Kwan Woong pushes open the door to his office and walks outside to find two of his guards lying on the ground. He calls to his guards and a sword arrives at his throat. Kwan Woong asks if that wench, Seo Hwa, sent him. The ninja says nothing and goes to kill him, but instead there’s a slicing sound and blood spatters across Kwan Woong’s face. Ninja Soh has finally returned! He somewhat limps forward and apologizes for being late. Kwan Woong indignantly wants to know where he’s been, but doesn’t seem to notice that Ninja Soh has any injuries. He doesn’t wipe the blood off his face either. That says something about him.
Ninja Soh wants Kwan Woong to evacuate because of the danger, so they go outside, where they find 3 ninjas lying on the ground dead. Several house guards have joined them. But they weren’t killed by Ninja Soh. He peels back one of their masks and they’re grey and gross-looking. Which we know means that they were drained by Wol Ryung. I think Ninja Soh knows what it means, because he immediately jumps up and urges Kwan Woong to run.
A harsh wind begins to blow. Kwan Woong doesn’t really react. Wol Ryung has arrived. Kwan Woong slowly turns in his direction and is shocked to see a man that he murdered. Wol Ryung certainly looks creepy. He’s still got black veins going and his face is eerily calm while his eyes have a murderous look, partially because they’re on the red side. Wol Ryung smiles a crooked smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
Ninja Soh puts his sword in front of Kwan Woong. I don’t understand that, since you know how fast Wol Ryung is and how strong, but okay. Misguided loyalties. Kwan Woong recognizes Wol Ryung, but Wol Ryung doesn’t remember him. Wol Ryung asks if Kwan Woong knows him. Twice. And the second it has a lot of venom behind it.
Training Camp. Pyung Joon has drawn his sword on Kang Chi. Gon stands back, watching. Pyung Joon commands Kang Chi again to take off the bracelet and take his sword. Kang Chi is confused, because he doesn’t understand that his training has begun. Considering how Pyung Joon’s been lately, his confusion – why are you trying to attack me? – is natural. Pyung Joon hasn’t really been his biggest supporter. And the guy *didn’t* apologize for any of his stupid behavior or for not confessing about murdering Wol Ryung. Gon looks over at Pyung Joon but his face looks like he wants to say something so that Kang Chi will understand. Pyung Joon tells Kang Chi that even the bracelet doesn't come off, he’s still planning on attacking and stabbing him. He screams for Kang Chi to take it off. Kang Chi stares at him, horrified at the thought of attacking him. Understandable, since he already made it clear that there's no blood feud between them and... it's his girlfriend's *dad.*
Century House. Kwan Woong muses that it makes no sense (for Wol Ryung to be alive and in front of him). No doubt, Wol Ryung should be dead. Wol Ryung squints at him. I’d be wondering if this guy killed me. Which he did. Kwan Woong says he saw Wol Ryung cut down. Hearing that, Wol Ryung asks Kwan Woong if it was Kwan Woong that made him this way. We know the answer is a resounding YES, but you know Kwan Woong’s going to lay the blame on Seo Hwa. Watch. Wol Ryung grumbles, “The one who drew me here, was it you?” Oh, he’s asking about that inexplicable pull he’s been experiencing, not being made a demon. So Seo Hwa would be the right answer.
Ninja Soh begs Kwan Woong to escape, saying that he and the men will take care of Wol Ryung. Wol Ryung smiles slightly at that suggestion. Ninja Soh orders the men to attack and Wol Ryung makes short work of them, easily. Ninja Soh charges and instead of throwing him aside, Wol Ryung grabs him by the throat. Is Ninja Soh going to finally end up dead? Ninja Soh gurgles under Wol Ryung’s grasp and Wol Ryung says, while looking straight at Kwan Woong, “Weaker than weak. Isn’t that the life of a human? Lighter than a passing breeze, isn't that the human life?”
Kwan Woong yells at Wol Ryung, ordering him to stop. Which amazes me. Why would Wol Ryung listen? Wol Ryung demands to know how Kwan Woong knows him. Did Kwan Woong make him like this? And there he goes: Kwan Woong says that it wasn’t him, it was Seo Hwa! The name sounds familiar and Wol Ryung’s wheels begins to turn. Kwan Woong yells that Seo Hwa, that wench was his bane. Wol Ryung drops Ninja Soh to the ground and with his super speed is in front of Kwan Woong in an instant. That scares Kwan Woong. Wol Ryung asks who Seo Hwa is, who is she exactly. And Kwan Woong realizes that Wol Ryung has no idea; so he can sic this demon on her and it won’t even know that it’s killing its wife.
Yeo Wool sits before Seo Hwa. Seo Hwa asks what Yeo Wool’s relationship with Choi Kang Chi. And I have to brace myself for her voice. I hate it, I hate it so. Yeo Wool tells her they are students at the same academy. Seo Hwa wants to know why she’s there. Yeo Wool asks Seo Hwa if she can’t return to Kang Chi. Seo Hwa asks her what she means. Yeo Wool says that she is Kang Chi’s mother and even though she has no idea why Seo Hwa would abandon Kang Chi in a river, can’t she just, from now on, live as Kang Chi’s mother? Seo Hwa blinks as a response.
Yeo Wool continues: all the scars Kang Chi’s received without a mother, can’t she just embrace him and look after him? If only it were that simple. If only she wasn’t plotting to conquer Joseon, then it wouldn’t be a problem. Can’t she start over now? Seo Hwa is trying to be stone faced, but her tears are threatening to surface.
Training Camp. Kang Chi declares that he doesn’t want to fight Pyung Joon. He wants to know why Pyung Joon is using a *real* sword to fight him. If Pyung Joon won’t explain, Kang Chi absolutely *doesn’t* want to fight him. That sounds perfectly reasonable, Kang Chi. Pyung Joon charges, and as Kang Chi takes a small step back, Pyung Joon swings, slicing Kang Chi’s belt through. It falls to the ground. Kang Chi watches it fall. Gon almost grimaces. Kang Chi mutters, “Master,” and then Pyung Joon starts swinging some more. Kang Chi avoids him for a few moments, but soon Pyung Joon has him pinned on the ground with a sword aimed at his chest. Kang Chi looks at Pyung Joon with an expression of fear and hurt. Pyung Joon commands him, “Defeat me.” Kang Chi is confused and asks, “What?” Gon almost says something. Pyung Joon tells him that unless Kang Chi defeats him, he will cut and stab him.
We switch to Song who’s asking, “Training until the sword wears out?” Whatever that means. Which is exactly what Song asks. Gong Dal explains that it’s exactly what it sounds like. And it means that it will end only when one of the two dies or is critically injured. How is this training?!! Sometimes I just want to throttle Pyung Joon! Gong Dal declares that it’s an extreme training method. How is this appropriate?!! My fists are double clenched.
Song is shocked and asks if that means that Pyung Joon is trying to kill Kang Chi. Gong Dal asks him, what is training. Song replies that it’s something that you learn and practice. And the purpose? To develop strong pupils. As Song starts to say it, Gong Dal affirms that Pyung Joon, to make Kang Chi stronger, is risking his life. And this is STUPID. Gong Dal says that it’s a training exercise that you can give once in a lifetime.
Flash to earlier, Pyung Joon’s office. Gon is standing in front of Pyung Joon angrily asking, “Why is it him?” Pyung Joon replies that Kang Chi is the only one who can kill Kang Chi and with Kang Chi’s tragic fate to kill his own father, this is the only thing that Pyung Joon can do for him. Plus, it’s Pyung Joon that turned Wol Ryung into a demon in the first place. Gon can barely contain himself as he protests that Pyung Joon can’t do it! Pyung Joon replies that he’s sorry that his last training isn’t against Gon’s sword, but his giving his life can enlighten Kang Chi, would that be the best death for a master? And again, I say, THIS IS STUPID! Gon asks if Pyung Joon going to take his sincerity that far and Pyung Joon replies that if this is what it takes to bring out Kang Chi’s inner potential, he’s willing to make the sacrifice. And I am sitting here thinking, you haven’t even believed in any of his potential, let alone tried to develop any of it, and now you’re doing a kamikaze run? How is this man a sword master?
Back to the Courtyard, with Kang Chi on the ground. It was Gon’s flashback. He doesn’t look happy. Kang Chi demands to know why Pyung Joon is doing this to him! Pyung Joon just commands him to get up. Kang Chi asks if Pyung Joon is still bearing a grudge against him. In response Pyung Joon slices and cuts into Kang Chi’s arm. Kang Chi grabs his arm and stares at Pyung Joon like he’s crazy. Pyung Joon growls, “Didn’t I warn you? You better fight with all your might!” Then Pyung Joon steps back and commands Kang Chi to get up. Kang Chi is glaring now and says, “If that's what you want, that's fine with me. Let’s do this.” He takes off his bracelet and flings it over to Gon, without looking. Gon catches it without looking. And that’s why Gon’s a stud. (I wonder how many times they had to practice that scene to get it perfect.) Kang Chi’s eyes turn green and after they glare at each other for a moment, Kang Chi yells and begins to attack. Pyung Joon yells an answer and rushes forward with his sword. I’m confident that Kang Chi’s going to get the upper hand and Pyung Joon’s not going to end up dead, but this is just stupid.
Seo Hwa reacts to something. She’s not quite sure what it is, but it seemed like a chill went down her spine. She’s now just wearing a hanbok. Pil Mok enters, shutting the doors behind him. Sitting before Seo Hwa, he asks her if she sent men to attack Kwan Woong the night before. She says she did and he can’t believe she did it, since he told her it wasn’t time yet. But isn’t *she* *your* leader? Why doesn’t she need to do what you say? She answers that Tae Seo will now do what Kwan Woong was doing. Pil Mok argues that they can’t trust Tae Seo yet and in terms of connections and information, he’s years behind Kwan Woong. She asks what she’s supposed to do, since Kwan Woong should be a cold dead corpse by now. Pil Mok asks her to step outside.
Outside are the dead men, covered with a mat. Kwan Woong stands with Ninja Soh and some of his other men. He’s shooting daggers and she shoots them right back. Kwan Woong asks if she had a good night. She glances over at the bodies and asks what’s going on. Kwan Woong says that this is why he’s there; why are her men dead inside his office. She declares that he dares kill her people. Kwan Woong can barely contain his cool as he asks how she dares to try to take his life? She looks at him for a moment and then smiles and asks, “If it’s like that, what are you going to do?” Kwan Woong can’t believe that she’s not intimidated.
Kwan Woong’s about to bluster some more when Seo Hwa cries out for Kageshima. He arrives with a bunch of her men. Kageshima and Pil Mok look at each other nod at each other. I’m not sure what that means, since Pil Mok is *not* in favor of what she’s doing and actively objecting. Kwan Woong asks her what she’s doing. Eh? She replies, “As a human, stop breathing.” I laugh heartily. This is one time where her diction’s just fine. She tells him that every time he exhales, the stench is unbearable. Now that’s hatred. She tells him to die! He calls her a wench. She screams for them to cut off his head! Everyone draws their swords. Both Seo Hwa and Kwan Woong tremble with rage. Then she notices that the swords aren’t pointed at Kwan Woong, but her. I’m surprised but not. I guess she doesn’t owe them fealty anymore, since they just threw her under the bus.
Seo Hwa’s eyes turn back to glare at Kwan Woong and he cockily looks back. Pil Mok goes to stand beside Kwan Woong. She is barely audible as she asks how he can do this? He tells her that from now on, any of her orders that are outside her duty as leader of Goongbon, he’s not going to obey them. So, she needs to take back her orders brought on by her personal feelings. Kwan Woong smirks. And Tae Seo has watched it all from a distance.
Gisaeng House. Soo Ryun’s reading a letter. Chung Jo sits across the table from her. Is it bad news? Soo Ryun says that the movements of the Japanese at Century House seem suspicious, like they mutinied. Chung Jo is concerned that something might have happened to Seo Hwa, although she only refers to her as their leader.
Training Camp. Yeo Wool sneaks back into her room and thinks that she’s done it. Until she turns around and Yojoo is standing there, glaring at her. Yeo Wool asks what she’s doing there. Yojoo answers that she was waiting for her. Where did Yeo Wool go? Yeo Wool says she went out for some fresh air. Yojoo starts yelling at her for staying out all night. Yeo Wool acts like she has no idea what Yojoo is talking about and Yojoo looks like she is about to explode, the way she scrunches up her face. Yeo Wool asks Yojoo whether she mentioned it to Pyung Joon. Yojoo says she wanted to but since last night, Pyung Joon has been training his disciple.
When Yeo Wool hears exactly what her father’s doing, she rushes out of the building to find them. All the students and Gong Dal are watching the fight. She asks Song what’s happening and when she hears that it *is* the extreme sword training, she starts to go and stop it. Gong Dal stops her. He tells her that this is something Master Dam has decided. She is worried, because the outcome is supposed to be death to one of them.
There’s a break in the action with Kang Chi panting as he uses the dragon statue as a buffer. Pyung Joon commands him to come out. He says he doesn’t want to. He’s tired. Pyung Joon tells him that he’s supposed to fight with all his strength. Pyung Joon calls him a coward. Kang Chi responds that he’s not hiding because he’s a coward. He’s hiding because he doesn’t want to fight Pyung Joon. Pyung Joon growls that if Kang Chi can’t fight him, how is he going to fight his father? A man who’s become a demon and is indiscriminately killing people, how is Kang Chi’s weak heart going to kill him? Pyung Joon commands Kang Chi to fight him like he was Kang Chi’s father and defeat him.
Gon tells Kang Chi to do his best. Kang Chi turns to look at Gon, almost like he can’t believe Gon’s saying this. Gon tells Kang Chi that they don’t know the full extent of Kang Chi’s powers. Bringing them out (his potential) depends on his heart and mind, which is what their Master is trying to get him to realize. Kang Chi needs to do his best, otherwise he’s insulting Pyung Joon. At least *someone’s* explaining to Kang Chi the rationale behind what’s happening. He’s going to be behind it now that he understands. You people!
And I’m right: Kang Chi clenches his fist and lets out a horrible growl. He and Pyung Joon go at it. It’s an intense battle. There’s a pause and Pyung Joon declares that at this rate, Kang Chi doesn’t stand a chance. He’s too weak. He needs to remember what gave him the most power and use it. Kang Chi thinks of Yeo Wool being held by Wol Ryung and Kwan Woong’s men trying to beat Ma Reum to death. With a blink, he’s in Pyung Joon’s face and has him subdued. His hand is raised to strike but he stops, because he doesn’t want to kill him. They look at each other and then Pyung Joon pulls free and runs Kang Chi through the gut.
Everyone is shocked and Kang Chi just clutches his stomach as Pyung Joon growls that once he starts, he should never hesitate, because if he does, he’ll be dead. Not only him, but everyone he’s trying to protect will die with him:
Being strong means to know how to draw the line between mercy and mercilessness. Being strong means to have both a burning heart for justice and a cool head for judgment. That is why to be strong is to be lonely. Only when you can keep it all in control can you win.Pyung Joon tells Kang Chi to recover and come back at 3 pm (the hour of the monkey). Then Pyung Joon walks off. Gong Dal grunt sighs as he watches Pyung Joon go.
Song and Yeo Wool run over to Kang Chi to see if he’s okay. He doesn’t say anything, just looks at Yeo Wool. Gon approaches and tells Kang Chi to hurry and master the lesson that Pyung Joon is trying to teach him and then walks away. Did you see how he got the point when someone didn’t expect him to know already but explained it? Pyung Joon enters his office and sits, exhausted. He’s also bleeding.
Pil Mok presents Kwan Woong with a box. It’s an apology for the recent disturbance. It’s a musket to celebrate their alliance. Kwan Woong is excited and impressed. But he says he can’t just take this for free. He indicates to Ninja Soh, who present Pil Mok with the drawing of the ironclads.
Scenes from the Naval Base as Soon Shin prepares for war. Majestic music plays. Officer Na Dae Young arrives with revisions to the blueprints. The new ship actually looks more like it could actually work as a viable sea fighting vessel.
Pil Mok wants to know if Soon Shin is really building these ships. Kwan Woong says that hasn’t been verified, but, and he illustrates by taking aim with the rifle, Pil Mok doesn’t need to worry because he’ll make sure to wipe them all out.
Training Camp. Kang Chi sits in his room, thinking about his last training session. He remembers Gon telling him that getting stronger means bearing that much responsibility. Yeo Wool arrives with some clothes for him. She enters and sits next to him. She asks how his wound is. He says he’s all better. She doesn’t want to take his word for it and opens his shirt to check. He’s freaked out because she’s seeing him partially naked. She’s clueless, being a soldier. She looks at him and says that it still must have hurt and he can’t really say anything because he’s trying to recover from her seeing him partly naked. He ties up his shirt again.
Yeo Wool looks and him and asks him why he’s putting it back on, since he’s supposed to change. I love the fact that she's totally clueless. He smiles nervously and tries to act like everything’s normal. She’s still clueless. He glances at her and she’s just sitting there, waiting for him to change. He turns so his back is facing her. He kind of squirms a bit and then looks back and she’s still just watching him, waiting for him to change. He motions for her to turn around and she finally gets it and does.
Since she’s not looking anymore, Kang Chi removes his shirt and then reaches for the new one. It’s way over by Yeo Wool, so in the process of reaching for it and her sliding it to him, their hands touch. They have a moment and look at each other. After looking at him for a few seconds, she looks down at his back. He quickly tries to cover himself with his hand and then the shirt. I am rolling. She starts to laugh but also looks a bit pleased with herself, that he likes her like that.
Kang Chi notices she’s laughing and decides to tease her, asking if she’s happy to see a man’s naked body. She’s supposed to be innocent but she can’t contain her happiness? She protests that she doesn’t like just anyone’s body. So he jokes that it’s just because it’s his? And calls her a pet name, Gudae (dear). She jokes back saying that’s he’s really thinking highly of himself. And uses the same pet name. Smiling, he takes her face is his hands and squishes it and when she protests, he kisses her. Either they replay it twice, which is what I think, or he does it three times. It’s super sweet. Then he grabs her gently into a hug. He asks if he’ll really be able to become stronger. She tells him that he’s already strong, he just hasn’t realized it yet. They sit there, embracing. Kang Chi sighs and says that it’s nice. So sweet. I don’t want it to end.
But Gon arrives outside Kang Chi’s door. He announces himself, asking if Kang Chi’s there. Kang Chi doesn’t answer. He enters to find Yeo Wool doing needlework and Kang Chi reading a book. Ha! She waves and innocently says hello. They’re both quite pleased with themselves.
Gon sighs and tells Kang Chi he has a visitor. It’s Chung Jo, who looks a little uneasy as she walks in to face Kang Chi and Yeo Wool. As she should. Twit. She says that she has news: Kang Chi’s mother might be in trouble.
Century House. Pil Mok is telling Seo Hwa to get out of town. She’s furious. As she should be. This is mutiny and betrayal. She needs to leave today to catch the boat leaving at the end of the month from Port Busan to Osaka. She demands to know when he turned away from her. He smiles and says that it was her mind that changed, not his.
Chung Jo has said that Seo Hwa will be leaving Century House around 3 pm. Kang Chi is expressionless. Chung Jo is encouraging him to see her, since this may be the last time he’s able to. Yeo Wool chimes in that she agrees with Chung Jo. Kang Chi answers that he has to practice with Pyung Joon at 3. Gon’s just looking at him, but not with any sort of negativity. Kang Chi goes to walk away and Yeo Wool calls after him that she’s his mother. After 20 years, he just can’t send her off like this. He’ll regret it.
Kang Chi turns to Yeo Wool and declares that she's someone who gave birth to him and then thought he was so horrible that she abandoned him by a river. She didn’t care if he was beaten or strangled to death in the last 20 years. How is that a mother? What kind of a mother is that? When she protests he tells her that Seo Hwa doesn't exist to him, ERASED FROM HIS LIFE!! He doesn’t want her mentioned again. Kang Chi storms out. They all feel bad for him.
As he’s walking down the hall, Kang Chi stops. He starts to turn around and then stops himself. As he walks away, Yeo Wool emerges to watch him go.
Before Chung Jo leaves, she opens the present she’d brought for Kang Chi: a jacket/vest with a bluebird embroidered on it. Still think she’s a twit.
Tae Seo enters his room to find one of Seo Hwa’s ladies there, with a letter for him. The lady bows and leaves. He reads it super fast because he barely glances at it before he reacts.
Seo Hwa sits, furious, upset, chin trembling.
Kwan Woong enters the barn with some of his men, including Ninja Soh. He calls out for Wol Ryung. Wol Ryung is in the risers above them. He tells Kwan Woong that he’s late. Kwan Woong glances down and declares he had to take care of an urgent matter. When he looks back up, Wol Ryung is no longer there. Wol Ryung has appeared behind him. He asks if Kwan Woong brought Seo Hwa. So I guess that’s how Kwan Woong talked himself out of being killed, offering up Seo Hwa instead.
Kwan Woong declares that before Wol Ryung gets to Seo Hwa, he needs to tell Wol Ryung something. Among humans, if you want to earn something, you have to pay appropriately. It’s what they call a deal. Your life for Seo Hwa. That’s a fair deal. Wol Ryung has my reaction. He laughs to himself at Kwan Woong’s arrogance. Kwan Woong wants to know what he’s going to get out of it. Wol Ryung asks Kwan Woong if he, a mere human, is trying to negotiate? Kwan Woong snarks that it wouldn’t be fair otherwise, eh? Wol Ryung first wants to know where Seo Hwa is. When Kwan Woong presses, Wol Ryung steps forward and quickly grabs Kwan Woong by the throat. Ninja Soh goes for his sword. Wol Ryung tells Kwan Woong, “Not killing you is my offer. If you don’t want to die, tell me where Seo Hwa is.” Kwan Woong looks a little scared and Wol Ryung growls, “Hurry.”
Bong Chool and his gang are playing cups. Bong Chool declares it’s the cup on the right. Kang Chi appears behind him and says that it’s the other one. Bong Chool’s happy to see his dongsaeng (brother). I guess he’s gotten over Kang Chi liking boys. Kang Chi doesn’t answer when Bong Chool asks why he’s there. Bong Chool declares that he has huge dark circles under his eyes. Kang Chi suggests they go eat.
At the restaurant, it’s a roast chicken. Looks yummy. Bong Chool’s man goes to grab first. Bong Chool slaps the hand and instead lovingly gives the piece to his dongsaeng. Kang Chi laughs. Kang Chi asks about Bong Chool’s mother. Bong Chool says she’s well but has been nagging him to get married. Then he complains about how picky she is about his future bride. Kang Chi (sadly) says that all mothers are like that: worrying and nagging. Bong Chool says ‘of course!’
Bong Chool wants to know what’s troubling Kang Chi. He leans in close and asks Kang Chi if he possibly got dumped. Kang Chi’s confused but Bong Chool declares that he knew it would happen. Kang Chi with a flower boy, it’s not possible. Regardless of how pretty, it’s forbidden love. Kang Chi’s totally confused, because he’s forgotten that Yeo Wool’s *not* a girl. Bong Chool protests that it’s the person that’s always with him. And Yeo Wool appears and asks if he’s gossiping behind her back. Kang Chi asks Bong Chool if she looks like a boy to him. Bong Chool declares of course. Yeo Wool’s running around in pants. Kang Chi slaps the table and declares that he thought there wasn’t anything wrong with his eyes! He tells Bong Chool that he also thought she was a boy when they first met. Bong Chool is practically speechless that Kang Chi’s insisting that she’s not a boy. Yeo Wool finally gets fed up and grabs them both by the ears.
Kang Chi and Yeo Wool are walking. Kang Chi asks why she came down to the village since he was going to return to the camp soon. She tells him she was worried about him and she has something to tell him. She tells him she went and met with his mother. You know that they wouldn't just leave that meeting hanging out there. One thing I love about how these things are written; they interweave things and use flashbacks so you get what you need and don't waste it with unnecessary stuff. Good story telling.
Seo Hwa is still wearing her hanbok and is leaving Century House. Pil Mok says he wishes a safe journey home. Then he adds ‘leader.’ She turns around to look at him. Then she glances up at Tae Seo who nods at her. Without a word, she boards her palanquin and leaves. Kwan Woong and Ninja Soh watch her leave, with him musing, "With this, our bad relationship is now over." It was only bad because of you, dude. Pil Mok leans over to shogun-shoulders and tells him to take care of ‘it’ without mistakes. Kageshima doesn’t look happy. In Japanese, he tells Pil Mok not the cross the line. Pil Mok smirks a little and says that everything is to protect the Goongbon merchant. I can’t tell if he’s meaning Kwan Woong or Seo Hwa, but I think it’s Kwan Woong. Kageshima does not look at all at ease with her betrayal. At least he takes oaths of fealty seriously.
Pyung Joon stands, waiting for Kang Chi to arrive. Gon watches his master stand there. All the other students are there too and Yeo Wool, who doesn’t look too concerned. Kang Chi steps forward, green-eyed. Pyung Joon asks him if he’s ready to fight. Kang Chi declares that he’ll end it quickly this time. Pyung Joon tells him not to hesitate. Kang Chi tells him he won’t. Pyung Joon tells him not to be merciful at the end. Kang Chi says he’ll do it without mercy. Pyung Joon draws and we hear what Yeo Wool said: Seo Hwa called herself a sinner.
Flashback. For the last 20 years, she hasn’t ever been able to sleep lying down. When Yeo Wool asks why, not once, Seo Hwa replies that it’s because she’s a sinner. For letting that person (Wol Ryung) die like that, for abandoning her child, how could she sleep peacefully? She starts to cry despite herself as she says that she can’t ask for forgiveness. To the other Flashback. Yeo Wool asks Kang Chi whether it’s time to forgive that kind of monster. She tells him that if he can’t forgive her, even if she wanted to come back, she can’t.
Present. Pyung Joon yells at Kang Chi to stop daydreaming and attack. Kang Chi says he needs to ask one question. Gon turns to look at him, a little puzzled. The sword, what does it mean to Pyung Joon? Pyung Joon replies that when he’s fighting, the sword is his everything. Kang Chi nods, saying, is that so? He declares that he’ll begin. It’s so awesome to see Kang Chi speed like lightning at every strike that Pyung Joon throws his way. Kang Chi grabs him and strikes. Reaction faces from everyone, including Gon. Kang Chi pants. The sword falls, blood on it and dripping from Pyung Joon’s arm.
Pyung Joon looks down at his arm and then back at Kang Chi. Kang Chi pants. Yeo Wool stifles a smile, because her father isn’t dead and her boyfriend didn’t kill him. Gong Dal slightly nods his head. Gon is speechless. Kang Chi declares, “Since I brought your sword down, I won, Master.” Pyung Joon slightly reacts to learning a lesson from his student and we see Kang Chi's mouth smile.
Kang Chi’s rushing down the camp’s steps. Yeo Wool comes after him and asks if he’s going after Seo Hwa. She’s wearing her bow and quiver. He smiles and grunts his yes. Gon, Pyung Joon and Gong Dal arrive behind her. Turning to her father, she says his name, the question unsaid. He sighs and nods his consent. She beams and hurries down the steps to go with Kang Chi. As Pyung Joon watches them go, he tells Gon to safely escort Yeo Wool. Gon smiles his crooked smile and agrees to this command. Then he full on smiles and hurries to catch up with them. Gong Dal is just really happy that Pyung Joon’s stopped being a butthead. And so am I.
As they walk, Gon’s sort of taking the lead. Yeo Wool guesses where they might intercept Seo Hwa and Gon declares he knows a shortcut. Kang Chi tells him thank you. Gon just looks at him and runs ahead. Which they laugh at and then run to catch up to him.
Gong Dal is wrapping up Pyung Joon’s arm. He asks what Pyung Joon saw earlier, when fighting Kang Chi. Gong Dal says that Pyung Joon looked very startled after the final round. Pyung Joon replies that he thinks Kang Chi found ‘the way.’ [Flashback to the end of the fight as Pyung Joon’s voiceover is heard: without the bracelet, without Yeo Wool, Kang Chi returned to his human self. We see Kang Chi's face this time and his transformation from gumiho to human.] Gong Dal nods and declares that Kang Chi’s finally found the composure to stay human. Pyung Joon says that he thinks it’s time to send him after the Book of Nine. Gong Dal nods.
Scenes of Gon, Kang Chi and Yeo Wool running though the forest as Seo Hwa rides in her palanquin. At the aforementioned intersection point, a ninja waits. Kwan Woong sits and strokes his musket. A bunch of ninjas head rush on. Seo Hwa asks her maid if she delivered the message to Tae Seo. She replies that he said he will come before they pass Yong Dam Gol. She seems like she’s nervous. She has a right to be, because shogun shoulders appears with all those ninjas.
The leader of the group asks shogun shoulders why they followed them (in Japanese). He responds that Pil Mok ordered them to escort her. Sure he did. Everyone draws their swords and the servants quickly set down the palanquin. Battle as her entourage fights to protect her from these traitors. The maid and Seo Hwa begin running away. The sheer numbers of attackers overpowers her men and they are cut down. Running through the forest. The maid falls. It reminds me Seo Hwa running with her brother. The maid wants her to run but Seo Hwa refuses. Suddenly, they’re surrounded.
Pushing the maid behind her, Seo Hwa yells at them that they dare attack her. She is the head of the Miyamoto merchants! One of them goes to strike her and the maid gives her life to protect Seo Hwa. With her dying breath, the girl whispers, “Leader.” As he goes to kill Seo Hwa, an arrow arrives and kills him. Go, Yeo Wool! Everyone turns and it’s just the three of them. Including *her son.* There’s a meaningful stare between Seo Hwa and Kang Chi and then Kang Chi asks, “What are you guys? Isn’t this too much against one woman?” I love the blustery Kang Chi.
Seo Hwa sputters, asking Kang Chi why he’s there and it’s not his concern. Then she tells him to go, quickly. Her face says that she is really afraid *for him.* He declares that his personality is such that he can’t just sit by and watch something like this. She’s looks distraught that she can’t get him to leave. He starts to count them as Gon tries not to laugh. Gon says there’s 12 total. Kang Chi says that they can split them 4 each. Yeo Wool says that two is enough. Drawing her sword, she tells him they’ll handle the guys while he escorts his mother to safety. Gon glances over and adds, “Didn’t you hear Miss Yeo Wool? She said leave.” I love him so much. Kang Chi tells Yeo Wool not to get hurt and she nods an of course.
The ninjas attack, with three staying behind to hold onto Seo Hwa and drag her away. I get to enjoy the awesome moves of Gon and Yeo Wool. And Kang Chi. They pause for a moment, with Yeo Wool telling Kang Chi to hurry, Gon asking if she’s okay, and Kang Chi telling them he’ll meet them at the mountain pass.
Away from the action, one of the men asks Seo Hwa to please forgive him. But Kang Chi arrives to fend the three men off. Easily and quickly. Kang Chi and Seo Hwa stare at each other.
Wol Ryung has arrived at the palanquin. Oh no. That’s definitely not good. He surveys the dead and sees that Seo Hwa is not there.
Kang Chi gently tells Seo Hwa to stand up and come with him. She grabs a sword and tells him to go. She has something to do on her own. He grabs her arm and tells her not to go. She screams at him to let her go. She screams that she has to kill someone. The one that ruined her family and made his father and her like this, the one that tried to kill her, she’s going to kill with her own hand! Kang Chi yells back, “What about me?!” He’s getting watery eyed. She only sees those she needs to kill. Doesn’t she see him? He risked his life. Doesn’t she see the son who ran there to save her? As he again says he’s her son, tears brim in his eyes. She’s trying really hard to stop the tears that want to come. And Kang Chi rips my guts out as he says: I am still your son, Mother!
Seo Hwa drops the sword and tenderly cradles his face in her hands as she weeps. Kang Chi cries. She can barely speak though her tears as she begs him to forgive her for being this kind of mother. He says Mother again and she can’t hold back anymore. She weeps his name and grabs him. They weep together.
Back to Gon and Yeo Wool versus the ninjas. There’s more of them. And more reinforcements. Not just 12 anymore. Yeo Wool and Gon look a little concerned. Which does not put me at ease. They almost start to lose when a masked man appears and starts kicking butt. And by the looks of his clothes, I think it’s Tae Seo. Shogun shoulders is a little unsettled at this new addition.
There's a pause and Gon asks the new guy if he’s Master Tae Seo. Yeo Wool is shocked. I guess she didn’t know he could fight like that. I did. Tae Seo answers that Gon remembers his swordsmanship. Gon replies he tends to remember swordsmanship the first time, he's like that. Tae Seo asks about Seo Hwa. Yeo Wool says that Kang Chi’s escorting her. Tae Seo decides they need to escort Yeo Wool to safety then. Aw, but that’s also irritating. She can hold her own. Why do they have to be macho! A very cool moment where, in sync, Tae Seo and Gon do some sword twirling and then move almost as one. Yeo Wool is impressed.
Seo Hwa sits. They’ve reached the rendezvous point. Kang Chi tells her he’ll go check to see if they’re coming. As he starts to walk away, she catches his hand and takes it in both of hers. Tenderly she tells him to take care of himself. Feeling the love, he smiles and nods that he will. Kang Chi runs off. Seo Hwa watches him leave but then senses something. The running Kang Chi senses it too. And we know what it is: Wol Ryung.
Wol Ryung walks into the clearing, slowly, like he always does before he’s going to kill someone. Seo Hwa sees him and can’t believe her eyes. It’s her dead husband. They stare at each other but it’s obvious he doesn’t recognize her. She stands and they stare. Finally, she speaks his name. That does get some sort of reaction, as Wol Ryung’s eyes go wide. She says his name again, asking if it’s her. He answers, instead asking who she is. Does she know him? She starts to cry and all she can say is his name. Each time she says it, it definitely affects Wol Ryung, although he still doesn’t know why.
As they’re looking at each other, Kang Chi appears and places himself in between Wol Ryung and Seo Hwa. Wol Ryung does but doesn’t recognize Kang Chi. Kang Chi tells him, “You can’t anymore.” No more. Don’t kill anyone. Kang Chi declares he won’t let Wol Ryung kill anyone anymore. Even as he starts to tear up, having to face down his father, he declares, “I’ll stop you, Wol Ryung.” Again, a reaction from Wol Ryung when Kang Chi says his name. AND THE EPISODE ENDS!!!
Thoughts
Arg!!!! How can they end it here?!!!! I have to compose myself. My thoughts. Because they ended it HERE.
Okay, major happenings. Pil Mok betrayed Seo Hwa and Kageshima doesn’t feel good about it. Pil Mok betrays Seo Hwa. And I think that snapped her out of her rant against ‘what has your country ever done for you?’ because the guy that her ally allied himself with is the very guy that caused all of her suffering to begin with. I think Pil Mok is going to end up on the end of Kageshima’s sword. While he may have gone along with Pil Mok’s plan to stop her from killing Kwan Woong, murdering their leader is another matter. It shows that Pil Mok has no real loyalty. Except to himself.
Kwan Woong stroking his musket. Really? I blink at the blatant imagery there. Really? And, of course, he sold Seo Hwa out to save his own skin. It’s doubly irritating because not only is Kwan Woong responsible for Wol Ryung’s death, he’s responsible for Seo Hwa’s confused betrayal. She would have come around, I think, once she stopped freaking out, but he totally manipulated her. He hunted them both for three months and then manipulated things so they would end up dead. I hate him so much. But at least I didn’t have to watch him being a letch.
There were some really happy spots in the episode. The scene with Kang Chi changing his shirt. The kiss and then the great long cuddle. So awesome. I really love that they’re best friends first and last before anything else. They don’t just like each other. They are best friends above all.
And finally Pyung Joon stopped being stupid. But only after being monumentally stupid with his extreme swordcraft lesson where two enter but only one leaves. Again, just explaining yourself just a little and Kang Chi gets it. Instead of expecting him to psychically figure it out. As soon as Gon explained what was going on, Kang Chi was in. Pyung Joon can be so frustrating! Not that what he was trying to teach wasn’t valid or good lessons, just a little explanation is all you needed to do, instead of just throwing Kang Chi into the deep end and expecting him to figure out how to not drown.
I’m thinking about Gon. Gon, who I love. Gon. The man. His reaction to the choice that it’s Kang Chi to get the training until the sword wears out. It’s interesting, but it was almost that he was insulted it was Kang Chi. But at the same time, he’s grown to respect Kang Chi and be his friend (although he would never admit that). I think part of him agreed that the whole idea was stupid! But I appreciate his loyalty and support of Pyung Joon regardless of whether he truly agreed. It makes me wonder about the sword craft he was practicing when Kang Chi found him (last episode). Was he letting off some steam, preparing himself for having to give his Master his total support?
I love how Gon is very consistent in his character. I think part of that goes to Sung Joon playing him. Gon would be very different if it was a different actor. Gon doesn’t say that much and Sung Joon’s nuanced way of playing Gon has made the character. Plus, he makes Gon say *a lot* with few words. I love that even though he likes Kang Chi now, he’s not going to actively admit it or act like it. But it was awesome how he had a full-on smile when he got permission to accompany Kang Chi and Yeo Wool to rescue Seo Hwa. It totally read a Yeo Wool ‘yes!’ fist pump and it was just a smile. And him not acknowledging Kang Chi’s thank you. Totally consistent and not sappy. (I think another actor might have done some sort of cheesy acknowledgement of Kang Chi’s thanks as part of their friendship, which totally would have lessened how awesome that whole moment was.)
And Pyung Joon finally let Yeo Wool hang out with her boyfriend. Even though he wishes she’d like someone safe like Tae Seo. His main reservation was Kang Chi’s gumiho-ness. Not his character at all, but that he’s part gumiho. And since Kang Chi turned back into a human without any help from anyone or thing, that means there’s no way he’d be a threat to Yeo Wool. So he can’t really object anymore. Plus the kid has humbled you twice, dude. First, when you totally were expecting him to try and kill you as revenge and he instead broke your sword and told you that your mistakes and blood feud had nothing to do with him or with Yeo Wool. Second, when he did exactly what you told him to do, but it didn’t end the way you expected it would. He didn’t hold back and could have killed you if he wanted. But he didn’t want to. Pyung Joon was arguing that he was too weak to do it, but Kang Chi showed him that it wasn’t weakness that was holding him back. It was love. And the total control he was trying to teach Kang Chi, Kang Chi had, because he so easily could have killed him.
Since he has given permission, does this mean that the engagement will be off? I still don’t think Tae Seo should end up with her, even if there wasn’t a Kang Chi. I love Tae Seo so much, but he’s just not right for her. His protective attitude would smother her spirit in the name of keeping her safe. Daddy raised her to fight for what she believes in, not sit at home sewing and worrying that her man is taking care of things. And even though Tae Seo is awesome with the sword, he’s not a fighter at heart either. He’s a steward, like his father. The accounting pillar. Not the attack or defense pillar. (Another plea for Kang Chi to be the next defense pillar so he and Gon can work together but butt heads at the same time. I love it when they fight!)
Hopefully, we will see more of Tae Seo in these next episodes. He and Chung Jo have kind of been on the backburner. Not that I’m complaining about not seeing Chung Jo. Ever since she got evil and tried to stick it to Yeo Wool, I have not liked her at all. It irritates me that she made Kang Chi a jacket and embroidered it with a bluebird (her gisaeng name). I don’t know if it’s her apology, but it’s also like it’s a bid for his affection, too. It’s not going to happen and I hope that Yeo Wool stops being insecure. Kang Chi totally keeps showing her that *she’s* the one, not Chung Jo. Please, can we get off Chung Jo as jealous harpy and back to Chung Jo as overcoming likeable person?
One other thought about the big battle. Everyone watched as Pyung Joon ran Kang Chi through. No one seemed really bothered over the fact that he healed up like that, that Kang Chi’s part gumiho anymore. I love that people keep showing Kang Chi that acceptance that he needs. It’s a reason why he’s not going to end up like his father.
And speaking of Wol Ryung, what is going to happen? Will he remember Seo Hwa? Kill her? Remember as she’s dying? Please, can we get awesome Wol Ryung back instead of evil Wol Ryung? Can Kang Chi have at least a few good moments with his parents? Not that I think it will last very long, but just a few? Can he please remember her and have her beg him for forgiveness and this be what breaks the demon curse, because his love wasn’t betrayed? She still loved him? Can maybe father and son become human? That would be an awesome ending to this story!!!
I am so glad that Kang Chi finally realized that his mother loves him. It’s easy to see why he would think otherwise, especially since Kwan Woong manipulated the situation so that she would say she doesn’t care what they do to him. Thank you, Yeo Wool, for being a great girl and helping him heal this hurt. So glad that he knows how much their separation hurt her, that losing him hurt her. So glad that he knows that she loves him. Parents after parent keep saying I love you. First Ma Reum. Then Seo Hwa. And Soon Shin is in there too. Kang Chi deserves it, too. Thank you that he was reunited with his mom. And that he forgave her so she could forgive herself. Thank you that he’s forgiving, because that’s one thing that’s central to his character: he forgives when people wrong him. Lady Yoon. Pyung Joon.
I do wonder, though, will it get revealed that Kang Chi is related to Chung Jo and Tae Seo via Lady Yoon? That is Seo Hwa’s last name. I think that would be cool – it turns out that they’re cousins. Not that Chung Jo and Kang Chi liked each other, but you could say that their affection stemmed from being related without knowing it. You could say it. It would legitimately make he and Tae Seo brothers in more than just feeling. I think that would be cool for them to figure that out.
One last thought. When Seo Hwa gets emotional, that annoying diction of hers goes away. Please let it stay away!!! Please. PLEASE.
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