Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: West Dragon Hall
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The large sailboat carrying the group glided smoothly forward.
Before they knew it, the boat had passed through the Honggou Canal, which connected the Huai River and the Yangtze from north to south. Once they entered the Yangtze and followed the waterway upstream, they would soon reach Guizhou City. Thanks to the tailwind, their speed was faster than expected.
'Now we might start running into river pirates.'
Yuk Jin-yang thought to himself. A government patrol boat was passing by alongside them. Though it didn't stop for inspection, its mere presence deterred the pirates.
However, once they fully cleared the canal, it would be the martial world. It was a realm where pirates could rampage at any moment, slipping past the eyes of the authorities.
Soon, night fell.
Moonlight filtered through thin clouds. Silvery ripples danced on the tranquil river surface. When a cool breeze blew, the water surged, casting shadows.
Wang O-gyeong hung a large lantern at the bow. Vermilion flames flickered, causing shadows on the yellow sails to grow and shrink repeatedly.
The group joined the crew in the cabin for a late dinner.
The sailors were all friendly folk. When the group brought out their dry rations, they waved them off and insisted on sharing their own food first.
Thanks to them, they enjoyed a fairly lavish meal. Braised Wuchang fish in soy sauce, fermented seafood, and freshly steamed rice graced the table.
"Try some. The fish caught in Lake Liangzi is called Wuchang fish. They don't flow down to the Yangtze in great numbers, so they're only caught locally. Quite tasty, I assure you."
"Outsiders have no idea. Can't even compare it to carp or perch."
It was indeed so. Yuk Jin-yang popped a piece of Wuchang fish into his mouth with his rice and was mildly surprised by its subtle sweetness.
Yu Baek and Won Yeong nodded in agreement. The pleased sailors kept the conversation going.
"So, where are you all headed? We heard you're going up the Yangtze, but if it's a sensitive question, feel free not to say."
"Guizhou City."
Won Yeong, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. The sailors' expressions hardened. They asked cautiously, looking uneasy.
"Why there of all places? Are you going to exorcise the demons?"
"Who knows."
Won Yeong replied ambiguously, his attitude plainly showing his discomfort. After a brief silence, he turned the question back on them.
"Does Guizhou City's bad reputation precede it even among river folk?"
"Well, yeah... We've heard all sorts of things. Even when we go up to Sichuan, we never dock there—just pass straight through."
The meal was wrapping up in this awkward atmosphere.
Dang, dang, dang!
A harsh bell rang in their ears. Everyone in the cabin whipped their heads toward the sound.
"The alarm bell? Now of all times?"
"Damn it, can't even rest properly."
The sailors tossed down their chopsticks and bowls, leaping to their feet. They moved in perfect unison out of the cabin, each already gripping their weapons. It was a swift response born of familiarity with such situations.
The group hurried after them.
"Hm?"
Yuk Jin-yang frowned at the sudden dampness. Thick mist shrouded everything. The humid air had slicked the deck, making it gleam and slippery.
The water was far from calm. It swelled and heaved like a breaching whale. Each surge rocked the boat violently.
The sailors staggered but quickly lit lanterns all over the deck. Yet in the dense darkness, they did little good—barely enough to make out faces nearby.
From the gloom, the old helmsman's raspy voice spoke lowly.
"Several boats seem to be approaching from that direction."
Yuk Jin-yang heightened his senses and activated his detection technique. Just as the captain said. A few small ferries and one large patrol boat were slicing fiercely through the waves toward them.
A considerable presence accompanied them.
His sharpened senses picked up the auras cloaking the foes from afar. They felt weighty. At least one expert of banner warrior caliber was aboard, by his estimate.
Or perhaps a group of decently skilled fighters banded together.
Yuk Jin-yang rested his right hand on the hilt of his Azure Wave Sword and spoke.
"It's true. Several hunter boats and one patrol boat, heading straight for us. How did you know? Hard to make out with the naked eye."
"Decades on the water. I can tell just from the wave patterns crashing against us."
Wang O-gyeong replied nonchalantly, narrowing his eyes. The outlines beyond the fog sharpened, taking solid form.
Several hunter boats arrayed in a fish-scale formation, with the patrol boat at the center. It screamed hostile intent toward them.
The sailors murmured in agitation.
"Did the local pirates always have that kind of force?"
"Hell, maybe they even robbed some government troops."
"The Yangtze Waterway Stronghold wouldn't go mad enough to... Could it be some other black path faction?"
Wang O-gyeong swallowed his fear and stepped forward.
"I'll try talking to them first. If it's a branch of the Yangtze Waterway Stronghold, words might work. As long as we pay a reasonable toll, that is."
Instead of answering, Yuk Jin-yang yanked the helmsman back. In that split second, an unidentified projectile pierced the spot where he had stood.
Boom!
Wooden shards exploded from the mast where it collided with the projectile. Startled, Wang O-gyeong collapsed to the deck.
"Hah, huff! Fire bombs!"
"Looks like they don't want to talk."
Muttering to himself, Yuk Jin-yang turned his head. The fragments embedded in the mast looked familiar. The kind of thing that made him grimace instinctively.
"Fire bombs?"
Compressed gunpowder molded into clay balls and fired from a launcher. Memories of his grudge against the Guangdong Jin Clan from Hainan resurfaced vividly.
"Crude as they are, pulling out fire bomb imitations right away? They're not right in the head."
Won Yeong sidled up, unshouldering his iron club while muttering. He unwrapped the silk cloth, revealing the mirror-smooth blade of the polished iron weapon.
"Even river pirates getting their hands on gunpowder is odd. We'll need to interrogate them for the full story."
Yu Baek had drawn his sword as well. None in the group feared mere pirates. They only showed the bold spirit of gladly meeting those who came seeking a fight.
Perhaps sensing their killing intent, a shout erupted from the opposite side.
"Listen up, you fearless fools!"
The booming voice shattered the night's silence. Before the echoes faded, the foe continued.
"You've entered the territory of the West Dragon Hall! By principle, all boats that come here are ours. Jump overboard right now, and we won't bother chasing you down to take your lives!"
"Madmen."
Won Yeong scoffed. Yuk Jin-yang didn't react outwardly, but inwardly he felt the same. Not even demanding a toll—just handing over the boat outright. Even the Yangtze Waterway Stronghold didn't pull stunts that brazen.
Yuk Jin-yang asked the helmsman.
"Did this West Dragon Hall originally control these waters?"
"Of course not! It used to be territory of the Yangtze Waterway Stronghold's gangs. West Dragon Hall is a new upstart that's only recently made a name. Until just before, I heard they lurked around the lake..."
Not a branch, but bold enough to push out the Yangtze Waterway Stronghold and claim their own turf? No ordinary outfit. Their leader clearly possessed substantial skill.
"I've seen them on the Alliance's wanted list. West Dragon Hall Leader, Turbid Water Killing Ghost Jang Chun."
Won Yeong interjected.
"From Guizhou City. Used to be in the Assassins' Gate but clashed with the higher-ups and got kicked out. Turned pirate after, raiding and burning five villages upriver. The authorities have a kill order on him too."
"An assassin turned pirate?"
"Not common, but not unheard of. Water arts share some context with assassination techniques, in a way."
"We've tangled with a pain."
Yuk Jin-yang nodded toward the cabin and urged Wang O-gyeong.
"Go inside with the others. You'd just be in the way."
"B-but this is our only chance to escape. How will you sail without us?"
"I said you're in the way."
Escape was never on his mind. This was the perfect chance to test the middle dantian he'd recently opened.
Finally getting the message, Wang O-gyeong nodded vigorously. The other sailors quickly supported him and retreated to the cabin. At last, only the three Alliance warriors remained on deck.
Then, blinding light struck the group. All three raised arms to shield their eyes.
The patrol boat, lanterns covering its roof, took the lead.
Its escort hunter boats maneuvered in unison, fully encircling the sailboat. Clearly helmed by seasoned sailors.
At the bow sat a man on a red folding chair, exuding authority.
His attire was extraordinary. A dragon-embroidered robe—something no ordinary bold soul would dare wear. It was imperial and royal garb.
No doubt about it. He was surely the leader of this self-proclaimed West Dragon Hall crew.
"Real madman after all. A dragon robe?"
Won Yeong let out an incredulous chuckle.
"Guts spilling out past his belly? If the troops spot that, his head rolls instantly."
"Proof the court lacks the bandwidth to mind the Yangtze these days."
Yuk Jin-yang drew Azure Wave. Sensing its master's true qi, the famed sword gleamed with cool moonlight radiance. Clear as a torch even in the dark.
The foe seemed to recognize the sword's sharpness. No further surrender demands—instead, a barrage of fire bombs. Far more this time. Roughly dozens.
Without any signal, Yuk Jin-yang unleashed his lightness skill and leaped high. Hovering in midair, he extended his left arm. With a circular motion, the technique unfolded.
Ten Thousand Rivers Single Source Art, First Form: Dragon Soars and Dances.
A sharp, fierce whoosh like a flood dragon's roar burst from his palm.