"Search that tavern as well!"

Your heart sank. Within a single day, the wanted posters had spread. A medicine merchant heading west from Gaegyeong—the search perimeter was narrowing.

You hurriedly scrambled out and crouched behind a horse. Its massive frame provided perfect cover. The government troops stepped out into the yard. The sound of leather boots treading on grass struck your ears. One shouted to his comrade.

"Nothing here but beasts! Let's move to the next house!"

Only after confirming the troops had completely vanished did you crawl out from behind the horse. Without even a moment to brush off the dirt, you climbed onto the saddle. You didn't know where to go. If you had come west and even Seoheung was dangerous...

Footsteps approached from behind. A hunched old man limped toward you, leaning on a cane. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his sleeve and tossed it onto your saddle.

"Go north for half a day and you'll find an abandoned temple. A quack doctor lives there in hiding; he's the type to play dumb even if the government troops show up. Tsk, a young lad shouldn't die so soon."

You unfolded the paper. It was a crudely drawn map. A single line snaking north through mountain paths. At the end, the words 'Buryeongsa' were written.

You rode north. He said half a day, but the mountain path was slow going. As the sun passed its zenith and began to tilt, a weathered roof appeared through the trees. Someone was sitting at the edge of the wooden porch.

It was a man who looked like a woman. His long hair was loosely tied, and he was poking at a fire with a medicine pot resting on his lap. At the sound of your presence, he turned his head. He narrowed his eyes and looked at you. After scrutinizing you for a long moment, he pursed his lips.

"What is it? You're not a patient."

You dismounted. Your legs trembled. Your body, which hadn't eaten or slept properly, screamed in protest.

Without taking his eyes off the medicine pot, Man-ok gestured toward the porch with his chin. It was a sign to sit. He muttered while warming his hands over the fire.

"You're being chased by the government troops, aren't you? It's written all over your face."

His tone was nonchalant. He picked up a herb and tossed it into the fire. Acrid smoke began to rise.