Chapter v18c18

“What’s going on?”

Jin So-Ryeong, sensing the shift in their demeanor, approached them. She had noticed the change in their expressions since they had entered the mountains. They were whispering amongst themselves, and her curiosity was piqued.

“It’s nothing, Divine Maiden. We were just wondering why nothing has happened since we entered the mountains.”

“Is something supposed to happen?”

She asked, her brow furrowed.

“Of course, it’s best if nothing happens. But it’s a bit unsettling how quiet it is.”

“Why?”

She was the type who wouldn’t rest until she understood something that didn’t make sense.

“It’s understandable that you find it strange. We’re worried even though nothing has happened. But it’s just too quiet. Unnaturally so. We should have passed at least two or three bandit outposts by now, but as you can see, no one has shown up. They would have known about an escort of this size long before we entered the mountains. This is definitely strange. Even if it’s their day off, they should have left a few men behind to collect tolls. That’s how they operate, twenty-four-seven.”

“Bandit outposts?”

Jin So-Ryeong asked, confused by his unfamiliar terminology. Jang Woo-Yang answered.

“Ah, bandit outposts…”

Bandit outposts were areas controlled by bandits where they collected tolls. The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild had gained a reputation for being tough after several battles with the Green Forest bandits, thanks to the involvement of the Vermilion Bird group and Bi Ryu-Yeon, so most bandits avoided them. But larger bandit gangs still demanded tolls. They couldn’t afford to engage in unnecessary battles, as it risked casualties and damage to their cargo. So they usually negotiated a reasonable price. They had to avoid casualties and damage to their cargo at all costs. Cunning bandits, if they felt they couldn’t win a fight, would often target the cargo, attempting to damage it. There was nothing more frustrating for an escort agency. Therefore, they had to minimize the risk of conflict. Even if they were confident of victory, avoiding a fight was the best course of action. If they let their strength go to their heads, they might end up like the Central Plains Merchant Guild, which had suffered the “Tiger Subjugation Mountain Disaster” ten years ago. They had been transporting a large shipment of goods through Tiger Subjugation Mountain when they were ambushed and their carts were set ablaze by a barrage of flaming arrows. It was a demonstration of the fact that it was easier to destroy than to steal. The Central Plains Merchant Guild, having failed their mission, had to pay a hefty sum in compensation, and their reputation, once as bright as the midday sun, plummeted. It took them years to recover. They didn’t want to repeat that mistake.

“It’s ironic, isn’t it? We’re worried because there’s no bandit activity.”

Jang Woo-Yang said, shaking his head. Ordinary people like him were always uneasy when their routines were disrupted, even if it was for the better.

For an escort of this size, having traveled this far without encountering any bandits was like the sun not rising. He couldn’t believe the bandits had suddenly decided to become good Samaritans. So instead of rejoicing, he was worried that something even worse might be in store for them. But worrying about an unbreakable sky because it was unbreakable wasn’t exactly healthy. But the local bandit gang, Tiger Slaughter Fortress, had never let an escort pass without demanding a toll.

“If they’re not coming to us, there’s no need to go looking for them or beg them to take our money.”

Jin So-Ryeong said. She didn’t understand why they had to pay unjust tolls to bandits. It was inconceivable in her world. It seemed like compromising with evil.

“That’s true, but… it’s still unsettling.”

“Maybe they’ve moved their operation?”

Jin So-Ryeong suggested.

“They wouldn’t abandon a road they worked so hard to build.”

He might be inferior to Jin So-Ryeong in swordsmanship, but he was an expert on bandit behavior. Various thoughts plagued them, but as those responsible for the safety of the escort, they couldn’t help but be wary of the current peace.

Ryu-Ran, who had been walking nearby, approached Jin So-Ryeong.

“It’s strange, Master. Either way, we have something to worry about, don’t we?”

Yoo Eun-Seong, who had appeared out of nowhere, answered for her.

“People fear change. The world is in constant flux, but paradoxically, humans seek stability. They crave comfort, so they resist change.”

He glanced at his nephew, who was walking beside him.

“Those who cling to comfort cannot grow. Remember that, Un-Bi.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

Jin So-Ryeong continued.

“The only thing that doesn’t change is that everything changes. If you’re going to change, it’s better to change drastically, like the Kun transforming into the Peng bird. Don’t be afraid of change, Ryu-Ran. Understand?”

“Yes, Master! I understand.”

Ryu-Ran replied.

“By the way, what’s he doing?”

Jin So-Ryeong asked.

“He’s been sleeping in the cart since we left, Master. Amazingly, he doesn’t wake up no matter how bumpy the ride is. He doesn’t even fall out.”

She might have found him more likeable if he had at least rolled out of the cart once.

“I don’t understand, Master.”

“What don’t you understand?”

“Why do you address him with such respect, Master? He’s just a strange old man. Why are you being so polite to him?”

Ryu-Ran asked, her face sullen. Like a child, she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.

“Well… I’m not sure myself.”

“That…”

She wanted to shout, “That’s not an answer!” but she restrained herself. Jin So-Ryeong knew her disciple was dissatisfied with her answer.

“But!”

She added,

“Always be cautious when encountering the unknown. Listen to your instincts. Sometimes, instincts are more reliable than our flawed judgments, clouded by prejudice.”

It was at that moment that a man in black appeared, blocking their path.

“Halt!”

He materialized out of thin air, about ten zhang ahead of them.

Despite the presence of a masked stranger blocking their path, Jang Woo-Yang and Chief Escort Kang looked relieved. Their anxiety had vanished, replaced by a sense of normalcy.

“Ah, we’ve been waiting for you. Welcome.”

Jang Woo-Yang greeted him warmly.

They were genuinely welcoming this mysterious stranger. Blood Mark, the Chief Commander of the Slaughter Dragon Unit, was taken aback by their unexpected hospitality.

“…?”

They were being overly friendly to an uninvited guest.

‘Are they crazy?’

It was an understandable reaction. He had always operated in the shadows, committing evil deeds. He had never experienced such a warm welcome.

“Something’s not right, Guild Leader.”

“What is it now?”

Jang Woo-Yang asked, his voice laced with annoyance.

He preferred normalcy. He was a man of routine. But Chief Escort Kang ignored his wishes.

“Yes, it’s strange.”

There was no denying it. It would be strange to claim that something strange was normal.

“I’ve never heard of any bandit gangs in this area operating anonymously.”

Now that he mentioned it, all the bandits he had encountered, despite being annoying, had shown their faces. None of them had worn black masks. Banditry might be a shady business, but the bandits themselves didn’t seem to think so. They were just strong, stupid men who preyed on the weak. They needed at least a little bit of charm.

“Which peak are you from, brother?”

“Brother” was a slang term used by bandits to refer to their fellow criminals, and “peak” or “thicket” referred to their hideouts. Jang Woo-Yang was asking which bandit gang he belonged to.

“…”

The stranger remained silent.

“This is really… strange.”

Jang Woo-Yang wondered if he was deaf or mute.

“Hand over the children!”

Blood Mark said, his voice menacing.

“Haha, of course… Huh? Children?”

Jang Woo-Yang’s cheerful reply was cut short.

“Children? Chief Escort Kang, were there any children on the cargo list?”

Chief Escort Kang scanned the list.

“There’s no such item listed.”

“Ah, I see. I thought we had branched out into human trafficking without my knowledge. Phew…”

“Haha, of course not.”

Jang Woo-Yang said to the masked stranger, his face beaming.

“Did you hear that? The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild is a reputable escort agency. We don’t transport illegal goods. So we have nothing to give you. Now please leave.”

They couldn’t give him something they didn’t have. Of course, even if they did have children on their cargo list, they wouldn’t hand them over, even if he offered double the price. It was against their principles.

“Hmph, don’t lie! Their trail ends here. Don’t play dumb! Hand over the children! Or else…!”

“Or else what?”

Jin So-Ryeong stepped forward, her voice cold.

“You’ll suffer the consequences!”

Blood Mark answered without hesitation, oblivious to the killing intent radiating from her.

“That’s an interesting proposition.”

“Hmph! You won’t be laughing for long!”

Snap!

Blood Mark snapped his fingers, and dozens of masked men emerged from the surrounding bushes. The air, once peaceful, turned heavy with killing intent. Each masked man possessed a formidable aura.

“H-how did they…”

Ryu-Ran and Yoo Un-Bi looked around nervously.

“Calm down!”

Yoo Eun-Seong, who had already sensed their presence, said calmly, his posture unwavering.

“So, have you changed your mind?”

Blood Mark asked again, a cold smile playing on his lips.

“There’s no need to boast about your numbers, is there?”

Jang Woo-Yang replied nonchalantly. He wasn’t the timid guild leader of a small escort agency anymore. He might have preferred normalcy, but he had realized the need to grow as the leader of a rapidly expanding guild, and he hadn’t neglected his training. His years of experience allowed him to remain composed in this situation. Sometimes, a position could change a man.

If he showed weakness, the morale of his escorts would plummet. And soldiers with low morale were no better than paper dolls, no matter how many there were. He couldn’t afford to show weakness. He understood that.

Besides, thanks to heaven’s blessing, he had not one, but two trump cards. The thought filled him with confidence. What did he have to fear with the Five Great Swordsmen and the Best Sword of Jeomchang on his side? It was time for his accumulated good deeds to bear fruit. As the saying went, a house built on good deeds would always be blessed. It was always a good idea to do good deeds.

“You dare to interfere with our business? A measly escort agency like yours?”

Jang Woo-Yang’s face flushed with anger. He shouted,

“Measly escort agency?! Watch your tongue! In three years!”

He raised his right arm and extended three fingers.

“I guarantee that the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild will surpass the Central Plains Merchant Guild and become the greatest escort agency in Jianghu!”

He raised his fist towards the sky and swore,

“I, Jang Woo-Yang, swear this on my life!”

“Waaaaaaaaaaah!”

His escorts, their morale boosted by his passionate speech, raised their weapons and roared.

Jang Woo-Yang, emboldened by their cheers, felt confident. He was ready for a fight.

“Ryu-Ran, you go!”

Jin So-Ryeong said to her disciple.

Everyone within earshot gasped. It was as if she had pushed her disciple into the line of fire.

“Yes, Master! As you command!”

Ryu-Ran answered without hesitation, bowing respectfully.

“Un-Bi!”

Yoo Eun-Seong called out to his nephew.

“Yes?”

He delivered his verdict, swift and merciless.

“Are you just going to stand there and watch her fight alone? Get ready!”

He didn’t want to go, but he knew that if he disobeyed, he would be sleeping underground tonight, six feet under. He wasn’t a king, so he didn’t want to dig that deep.

“Do I have to?”

His uncle’s eyes flashed with anger.

It was a clear message: Don’t you dare embarrass me in front of Miss Jin.

He had learned from experience that it was best not to defy his uncle in this state. He had to obey, no matter how unreasonable the order seemed.

“O-of course I was joking, Uncle. Please calm down.”

“Do you call that a joke?”

“I’ll go take care of it right away.”

He quickly retreated. It was safer to be at least five zhang away from his uncle at a time like this.

“Are you sure it’s alright to send those two youngsters alone?”

Jang Woo-Yang asked, his voice laced with concern.

“It’ll be a good experience for them. They won’t get a chance to experience real combat otherwise.”

It was a stern reminder from their master.

“The path ahead isn’t easy. This is nothing compared to the trials they’ll face in the future.”

But Jin So-Ryeong wasn’t sending them to their deaths unprepared.

“Master Yoo.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Jin. I’ll protect them with my life. This distance is nothing to me.”

“Thank you. I’ll do my best as well.”

But whether by luck or misfortune, the two disciples, their bodies tense with anticipation, didn’t get a chance to experience their first real battle.

A white whirlwind swept past them.

A flash of white lightning.