Unease
A few days earlier.
Un Sa-nang visited Yi Gajang. It wasn't anything new. Ever since Yi Jinpyeong had cured her and freed her from the demonic qi that controlled her, she had often stopped by to share various pieces of information she handled. For Jinpyeong, who had been focusing intensely on training and cutting back on outside activities, these visits were quite useful.
She would slip in unnoticed by others, appearing suddenly at Mugun Hall where Jinpyeong mainly taught his brothers. Each time, she would chat with them about this and that. Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun were always polite and courteous to everyone, including her. Especially Jinun, whose life she had saved—his attentiveness toward her was beyond words.
Un Sa-nang had grown close to the brothers before long, exchanging jokes and even sparring lightly. Of course, all this happened under Jinpyeong's watchful eyes. Even though she had broken free from demonic qi and was cooperating with him, that didn't mean he trusted her completely.
"Your brothers aren't here today? What a shame."
That day, her voice carried a hint of disappointment as she arrived at Mugun Hall.
"Mm. Gwak the Chief Steward dragged them off earlier. They're probably getting an earful right now."
"...The family head getting scolded by the steward?"
"You gotta take the scolding when it's due. I'd been turning a blind eye, but he was giving away way too much grain."
Un Sa-nang burst out laughing, clutching her belly. Her clear laughter echoed through Mugun Hall.
"This place is hilarious. Yi Gajang really is something else."
"Hilarious? I'm about to pop a vein. Feels like I've swallowed a hundred sweet potatoes."
"You aside, people like your brothers are one of a kind. Pure, untainted souls—you don't see that in this day and age."
"Naive is more like it. Clueless about the world."
"What's wrong with being naive? Or ignorant of worldly ways? Anyway, they're good people. I can tell from how they look at me and talk to me. They've glimpsed my ugly skin mask multiple times, but they never bat an eye."
"What, you interested?"
"And if I am?"
"Didn't you say even you had eyes for the White Bone Heroes? That you wouldn't stoop to them?"
"Oh? Did I say that?"
Un Sa-nang feigned innocence. Jinpyeong glared intently at the black veil draping her face.
"Our brothers better see through your true nature."
"What if they saw my real face? Would they fall for it? Or treat me the same as always?"
"...Don't even think about toying with my brothers' hearts."
"Why? Scared I'll become your sister-in-law?"
Un Sa-nang chuckled softly. Jinpyeong replied coldly.
"I don't joke about my brothers."
Un Sa-nang's laughter faded. Silence hung in the air for a moment.
Jinpyeong continued. "Don't get the wrong idea. I have no prejudice against you. No intention of criticizing your past or holding it over you. But if you try to toy with my brothers, even lightly... I won't stand by idly. Keep that in mind."
Un Sa-nang gazed quietly at Jinpyeong. She let out a small sigh.
"Of course you would."
"......"
"I'm jealous of your brothers. How nice it would be to have siblings watching over me with such fierce eyes."
Her words were laced with genuine loneliness. They rang true. Perhaps that's why, over the past few months, she kept coming here even without urgent news—just to watch the three brothers bicker, grow, and bond, sometimes seriously, sometimes over trivial matters.
"So, what information do you have today?"
"Ah."
Back to business, her eyes sparkled unusually as she continued.
"Good thing your brothers aren't here. I've got some very important info today."
The only "important" info between her and Jinpyeong was one thing: the Demonic Cult.
He hadn't yet told his brothers in detail about her ties to the Demonic Cult or the facts he'd learned through her.
"The Shadow's back."
"...!"
The man controlling Un Sa-nang in place of her childhood friend. Jinpyeong had long known through her that he'd been away from Dongjeong Lake for quite some time with no contact.
Which made him think the Dongbeonhoe event might have no Demonic Cult involvement after all.
"Did he notice the demonic qi was gone?"
"Don't worry. And if he had, how could I be here?"
"Anyway. So?"
"It'd been ages since we last talked. He looked incredibly busy and worn out. He grilled me repeatedly on Dongbeonhoe's preparations for the martial conference—the schedule, accommodations, participants. Even details on the Nine Great Sects' members and young experts. But it felt less like he was asking me and more like cross-checking what he already knew."
"Cross-checking..."
"He was thorough, confirming everything multiple times. Like he was trying to control every variable. They're definitely plotting something big at this Nine Great Sects gathering."
"Anything more specific on what?"
"Not yet. That's all he asked—no more details than usual. But seeing his state, a bit more prodding might reveal extras."
"His state?"
"He was sharp as ever, but unusually chatty and excited. Almost buzzing. He even said once this is over, he'll finally return where he belongs... He seemed in high spirits, so I joked lightly—what about me? Replacement? Can I come too? Normally, he'd snap or slap me. But this time? Just a smirk."
Un Sa-nang brimmed with unusual enthusiasm.
Jinpyeong, lost in thought, shook his head.
"Don't push it anymore. Stick to the usual."
"Why? Even a tiny clue on who's involved or what kind could help."
"Sure, but stop. No more digging."
"...You don't trust me?"
"Right. Not your skills—your current state."
"......"
"It's not just him. You're excited too. You think you've got his weakness, and free from demonic qi, you're overeager. In that state, you're prone to mistakes too. You know the cost of a slip-up."
Un Sa-nang stared at Jinpyeong. She knew all too well what a mistake would bring.
"Got it. I'll do nothing but follow orders and stay put."
"Your tone's a bit..."
Un Sa-nang laughed.
"Don't worry. Shouldn't you be more concerned about yourself? What's the plan? What're you thinking?"
"Simple. Whatever they're plotting, disrupt the Dongbeonhoe event so it doesn't go smoothly. In the chaos, watch how they react—you'll spot the gaps. And seeing me strut around, the Demonic Cult won't be able to resist contacting me."
"Why's that?"
"Obvious. This body—this one who crippled eighty percent of their old forces... Yi Gyeol, the greatest under heaven. The Central Plains may have forgotten Yi Gajang, but they haven't."
"But you're not Yi Gyeol."
"Same difference. Not yet, but soon."
"Arrogant as ever. The Shadow's no pushover. Who knows how many are mobilized for this. Wouldn't it be better to approach reliable Nine Great Sects folks who couldn't possibly be tainted and warn them?"
"Didn't you say some in the Nine Great Sects are already compromised? Even if we find someone trustworthy, they won't buy my word easily."
"...So you're shouldering it all alone."
"Better than begging the Nine Great Sects. And who said I'm alone?"
Un Sa-nang's face lit up.
"After all that, I'm still the only one you trust...!"
"Don't we have our two brothers?"
"...Right."
That conversation was just a few days ago. She'd promised to lay low until they met at Dongbeonhoe, reaffirming it clearly.
It had to be his imagination. Maybe they hadn't found an opening yet, or things were just too hectic.
But Jinpyeong wasn't one to ignore his unease.
He shot to his feet. Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun, whispering nearby, looked startled. Seeing Jinpyeong's grim expression, Jinun waved his hands frantically.
"Jinpyeong! What I meant was... I'm not marrying Un Sa-nang or anything. Just getting to know her slowly..."
Yi Jingang poked Jinun in the side.
Meanwhile, another name was called on the arena stage: Yi Gajang's eldest, Yi Jingang.
Jinpyeong, who seemed ready to bolt, halted. Jingang looked at Jinpyeong; Jinpyeong at Jingang.
Jingang spoke calmly to Jinpyeong. "Little brother. Go. Don't worry about me."
"Jinpyeong! W-where are you going? Big brother's about to have his first match... and right now, of all times?"
Jinun glanced anxiously between them.
Jinun couldn't know what Jingang didn't. Yet the eldest stared at Jinpyeong with a serene expression, as if he understood everything. Eyes full of deep trust.
Jinpyeong nodded.
After a steadying breath, Jingang ascended the arena.
"Ooh—the last of the three brothers steps up!"
"With those two setting the bar so high, we can expect big things from the eldest too, right?"
"I heard he was just a hopelessly kind pushover... we'll see."
As eyes turned to Yi Gajang's eldest son, Jinpyeong vanished in a blur.
And the exam supervisor raised his voice, calling Jingang's opponent.