Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: City of Ghost Gates
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Yuk Jin-yang flinched back, but his opponents were even more startled. Most of them collapsed backward in terror. Some even shed tears as they bowed their heads.
Yuk Jin-yang belatedly realized his own appearance. He was covered head to toe in chunks of flesh and blood. It wasn't strange that common folk captured as prisoners would be frightened at the sight.
"Rest assured. We're not here to harm you."
He tried to explain, but they showed no signs of believing him. Perhaps they feared the punishment that might come from opening their mouths. Not a single one asked if he was telling the truth.
How should I handle this? As he pondered awkwardly, a welcome voice came from outside.
"Is something wrong?"
Won Yeong poked her head in from the deck and asked. Soon, she took in the situation inside and frowned. Yuk Jin-yang gave her a brief explanation.
"They seem to be prisoners dragged around by the West Dragon Gang."
"Damn bastards."
With a short curse, Won Yeong quickly entered the cabin and cleared her throat.
"Rest easy. We're from the Alliance."
"R-Really?"
"The West Dragon Gang leader is dead, and the rest of the group has been scattered. You have nothing to worry about."
Won Yeong called over others to free the prisoners from their bonds. Fresh sobs erupted from the common folk, but this time they were tears of gratitude.
It took a while before the prisoners opened up. Their story was quite shocking.
"We all lived near Zhongqing. But the West Dragon Gang raided the area and made us slaves."
The eldest among them, an old man, sighed deeply as he spoke. Won Yeong asked,
"Then this ship...?"
"We heard they massacred the Jang Clan Merchant Troupe, which once had a base in Zhongqing, and stole it. They boasted about killing everyone in the troupe."
There was no sign of deception.
The two first led the prisoners out of the cabin. After handing them over to the crew, they took Yu Baek and headed to a secluded spot at the stern.
Yuk Jin-yang spoke first.
"What do you think of the testimony we just heard?"
"I've heard of the incident before. It's the reason a massive manhunt was issued for the West Dragon Gang. They wiped out an entire merchant house and committed total extermination. It caused a huge uproar because of how brutal it was."
Won Yeong leaned against the railing as she explained.
A cool breeze suddenly blew, sending her smooth silver hair fluttering like sleet. It gleamed vividly even in the darkness, absorbing the falling moonlight.
"They were from a Killing Gate, so they didn't know the righteous path. Cutting off a family's ancestral rites brings calamity upon oneself inevitably."
"Come to think of it, you said the West Dragon Gang leader was from Guizhou City?"
"That's right. Guizhou is so remote that Killing Gates flourished there. They say even wandering ronin on the streets have reached the level of Ghostly Steps."
Assassins focused on killing techniques, prioritizing lightness skills over other studies. They had to roam the world to fulfill contracts, after all.
"There must be Killing Gates from Guizhou among the forces targeting His Highness Prince Chu."
"They wouldn't take the lead, but they'd at least accept commissions from the heretics. They're scum who would behead their own parents for money. Slow-moving military warriors would have a hard time dealing with them."
Yu Baek chimed in quietly.
"Then what about this large ship? Should we leave it to the nearest authorities? Along with those people."
"Well, it has no owner now, so it's up to us. But the question is whether to abandon it entirely or sail it ourselves."
"Wouldn't it be better to sail it?"
Yuk Jin-yang interjected. Won Yeong tilted her head.
"Baek said the same earlier. You think so too? But it's too slow and conspicuous."
"We should at least take them back to their hometown first."
Won Yeong made an ah expression. She nodded readily.
"True, we can't just drop them off nearby."
"We can't trust the authorities either. They might collude with the black path and sell them into slavery. It's a time of chaos."
Famines were already breaking out across the land. The court had hastily mobilized troops, dragging away even able-bodied men needed for farming.
When granaries weren't full, people's hearts grew stingy.
Especially toward sudden groups of outsiders—they might treat them even more cruelly. Local officials usually prioritized their own townsfolk.
"We can't cram all those people onto our cramped sloop either. We need this large ship."
Won Yeong nodded after a moment's thought.
"You're right. No matter how I think about it, there's no suitable place nearby to hand them over. Zhongqing is on the way to Guizhou anyway, so it won't delay us much. We can make a quick stop."
"Of course, we could drop them at a nearby port and let them find their own way..."
"They'd probably meet a tragic end soon enough. Go ask the crew as well. See if they can handle this large ship. We're not the ones sailing it."
Fortunately, the crew responded favorably. Their leader, an old helmsman, clasped his hands in respect.
"As expected of the Alliance's masters—you are true paragons. Don't worry about sailing the large ship. It's well-designed, so there won't be major issues. We can tow the sloop behind it without splitting the crew."
Once discussions concluded, the crew bustled about, preparing to set sail again.
They fetched ropes to securely tie the sloop they'd been on to the newly acquired large ship and rehung the yellow silk sails Yuk Jin-yang had cut down.
Finally, the prepared large ship proudly cleaved through the Yangtze's currents. The West Dragon Gang's name was no longer on the sails.
It had been eight days since their encounter with the West Dragon Gang.
The journey was strangely smooth. Favorable winds blew, the Yangtze's waters were gentle, and the ship raced ahead without hindrance. They didn't even encounter any river pirates.
Thanks to that, they arrived safely near Zhongqing without further trouble. It was the hometown of the commoners captured by the West Dragon Gang.
The large ship docked at a half-burned, deserted port. As soon as they dropped anchor and raised sails, cheers erupted.
"Ahh, at last!"
"We're alive! We survived those bastards!"
"What heavenly fortune. No, it's the virtue of these great heroes!"
The commoners embraced each other, pouring out words of感動. Some nearly stumbled as they disembarked. There were even those who rubbed their faces in the hometown soil.
But Yuk Jin-yang gazed at the reality they were trying to ignore.
The area bore stark scars of devastation from the river pirates.
Villages had burned to ruins. Abandoned fields grew only wild grass. The fading evening glow draped over them forlornly, and they swayed mournfully in the wind.
It won't be easy to start over...
Yuk Jin-yang couldn't even imagine the arduous process of replanting and harvesting. He asked the old man standing blankly, staring at the village.
"Can you survive here?"
"We have to rebuild. For now, we can catch fish or gather fruit to get by."
"It won't be easy. If you wish, I can notify the authorities for relief supplies."
"We've already been saved by you. How could we ask for more without shame? From here, we'll survive on our own strength."
The old man recited it like exhaling a long-held breath. It sounded more like a promise to himself than an answer. He turned and bowed deeply to Yuk Jin-yang, offering profound courtesy with clasped hands.
"We are truly grateful. We will never forget this grace for the rest of our lives. No—we'll engrave your deeds on a stele to last forever."
"No need for a merit monument. Use that effort and resources for your livelihood. We didn't do this for reward or fame."
The old man bowed his head deeply. His shoulders shook with faint sobs.
The group distributed food and silver. Most waved it off, refusing, but they ignored the protests and unloaded it. It wasn't much, but it would help.
"Please take care!"
As they prepared to depart again, the townsfolk gathered to see them off. They asked them to visit anytime, promising the village would be rebuilt by then.
But such bonds wouldn't form. It was no good for rivers-and-lakes folk to get too entangled with commoners. They could only pray silently for their well-being.
The ship sailed leisurely onward.
"Zhongqing is next."
Yu Baek broached the topic indirectly. Won Yeong replied knowingly, teasingly.
"Want to rest there?"
"No, well... Not exactly. Even if we're fine, the crew sailing the ship must be tired. Don't they need a break?"
"A day or so won't hurt. We can check local news too."
Yu Baek rejoiced silently.
The group arrived in Zhongqing at nightfall. After docking, the Five Harmony Alliance members split from the other crew, setting only a rendezvous time.
The city's atmosphere differed sharply from the suburbs. It brimmed with vitality.
Merchants hawked candy and mooncakes on the streets. Even at night, many had stalls open. Waiters clamored under the soft glow of red lanterns.
It felt utterly disconnected from the nearby tragedies. An eerie disconnect. Yuk Jin-yang muttered without expecting a reply.
"This place is prosperous."
"It's one of the greatest cities in the world. Most are oblivious to local news. Even if bandits and pirates rampage, lofty walls protect Zhongqing from invasion."
At Won Yeong's words, he looked around. Walls over ten zhang high.
As they walked the main road seeking a suitable inn, a waiter approached them ingratiatingly.
"Great heroes, you look like travelers from afar. Wouldn't you like a place to warm up? How about fragrant liquor and hot soup to soothe your fatigue?"
"Hm, food is fine, but I'd like to hear the latest news too."
"Then you must come to the Wine Tower Inn. No place around here beats us. All the heroes and rogues in Zhongqing pass through our inn."
The waiter gestured behind him. His finger pointed to a massive three-story pavilion. Yet only one sign hung there—the inn occupied the whole building.
The group followed the waiter to the inn. The stuffy interior, lit by braziers, buzzed with drunken chatter. No one paid mind to the new arrivals.
As they sat and ordered drinks and food, a clear conversation caught their ears from nearby. It came from a group of merchants laden with bundles and packs.
"Join us. Who knows when trouble will hit Guizhou?"
"Well... Isn't it premature? The West Dragon Gang has been rampant lately, but other pirates have quieted down in reaction. Besides, His Highness Prince Chu is still holding out. Moving bases requires caution."
"No. I heard something reliable—Prince Chu won't last much longer. I'm certain. I'll explain the details on the way, so let's go."
Yuk Jin-yang shot to his feet and approached them.
"I'd like to hear that story in detail too. Mind if I join you?"