As he reflected on the emotions he'd felt while walking with Woo throughout the afternoon, Kang-oh was in a bad mood by the time he was heading to Ilwon Pavilion. It was unusual for someone who rarely showed emotions to be frowning slightly, leading those around him to speculate that something unpleasant had happened to the Third Disciple.
The head of the Honamdan, Il-wun, did not hide his curiosity and cautiously asked, "Are you thinking of going back now?"
"Why would I do that?"
Kang-oh, unable to shake off thoughts of Woo, showed a hint of surprise at the unexpected question.
"I... I was just wondering if you were uncomfortable in today's gathering,"
It wasn't an unfounded observation. Lately, Kang-oh had been staying in Black Sky Clan longer than usual. Every day, he trained with the members of Honamdan in the practice yard, yet he seemed unusually deep in thought. Il-wun quietly observed, wondering if Kang-oh had grasped a clue leading him toward a new level of understanding. After all, it was unlikely that Kang-oh would stay in Black Sky Clan without needing Jin-rang's advice.
It had been a while since Kang-oh arrived, yet he hadn't made a move toward the Black Sky Lord. Given that snacks sent by Jin-rang were still being delivered to the training grounds, it was clear that the Black Sky Lord still held great favor for Kang-oh. Il-wun had been closely monitoring Kang-oh's state, curious about what changes might have occurred during this time.
Finally, today, a gathering was arranged under the pretext of the flower viewing, where the Black Sky Lord and his disciples would all be present. With Kang-oh appearing so uncomfortable, Il-wun couldn't help but feel tense. Moreover, he recalled that Kang-oh had been avoiding his senior disciple, Mo Yong-yun.
"I can't just refuse to go because I dislike it. It's about time I met the master and my other senior disciples," Kang-oh replied nonchalantly. He had grown used to Mo-yong yu's subtle provocations over the Black Sky Lord's position, but since he wasn't interested, it was only uncomfortable.
If Kang-oh had genuinely desired the position of the Black Sky Lord, he would have fought for it with all his might. However, everything felt like an ill-fitting garment that he did not want to wear, and that was the problem. Engaging in a power struggle with Mo Yong-yu would ultimately lead to responsibilities he was unwilling to bear, regardless of whether he won or lost.
Why would he risk his life for a position he did not even want?
He had expressed these feelings several times, but Mo Yong-yu remained suspicious. It was likely because his background as someone from the white path made it difficult for him to establish roots in the dark martial world of Black Sky Clan.
"This is frustrating," Kang-oh muttered.
Il-wun's eyes widened at the unexpected admission. His lord rarely revealed his inner thoughts like this.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Just hand me the wine you brought."
No flower viewing at night would be complete without drinks. Every disciple of the Black Sky Lord was a drinker. Including their master, Jin-rang, they all enjoyed their liquor. Even the First Disciple was easier to deal with when there was good wine involved.
Taking the wine from Il-wun, Kang-oh followed the guide into the inner part of Ilwon Hall. The sound of gold coins clinking harmoniously blended with the chirping of insects, creating a charming atmosphere.
Though it was night, Ilwon Hall was as bright as day, illuminated by countless lanterns hung for the flower viewing. Peonies of various colors bloomed vibrantly, showcasing their beauty. Most of them were also found in Hee-do Won, but as he had mentioned to Woo, the blue peonies unique to Ilwon Hall were now visible.
Kang-oh suddenly stopped in front of them, gazing quietly at the peonies.
'...Would he have liked to see this?'
He recalled Woo's deep, contemplative gaze as they walked through Hee-do Won, admiring the peonies.
The brightly blooming flowers swayed gently, shimmering in the moonlight and the soft glow of the lanterns.
"You've arrived."
At that moment, the First Disciple, Mo Yong-yu, appeared, breaking through Kang-oh's thoughts. Slowly turning his head, Kang-oh performed a formal greeting.
"Grand First Brother, it's been a while."
"Indeed. At this rate, I might forget your face."
"What good would it do to remember the face of a dark-skinned man?" Kang-oh replied nonchalantly, but the one making the remark was a strikingly handsome man who harmonized oddly well with the blue peonies blooming nearby. While Mo Yong-yu's features were more refined, there was an indescribable allure about him that captivated those who looked his way, drawing their gaze and stirring their desires.
"How cold-hearted. With you acting like this, it's no wonder the Master worries." Yong-yun said with a playful smile, as if Kang-oh were toying with Jin-rang's feelings. It was a truly malicious way to frame a joke.
"I can only feel sorry for not being able to serve the master properly as his disciple," Kang-oh replied. There was a sharper edge to his words than usual.
Yong-yun's eyes narrowed, quickly picking up on the change. The youngest disciple was unusually combative today. In the past, he would have ignored such provocations...
"You seem to be in a bad mood."
"You think so, Senior Disciple?" Kang-oh muttered, surprised by Yong-yun's apparent concern.
He was acting strange that both Il-woon and Mo Yong-yu, who often teased him during their meetings, were now so keenly interested in his feelings.
"Well, sometimes being overly enthusiastic isn't a bad thing. Where did you get this alcohol?" Mo Yong-yu asked, glancing at the bottle in Kang-oh's hand.
"It's Shao-hsing," Kang-oh replied.
"We'll get to enjoy some good wine thanks to you. Now, hurry along. The master is already waiting," Yong-yun said, urging Kang-oh to move forward.
Inside Ilwon Pavilion, Jin-rang and his second disciple, Yeom Seung-han, were already raising their cups. Unlike the stoic Kang-oh or the polite yet distant First Disciple Mo Yong-yun, Seung-han had a more easy-going demeanor.
"Why did the First Disciple personally escorted our junior disciple today?" Seung-han asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Is it so surprising for a senior to lead his junior?" Yong-yun replied with a gentle smile, prompting Seung-han to burst into laughter.
"I was shocked to see the two of them walking together! I thought perhaps a monster had transformed into a human, and it sent chills down my spine!"
Yeom Seung-han was known for speaking his mind without much filter. While he wasn't overly cautious with his words, his honesty was a refreshing trait.
Born as the second son of a well-off family, Seung-han had a carefree nature. He had ambitions but was not the type to covet what belonged to others, and he maintained a decent relationship with Yong-yu.
"Seung-han,"
Jin-rang softly called out his second disciple's name, aware that his first disciple, Kang-oh, was subtly being kept in check by Seung-han. However, he was not pleased with Seung-han bringing it up. Jin-rang wanted his disciples to share a brotherly bond.
"This mouth of mine! I'll have another drink as punishment," Seung-han said, slapping his own cheek playfully.
Despite the stern gaze of their master, Seung-han downed another glass of alcohol with a cheerful grin. By this point, Jin-rang's expression had softened a bit. Yong-yu and Kang-oh took their seats at the already prepared table of drinks.
"It's good to gather like this after such a long time," Jin-rang said, satisfaction evident in his voice. He looked around the table, taking in the sight of Yong-yun, who had grown into someone he could entrust his back to; Seung-han, who, despite his playful demeanor, cared for both his senior disciple Yong-yun and his junior disciple Kang-oh in his own way; and finally, Kang-oh, who was a source of concern for him.
"Let's raise a glass."
As Jin-rang lifted his cup, Yong-yun respectfully filled it with wine in a respectful manner and also refilled his own. Kang-oh and Seung-han's cups were also filled one after the other.
The Black Sky Lord and his disciples raised their cups and downed their drinks in one go. It was no ordinary liquor.
As the fine wine passed down their throats, the mood grew livelier. The peonies blooming around Il-won Pavilion, where the banquet was set, proudly displayed their alluring beauty. Against the backdrop of the night, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, the flowers seemed to promise eternal beauty.
As they continued to pour drinks and engage in light conversation, discussions ranged from martial principles and also shared news about each other's lives.
Jin-rang, in a more relaxed mood, turned to his disciples and spoke.
"I only have three disciples, yet it feels nearly impossible to see all of you gathered together like this."
It was, in truth, more of a complaint directed at Kang-oh. Mo-yong Yu-woon rarely left his position managing Black Sky Clan affairs, and while the Second Disciple, Yeom Seung-han, had a carefree nature, didn't wander far from Black Sky either. The difficulty of gathering the disciples lay primarily with the youngest, Kang-oh, who was often traveling outside.
Moreover, Jin-rang had spent the day quietly anxious in anticipation of this meeting. He was secretly worried about whether Kang-oh's gaze would be different from before.
"I apologize. I will stay in Black Sky Clan for the time being and visit you often, Master," Kang-oh replied, bowing his head. There was no hint of disappointment or resentment in his calm eyes. Jin-rang simply fiddled with his cup in silence. At that moment, Seung-han, who had been munching on dried fish, chimed in.
"If First Disciple also gave me that look, I'd also probably set off on a journey myself."
He pretended to give a cold glare, exaggerating for effect.
"Seung-han," Jin-rang said, frowning slightly. However, the one directly involved, Yong-yun, smiled gently and spoke.
"It's alright, Master. It seems that Seung-han has missed our youngest disciple quite a bit. If I, as the eldest, had taken better care of my disciples, I wouldn't have to hear such grievances," Yong-yu said, his tone light.
"Exactly, exactly! If the First Disciple embraces our youngest with deep affection, do you think our youngest would wander off? Isn't that right?"
As Yong-yun performed a formal greeting, Seung-han, chewing on dried fish, playfully threw an arm around Kang-oh's shoulders. Despite the friendly gesture, Kang-oh remained as unresponsive as a rock. Despite the friendly gesture, Kang-oh remained as unmoving as a rock. While anyone else might have felt awkward, Seung-han only grinned cheerfully.
Jin-rang observed his disciples with a peculiar expression. While no two people are alike under the heavens, how could they be so distinctly different? Even though they shared the same master, his disciples had vastly different personalities.
"Now that Kang-oh has decided to stay for a while, it would be good for you all to interact and build camaraderie. Once I leave, you will only have each other to rely on," Jin-rang said.
At this, Yong-yun shook his head seriously. "Why speak such sorrowful words? I will strive harder as a disciple so that you won't feel disappointed, Master."
Regardless of his true feelings, he played the role of a devoted first disciple well. Meanwhile, Seung-han chuckled at the absurdity of the statement.
"Surely, Master won't leave us for the afterlife before any of us, right? A martial artist's lifespan is determined by their skills, and I can't even come close to your level, so it's clear I'll be the first to go."
"You truly have a sharp tongue. How dare you speak of dying before your Master?" Jin-rang exclaimed, dramatically placing his chopsticks down with a thud, feigning anger. The chopsticks, though seemingly just placed down, sank cleanly into the surface of the table was a testament to Jin-rang's skill, making it all the more impressive. It was a display of martial prowess that could easily evoke a cold sweat from onlookers.
Lowering the wine cup he was about to sip from, Kang-oh calmly spoke. "What my senior disciples say is all true. Master, please refrain from such words."
His words were quiet but carried a weight that silenced the room. Knowing that Kang-oh's opinion held special sway with him, Ye Jin-rang softened his tone.
"Do you not see how much I wish for harmony among you? Back when I was waging war against the Blood Cult, I had no senior or junior disciples to rely on. But you have each other—cherish that bond." Jin-rang said earnestly.
"We will heed your teachings, Master," Yong-yu replied, performing a formal greeting and bowing his head, prompting his disciples to follow suit.
Jin-rang filled their cups again, insisting on another round of drinks, and the three disciples of the Black Sky Lord drank heartily.
"Now, youngest disciple, since the Master has spoken like this, I can't just sit quietly," Yong-yu said, setting down his cup with a friendly expression.
"Please, go ahead,"
"There's something I'd like you to help me with while you're staying in Black Sky Clan…" Yong-yu began, trailing off in a way that made Kang-oh feel slightly uneasy. However, having just received a lesson from Jin-rang about the importance of harmony among the disciples, he couldn't simply shake his head in refusal.
"I'm not sure how much help I can be, but if the senior disciple is asking, I can't just sit idly by," Kang-oh replied.
"Once the flower viewing is over, I will send a message,"
Seeing Yong-yu's cheerful demeanor and Kang-oh's stoic but compliant attitude, Jin-rang smiled brightly. "Good. It's nice to see."
Seung-han chimed in, his voice a mix of admiration and playful grumbling. "We came here for the flower viewing… but how is it that Master outshines even the peonies, looking more radiant and elegant than any of them?"
"Watch your tongue. Every time I receive guests, it's embarrassing to have my Second Disciple around." Jin-rang said, narrowing his eyes as he shot a glance at his second disciple. Despite his words, Jin-rang didn't truly find Seung-han shameful. After all, no matter what trouble he caused, Jin-rang would always be there to clean up the mess.
Moreover, Seung-han had a knack for finding the perfect spot to lie low, so he hadn't caused any major problems yet.
"Oh, then when the next visitor comes, can I just stay in my quarters and not come out at all?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
At least for now…
""Do I even need to say it? Yong-yun, make sure to keep a close eye on your second disciple," Jin-rang instructed.
"Of course. I will take good care of him to ensure that he won't cause any trouble for you, Master," Yong-yun replied, sounding every bit the responsible eldest disciple.
Meanwhile, Kang-oh, feeling the effects of the alcohol, quietly gazed at the peonies. The sight of the blooming flowers felt too beautiful to enjoy alone. Even with the Master and his senior brothers all gathered, it still felt insufficient.
"It seems our youngest has taken a liking to the peonies," Jin-rang remarked.
Kang-oh responded politely, "The blue peonies that only bloom in Ilwon Hall are beautiful, and I was captivated by their appearance."
"Shall I plant some in your garden? Even if they aren't blue, I heard that a merchant brought in some lovely red peony seeds," Jin-rang offered.
Kang-oh shook his head.
"Thanks to your care, Master, Hee-do Won blooms with flowers all year round, so I don't think we need to bring in any more," Kang-oh replied.
Jin-rang licked his lips at the thought. While Kang-oh was away from Black Sky, he could easily expand Hee-do Won as much as he liked and pretend it was all natural. However, during Kang-oh's stay, it would be nearly impossible to add even a single flower or tree to Hee-do Won. Just as he was about to voice his disappointment, Kang-oh spoke again.
"May I... take just one flower?"
Jin-rang, caught off guard by the request, took a moment to respond. "…Go ahead."
As soon as he received permission, Kang-oh stood up. Jin-rang was surprised; he had intended to command his disciple to fetch a flower, but it seemed Kang-oh had taken the initiative. He didn't appear to be drunk yet, but...
Yong-yu and Seung-han also looked at Kang-oh with a hint of surprise.
Walking among the brightly blooming blue peonies, Kang-oh seemed to blend into the night, exuding a peculiar atmosphere. As he carefully examined each flower, Seung-han stroked his chin thoughtfully.
'Is he this enamored with flowers?'
Seung-han, who had no qualms about expressing his inner thoughts, secretly clicked his tongue. He knew that Kang-oh was too hardened to harbor something like romantic feelings. In Seung-han's eyes, Kang-oh was the kind of person who would spend his entire life embracing only the sword and meditating on martial pursuits. Despite this, Yong-yu remained wary of the youngest disciple, feeling uneasy about Jin-rang's affection for Kang-oh.
Meanwhile, Kang-oh was becoming intoxicated more quickly than usual. Perhaps half the reason he was wandering about, picking flowers himself, was due to the rising inebriation. Seeing the peonies made him think of Woo. Strangely, he couldn't shake those thoughts away. Despite the martial artist's discipline of maintaining a clear mind, like a still and untainted pond, Kang-oh's focus wavered more often than it should.
He wasn't sure if this was because of his disappointment in their Master's underhanded vengeance or because of the sympathy he felt for Woo.
The mixed emotions within him were not something he could easily weigh on a scale.
Kang-oh focused intently on the peonies. Some flowers caught his eye for their lush beauty, while others attracted him with their delicate petal shapes. As he pondered what Woo might like, his expression naturally turned contemplative.
Yong-yu woon watched Kang-oh as he fiddled with his cup, observing the way he selected flowers. The peonies and Kang-oh seemed to complement each other beautifully, as if their master's radiant beauty was reflected in the flowers. Although their appearances were distinctly different, there was a shared essence between them. This sense of familiarity was not felt only by Yong-yu; others in Black Sky Clan often whispered about how Kang-oh resembled Jin-rang in certain ways.
It was only natural to feel tense. No matter how deep the bond between the master has with his disciples, blood was thicker than water. At least, in Mo Yong-yu's world, that was the case. He had to be prepared for the moment when Jin-rang might suddenly want to pass everything on to Kang-oh.
Jin-rang looked at Yong-yu, who was gulping down his drink with a satisfied expression.
"You've really grown a lot since that day."
"It's all thanks to you, Master, for saving my life and taking me in. If not for you, how could I have grown into someone capable of carrying my own weight?"
It was Jin-rang who had found the trembling child among the ruins of the Mo Yong family after the Blood Cult's attack. Unable to turn a blind eye to the lone survivor, Jin-rang took Yong-yu in.
'Taking responsibility for a life is not an easy decision,'
Ye Jin-rang's lips curled into a twisted smile as he recalled the voice of a man who had once tried to dissuade him. A voice so steady, upright, and tender that it felt as if one could see the heart behind it. That was a different time.
Jin-rang lifted his glass, hiding his lips behind it. No matter how much he tried to suppress the past, the memories surfaced vividly. Those lingering emotions, unresolved and without a recipient to return to, had long since become a poison Jin-rang could only swallow alone.
What good is it to reach the pinnacle of martial arts? Even with power and authority that would make one second to none in the Central Plains, he remained shackled by the past. Being born human was a truly harsh ordeal. There were so many burdens too heavy to bear alone, and when he opened his heart to others out of loneliness, betrayal was inevitable.
No matter how much one trusted or loved...
Living altogether was a painful thing.
"I will take my leave now."
At Jin-rang's words, even Kang-oh, who had been selecting flowers, turned to look. However, Jin-rang had already stood up, intending to leave.
The alcohol that slid down his throat no longer tasted sweet. Jin-rang had memories that overshadowed even the pleasant aroma of the wine.
"Take care,"
Understanding the unpredictable nature of their master, Yong-yu rose without a word and performed a formal greeting to see Jin-rang off. Seung-han also set down his cup and offered a bow to Jin-rang. As Jin-rang passed by his disciples and approached Kang-oh, who stood by the peonies, he affectionately ruffled the youngest disciple's hair.
"See you next time." Jin-rang murmured softly before disappearing into the night. His high-level qinggong skill left only a breeze in the place he had just occupied.
As Yong-yu and Seung-han sat back down, exchanging cups of wine, Kang-oh stood still in front of a single peony.
"Bring me a vase," Kang-oh commanded, finally seeming to have chosen a flower. When a servant brought a dark ceramic vase filled with water, Kang-oh carefully plucked a single peony and placed it atop the vase. The flower, with its neatly trimmed leaves, boasted a lush and vibrant appearance, a testament to the effort he had put into selecting it.
Kang-oh seemed particularly fond of the blue peony, adjusting the leaves and branches as he turned it this way and that, ensuring the petals didn't get too wet.
"For a while, the youngest disciple's room will be brightened up," Seung-han said with a playful smile.
"..."
Kang-oh remained silent, unable to respond. The thought of having chosen such a carefully selected flower just to bring it to a mere servant's quarters felt too trivial to voice. Unnecessary attention was not something Woo needed. Although Ye Jin-rang had left early, there was no way the conversation they had today would escape his ears.
"Thank you for allowing me to take the flower," Kang-oh said, bowing to Yong-yu as he held the vase.
"By the way, thanks to the Grand Senior Disciple for arranging such a nice setting, we got to see the precious side of our junior disciple. Who would have thought he would be so entranced by flowers?!"
Yong-yu, who had been quietly listening to Seung-han's flattery, smiled gently.
"Since the Master is in good health, let's make it a point to gather often," The words felt insincere. However, Mo Yong-yu's face appeared to be filled with genuine sincerity.
"Is there anything else? I already feel the alcohol rising, and I want to return before I make a fool of myself,"
"Then go ahead,"
As Yu-woon waved his hand dismissively, granting Kang-oh permission to leave, Seung-han seemed to follow suit, opening his mouth as if to speak.
"I'll head in as well. For some reason, I don't feel like drinking much today."
"Alright. Make sure to rest well,"
Yong-yu was the last to remain in Ilwon Hall. He filled his cup with the Shao-hsing wine that Kang-oh had brought and quietly watched as the two disciples exited the Ilwon Pavilion.
"Peonies..."
Kang-oh had enjoyed the beauty of flowers for quite some time, but strangely, the word felt awkward on his tongue, as if it were caught.
Yong-yun's dark gaze lingered on the spot where Kang-oh had just been.
"Wow, the senior disciple is still as fierce as ever, isn't he?" Seung-han joked as they stepped out of Ilwon Hall.
Kang-oh, holding the basin, responded. "I think it's because he's carrying a heavy burden as the eldest disciple,"
"There's no need for pretense when there's no one to hear," Seung-han replied, a faint smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.
"I respect the senior disciple, but I also quite like you. You may be a bit gruff, but you're still a younger brother to me," Seung-han said.
"I sometimes wonder how you can make such embarrassing statements with a straight face."
"What a shame that our eldest disciple never gets to see such humorous side of you, Kang-oh!"
"I do hope he will come to realize my goodwill one day," Kang-oh replied, his tone light. He then gazed at the dark basin in his hands. The blue peony shimmered softly in the moonlight.
Would Woo like it if I placed it by the window?
"He probably won't," Seung-han's subdued voice pierced through Kang-oh's thoughts. Looking up, he was met with Seung-han's surprisingly serious expression.
"He will remain oblivious until the end. That's why I'm worried about you. The way you keep wandering outside of Black Sky Clan and your quiet endurance—aren't they all to avoid clashing with the First Disciple?"
After a moment of silence, Seung-han revealed the thoughts he had been holding inside.
"Why not just have a good fight? The conflict can't be resolved if you never clash. Isn't it healthier for your relationship??"
Seung-han's words reflected the frustration he had felt over the years as a buffer between the two disciples. Kang-oh understood what he meant, but he had no intention of confronting Yong-yu.
"…Master wishes for harmony among his disciples," Kang-oh replied slowly. "Since he saved our lives, we should repay him, shouldn't we?"
"The Master won't blame you," Seung-han insisted.
"I know." Kang-oh gently caressed the petals of the peony as he added, "That's more the reason why I can't."
While there was no guarantee that he would win if he fought Yong-yun, he also didn't believe he would lose. Still, he chose to step back and observe the situation, thinking of Jin-rang. In his old age, the only wish he had was for his disciples to live in harmony. Kang-oh didn't want to shatter that hope.
The attitudes of Jin-rang and Kang-oh toward each other were entirely different, like a chain of tails linking together. Yet, the fundamental emotions mirrored each other as if reflected in a mirror.
Just as Jin-rang cherished Kang-oh, Kang-oh revered Jin-rang, wishing that his existence would not become a burden to him. The Jin-rang he knew would never voice his disappointment in his disciples or scold them. Therefore, Kang-oh's actions were bound to be cautious.
"The Master will accept whatever I do," Kang-oh said.
He was the kind of master who would even hand over the son of an enemy he couldn't bring himself to kill. Jin-rang raised Yong-yun as his successor and treated Seung-han like a disobedient friend, but he was different with Kang-oh. He cherished him like a work of art crafted from his own blood and flesh.
"Receiving such favor from the Black Sky Lord means I am actually in a position of great influence.,"
"If that's how you feel, I won't stop you. But be careful," Seung-han warned.
He understood that while Kang-oh might seem gruff, he had depth. However, there was always an end to patience. Seung-han felt that the Senior Disciple was nearing that limit.
"While the Master is still in control, I think it will be fine," Kang-oh replied.
"And after that?"
Kang-oh did not answer. He simply moved forward, cradling the dark basin filled with the peony.
'What will happen when the Master's time comes to an end and the Grand First Disciple becomes the lord of Black Sky Clan? Will you think of leaving then?'
Swallowing the thoughts he couldn't voice, Seung-han clicked his tongue in frustration.