesitation. He, who would normally slow his pace to match Woo's whenever they walked through Honamgak or took a stroll together, didn't even glanced back this time.

Lowering his head, Woo let the scent of the hydrangeas brush against his nose. It was a sorrowful night, watching Kang-oh's back grow distant.