The next morning, after having breakfast, Mo Yong Yu-woon arranged a place for a conversation. Kong Yool sat in a seat arranged in the courtyard of the Mansion of Unity, facing Mo Yong-yu-woon.
His attire was neither extravagant nor plain, exuding a refined elegance reminiscent of a scholar. His composed demeanor and well-kept appearance made him seem like a martial artist from the Righteous Path at first glance.
"First of all, I welcome the White Virtue Clan."
"Thank you."
"This is Gunsan Eunchim. It is even supplied to the imperial court."
Yu-woon offered him tea. Kong Yool had no reason to refuse and accepted the teacup he handed over.
From the teapot, a clear, jade-colored tea with a rich aroma trickled into the pristine white porcelain cup. Watching Yu-woon's graceful movements, Kong Yool suddenly thought of Dan Woo-Hyo.
A man who carried etiquette as if it were second nature. Not only that, but his appearance resembled that of his mother, to the extent that calling him the most beautiful in the martial world or even the most beautiful in the Central Plains would not be out of place. Like a jade stone placed among ordinary pebbles, Dan Woo-Hyo stood out no matter where he was. The fact that no one had found him yet was strange beyond belief.
At first, he had followed every rumor of handsome men. Later, he even started searching for those with scars on their faces.
He had visited every physician he could find, checking every unidentified patient. He would rather desperately wish to find Dan Woo-Hyo lying in a place like that...
"...The fragrance is nice."
"I heard that the missing Grandmaster Dan Woo-Hyo also enjoyed tea."
"Ah."
Kong Yool's nose twitched slightly. Was he bringing up Dan Woo-Hyo on purpose, guessing he's the reason why they had come to Black Sky Clan? Or was it just idle small talk suited for a formal setting like this?
It definitely wasn't the latter. Someone like the First Disciple of the Black Sky Clan wouldn't casually mention the disappearance of the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster, a matter as sensitive as a lit fuse.
Maybe it was a subtle way of reminding them of their current position, weakened by his absence.
"He was quite particular."
Pretending not to have any such suspicions, Kong Yool replied calmly.
Dan Woo-Hyo had always had refined tastes. Even with something as simple as tea, if it didn't meet his standards, he'd have them brew it again and again. Eventually, they even had someone assigned specifically to brew his tea. He remembered clicking his tongue, wondering why he had to be so picky.
"Would you like to try some?"
Sitting confidently across from him, Kong Yool had extended a teacup like it was a glass of liquor. Dan Woo-Hyo gave a small laugh and poured tea for him himself.
"Don't gulp it down."
The tea he drank back then was probably just as rare as the one now placed before him. The taste that touched his tongue was unfamiliar, but as he tried to enjoy it slowly, just as Dan Woo-Hyo had instructed, he felt his mind clearing. He still couldn't tell good tea from bad, but he came to realize he could enjoy even water steeped from weeds.
After sharing tea with Dan Woo-Hyo a few more times, Kong Yool became fixated on well-brewed tea. He realized how deep the fragrance of tea could be, how enjoyable the sensation of rolling the tea in his mouth could be, and how the relaxation it brought could be so sweet. He also learned not to belittle things he hadn't experienced.
After spending several years at the White Virtue Clan, Kong Yool no longer held a teacup like he would a liquor cup.
"Let me get straight to the point."
Setting down his cup, Kong Yool looked directly at Mo Yong yu-woon.
"The White Virtue Clan is searching for our missing Grandmaster. We're currently planning to investigate the Gansu and Xinjiang regions, and we need the help of the Black Sky Clan."
"..."
Once Kong Yool finished speaking, Mo Yong-yu-woon slowly emptied his teacup. Even the movement of his Adam's apple seemed to stir some unexpected tension.
But this silence had to be endured. No matter what calculations were running through the mind of the First Disciple, he was prepared to pay the price. The White Virtue Clan had the power to offer a price worth it.
At least for now.
"Very well."
Mo Yong-yu-woon placed his teacup down in front of him, just as Kong Yool had done.
"I promise the cooperation of Black Sky Clan"
"Thank you. There is no need to worry about the—"
"No need to offer any reward. Isn't Black Sky and White Virtue Clan allies?"
As he spoke, Yu-woon's lips curled into a friendly smile.
His bold response made it clear that he was indeed a disciple of Black Sky Clan's Grandmaster, Ye Jin-rang.
However, his actions, which were quite different from what had seemed careful, felt strangely out of place.
"How could I turn a blind eye to the request to share the burden that White Virtue Clan has carried alone for ten years?"
"..."
Ten years. At that word, a flash of pain passed through Kong Yool's heart, barely noticeable if one wasn't paying close attention.
"I can only admire White Virtue Clan's loyalty, never giving up on their Grandmaster."
"It's only natural."
It would be a lie to say that the ten years of searching had not been exhausting for Kong Yool. However, there were still far more places he had yet to visit than those he had already been to in the Central Plains.
"Since you have invested so much effort, perhaps this time—"
The First Disciple paused briefly and threw a meaningful glance.
"You might find what you are looking for."
Mo Yong-yu-woon narrowed his eyes and smiled gently. For some reason, his smile now seemed to carry a personal sentiment, unlike his previous formal responses.
Kong Yool furrowed his brows slightly but kept his words respectful.
"Thank you for your consideration. If Black Sky Clan helps, the search will be much easier."
He was grasping at straws. Since White Virtue Clan hadn't been able to find anything through their own eyes, adding another perspective could offer a fresh approach to tracking down Dan Woo-Hyo's whereabouts. If they managed to find a new lead, Kong Yool would be satisfied.
However, the fact that this man was even saying they didn't need to receive any payment for their help bothered him.
"However, the White Virtue Clan does not exploit the power of old friends under the pretense of friendship."
From past experience, humans would never offer what they had without some form of benefit. Despite the Black Sky Clan being a large organization, there was no reason for them to kindly accept the White Virtue Clan's request, making this generous gesture seem somewhat suspicious.
The interest on a debt that hasn't been repaid on time grows like swelling eyelids. Kong Yool needed to be wary of this.
"If you say so... I will discuss it with my master."
Yu-woon, sensing caution, stepped back and smiled with an expression that seemed somewhat forced.
After finishing his conversation with God of the Five-Blooded Spear, Mo Yong-yu-woon went directly to seek out the Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan. He had already guessed the purpose of Baekra Palace's visit, so he was not surprised. However, the promised compensation from Kong Yool's side still required further discussion.
"So, it's really to search for the missing Grandmaster of White Virtue Clan."
The Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan clicked his tongue after his private talk with the First Disciple. At first glance, it seemed like he was lamenting, but Jin-rang's true thoughts were more complicated than that.
Would the White Virtue Clan really want the current state of Dan Woo-Hyo, who could no longer use martial arts and had become physically weak as an individual? He didn't think so. If there were personal ties, maybe, but in a formal relationship, seeing Dan Woo-Hyo in his current condition might make them just turn away.
That's why Dan Woo-Hyo had been hiding in Black Sky. Though others might not understand, Jin-rang understood the deeper meaning behind it. He was also the leader of an organization and had reached the pinnacle as a martial artist himself.
What they were searching for wasn't Dan Woo-Hyo, a frail servant with no martial arts skills, but the beautiful, wise, and strong Dan Woo-Hyo with powerful martial arts.
In fact, Jin-rang was skeptical about whether Seol Bu-yong would want a son who had turned out like this. For her, it might be better if Dan Woo-hyo remained missing. When Dan Baek-hoon was still alive, she had secluded herself, and she held little influence within White Virtue Clan. Whatever her reasons were, Dan Woo-hyo's disappearance had likely provided her with an opportunity to raise her voice within White Virtue Clan.
Even if Dan Woo-Hyo returned in such a state, there was only one conclusion left for him: stepping down from the position of Grandmaster. This was certainly bad news for Seol Bu-yong.
As Jin-rang pondered these thoughts, he listened carefully to Mo Yong Yu-woon's report.
"Kong Yool promised that he would give Black Sky Clan a reward for their cooperation. I said it was unnecessary, but he insisted firmly."
Jin-rang clicked his tongue.
"He probably thought it was better than being emotionally indebted. He's from the righteous path, after all."
"Should we at least ask for something in return?"
At his disciple's question, Jin-rang shook his head.
"Tell them that Black Sky Clan is not a merchant who demands compensation from long-time allies."
It left a bad taste in his mouth to ask for a reward when they had Dan Woo-Hyo, whom they were desperately searching for, hidden right under their noses.
Of course, there were all kinds of rare medicines and precious items used on Dan Woo-Hyo, along with the time and effort poured in to save him. But Jin-rang didn't place a price on any of that.
"Understood. If I say that, I suppose they'll back off for the sake of Black Sky Clan's reputation."
"Good. Have you organized the search party?"
Mo Yong Yu-woon immediately began listing the personnel to be assigned and the areas to be searched, as if he had been waiting for the question.
As Jin-rang listened, he found his disciple's selections to be quite reasonable. Just then, Yu-woon cautiously spoke up..
"...I was thinking—what if the youngest disciple took charge of this task?"
"Kang-oh?"
Surprised by the suggestion, Jin-rang asked again, as if telling him to explain himself.
He already understood Yu-woon's tendency to keep Kang-oh away from Black Sky Clan's affairs. Jin-rang wasn't unaware of Yu-woon's wariness toward Kang-oh, who had suddenly appeared and earned the Grandmaster's favor. But since he couldn't give a clear explanation for it, he just kept pretending not to notice.
As long as it didn't turn into a bloody fight, this level of friction was tolerable. Jin-rang cared for Yu-woon too—but in a different way than he did for Kang-oh.
"Yes. I just thought that if we're trying to maintain appearances, at least one of the Grandmaster's three disciples should take part in this matter."
Kang-oh had already mentioned this during the last meeting—show some sincerity, but there's no need to get deeply involved. Remembering those words, Jin-rang nodded.
"I can't personally take charge of the search party. There's already too much on my plate here in the Black Sky Clan."
Though Jin-rang held authority as the Grandmaster of Black Sky Clan, Yu-woon had extended his influence over much of the clan's affairs under the pretense of assisting his master. Jin-rang, who always intended to pass Black Sky Clan down to his First Disciple, quietly observed as Yu-woon gradually began to build his own people and manage the clan's affiliated groups.
"Still, sending the Second Disciple… you know what he's like. Yeom can be a bit too rough."
Thinking of the sharp-witted and silver-tongued Second Disciple, Jin-rang let out a groan. Seung-han could be as smooth and agreeable as anyone when he wanted to, but he also had a knack for getting under people's skin..
Moreover, he was the most ruthless among the three disciples. If something were to go wrong and tensions arose with the White Virtue Clan, he wouldn't hold back.
"That's why I'm recommending the youngest disciple. He's traveled the world for duels and has encountered many kinds of martial artists. Judging from the insight he showed during the last meeting, I believe he won't be easily swayed by the White Virtue Clan."
"That makes sense."
Jin-rang muttered to himself. He had learned that recently, Kang-oh was preparing to send Woo out. Although he couldn't understand why he had suddenly made a decision after hesitating for so long, he knew Kang-oh well, just as he knew Seung-han.
Kang-oh had a stubborn side; once he set his mind on something, he wouldn't easily give up. This time, it seemed like Dan Woo-Hyo had stirred him up, but... if the opportunity arose, Kang-oh could easily reverse his decision, as if turning over the palm of his hand.
'Keeping them apart for a while might be a good idea.'
If there was any lingering attachment, it was Jin-rang's role to sever it. At least, that's what he thought.
"Then let's have the Third Disciple join the search team for the White Virtue Clan's Grandmaster."
"Understood. I'll arrange it accordingly."
Mo Yong Yu-woon stood up. Just before he turned away, Jin-rang spoke again.
"It's good to see you hold the youngest in high regard."
"..."
At those words, Yu-woon's composure almost cracked, but he managed to maintain his gentle smile.
His master, Jin-rang, was truly stingy with praise. Even though he was well aware of Yu-woon's impressive achievements and the fact that he had taken on many of Black Sky Clan's responsibilities and gained recognition, Jin-rang never showed any outward acknowledgment. Whenever Yu-woon desperately pushed himself to meet Jin-rang's standards, they only seemed to grow higher.
He had felt his breath grow heavier many times as he ran toward the final.
Not knowing how much further he would have to go, only frustration continued to rise. The mountain named Jin-rang was impossibly high, and there was no way to tell when he would be able to reach the summit.
However, what Yu-woon had struggled so hard to obtain, the youngest disciple easily took into his grasp: the affection of their master, his approval...
Jealousy surged, and his insides twisted. However, his pride wouldn't allow him to admit his envy, so he forced himself to stay silent and mask his feelings.
Jin-rang, however, failed to notice the meaning behind Yu-woon's silence. Or perhaps he was pretending not to notice. The effort and time Jin-rang had devoted to Black Sky Clan might have all been to give everything to Ye Kang-oh after taking care of his own interests...
The thoughts spiraled into something darker, and for a moment, Yu-woon's vision turned red. Even though he knew his master was not that kind of person, the fear of losing what he had in his hands often gripped him. The wound that had once dug into his heart hadn't fully healed; it still opened, bleeding profusely.
"The youngest disciple is quite remarkable, isn't he?"
Yu-woon collected his emotions and replied with a smile.
That's right. After all, the goal of this endeavor was to separate Ye Kang-oh from House of Joy.
One had to draw the tiger out of its den to enter it, after all.
After leaving Jin-rang's quarters, Yu-woon strode forward with quick steps. Having received permission from his master to include the youngest disciple in the search party, all the preparations were now complete.
The hunt was about to begin.
***
As soon as a message was sent to House of Joy through a subordinate, Kang-oh immediately came to Mo Yong Yu-woon's office.
Yu-woon, who had been flipping through a bamboo-bound book, stood up when the person he was waiting for arrived and welcomed Kang-oh.
"Please, have a seat."
He pointed to the seat across from him, but Kang-oh shook his head.
"If it's not something that'll take long, I'll listen while standing."
It was his way of saying there was no need for formalities like offering a seat or sharing tea, especially since things were already tense between them.
"Hm. Fair enough."
The First Disciple smiled gently, once again thinking that this was why he just couldn't grow fond of Kang-oh. Even while avoiding conflict and wandering outside the Black Sky Clan, he doesn't bow his head or yield first. As if he's the one doing Yu-woon a favor.
"Then I'll get straight to the point. As you guessed, the White Virtue Clan asked for help in finding their missing Grandmaster. So we immediately organized a search party."
"..."
"Just like you suggested, Black Sky Clan will only pretend to search for the missing Grandmaster. Lending our name to their political games is enough. But we still need to send someone appropriate, just to say we made a sincere effort."
Kang-oh quickly understood what Yu-woon meant.
"You're saying I should lead the search party."
"That's right. When I spoke to Master, he said you were the right person for the job."
Although he was the one who'd recommended Kang-oh in the first place, Yu-woon made it sound like it was Jin-rang's arrangement. But since Kang-oh truly was the best choice, there'd be no problem later on.
"...Understood."
So, it was already a decided matter. The way he spoke made it clear that refusing wasn't even an option. If he had tried to refuse, that would've just made him look bad.
In the past, Kang-oh might've just accepted it without much thought, but right now, with everything churning inside him, he couldn't help but feel irritated. Even so, he bowed calmly.
It wasn't really that he was giving in because he had no choice—he simply didn't hate the idea of leaving the Black Sky Clan. In some ways, it even felt like a relief.
It was the perfect excuse not to return to the House of Joy. If Woo asked to be sent away again, or insisted on leaving on his own, Kang-oh wasn't sure he could keep his composure.
Just staying close to Woo would only stir things up inside him. And he knew all too well that he would have to let go of Woo eventually. If this mission bought him even a bit of time, then he was willing to take it.
He knew that the First Disciple's suggestion might've been a way to push him out of Black Sky Clan. Even so, Kang-oh nodded without resistance.