Chapter 295

Chapter 295
## Chapter 295. Returning Home in Silk Clothes (3)

—

Departing from the Heavenly Cave, the disciples belonging to the Tae-eul Sect dashed toward the eastern region. Instantly following this development, the martial artists from Zhongnan commenced their pursuit. Five individuals had instigated a major disturbance within the Heavenly Cave and were currently fleeing as though running for their lives. The greater part of the Zhongnan group suspected that these refugees were responsible for creating the third passageway, and under the grimmest assumptions, they believed the group had possession of the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil. The members representing the Zhongnan Sect grew thrilled at the prospect of capturing, questioning, and torturing them to uncover the means by reward of which they secured the fluid and to determine why they had disrupted Zhongnan’s objectives.

Nevertheless, despite employing the renowned supreme martial art of the Jianghu known as the Galaxy Swimming Flight, the gap separating them from the suspects refused to close in the slightest.

‘What kind of…… locomotive method is this…….’

‘Ha, to think that a movement technique of this caliber exists?’

Far from narrowing the distance, the gap was actually widening with every passing moment. Furthermore, it was standard for the velocity of any movement technique practiced upon mountainous terrain to decrease on account of dense trees and jagged, uneven ground; yet their speed never faltered, appearing as though they were traversing perfectly flat terrain. The Galaxy Swimming Flight was hardly a form that would be outmatched in speed under ordinary circumstances, but whenever they navigated a forest or scaled a sheer precipice, the interval grew more immense. Ultimately, Zhongnan had no choice but to lose sight of the perpetrators by the time they had crossed over two mountain ranges.

The intelligence that Zhongnan had completely lost track of the targets was shortly delivered to the Beggars’ Union, who had been monitoring the entire sequence of events from afar.

“Ha-ha, those blockheaded fools…….”

“Did they truly assume the targets would just surrender themselves without a fight?”

“This is precisely why slow-witted individuals achieve nothing.”

The Beggars’ Union, having foreseen this exact outcome, only then initiated their own movement. Since the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil that Zhongnan failed to claim was no longer within Zhongnan’s grasp, did this not imply that if it escaped Zhongnan, there would be no issue even if it fell into the hands of the Beggars’ Union?

Yet, they could not afford to be reckless.

“They outpaced the Galaxy Swimming Flight. Keep your wits about you!”

Hearing the warning from the Hall Master of the Fast Speed Hall, the gathered members of the Beggars’ Union scoffed.

“No matter how exceptional a movement technique those individuals have grasped, when they do not even comprehend the fundamentals of lightfoot, how could they possibly unleash its genuine potential?”

“If we capture them this time, does that mean we have surpassed the Galaxy Swimming Flight?”

The Fast Speed Hall, frequently dubbed the “Lightning” of the Beggars’ Union, served as the division responsible for transmitting critical data across all regions of the world with the utmost celerity. This faction, established to mitigate the dangers of information loss during transmission via carrier pigeons or trained hawks, possessed greater confidence in enduring long-distance travel than any other sect or group of escort warriors across the lands.

“Amateurs who lack true knowledge of lightfoot assume that mere speed is everything. However,”

Because they were individuals who possessed unmatched swiftness while simultaneously maintaining the stamina to run for extended durations.

“This presents the perfect occasion to demonstrate to those amateurs what genuine lightfoot entails. Forward!”

A chase that commenced a full twelve hours after Zhongnan’s attempt. Nevertheless, the trackers from the Beggars’ Union managed to locate the path of the targets before a single day had concluded.

“Heh-heh, those targets have begun to detect our presence. Their pace is steadily accelerating, is it?”

“They will exhaust themselves before long regardless. We shall regulate our pace and trail them stubbornly. Those fellows will grow increasingly panicked and drain their energy rapidly.”

Yet, reality does not always align with anticipation.

“……Why does the gap continue to widen?”

“Pant, pant…… those, those bastards…… it appears they are…… pushing themselves to an extreme degree?”

At the remark of a fellow Beggars’ Union tracker who was completely soaked in perspiration, the beggar who had questioned him felt the words ‘Aren’t you the one pushing yourself to the brink?’ surge to his throat, though he quickly repressed them. If an argument broke out now, the hunt and everything else would dissolve into chaos.

“It has already been half a day! It is high time for those individuals to take a break. We shall also modify our speed to match theirs, and then rest whenever they decide to rest.”

Nonetheless,

“Pant, pant…… you claimed we would r-rest……”

“I have no bloody idea either, damn it…….”

The perpetrators did not pause for a single moment. Despite having pushed through a whole night, and with the second day now unfolding, they maintained their sprint. Consequently, the initial complications began to manifest within the ranks of the Beggars’ Union.

“H-Hall Master…… the gap is opening up.”

“What nonsense are you uttering! We are still holding the line!”

“No, not between us and them…… among ourselves.”

Even though they had assembled the swiftest and most enduring runners within the Beggars’ Union, variances in personal capability and martial arts proficiency were inevitable. The individuals possessing lesser mastery began to drop behind bit by bit.

“……Those cursed bastards, exactly how much inner vitality do they possess……”

Employing a movement technique ultimately demands the expenditure of internal energy over a prolonged duration. Unless an individual executes meditative respiration while actively running, one cannot perpetually sustain a movement technique using a finite reserve of inner vitality. But what manner of madmen were these targets?

“What are our orders, Hall Master?”

“……Split our numbers in two. Instruct them to rotate positions after engaging in meditative respiration.”

“Should I advise them to catch some sleep as well?”

“Are you utterly insane……! Why don’t you suggest they go have a hot bath while they are at it?!”

“I-I beg your pardon!”

“Furthermore, make contact with the local branch. Given that those fellows are traveling eastward, instruct them to deploy the regional beggars along the path ahead.”

“Whom shall I dispatch for this task?”

“Damn it! Seriously! Are you intending to preserve that carrier pigeon to consume as a midday snack later?!?”

“I-I beg your pardon!”

As the sub-ordinate retreated in panic, the Hall Master ground his teeth in fury. It was deeply humiliating that the Fast Speed Hall was losing ground due to a disparity in inner vitality, but conversely, there were insights they had gained from this ordeal.

‘Judging by the sheer volume of their inner vitality, they are absolutely not a low-tier sect. If I map out the course they are charting, I will be capable of identifying what manner of organization they belong to.’

……Naturally, even if that assumption proved incorrect.

On the fourth day of the chase.

The Hall Master was driven to a state where his mind was reeling and his vision was on the verge of fading entirely. Not only had his inner vitality dropped to its absolute threshold, but above all else, there was no method to counteract the intense deprivation of sleep.

“Pant…… huff…… pant…….”

When the physical state of the Hall Master turned alarmingly precarious, the postures of the remaining Beggars’ Union members likewise began to falter and collapse.

“H-Hall Master, can you sustain yourself?”

The gaze of the Hall Master, who turned toward his subordinate with completely parched lips, already resembled the glassy stare of a half-spoiled fish.

“The br-branch…… has there been any response from the branch……?”

The tactic of pursuing the targets in alternating shifts had failed to materialize because the targets continually accelerated their pace. The trackers who fell behind were entirely unable to catch up to the forward unit again, forcing those still in pursuit to keep their legs moving without a moment’s reprieve.

“Did the carrier pigeon…… fail to arrive?”

Since dispatching the initial carrier pigeon, they had sent out up to a third avian messenger. Had the pigeons reached their destinations successfully, an ambush blocking the path ahead would have materialized long ago, or fresh personnel to relieve them would have arrived by now. However, given the absolute silence, it signified that the carrier pigeons had ultimately failed to deliver their messages.

The query of ‘Is it truly a mere accident that all three carrier pigeons failed to reach their mark?’ surfaced in his mind, but the Hall Master swiftly abandoned the thought. He lacked the remaining cognitive energy to harbor even a minor suspicion at this juncture.

“H-Hall Master. Why not halt and rest if only for a brief moment? You are overtaxing your body far too much…….”

Disregarding his subordinate’s pleading, a sound akin to grinding metal scraped past the Hall Master’s throat.

“Send…… dispatch a member…… send a runner to establish contact……”

Thud.

With those words serving as his final utterance, the Hall Master’s legs became hopelessly ensnared, and his physical form tumbled across the earth.

“H-Hall Master!”

As though they had merely been awaiting a pretext, the remaining personnel of the Fast Speed Hall likewise brought their strides to a halt.

“Move…… move forward…… once more……”

The Hall Master, squeezing out the final remnants of his fading vitality, ultimately lost consciousness.

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

Nonetheless, there was not a soul who stepped forward to enact the Hall Master’s final command. They merely stood there, assessing one another’s reactions.

“What did the Hall Master state at the very end? I was unable to catch it clearly as his voice was far too faint.”

“……It appeared he commanded us to simply abandon the hunt, seeing as it is clear we cannot hope to overtake them.”

“Precisely! Since that fellow was positioned closest to him, let us rely on his interpretation.”

The Beggars’ Union tracker who had been delivering reports to the Hall Master let out a startled gasp when the intense stares of everyone present suddenly fixed upon him, prompting him to shout aloud.

“H-Hall Master! What are your directives! If you simply lose consciousness without providing instructions, we are left entirely in the dark…… Hall Master!”

At the subordinate’s frantic shout, the harsh glares of the Fast Speed Hall members softened into relief. In any event, the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil was an item they would never have been permitted to possess or control. No one harbored the desire to endure a hellish torment simply to locate such a prize.

Meanwhile, Ho Gye-ak, the proprietor of the Black Point operating within the Xi’an branch of the Hao Sect, who was observing this spectacle from a short distance away, could not conceal his deep respect.

“Heh-heh, does the Young Master truly possess the ability to foresee the future? To think he anticipated precisely that the beggars would abandon their efforts in this exact location.”

It had been thoroughly irritating to watch those individuals, who were fundamentally beggars, parading around in immaculate garments pretending to be respectable figures. Beholding them reduced to looking like authentic beggars following the relentless pursuit of the past four days brought a profound sense of comfort to his eyes.

‘You prattled on about selling maps, and now look at your current state.’

It was slightly disappointing that these were not the youthful beggars who had mocked him back in Xi’an, but what difference did it make? Ultimately, the crucial element was that he had successfully humbled the Beggars’ Union.

At that precise moment.

“Proprietor, shall we begin our return journey now?”

“Eh? Return?!?”

“Why, what causes you to react in such a manner?”

“Are you even capable of moving your legs after witnessing such a magnificent sight?”

The proprietor retrieved a small gourd container from within his robes.

“Has it not been observed since antiquity that sublime poetry arises from sublime vistas? Who can say? Perhaps you harbor the hidden aptitude of a wordsmith?”

Hearing the proprietor’s reasoning, the subordinate who was gently stroking the beak of a Steel Hawk broke into a wide grin.

“In that case, shall I prepare the refreshments? I possess some fresh meat that the Steel Hawk brought down between yesterday and today.”

“Heh-heh! Owing to those fellows from the Beggars’ Union, both my vision and my palate are thoroughly satisfied.”

Ho Gye-ak felt as though a decade-old burden weighing upon his chest had been entirely wiped away.

The fifth consecutive day of running without intermission since departing from Mt. Judang.

Word arrived from the Hao Sect confirming that there was no longer any pursuit trailing behind them.

“We are permitted to rest for a short while now.”

Upon hearing my declaration, my junior martial brothers, who were drawing ragged breaths, collapsed onto the bare earth and plunged into a profound slumber without uttering a single query.

“Ughhhhh! I came within an inch of perishing…….”

“Relief…… I must…… relieve myself……”

Even though they had perpetually channeled their inner vitality, the sheer exhaustion gathered within the human frame is a matter that cannot be simply bypassed. The frantic breaths they were expelling slowly stabilized, and they drifted off exactly where they lay, utterly oblivious to their immediate surroundings. It was certain that intervals when they reached their absolute boundaries and desired to surrender must have materialized at every turn, yet my junior brothers commendably refused to falter.

And because those admirable displays were so incredibly heartbreaking to witness, sharp words escaped my lips.

“Tsk, they ought to at least engage in a cycle of meditative respiration prior to sleeping to disperse the physical strain.”

Perchance…… the remaining span of these children’s existences will manifest as a continuous chain of experiences where they must perpetually sprint like maniacs in this fashion. Given that the lives of individuals ushered into this world with absolutely nothing ultimately demand that they battle fiercely against the prevailing current simply to reach the destination they yearn for.

Even so, I lack the right to command them to cease their struggle against the current, or to take their ease. Because the very instant they halt their advance, the exact same existence that plagued their previous lives will inevitably repeat itself.

At that juncture, while I was feeling a wave of emotion welling up within me as I observed my living junior brothers resting before my eyes.

“Mmm……”

Sa-ryeon commenced scratching at her countenance frantically, as though her disheveled locks were causing an intense itch.

What an utterly atrocious sleeping habit.

I let out a quiet chuckle and extended my arm to arrange her messy hair.

“…… shreds.”

Then I froze completely in place. When I shifted my gaze.

“…….”

The condition of the three brothers was drastically more severe. Examining the countenances of my junior brothers, which were caked in grime and filth to such a degree that even the vagrants of the Beggars’ Union would instinctively steer clear, I concluded that there was no rationale for allowing them to slumber on such a foul ground any longer.

“……I must ensure they wash thoroughly before we proceed further. The elders of our sect will be absolutely driven to madness if they behold them in this state.”

In this manner, I began to map out the various lodgings and establishments worth visiting on our route back to the Tae-eul Sect. To provide them with a fitting recompense for the magnitude of the hardships they had endured.

On the contrary,

“What foolishness are you uttering!”

Sa-ryeon, who awoke after a prolonged period of rest and still maintained the visage of a vagabond, fixed me with an intense and aggressive glare.

“At this very moment, the entire martial world is in a state of high alert on account of the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil. And your grand plan is to stop at a public lodging?”

From dried saliva traces to sleep crust remaining in the corners of her eyes.

At the declaration made by Sa-ryeon, who existed in a state that could not reasonably be categorized as human, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers, who shared the identical vagabond appearance, nodded their agreement in unison.

“I must also voice my dissent, Sahyung. Should we chance to encounter people and find ourselves ensnared in another relentless pursuit like the last one…… ugh…….”

“Agreed! It is far wiser to simply avoid human contact and set camp within the wilderness.”

No, look…… your reasoning is sound, but…….

I grew somewhat desperate and attempted to reason with them.

“Examine the current condition of you all…… does this truly resemble the presentation of a civilized being……”

“What is amiss with this? Quite the opposite, it is highly advantageous because it ensures we fail to draw anyone’s gaze.”

Are these youths truly serious?

“……I am of the mind that it will draw an even greater amount of scrutiny.”

“In any case, I am unyielding in my opposition. If it can be helped, I desire to avoid encountering a single soul until we have safely crossed the threshold of the Tae-eul Sect.”

Sa-ryeon, who clutched the container of the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil firmly against her form with an unshakeable expression, as though she would sooner perish than permit its theft. She bore a striking resemblance to a beggar fiercely guarding a meager bowl of hard-won rice…… ahem.

‘Tsk…… I wash my hands of this.’

In truth, what does a grand return clad in refined silk garments matter? We are delivering a prize far more invaluable than raw bullion.

“Old Master Jang! Old Master Jang!”

Hearing So-so Wang’s frantic shouting, Do-won Jang paused mid-motion just as he was preparing to pack his pipe with tobacco leaves.

“What causes this commotion. Have you managed to deplete your supply of iron tokens once more?”

Following their initial introduction, when he had flown into a rage upon witnessing her carelessly flinging genuine gold coins to practice her concealed weapon techniques and had gone to the trouble of forging iron tokens of identical mass and dimension for her use, So-so Wang had frequented Do-won Jang’s workshop nearly every single day to replenish her supply of iron tokens.

“Oh, come now, Old Master. I am now capable of roughly tracking the trajectory of where my iron tokens land.”

“Is that the case…… how very praiseworthy.”

“Setting that aside, have the latest reports reached your ears?”

“Regarding what?”

Do-won Jang, who was in the process of striking a flame for his tobacco with an indifferent demeanor, halted his movements at the words that succeeded his query.

“Jin Oppa is making his return!”

“If by Jin Oppa you are referring to…… So-un Jin?”

“Precisely! I harbored fears regarding what to do if he failed to appear even during this seasonal recess. Yet he is arriving this very day!”

“……Hmph. Whether he returns or remains away is of no concern to me.”

Observing Do-won Jang continuously tinkering with his pipe, a stark contrast to his dismissive words, So-so Wang rolled her eyes playfully.

“Old Master Jang, honestly! Despite the fact that you have been scanning the horizon for Oppa day after day.”

“It is merely that I am infuriated because that rascal persists in dispatching entirely absurd crafting materials to my shop!”

“Be that as it may, word has it that he is scheduled to arrive at the estate of the Dae-cheon Merchant Group this very dusk. Every soul within the Tae-eul Sect is currently organizing a celebratory reception. You intend to join us, correct, Old Master?”

“Hmph! What reason have I to venture out to greet some flashy youth. If he stands in need of my counsel, he will seek me out on his own accord.”

In truth, men represent a constant source of frustration due to their lack of candor. So-so Wang brushed the dust from her attire and rose to her feet.

“Ho-ho! I am well aware that you will attend. I shall arrange for a set of new garments to be delivered to you! Kindly don them for the occasion.”

“Garments?”

“It marks an occasion where Oppa, the Sahyungs, and the Sajeo are all making a triumphant return home in silk clothes. We must harmonize with the grand setting as well.”

“What a tedious affair……”

“I shall see you shortly!”

Beholding So-so Wang darting away with the velocity of a loosed arrow and a radiant beam upon her face, Do-won Jang let out a quiet laugh. He had initially harbored anxieties that she might prove detached or elitist like other youths of high birth, given her status as the sole daughter of the prominent Wang lineage, but her conduct possessed a distinct charm.

“Is this her innate disposition, or does every individual undergo a transformation of this nature upon crossing into the domain of the Tae-eul Sect……”

A mere six months had elapsed since he took up residence within the confines of the Tae-eul Sect. He felt so completely at ease among the members of the Tae-eul Sect that he would frequently lose sight of the fact that he was originally an outsider. And the image of a particular youth materialized in his mind’s eye.

“There existed a valid justification for why that rascal held his sect in such high esteem.”

Do-won Jang, who ignited his pipe and released a lengthy plume of grey smoke, shortly directed his gaze toward a specific wall of his smithy. A deep crimson sword edge was faintly discernable in the solar beams filtering through the windowpanes. A masterpiece forged after an extensive period of intense craftsmanship utilizing the exotic materials and baffling specifications transmitted by So-un Jin. No, rather than a mere piece of equipment, it was an object that demanded to be designated as a Divine Tool.

“Silent Light. The hour has arrived for you to finally encounter your true wielder.”

Do-won Jang let out a hearty chuckle, his emotional state evenly split between a sense of lingering reluctance and a warm anticipation.

Mun-gi Hong found himself unable to easily relax his rigid stance, likely because the formal garments he was currently arrayed in felt excessively restrictive. Observing his plight, Geum-san Wang questioned him with an expression of deep satisfaction.

“Sect Leader Hong, do the garments prove troublesome?”

“How could that possibly be the case. Are these not articles fashioned by the premier textile establishment within all of Hap-bi.”

Exactly what sum of currency was required to secure a single outfit woven from pure silk? Mun-gi Hong, bringing to mind the statements of the clothier who remarked that even at a heavily discounted rate, it equated to a full two months’ worth of earnings for a prosperous escort warrior, gave a slow shake of his head.

“I must extend my apologies. My daughter possesses an overly sensitive heart. She expressed a desire to demonstrate to So-un that the members of the Tae-eul Sect are no longer enduring deprivation and hardship…….”

In truth, if they themselves were parading around in refined silk garments while the rank and file of the sect were clad in threadbare robes, that vision alone would weigh heavily upon the young man’s conscience. Upon digesting Geum-san Wang’s perspective, the silk attire that had initially felt so foreign and restrictive now seemed considerably more tolerable.

“So-so is tender of age, yet she possesses immense emotional maturity. I presume she inherits this trait from you, Merchant Leader?”

“Ha-ha, ha-ha! So even Sect Leader Hong shares that observation? I am genuinely beset by worry because the child’s path will be fraught with complications based solely on her striking beauty, yet she is remarkably intelligent to boot, ha-ha, ha-ha!”

Tae-san Jin stepped forward with a creased brow, taking a position alongside the boisterously laughing Geum-san Wang.

“For what reason did the Sect Leader even introduce such a topic……. The moment the Merchant Leader commences extolling the virtues of his offspring, one is condemned to remain a captive audience for a minimum of half a day.”

“Hold your tongue! This fellow! On what occasion have I ever monopolized a conversation for half a day.”

Geum-san Wang, clearing his throat, adjusted his stance and spoke once more.

“Setting that aside, what prompted So-un to indicate he would arrive under the cover of night? Should the schedule prove discordant, he could easily secure lodging for the night and complete the journey tomorrow.”

“……I am of a like mind. I am left to ponder what manner of erratic behavior he is engaging in now.”

Tae-san Jin shook his head in resignation, as though he found it completely impossible to anticipate the actions of his own flesh and blood.

At that precise juncture, an attendant came sprinting into the chamber.

“Merchant Leader…… that…… a party has arrived at the gates.”

“Oh? At this hour of the evening?”

“Indeed. The individual leading them identifies himself as So-un Jin…… selvage.”

The attendant was already well aware of the reality that So-un Jin was the son of Tae-san Jin. Furthermore, was every soul assembled in this hall not waiting exclusively for So-un Jin and his traveling companions from the very beginning? Even taking that into account, the attendant’s demeanor was strangely hesitant and subdued.

Tae-san Jin, failing to comprehend the hesitation, issued a further command.

“What seems to be the impediment, you ought to simply grant them entry……”

“The matter is, you see……”

At that moment, Mun-gi Hong took the initiative and stepped toward the exit.

“No. It is somewhat unseemly for us to receive the disciple who is making a grand return in silk clothes from within these walls. Quite so! Let us venture outside to greet them.”

“Ah! That is a marvelous suggestion!”

When Geum-san Wang voiced his concurrence and moved forward with Mun-gi Hong guiding the way, the individuals who had been biding their time within the primary reception chamber likewise migrated toward the main entryway one by one with eager strides. The pace of the assembled crowd accelerated rapidly to offer a spirited welcome to him, who occupied the role of a son to one, a disciple to another, and a senior brother to the rest.

“So-un is finally crossing our threshold!”

“Truly!”

The shining beacon of the sect, who had successfully reclaimed the long-lost martial disciplines of their order that had fallen into oblivion, and who had confronted an insurmountable challenge for the welfare of the sect, ultimately emerging triumphant. The exact second they crossed the threshold to cast their eyes upon him, whom they yearned for so intensely and had awaited with bated breath.

“Noooooo! I am telling you explicitly that I am the offspring of the Dae-cheon Merchant Leader! And the senior-most disciple of the Tae-eul Sect!!”

Accompanying a declaration that carried a distinctly unruly edge, the silhouettes of the gate guards who were breaking out into a cold sweat came into view.

“Th-that is precisely why. Just hold, just tarry for a brief moment. I am required to verify your identity with the interior……”

“No!!! Verify what nonsense! I even transmitted a notification ahead of our arrival, and I am asserting to you that we are all dedicated Tae-eul disciples!”

A young male who was engaged in a heated altercation with the gate guard. And alongside him stood four additional men and women who were similarly maintaining that they were authorized disciples of the Tae-eul Sect. Yet their physical state was profoundly bizarre.

“…….”

“…… shreds.”

“…….”

While the entirety of the Tae-eul Sect personnel stood paralyzed with their expressions frozen in shock, the initial individual to break the silence was Geum-san Wang.

“Em, I am raising this query merely to ensure clarity…… does the Tae-eul Sect operate as an auxiliary branch of the Beggars’ Union?”

Faced with that inquiry, Tae-san Jin offered a response accompanied by a heavy groan.

“……The Tae-eul Sect is rooted in the Taoist tradition.”

Correct? We are followers of the Tao, are we not?

However…….

“……Then what under the heavens explains that appalling presentation?”

The disciples of the Tae-eul Sect, whom they fully anticipated would return home clad in the finest silk garments after securing entry into that prestigious training institution.

“Could there…… have transpired some manner of unforeseen calamity?”

“Undoubtedly! Were they waylaid by bandits? Elite academy students?”

……They were attempting to gain entry into the estate of the Dae-cheon Merchant Group in a condition so thoroughly caked in filth and grime that even the most destitute members of the Beggars’ Union would recoil in disgust.

And at that exact flash of time.

“Oh! Father! It is I, I! Your illustrious offspring, So-un Jin!”

The sole feature that gleamed from the countenance that was entirely blackened and obscured by layers of muck was the vibrant spark residing within his eyes.

Tae-san Jin experienced a desire more powerful than anything he had ever felt before to feign complete ignorance of this bright-eyed lunatic—no, his son.