The moonlight spilled across the silent mountain pass like silver mist, painting the jagged ridges of Mount Liang in dreamlike brilliance. The night wind whispered through the pines, and beneath it, the soft murmur of memory drifted into Jinhyuk's heart... uninvited, cruelly vivid.
[Flashback – Years Ago]
The scent of blooming magnolias filled the courtyard of the Namgung residence. The young Namgung Yura twirled in a soft blue hanbok, her laughter echoing like chimes.
Jinhyuk! she called, waving a folded fan. If you're going to stare, at least bring me the tea before it gets cold.
Jinhyuk smiled... that warm, foolish, carefree grin he had once believed would last a lifetime. He was just a simple farmer's son back then, invited to the Namgung estate only because his father supplied the clan's grain.
But Yura never cared about social standing. She had a heart that defied the sky's rules.
He brought her tea, pretending to trip halfway and spill a few drops, earning a playful scolding. Still clumsy, I see, she said with a huff, but her eyes softened as she brushed his sleeve. Don't change, alright? Promise me.
I won't, he said back then, his smile sincere. Even if the world turns against us.
[Flash Forward – The Present]
The smile vanished as reality bled back into his mind... fire, screams, and the scent of ashes. His wife Min-Seo's tender voice replaced Yura's laughter, calling his name in the memory of a burning village.
Then, his son's small hands reaching out...Appa..!!
Jinhyuk clenched his fists.
He had lost everything.
The peaceful days as a husband and father, the smell of roasted barley, his son's laughter chasing butterflies under the sun, all devoured by betrayal.
Now, in this brutal Murim world, he had no luxury of tears. Only steel and vengeance.
The streets of Moryang City were alive with whispers that night, a trade hub between the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions. Black market dealers, spies, and cultivators gathered under lantern light, each eye glinting with hidden purpose.
Jinhyuk walked silently through the crowd, his bandit garb hidden beneath a plain cloak. Behind him, Dan Sae-Ryeo followed, her expression sharp yet cautious.
You've been staring into space for the last half hour, she murmured, her tone laced with concern. Still thinking of her again?
Jinhyuk exhaled softly. You have sharp eyes, Sae-Ryeo.
I'd say you wear your pain too loudly, she said, stepping beside him. Even the blind could see it.
He gave a quiet chuckle. Pain is the one thing I never learned to hide.
They stopped near a tavern known as The Red Lantern. A few robed figures sat inside. Merchants... or perhaps spies pretending to be. One emblem glimmered briefly under the sleeve of a man... a crane-shaped insignia.
Jinhyuk's eyes narrowed.
That was the Namgung Clan's secret courier seal identical to one he had found in the ruins of his burned village.
He took a seat at the corner table. Sae-Ryeo followed. The smell of cheap wine mixed with the stench of greed and deceit.
As they listened, two men nearby spoke in hushed tones.
The Murong shipment was delayed again. The Namgung branch in the north wants updates.
They're working with Murong family still?
Of course. They've been partners in shadow for years. That incident six years ago...
Shh.!! Don't mention it here.
The words froze Jinhyuk's blood. Six years ago... the year his wife and son died.
He slowly gripped the hilt of his blade beneath the table.
Sae-Ryeo leaned in close, whispering, You're shaking.
He forced a breath, unclenching his hand. Not from fear.
Her gaze softened, sensing the storm building behind his calm. You're not the same man you were when you joined us.
No, he said coldly. That man was still human.
Later, as they walked through the moonlit alleys, Sae-Ryeo broke the silence. You want vengeance. I understand that. But what will you do once you find them?
Jinhyuk looked toward the distant lights of the upper city where the Orthodox factions resided. That depends on what truth I uncover.
And if that truth includes the woman you once loved? she asked softly.
He paused mid-step. The night wind howled.
For a moment, the faint image of Yura's tearful face appeared in his mind... the girl who once swore to defy her clan for him.
Then… His voice trembled, restrained between longing and fury. Then I'll decide whether to forgive… or destroy everything connected to her.
They returned to the camp outside the city. Jeok-Ma's spiritual voice resonated within Jinhyuk's mind.
You're learning to listen to the world, boy. Every silence hides a conspiracy, every shadow hides a dagger.
I know, Jinhyuk replied inwardly, lighting a small fire. But I can't afford to lose myself to paranoia.
Then you'll die... Murim is built on betrayal... for love, loyalty, justice they're all lies for the weak.
Jinhyuk looked up at the stars. If that's true, then I'll build my own truth.
Jeok-Ma chuckled darkly. Then prepare to face the storm you summon.
The next morning, they intercepted a courier from the Murong family. Hidden among trade documents was a sealed parchment with a red wax sigil... the Namgung family crest.
Inside, coded messages revealed "joint operations in the northern provinces" targeting unaligned sects and controlling trade routes.
It also mentioned the movement of a target from the Black Fang remnants.
Sae-Ryeo frowned as she read it. They know we exist.
Jinhyuk's eyes hardened. No… they know I exist.
She looked at him in disbelief. You mean..?
The Namgung Clan and Murong Family already know who I am. They're watching.
That night, Jinhyuk sat alone at the edge of a cliff, watching the river shimmer below. His reflection stared back, calm eyes, yet trembling within.
He whispered, Yura… if you're alive, do you still believe in me?
A pause. The silence felt heavier than any sword.
I can't stop walking this path, he murmured. Even if it means killing the world that once gave me love.
Sae-Ryeo approached quietly. She didn't speak at first, only sat beside him and looked at the same stars.
You talk to ghosts too much, she said at last.
Maybe they're the only ones who'll listen, he replied with a weary smile.
Or maybe, she said, her tone suddenly sharp yet gentle, you're afraid of the living... afraid of what's still left of your heart.
Jinhyuk turned his gaze toward her. Her eyes fierce, loyal, but soft in their depth, reminded him of something he thought he'd lost forever.
Don't look at me like that, she said, looking away quickly. I'm not her.
I know, he said quietly. But maybe that's why you're still here.
The wind carried the scent of war and destiny. Far in the distance, in a grand hall illuminated by jade lamps, Namgung Wi-Guk and Murong Baek-Ho discussed their next political maneuver...a secret marriage alliance to cement power... unaware that the man they believed dead now stood poised to bring their world crashing down.
As the flames of the campfire flickered in his eyes, Kang Jinhyuk whispered under his breath,
Murim… you've taken everything from me. Now, it's my turn.
The night trembled as if the heavens themselves heard his vow.