Yeon-jin, who had been sent by Woo, arrived at the Mansion of Unity just in time.
"I'm from the House of Joy. Is the Third Disciple inside?"
At the polite inquiry, the man guarding the gate to the Mansion of Unity furrowed his brow.
"He just left a short while ago. Strange… the House of Joy already delivered the Third Disciple's luggage earlier…"
"I have a message to deliver. Would you happen to know where he went?"
"Wait here a moment."
Watching the guard go inside, Yeon-jin steadied her anxious heart. She had come all the way to the Mansion of Unity to fulfill Woo's request, and that much was fine. But she couldn't help worrying about what might happen afterward. As long as Woo stayed inside House of Joy, he would be under the Third Disciple's protection. But once he stepped outside, Yeon-jin couldn't be sure he would be safe.
After all, Woo was already under surveillance—possibly on the orders of the Chief Internal Officer Seo-mun geumryeong, or perhaps someone even higher. Since she herself was among those tasked with watching him, it wasn't unreasonable to think someone else could have been planted as well.
She nervously bit her nails. Before long, the guard returned. He looked slightly tense, but Yeon-jin didn't notice and asked:
"Do you know where he went? If I don't deliver the message on time, I'll be in trouble."
The guard opened his mouth.
"After leaving the Mansion of Unity, I heard he stopped by the Second Disciple's House of Frozen Pond and was headed to Honamgak."
"House of Frozen Pond!"
That wasn't far from the House of Joy. If she factored in the time it would take for conversation, Yeon-jin figured she could still make it in time. If she returned right away, brought Woo out, and took the shortcut through Suwolgak, they could reach the Third Disciple.
"Thank you!"
With a brightened expression, Yeon-jin gave a quick bow and dashed toward the House of Joy. The shadow of the pillar of the Mansion of Unity, standing tall behind the gatekeeper, stretched particularly long.
In the courtyard of the House of Joy, Woo was already waiting. Yeon-jin, who had arrived in a flash, grabbed Woo without even a moment to catch her breath.
"To, to Suwolgak...! Suwol—"
"P-please calm down and speak clearly."
At those words, Yeon-jin placed a hand over her chest and exhaled heavily a few times. Her heart was pounding so loud it felt like she could physically feel it in her palm.
After catching her breath to some extent, Yeon-jin began speaking as clearly as she could.
"I heard he's going to see the Second Disciple. The fastest way from the House of Joy to the House of Frozen Pond is through Suwolgak. Let's go."
Intending to guide him directly, Yeon-jin pulled Woo by the hand. Woo shook his head after seeing the sweat beading on Yeon-jin's forehead.
"I-I can go by myself."
"I'm fine. Come on. We need to hurry. We don't know how long he'll be talking with the Second Disciple…"
Even in the midst of her flustered rambling, Yeon-jin's sense of responsibility remained strong—she kept pulling Woo along. But Woo didn't budge and didn't take a single step forward.
"I—I worked at the Black Sky Clan for eight years. I know where Suwolgak is. Yeon-jin, you should r-rest."
Woo's voice was firm. Yeon-jin was about to protest, but then let her arms fall helplessly. The truth was, she had rushed nonstop from the Mansion of Unity to deliver the news as quickly as possible. She was so exhausted she felt like collapsing right then and there.
Still, the thought of sending Woo off alone weighed on her.
"But…"
"F-From here, it would take about a d-day to reach Suwolgak. If I go with an exhausted Yeon-jin, it might take l-longer."
Woo's reasoning sounded cold, focused purely on efficiency—but Yeon-jin understood why he was being so firm.
He was doing it for her sake.
"…Alright. But… it's not exactly safe outside. Please be careful." Yeon-jin whispered.
Woo lowered his eyes, gave a faint smile, and stepped outside the House of Joy.
When Woo was led into the House of Joy by Kang-oh, it was as if the world outside the wall no longer existed. But when he left his quarters alone and took steps toward his destination, there was no hesitation in his stride. His limp slowed him slightly, but he kept moving steadily forward.
Suwolgak was a place Woo had visited a few times when he worked under the Third Internal Officer. Because of that, finding his way wasn't too difficult. As he had mentioned to Yeon-jin, Woo, too, was a servant of Black Sky Clan, and he knew the shortcut that only servants and attendants were familiar with.
Today, there was an unusual stillness in the air. It seemed like all the staff were busy entertaining guests from White Virtue Clan, causing the manpower to be concentrated there, Woo thought as he continued walking.
As he passed Suwolgak and was estimating the direction of House of Frozen Pond from the layout of the nearby buildings, he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Hey. Where is Suwolgak?"
Woo froze on the spot.
The voice calling to him was familiar.
It was Kong Yool.
Unable to remain calm, Woo instead bowed his head deeply.
"Su-Suwolgak, you say?"
He deliberately slurred his words as he spoke, trying to act like an ordinary servant.
"Yeah. It seems like it's nearby..."
"If you go this way, you'll see a building with blue tiles on the roof."
"Blue tiles, huh. That should definitely stand out."
Kong Yool muttered to himself. Woo, still hunched over, calmed his racing heart.
It was truly a relief that he had stumbled over his words. Kong Yool's master was a man who never hesitated in what he said.
Had he noticed Woo limping while walking earlier, before he called him over? If that was the case, it was also a relief. The White Virtue Clan's master that Kong Yool served was a strong swordsman.
Although Woo wanted to leave immediately, it wasn't allowed for someone of lower status to leave before someone of higher status. If he did, it would create an awkward atmosphere, and if that moment were to be remembered later, it would be disastrous. So, Woo braved this moment, facing Kong Yool.
A cold bead of sweat ran down his back.
" You can leave now."
Kong Yool turned his body and strode off. Woo, still hunched over, waited a moment before quickly heading in the opposite direction of House of Frozen Pond, the direction Kong Yool had gone. His legs refused to cooperate, and he stumbled several times, once almost falling. But there was no time to relax.
Because—
Woo turned the first corner of Suwol Pavilion without pause and placed his hand on the wall. When he pressed the part carved with three petals, the wall shifted slightly inward with a soft sound. It was a hidden space embedded with a weak formation.
"Did I lose him...?"
As he exhaled, Kong Yool appeared at a distance that felt almost within reach. It was truly a close call.
Sensing that something was off, Kong Yool had retraced his steps using his technique, trying to find the servant who had shown him the way. His instincts were almost beast-like. Woo knew this about Kong Yool, which was why he had run with everything he had and hidden.
At this moment, Woo was grateful for Jin-rang's knowledge of all kinds of tricks. When they built the Black Sky Clan, Jin-rang had used that knowledge without holding back, which was why Woo has been able to find a place like this to hide.
The space Woo had entered was one of the secret rooms Jin-rang had created. It usually looked like part of the wall, but if you pressed the right spot, you could slip inside.
Of course, the space was empty—if someone reached out, they could grab him. It was essentially a secret passage built into the wall, allowing for discreet movement in and out of Suwolgak. But once inside, one's presence and appearance could be completely concealed. Jin-rang had designed the Black Sky Clan's buildings from the beginning with such moments in mind, after watching many sects get wiped out during the Blood Cult's invasions.
Woo wasn't completely ignorant of mechanisms and formations, so he was aware of several hidden features Jin-rang had installed within the Black Sky Clan. Secret spaces hidden in walls, under floorboards, behind storage rooms—there were several.
It was sheer luck that one of them was located near Suwolgak.
Because it was hidden within a formation, outsiders couldn't see inside—but those within could see out and grasp the situation.
So even if Kong Yool couldn't see Woo, Woo could see him.
It had been a long time since he'd seen the face of his subordinate.
He looked thinner than before, his skin rougher. It was painfully obvious that he hadn't had a moment's rest in Woo's absence.
Woo covered his mouth.
He'd thought that once he disappeared, Kong Yool would be free to go his own way. After all, he hadn't stayed with the White Virtue Clan of his own will. But now, seeing that same subordinate searching so desperately for him… It broke his heart.
Why couldn't he step forward with his head held high?
How had his life come to this?
Questions that had haunted his sleepless nights for ten years now came crashing down in broad daylight.
He knew the answers better than anyone. He was the one who abandoned the will to uphold his duties as the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster—even though he was the one who once spoke so firmly of them.
'I'm sorry.'
How could he show himself like this—to Kong Yool, who had been searching for "Dan Woo-Hyo" all this time?
It was no different from betrayal.
So Woo offered his apology silently.
Words he could never say face to face.
'I've come too far to go back now.'
The formation could hide sight and presence, but not sound—so Woo planned to stay quietly hidden here until Kong Yool left. Naturally, he would miss Kang-oh.
It could not have been a mere joke of fate. Just by making the decision to reach out to him, Woo found himself trapped, unable to move an inch.
"Damn it! I knew something was off…"
Kong Yool irritably swept his hand through his hair. His face was full of confusion. He did not look like someone who would leave this place easily.
'Please... please just leave...'
Woo pleaded silently. In an instant, Kong Yool's eyes widened. Whatever conclusion he had reached, despair and self-blame boiled within him. Woo had to grit his teeth to avoid rushing out.
Then it happened.
Another's hand pressed against Woo's mouth.
[Grandmaster.]
The reason he was able to stifle the scream that was about to burst forth was not just because of the cold hand covering his mouth. Woo's mind was quickly calculating the intent of the one who had grabbed him. If they wanted to reveal his presence to Kong Yool, they would have called out to him loudly instead of holding onto his shoulder.
'Then... ?'
Woo's head slowly turned. Standing there was the calm figure of a young man.
It was none other than the Grand Disciple of Black Sky Clan, Mo Yong yu.
***
This happened around the time Yeon-jin got the information she needed from the Mansion of Unity and was on her way back.
"You did well."
Only after the hem of the servant's light green skirt completely disappeared did someone step out from the shadows, smiling gently as he praised the guard.
"There was no doubt, sir."
The guard bowed low in response to the words of the First Disciple—the master of the Mansion of Unity and, beyond that, his own master.
"Forget that I was here."
Yu-woon turned around, brushing his fingers against the corner of his mouth.
Lately, there hadn't been much to lift his mood, but now, without even realizing it, he was smiling.
Yeon-jin's decision to be wary of everything outside the House of Joy had been a wise one. Not relying on another servant and personally making her way to the Mansion of Unity, asking around herself—that had also been a smart move.
However, the Mansion of Unity belonged to Mo Yong Yu-woon.
Long before he began to question who Woo really was, the First Disciple had already planted someone inside the House of Joy. And now, that planted eye was finally proving useful. Every time the maid who served Woo at the House of Joy stepped outside, she was under surveillance. When Yu-woon found out she was headed for the Mansion of Unity, he arrived ahead of her and waited.
So by the time the maid reached the Mansion of Unity and spoke to the gatekeeper, the path she was meant to take to get to Kang-oh had already been compromised.
It seemed the hunt would begin earlier than expected—but that wasn't a bad thing. After all, it's the unpredictable twists that make a hunt all the more thrilling, isn't it?
Soon enough, the prey would emerge from its den.
Which meant it was time to unleash the hunting dogs.
Mo Yong-yoo handed a letter to the servant and sent them into Kong Yool's residence. Kong Yool would finish preparing and step outside within a few minutes. But before that, someone needed to be stationed near Suwolgak.
"I have something important to say, but there are ears in the Mansion of Unity. Let's meet at Suwolgak instead."
In this hunt, Kong Yool's role was the most crucial. Mo Yong Yu-woon was already convinced that the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster was none other than the servant, Woo—but suspicions weren't enough. He needed proof.
Because he still couldn't understand why the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster would be in the Black Sky Clan in the first place.
If he were Dan Woo-Hyo, he would've tried to return to the White Virtue Clan no matter the circumstances. The fact that he's still serving as a mere servant in the Black Sky Clan means there must be a reason for it.
That theory was supported by what happened afterward.
Yu-woon hadn't planned to handle things this way from the beginning. Forcing the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster into a trap like he was being hunted down was bound to provoke resentment—it was too harsh. That's why Yu-woon initially intended to meet Dan Woo-Hyo in secret while Kang-oh was away from the Black Sky Clan. But upon receiving intel that a maid named Yeon-jin was heading to the Mansion of Unity, he rushed over, wondering if the Grandmaster was trying to contact Kong Yool.
But what Yu-woon learned was completely unexpected.
The one Yeon-jin was trying to find wasn't Kong Yool—but Kang-oh, who had apparently visited the Mansion of Unity.
If the missing White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster and the servant Woo were truly the same person, there's no way he'd miss the chance to meet Kong Yool. Wouldn't that have been the perfect opportunity to escape from the Black Sky Clan?
Which meant there had to be a reason Dan Woo-Hyo remained a servant.
And the first thing that came to mind was his master—Jin-rang. It was unlikely the Grandmaster's appearance in the Black Sky Clan had nothing to do with him.
Yu-woon had spent many years as Jin-rang's disciple, so he knew a lot about him. Whenever the name Dan Baek-hoon, the previous Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan, came up, Jin-rang's behavior would noticeably shift. Though Yu-woon didn't know the full story, it was clear that Jin-rang grew sensitive at the mere mention of Dan Baek-hoon.
Even if, on the surface, Jin-rang formed an alliance with the White Virtue Clan, who's to say he wasn't always waiting for the perfect chance to stab them in the back?
Even if Dan Baek-hoon, the person directly involved, had died, the grudge could have been directed at his son.
That's why Yu-woon had to secretly approach Dan Woo-Hyo.
While waiting at Suwolgak for "Woo," who had departed from the House of Joy, Yu-woon received word from a subordinate that Kong Yool had just left the Mansion of Unity. He made him retreat. From now on, access to this area would be restricted. As the First Disciple of the Black Sky Clan, Yu-woon had the power to make that happen.
Only Kong Yool and the servant Woo would walk this path. And at some point, they would inevitably cross paths. Yu-woon was waiting for that moment.
When Woo avoided Kong Yool and slipped into the building using the formation, Yu-woon almost lost track of him. Fortunately, he had a token given to him by his master, which allowed him to bypass the formation. He quickly located the place where Woo was hiding. He saw him, tense and holding his breath.
And not long after, Kong Yool returned to that very spot.
Yu-woon instinctively realized that this was the opportunity. The best time to seize the prey was when it was caught off guard.
[Grandmaster.]
And so now, he stood face-to-face with the "guest of the House of Joy."
"...!"
The man's eyes widened as he turned his head.
Woo's face was undeniably unsightly. The skin, melted and scarred by fire, had never properly healed and remained rough. His body was so thin, he looked completely devoid of strength. There wasn't even the faintest trace left of the White Virtue Clan's former Grandmaster, who had once been tall, sturdy, and agile like a deer.
To Yu-woon, who knew Dan Woo-Hyo, the contrast was striking.
'It's okay.'
He was a little disappointed, but that's what Yu-woon thought to himself.
'Because I still recognized him.'
And that fact alone brought him immense satisfaction. Like finding a pearl in the mud, he felt fortunate to possess both keen eyes and good luck.
Upon closer inspection, he could tell that his features were somewhat decent.
Especially the eyes... they had an indescribable depth, a muted silver color. The man's eyes trembled slightly. The corners of Woo's eyes trembled slightly. Yu-woon wondered how Dan Woo-Hyo would react to being recognized. But what happened next went far beyond anything he expected.
Woo fell flat to the ground.
He didn't care that dirt clung to his forehead, nor that it stained his clothes.
His shoulders trembled as if he were consumed by fear.
Yu-woon furrowed his brow at the unexpected sight.
[Raise your head. How could the Grandmaster lower himself before me?]
Woo cautiously lifted his head just a little, darting his eyes around in confusion. With trembling fingers, he pointed to himself, lips silently forming words.
"...A-Are you speaking to me?"
Who else could it be? It's not as if anyone else was around. And the Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan certainly knew what a sound transmission was. It was a technique that directed one's voice to a single person—a skill any martial artist with sufficient internal energy could use. Unless it was a full six-direction transmission, only one person could possibly hear it. Yet Woo, with a dumbfounded expression, looked around as if someone else might have been there to hear it too.
It wasn't a situation easy to accept. Maybe it was because Kong Yool was still lurking outside the wall. Given that his presence caused Woo to hide rather than come forward, Yu-woon decided to move away from this spot.
After all, God of the Five-Blooded Spear had already fulfilled his role by cornering the prey.
[T/n: 오주신창 actually translates to 'God of the Five-Blooded Spear' or 'Divine Spear of the Five Bloodlines' but 'God of the Five-Blooded Spear' sounds better to me so I translate it as 'God of the Five-Blooded instead. If you read this on another website and the translation is like this, then they're using my translation.]
[If you intend to play dumb, that's fine. You're coming with me.]
Yu-woon smiled as he pulled the man off the ground. Perhaps worried he'd make a sound, the man didn't say a word or resist—he was simply dragged along.
He was light. Unsettlingly so. It would have been better if he had shown even a little resistance or if there were signs that he had trained in martial arts…
The servant Woo, now seen up close, looked far less impressive than expected—almost to the point of doubt. Even though he was sure this was Dan Woo-Hyo, Yu-woon found himself questioning it again and again. His naturally suspicious nature could not be satisfied with mere assumptions.
It was only after completely distancing themselves from Kong Yool that Yu-woon noticed the servant, looking somewhat sullen and terrified, glancing around nervously. He frowned at the sight.
It couldn't be helped that his beautiful appearance was gone, but… it's hard to find a trace of the noble temperament the man used to have.
'Was it my method that was the problem?'
"This servant Woo greets the Grand Disciple of the Black Sky Clan."
The words came the moment they were far enough away, as Woo dropped flat to the ground. Yu-woon's expression grew complicated as he looked down at the figure before him.
When someone called him "Grandmaster," Woo felt his heart turn cold. Beyond the formation stood Kong Yool, and behind him must be the one who sent the sound transmission. Turning without thinking, he saw the man's face—and realized he was the First Disciple. But how did he know? Had Jin-rang shared the truth with his first disciple alone?
[T/n: Idk if I should still say this, but if ever some are confused, the following scene isn't a repetition—it's a rewrite of the same moment from Woo's pov.]
Still, Woo asked nothing. He simply fell to the ground. Dirt pressed against his forehead, but he didn't care.
[Raise your head. How could the Grandmaster lower himself before me?]
The sound transmission that soon followed had a tone that was firmer than before.
As Woo turned around, he felt relieved that he had only shown his agitation. He trembled as if terrified, glancing around as if he did not even understand what a sound transmission was. He raised a finger to point at himself.
"...A-Are you speaking to me?"
He still had a chance to withdraw.
[If you intend to play dumb, that's fine. You're coming with me.]
The First Disciple reached out and grabbed Woo by the wrist. Woo didn't resist and was dragged out of the formation, still in the First Disciple's grip. For now, the priority was getting away from Kong Yool. After all, what the other party possessed was merely speculation.
"A servant, huh..."
A sharp gaze bore into Woo as he bowed low, offering the respectful greeting expected of a servant. Since his face had become like this, he hadn't faced such intense scrutiny before, and it made him shrink back. Just like any servant suddenly dragged over after hearing strange words would.
"Grandmaster."
"P-Please don't speak formally to someone lowly like me."
Still flat on the ground, Woo shook his head anxiously, not knowing what to do with himself. But Yu-woon ignored his reaction and spoke.
"If you're not the missing Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan, then why did you run away from the Kong Yool?"
"K-Kong Yool, you mean...?"
"The man you fled from. He must have asked for directions to Suwolgak, right?"
At those words, Woo's face turned pale. That meant the First Disciple had been watching his encounter with Kong Yool from the beginning. In other words, this was likely a trap he had carefully set.
It wasn't a sudden suspicion sparked by seeing Woo avoid Kong Yool just now. He had probably started doubting Woo's identity much earlier and had planned everything with precision.
He'd been walking a tightrope all this time, but never had it felt this dangerously close to snapping. Woo was deeply shaken, though he didn't let it show. It was the result of the training he'd received from his mother. Years of training to never reveal his true feelings had unexpectedly helped him in this moment.
"Th-that is..."
Woo's eyes darted nervously. He knew exactly how to make himself look pitiful.
"Th-the man's a martial artist, isn't he? I thought he came back to beat me for giving the wrong directions... I-I'm so sorry! If I deserve punishment, I'll accept it gladly. Just... please... spare my life…"
Trembling as he tried to explain himself, he didn't appear noble—he looked pathetic. It was as if groveling on the ground like this came naturally to him. His desperate pleading suited him all too well.
'Did I misjudged him? No, that can't be…'
Seeing the Grand Disciple's lack of response, Woo deliberately bit his lip and lowered his gaze. His anxious demeanor made Yu-woon let out a small laugh.
If this was real, he was just pathetic. But if he was merely pretending, then it showed just how deep and calculating his mind was. He must have never imagined the possibility of his identity being exposed—yet here he was, thoroughly playing the part of a servant, stringing together excuses.
"So you hid inside one of the few formations that exist within the Black Sky Clan?"
At the sharp glare that seemed to say, "How absurd," Woo dropped to his knees. His clothes were getting dirty, and his knees, sore from hitting the ground several times, throbbed—but that much was nothing to him.
"I—I apologize… Just like there are paths for guards and separate ones for servants, we also have a few hiding places known only among ourselves. This was one of those."
"...Someone told you about it?"
"Y-Yes… I-I was serving the Third Internal Officer, but I fell out of favor and lived harshly day after day. One of the old s-servants, unable to watch me suffer any longer, told me about the place… said I should go there if I ever needed somewhere to hide…"
It was a plausible excuse. But it was also one that could easily fall apart if they checked whether this so-called "old servant" actually existed.
Whether Woo was aware of Yu-woon's thoughts or not, he continued speaking despite trembling.
"I thought it might be a secret place for someone important, but after coming here a few times and only finding cobwebs, I figured... it would be fine."
The way he trembled was pitiful, and yet, for some reason, it evoked a sense of sadism in Yu-woon.
Seeing Woo holding out this long, Yu-woon lowered his voice, speaking more secretly.
"Is there something you're afraid of? Is that why you're hiding like this?"
"...?"
Woo looked up at the First Disciple with confusion in his eyes, as if the question made no sense to him.
"Is it your master who's threatening you? Or is it the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan, Jin-rang?"
Even as he squirmed, Woo hesitantly opened his mouth.
"Th-The Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan? I… I just think of myself as someone who lives in Black Sky Clan and has been blessed by the Grandmaster's grace, th-that's all."
His expression said he couldn't even begin to understand why someone so immense and powerful would be brought into a situation like this. Yu-woon, looking at him with pity, cupped Woo's face and whispered,
"I can protect you. If you've been bound as a servant by the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan, I can help you escape. I have my own power too—hiding someone like you is nothing to me. And this face…"
The First Disciple's finger slid along Woo's jawline.
"You'll be able to return to your original appearance."
If it weren't for the need to stay hidden, Woo would've shaken his head at Yu-woon. Not even Jin-rang had been able to fix this face—so how could anyone else possibly restore it? And why would he even want to erase the scars he'd burned into himself?
Since the only one restraining Dan Woo-Hyo was himself, Woo felt no temptation at all from Yu-woon's offer.
"I-I'm just a lowly servant, so I apologize for not understanding your deep intentions, Grand Disciple."
He bowed his head, stealing glances upward, but when their eyes met, he immediately looked down again, his hands trembling.
Yoo-won clicked his tongue.
He had wanted to meet Dan Woo-Hyo, the Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan, in a more respectful manner. But unexpected variables kept getting in the way, forcing him to come at him this aggressively. Still, seeing how stubbornly Woo insisted on being nothing more than a servant, maybe shaking him up even more wouldn't have been such a bad idea.
"Are you relying on the youngest disciple now?"
Yu-woon's voice turned sharp. If Woo had made some kind of secret deal with Ye Kang-oh and was being evasive because of that, he would feel displeased.
The atmosphere around him was so cold it could be felt on the skin. Woo bit his lip.
"I-I really don't know, First Disciple… I can't understand any of this. I don't know why someone like me—a lowly servant—is being spoken to so politely, and I don't understand why you're asking if the Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan is threatening me. And about the Third Disciple, I… I'm sorry. I truly am…"
Then he started banging his head on the floor over and over again. It was worrying enough to make one think he might start bleeding from his forehead. Yet, Yu-woon looked down at Woo with a rather calm expression.
"You visited my master's residence in the middle of the night, didn't you?"
"..."
"Shall I call the servant who guided you there and ask her about it? I wonder how long someone without proper martial arts training could last if I started slicing off her flesh slowly, starting from her fingertips… Aren't you curious?"
Woo sighed inwardly. The words coming from the elegant and graceful figure of the Grand Disciple, who seemed almost saintly, were truly cruel.
But considering that the man before him was the First Disciple of Black Sky Clan, the situation was a bit different. Even if they had formed an alliance, it was suspicious to see the Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan—central figure of the Righteous Path—acting like a mere servant for someone from an opposing faction.
"Th-that servant is a good person. Even though I'm just a lowly attendant, they made sure I had food and clothes. I'd rather give up an arm instead…"
Woo's eyes darted around in a panic, looking completely lost. Then he grabbed Yu-woon's ankle and raised his own arm.
He had already lost his martial arts after falling off the cliff, and his leg, which hadn't been treated in time, was permanently crippled. He'd even burned his own face to stay in Black Sky Clan—so if the price of saving a kind servant was just one arm, wasn't that a cheap deal?
As Woo's dirty hand clutched at the clean hem of Yu-woon's clothes, staining it with dirt, Yu-woon stepped back.
"What would I do with something like that? The only person I want is Dan Woo-Hyo, the Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan."
The First Disciple whispered gently, though colder than before.
"Think carefully. The youngest disciple has left Hee-do-won, and no matter how far I reach out to you, he will not be able to protect you. It would be beneficial to change the rope you're holding onto."
"..."
Woo stayed where he was, his forehead pressed to the ground, unmoving.
"Shouldn't you return? Your subordinate is desperately looking for his lord. How long are you going to live as a servant, just bearing master's anger?"
His master's anger—Woo repeated the phrase in his mind. It seemed Yu-woon really did understand Jin-rang well.
"If it's the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan, I can deal with him."
Woo was skeptical. Jin-rang might not be involved in external affairs, but he was the founding patriarch of the Black Sky Clan and the greatest figure in the Demonic Path. How could Yu-woon possibly stop someone like him?
"Take my hand. For the future alliance between Black Sky Clan and White Virtue Clan, wouldn't that be the best choice?"
Was that it? Woo slowly closed his eyes.
Anyone's proposal inevitably reflects their own desires. Someone who values money will bring it up when offering a reward. Someone who craves power will suggest a position of influence when trying to pull others in. It was the manifestation of selfishness—a mistaken belief that others must want what they want.
Even in Yu-woon's temptation, his own desires showed through.
He wanted to take over Black Sky Clan. It might be difficult with his own strength alone, but if it were revealed that Jin-rang had been hiding the missing Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan, that dream might not stay a dream for long. The righteous path would bring pressure, and the Black Sky Clan, which had just begun to stabilize, would be shaken by outside attacks. After all, it was a collection of diverse factions from the Demonic Path.
From the remnants of the Sama Sect, which collapsed during the war with the Blood Cult, to the survivors of the Heavenly Demon Cult—Jin-rang, with his vast capacity, had taken in too many. People more used to fighting than talking must've spent decades adjusting just to become part of this new clan called Black Sky Clan.
Jin-rang was the kind of man who would try to shoulder it all alone. That's why there was a high chance he'd step down as Grandmaster and try to pass Black Sky Clan on to one of his disciples.
Wouldn't the First Disciple, who earned merit by rescuing the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster, be the ideal candidate to become the next Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan? Jin-rang himself might see him as a traitor, but the justification would fall squarely in Mo Yong Yu-woon's favor. If Jin-rang stubbornly refuses and tries to appoint the Second or Third Disciple as his successor instead, then they'll likely plan to draw in the power of the White Virtue Clan as well.
It would destroy the justification for the Righteous path's attacks, seize control of the Black Sky Clan, and even earn the favor of Dan Woo-Hyo, Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan.
"I don't know."
Woo slapped away Yu-woon's hand. For a moment, the sharpness in his eyes seemed to pierce through Yu-woon's core. The usually composed Yu-woon couldn't help but feel a sting of unease.
Yet, even after being rejected by a mere servant, the Grand Duke felt a quiet thrill.
Yes, this was what he wanted to see.
"If you really are just a servant, then I have no reason to show mercy to someone acting so insolently."
"..."
Woo knelt down and bowed his head but didn't respond. Yu-woon smiled sweetly.
"Admit it, Grandmaster. Just one word. Say the word, and you can reclaim your former glory."
"I... am nothing more than... a mere servant."
Woo stubbornly replied.
"...Are you truly choosing punishment?"
The First Disciple's voice was cold, as if a sharp blade were pressed against his throat. However, Woo had no intention of acknowledging himself as the Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan, even if a sword were to be at his neck.
"If you wish to question my sins, then go ahead."
Woo closed his eyes, his demeanor calm as if it didn't matter what happened. It was no longer the appearance of someone desperately begging for their life. In fact, it wasn't even the attitude of a typical servant.
If he were an ordinary person, he would have already been killed here and forgotten. But Yu-woon was certain that his opponent was Dan Baek-hoon, the Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan, so he couldn't act rashly.
Woo knew this as well.
"...But—"
Silence hung in the air, intensifying the tension between them, when Woo finally parted his lips.
"There is someone who knows that I am here."
"...Eliminating even the smallest nuisance without anyone noticing is not difficult, is it?"
Yu-woon spoke cruel words, but his voice was so soft that, if one wasn't paying attention, it could be mistaken for something as harmless as, "The weather's nice today." But Woo wasn't someone who let words slip past him—he understood right away that Yu-woon was threatening Yeon-jin's life.
Woo let out a faint smile. Though his face was bowed, Yu-woon could not see it, but there was a hint of mockery in his voice.
"Who do you think set up this formation?"
"..."
"Even if no one else knows, the Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan will figure it out soon enough. Are you prepared to deal with that?"
Though Woo still spoke in polite language like a servant, the meaning behind his words had long crossed the line.
Despite the respectful tone, he was blatantly threatening the First Disciple of Black Sky Clan—an audacity that left Yu-woon silent. Even so, Yu-woon's mind was racing.
'So Master really does know about Dan Woo-Hyo… Then why is Dan Woo-Hyo being held in Black Sky Clan, and why is he cooperating willingly?'
The unexpected silence dragged on, and Woo found it strange. Still, he kept his head bowed.
His identity had already been exposed anyway. But unless he openly admitted it himself, there weren't many options Yu-woon could take.
In truth, mentioning the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan was like a bird puffing up its feathers to look bigger when facing a natural predator. No matter how sharp Jin-rang was, there was no way he could have sensed the formation he had previously set up being triggered—unless he came to check for himself.
Still, if used well, even a bluff could become a brilliant strategy.
Besides, Woo knew Jin-rang well. Someone as thorough and meticulous as him wouldn't have missed that Woo had left the House of Joy. If he suddenly vanished, Jin-rang would no doubt come looking for him personally.
The First Disciple would not take that risk lightly. From the information Woo had deliberately fed him during their exchange, he'd assume the Grandmaster of the Black Sky Clan was hiding the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster. In that case, instead of dragging Woo right away, he'd opt to observe the situation further and try to gather more information.
He was the type to avoid losses, to be meticulous, and to dislike any flaws in his plans. This is a gamble.
Even so, Woo's palm was slick with sweat. The longer Yu-woon stayed silent, lost in thought, the heavier the silence became. If Yu-woon decided Woo was being arrogant and struck him, all Woo could do was take it—his body was as fragile as paper. Even if Yu-woon aimed to kill, Woo had no way to resist.
And yet, Woo didn't break. He held out, waiting and waiting until Yu-woon decided this situation wasn't suitable to carry out his plan just yet, and choose to observe a little longer.
It was, in a way, a battle of wills. And Woo believed he could win.
"So master might intervene… An amusing threat."
"..."
"Since I still don't have the confidence to surpass him, I have no choice but to step back."
Yu-woon whispered gently and leaned closer. His hand lifted Woo's chin.
"I won't ask why you've ended up in such a pitiful state. However..."
The First Disciple's finger pressed against Woo's lower lip. As it parted slightly, revealing the inside of his mouth, Yu-woon examined it coldly—then let out a faint chuckle.
"You're not a mere servant. That much is clear."
"...?"
For the first time, Woo's expression showed confusion.
"When I was young, my master once taught me how to choose a good beast. He said to look at the teeth. See if they're aligned, and how clean they are…"
It might've been unsettling to hear someone admit they'd been judging him like an animal, but Woo remained calm. Living as a servant, he'd long grown used to being treated not just like livestock but like an object. If this was meant to shake him with such an insult, it was futile.
But the First Disciple's next words caught him off guard.
"If you truly were lowborn, as you've claimed again and again, there's no way your teeth would be this even."
"...!"
Yu-woon's unexpected observation made Woo's eyes widen. His words weren't entirely wrong. Most of the servants had uneven teeth. They were either black and rotten or crooked and chipped, with many missing teeth.
Even if they weren't born that way, the rough food and harsh labor eventually ruined their teeth. Grinding them in their sleep through the night—how could any teeth survive that? Injuries during work often went untreated, and dental care wasn't even a consideration.
"I even like liars, so there's no need to worry too much. Just leave the youngest disciple and come to me. If you do that, I'll return everything the Grandmaster lost."
The First Disciple let go of Woo's hand. With his weakened body, Woo had no strength left to hold himself up and collapsed helplessly to the floor.
Yu-woon clicked his tongue at Woo's inability to even maintain his balance. Unless he was deliberately pretending to be a helpless servant to deceive him, Yu-woon couldn't understand what kind of restriction was placed on him for the former Grandmaster of the White Virtue Clan—once among the top 10 strongest in the world—to end up like this.
A strange emotion stirred in him—pity at seeing someone he had admired in his youth fall so far, and a sadistic satisfaction that stemmed from the fact that such a noble and radiant being was now at his feet.
'If only Dan Woo-Hyo would come to me of his own will…'
Yu-woon narrowed his eyes and thought, clicking his tongue. But until he could understand his master's true intentions, it seemed he would have to stay on the sidelines for now.
"Next time, I'll come again. I expect a positive answer then."
Yu-woon whispered with the clear intent of leaving no room for any other choice. Woo didn't respond at all, remaining in the same collapsed position on the floor. As if brushed by the wind, his robe fluttered briefly—and then, Mo Yong Yu-woon, First Disciple of the Black Sky Clan, had vanished without a trace.
Woo slowly raised his head. His eyes were filled with exhaustion.
He buried his face in his hands, swallowing a sigh he couldn't release.
Wouldn't it be too cruel if the result of acting on a momentary impulse led to his true identity being revealed?
***
Meanwhile, in House of Frozen Pond, a game of Go was in full swing between master and disciple. As Seung-han, grunting in frustration, continued to play, Jin-rang, comparatively more at ease, began a conversation.
"Wouldn't it have been better for me to go to Xinjiang?"
Seung-han, engrossed in the game, furrowed his brow and spoke. It was a somewhat sudden question, but Jin-rang clicked his tongue, placing a Go stone down.
"Are you asking me to send you to plant a flag in a land that has lost its master?"
"You know that's not what I mean. Still, I was born there, and I have ties there..."
It's because of those connections that you cannot go. You know very well why Black Sky Clan never expanded into Xinjiang, don't you?"
How could he not know? The Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan wanted to preserve the roots of the Heavenly Demon Cult. Even though it had fallen to the point where it could not rise again, the Heavenly Demon Cult had once lasted for a thousand years and still had the potential to revive.
It wouldn't be difficult to absorb all the survivors of the Heavenly Demon Cult and swallow up their ancient territory, the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. It was as easy as entering a house with no gatekeeper. Yet, Jin-rang refrained from venturing beyond Qinghai and Gansu out of respect as a martial artist for the Heavenly Demon Cult.
It was also a tribute to those who had perished first in the war against the Blood Cult.
"Master, you truly have no greed."
Seung-han grumbled. Since the leader of the cult had no children, Jin-rang, who was raising Seung-han, the grandson of the Supreme Elder, had a legitimate claim to assert his share in the Heavenly Demon Cult. Even so, Seung-han's master did not draw the sword.
Even though the sword was sharp enough to cut down a mountain, it was never drawn from its scabbard.
"You'll understand once you live a bit longer. A vessel's purpose is not just to be filled. It must also know how to be emptied."
The wisdom in those words felt almost like that of a celestial being. Seung-han knew that this was a level of enlightenment he could not reach at his current stage, so he grumbled.
"You truly have a way of saying that a disciple is greedy in the most refined manner."
"I wish all of you were greedy."
Jinrang examined the go stones Seunghan had placed and the current state of the game, then hummed and picked up another stone.
"I wish you would take everything you desire, and never let go."
The stone placed on the board with a *tak* emitted a lustrous shine. Seung-han's expression became strange.
He couldn't figure Jin-rang out at all. Sometimes, he acted like he knew everything, and other times, he spoke like he didn't know a thing. If it was intentional, he'd be someone with a deep, calculating mind—dangerous, even. But to Seung-han, Jin-rang didn't seem like the type who would just let Kang-oh do as he pleased. That's why Seung-han could only assume Jin-rang was completely unaware of the quiet power struggle unfolding in the Black Sky Clan.
But what he just said carried weight in more ways than one. Didn't it sound like he was knowingly turning a blind eye to the First Disciple keeping the Third Disciple in check?
"It's too difficult for a disciple like me…"
Seung-han sighed as he made his move on the board, and Jin-rang scoffed.
"You think I'll go easy on you just because you say that?"
This was exactly why Seung-han couldn't figure him out—this vague attitude. One moment, it felt like they were talking about the Black Sky Clan, but then Jin-rang would suddenly act like it was just a conversation about playing go.
Frustrated, Seung-han dared to roll his eyes at his master and muttered.
"It'd be nice if the youngest disciple stayed in the Black Sky Clan a while longer."
"Don't worry about that. Just take care of yourself."
Seunghan's lips pouted at the harsh words, but Jinrang placed his own stone and added.
"Right now, you can get away with being a carefree idler, but how long do you think that will last?"
"..?"
Seung-han's eyes widened at Jin-rang's words. But he couldn't bring himself to ask. For the first time, he was afraid to know his master's true intentions.
Did his master really want his three disciples to live in harmony? Or… did he want them to fight until blood spilled and claim the seat of the Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan?
People said he was quick-witted, but trying to read the mind of the man who taught him was still too much.
"Ugh, I don't know."
Seung-han tossed a stone and flopped onto his back. Jin-rang clicked his tongue.
"There aren't many cowards like you. I don't remember teaching you to give up before even trying… If you're too scared to face the outcome, you'll never grow."
It was an incredibly disrespectful attitude to display in front of his master. But instead of reprimanding him, Jin-rang chose to offer advice and placed his final stone.
Just like he had sensed while being outplayed the entire match, Jin-rang had won. With a composed air, like he was just sipping tea, he brought the wine cup beside him to his lips.
"I'll just stay your young disciple forever."
"Well… I guess that wouldn't be so bad either."
Jin-rang chuckled as Seung-han clung to his waist, acting playfully by his side. Then he looked out the window.
His gaze sank into the distance, quietly fixed on something far beyond what Seung-han could see.