Chapter 41: The Unforgiven

“They’ve decided to summon all their members in Baekseong. By tomorrow afternoon, everyone is expected to gather at Bokchunru.”

Gangchan spoke with a quiet smile.

“That’s perfect. Now the real fight begins.”

His gaze swept over the members of Squad One of the Cheongangmun Sword Corps, one by one.

“As I’ve always said, we are black path warriors, and we fight in the ways of the black path.”

His voice, firm and steady, continued through the quiet silence.

“You will always lead the most difficult and dirtiest battles. Our final purpose is survival, and for that, we will do whatever it takes. Never forget this.”

“Understood!”

Squad One’s reply echoed out.

“Sawu, Yedowi, you two keep watch on Bokchunru. Once the enemy gathers, tail them. When they come inside, block any who try to escape from the east and west outskirts. Gwak Sugi, Na Myeong, you two lie in ambush at the south and north, and deal with anyone trying to escape there as well. The rest of you will handle the enemy inside the estate. Any questions?”

“None.”

“Good. Make your preparations.”

“Yes!”

After giving out the orders, Gangchan went to find Gangcheol and Old Man Kang to explain the plan.

“Will this be alright? These men are not just ordinary brutes.”

Gangcheol and Old Man Kang looked at Gangchan with faces full of concern.

“You think something could happen in a situation like this? Please, just focus on your treatment and don’t worry about us. Are you still feeling pain in your leg?”

Gangchan examined Old Man Kang’s leg as he asked.

“No. Strangely enough, there’s no pain at all. I even slept soundly last night.”

“I’m glad. But you must still be careful until it’s fully healed.”

“Of course. Don’t worry about me—watch out for yourself.”

Gangchan replied with a gentle smile.

“You worry too much. No matter what happens tomorrow, don’t be surprised—just stay safe inside.”

At the hour when the sun was at its highest.

The back courtyard of Bokchunru was crowded with rough-looking men.

“You packed your weapons, right? Let’s go, Boss.”

At Neopchi’s words, Jang Daepung strode forward with imposing dignity.

“Let’s finish this quickly and have a good drink tonight. Move out, everyone!”

Strutting as if on a picnic, some sixty men crossed Guihon Village heading toward Cheongangmun.

As the Chilseongpa set off, Sawu and Yedowi, who had been hiding on Bokchunru’s roof, revealed themselves.

“They look so happy, not knowing they’re walking to their deaths.”

Yedowi muttered mockingly, and Sawu nodded in agreement.

“Sawu! You go ahead and inform the Hall Master. I’ll tail those guys from behind.”

“Alright. See you soon.”

Sawu slipped away, keeping low, while Yedowi quietly followed the Chilseongpa.

After Gangchan received the report that the entire Chilseongpa was heading to Cheongangmun, he assembled the rest of his team at the Inner Training Hall.

“Open the gates wide.”

At his order, the gates swung open without hesitation.

Half a shichen later, Neopchi and Jang Daepung crossed the threshold and strutted into the training grounds with their subordinates.

“So you’re the ones who messed with my men. Tell me, where did you crawl out from?”

Gangchan murmured to himself quietly.

“A maggot pretending to be a man.”

Though his voice was low, the power behind it made it clear to every member of Chilseongpa.

In that instant, the laughter around Jang Daepung ceased.

A brief silence.

A strange tension slowly pressed down on the training grounds.

Jang Daepung, feeling slighted, narrowed his small eyes even more, murderous intent flaring.

“Looks like you’re desperate to die. I don’t know where you came from, but you made the wrong choice. This isn’t a place for scum like you.”

But Gangchan didn’t even spare him a glance. Instead, he spoke in a calm tone.

“I’ll give you one last chance, thinking of what Village Chief Jang once did for me.”

Jang Daepung’s face twisted.

“What? Village Chief? Don’t tell me you’re from Guihon Village?”

When Gangchan didn’t answer, Jang Daepung seemed to find certainty and sneered.

“You should’ve said so sooner. I might have let you live. But it’s too late now. You should’ve known your place.”

As Jang Daepung spat out curses, his followers began to laugh as well. But Gangchan knew there was nothing more to say.

A wretched greed, and within it, a deep murderous aura.

This wasn’t something forged over time, but an innate nature.

Gangchan let out a quiet sigh.

“How did someone like you inherit Village Chief Jang’s blood?”

Taking a step forward, Gangchan shouted.

“Those whose grandparents or parents hail from Guihon Village—listen carefully.”

His voice spread through the training grounds, slow but weighty.

“Twelve years ago, there are souls who gave their lives to save the villagers from bandits. Those young and beautiful souls—if they had known you’d live like this, would they have given up their lives so willingly?”

Some of the Chilseongpa looked unsettled. Gangchan’s gaze sharpened as he continued.

“Even if you die today and meet them in the afterlife, never speak of your wicked deeds.”

A cold wind swept the training grounds.

“Even in Heaven, they will mourn to see what you’ve become.”

“From now, Squad One of Cheon Myung Bang will begin the hunt. Not a single beast among them is to be left breathing.”

“Yes!”

With the order, Cheongangmun’s main gate slammed shut with a thunderous boom.

Kwaaaang!

And Squad One unleashed the fighting spirit they’d kept hidden until now.

An overwhelming aura filled the wide training grounds, suffocating the Chilseongpa.

As the situation flipped, the panicked men of Chilseongpa hurriedly drew their weapons. But their movements betrayed their unease.

Only then did Jang Daepung realize something was terribly wrong. He shouted to Neopchi.

“You said they didn’t know martial arts!”

“They didn’t last time, I swear!”

“I was a fool to trust you.”

At that moment, the squad members who’d been hiding in the manor charged toward the Chilseongpa like lightning.

The confused Chilseongpa swung their weapons wildly, but their opponents were different.

Squad One dodged every attack with ease, and their single retaliations sent blood spraying in every direction.

Jang Daepung locked eyes with Du Ilchung, who was pointing a sword at him.

He threw a punch without hesitation.

But it was slow.

To Du Ilchung, Jang Daepung’s attack seemed like a child’s play.

He shifted one step sideways and struck down with his sword like a bolt of lightning.

Kang!

The sword struck his opponent’s wrist with a metallic clang.

‘Heh. I guess he bothered to strap on some armor, too.’

It was expected that someone trained in martial arts would wear some protection.

The rebounding sword spun and swept across Jang Daepung’s ankles.

“Ku…!”

With both ankles severed, Jang Daepung’s heavy body collapsed to the ground.

Thud!

No one paid him any mind.

It was no longer a fight.

It was a one-sided massacre.

The training ground quickly filled with the stench of blood.

Squad One wasn’t fighting men, but butchering beasts as they cut down the Chilseongpa.

One by one, the terrified Chilseongpa dropped their weapons and tried to flee.

But there was nowhere to run.

Squad One, having prepared in advance, appeared from every direction and struck down the escapees.

The enemy count was exactly sixty-two.

The time it took to wipe out their lives—

Just one quarter-hour.

These petty black path thugs of the outskirts couldn’t even muster a decent resistance. All, except for their boss Jang Daepung, were turned into wandering spirits.

The courtyard of Cheongangmun fell silent.

Only Jang Daepung, both ankles severed, crawled desperately across the ground toward Gangchan, enduring the pain.

“Please… we’re from the same hometown… please….”

Gangchan never once looked down at him.

Instead, he gave a cold command.

“Du Ilchung. You take my orders too lightly. Don’t expect useless mercy from me.”

Du Ilchung flinched.

Gangchan spoke coldly.

“These men will die, but if you ever defy my orders, you could be next.”

In that moment, a chilling air swept through the training ground.

“I told you all to kill them, not to spare anyone.”

Gangchan turned coldly and walked into his room.

Du Ilchung, taken aback by Gangchan’s reaction, was momentarily speechless.

Just then, Jomu rushed up and cut off the crawling Jang Daepung’s neck.

Moments later.

The members, having dispatched the remaining enemies, returned inside.

But the mood in the training ground was tense.

The team members exchanged glances, quietly taking their places. Standing before the room Gangchan had entered, Du Ilchung stood like a statue.

Du Ilchung reflected on why he had let Jang Daepung live a little longer.

‘With that Guihon Village connection, I thought it might be worth taking more time…’

But Gangchan didn’t want to hear any excuses. Du Ilchung took a deep breath.

“It’s Du Ilchung. I’ll come in.”

No answer.

But he didn’t hesitate.

He opened the door and entered.

Gangchan sat in a chair on the far side, eyes closed in quiet contemplation. Du Ilchung knelt and bowed his head.

“If I’ve made a mistake, please correct this foolish subordinate.”

Gangchan slowly opened his eyes and raised him up.

He had Du Ilchung sit opposite and spoke quietly.

“Squad Leader Du, from now on, we’ll be facing terrifying enemies.”

His gaze turned sharp.

“They are nothing compared to the ones lying dead outside.”

“Moreover, Squad One will face even tougher and harder battles.”

After a moment’s pause, Gangchan continued in a low, resolute voice.

“Can we survive? I ask myself this every day. To fight without anyone dying… I’m honestly afraid.”

Du Ilchung’s expression wavered slightly.

“So I want Squad One, at least, to follow any order without doubt, without hesitation.”

Gangchan looked Du Ilchung straight in the eyes.

“We must answer each command with a single action, moving as one. Only then do we have any chance of all surviving together.”

Finally, Du Ilchung truly understood Gangchan’s heart.

‘The enemy was so weak, and yet our Hall Master still worried for us…’

He rose and replied firmly.

“I failed to grasp the Hall Master’s true intentions as squad leader. I swear, nothing like today will ever happen again.”

“If you understand what I mean, then as squad leader, make sure Squad One always acts accordingly.”

“Understood.”

As the members cleaned up the bodies and tidied up the courtyard, Gangchan was deep in thought.

How should he handle the aftermath in Guihon Village?

And… what to do about his elder brother?

If he were alone, he could stay at Cheongangmun and focus on treating his brother.

But reality didn’t allow that. And when he and his brother had stood before their father’s grave, that old pain welled up again.

The revenge he’d postponed in Hangju’s urgent times.

That grudge filled his heart anew. But with Cheon Myung Bang still not fully established, he couldn’t afford a long absence, making his decision even harder.

After long deliberation, Gangchan finally summoned Jangdal, the Haomun’s informant.

An hour later, Jangdal arrived at Cheongangmun.

Gangchan called in Jangdal, Du Ilchung, Gwak Sugi, and Na Myeong.

“Take a seat.”

Jangdal sat quietly and asked,

“What is it?”

“This concerns the matter we need to deal with first. Quickly liquidate all the assets held by Chilseongpa.”

Jangdal seemed to have expected this and answered at once.

“How should I dispose of them?”

“First, transfer all Chilseongpa’s lands in Guihon Village under Cheongangmun’s ownership. The rest, convert to cash as much as possible and send it to Cheongangmun.”

“Understood.”

At that, Gwak Sugi asked quietly,

“Then what should we do?”

Gangchan replied calmly.

“Search from Guihon Village to Baekseong for any remaining members of the Chilseongpa. Assist Jangdal as needed. But time is short, so be sure to return by tomorrow.”

Once Jangdal and the three Squad One members left, the remaining members began carefully sweeping the area around Cheongangmun once more.

Leaving them to their tasks, Gangchan went to see his brother and Old Man Kang. Since Gangchan’s return, Gangcheol and Old Man Kang had been sharing the same room.

“So, did it end well?” Gangcheol asked.

Gangchan nodded.

“It’s been taken care of cleanly. And we’re double-checking, just to be sure, so don’t worry.”

“You did well.”

A brief silence fell.

Gangchan took a deep breath, then spoke quietly.

“Brother, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“With me? Go ahead.”

Gangchan steadied his breath and spoke slowly.

“Soon, Chilseongpa will be completely finished.”

“I suppose so.”

“I plan to go to the plains for revenge—”

Or perhaps, I should stop by Hangju and take care of urgent matters before heading to the plains again. What do you think?”

Gangcheol looked at Gangchan for a long time, then asked quietly,

“Let me ask you one thing. What is Cheongangmun to you?”

Gangchan answered resolutely.

“Cheongangmun is home to both me and my brother, to our father, and to everyone in Guihon Village. And it will be the home for our children to come.”

Gangcheol smiled.

Gangchan went on,

“It’s a place where we grow up healthy, loved by family and neighbors, go out into the world, and return to pass on that love to the next generation.”

Gangcheol nodded, moved.

“I like your spirit. Then do as you wish.”

Gangcheol sighed.

“I support you, no matter what. And from now on, I want to do whatever you do—together.”

Gangchan read his brother’s firm resolve.

Gangcheol spoke again.

“Don’t worry about me. Do what you must. And you don’t have to seek revenge.”

Gangchan’s eyes widened.

Gangcheol continued quietly.

“You and I are alive—that’s enough. I don’t want you risking your life anymore.”

His voice softened.

“That was our late father’s final wish.”

Gangchan closed his eyes quietly.

“I feel the same, Brother. I want to do everything with you.”

Gangcheol smiled.

Gangchan took a deep breath.

“Now that I know how you feel, I’ll sort out my thoughts and talk to you again.”

“They’ve decided to summon all their members in Baekseong. By tomorrow afternoon, everyone is expected to gather at Bokchunru.”

Gangchan spoke with a quiet smile.

“That’s perfect. Now the real fight begins.”

His gaze swept over the members of Squad One of the Cheongangmun Sword Corps, one by one.

“As I’ve always said, we are black path warriors, and we fight in the ways of the black path.”

His voice, firm and steady, continued through the quiet silence.

“You will always lead the most difficult and dirtiest battles. Our final purpose is survival, and for that, we will do whatever it takes. Never forget this.”

“Understood!”

Squad One’s reply echoed out.

“Sawu, Yedowi, you two keep watch on Bokchunru. Once the enemy gathers, tail them. When they come inside, block any who try to escape from the east and west outskirts. Gwak Sugi, Na Myeong, you two lie in ambush at the south and north, and deal with anyone trying to escape there as well. The rest of you will handle the enemy inside the estate. Any questions?”

“None.”

“Good. Make your preparations.”

“Yes!”

After giving out the orders, Gangchan went to find Gangcheol and Old Man Kang to explain the plan.

“Will this be alright? These men are not just ordinary brutes.”

Gangcheol and Old Man Kang looked at Gangchan with faces full of concern.

“You think something could happen in a situation like this? Please, just focus on your treatment and don’t worry about us. Are you still feeling pain in your leg?”

Gangchan examined Old Man Kang’s leg as he asked.

“No. Strangely enough, there’s no pain at all. I even slept soundly last night.”

“I’m glad. But you must still be careful until it’s fully healed.”

“Of course. Don’t worry about me—watch out for yourself.”

Gangchan replied with a gentle smile.

“You worry too much. No matter what happens tomorrow, don’t be surprised—just stay safe inside.”

At the hour when the sun was at its highest.

The back courtyard of Bokchunru was crowded with rough-looking men.

“You packed your weapons, right? Let’s go, Boss.”

At Neopchi’s words, Jang Daepung strode forward with imposing dignity.

“Let’s finish this quickly and have a good drink tonight. Move out, everyone!”

Strutting as if on a picnic, some sixty men crossed Guihon Village heading toward Cheongangmun.

As the Chilseongpa set off, Sawu and Yedowi, who had been hiding on Bokchunru’s roof, revealed themselves.

“They look so happy, not knowing they’re walking to their deaths.”

Yedowi muttered mockingly, and Sawu nodded in agreement.

“Sawu! You go ahead and inform the Hall Master. I’ll tail those guys from behind.”

“Alright. See you soon.”

Sawu slipped away, keeping low, while Yedowi quietly followed the Chilseongpa.

After Gangchan received the report that the entire Chilseongpa was heading to Cheongangmun, he assembled the rest of his team at the Inner Training Hall.

“Open the gates wide.”

At his order, the gates swung open without hesitation.

Half a shichen later, Neopchi and Jang Daepung crossed the threshold and strutted into the training grounds with their subordinates.

“So you’re the ones who messed with my men. Tell me, where did you crawl out from?”

Gangchan murmured to himself quietly.

“A maggot pretending to be a man.”

Though his voice was low, the power behind it made it clear to every member of Chilseongpa.

In that instant, the laughter around Jang Daepung ceased.

A brief silence.

A strange tension slowly pressed down on the training grounds.

Jang Daepung, feeling slighted, narrowed his small eyes even more, murderous intent flaring.

“Looks like you’re desperate to die. I don’t know where you came from, but you made the wrong choice. This isn’t a place for scum like you.”

But Gangchan didn’t even spare him a glance. Instead, he spoke in a calm tone.

“I’ll give you one last chance, thinking of what Village Chief Jang once did for me.”

Jang Daepung’s face twisted.

“What? Village Chief? Don’t tell me you’re from Guihon Village?”

When Gangchan didn’t answer, Jang Daepung seemed to find certainty and sneered.

“You should’ve said so sooner. I might have let you live. But it’s too late now. You should’ve known your place.”

As Jang Daepung spat out curses, his followers began to laugh as well. But Gangchan knew there was nothing more to say.

A wretched greed, and within it, a deep murderous aura.

This wasn’t something forged over time, but an innate nature.

Gangchan let out a quiet sigh.

“How did someone like you inherit Village Chief Jang’s blood?”

Taking a step forward, Gangchan shouted.

“Those whose grandparents or parents hail from Guihon Village—listen carefully.”

His voice spread through the training grounds, slow but weighty.

“Twelve years ago, there are souls who gave their lives to save the villagers from bandits. Those young and beautiful souls—if they had known you’d live like this, would they have given up their lives so willingly?”

Some of the Chilseongpa looked unsettled. Gangchan’s gaze sharpened as he continued.

“Even if you die today and meet them in the afterlife, never speak of your wicked deeds.”

A cold wind swept the training grounds.

“Even in Heaven, they will mourn to see what you’ve become.”

“From now, Squad One of Cheon Myung Bang will begin the hunt. Not a single beast among them is to be left breathing.”

“Yes!”

With the order, Cheongangmun’s main gate slammed shut with a thunderous boom.

Kwaaaang!

And Squad One unleashed the fighting spirit they’d kept hidden until now.

An overwhelming aura filled the wide training grounds, suffocating the Chilseongpa.

As the situation flipped, the panicked men of Chilseongpa hurriedly drew their weapons. But their movements betrayed their unease.

Only then did Jang Daepung realize something was terribly wrong. He shouted to Neopchi.

“You said they didn’t know martial arts!”

“They didn’t last time, I swear!”

“I was a fool to trust you.”

At that moment, the squad members who’d been hiding in the manor charged toward the Chilseongpa like lightning.

The confused Chilseongpa swung their weapons wildly, but their opponents were different.

Squad One dodged every attack with ease, and their single retaliations sent blood spraying in every direction.

Jang Daepung locked eyes with Du Ilchung, who was pointing a sword at him.

He threw a punch without hesitation.

But it was slow.

To Du Ilchung, Jang Daepung’s attack seemed like a child’s play.

He shifted one step sideways and struck down with his sword like a bolt of lightning.

Kang!

The sword struck his opponent’s wrist with a metallic clang.

‘Heh. I guess he bothered to strap on some armor, too.’

It was expected that someone trained in martial arts would wear some protection.

The rebounding sword spun and swept across Jang Daepung’s ankles.

“Ku…!”

With both ankles severed, Jang Daepung’s heavy body collapsed to the ground.

Thud!

No one paid him any mind.

It was no longer a fight.

It was a one-sided massacre.

The training ground quickly filled with the stench of blood.

Squad One wasn’t fighting men, but butchering beasts as they cut down the Chilseongpa.

One by one, the terrified Chilseongpa dropped their weapons and tried to flee.

But there was nowhere to run.

Squad One, having prepared in advance, appeared from every direction and struck down the escapees.

The enemy count was exactly sixty-two.

The time it took to wipe out their lives—

Just one quarter-hour.

These petty black path thugs of the outskirts couldn’t even muster a decent resistance. All, except for their boss Jang Daepung, were turned into wandering spirits.

The courtyard of Cheongangmun fell silent.

Only Jang Daepung, both ankles severed, crawled desperately across the ground toward Gangchan, enduring the pain.

“Please… we’re from the same hometown… please….”

Gangchan never once looked down at him.

Instead, he gave a cold command.

“Du Ilchung. You take my orders too lightly. Don’t expect useless mercy from me.”

Du Ilchung flinched.

Gangchan spoke coldly.

“These men will die, but if you ever defy my orders, you could be next.”

In that moment, a chilling air swept through the training ground.

“I told you all to kill them, not to spare anyone.”

Gangchan turned coldly and walked into his room.

Du Ilchung, taken aback by Gangchan’s reaction, was momentarily speechless.

Just then, Jomu rushed up and cut off the crawling Jang Daepung’s neck.

Moments later.

The members, having dispatched the remaining enemies, returned inside.

But the mood in the training ground was tense.

The team members exchanged glances, quietly taking their places. Standing before the room Gangchan had entered, Du Ilchung stood like a statue.

Du Ilchung reflected on why he had let Jang Daepung live a little longer.

‘With that Guihon Village connection, I thought it might be worth taking more time…’

But Gangchan didn’t want to hear any excuses. Du Ilchung took a deep breath.

“It’s Du Ilchung. I’ll come in.”

No answer.

But he didn’t hesitate.

He opened the door and entered.

Gangchan sat in a chair on the far side, eyes closed in quiet contemplation. Du Ilchung knelt and bowed his head.

“If I’ve made a mistake, please correct this foolish subordinate.”

Gangchan slowly opened his eyes and raised him up.

He had Du Ilchung sit opposite and spoke quietly.

“Squad Leader Du, from now on, we’ll be facing terrifying enemies.”

His gaze turned sharp.

“They are nothing compared to the ones lying dead outside.”

“Moreover, Squad One will face even tougher and harder battles.”

After a moment’s pause, Gangchan continued in a low, resolute voice.

“Can we survive? I ask myself this every day. To fight without anyone dying… I’m honestly afraid.”

Du Ilchung’s expression wavered slightly.

“So I want Squad One, at least, to follow any order without doubt, without hesitation.”

Gangchan looked Du Ilchung straight in the eyes.

“We must answer each command with a single action, moving as one. Only then do we have any chance of all surviving together.”

Finally, Du Ilchung truly understood Gangchan’s heart.

‘The enemy was so weak, and yet our Hall Master still worried for us…’

He rose and replied firmly.

“I failed to grasp the Hall Master’s true intentions as squad leader. I swear, nothing like today will ever happen again.”

“If you understand what I mean, then as squad leader, make sure Squad One always acts accordingly.”

“Understood.”

As the members cleaned up the bodies and tidied up the courtyard, Gangchan was deep in thought.

How should he handle the aftermath in Guihon Village?

And… what to do about his elder brother?

If he were alone, he could stay at Cheongangmun and focus on treating his brother.

But reality didn’t allow that. And when he and his brother had stood before their father’s grave, that old pain welled up again.

The revenge he’d postponed in Hangju’s urgent times.

That grudge filled his heart anew. But with Cheon Myung Bang still not fully established, he couldn’t afford a long absence, making his decision even harder.

After long deliberation, Gangchan finally summoned Jangdal, the Haomun’s informant.

An hour later, Jangdal arrived at Cheongangmun.

Gangchan called in Jangdal, Du Ilchung, Gwak Sugi, and Na Myeong.

“Take a seat.”

Jangdal sat quietly and asked,

“What is it?”

“This concerns the matter we need to deal with first. Quickly liquidate all the assets held by Chilseongpa.”

Jangdal seemed to have expected this and answered at once.

“How should I dispose of them?”

“First, transfer all Chilseongpa’s lands in Guihon Village under Cheongangmun’s ownership. The rest, convert to cash as much as possible and send it to Cheongangmun.”

“Understood.”

At that, Gwak Sugi asked quietly,

“Then what should we do?”

Gangchan replied calmly.

“Search from Guihon Village to Baekseong for any remaining members of the Chilseongpa. Assist Jangdal as needed. But time is short, so be sure to return by tomorrow.”

Once Jangdal and the three Squad One members left, the remaining members began carefully sweeping the area around Cheongangmun once more.

Leaving them to their tasks, Gangchan went to see his brother and Old Man Kang. Since Gangchan’s return, Gangcheol and Old Man Kang had been sharing the same room.

“So, did it end well?” Gangcheol asked.

Gangchan nodded.

“It’s been taken care of cleanly. And we’re double-checking, just to be sure, so don’t worry.”

“You did well.”

A brief silence fell.

Gangchan took a deep breath, then spoke quietly.

“Brother, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“With me? Go ahead.”

Gangchan steadied his breath and spoke slowly.

“Soon, Chilseongpa will be completely finished.”

“I suppose so.”

“I plan to go to the plains for revenge—”

Or perhaps, I should stop by Hangju and take care of urgent matters before heading to the plains again. What do you think?”

Gangcheol looked at Gangchan for a long time, then asked quietly,

“Let me ask you one thing. What is Cheongangmun to you?”

Gangchan answered resolutely.

“Cheongangmun is home to both me and my brother, to our father, and to everyone in Guihon Village. And it will be the home for our children to come.”

Gangcheol smiled.

Gangchan went on,

“It’s a place where we grow up healthy, loved by family and neighbors, go out into the world, and return to pass on that love to the next generation.”

Gangcheol nodded, moved.

“I like your spirit. Then do as you wish.”

Gangcheol sighed.

“I support you, no matter what. And from now on, I want to do whatever you do—together.”

Gangchan read his brother’s firm resolve.

Gangcheol spoke again.

“Don’t worry about me. Do what you must. And you don’t have to seek revenge.”

Gangchan’s eyes widened.

Gangcheol continued quietly.

“You and I are alive—that’s enough. I don’t want you risking your life anymore.”

His voice softened.

“That was our late father’s final wish.”

Gangchan closed his eyes quietly.

“I feel the same, Brother. I want to do everything with you.”

Gangcheol smiled.

Gangchan took a deep breath.

“Now that I know how you feel, I’ll sort out my thoughts and talk to you again.”