The dim glow of candlelight flickered against the polished wood of Jinyowon's grand hall as Park Jin sat across from Jin Ho-Gyeong, his demeanor calm yet unyielding.

The tea in front of him remained untouched. This was not a casual visit.

"The time will come when Jinyowon must name its next leader," Park Jin stated evenly.

"It is expected that Cho-yeon will inherit the position, but... there are whispers of another."

Jin Ho-Gyeong's expression didn't change, but a sharpness entered her gaze. "You speak of my lost daughter, Bu-Yeon."

"She was born on the same day that Jang Gang..." Park Jin trailed off, letting the unspoken words settle between them.

Jin Ho-Gyeong inhaled deeply. "Yes."

She knew where this was going.

She did not tell him everything. Not about the ice stone. Not about how she had begged for it to be used to save her daughter's soul.

"Bu-Yeon is gone," she said firmly.

Park Jin studied her. "And yet, someone in Cheonbugwan claims otherwise."

Jin Ho-Gyeong's fingers tightened around her teacup.

"Jin-Mu was the last visitor before me," Park Jin continued. "He is plotting something."

"Jinyowon is not so weak that I would let it fall into his hands," Jin Ho-Gyeong snapped.

"Then you must prove it."

Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. For once, Jin Ho-Gyeong had nothing to say.

The torches in Cheonbugwan's chamber flickered ominously as So-I stood before Jin-Mu, trying to steady her breathing.

"You are not her," Jin-Mu repeated, stepping forward.

So-I clenched her fists. "No. But I can be."

Jin-Mu narrowed his eyes. "Why should I let you live?"

So-I fought the instinct to shrink back. She had heard the stories. She knew what happened to those who failed Jin-Mu.

"Because," she whispered, "I can deceive even her mother."

A smirk tugged at Jin-Mu's lips. He flicked his fingers, and the room was plunged into complete darkness.

"Then prove it."

A gust of cold wind swept through the chamber. From the darkness, an eerie blue glow illuminated a bowl of water infused with sorcery. The reflection in the water warped and twisted, a test of illusion and deception.

Jin-Mu's voice echoed. "Bu-Yeon was born blind. If you want to take her place, you must see as she did."

So-I stiffened.

"Walk across the room without touching a single drop of water."

So-I's heart pounded. It was a cruel test. A blind person would not flinch at an illusion. If she failed, if she so much as hesitated—

She would die.

She took a breath.

And she walked.

The water rippled beneath her feet, the illusions clawing at her mind. Images of faces she once knew, memories she had buried, fears she had never spoken of—all twisted in the reflections.

But she did not falter.

Not when the whispers called her name.

Not when she felt phantom hands reaching for her.

And when she finally stepped onto the other side, Jin-Mu smiled.

"Welcome to Cheonbugwan, Lady Bu-Yeon."

Master Lee's residence was bathed in golden sunlight, but there was no warmth in the room where Park Jin stood.

"Jin-Mu is growing too bold," Park Jin said gravely. "If he takes control of Jinyowon, his power will exceed even Songrim's."

Hemp Master Lee studied him. "And you believe he already possesses the ice stone?"

Park Jin's jaw tightened. "I do."

Hemp Master Lee sighed, rubbing his temple. "That stone should have never been brought back into the world."

Park Jin exhaled sharply. "It was not my decision. But now, we must deal with the consequences."

Silence settled between them. The weight of old choices, of past mistakes, pressed down upon them.

"What would you have me do?" Hemp Master Lee finally asked.

"Stand with us," Park Jin said. "When the time comes, we will need you."

Hemp Master Lee gave a slow nod. "Jang-Uk is the key."

Park Jin looked away. "He is not ready."

"Then you must make him ready."

A heavy pause.

Park Jin closed his eyes briefly. "I fear he will not survive what is to come."

Hemp Master Lee's expression did not waver. "Then let us hope he proves us wrong."

Deep within Cheonbugwan, the air was thick with the scent of burning incense.

A young mage knelt before Jin-Mu, trembling. His hands were bound, his eyes wild with fear.

"Please," he begged. "I-I have done nothing wrong!"

Jin-Mu smiled. "You exist. That is enough."

The torches around them flickered green as he raised his hand.

The moment the spell activated, the mage screamed.

A violent wind tore through the chamber as the boy's soul was ripped from his body. His skin withered, his eyes hollowed, his voice turned into a ghostly wail.

And then—

A different man stood in his place.

His hands flexed. His eyes blinked, adjusting to his new body.

And then he smiled.

Jin-Mu stepped forward, brushing the mage's now-lifeless corpse aside like discarded trash.

"This is the power of the ice stone," he murmured. "This is eternity."

Beside him, So-I felt her stomach churn.

She had made her choice.

But watching a man die like that, his soul devoured, his body discarded...

She realized something terrifying. There was no turning back.

The training grounds of Songrim were battered and broken.

For seven days, Jang-Uk had fought.

For seven days, he had lost.

Sweat dripped down his face as he gripped his sword tighter. His muscles burned, his body screamed for rest—but he did not stop.

Across from him, his opponent smirked. "Still standing?"

Jang-Uk spat blood onto the ground. "You talk too much."

He lunged—

—and was struck down again.

A groan left him as he hit the dirt, pain flaring across his ribs.

From the sidelines, Mu-Deok watched, her arms crossed.

"Fool," she muttered.

Beside her, Hae-Rin and Seo Yul stood.

"He's stubborn," Hae-Rin remarked.

Seo Yul exhaled. "He always has been."

Hae-Rin turned to him. "You care about him."

Seo Yul didn't respond immediately.

Then, quietly, he said, "Yes."

Jang-Uk pushed himself up again, staggering. His vision swam. He had three gold toads left.

Hae-Rin watched him, then sighed. "I can't just stand here."

Before Seo Yul could stop her, she walked forward.

"Jang-Uk."

He glanced up, panting. "What?"

She threw something at him.

He caught it—then blinked in confusion.

"Is this... an energy-enhancing pill?"

Hae-Rin smirked. "No. It's candy."

Jang-Uk stared.

Hae-Rin shrugged. "What? You looked like you needed sugar."

Seo Yul let out a soft chuckle. Even Mu-Deok, for a brief second, cracked a smile.

Jang-Uk sighed. "You guys are the worst."

He threw the candy into his mouth and grinned. Then he picked up his sword again. And this time, when he charged forward— He did not fall.

"Marry me."

The words rang through the courtyard like an explosion. For a moment, there was only silence.

Cho-Yeon blinked, her eyes wide. "What?"

Dang-Gu, still on one knee, held out a small bouquet of flowers. He swallowed hard. "I said... M-marry me?"

A sharp gasp echoed through the courtyard. It did not come from Cho-Yeon. Jang-Uk, Hae-Rin, and Seo Yul stood frozen in the background, their expressions a mix of shock, horror, and confusion.

Park Jin, who had just been sipping his tea, choked. He coughed so violently that a servant had to rush forward and pat his back.

"What... what did you just say?" Park Jin finally managed to wheeze.

Dang-Gu, now sweating profusely, cleared his throat. "I, uh... I asked Cho-Yeon to marry me."

Jang-Uk's eyes widened even more. "Wait—wait—wait! Hold on! Wasn't she supposed to—weren't you—what—"

Hae-Rin covered her mouth to hide her growing laughter. Seo Yul, on the other hand, looked like he was watching a disaster unfold in slow motion.

"Did you just propose?" Seo Yul asked blankly.

"Yes," Dang-Gu said weakly.

"In front of Park Jin?"

"...Yes."

A loud scream came from Park Jin. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING, YOU FOOL?!"

Dang-Gu flinched. "Master Park Jin—please—"

"YOU ARE THE HEIR TO SONGRIM!" Park Jin's voice thundered through the courtyard.

"AND YOU WANT TO THROW YOURSELF INTO JINYOWON LIKE THIS?!"

Jang-Uk, meanwhile, was still struggling to process the situation. "Okay, okay, hold on. Can someone explain why I was engaged to her first?!"

Cho-Yeon crossed her arms. "That was a political engagement, Jang-Uk."

"But still!" Jang-Uk threw his arms up. "Am I just a placeholder for everyone's love story?"

Hae-Rin patted his shoulder. "There, there. You're just unlucky."

Seo Yul chuckled softly, watching as Jang-Uk pouted. His gaze flickered toward Hae-Rin, who was beaming with pride at her friends.

There it was again. That quiet admiration that Seo Yul tried to ignore. He quickly looked away.

Meanwhile, Dang-Gu turned back to Cho-Yeon, who had yet to answer.

"Cho-Yeon," he said softly. "I know my position in Songrim makes things difficult. But my feelings for you are real. I have never once doubted them. I will fight for you if I have to."

Cho-Yeon's eyes softened.

She reached for the flowers in his hands—and took them.

"I know," she whispered.

Dang-Gu let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Then, to everyone's shock, Cho-Yeon threw her arms around him.

Park Jin screamed again.

Jang-Uk covered his face. "I CAN'T WATCH THIS."

Hae-Rin clapped, cheering loudly.

Seo Yul, as always, remained silent—but the small, amused smile on his lips did not go unnoticed.

Park Jin groaned, rubbing his temples. "This is a disaster."

"I think it's great!" Hae-Rin grinned.

"OF COURSE YOU DO."

Jang-Uk shook his head, sighing. "You know what? Fine. At least this means I don't have to get engaged again."

Hae-Rin nudged him. "See? Bright side!"

Jang-Uk muttered under his breath. "Yeah, sure. If you call this a bright side..."

Cho-Yeon, ignoring all the noise around her, tightened her hold on Dang-Gu. "If I marry you, you better bring me flowers every day."

Dang-Gu laughed. "I wouldn't dare do otherwise."

Hae-Rin squealed.

Seo Yul glanced at her, unable to stop himself from smiling. And Park Jin's face turned red—then purple.

"YOU—!!" His voice boomed so loudly that birds scattered from the nearby trees.

Jang-Uk and Hae-Rin flinched violently, gripping each other in mock fear. Seo Yul let out a small sigh, as if he had already predicted this outcome.

Master Park Jin slowly rose to his feet, eyes blazing.

"Dang-Gu," he said through gritted teeth. "You... IDIOT!"

Dang-Gu winced but tried to flash an innocent smile. "M-Master... I mean, Uncle—"

"DO NOT CALL ME UNCLE RIGHT NOW!"

Park Jin slammed his hands down on the table, sending teacups flying. "You DARE propose to Jin Cho-Yeon in front of me?!"

Dang-Gu gulped. "Y-Yes?"

"GET OUT."

Dang-Gu blinked. "Huh?"

"GET. OUT. OF. SONGRIM. RIGHT. NOW!"

Jang-Uk choked on his laughter. Hae-Rin covered her mouth, gasping in delight.

Even Seo Yul looked mildly surprised.

Dang-Gu scrambled forward, gripping Park Jin's sleeve. "UNCLE, PLEASE! I WAS JUST EXPRESSING MY LOVE—"

"EXPRESS IT OUTSIDE OF SONGRIM!" Park Jin yanked his sleeve away.

Dang-Gu threw himself at Park Jin's feet, clinging to his robes like a child.

"UNCLE, NOOOOO! WHERE WILL I GO?! I HAVE NOWHERE ELSE TO LIVE!"

"GO LIVE WITH YOUR BELOVED IN JINYOWON!" Park Jin kicked at Dang-Gu's hands.

"MASTER, PLEASE!" Dang-Gu clutched his leg.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! I'M YOUR FAVORITE DISCIPLE!"

"NOT ANYMORE!"

Master Heo Yeom rushed in, holding his bowl of ginseng soup. "Jin! Have you completely lost your mind?!"

"NO, BUT HE HAS!" Park Jin jabbed a furious finger at Dang-Gu, who was still clinging to his leg.

Master Heo shook his head. "Let's be reasonable—"

Park Jin spun on him. "Heo Yeom, if you defend this fool, I WILL THROW YOU OUT TOO!"

Master Heo immediately took a step back. "Ah. I see. Good luck, Dang-Gu."

"MASTER HEO, NOOOO!" Dang-Gu wailed dramatically.

Jang-Uk, watching this, turned to Seo Yul. "Ten gold says he's sleeping outside Songrim tonight."

Seo Yul smirked. "You're on."

Hae-Rin, unable to hold back her laughter, doubled over.

Meanwhile, Dang-Gu clung even harder to Park Jin's robes. "UNCLE, PLEASE! HAVE MERCY!"

"I AM NOT YOUR UNCLE RIGHT NOW!"

With that, Park Jin grabbed Dang-Gu by the collar, dragged him across the courtyard, and personally THREW him out of Songrim.

Dang-Gu landed on the dirt road with a loud thud.

The gates of Songrim slammed shut behind him.

Silence.

Jang-Uk, Seo Yul, and Hae-Rin stared in awe.

"Wow," Hae-Rin whispered. "That was brutal."

Jang-Uk nodded. "I've never seen Master Park move so fast."

Seo Yul, still calm, sighed. "Should we help him?"

"HAHAHAHA NO," Jang-Uk said immediately.

From the other side of the gate, Dang-Gu pounded on the wood door.

"MASTER, PLEASE! I PROMISE I'LL THINK ABOUT IT! JUST LET ME BACK INSIDE!"

Park Jin's voice boomed from the other side. "YOU'RE DEAD TO ME UNTIL YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND!"

Dang-Gu dramatically collapsed against the gate. "THIS IS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE!"

Inside, Jang-Uk grinned. "Now that's a bright side."

Hae-Rin giggled. "I love this place."

Seo Yul simply shook his head. "This is ridiculous."

Jang-Uk smirked. "And yet, you're still here."

Seo Yul sighed again. "Unfortunately."

Meanwhile, Dang-Gu was still outside, wailing like a kicked puppy.

Park Jin, ignoring him, sat back down and picked up his tea.

"Finally. Peace and quiet."

Hae-Rin, still amused, turned to Jang-Uk. "...How long do you think he'll last out there?"

Jang-Uk shrugged. "Let's see if he makes it till sunrise."

Seo Yul smirked. "I give him two hours."

Hae-Rin grinned. "This is going to be fun."

And so, Songrim returned to normal—except for the distant sound of Dang-Gu wailing outside the gates.