News of their lord's arrival quickly spread, and Honamdan members gathered at the training grounds. Even if they weren't directly sparring partners, watching a powerful martial artist in action could often aid in their own skills development. Observing how techniques were used in specific situations, how to escape danger, or how to respond to unexpected scenarios—all these were valuable lessons.
Kang-oh, with his frequent experiences sparring with external martial artists and being a skilled master himself, was someone the Honamdan members looked forward to facing. After a match, they often left feeling exhausted but enriched with knowledge.
Once Kang-oh took his position in the training ground, a man stepped forward.
"I am Jin-seo. I've been practicing the Swift Sword Technique."
"Very well. Step forward," Kang-oh replied.
The man, clad in training gear, took up a wooden sword and assumed a stance. In contrast, Kang-oh stood with his hands relaxed at his sides. To the eyes of someone untrained, it might have seemed like he was leaving himself open. Even without adopting any defensive posture, Kang-oh had no openings. It was an achievement rarely seen at his age, and Woo silently marveled at it.
Jin-seo, a member of the Dark Cloud Society, cautiously initiated his first technique. The Swift Sword Technique was known for its speed and fluidity. When fully mastered, it would make it nearly impossible for an opponent to track the blade's movements.
But it wasn't perfect yet.
Even as Jin-seo's attack reached right under Kang-oh's chin, Kang-oh didn't move. To the onlookers, it seemed like the wooden sword would strike him at any moment, causing the onlookers to tense up. Woo clenched his fists tightly.
He'll be fine... right?
At that moment, Kang-oh's wooden sword smoothly deflected Jin-seo's attack. With just a light tap to Jin-seo's side, an overwhelming force caused him to stagger back. It took three full steps and a quick use of his footwork technique to regain his balance. Even after his first attempt ended in failure, Jin-seo immediately shifted back into an attack stance. It was clear that the habit of seeking the next opportunity, whether in training or real combat, was deeply ingrained in him. Never giving up was essential not only in sparring but also in real combat.
"When the Swift Blade is truly fearsome, it steals the opponent's time. But you haven't yet learned to make time your ally," Kang-oh explained, having held his ground until the last moment to impart this lesson.
"A quick sword that doesn't overwhelm in speed is no better than a heavy sword that's lost its weight."
With that, Kang-oh lightly pushed off the ground and charged toward Jin-seo. The movement happened so swiftly that it seemed as if he'd disappeared for a moment. The sheer speed caused Jin-seo to lose sight of Kang-oh's form. Swinging his sword at empty air in panic, Jin-seo created an opening, and Kang-oh exploited it. Before Jin-seo could react, Kang-oh's wooden sword was already pressed against his neck.
Even though the sword was not sharp, the contact felt as chilling as if a blade had been drawn against him.
"Never take your eyes off your opponent's sword until the very end. The moment you lose focus is the moment your opponent finds an opportunity. Do not swing your sword aimlessly in the air. If you encounter a martial artist with unusual footwork, you will only expose your weaknesses," Kang-oh instructed.
"I will engrave your teachings in my heart," Jin-seo replied earnestly, bowing his head in respect.
Kang-oh stepped back as Jin-seo bowed respectfully with clasped hands. Despite not having engaged in a fierce clash, it was evident that he had exhausted his energy.
"Next!" At Kang-oh's call, the next Honamdan member stepped into the training hall without delay.
"My name is Do-kyeong. I primarily practice the Three Elements Sword Technique." she announced.
The woman, standing confidently, appeared as solid as steel.
"Have you not studied other sword techniques? I told that the Honamdan members could borrow martial arts manuals from my collection."
"The Three Elements Sword Technique suits me best," she replied.
"Fair enough. It may be common, but it's a classic of the martial world. If you can channel your strength properly, it can easily overpower someone clumsily using even top-tier techniques."
Kang-oh motioned with his hand.
"Let me see your swordsmanship."
As the sparring match seemed about to begin, Woo tensed up again. Noticing this, Il-woon, standing beside him, suddenly spoke up.
"How strange."
"…Are you speaking to me?" Woo asked, startled.
"Yes. You're the guest who came with my master, aren't you?" Il-wun replied, and upon confirming that he was indeed speaking to him, Woo took a moment before responding.
"W-what do you find strange?" Woo asked, a bit hesitant.
"It's just that it's the first time I've seen the master act in such a showy manner," Il-woon replied.
"Sh-showy?" Woo asked again, genuinely puzzled.
"Considering Jin-seo's turn, it struck me that he remained still to impart the essence of the Swift Blade Technique. Normally, the master would initiate the attack himself, overwhelming the opponent's moves as a way of teaching." Il-wun elaborated.
Il-woon's point wasn't wrong. However, from Woo's perspective, Kang-oh's decision to wait until the last moment had made it easier for the first sparring partner to grasp the lesson.
"B-but waiting until the last moment to deflect the attack might have made the lesson resonate more deeply, right?" Woo suggested.
"Ah, you noticed that?" Il-wun replied, intrigued.
Woo quickly averted his gaze, realizing he had inadvertently revealed his understanding of martial arts. Fortunately, Il-woon did not press further on the matter.
"It seems that the Master usually values efficiency, so his teaching style is direct and quick. You have to pick things up on your own. But today, he's oddly kind."
'Isn't Kang-oh naturally kind?'
Woo tilted his head, finding Il-woon's comment strange. While Kang-oh could come across as blunt, Woo thought his nature was more compassionate.
Il-woon, on the other hand, still looked confused and added, "It's not like he has anyone to impress… I just don't get it."
Smack!
Something flew through the air and struck Il-woon's forehead. He rubbed his head, looking up to see Kang-oh standing in the center of the training ground, frowning at him.
"Be quiet."
"My apologies, My Lord." Il-woon replied, bowing slightly.
As Il-woon resumed his stance, Kang-oh turned back to the sparring match. Do-kyeong, gripping the hilt of her sword, began to unfold her techniques.
Her swordplay was straightforward and grounded in fundamentals. It wasn't as fast as the Swift Blade nor did it possess the dazzling flair of other styles, but once the blades met, it was difficult to disengage. The force behind her strikes could easily leave the opponent's hands tingling from the impact.
However, Do-kyeong's sword was not excessively heavy. Kang-oh countered each of her techniques with the same Three Elements Sword technique, parrying her strikes with precision. He responded to her downward cuts with his own, maintaining a composed and serious expression throughout.
This was truly the essence of sparring. Initially, Do-kyeong held her ground, but as the match progressed, it became evident that she was starting to struggle; her hands began to tremble, causing the tip of her sword to shake as well.
"Stay focused. By choosing the Three Elements Sword Technique, you are more likely to end up in a battle of endurance when facing someone with similar skill. You lack a technique that can overwhelm your opponent in an instant. Therefore, you must not show signs of fatigue. Your opponent will notice even the slightest tremor in your sword," Kang-oh instructed.
Do-kyeong bit her lip. With a determined glare, she gripped her sword and attacked Kang-oh, faster and more precisely than before.
"Good. Making your opponent underestimate your abilities before launching a counterattack is a valid strategy. Or..."
"Ugh!"
"Or you can just push through with force."
When Kang-oh struck down with his sword, Do-kyeong staggered back, pushed by the force of the blow. Her hands tightened around the sword's hilt so hard that her fingers turned white.
However, her movements had stiffened, and she was no longer in a state to continue the duel.
"You have a solid, straightforward sword technique. If you continue to train like this, you will be rewarded with skill,"
"Thank you," Do-gyeong said as she bowed and stepped back from the training ground.
Despite having faced two opponents, Kang-oh showed no signs of fatigue. The only indication of exertion was a light layer of dust settling on the hem of his clothing.
Woo watched in admiration. While honing one's skills was something any swordsman could do, providing tailored guidance to opponents was an entirely different matter. First, one had to have the necessary skill. Second, one needed insight. Third, knowledge of various martial techniques was essential.
Kang-oh seemed to embody all of these qualities.
As he turned to await his next opponent, Kang-oh noticed Woo's gaze directed at him, which took him by surprise. It would be a lie to say he hadn't intended to draw attention, but Woo's reaction was more intense than he had anticipated. While he hadn't learned martial techniques himself, it seemed that, having worked in Black Sky Clan for a long time, Woo had developed a certain interest in martial arts.
The final opponent to step into the training ground was an older man. Unlike the previous two members of the Honamdan, he did not wield a sword.
"I am Ban-wi. I use a whip," he announced.
"A whip, huh? That's a tricky weapon to handle," Kang-oh remarked, and the man grinned in response.
"I obtained a decent secret technique in my youth, and I've been training with it ever since. I've only recently become proficient enough to bring it out. Please teach me a thing or two,"
"Though I don't know much about it, I'll do my best," Kang-oh replied bluntly, gesturing for Ban-wi to begin.
Ban-wi immediately launched an attack with his whip. He had said he had learned a secret technique, and his movements were indeed fluid, almost as if the whip were alive, demonstrating great agility.
"A weapon like the whip, capable of attacking at a long range, is very convenient. It can block the opponent's approach right off the bat." Kang-oh explained, parrying each of Ban-wi's strikes. To an onlooker, it appeared that Ban-wi was successfully preventing Kang-oh from closing the distance between them.
However, Woo wasn't too worried. The whip had a critical weakness.
"But like this—" Kang-oh walked straight into the range of Ban-wi's descending whip. Ban-wi, caught off guard, tried to retract the whip, but since he was in the middle of an attack sequence, stopping abruptly was impossible. The whip lashed out like a living snake, rushing toward Kang-oh.
A few people looked away, but Woo kept his eyes fixed on Kang-oh. His composure was not what one would expect from someone unfamiliar with martial arts.
Il-woon, witnessing this, couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly. Unlike other Honamdan members, he knew that the master's guest was a servant. Because of this, Woo's unshakable attitude seemed odd, but it also made Il-woon wonder if Kang-oh kept him around because of that boldness.
"…"
As expected, Kang-oh effortlessly snatched the end of the whip aimed at him, executing a technique as precise as a hawk catching its prey.
"Any master beyond a certain level would be able to catch a whip like this. And…"
Kang-oh yanked the whip forcefully. Ban-wi, who was trying to hold on to it, lost his balance and was dragged towards Kang-oh. However, he managed to execute a footwork technique just in time to stop himself before he was pulled completely toward Kang-oh. As he desperately braced himself, the whip became taut, almost as if it would snap.
"You've left an opening," Kang-oh remarked, releasing the whip and gesturing for Ban-wi to come again.
Ban-wi gritted his teeth. The reason he had chosen the unfamiliar weapon, the whip, was because he trusted Kang-oh's teachings. Now that he had been given this opportunity, he knew he had to exert all his strength and learn from the advice Kang-oh would give him.
Ban-wi's attacks became more fluid and aggressive, shedding any hesitation he had shown earlier. The whip sliced through the air with a sharp sound that seemed to cut the very flesh. Woo furrowed his brow, not out of concern for Kang-oh, but because Ban-wi's enthusiasm appeared to be overflowing.
"The whip has another disadvantage," Despite the relentless whipping, Kang-oh remained calm and skillfully deflected the strikes. As he executed his footwork, his movements became agile and precise. Ban-ui anticipated Kang-oh would strike from the right and defended accordingly, but Kang-oh had already shifted to the left. In an attempt to block, Ban-ui swung his whip, but Kang-oh once again changed direction and appeared on the right.
"It's that the movements are too large." Kang-oh pointed out, bringing his wooden sword to Ban-wi's neck.
"Do not panic when your opponent closes in. Instead, observe calmly where they are targeting. It's also a valid strategy to retreat and create distance by employing your footwork."
Having been thoroughly outmatched, Ban-wi sheathed his whip and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your teachings."
As Ban-wi stepped back, Woo gazed at Kang-oh, who stood tall in the center of the training ground. No longer just a boy to be protected, he was now a formidable swordsman.
The sun seemed to embrace Kang-oh, making him shine even brighter.
Although Kang-oh was skilled, even he seemed slightly winded after facing three warriors. A bead of sweat formed on his forehead, but he casually wiped it away with his sleeve as if it were nothing.
"Il-woon! You join in too!"
The sudden command rang out like thunder. Il-woon, who had been standing beside Woo, reacted immediately.
"Me, Master?" Il-wun responded, surprised.
"It would be a shame to end it here. Spar with me." Kang-oh's gesture was inviting, but his expression burned with unspent fighting spirit. It was as if the flames of a blacksmith's forge glowed in his eyes. Woo couldn't help but clench his fists at the sight.
He wanted to wield a sword, to spar with Kang-oh.
His mouth felt dry. His body might have weakened to the point where even fulfilling basic tasks was difficult, let alone practicing martial arts. But seeing Kang-oh beckon like that, he yearned to run forward and clash blades with him.
He wanted to measure Kang-oh's depths by crossing swords. To feel the strength behind Kang-oh's blade, predict his next move, and use techniques that would throw his focus and earn his admiration. He wanted to fight until their breaths were ragged, their energy drained to the last drop.
Seeing Kang-oh as a swordsman reignited the competitive spirit he thought had withered away. Woo gripped the hem of his clothing tightly, struggling to contain that fervent desire.
The path from his throat to his chest felt ablaze with longing.
"Please, go easy on me,"
Woo snapped back to reality at Il-wun's words, swallowing a bitter smile. It was Il-woon, not him, whom Kang-oh had called to the training ground.
The reality was clear: Woo couldn't even spar briefly with Kang-oh. Just brushing against the wooden sword, imbued with Kang-oh's immense strength, would leave him spitting blood and flying a dozen meters. He was no longer someone who could function as a swordsman.
He looked down at his palms. He had sacrificed his own martial prowess and healthy body to save Kang-oh, and he had no regrets about that.
But to survive in such a miserable state... that alone was unbearable.
For two years, he had lain bedridden, alternating between thoughts of revenge and dreams of returning to the person he used to be. When confined to a sickbed, there's little else to do but think.
In the end, however, Woo's resolve broke when he realized his body would never again follow his will. It had been hard to accept, but once his determination crumbled, he had no choice but to resign himself to reality.
Il-woon soared into the air, using his technique to glide above the training ground. Woo could only watch his trajectory with his eyes.
Knowing he would never again fly as he once had, Woo's gaze sank with a heaviness akin to a bird with broken wings.
Only one person noticed the pitiful expression of the servant.
'That face is…'
After a series of duels, Kang-oh had been curious about what kind of expression Woo would have. That was all there was to his glance at Woo as he called for Il-woon.
Il-woon, on the other hand, still looked confused and added, "It's not like he has anyone to impress… I just don't get it."
Smack!
Something flew through the air and struck Il-woon's forehead. He rubbed his head, looking up to see Kang-oh standing in the center of the training ground, frowning at him.
"Be quiet."
"My apologies, My Lord." Il-woon replied, bowing slightly.
As Il-woon resumed his stance, Kang-oh turned back to the sparring match. Do-kyeong, gripping the hilt of her sword, began to unfold her techniques.
Her swordplay was straightforward and grounded in fundamentals. It wasn't as fast as the Swift Blade nor did it possess the dazzling flair of other styles, but once the blades met, it was difficult to disengage. The force behind her strikes could easily leave the opponent's hands tingling from the impact.
However, Do-kyeong's sword was not excessively heavy. Kang-oh countered each of her techniques with the same Three Elements Sword technique, parrying her strikes with precision. He responded to her downward cuts with his own, maintaining a composed and serious expression throughout.
This was truly the essence of sparring. Initially, Do-kyeong held her ground, but as the match progressed, it became evident that she was starting to struggle; her hands began to tremble, causing the tip of her sword to shake as well.
"Stay focused. By choosing the Three Elements Sword Technique, you are more likely to end up in a battle of endurance when facing someone with similar skill. You lack a technique that can overwhelm your opponent in an instant. Therefore, you must not show signs of fatigue. Your opponent will notice even the slightest tremor in your sword," Kang-oh instructed.
Do-kyeong bit her lip. With a determined glare, she gripped her sword and attacked Kang-oh, faster and more precisely than before.
"Good. Making your opponent underestimate your abilities before launching a counterattack is a valid strategy. Or..."
"Ugh!"
"Or you can just push through with force."
When Kang-oh struck down with his sword, Do-kyeong staggered back, pushed by the force of the blow. Her hands tightened around the sword's hilt so hard that her fingers turned white.
However, her movements had stiffened, and she was no longer in a state to continue the duel.
"You have a solid, straightforward sword technique. If you continue to train like this, you will be rewarded with skill,"
"Thank you," Do-gyeong said as she bowed and stepped back from the training ground.
Despite having faced two opponents, Kang-oh showed no signs of fatigue. The only indication of exertion was a light layer of dust settling on the hem of his clothing.
Woo watched in admiration. While honing one's skills was something any swordsman could do, providing tailored guidance to opponents was an entirely different matter. First, one had to have the necessary skill. Second, one needed insight. Third, knowledge of various martial techniques was essential.
Kang-oh seemed to embody all of these qualities.
As he turned to await his next opponent, Kang-oh noticed Woo's gaze directed at him, which took him by surprise. It would be a lie to say he hadn't intended to draw attention, but Woo's reaction was more intense than he had anticipated. While he hadn't learned martial techniques himself, it seemed that, having worked in Black Sky Clan for a long time, Woo had developed a certain interest in martial arts.
The final opponent to step into the training ground was an older man. Unlike the previous two members of the Honamdan, he did not wield a sword.
"I am Ban-wi. I use a whip," he announced.
"A whip, huh? That's a tricky weapon to handle," Kang-oh remarked, and the man grinned in response.
"I obtained a decent secret technique in my youth, and I've been training with it ever since. I've only recently become proficient enough to bring it out. Please teach me a thing or two,"
"Though I don't know much about it, I'll do my best," Kang-oh replied bluntly, gesturing for Ban-wi to begin.
Ban-wi immediately launched an attack with his whip. He had said he had learned a secret technique, and his movements were indeed fluid, almost as if the whip were alive, demonstrating great agility.
"A weapon like the whip, capable of attacking at a long range, is very convenient. It can block the opponent's approach right off the bat." Kang-oh explained, parrying each of Ban-wi's strikes. To an onlooker, it appeared that Ban-wi was successfully preventing Kang-oh from closing the distance between them.
However, Woo wasn't too worried. The whip had a critical weakness.
"But like this—" Kang-oh walked straight into the range of Ban-wi's descending whip. Ban-wi, caught off guard, tried to retract the whip, but since he was in the middle of an attack sequence, stopping abruptly was impossible. The whip lashed out like a living snake, rushing toward Kang-oh.
A few people looked away, but Woo kept his eyes fixed on Kang-oh. His composure was not what one would expect from someone unfamiliar with martial arts.
Il-woon, witnessing this, couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly. Unlike other Honamdan members, he knew that the master's guest was a servant. Because of this, Woo's unshakable attitude seemed odd, but it also made Il-woon wonder if Kang-oh kept him around because of that boldness.
"…"
As expected, Kang-oh effortlessly snatched the end of the whip aimed at him, executing a technique as precise as a hawk catching its prey.
"Any master beyond a certain level would be able to catch a whip like this. And…"
Kang-oh yanked the whip forcefully. Ban-wi, who was trying to hold on to it, lost his balance and was dragged towards Kang-oh. However, he managed to execute a footwork technique just in time to stop himself before he was pulled completely toward Kang-oh. As he desperately braced himself, the whip became taut, almost as if it would snap.
"You've left an opening," Kang-oh remarked, releasing the whip and gesturing for Ban-wi to come again.
Ban-wi gritted his teeth. The reason he had chosen the unfamiliar weapon, the whip, was because he trusted Kang-oh's teachings. Now that he had been given this opportunity, he knew he had to exert all his strength and learn from the advice Kang-oh would give him.
Ban-wi's attacks became more fluid and aggressive, shedding any hesitation he had shown earlier. The whip sliced through the air with a sharp sound that seemed to cut the very flesh. Woo furrowed his brow, not out of concern for Kang-oh, but because Ban-wi's enthusiasm appeared to be overflowing.
"The whip has another disadvantage," Despite the relentless whipping, Kang-oh remained calm and skillfully deflected the strikes. As he executed his footwork, his movements became agile and precise. Ban-ui anticipated Kang-oh would strike from the right and defended accordingly, but Kang-oh had already shifted to the left. In an attempt to block, Ban-ui swung his whip, but Kang-oh once again changed direction and appeared on the right.
"It's that the movements are too large." Kang-oh pointed out, bringing his wooden sword to Ban-wi's neck.
"Do not panic when your opponent closes in. Instead, observe calmly where they are targeting. It's also a valid strategy to retreat and create distance by employing your footwork."
Having been thoroughly outmatched, Ban-wi sheathed his whip and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your teachings."
As Ban-wi stepped back, Woo gazed at Kang-oh, who stood tall in the center of the training ground. No longer just a boy to be protected, he was now a formidable swordsman.
The sun seemed to embrace Kang-oh, making him shine even brighter.
Although Kang-oh was skilled, even he seemed slightly winded after facing three warriors. A bead of sweat formed on his forehead, but he casually wiped it away with his sleeve as if it were nothing.
"Il-woon! You join in too!"
The sudden command rang out like thunder. Il-woon, who had been standing beside Woo, reacted immediately.
"Me, Master?" Il-wun responded, surprised.
"It would be a shame to end it here. Spar with me." Kang-oh's gesture was inviting, but his expression burned with unspent fighting spirit. It was as if the flames of a blacksmith's forge glowed in his eyes. Woo couldn't help but clench his fists at the sight.
He wanted to wield a sword, to spar with Kang-oh.
His mouth felt dry. His body might have weakened to the point where even fulfilling basic tasks was difficult, let alone practicing martial arts. But seeing Kang-oh beckon like that, he yearned to run forward and clash blades with him.
He wanted to measure Kang-oh's depths by crossing swords. To feel the strength behind Kang-oh's blade, predict his next move, and use techniques that would throw his focus and earn his admiration. He wanted to fight until their breaths were ragged, their energy drained to the last drop.
Seeing Kang-oh as a swordsman reignited the competitive spirit he thought had withered away. Woo gripped the hem of his clothing tightly, struggling to contain that fervent desire.
The path from his throat to his chest felt ablaze with longing.
"Please, go easy on me,"
Woo snapped back to reality at Il-wun's words, swallowing a bitter smile. It was Il-woon, not him, whom Kang-oh had called to the training ground.
The reality was clear: Woo couldn't even spar briefly with Kang-oh. Just brushing against the wooden sword, imbued with Kang-oh's immense strength, would leave him spitting blood and flying a dozen meters. He was no longer someone who could function as a swordsman.
He looked down at his palms. He had sacrificed his own martial prowess and healthy body to save Kang-oh, and he had no regrets about that.
But to survive in such a miserable state... that alone was unbearable.
For two years, he had lain bedridden, alternating between thoughts of revenge and dreams of returning to the person he used to be. When confined to a sickbed, there's little else to do but think.
In the end, however, Woo's resolve broke when he realized his body would never again follow his will. It had been hard to accept, but once his determination crumbled, he had no choice but to resign himself to reality.
Il-woon soared into the air, using his technique to glide above the training ground. Woo could only watch his trajectory with his eyes.
Knowing he would never again fly as he once had, Woo's gaze sank with a heaviness akin to a bird with broken wings.
Only one person noticed the pitiful expression of the servant.
'That face is…'
After a series of duels, Kang-oh had been curious about what kind of expression Woo would have. That was all there was to his glance at Woo as he called for Il-woon.
But the look Woo gave from behind Il-woon wasn't anything Kang-oh had expected. His eyes, hollow as if even bearing sorrow was too much, dropped downward, and he stood there like that.
He resembled a magnolia flower, delicate and fragile, one that could bruise simply by touching the ground—a flower that was both beautiful and profoundly sad.
"My lord?"
As Il-woon called out, Kang-oh adjusted his grip on the wooden sword as he stood in the training ground.
"Let's get this over with."
"That is my wish as well," Il-wun replied, gripping his sword.
Having finally faced an opponent worth sparring with, Kang-oh's thirst for a fight extinguished like a candle blown out.
As Kang-oh's gaze turned cold and indifferent, Il-woon tensed up. Whenever that icy glare brushed his neck, he couldn't help but think that this was someone he never wanted as an enemy. He might wear the skin of a man, but Il-woon felt there was something far darker lurking beneath—something beastly.
Some might call it the aura of a "war god," but gods didn't have eyes like that, eyes that burned with endless hunger. Kang-oh was someone who would wander battlefields, not for victory or defeat, but for a place to set his soul aflame.
"I will make the first move,"
Il-woon licked his dry lips and spoke. Using qinggong (a martial art technique for swift movement), he quickly closed the distance to Kang-oh and launched an attack. However, his strike was immediately blocked. The force from Kang-oh's sword sent a tingling sensation through Il-woon's wrist, but it wasn't enough to faze him. Il-woon had already anticipated his attack being stopped. With a light push off the ground, he spun his body and redirected his blade into a sharp trajectory aimed at Kang-oh.
It looked like a successful strike, but Kang-oh had already disappeared from his spot. Il-woon didn't bother wasting time searching for him and instead launched himself forward toward the direction he expected Kang-oh to reappear.
In the blink of an eye, Kang-oh reappeared behind Il-wun, a sinister smile playing on his lips.
"You've improved."
"Well, after falling for it three times, I figured I'd better learn," Il-woon replied, his tone humble but tinged with a hint of frustration in his voice. And it was no wonder—Kang-oh had relentlessly taken down Honamdan members as if he were hunting mice, yet he never seemed satisfied, always summoning Il-woon for more. While Il-woon's skills had improved rapidly under such pressure, his body had paid the price.
"Then, did you anticipate this as well?"
Kang-oh charged forward. His attack was direct, with a clear trajectory, making it easy to predict. Yet the overwhelming force behind it was oppressive, leaving Il-woon no time to dodge. Biting his lip, Il-woon shifted into a defensive stance. Kang-oh's strike came crashing down with immense weight.
This wasn't just a strike—it was a calculated move to not only rob Il-woon of his response time but also add crushing power to the blade, just as Kang-oh had once advised Jin-seo, a Honamdan member known for using swift sword techniques. It wasn't about speed alone; it was about dominating the opponent's rhythm and completely overwhelming them.
Il-woon was only able to deflect the attack after retreating three steps back. Taking advantage of Kang-oh withdrawing his sword, Il-woon lunged forward to exploit an opening, only to widen his eyes in shock.
Kang-oh, who had seemed like he was about to retreat by pushing off the ground, suddenly landed gracefully on the tip of Il-woon's blade. It was as if a celestial being had stepped lightly onto a cloud—elegant and effortless.
"This is…!"
There was no greater violation of the rules. Despite Kang-oh's tall and imposing figure, Il-wun's sword tip remained completely steady. The finesse of Kang-oh's qinggong sent chills down Il-wun's spine. Yet, a mere display of skill was not enough to discourage someone who had earned the title of Honamdan's leader.
Il-woon pulled back his sword and unleashed a barrage of attacks toward where Kang-oh was about to land. Kang-oh, forced to shift from his intended position, showed a slight disruption in his movements. Seizing this opportunity, Il-woon moved in for what he believed would be a decisive strike.
The tip of Il-woon's blade chased Kang-oh to the point it nearly reached his chin. However, Kang-oh bent backward, dodging the strike with ease. In one fluid motion, he rotated his body to the side. Il-woon, having poured all his strength into the final attack, left his back completely exposed.
Cold sweat trickled down Il-wun's back as he realized he had been outmatched in an instant.
"I've lost," he admitted, acknowledging his defeat.
"Good. While it was clever to bombard the ground to prevent me from landing, you should work on not neglecting your defense or subsequent attacks for the sake of a single opportunity," Kang-oh advised.
"Old habits die hard," Il-woon replied with a chuckle.
After handing the wooden sword back to Il-wun, Kang-oh descended from the training ground. His immediate destination was the spot where Woo stood.
"Wasn't it a bit dull to watch?" he asked.
Woo offered a faint smile in response. "I couldn't grasp all of Master's advanced techniques, but even so, I feel privileged to have witnessed them."
"They say sweet words should be avoided, but I have to admit, they're pleasant to hear," Kang-oh said with a grin, his eyes narrowing in amusement. Woo lowered his head. He didn't want to confront the emotions that would surface if he looked directly at that face.
Naturally, Kang-oh quickly noticed Woo's change in mood. Woo, though polite enough to lower his head in submission when necessary, was usually indifferent to the affairs around him. He was easily swayed by kindness directed at him, but otherwise remained unaffected by most things.
Kang-oh had brought Woo here with the intention of stimulating his spirit. He believed that even if he couldn't break through Woo's shell immediately, exposing him to the outside world and allowing him to meet others would have a positive impact on him.
But to see him looking this dejected…
"Has someone been bothering you?" Kang-oh's voice was cold. The Honamdan members were strictly obedient to Kang-oh's orders and weren't the type to be rude to a guest he had brought. However, they were generally rough by nature, and many lacked the sensitivity to be considerate, even if it wasn't intentional. If someone had spoken out of line to Woo while Kang-oh had been focused on his sparring, he would make sure to find out who it was and punish them severely.
"N-no, not at all."
Woo shook his head fervently, his startled expression accompanied by frantic hand-waving. Kang-oh, unconvinced, pressed him further.
"Then why does your face look like that? There's no need to defend whoever it was."
"R-really, no one bothered me. The head of Honamdan was with me the entire time. It's just… I'm not used to going out, and I must've overdone it. I-I apologize for causing any trouble."
Kang-oh narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Woo. However, Woo kept his head bowed, avoiding eye contact, making it impossible to read his expression.
The only way to get a proper look would have been to grab him by the chin and force him to lift his head.
But Kang-oh had no intention of pressuring him like that. Suppressing a sigh, he let it go.
"You're lying."
"..."
Caught off guard by the directness of his words, Woo fell silent, unable to deny it.
"It seems like you don't want to talk about it. Fine, I won't push you further."
Kang-oh's seemingly easygoing words made Woo glance up, only to regret it immediately. His gaze collided with Kang-oh's piercing eyes, sharp enough to see right through him. Under that intense stare, his mouth went dry, and he felt as if there was nowhere to hide.
"But if you ever feel like talking, promise me you'll come to me first."
With that, Kang-oh extended his hand.
"Your pinky,"
"…What?" Woo stared at Kang-oh, bewildered.
"You have to make a promise,"
"..."
"What's wrong? Have you never linked pinkies before?"
The idea of linking pinkies felt foreign to Woo; it was not his style at all. He was far more accustomed to making solemn oaths, even to the point of severing a finger to seal a promise in blood.
For Woo, promises carried a weight more than anything else.
As a child, he had been the heir to the White Virtue Lord, and after inheriting his father's position, his words became even more consequential. A single statement from him could set the largest faction in the martial world into motion. A careless promise made out of fleeting emotion could ripple out and impact countless martial artists. To make a promise to someone was to place power in their hands.
The White Virtue Clan was powerful but envied by many. For that reason, Woo could never make promises lightly. Every decision was cautious, deliberate—contracts written and signed with multiple witnesses present. That was the only way it was ever done.
Thus, when Kang-oh extended his pinky finger in front of him, Woo could only stare blankly at it.
It felt unfamiliar.
And, at the same time, terrifying.
"...I... I won't make a promise I can't keep," Woo finally replied hesitantly.
In truth, this wasn't the first promise he had made with Kang-oh. He had once told the little black chick that had followed him around that he would protect him for life. He had promised to give him a name, and he had made that vow..
Woo knew better than anyone what came of such a rash promise.
The broken present is the answer itself.
"You're being cautious," Kang-oh remarked, not criticizing Woo for his hesitance. Yet, he did not retract his pinky, still raised in a gesture of promise.
"..."
Woo, puzzled, stared at Kang-oh. Kang-oh shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Just wait. I'm thinking of a way to change your mind."
"W-What do you mean...?" Woo muttered, incredulous. This was the most irreverent attitude he had shown toward Kang-oh thus far.
"I'm curious about the change in your feelings and want to understand the cause. But since you seem reluctant to speak, I need to find a way to persuade you," Kang-oh explained.
"Will you stay like that until then?"
Although it was the outskirts of Black Sky, it was still a large martial arts organization, and many people came and went. If anyone saw the Third Disciple of Black Sky standing there with his pinky raised, word would get to Jin-rang in no time.
Woo was not afraid of being caught by Jin-rang and facing punishment. Rather, he didn't want to instill any more wariness in him. Jin-rang had suffered enough throughout his life because of Woo's existence.
On top of that, the mere possibility of being linked to Kang-oh in any rumors was an overwhelming thought.
He fidgeted, his foot tapping anxiously. The sight of him standing there with his pinky raised might have seemed foolish, but Kang-oh somehow managed to look dignified even in that pose. Whether it was due to his serious expression or his inherent charisma was hard to tell.
"Alright," Woo finally conceded.
Kang-oh, who had been deep in thought, suddenly lifted his head. Woo averted his gaze and mumbled, "If I ever feel like talking, I'll make sure to tell you first, Master..."
"And the pinky promise?" Kang-oh pressed.
"..."
The fact that he was insisting on this was frustrating. Kang-oh had always had a knack for breaking down Woo's principles, both in the past and present.
Reluctantly, Woo extended his pinky. It felt awkward, but Kang-oh swiftly seized it like a hawk catching its prey.
"Let's leave it at that for today," Kang-oh said, a satisfied smile on his face.
Kang-oh's tone was as if he were granting a great favor. As soon as the pinky promise was made, Woo retracted his finger, feeling a sense of resignation wash over him as he nodded. He wanted nothing more than to return to the Hee-do Won.
'Return,' huh?
The realization of that desire made him pause. Since when had Kang-oh's residence, the Hee-do Won, become a place he considered returning to?
Kang-oh, having successfully extracted Woo's promise, walked ahead with a softer expression. With each step he took, Woo felt the crumbling of the principles he had held onto for so long.
He had resolved not to get close to Kang-oh. He had vowed not to live under the same roof with him. He had sworn not to make promises to him.
Yet, the walls Woo had carefully built over the past ten years were crumbling. And from behind those walls, desires he had long thought buried began to surface. Things he had convinced himself he had let go of now tugged at him with an aching familiarity.
If he kept following behind Kang-oh, more of those barriers would undoubtedly fall.
'I could just let go of his hand right now…'
Woo bit his lip, frustration welling up. But Kang-oh's hand, which had casually grabbed his, was too firm to shake off.
Even though he knew it was a flimsy excuse, Woo squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the reality of the situation.
It was no wonder Jin-rang was wary. Being close to Kang-oh was dangerous.
More so for Woo than for Kang-oh.
Though there were no signs yet, Woo couldn't shake the fear that if he continued to stay by Kang-oh's side, memories sealed away by Jin-rang's sorcery might resurface. If that happened, there would truly be no turning back.
Jin-rang had said many times that this would be the last time. He had reached his limit in tampering with Kang-oh's memories.
"The human mind is more resilient than you think, yet more fragile than that. So this is the last time."
"I understand," Woo had replied inwardly, taking the warning to heart.
"I will not be greedy again. Never again."
He clenched his teeth and composed his expression.
It was a survival skill passed down from his mother, a princess of an empire. No matter how much his insides rotted away, he had to feign composure. To smile even when sad, to weep openly even when joyous—this duplicity was the only shield Woo had left in his possession.
"How fascinating."
Just as Woo managed to steady his emotions, Kang-oh spoke up from ahead.
"W-What do you mean?" Woo replied, trying to sound casual.
Kang-oh rubbed his chin thoughtfully before continuing, "In my life, I've never met anyone as stubborn as you, who consistently voices their opinions so assertively."
"Uh, I... I don't know how to respond to that," Woo stammered, unsure of what to say.
"I like your honesty,"
"..."
The weight of Kang-oh's words felt like a heavy stone dropped into Woo's heart. He had been deceiving him all along and planned to continue doing so, yet here was Kang-oh, expressing genuine feelings. His lashes quivered slightly, though he kept his unease hidden.
"It can be frustrating that you don't try to be cunning, but that's why you come across as genuine. I also like how you don't make careless promises. It's easy for people to just promise anything and forget, but you don't even raise a finger lightly for such things."
He was practically listing all the reasons why he found Woo intriguing, as though trying to justify it to himself. Yet as he spoke, Kang-oh reflected on all of Woo's actions that had caught his attention: how he never chose the easy path, even when no one was watching, or how he didn't grovel despite being in a servant's position.
now seemed laughable. It wasn't just sympathy—he genuinely liked the person Woo was.
"I want to make you one of mine," Kang-oh declared plainly.
"...!"
Woo's eyes widened in shock.
"You'll probably say no," Kang-oh spoke as if he had already anticipated what Woo would try to say.
"That's why I brought you here. To show you one of the futures you could choose. If you decide to become a martial artist, I can't promise you some legendary manual, but I can guide you, just like what you saw today."
"I... I can't even keep my balance properly…"
"Then study Quinggong," Kang-oh suggested.
"My... my leg is crippled, though..."
"Do you know how many one-legged swordsmen roam the martial world? Even in Black Sky Clan, there's the One-Legged Sword Demon," Kang-oh countered.
That name was well-known even in the White Virtue Clan. On top of that, Woo personally knew a one-armed swordsman. He realized he was just making excuses.
"The war with the Blood Cult wasn't that long ago. There are many martial artists with physical disabilities, yet not all of them left the martial world. Some can't even see, yet they still wield swords. Once you master internal energy, a whole new world opens up for you."
"But... talent..." Woo stammered, shaking his head.
Before he could even finish his sentence, Kang-oh interrupted.
"I won't force you if you don't want to. If that happens, I'll just find another way to keep you by my side. But I'd prefer if you didn't say you lack talent before even trying."
"..."
Woo blinked, his silence speaking volumes as Kang-oh's words left no room for escape.
"I spared that Third Internal Officer for you," Kang-oh added.
"W-What?"
"Wouldn't it be fitting for you to punch him at least once?"
Dangling the idea of revenge like a tempting bait, Kang-oh looked every bit the ruthless swordsman of the Black Sky Clan.
For the first time, Woo thought Kang-oh was the spitting image of his uncle, Jin-rang.
"So let's just practice throwing punches. What do you say?" Kang-oh whispered, his smile unusually captivating. It wasn't hard to imagine that this was how a fox spirit seduced people before devouring them whole.
Woo shook his head firmly, pushing the thought away.
"I... I don't need to," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
How could you fill a cracked jar with water? That was exactly the state Woo was in.
Woo felt as fragile as a paper crane, barely clinging to life after Jin-rang had poured all sorts of elixirs into him. His body felt weak and useless, like a mere shell.
"I... I don't want revenge. I'm scared," Woo curled up like a frightened insect, almost as if wishing Kang-oh would feel disgust toward him.
"…It seems I got ahead of myself," Kang-oh said after a moment of silence, his lips moving slowly. Strangely, his voice carried a weight that felt more like guilt than disappointment.
Startled, Woo wanted to say that wasn't true, but he bit his lips and held back. He just had to endure for a little longer. Kang-oh wouldn't destroy him completely over a fleeting mistake born out of fear.
"Rest for today."
On the way back to Hee-do Won, Kang-oh remained unusually quiet. Finally, he addressed Woo, his voice distant.
Woo clasped his hands together respectfully and bowed his head. "P-please, take care."
'Forget me… Forget the coward trembling at the mere thought of holding a sword. Live a bright and glorious life, far removed from someone like me' Woo thought.
Kang-oh passed by Woo without escorting him all the way to his room, a first for him. But Woo didn't feel upset—in fact, he was relieved.
Returning to his quarters under the melancholy afternoon sun, Woo found a basket of beans left by Yeon-jin.
At least that much had gone well. Woo grabbed the basket, plopped down onto the floor, and began shelling the beans.