A deep darkness blanketed the evening.
Due to the clouds that had gathered once more, not even moonlight could seep through. It was as if a pitch-black darkness had swallowed everything whole.
Yet, there was one place untouched by that darkness.
The Luoyang Jin Family estate.
A great number of people had gathered in the Jin family courtyard. Because of the lanterns and torches in their hands, the vast courtyard glowed as brightly as day.
Everyone affiliated with the Jin family was present.
Even those who had fled outside in fear after the battle were brought back and now held their breath.
The atmosphere was as cold and tense as if everyone were balanced on the edge of a blade.
Among the crowd that easily exceeded a hundred people, there were lines of people tied in ropes, gagged, and subdued.
No one could escape.
Not in this moment.
People swallowed dryly as they took in the situation, their eyes wide with unease.
The fierce pressure radiating from the Jin family’s warriors was enough to give rise to a chilling fear—as if at any moment, those swords might turn on them instead.
It was then that the one they had all been waiting for finally appeared.
Jin Cheon-woo.
The youngest son of the Luoyang Jin Family and acting young master.
No one knew where he had been until now, but the cuts and bloodstains on his clothing made it clear—he had been in the very center of the battle.
Step, step—
Jin Cheon-woo walked through the crowd and glanced at the bound captives before turning his gaze away.
Then he stood in front of the gathered people.
Cough.
A faint cough caught everyone’s attention.
Had he been waiting for that moment?
Jin Cheon-woo let out a small smile.
A large number of people stood before him—servants, maids, and those in charge of various tasks.
And surrounding them were Jin family warriors, exuding powerful energy as they stood alert.
It was a precaution against any unexpected accidents.
Even excluding the warriors, the crowd easily exceeded a hundred. Including them, it could reach two hundred or more—a truly massive number.
Jin Cheon-woo slowly made eye contact with each person and smiled.
“You must have all been quite shocked. But don’t worry. The situation has been handled, and no one will threaten us again.”
“…Are you saying someone really tried to kill you, Young Master?”
Someone’s question rippled through the silence, spreading murmurs all around. It was unsettling enough to learn that, from within the Jin family itself, there had been a force trying to assassinate him.
Shhk—
But Jin Cheon-woo did not answer. Instead, he calmly raised a finger to his lips.
The noisy murmuring immediately fell into silence.
“You’ve all been frightened and stressed by today’s events. As a special consolation, I’ll be giving out a reward.”
Snap!
At his signal, several warriors approached with large chests. When the lids were opened, massive amounts of silver coins sparkled inside.
Gasps of surprise and widened eyes filled the crowd.
“However, not everyone will receive it.”
“What?”
Disappointment appeared on the faces of those gathered. To see such a treasure before their eyes, only to be told they might not get any—it was crushing.
Anyone would feel that way.
Jin Cheon-woo chuckled and drew everyone’s attention again.
He looked at someone he’d noticed before—someone quick-witted among the crowd.
As their eyes met, the man appeared startled.
“Did something happen today?”
The man hesitated, then responded as if realizing something.
“Huh? Oh, well… I was asleep, so I don’t really know… Did something happen, Young Master?”
Jin Cheon-woo nodded approvingly.
With a subtle signal, a warrior stepped forward and handed the man a silver coin.
The man bowed deeply in gratitude.
As he did, the warrior whispered something quietly.
The man flinched slightly.
The warning was clear—if any word of what happened today got out, there would be consequences.
Only then did the crowd fully understand what this “reward” meant.
Keep your mouths shut.
Forget what happened today.
Nothing must leak outside.
This money was to buy silence.
Jin Cheon-woo didn’t need to utter a single threatening word himself.
The warriors’ presence and the ominous atmosphere were more than enough to make the message clear.
As he watched them receive the coins one by one, Jin Cheon-woo turned his back.
Chief Steward Yoo Hyeon was the first to come into view.
“Please handle the aftermath.”
“Yes, Young Master. Leave it to me. But… shouldn’t we inform the family head?”
“He must be very busy right now. Cough! Let him be. I don’t want to distract him unnecessarily.”
“Understood. What should we do with the captives?”
“Imprison them and extract as much information as you can. I’m not particularly concerned if they die.”
“Yes, sir!”
Jin Cheon-woo continued on.
Behind him, Jang Chu-hyeong followed in haste, clearly tense, eyes darting in all directions in case of any surprise.
“Relax. Things will calm down soon.”
“Hah—That’s easier said than done. Something huge just happened. And besides, we can’t keep everyone’s mouths shut forever.”
“No one will speak, at least for now. They all know how serious this is. No one’s stupid enough to gossip.”
Jang Chu-hyeong shook his head.
To him, it probably felt like rumors could spread by tomorrow. Silencing people wasn’t easy.
It was like news from the imperial palace reaching the markets by morning.
But Jin Cheon-woo had already prepared for this.
Anyone who had seen what happened would not be allowed to go out alone. Even if they did, they’d be accompanied by a warrior.
It was inconvenient, yes—but the best way to contain leaks.
Even in the shortest case, it could be held for six months. If lucky, even a year.
“Well, I believe the Young Master will handle it. By the way, what was that bird earlier? A carrier pigeon?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Just go wash up and change. You reek of blood.”
“If I’m gone, who’ll protect you? Besides, you don’t smell much better.”
“I’m fine. Go rest. I have things to think about.”
“Understood! Then I’ll wash up and be back. I’ll sleep in your room tonight.”
Jang Chu-hyeong snapped his fingers like he’d had a great idea and cheerfully ran off toward his quarters.
From the look of him, he’d be back right after a quick rinse.
Jin Cheon-woo sighed and entered his room.
He stripped off his torn, blood-soaked clothes and sat on his bed.
Then he took out a letter from his inner robe.
It was a simple message inquiring about someone’s well-being.
To anyone else, it was nothing special—but if you understood the coded language, the meaning changed.
– In fifteen days, Tenth Group will enter Luoyang.
Jin Cheon-woo read the message and smiled.
The Tenth Group was coming to Luoyang?
So it was now, after all.
His father had taken a large portion of the Jin family’s forces on a trade expedition. Unexpectedly, a bandit attack had occurred, and the enemies were far more skilled than expected.
When they returned, their forces were weakened.
Many of the lower escorts had died, and several survivors required long treatment.
To replenish the missing forces, new recruits had to be brought in.
In his past life, it was due to Hong Gu-hyeon’s suggestion that the Jin family had hired outsiders to fill the manpower gap. Because of that, many people entered the estate during this period.
And now, the Tenth Group would be among them?
The picture was clear.
Their purpose was obvious.
First, to find the gokok (the mysterious jade) that Hong Gu-hyeon and his allies failed to locate.
Second, to begin dismantling the Jin family from within.
That’s why, back then, they were unable to respond properly to the attack.
Because enemies were everywhere—inside and out.
The memories came flooding back.
The dying faces… The wails… The burning buildings… The stench of blood…
That hellish day returned to him vividly, and his clenched fist trembled with rage.
But now—this time—things would be different.
“Come, then. Step into this place. And learn that this is a hell you cannot escape.”
With that resolve, Jin Cheon-woo’s fighting spirit burned.
No one would touch the Luoyang Jin Family again.
No—they would be made to fail.
That was the meaning of his return.
But there was one issue:
Hong Gu-hyeon’s death must remain a secret—until the enemies had walked willingly into the Jin family’s trap.
He took a deep breath and lay down on his bed.
Was it because he’d moved so intensely after a long time?
He could feel the toxins in his body flaring up along with crushing fatigue.
Still, he endured it and sat cross-legged.
He needed to circulate his inner energy to suppress the poison.
The next morning.
When he opened his eyes, he saw something bizarre.
Jang Chu-hyeong.
He’d brought his shabby blanket and laid it on the floor, snoring as he slept.
Speechless, Jin Cheon-woo rubbed his temples.
Is he pure, or just an idiot? He really slept in my room…
He sighed and stood up, irritated by the loud snores. Then he gently kicked Jang Chu-hyeong in the side.
“Guh! Who goes there?!”
Jang Chu-hyeong sprang up, fists raised.
Judging by how quickly he reacted, he must have held some authority in the servants’ quarters where several people usually slept together.
But when he saw Jin Cheon-woo’s face, he smiled awkwardly.
“Hehe, you’re awake?”
“Next time, sleep outside. You snore too much.”
“You looked so peaceful, I thought you were used to it.”
“Sleep. Outside.”
“Yes, sir…”
With drooping shoulders, he began to gather his things.
Just then, a maid’s voice came from outside.
“Young Master, you have a visitor.”
“At this hour?”
“Yes. Shall I ask them to leave?”
Her tone was careful.
She was pretending not to know anything about the previous day.
So was Jin Cheon-woo.
“I’ll go.”
“Yes, sir.”
As her footsteps faded, he ran a comb through his messy hair and changed into fresh clothes.
When he opened the door, he was greeted by a familiar but strange atmosphere.
The Jin family grounds looked the same—but everyone seemed just a bit off.
Even so, they tried to act normal, offering polite greetings.
Jin Cheon-woo smiled faintly and headed for the main gate.
When he appeared, the large gates swung wide open.
And there—stood a woman.
A beautiful woman in a sleek black uniform.
She bowed slightly with a smile.
“Last time, I bought you a meal… So today, won’t you return the favor?”
Her soft, melodious voice reached his ears, and he instinctively raised his internal energy to resist the subtle charm it carried.
Jang Chu-hyeong, however, had no such defense.
His eyes sparkled as if he’d give up all his wealth to treat her to lunch.
Jin Cheon-woo sighed and stepped forward, blocking Jang Chu-hyeong’s view.
He could feel him craning to peek over his shoulder.
“Ack—!”
Jin Cheon-woo stomped on his foot and answered the woman.
“Last time we enjoyed the cuisine at Hwaseon Guest House. This time, we should savor the flavors of Unryong Pavilion.”
“Hahaha, I’m honored, Young Master.”
“Then let’s go.”
The woman nodded and made way.
As he walked beside her, Jin Cheon-woo smiled.
Her arrival could only mean one thing:
She had found what he was looking for.
