In a corner of the Red Jade Training Hall, there was a furnace. It was used by the servants to manage the red jade, which must always be cleaned with hot water.

Yi-gang was crouching down in front of that furnace.

Even with his back turned, it was clear that he was not trying to clean the Red Jade Training Hall.

A small pot was placed on the furnace, and next to Yi-gang were some vegetables and food ingredients.

Yi-gang was, astonishingly, cooking soup right there.

‘Cooking food in the Red Jade Training Hall!’

For Neung Ji-pyeong, such behavior was incomprehensible.

The Red Jade Training Hall, of all places, was a sacred site within the Baek Noble Clan. The red jade, which emitted heat even in the dead of winter, was a precious object that the legendary Immortal Divine Sword acquired after defeating the Cult Leader of the Evil Cult.

Not just Baek Ha-jun, who trained here, but also people from previous generations always paid their respects to the statue of the Immortal Divine Sword with devout postures.

But now, the returned Baek Yi-gang was dishonorably boiling a hot pot.

‘This is unforgivable.’

Neung Ji-pyeong, who had intended to leave, approached Yi-gang to give him a warning.

True to his nickname, the Tranquil Sword, Neung Ji-pyeong made no noise as he leaped down and approached Yi-gang. Yi-gang, completely unaware of Neung Ji-pyeong’s approach, continued stirring the hot pot.

As Neung Ji-pyeong got about five steps closer—

It was the moment when he anticipated Yi-gang would be startled and was about to call out to him.

“Stop.”

The first to speak was not Neung Ji-pyeong but Yi-gang.

He continued to stir the pot without even looking back.

At Yi-gang’s words, Neung Ji-pyeong froze on the spot.

“Stay right there.”

It was not because Yi-gang commanded it that he stopped.

Shock shimmered in Neung Ji-pyeong’s eyes.

‘How did he sense my presence?’

Thanks to the light footwork technique he had mastered, Neung Ji-pyeong never gave away his presence under usual circumstances. Even Baek Ha-jun could not dare detect his approach.

Yet, Baek Yi-gang, as if he had eyes on his back, recognized Neung Ji-pyeong’s approach.

‘No, did he hear me punish the servants?’

Perhaps he noticed Neung Ji-pyeong’s entrance back then.

‘Even so, how did he notice me getting close…’

Yi-gang calmly stirred the pot, adding salt and soy sauce. He surprisingly seemed adept at cooking.

Neung Ji-pyeong wondered if perhaps Yi-gang had just made a random guess.

“I didn’t just guess.”

“…!”

His heart pricked. It was as if he had seen right through Neung Ji-pyeong’s thoughts.

Leaving the flustered Neung Ji-pyeong standing still, Yi-gang continued speaking.

“What’s wrong with cooking food for oneself? Isn’t it the essence of propriety and dignity? After all, humans die if they don’t eat…”

“…”

“When I was around ten, I made this dumpling hot pot and received praise from my father. My younger brother liked it as well. That was the last praise I remember.”

Each word felt piercing, as if it delved right into Neung Ji-pyeong’s mind.

Neung Ji-pyeong swallowed. Only then did he remember the characteristics of the Great Yin Meridian Blockage.

A fragile body incapable of mastering martial arts. However, it comes with a greatly sharpened intellect and keen senses.

“If you had noticed earlier, you would have come to greet me right away…”

“Tsk.”

Yi-gang was scolding Neung Ji-pyeong.

If Neung Ji-pyeong had recognized Yi-gang from afar, he should have greeted him as he returned to the clan.

How could he unknowingly approach while hiding his presence? That was the implication of the words.

‘Surely, he noticed me from the very beginning.’

Neung Ji-pyeong felt a cold chill. It was midsummer now. The surrounding area was covered with the always-hot Red Jade.

Yet, a clear cold air was emanating from Yi-gang, who stood right in front of him.

Yi-gang slowly turned his head to look at Neung Ji-pyeong.

“Oh, isn’t that Squad Leader Neung Ji-pyeong?”

The feigned surprise in Yi-gang’s demeanor made Neung Ji-pyeong’s heart grow colder.

‘Oh, it’s cold.’

At the moment when he finished practicing the Great Yin Flow, Yi-gang immediately rushed to the fireplace.

「Didn’t I say that the complete Great Yin Flow attracts Yin energy? When you reach that level, you should be able to handle it.」

Yi-gang had sought this Red Jade Training Hall to prolong his Great Yin Flow practice, but there were limits.

Yi-gang’s body became as cold as an ice chamber, actually emitting cold air.

That was why he had made additional preparations for today.

“Oh, the broth has boiled too.”

「Goodness, thinking of replenishing Yang energy with food. Quite a clever idea.」

“Garlic, green onions, leeks, chicken, and the like. I asked Suk-su to prepare dumplings with ingredients rich in Yang energy.”

「He could have just brought it boiled.」

Yi-gang did not bother to reply. The dumpling hot pot he intended to make was not a dish from the Central Plains.

He would dissolve the red pepper powder and spicy sauce appropriately and then boil it in Korean style in the chicken broth. There was nothing better to warm up the body.

Having received the dumplings in advance, there was not much to cook. Yi-gang added the prepared seasoning to the broth and tore large chunks of green onions into it. Once it was moderately boiled, it was time to add the dumplings.

「Ah, the aroma is fantastic!」

The Immortal Divine Sword, initially sulking, seemed eager to bury his nose in the pot. It was so distracting that Yi-gang, slightly annoyed, remarked,

“Enough.”

「Oh my, how intimidating. What a grim expression.」

Fortunately, the Immortal Divine Sword obediently stepped aside.

“Stay right there.”

The cold tone seemed to have had a good effect.

Yi-gang tasted the soup with a spoon. Slightly bland. A rough sprinkle of salt and red pepper powder should do the trick.

「Hitting the seasoning like that should work.」

“I’m not haphazardly adjusting.”

It was merely expertise based on extensive experience.

Tasting the perfectly seasoned soup, a smile naturally crept up to his lips. Immortal Divine Sword seemed displeased to see Yi-gang enjoying the meal alone.

「Hmph. A descendant of the Baek clan should have dignity. You should have someone else cook for you. I fear you might drop the red pepper.」

It was unlikely that any mishap would occur just because Yi-gang held a ladle.

“What’s wrong with cooking food for oneself? Isn’t it the essence of propriety and dignity? After all, humans die if they don’t eat…”

「Cough.」

“When I was around ten, I made this dumpling hot pot and received praise from my father. My younger brother liked it as well. That was the last praise I remember.”

「Younger brother, huh? Ah, was he the one who came looking for you when you lost consciousness?」

Yi-gang gave a bitter smile. He had a strange relationship with his younger brother, Baek Ha-jun. Even after regaining his senses, they hadn’t met yet.

“I should’ve gone to see him sooner and at least said hello…”

The Immortal Divine Sword looked at Yi-gang with a peculiar expression.

「Hmm… descendant.」

Yi-gang turned his gaze to the Immortal Divine Sword.

「I missed the right moment to say it, but why is that man standing still and glaring at you, descendant?」

Yi-gang felt as though cold water had been poured down his neck.

Turning his stiff neck to look behind, there stood Neung Ji-pyeong, the leader of the Biyeon Squad.

“Oh.”

Yi-gang’s mind raced.

Neung Ji-pyeong was a figure known for his strictness. To be caught making hot pot in the Red Jade Training Hall was undoubtedly embarrassing.

“A-aren’t you Squad Leader Neung Ji-pyeong?”

His voice seemed to tremble a little. He resented the Immortal Divine Sword for not alerting him sooner.

In the moment he braced himself for unpleasant remarks—

Neung Ji-pyeong suddenly bowed deeply.

“I apologize for the delayed greeting, Young Master Yi-gang.”

For someone who usually appeared so rigid, this was an excessively polite gesture.

Was he gathering his strength to reprimand Yi-gang?

“Please… forgive my rudeness.”

To make matters even more surprising, Neung Ji-pyeong even apologized to Yi-gang.

The perplexed Yi-gang asked,

“What rudeness… are you referring to?”

Curious, he asked, but Neung Ji-pyeong bit his lip.

“Uh…”

“I can’t even guess.”

“I… forgot my duties as a leader.”

With that, he even bowed deeply in a courteous manner.

Yi-gang could not even begin to fathom how the situation had unfolded.

“In that case, I shall take my leave.”

It was a relief when Neung Ji-pyeong finally left.

Even as he watched Neung Ji-pyeong walk away, the absolute silence sent shivers down Yi-gang’s spine again.

Only after Neung Ji-pyeong had left did Yi-gang let out a sigh of relief.

“…What on earth was that all about?”

「Such a peculiar fellow.」

Immortal Divine Sword also expressed his bewilderment, cursing at Neung Ji-pyeong.

“Ah, shoot! The stew is overflowing!”

Distracted by Neung Ji-pyeong’s sudden appearance and subsequent disappearance, the dumpling hot pot boiled over.

Yi-gang quickly refocused on his stew. Neung Ji-pyeong’s interruption soon faded from his mind.

Seizing the moment of confusion, the Immortal Divine Sword exclaimed,

「Descendant, how about entrusting your body to me again when we eat!」

“You said that if you possess me again, I might die.”

「I will teach you the method you so desired to lighten your body!」

“What use would that be if I’m dead!”

Yi-gang was not fooled.

After getting a good talking-to from Yi-gang, Neung Ji-pyeong left the Red Jade Training Hall.

As the sun was setting, Neung Ji-pyeong returned to the Red Jade Training Hall. It was soon time to instruct Baek Ha-jun in the light footwork technique.

Baek Ha-jun, even in his youth, carried an air of maturity about him. His talent for martial arts was astounding.

For this reason, Neung Ji-pyeong was always anxious before the training session.

“Whew…”

The day’s earlier events still weighed on his mind.

Usually, they would commence after the sun had completely set, but starting today, it was brought forward by about half an hour.

Because of this adjustment, he ran into Yi-gang.

‘…Did I misjudge?’

As a vassal loyal to the clan, he was not the type to grumble and complain. Especially on matters regarding the Young Clan Head, he had never dared to comment.

However, deep down, he firmly supported Baek Ha-jun. Not merely because he was his teacher, but because he believed Baek Ha-jun was more suitable for the role than Yi-gang.

This was because, at some point, Yi-gang had lost his vigor and appeared pitiful.

‘Was that lazy and pathetic appearance just a façade?’

Even if Yi-gang had not acted this way, whether or not he learned martial arts would not have mattered. The Baek Clan’s lineage was different from the lineages of the other Seven Great Clans.

‘No, it’s a pointless matter. After all, he’s destined to die when he turns twenty.’

Neung Ji-pyeong shook his head to dismiss those distracting thoughts. Maybe he was too engrossed in his contemplation.

Because of that, he failed to notice someone sneaking up behind him.

Swooosh—

The moment the sword’s sharp noise was heard, Neung Ji-pyeong drew his sword and swung it backward.

Clash—!

The sword clashed with the wooden sword in mid-air. The assailant was a boy with a cold expression. It was none other than Baek Ha-jun.

“Squad Leader Neung, I got you.”

As always, the moment Baek Ha-jun entered the training hall, he launched a surprise attack, and Neung Ji-pyeong defended against it.

However, today’s situation was a bit different. Until now, Neung Ji-pyeong always detected Baek Ha-jun’s surprise attack in advance.

But today, even if he was deep in thought, he ended up giving away more space than usual.

“Hoh…! Young Master!”

A smile broke out on Neung Ji-pyeong’s face, which had been as rigid as an iron mask. How could he not be happy?

The boy was only twelve years old. His hand holding the sword was not even fully grown, yet that sword attack surprised Neung Ji-pyeong.

However, Baek Ha-jun, who should be pleased, did not smile at all. That was the nature of the young Baek Ha-jun.

“Still, the sword was easily blocked.”

“Haha, it’s something to be happy about. After all, I’m most confident in my light footwork technique and perception.”

Seeing Baek Ha-jun, who was improving day by day, Neung Ji-pyeong’s heart felt lighter.

Indeed, Baek Ha-jun was a true genius and the rightful Young Clan Head.

“Today, we can elevate the level of ‘catching the goblin’ practice.”

“Yes.”

Baek Ha-jun nodded expressionlessly.

And then suddenly, he lifted his gaze into thin air.

“Master?”

“…Hmm.”

Baek Ha-jun, slightly furrowing his brows, looked around.

“It smells.”

“Ah!”

Neung Ji-pyeong realized. He had become accustomed to it and forgot, but within the training hall, a faint scent of dumpling hot pot still lingered.

For a moment, he debated whether or not to tell about his meeting with Yi-gang.

“A heartwarming scent…”

Neung Ji-pyeong was taken aback. For a very brief moment, it seemed like a smile formed on the corners of Baek Ha-jun’s mouth.

Finally, a childlike countenance was visible.

“Actually… Young Master Yi-gang visited this morning.”

And that smile disappeared in an instant.

With a colder expression than before, Baek Ha-jun asked,

“My brother?”

“Yes, I heard that when it’s not Young Master Ha-jun’s training time, he practices here… Didn’t you know?”

“…”

Judging by his reaction, it seemed Baek Ha-jun was unaware of this. They had never overlapped in their timings for a month.

“So this scent is…”

“Yes, after Young Master Yi-gang finished his training, he had the hot pot…”

Baek Ha-jun’s small hand gripping the wooden sword had turned pale. Neung Ji-pyeong noticed it.

‘They still aren’t on good terms, I guess.’

A moment ago, he was smiling, but now he was clearly angered. It was a rare emotional change for Baek Ha-jun, who was always like a piece of ice.

“Don’t let it bother you too much. Just focus on your training for today. We set the training time early because there’s a lot to do.”

If Baek Ha-jun and Baek Yi-gang confronted each other directly, a storm would surely ensue. That was the moment Neung Ji-pyeong tried to calm Baek Ha-jun down.

Creak—

It was not the time for servants to come in and out, yet the door of the Red Jade Training Hall opened.

“Why is the lantern lit… Oh.”

And so, mumbling to himself, Yi-gang made his entrance.

“…Why are you here now?”

For Yi-gang too, he must not have expected that Baek Ha-jun’s training time had been brought forward.

Baek Ha-jun, as if turned to ice, looked intently at his older brother.

The brothers finally saw each other after three years.