Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter One: Maybe I Am Insane

In the bustling city of Huayin Prefecture, Tang Bo and Chung Myung visited a tavern to enjoy a drink. The tavern they’d entered was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and meat lingering around. Martial artists’s chatter filled the room, laughter loud, their cups clinking as they spoke noisily.

“Hey,” a bearded man exclaimed, slamming his cup down.  “Did you hear?”

“Hear what?” asked a man with a receding hairline.

“That if you share your blood with someone—your partner, family or friends, or even strangers; you’d be reborn together in the next life.” 

“Hah? You actually believe that? Are you stupid?”

Laughter rang out from this group, which especially reached the martial artists who already had better hearing. 

“N-no, I mean-well-maybe..” the guy with the beard stammered as he spoke sheepishly.  “Apparently, it’s worked before! There’s even history of it!”

“Pfft-! And what, they told you that themselves? Or did you simply read it in a book written by some maniac writer?” spoke the one with a moustache with an amused tone.

“Well… no! But that’s only because they can’t remember their past lives’ memories afterwards!!” bearded man argued defensively, voice rising with frustration, trying to stop the others from making fun of him. 

“Ugh.. whatever, just leave it!” he muttered at last, embarrassed that he’d believed in a fairytale-like story.

“Bo-yah, you’d better try this! The stuff’s got a kick to it!” Chung Myung exclaimed, chugging the liquor that burned down his throat. Their table sat a little apart from that particular loud group nearby.

The Tang family man couldn’t hold back a grin. “Sure, Hyung-nim. But I can assure you, the alcohol from Sichuan is much better! Especially when I add the poison which gives spicy-like flavour you enjoy so much to it.” 

He lifted his cup from the table and downed it in one go. The alcohol was sharp and smoky, with a faint sweetness that lingered. 

“Hmm,” he said, licking his lips, “it’s quite good.. but not that good, of course!”

The man sitting across from the Tang snorted in amusement. “You never miss a chance to praise your hometown and family. Yet you act as if you hate them.”

“Dosa-nim! How could you say that? I just hate some of their values..” Tang Bo muttered, his tone dripping with frustration. “Like how they never let women do anything or learn techniques. If I could just change that and—“

“Oh, don’t start again,” Chung Myung cut him off with an exasperated sigh and spoke with an annoyed tone. “We came here to drink, not lecture the damn Tangs from your family.”

Tang Bo sulked playfully at that. He knew his dear best-friend—or, well, lover—didn’t mean it rudely. By now he was well aware of his Myung-ah’s behaviour. 

“Hey!” 

The two martial artists heard the loud voice of some middle aged man and turned their heads at the loud call.

“Did you hear?” 

Both exchanged a glance and immediately decided to eavesdrop. 

Why? Because they wanted to gossip, obviously. 

After all, wasn’t berating the Nine (or was it Ten at that time??) Great Sects one of their favourite pastimes? If there was any new scandal or stupidity from these sects, the two were definitely going to have fun with it.

The drunk voice was rang out again, this time more enthusiastic. “That if you share your blood with someone—your partner, family or friends, or even strangers; you’d be reborn together in the nsxt life.” 

Oh. So it wasn’t about the Great Sects.

But regardless, this new bit of information was… interesting, to say the least.

“Dosa-nim, did you hear it?” Chung Myung heard from the man sitting across him who had leaned forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity. 

“With that loud of a voice, who wouldn’t hear?” Chung Myung spoke in a distinctive, lazy tone. “Even ordinary people could, and I’m a martial artist. Honestly, this question’s stupid Bo-yah.” 

Tang Bo simply ignored the man’s remark, he knew there was no winning in an argument with him anyway.

Well..Maybe in bed—

…Let’s ignore that. He wouldn’t be able to win much there as well. Maybe by a few points?

…Yeah, let’s ignore that.

He quickly shoved aside the kind of thoughts that always seemed to sneak into his head, and, thanks to the alcohol, were coming in at an alarming speed.

“Hyung-nim,” he began, voice slightly slurred, “do you think what that guy said is true? I kinda wanna try it..”

“Hah? What the hell are you on about? That’s obviously fake, Tang Bo.” Chung Myung said dismissively, picking at his ear.

Tang Bo pouted, his cheeks puffing out like a pufferfish. 

If only he knew how cute he looked right now.. thought Chung Myung, trying to hold back a laugh.

Thud.

The sound snapped him out of his thoughts. Tang Bo had set his cup down.

“Why not? It’s not like it’ll hurt anyone. I just want to try it once,” Tang Bo said, that familiar mix of stubbornness and curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

Of course he does. Chung Myung sighed inwardly. He’s a mad scientist through and through. But this isn’t even about medicine, or poison, or dagger techniques. How the hell is he so riled up? 

Chung Myung gave him a side-eye. “You’re drunk.”

“I am not!” Tang Bo protested, though the sultry tone he didn’t mean to use and the slight wobble in his words weren’t helping his case. “Come on, Hyung-nim. What if it is true? Wouldn’t you like it if we were reborn together?”

That made Chung Myung pause mid-sip. He stared at Tang Bo for a moment before clicking his tongue.

“For someone who’s supposed to be treating me, asking me to bleed is pretty ironic. You’re seriously insane.”

“Oh, please. As if a little blood would hurt you,” Tang Bo retorted, then added with a frown, “You leave gaping holes untreated and still manage to survive. You really need to stop doing that.” 

Chung Myung groaned at the familiar nagging and idly picked at his ear.

After a few more complaints that went ignored, Tang Bo finally muttered, half to himself, “Maybe I am insane.”

“Hn?”

“But, I’d rather be insane with you than be reborn without you, Hyung-nim.”

Thump.Thump.Thump.

What the fuck? 

That was so random.

Chung Myung quickly turned his face away, trying to hide the sudden warmth creeping up his neck as he fought to regain his composure.

“So, Hyung-nim,” Tang Bo said, catching the faint red on his partner’s ears, “is that a yes?”

After a pause, Chung Myung cleared his throat and muttered, “Fine. Have it your way.”

Tang Bo snickered out loud, clearly amused. “You can’t take it back, okay?”

“I already said I’ll do it. Shut up,” Chung Myung shot back, his voice tinged with embarrassment. 

“Promise?”

Chung Myung groaned. “Alright, whatever. Promise.” 

And with that, he grabbed his cup and downed the liquor in one go.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: A Memory In The Cave

“Here, Bo-yah.” Chung Myung said as he walked deeper into the place. “Let’s stay here for a while before going back. I need a liquor break.”

Tang Bo groaned trudging after his partner. “Hyung niiim.. why stay here? Let’s just report back to the camp.”

“Quit your whining.” came the curt reply to which Tang Bo could merely pout and groan.

He walked along with his Chung Myung and entered all while muttering under his breath.

The cave wasn’t large, just enough to keep the two men hidden unless someone was really trying to look. Its walls were rough and uneven. Tang Bo glanced over as Chung Myung ignited a torch, soft orange glow spread from the centre, wrapping the two men in warmth.

“Bo-yah?” Chung Myung mumbled in a softer tone than usual.

“Hm?”

“The thing you were begging me to do yesterday.”

“Yes, what about it?” Tang Bo replied, only to pause before suddenly panicking. “Wait—wait, wait! Don’t tell me you’re going back on your word!!”

“Ugh.. not that, you stupid Tang.” 

“Oh.. Then, what about it?”

Chung Myung frowned slightly, scratching the back of his neck. “How’re we supposed to share our blood?”

“Ah, that!” Tang Bo’s eyes brightened as he finally understood what his Hyung meant. “Well, Hyung-nim, I figured we could use an acupuncture needle, or perhaps a thin dagger. Then, we’d draw the blood into a cup and mix it.”

“Okay..” Chung Myung tilted his head, still curious. “And do we just swallow half each?”

“…”

“Tang Bo?” 

A grin crept into the Tang family man’s face which sent a few shudders to Chung Myung’s spine.

“I have a better plan for that Dosa-nim.”

“And what is your ‘better’ plan?” Chung Myung questioned skeptically.

“Let’s share a kiss with the blood in our mouths.”

“…”

“…”

“Are you crazy???” Chung Myung finally yelled out in an angered voice that echoed off the cave walls. 

Tang Bo flinched slightly at the volume, then grinned. “Only for you, Hyung-nim.”

Chung felt his face burning up instantly with rage, embarrassment and something else he refused to name all mixed together. His ears were already a shade of red, glowing like ripe tomatoes. 

“Y-You.. snarky little—”

“Hm?” Tang Bo merely titled his head with exaggerated innocence. He was clearly enjoying every second of his Hyung-nim’s reactions.

“Ugh.. fucking leech..” Chung Myung muttered under his breath, still far too flustered from the comment.

“Shall we head back? Aren’t you almost done with your bottle, Hyung-nim?” Tang Bo asked, deciding to change the topic.

“Ah.. yeah, it is empty.” Chung Myung said as he lifted the bottle above his face and watched as the last drop hit his tongue.

He sighed, setting it aside. “Let’s head back.”

The torch flickered once before dying out, leaving the cave silent again. As if nothing had ever happened there.

But it would always stay in Chung Myung’s memory.

After all.. it was one of the last moments with his Tang Bo.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: The Bond Was Made

Inside their tent, shadows formed against the canvas as the lantern flickered. One side was tidy and orderly, whereas, the other was cluttered with tools, daggers, and bandages. The contrast between them was as clear as ever. The low hum of the camp felt distant, like a new world entirely. For a brief moment, it was just the two of them in the quiet with the ghost of laughter from the cave still lingering in their mind. 

They were at peace.

As if one of them wasn’t about to die in a few moments.

Chung Myung sat down on his bedroll and leaned back, looking carefree, like there was no war beyond the camp’s borders. But his eyes spoke otherwise. And Tang Bo understood.

“Dosa-nim.” Tang Bo began, his tone light as he tried to cut through the heavy air. “Shall we do the blood exchange now? Hm?”

Chung Myung groaned, rubbing his forehead. “ugh.. you’re not going to leave me be until we do it, huh?”

“Nope,” Tang Bo replied instantly, grinning.

“Fine, whatever. Give me your dagger.” He held out a hand. He definitely couldn’t use his own sword. He rarely ever cleaned it, and last thing he needed was infection. But Tang Bo took magnificent care of his daggers and therefore, gleamed with care and precision.

“Here,” Tang Bo said, tossing the dagger.

Catching it with ease, Chung Myung grabbed a small cup before slashing away at his hand with no hesitation and letting his blood drip steadily into it. Once done, he handed them both back to Tang Bo, who repeated the motion with his arm, letting crimson join crimson.

After stirring it a bit, Tang Bo took the cup to his mouth and began sipping it. After it was in his mouth, he proceeded to lean over to the now defenceless Chung Myung. Lips dripping with crimson met the softer ones in an instant before the soft ones too, opened and provided entry. 

Tongues mixed together as the both men sucked and swallowed on the blood.

But even as the blood went down and was fully ingested, blood became saliva. And so, they told each other it was for the blood. But, was it really? Not quite, not when they continuously drank each other rather than the said blood.

Tang Bo’s tongue went further down Chung Myung’s mouth, as if he was planning on choking the other. And maybe he was. Because it was getting hard to breathe for Chung Myung.

A hand flew on Tang Bo’s shoulder and pushed, but he wasn’t going to let go. He kept kissing the other. And they both knew Chung Myung could instantly stop this all if he wanted to.

But Chung Myung too, wanted this. He wanted this closure before the images of war could take over him. Before the dead appeared to haunt him.

This, was the closure he wanted and needed the most.

And he wasn’t about to let it go.

The hand lowered slowly as it’s attempts remained futile and planted on the breasts of the other man.

Tang Bo smirked inwardly at the action but did not stop. Tongues danced among each other before the poisoned one finally let go and both mouths parted, breathless as if they’d just broken the surface after being held under the waves.

Chung Myung’s eyes met Tang Bo’s, and in that silent exchange, they both understood the same truth. They wanted this—wanted each other. And neither had any intention to let go. They needed each other.

Tang Bo lunged forward towards the other’s neck and bit. Hard. Teeth and flesh met as Chung Myung let out a soft sound. 

The mouth was immediately covered in embarrassment and Tang Bo snickered at that. But he didn’t stop. Poisoned hands met the swordsman’s and the dance continued.

It went as Tang Bo’s hand let go of the other’s and reached for the robe with a plum symbol on it. The hand pulled the robe down, revealing the other’s torso.

Chung Myung gasped, his face flushing red as heat rushed to his cheeks turning the flesh hot. 

The hands which held daggers now held muscles, with a softness unimaginable to the one with a title of Dark Saint.

Just as the tongues mixed together once more with hands exploring each other’s bodies, a loud shout was heard.

“There’s cultists in the north! Where are the Plum Blossom Sword Saint and the Dark Saint?”

Tongues stilled. Faces darkened. Their eyes met for a single, lingering second and an unspoken promise was made that they’d continue this dance some other time. 

In a rush, they fixed their robes, grabbed their weapons, and stepped out of the tent, leaving behind only the faint trace of warmth that had filled it moments before.

“Sword Saint! There’s a bishop in the north. Backup has been requested,” the scout reported shortly, only adding the necessary details.

Chung Myung and Tang Bo locked eyes, exchanging a silent nod. The men rushed towards the battle, adrenaline surged through their veins. Their steps fell in sync, blades ready.

But who could’ve known that this battle was the last where they fought side by side?

Who could’ve known that their dance, the one they longed to continue, would end here?

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Nostalgia and Jokes

Chung Myung’s eyes fluttered open, the faint ache of nostalgia settling in his chest.

So, the blood bond didn’t really work, huh… Tang Bo? he thought, staring blankly at the ceiling. The dream still clung to him from the day when Tang Bo was alive—when they were together.

“Tch. I told you it was fake, Bo-ya.” He muttered softly, forcing himself to rise and change into fresh robes.

Today, Chung Myung and the Five swords, along with Hae Yeon and Baek Sang, were heading to the Tang Family Residence in Sichuan to forge swords from cold iron.

Of course that wasn’t the only thing in his mind. He’d prepared new training techniques for their journey. (Some may call them torture techniques, but he called them ‘character development.’) 

Each one of them would be wearing iron weights heavier than anything they’d ever carried before, black iron that could crush the will out of an ox. 

Chung Myung stepped out of his room, the morning air crisp against his skin and made his way towards the training grounds. He exchanged a few words with Un Geom about the disciples’ training schedules, just to make sure the brats didn’t slack off while he was gone.

Then, his eyes landed on someone unexpected.

“Oh, right. This guy’s still here.”

Do Un-Chan, the poor fellow from the Ghost Clan they’d be visiting on their way to Sichuan, was staring around like a lost lamb in Mount Hua’s courtyard.

The day to depart to Sichuan was bright and clear.

 Of course, brightness meant nothing to the disciples of Mount Hua because they had already fought with each other that morning. Apparently, they thought that not training on a cliff would be easy and they’d get to relax. (Haha, jokes on them.)

After settling their “friendly debates” with bruises and shouting, the group finally made their descent down the Mount Hua, heading toward Hwa-Um prefecture.

There was a special cart prepared from iron to carry the cold iron all the way to Sichuan by seven horses.

Baek Cheon, who was looking at the cart, said,

“Chung Myung.”

“Uh?”

“How many horses did you prepare?”

“Seven.”

“Well. Don’t you think seven is a small number? Can seven drag this?”

“It is fine. They are strong.”

“That is good then, but where are the horses? We need to weave them into the cart right now. Perhaps Eunha…”

“They are here.”

“Uh? Here?”

“Here.”

Chung Myung pointed to Baek Cheon with his chin. And standing next to Baek Cheon, he looked at all the other disciples.

“You can use internal qi and footwork. This isn’t a big thing.”

“…”

“Do not worry. I specially ordered this cart. No matter how hard you run, the cart will not break. You can run as fast as you like.”

“Shit…”

“Uh?”

“…Nothing.”

Baek Cheon nodded his head with tears in his eyes.

The disciples finally arrived at the Tang Residence, though not without a few incidents along the way.

For starters, the number of horses had mysteriously increased. The reason? A certain shameless beggar had decided to tag along, only to be subjected to the same “training regime” as everyone else. (Justice, according to Chung Myung.) 

When they reached the Tang estate, the vast gates stood tall, flanked by the familiar emblem of the Tang family. Chung Myung stood there for a moment, his gaze softening.

It was strange. The courtyards, the walls, the faint smell of medicinal herbs, it all looked almost the same. Time had passed, generations had changed, but the place itself… hadn’t.

He felt a quiet pang of nostalgia rise in his chest.

This was where he used to visit so often, where his lover lived.
His one and only.

The first and last person he’d ever truly been with.

At the gates, Mount Hua’s disciples along with the beggar and Hae Yeon collapsed across the ground, gasping for breath like fallen soldiers. Meanwhile, Tang Soso sprinted toward her father with twinkling eyes, practically glowing with pride, as if she’d returned from a victorious campaign instead of a “training trip”.

Inside the Sichuan Tang Family room, Tang Gunak could only stare at his daughter. 

…She looked like a bandit.

Her hair was wild, her face tanned, her clothes dusty. And the way she stood, with her hands on her hips and that mischievous grin, was pure Mount Hua influence.

Tang Gunak sighed deeply.

Well… at least she’s happy and healthy? Right? Right.

Then came the part that nearly made him faint.

After hearing that Mount Hua planned to forge swords out of cold iron, he’d shamelessly asked for a few scraps for his own weapon projects, that too in front of his daughter.

But swords?! Really?! Cold iron was a rare material meant for legendary treasures or heavy spiritual weapons, not ordinary blades.

Tang Gunak rubbed his temples.

That brat, Chung Myung, needs a medical check-up. There’s definitely something wrong with his head.

“Now, as I said, you can cut through it one at a time. I will tell you the right length.”

“…”

Chung Myung’s eye twitched.

Cut?

What?

Cold steel?

The other day he almost broke his waist trying to cut it, and now he wanted to cut something thicker than his forearm?

Tang Jo Pyung didn’t even know the meaning behind Chung Myung’s look and continued to draw lines.

Chak chak chak!

“…”

The length of a finger was drawn onto a big sheet of cold steel.

“Now! Elder! You can cut it here.”

“…me?”

“Of course.”

“But I am not the Plum Blossom Sword Saint?”

“Hahahah. Do not joke. Please start here, I can make it into a sword from there.”

“… I am telling the truth.”

“Hahahah. Such a joke. It was fun.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: Under the Same Sky Again

The swords were to be hammered continuously for seven days and nights, until their forms were perfected. Only then would they be complete, or so was explained by Tang Jo-Pyung.

“Then give it a name.”

“…a name?”

“A sword which has found its owner must have its own name. Please give it a proper name.”

A name…

A name, huh..

Chung Myung fell silent, his gaze drifting to the freshly forged blade lying before him. He reached out, fingers curling around the hilt.

Srrng!

The sound of the blade sliding free echoed through the forge, sharp yet strangely gentle.

Tang Bo-ya.. Kid Pyung has grown up so much. Look at the sword he made me. Chung Myung thought as he stared away at the sword. His thumb brushed the cold steel, eyes reflecting the faint glow of the forge fire. 

If the sheath was like a plum blossom that bloomed in the dark, then the sword was like a plum blossom that shined in the daytime.

Do you remember? 

You always whined about how I never thought enough about you. But you never realised, it was always you I thought of.

Bo-ya… even now, I think of you as I look at this sword.

“The Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword,” Chung Myung declared softly, as if the name of the sword had been decided right from the start — just spoken later.

So… don’t you dare complain about it anymore.

Aren’t you already watching me from above, hm?

Now you see, don’t you?

You’re really my one and only, Tang Bo.

—“Taoist Hyung”

Chung Myung glanced over to the sky outside the window. His lips quivered faintly, his eyes glimmered with something distant.

I miss you, leech.

After the swords were finally completed and laid upon silk cloth, gleaming under the lamplight, Chung Myung eventually realised that the Beast Palace Lord had arrived which explained the sudden noise at the doors.

And so, the night turned lively and eventful. It began and, Mount Hua was officially the leader of the Alliance by the end of it.

Oh, and of course, there was Baek Ah.

The little white marten had been glued to Chung Myung’s shoulder since last night, refusing to leave no matter how many times he tried to shake it off.

With a resigned sigh, Chung Myung turned away and headed toward the dining hall.

The rich aroma of roasted meat and fragrant soup hit him the moment he stepped inside, making his stomach growl. His eyes lit up at the sight of the long table, piled high with the Tang family’s finest dishes.

It was a feast to celebrate the new Alliance. The Ice Palace wasn’t present, but… well, they could still enjoy themselves, right?

All of Mount Hua’s disciples that’d arrived at the Tang estate sat together along with Hae Yeon, the beggar and the Tangs. And let’s not forget the few disciples of Beast Palace as well. They were all laughing and eating like one big family.

The Beast Palace Lord and Tang Lord had a look of defeat plastered at their faces but they too, couldn’t say they hated it all.

Though, of course, they hated having lost the position of Alliance leader.

Chung Myung was eating, with his normal eating habits the way he always did, fast, messy and with terrifying focus — when he noticed someone’s gaze at him. 

At first, he ignored it. People stared all the time, especially with the way he ate. But the feeling didn’t go away, he lifted his head to see who it was and his body froze.

Chills ran down his spines and his mouth fell open. His hand, still holding the chopstick, stopped mid air.

Across the hall sat a certain boy of the Tang family, eating quietly among his relatives. But his gaze never left Chung Myung since the beginning. His eyes held that same glint. The same light Tang Bo once had. 

For a first time in a while, Chung Myung’s mouth went dry.

The Five swords and Baek Sang, noticing their Chung Myung’s uncharacteristic silence and expression, turned to look.

“Chung Myung, are you alright?” Baek Cheon asked, following his gaze to the person who Chung Myung was looking at.

But there came no response.

Chung Myung just sat there, staring, unblinking, caught between past and present.

After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, Chung Myung stood up from the table, wiping his hands on his robe. The abrupt movement drew every pair of eyes in the room turn towards him.

“You.” His voice cut through the hum of the chatter like a blade.  “What’s your name?”

The boy said nothing. The silence followed was so heavy even the clinking of the bowls stopped.

“That’s.. Tang Bo.” Tang Gunak finally said, frowning slightly. “He’s my nephew. Is everything alright, Mount Hua’s Divine Dragon?”

“Tang Bo..” Chung Myung repeated under his breath,  his gaze fixed at the boy.

“You,” he demanded, stepping closer. “Won’t you speak?”

“I..” The boy finally managed, his voice soft and hesitant.

Tang Gunak sighed quietly. “He’s been in a coma for the past few years. Woke up just before you arrived. What’s wrong?”

But Chung Myung didn’t answer. He didn’t even blink. He just continued to stare at the boy, eyes dark and unreadable.

“Yah, crazy man, don’t ignore the Lord of the Tang family!” Jo Geol hissed under his breath.

“Ugh.. seriously, Chung Myung, what’s up? Do you know this guy or something?” Baek Cheon mumbled.

No response. Just that same, frozen stare. The stare that tried to pry into the soul of the boy ahead.

Just then,

“Hyung-nim..?”

The words made Chung Myung’s heart sink to his stomach. His breath caught as he stared at the boy — no, the man — before him.

It was Tang Bo. His Tang Bo.

“Bo-ya..” Chung Myung breathed, his voice trembling as he looked at him with an expression caught between disbelief and sorrow.

A shaky smile tugged at Tang Bo’s lips as tears gathered in his eyes. 

“Yeah… it’s me.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Not a Dream This Time.

“Yeah… It’s me.”

Chung Myung let out a shaky breath. This boy.. he was really his Tang Bo.

The two stared at each other — one bewildered, the other relieved. Chung Myung hadn’t expected the man to actually be reincarnated as well.

He’d thought it was all just a lie.

But even so, hadn’t they heard that there were no memories of the past life that people had after reincarnation? 

Then how come.. both of them remembered each other?

He’d figure that out later. For now, he just wanted to focus on his dead — or rather, alive —  lover.

Then he heard voices. They were whispers, but his cultivation allowed him to catch every word.

Right. They weren’t alone, were they?

“…Let’s talk after breakfast, Bo.” Chung Myung finally spoke, and everyone around couldn’t help but be curious. 

He simply sat back down in his seat, not even sparing Tang Bo a glance to see if the man had replied.

“Hey, what was that just now?” Yoon Jong asked.

“Do those two know each other?” Baek Cheon said.

“Are they friends?” Baek Sang added.

“Uh… I don’t know. Do you really think this mad dog makes friends?” Jo Geol replied.

“Has Tang Bo ever ventured out before?” Tang Soso asked, confused.

“How would I know? Maybe he did… or maybe he sneaked out?” Yoon Jong said.

“Then you should ask, Sasuk,” Jo Geol suggested.

“Hah? Why me?” Baek Cheon shot back.

“Because… you’re the oldest,” Yoon Jong replied matter-of-factly.

“You only remember that I’m your sasuk when it’s convenient for you,” Baek Cheon muttered through gritted teeth.

Then, with the expression of a lamb being led to slaughter, he turned his gaze toward Chung Myung and steadied himself.

“Chung Myung-ah, how do you know this Tang Bo guy?” Baek Cheon asked. He was admittedly quite curious himself. 

“Ah.. Bo-ya.. uhm..” Chung Myung looked at Baek Cheon with a strange expression.

“He’s.. I..” Chung Myung muttered, searching for the right words.

“We met a long time ago and.. he kept challenging me to duels. Even though he kept losing, he always came back. He stuck to me like a.. leech,” Chung Myung said at last. It wasn’t the full truth, but it wasn’t a lie either — something he was aware he wasn’t very good at unless he was scheming.

“Oh.. I see..” Baek Cheon mumbled, nodding slowly. “Then.. how come you looked so surprised when you saw him?”

“Ah.. well…” Cheong Myeong looked away sheepishly before realising Tang Bo had woken up from a coma after years, so this also wouldn’t be a lie. He continued, more confident now, “I thought he was.. dead.”

“I — Oh!” Baek Cheon exclaimed softly, his expression turning sympathetic. The thought of believing your friend was dead, only to find out he’d merely been in a coma, was surely a shock.

After that, silence hung in the air. But those nearby had overheard the exchange and before long, it turned into gossip that eventually reached Tang Gunak who himself was worried earlier whether his poor nephew was disliked by Chung Myung. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. They were friends.

Breakfast eventually came to an end, but everyone was still brimming with curiosity about how things would unfold between the two.

Without a word, Chung Myung stood up, walked straight toward Tang Bo, grabbed him by the arm, and dragged him outside. 

The dining hall fell utterly silent at the sight. Even Maeng So, who was rarely ever silent, had nothing to say.

“Hyung-nim..”

Chung Myung stared at the man who’d just spoken, his throat tightening as emotion rose within him.

“I…I can’t believe that shit actually worked,” he muttered, voice trembling somewhere between disbelief and awe.

“I was quite surprised at first too…” Tang Bo replied with a small smile, his eyes glistening with tears.

Without another word, Chung Myung stepped forward and pulled the emerald-eyed man into a tight embrace, catching him completely off guard. Tang Bo froze for a moment. Chung Myung had never been the one to initiate anything before. Surprising didn’t even begin to cover it.

“I missed you, my Tang Bo.” murmured against his shoulder, his voice soft but filled with everything he’d never said before.

“I… me too, Myung-ah..” Tang Bo whispered back, his arms tightening around him.

Both men could feel the heartbeats of each other, that’s how closely embraced the men were. Their hearts were thumping fast and unsteady, like they’d jump out of their chests.

“Hah… I never thought Hyung-nim would finally take the initiative,” Tang Bo teased gently, his tone playful but affectionate.

“Shut up, you stupid leech.” TChung Myung muttered, though the irritation in his voice held no bite.

“Mmm.. alright, Hyung-nim. Whatever you say,” Tang Bo hummed softly. He didn’t wish to break the moment, not when his Hyung finally expressed himself. It was too sweet to be disturbed.

“Bo-ya,” Chung Myung muttered curiously, tilting his head slightly. “When did you get reincarnated?”

“Ah.. well, it was a few years ago” Tang Bo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “This body was in terrible shape, really. The boy had been fed so many medicines before falling into a coma. It felt strange; being aware of everything, hearing and feeling, but unable to move or speak.”

Chung Myung frowned slightly, listening in silence as Tang Bo continued.

“But I fixed the body eventually,” Tang Bo added with a small, proud smile. “Slowly cleansed out all the impurities.”

“Ah.. I see.” Chung Myung nodded, stroking his chin in thought.

“What about you, Hyung-nim?” Tang Bo asked, curiosity bright in his eyes.

“I.. woke up in this kid’s body while the child was being beaten by some other senior beggar — Dongpal or something. Seriously, that kid! Ugh.. I ought to beat him up again sometime. I’ve never been beaten by anyone, not even as a child! And yet, that little brat was the first to beat me — The Plum Blossom Sword Saint!” Chung Myung ranted.

“Wait, you got beaten?” Tang Bo asked, chuckling at the mental image of Chung Myung being beaten.

“Oh, don’t start now, or you’ll be the one getting beaten up!” Chung Myung warned, raising his fist. Tang Bo backed away with a grin.

“Okay, okay. Calm down, Hyung-nim!” Tang Bo said, retreating a step.

“Hmph.” Chung Myung sat down simply, giving up on beating the guy who still grinned beside him.

“What about Cheonma? I heard he was defeated but.. it was you who did it, right?” Tang Bo asked, full trust gleaming in his eyes. Because, of course it had to be his Chung Myung who ended the Heavenly Demon.

“Of course, you idiot. What do you take me for?” Chung Myung shot back but then he paused, his voice softening. “But.. if he’d been given just one more day, he’d have become even stronger. I lost my left arm and had a huge hole in my stomach — size of an infant’s — even though his power was only a fraction of what it could’ve been.”

“Your.. dominant arm? A huge hole?” Tang Bo’s voice trembled, his face tightening in a mix of sorrow and anger.

“Yeah. Did you even hear the rest?” Chung Myung asked, dumbfounded that the man had skipped over the key part.

“The rest isn’t important, Dosa-nim! You were gravely injured, and already fatigued on top of that!” Tang Bo exclaimed, his concern pouring out.

Chung Myung blinked at him in disbelief.

Isn’t important?

Yah, this brat’s actually undermining the Heavenly Demon now…

Help me, Jongmun Sahyung..

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: Title will be made later

“So… do we go after him?” Jo Geol asked, turning his head towards the others.

“No matter how curious we are, I think we should leave them be. They were friends, no?” Baek Cheon replied, though his tone made it clear he was still surprised that the mad dog had friends at all.

“Hm… I suppose that’s right,” Yoon Jong muttered, still baffled by the entire situation.

“Those are the chicks you trained, aren’t they?” Tang Bo asked while resting his head on the ground.

Chung Myung replied casually, also lying next to him, “Yeah, they are. How’d you know?” 

“It’s obvious. Their bodies are.. well-trained. And they look like bandits,” Tang Bo said before muttering, “Also.. act like ones..”

“Hah? What’s that supposed to mean?” Chung Myung asked, clearly annoyed.

“It means that.. well, they’re like you!” Tang Bo stammered, shifting away slightly.

“Are you saying I look and act like a bandit?” Chung Myung growled, lunging his fist toward Tang Bo, who tried desperately to block the incoming beating.

“No, no! Of course not!” Tang Bo yelped while defending himself. “Words, Hyung-nim! Use your words!” 

“You stupid Tang! Leech! How dare you?” Chung Myung ranted as he continued smacking him.

“Ow! Ow! Ow!” 

And so, the Saints were reunited. And they lived happily ever after.

…The End.

Jk.

Chung Myung and Tang Bo entered the room after two and a half hours. The Five Swords, Hong Dae-Kwang, Baek Sang and Hae Yeon were already there — bickering as usual.

The moment the pair stepped inside, everyone’s eyes landed on them, then shifted to Tang Bo, the supposedly long-lost friend of the mad dog himself.

“Hey, did you all pack your things for the departure tomorrow?” Chung Myung asked, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, we did,” Baek Cheon replied before adding, “Aren’t you going to introduce your friend to us?”

“What? Introduce? You already know his name and that he’s from the Tang Family. What else do you want to know?” Chung Myung grumbled, as if social interaction was nothing but a chore.

“Chung Myung, that’s not-“ 

“Oh, shut up.” Chung Myung cut him off dismissively as he picked at his ear.

“…”

“…”

“You little—!” Baek Cheon suddenly lunged at Chung Myung, only for the others to immediately restrain him.

“Sasuk! Why do you always do this?” Yoon Jong scolded as he pulled Baek Cheon back.

“You’re not even going to win! Yah! This crazy man!” Baek Sang yelled, smacking Baek Cheon on the shoulder.

“No! I’m going to kill him today!” Baek Cheon barked as he kept struggling forward.

“As if you could do that. You’re just going to get beaten, sasuk,” Jo Geol said matter-of-factly while dragging him back.