Kang Oh stood on the path leading to the mountain forest, waiting for someone.
There was something he needed to confirm.
The Black Sky Lord's men had sent word, so it wouldn't take long. While waiting, Kang Oh found his thoughts drifting to Woo.
The truth was, Kang Oh hadn't really left Woo's side. He had stayed near the hut, unable to shake off the memory of Woo's determination—returning the medicinal ointment even after suffering burns in the process. That persistence lingered vividly in his mind, impossible to ignore.
And after watching for a little while, he had seen Woo working tirelessly, spending all day chopping wood with that dull, loose axe… No one was watching or forcing him, so why not take a break or pace himself? That stubborn, relentless determination was hard to comprehend.
Last night, the scent of blood and pus had attracted wolves to the area around Woo's hut. Kang Oh had driven them away with an intense aura, his sharp eyes glowing in the dark. He made sure they wouldn't return, even killing some in the process. Had he eliminated them all, the wolves' howls would have stopped, and their absence would have made Woo believe there was no reason for Kang Oh to remain in the area. Not that Kang Oh had any intention of listening to what a mere servant had to say, but he found himself smirking bitterly at his own behavior—considering Woo's feelings, of all things.
His mind and heart were at odds. His head told him one thing, but his actions followed an entirely different impulse, and his gaze kept drifting back to Woo.
Was that stubbornness of his just part of his nature?
Unlike the previous night, groans of pain escaped from the hut. It was the sound of someone suffering. Though the sharp ears of the Third Disciple caught the ragged breathing mixed with the groans, he stayed silent,unwilling to reveal that he was watching nearby.
Then, Woo staggered out of the hut to drink some water, only to collapse in front of the campfire. Unable to hold back any longer, Kang Oh rushed to his side.
Woo's face was twisted in agony, flushed with a fever that burned as if it might consume him. On top of the wounds on his back, the burns on his arm, and a long day of hard labor,his weakened body had finally given out. His fever was so high it seemed like he might stop breathing at any moment.
As Kang Oh turned him over, he noticed the severe blisters and cuts on Woo's palms. It must have been from that axe. He had seen Woo gripping and swinging it over and over despite its poor condition. It was no wonder his body had given out.
At this point, he couldn't see Woo as simply weak-willed. Pain breaks people easily, and only those with an unyielding reason to endure manage to hold on.
After letting Woo sip some water to moisten his throat, Kang Oh quickly searched his robes and pulled out a silk pouch containing a precious medicinal pill. Jin-rang had constantly worried about his disciple wandering outside and had packed him with various remedies. This particular pill was meant to reduce fevers and restore vitality, a costly concoction of various herbs. Without hesitation, Kang Oh pressed it into Woo's mouth.
But with Woo only half-conscious, swallowing the pill properly was impossible. When he choked and coughed, the expensive medicine tumbled to the ground.
Without hesitation, the Third Disciple took out another pill from the silk pouch, placed it in his own mouth, and pressed his lips against Woo's. It was purely to pass on the medicine. Yet, the moment their lips met, the Third Disciple felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Had he ever been in such a situation before?
But that didn't make sense. He had spent his life obsessed with the sword, never keeping a woman or man by his side. Even when families from the Black Sky Clan tried to push their children toward him, he deliberately ignored them. He didn't want to give Mo-yong Yu-woon, the First Grand Disciple, the impression that he was forming alliances.
Woo's body trembled. Shaking off his thoughts, Kang Oh pushed his tongue deeper, ensuring the medicine slid down Woo's throat. Even in his unconscious state, Woo swallowed the medicine with a gulp and struggled for breath. Slowly, Kang Oh pulled back, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss.
For this frail, pitiful body? Why?
Rising to his feet, Kang Oh frowned. Every time he encountered Woo, the servant would bow to the ground and never expressed his opinions directly. His demeanor was always frustratingly submissive. Woo embodied the very traits Kang Oh despised in people. Yet, it wasn't as though Woo's appearance had charmed him. Under the faint moonlight, Woo's face couldn't even be called attractive. A large, disfigured scar marred his features, making it seem as though he'd suffered severe burns. His body was frail and weak. If he had mastered martial arts, Kang Oh might have been intrigued by the idea of sparring. But that wasn't the case either.
So was it simply pity for a lowly servant?
Kang-oh scoffed. He wasn't the type of person to be overwhelmed by emotions. When he noticed Woo's back was in such a pitiful state, his first thought wasn't to heal him, but rather to punish the person who had dared to commit violence in broad daylight, violating the strict rules of the Black Sky Clan.
So why, then, was he lingering around Woo's side? Having just returned from a duel with a swordsman from the southern seas, the weight of the tasks he had piled up in Black Sky Clan felt immense. Despite that, Kang-oh remained on this mountain.
The sudden turmoil made Kang-oh's gaze grow cold and heavy again, but it slowly shifted back to Woo's face. Under the moonlight, the day held no charm, no magic; it was simply the sight of someone who had caused a commotion and then fallen into a deep, pitiful sleep. Lowering his gaze slightly, Kang-oh saw Woo's hand. The blisters, the tears, and even the thorns that had pierced his palm were evident.
"You're crazy. Absolutely crazy…" Kang-oh muttered to himself as he picked Woo up and carried him into the hut.
After awkwardly covering the sleeping figure with a blanket, he used his internal energy to travel to a nearby village to buy a new axe. The villagers would be shocked to find their axe gone, but the money he left behind would keep them from making a fuss.
In truth, the axe was barely worth a single silver coin, but compared to the old one, it seemed far more usable. Kang-oh removed the old, rusted axe from the stump and replaced it with the new one. The freshly sharpened blade gleamed even in the early morning light, and Kang-oh was satisfied.With this, there was little chance of Woo cutting his own palm instead of wood.
It was frustrating to think that Woo had to use his hands so roughly just because there was no proper axe. Just imagining it made him feel uneasy. The Third Disciple, resting in the tree, optimistically thought that Woo would be careful and avoid injuring himself.
But when Woo woke up in the morning and saw the axe, he glanced at it for a while, then proceeded to break branches with his bare hands to start a fire. The Third Disciple couldn't believe it. Could it be that he really didn't want to use that axe? No, he probably just didn't need the axe, thinking it would be enough to break some branches to make a fire, he tried to convince himself. However, by afternoon, his suspicion was confirmed. Woo was solving every task with his hands, as if the axe didn't exist. Picking up different branches, breaking smaller branches from trees he'd already chopped down…
It was maddening.
Unable to hold back any longer, the Third Disciple revealed himself. Woo, trembling like a leaf, was clearly reluctant to use the axe. In that case, the one who gave Woo the order to act like this would have to be dealt with.
So, the Third Disciple waited. Soon, that wait seemed to be coming to an end.
Riding up the mountain path, the Third Internal Officer was approaching on horseback.
"Th-Third Disciple!"
As the Third Internal Officer entered the mountain where Woo was staying, he hastily dismounted and bowed. Though he was curious about why the Third Disciple was here, his instinct was to lower his head first.
"It's been a while."Kang Oh spoke with a neutral expression, but his voice showed no sign of either pleasure or surprise at the sudden encounter.
'Has he been waiting for me...?!'
Something felt off. He had lowered himself and been respectful to Kang Oh countless times before, and had gone out of his way to assist the Third Disciple both materially and immaterially. But this time, Kang-oh was the one initiating the interaction, and that was the first time it had happened.
The Third Internal Officer treated Kang-oh with the same respect he showed Ye Jin-rang, the Black Sky Clan's Grand master. There were times when it seemed like Black Sky Lord's favor leaned more toward the Third Disciple than the First Disciple. The Black Sky Lord's affection for Kang-oh was so obvious that anyone who had served the Black Sky Clan for a long time would easily recognize the distinctive affection in his actions.Ye Jinlang, who was known for his sharp and unforgiving temperament, even towards the First Grand Disciple, Mo-yong yu-woon, was kind and patient only when dealing with his youngest disciple, revealing a completely different side of himself.
Ye Kang-oh, with his animal-like instincts, could clearly sense his master's affection. As his influence grew to rival that of the Grand Prince, the reason he distanced himself from the Black Sky Clan was likely clear: he had no intention of allowing any faction to form around him. The Third Disciple kept only the members of the Honam Corpse close— a group with questionable backgrounds and little interest in power struggles. By doing so, Ye Kang-oh was openly showing his disinterest in seeking the position of Black Sky Clan's leader.
The Third Internal Officer was puzzled not by Kang-oh's refusal of the wealth and power that could have been his if he wanted it, but by the Black Sky Clan leader's intent. Even though it would have been easy for him to hand it over to Kang-oh, he didn't. If he had designated Kang-oh as his successor, Kang-oh would have no choice but to obey his master's wishes without resistance. Yet, Jin-rang left his youngest disciple to do as he pleased.
Jin-rang never asked anything from Kang-oh.
Affection always comes with a price, whether emotional or material. But Jin-rang only gave it to Kang-oh without asking anything in return, as if he were his own son.
This left the more powerful members of the Black Sky Clan confused. The successor of Ye Jin-rang was supposed to be the First Grand Disciple, Mo-yong yu-woon, but Jin-rang's affection was clearly focused on the Third Disciple, Ye Kang-oh. Yet, the Third Internal Officer had always been firm in his loyalty. He had sworn allegiance only to the Black Sky Clan leader, so he decided to place all his trust in the Third Disciple, the one who his master valued most.
"The Third Internal Officer, who manages the internal affairs of the Black Sky Clan, has traveled quite a long way," Kang-oh said, his lips curling as he picked up his sword, Dan-sa.
"This is also within the Black Sky Clan's domain. I was acting on the orders of the Black Sky Clan leader." The Third Internal Officer bowed deeply, speaking in an extremely polite manner.
His once fierce face, which had clutched Woo like a wild beast, was now completely calm and composed, with no trace of his previous rough words. Kang-oh looked at him coldly, his face expressionless, as he observed the Third Internal Officer.
"While hunting here, I came across a servant who serves master."
"…Eh? Yes, Woo is here."
Surprised by the sudden question, the Third Internal Officer widened his eyes and quickly looked up, then bent his back and answered politely.
"How did he end up here?"
"Well…"
"Did you, on your own, let the master's servant wander off?"
The cold, sharp voice made the Third Internal Officer feel a chill run down his neck. The killing intent was palpable. A martial artist with the same level as the Third Disciple could convey enough killing intent to intimidate an opponent without actually intending to kill them. Though the Third Internal Officer had lived twice as long as Kang-oh in the Black Sky Clan and endured much, he had no means to counter the deadly killing intent from the Third Disciple, who was constantly fed with powerful elixirs by the Black Sky Clan's lord. He instinctively shrank back.
"Th-That can't be, right?"
"Then why is this person, who was ordered to cut down all the trees in this mountain, have this broken axe?"
Oh no!
The Third Internal Officer felt his back becoming damp. the end, sending Woo to cut the trees on the mountain was just an excuse to get him out of the way. The idea of giving him the broken axe was the Third Internal Officer's own clever idea. It would be quite satisfying to see Woo, the one who had defied the Black Sky Clan's leader, have his hands cut up. And if the axe handle broke or the blade flew off and hit his foot, wouldn't it be an "accidental injury" caused by the weapon?
"That... that is..."
"If the Black Sky Clan allocated the budget for this task carelessly, then is it your embezzlement?" Kang-oh's words, sharp and probing, made cold sweat pour down the Third Internal Officer's back.
"How could that be? Before assigning the task, I personally surveyed the mountain... The living conditions were unfavorable, and after using up the budget to prepare various items, I ended up providing equipment that was not to the Third Disciple's satisfaction. Please forgive this old man's incompetence."
The Third Internal Officer suddenly threw himself to the floor. He had calculated that if he went this far, Kang-oh wouldn't dare punish him, given his connection to the Black Sky Lord
"You admit your guilt."
"....!"
The Third Internal Officer gritted his teeth. He had risen to this position based solely on his instincts. Despite having mastered martial arts, his skill had not improved as easily as he had hoped.The only way he survived was by expertly navigating the complex social structure.
The Third Internal Officer, who had always been quick to observe the moods of the powerful Jin-rang, finally realized after several months that Jin-rang despised the servant he had taken in. Although Jin-rang never showed it openly, the officer could sense the deep hatred that ran through him. While he never physically acted on it, it was easy to tell that he secretly wished for Woo's suffering. Because of this, the Third Internal Officer began to torment Woo in front of Jin-rang. During his first attempt, he wasn't sure how far to go and was drenched in cold sweat from uncertainty. However, Jin-rang did not stop him. It was as if he silently approved. From that moment on, the Third Internal Officer found more opportunities to gain favor with the Black Sky Clan leader. Jin-rang, who rarely left his residence and preferred to send orders through the First Internal Officer, began to summon the Third Internal Officer more frequently. The loyal officer, feeling secure in his position, could now freely abuse Woo without restraint.
He thought he had done well up until now, at least until this moment.
"Just a moment ago, you asked for punishment, but now your expression changes so suddenly. Do you dare to disrespect me, the Third Disciple of the Black Sky Clan?"
It was a forced accusation. The Third Disciple, who usually never used his authority, now looked as though he might strangle the Third Internal Officer, who was pretending not to understand. He wanted to run straight to Jin-rang and report what had happened. But it wasn't an issue that could be solved by going to Jin-rang. After all, it was the Third Disciple's interest in Woo that had caused the situation. This would displease hiis lord, who ordered Woo to be removed. If he went to the Black Sky Clan's lord now, he would not find protection, but rather be punished for handling things this way.Jin-rang's favoritism toward Kang-oh had always been peculiar.
"Th-thats not it…"
To have endured this humiliation when he could have just killed Woo…
A moment of coldness flashed in the Third Internal Officer's eyes during the day. However, that cruelty was not directed toward Kang-oh, who was pressing against him, nor was it directed at the Black Sky Clan's leader, Ye Jin-rang, who had turned a blind eye to the abuse of Woo. It was solely aimed at that filthy bastard, Woo.
The Third Internal Officer, a vassal serving the Black Sky Lord, was entirely biased toward the powerful. Thus, he failed to realize the errors in his own thinking. Thus, he was completely unaware of the flaws in his own reasoning.
"You talk too much. I also have evidence that one of my master's servants was beaten by your hands. How do you explain that?"
With a sharp *shring*, the blade of Dan-sa revealed itself under the sunlight, gleaming coldly. The Third Internal Officer, who knew exactly how many skilled warriors had bled under that blade, couldn't help but feel a chill crawl up his spine. Even though Kang-oh didn't amass personal followers, his skill alone was enough to rival the First Grand Disciple, Mo-yong Yu-woon. Some even speculated that the Black Sky Lord favored his youngest disciple the most due to his unparalleled talent.
"T-There's a reason, I swear—there's a reason!" The Third Internal Officer stammered, sweat pouring down his face as he desperately tried to explain.
But no matter how much he thought, he couldn't come up with a reason to stop Kang-oh. The truth was simple—he had kicked that wretched servant simply because the sight of him irritated him. What more reason could there be?
"A reason, you say..." Kang-oh's eyes trailed the blade of Dan-sa, his expression unreadable.
The Third Internal Officer felt a chill on his neck and shut his eyes tightly. But then, in a desperate attempt to save himself, he spoke up, his voice almost a plea. He couldn't just accept punishment like this.
"I have served the Black Sky Clan faithfully for over thirty years! Surely, I am within my rights to discipline a foolish and disobedient servant! Why, then, do you question me so harshly? Is my loyalty to the Black Sky Clan worth nothing?"
"Do you think your shallow loyalty can hide the truth, like trying to block the sky with your palm?" Even as the Third Internal Officer pleaded tearfully, Kang-oh remained unmoved. Instead, he coldly asked a question of his own.
"If you believe your thirty years of service can excuse the cruelty of nearly killing my master's servant, you are deluded. The rewards for your loyalty—the wealth and honor you enjoy in your position—have already been given to you. But to use that status to harm the powerless—your sin is grave."
The Third Internal Officer gritted his teeth.
"And what will you do with me?"
"Hmm…"
Instead of responding, Kang-oh returned Dan-sa to its sheath, the blade no longer serving as a threat.
The Third Internal Officer, who had fully expected to lose his head—or at least his tongue—felt his knees buckle as he collapsed to the ground in relief. He touched his neck, as if to reassure himself it was still intact, his expression dazed. He glanced at Kang-oh's face, trying to read his expression, but Kang-oh's cold, blank demeanor gave away nothing.
"Did my master command you to act this way?"
"Of-of course not!"
The Third Internal Officer quickly shook his head, but the undeniable flicker of unease in his expression sent a sinking feeling to his chest.
Even though he thought it was unfair that Kang-oh was pushing him into a corner like this, he kept his lips tightly sealed. After all, the true power of the Black Sky Clan lay with Jin-rang, and he was one of Jin-rang's men. If he could survive Kang-oh's immediate wrath without spilling any secrets, he believed the Black Sky Lord would step in to save him. Still, remnants of resentment lingered, mixed with the terror of teetering so close to death. That fear had caused him to inadvertently react to Kang-oh's probing words.
It was clear Kang-oh had suspected the truth all along. He hadn't been looking for excuses—he had been waiting for a reaction, something to confirm his suspicions.
The Third Internal Officer felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. Kang-oh was barely half his age, a mere youngster. Yet, how could someone so young have such a keen and calculating mind?
"…So it really was as I thought," Kang-oh muttered, idly running his fingers over the hilt of Dan-sa.
He knew that the person who truly needed to take responsibility for this incident wasn't the man in front of him. The weight of that realization—knowing that the one at fault was his own master—left Kang-oh feeling conflicted.
Why? Why did it come to this?
"P-Please… Please don't tell the Black Sky Lord. I beg you… If he hears about this, I'll be punished severely for my failure," the Third Internal Officer pleaded desperately.
"Did my master order you to torment Woo?"
"N-No, my lord. Not once has such an order been given."
"..."
Despite the obvious truth of the matter, the Third Internal Officer, still flustered, continued making excuses. Kang-oh shifted his hand as if to draw Dan-sa once more, causing the Third Internal Officer to flinch and quickly bow his head.
"I-I swear! It's the truth! The Black Sky Lord merely expressed dissatisfaction with that servant, Woo. I acted on my own, interpreting his displeasure and carrying out the punishment in his stead!"
"What a ridiculous claim... By your logic, my master gave no direct orders and is therefore blameless, yet you took it upon yourself to act as if you could read his mind?"
Kang-oh's voice dropped, sharp and cold. He had already sensed Ye Jin-rang's indifference toward the abuse. Yet Kang-oh had turned a blind eye, unwilling to acknowledge it, not because he was unaware, but because he did not want to feel disappointed in his master.
Ye Jin-rang was the one who had taken him in when he had no ties to anyone. He had given him a name, a surname, and a place to belong. Though Ye Jin-rang had asked to be addressed as "master," Kang-oh understood that, in truth, he had been treated more like family. Kang-oh, who had nothing, no memories of his past, and felt empty, had been given affection, knowledge, and wisdom by Jin-rang. Everything he was today—everything he had—was because of him.
Kang-oh didn't want to question his master. He didn't want to feel betrayed.
And yet, if the man he revered as his master and lifelong benefactor had a flaw or committed wrongdoing, Kang-oh could not overlook it.
"You have a task to fulfill," Kang-oh said, his voice steady, betraying no hint of the bitterness that lingered beneath.
"Of course," The Third Internal Officer bowed deeply, his body trembling slightly.
***
Woo, who had been busy since the morning, froze at the unexpected appearance of the Third Internal Officer. He hadn't expected him to come so soon. There was still plenty of food left. Given the Third Internal Officer's usual nature, Woo figured he would wait a few days until the food was nearly gone, and then show up, tossing a sack of rotten potatoes toward him, as if to mock his hunger.
"Th-Third Internal Officer."
Woo quickly threw the branch he was holding aside and dropped to his knees in front of the Third Internal Officer. Though he had grown used to punishment, he didn't want to provoke it unnecessarily. Third Internal Officer had countless reasons to raise his hand against someone, so it was best to avoid giving him any excuse. If he made even the slightest mistake, it could be dangerous, especially in this mountain.
What's more, Kang-oh was still nearby. Woo wanted to avoid finding himself in the same situation again, where he'd have to take medicine from him.
"Ahem, ahem!"
The Third Internal Officer cleared his throat. Woo dared not lift his head, waiting anxiously.
"Get up!"
"Y-Yes... yes, My Lord…"
At the unexpected words, Woo hastily got to his feet. In his haste, he stumbled slightly and braced himself, instinctively squeezing his eyes shut, expecting the Third Internal Officer's hand to strike him. Being slapped or kicked for being too slow or clumsy was routine. Yet no matter how long he waited, the stinging pain of a slap never came. Perhaps the Third Internal Officer was planning to kick his shin instead?
"Ahem, ahem."
The repeated clearing of the officer's throat caught Woo's attention.Curious, Woo cautiously opened his eyes. For the first time, he saw the middle-aged man's face at eye level instead of looking up from the ground, where he was usually forced to bow. The expression he saw wasn't the usual cold or stern demeanor—it was oddly awkward, almost... uneasy.
Unable to make sense of it, Woo quickly lowered his gaze, choosing not to dwell on the officer's expression.
"I've brought supplies," the officer finally said.
"Y-Yes," Woo stammered.
"Make good use of them."
"Understood," Woo replied, his voice still shaky.
The Third Internal Officer hesitated, as though there was something else he wanted to say. Woo, confused, couldn't figure out why the man neither kicked him nor raised his hand. And why was he hesitating at all? Hesitation and the Third Internal Officer were two things that simply didn't go together. The man had always handed out punishments without a second thought, and Woo had always accepted it without question.
"Is there… is there anything troubling you?"
"Pardon?"
Woo instinctively lifted his head but quickly lowered it again.
"Th-There is nothing like that, none at all. I owe it all to the Black Sky Lord's grace…"
"Enough, enough. What point is there in talking to you?"
The Third Internal Officer waved his hand dismissively and turned away.
"I'm leaving."
"P-please travel saf—"
Before Woo could even finish his polite farewell, the Third Internal Officer, as if suddenly remembering something, added curtly, "Take your time with the tree-cutting. Make sure you get enough rest."
"Y-Yes? Pardon?"
"I'm going now!"
"I'm going now!"
With that abrupt remark, the Third Internal Officer stormed off in irritation. But the strangest part was that he had left his horse behind. Woo wanted to ask, *What about the horse?,* the Third Internal Officer was already far away, using lightfoot techniques to disappear into the distance.
It was odd. The Third Internal Officer usually felt deeply insecure about his mediocre martial arts skills. As a result, he rarely displayed any technique in front of others, even if it was just light-footwork, let alone swordsmanship. And yet, now he had abandoned the horse and sped off using martial arts.
On top of that, he had left behind supplies?
Everything about the situation felt odd.
Everything about the situation felt odd.
Woo hesitated as he approached the pile of supplies left behind by the Third Internal Officer. It was a collection of items, all loaded onto the horse's back. Only now did he understand why the officer had led the horse instead of riding it.
Among the items were a thick, coarse blanket, a salve for wounds—useful even if not the best quality—a bag of clean grains without a trace of sand, a bundle of dried meat, two sets of clothing including undergarments, a small knife with many practical uses, well-made utensils, and three intact bowls. There was also a sturdy axe paired with a sharpening stone, and hanging from the horse's side was even a cheap bottle of liquor.
"..."
Woo wasn't a fool.
*'Ye Kang-oh… Kang-oh… what on earth are you doing?'*
A sigh nearly escaped his lips, but he clenched his teeth to hold it back.
Thinking back, the behavior of the Third Internal Officer had been odd—clearly the actions of someone terrified. He had stammered, coughed nervously whenever he bowed, and acted stiffly as if someone were watching his every move.
There was no mistaking it—because Woo had acted the same way.
Somewhere, Kang-oh had been watching. This was his doing.
There was a blanket to provide warmth through the night, the medicinal ointment he had refused to use, and the fever-reducing medicine he had needed while suffering through the night. There was grain with no trace of sand, dried meat that could last a long time... And seeing the spoon and bowl among the items, it was clear that Kang-oh had even noticed the clumsy spoon Woo had carved and the chipped bowl he used.
The spare clothes were another reminder. Somehow, Kang-oh had known that Woo, with no other change of clothes, had to go naked while washing and drying his only set. He couldn't help but think of the first time he stood before Kang-oh in nothing but his bare skin. The back of his neck heated up at the thought. And when he saw the small knife among the items, Woo realized it must have been included after Kang-oh noticed his hands, scratched and injured from breaking branches with his bare hands.
Then there was the axe. It wasn't of the highest quality, but it was sturdy and well-made—better than anything Woo had used before. Kang-oh's consideration was evident even in this. He must have noticed that Woo hadn't dared to touch the fine axe left in the stump. If the Third Internal Officer had suddenly delivered something of excellent quality, Woo would have doubted it and refused to use it. Kang-oh had likely prepared these items to avoid such a reaction.
Clutching the clean, mold-free blanket tightly, Woo bit his lower lip. For some reason, the tears he thought had dried up long ago threatened to fall.
*'Why... why go this far…'*
Swallowing his tears, he almost felt like laughing in disbelief. It had been so long since he had even tried to smile, he couldn't remember the last time he had done so. His trembling lips, unused to forming a smile, felt foreign to him. He kept touching his face, feeling awkward and unsure. Kang-oh was probably still watching, even now. As far as Woo was concerned, it was enough for Kang-oh to see him as nothing more than a foolish servant.
Woo gathered the items sent by Kang-oh through the Third Internal Officer. He carefully stored the medicine inside the hut, laid the moldy blanket that had been on the floor down again, and placed a bundle of straw on top. The cold air from the ground would now be much less of an issue. If he covered himself with the new blanket, he could easily survive the cold night. The sack of grain was placed gently next to the rice mixed with sand that had been there before. The dried meat was hung from the ceiling to keep it away from ants or other pests that might crawl on it if it were left on the floor. As for the knives and dishes, he planned to wash them by the stream. With those thoughts, Woo continued to move busily, laying out the other items on the floor.
A pair of eyes watched Woo's every move, fixed on the back of his head, which occasionally moved.
"Was I too obvious?" Kang-oh muttered, leaning against a tree. It was clear that Woo had noticed him, as he paused every time he unpacked.
To avoid being seen, Kang-oh had climbed to a high branch, but the branch was so thin it could have been the size of a child's arm. However, the weight of Kang-oh, who used body refinement techniques, barely caused the branch to bend—his weight was no more than that of a few birds. There was a similar technique called *Cheonggeunchu*, where one could make their body feel as heavy as a thousand pounds, overwhelming their opponent with the sudden weight change in battle.
"Should I just tear the whole hut down…"
At this point, just seeing the hut was enough to irritate Kang-oh.
Since he couldn't openly defy his master, it might have been a blessing that Woo had been chased out to this faraway place.
Kang-oh's mind was in turmoil. He couldn't do anything about his master for now, so it seemed like he was trying to resolve Woo's struggles with money. He had planned to settle things soon, but seeing Woo so happy just for the bare minimum effort he had put in left him feeling bitter. He was someone who could be easily satisfied, yet it was hard to believe that he had spent eight years being treated that way. Perhaps he hadn't been easily satisfied all along; maybe he had just changed because of how harsh his circumstances had been.
Kang-oh ran a hand through his hair in frustration. If he was going to visit his master, he would need to be away for a while. He had already given the Third Internal Officer various orders and instructions to take care of what he had noticed was lacking. He thought that once everything was taken care of, he could finally leave without worry.
But instead of feeling relieved, his frustration only grew. Kang-oh couldn't figure out what this emotion was.
He thought that if he stayed a little longer, he might find the answer. However, since the Third Internal Officer had hurriedly returned to the Black Sky Clan, Kang-oh knew he had to follow soon. That way, he might be able to hear the truth from Jin-rang before any excuses could be prepared.
"Take care."
Kang-oh muttered words that the other person couldn't hear. Soon after, his figure disappeared into the mountains, vanishing without a trace.