The forest was quiet, save for the rustle of Kil-Joo's ragged breaths. His grey, cracked skin looked like a decaying statue under moonlight. His eyes burned with malice as he glared at Mu-Deok.

"You never knew the truth," he rasped. "Your father, Cho-Chung, was a soul shifter. He went wild... killed my family."

Mu-Deok's heart stopped. The man who had ruined her life, taken everything from her—had been her own blood? The truth was too much. Her knees buckled.

"Accept it," Kil-Joo sneered.

"It's in your veins. You can never escape it."

With one last burst of strength, Kil-Joo slammed into Mu-Deok's shoulder, leaving a deep gash that immediately blackened with poison. He disappeared into the shadows before she could stop him.

Staggering, Mu-Deok clutched her shoulder. Pain blurred her vision, and her world tilted.

"Mu-Deok!"

Seo Yul burst through the trees, his expression frantic. He reached her in time to catch her before she collapsed. "You're hurt. Stay with me."

Mu-Deok shook her head weakly. "It's poison... I'm... too far gone."

"No, you're not," Yul said fiercely. His hands began to glow as he tried to heal her.

At that moment, Hae-rin arrived, breathless from running. Her gaze darted between them, lingering on Yul's desperate expression. Jealousy flickered in her eyes, but she pushed it aside.

"Move," Hae-rin said. She knelt beside Mu-Deok, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "We'll take her to Songrim. Together."

Mu-Deok's half-closed eyes met Hae-rin's. "Why... are you helping me?"

Hae-rin's jaw clenched. "Because if I don't, Jang-Uk will lose you. And he's already lost too much."

Yul and Hae-rin lifted Mu-Deok together, their rivalry forgotten in the face of danger.

Meanwhile, Jang-Uk walked through town, lost in thought. His growing power felt like a double-edged sword. Would he ever control it without harming those he cared about?

"Why are you following me?" snapped a familiar voice.

Jang-Uk blinked. Young Lady Heo stood before him, arms crossed.

"I'm not following you," Jang-Uk protested.

"I just happen to be walking in the same direction."

Hae-rin, walking nearby with Master Heo, overheard the exchange and approached with a teasing smile. "You're always causing trouble, Jang-Uk."

Jang-Uk groaned. "Hae-rin, now you? I can't win."

Before anyone could respond, Kil-Joo burst into the street, wild and vengeful. He launched a blast of dark energy.

"Stay back!" Jang-Uk shouted, drawing his sword.

The fight was swift and brutal. Jang-Uk's movements were sharper, more confident than ever before. Hae-rin watched, unable to tear her eyes away. For all their teasing, she admired his growth.

With a final strike, Jang-Uk forced Kil-Joo to retreat.

Master Heo stepped forward, his expression grave. "Your swordsmanship has improved. But power without control is dangerous. You must be disciplined."

Jang-Uk wiped sweat from his brow. "You sound like Master Park."

Hae-rin hid a smile. "They're right, you know."

At Songrim, Dang-Gu found Cho-Yeon sitting alone by the koi pond. The water's surface reflected her sorrow.

"Not many people know about the wedding," Dang-Gu said, sitting beside her.

Cho-Yeon's shoulders slumped. "But those who do will mock me."

Two villagers appeared, approaching with curious expressions. "Didn't you have a wedding recently?"

Dang-Gu acted on impulse. "Actually, we're the ones getting married."

Cho-Yeon gasped. "Dang-Gu—"

"Just go with it," he whispered.

Hae-rin appeared, arms crossed. "Dang-Gu, you couldn't even tell me first?"

Dang-Gu grinned sheepishly. "Wanted to keep it a surprise."

Cho-Yeon's flustered state softened under Hae-rin's easy confidence.

"If anyone causes trouble about your marriage, they'll answer to me," Hae-rin declared.

Park Ji-hoon, Hae-rin's older brother, arrived just in time to hear this. "Marriage?" he echoed.

"Not official!" Dang-Gu yelped, backing away under Ji-hoon's intimidating glare.

The duel day dawned with heavy anticipation. The arena was crowded, the air thick with tension. Hae-rin stood with Seo Yul, Dang-Gu, and Cho-Yeon, all watching anxiously.

"Do you think Jang-Uk can win?" Hae-rin asked.

Seo Yul's gaze never wavered. "He's ready."

Jang-Uk stepped into the ring. Across from him, the Crown Prince's expression was a mask of arrogance.

The duel began. Swords clashed with blinding speed. Jang-Uk moved with precision, recalling Mu-Deok's advice.

"Stay calm. Wait for the opening."

At the perfect moment, Jang-Uk executed Tansu flawlessly. Water droplets froze in the air as the Crown Prince was knocked to the ground.

Hae-rin cheered, her voice cutting through the crowd. "He did it!"

Jin-Mu stormed forward, his face twisted with fury. "Who taught you the Tansu technique?"

Park Jin appeared, radiating authority. "Enough."

Master Lee stepped into the arena, taking responsibility. Jin-Mu, seething but powerless, retreated.

Later, Hae-rin found Jang-Uk alone by the training grounds. "You were amazing today," she said softly.

Jang-Uk turned, his eyes meeting hers. "Thanks to everyone's support."

That night, Jang-Uk sat with Mu-Deok under the moonlight.

"Where should I go?" he asked.

"Songrim is where you'll grow the most," Mu-Deok replied, her gaze steady.

The next morning, Jang-Uk made his decision known. Park Jin placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've made the right choice."

Hae-rin's family gathered to congratulate him. Ji-hoon nodded approvingly, while their parents offered warm smiles.

"You're part of our family too," Hae-rin said with a smile.

Jang-Uk looked around at his friends and mentors. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly at home.

As the sun set over Songrim, Hae-rin watched Jang-Uk from a distance. Seo Yul appeared beside her.

"You're worried about him," Yul observed.

Hae-rin nodded. "He's strong. But there's still so much danger ahead."

"He's not alone," Yul said.

"No. None of us are."

Together, they watched as their world shifted, uncertain yet hopeful about the battles still to come.