Ripples of Jealousy and the Pirate's Shadow
Splash-splash—the boat finally set off. Entrusting itself to the churning currents of the Jang-gang, it carried countless passengers and cargo aboard. The liquor in their cups sloshed gently with the motion, and a pleasant breeze made their hair sway lightly. But among all that rocking, surely the most turbulent were the hearts of the martial artists on deck.
"...It's been a while, Blue Dragon."
"Muryangsubul. I hope you've been well, Nangong-ryeon So-hyeop."
"Ever since I witnessed Muadang's Taeguk Hyegeom at the last exchange, I haven't had a single boring day."
"I'm glad it was such good inspiration for you. I felt the weight and dominance of Nangong's swordsmanship myself, so I think we both learned a lot from that exchange."
"You know that girl?"
So she's not gonna beat around the bush like some dainty little miss. At Nangong-ryeon's blunt, no-nonsense question—which wasn't exactly flattering—Yongcheong nodded coolly.
"Yes, she's traveling with me. I don't know how long it'll last, but thanks to her, my days have been fulfilling and rewarding."
His thunderbolt of a response left everyone stunned, especially the women, who clapped hands over their mouths. Who was Yongcheong? The prized disciple of Muadang's Supreme Elder Cheonun Jin-in, granted the Taeguk Hyegeom at a young age and elevated to the seat of Blue Dragon—a true prodigy of the Murim world. Gentle and Daoist-like in temperament, kind yet dashing enough to turn heads with his looks and build. Already pushing past Peak Jeoljeong toward Super Chojeoljeong at his age, with fresh rumors of slaying the Sa faction's Black Bear Wangjak. Some of the women on this boat might even have crushes on him. In fact, a few looked highly likely, shooting venomous glares off to one side.
The target of those stares was, naturally, Seol Ha-yeon.
"Aw, you're embarrassing me."
Ha-yeon downed her drink like those glares were chasers. Her face didn't look embarrassed at all as she shoved her empty cup at Moyong-dan with a casual what're you gonna do about it? shrug.
"One more?"
"...Sure."
The men weren't faring much better, their hearts in turmoil too. Moyong-dan's face turned wistful as he poured, groaning like a wet puppy. The pain of unrequited love hit hard.
Ugh. So she had an owner after all. It's frustrating, but I'm not even Moyong Sega's young heir... Can't compare to the Blue Dragon. I lose.
If Ha-yeon heard that, she'd grab him by the collar and toss him overboard with a "Save the drunken whining for the Jang-gang." Moyong-dan quietly swallowed his liquor—and his tears—with that pathetic thought. At least he hadn't confessed; small mercies.
"...Ha!"
But there was one whose distress made all their angst look trivial.
"So even Muadang's Blue Dragon is just a man after all."
Our Nangong-ryeon, pulling off that pitiful damsel-in-distress face all by herself. Acting like she cared for nothing but the sword, yet capable of such heartbreaking expressions—prime alpha female material already. Might be better if she and I swapped bodies. Ha-yeon muttered that into her drink, and sure enough, Nangong-ryeon's flushed-red face twisted as she pointed at Yongcheong.
"Blue Dragon of Muadang—you talk too fancy and drawn-out, but I respected you."
"I'm honored that the Nangong Sega prodigy and Sword Dragon thinks so highly of this one. I can't wait to tell my master."
"But what's this I see? Clinging to some woman's waist instead of your sword—got the face to show that to the esteemed Cheonun Jin-in?"
"My master will be proud of my achievements as a disciple. And this one's face is perfectly fine, not a scar on it."
Nangong-ryeon ranted on like she was just dumping blame on some onion. But Yongcheong, tempered by endless barbs at Ha-yeon's side, had learned to handle himself with smooth words. He deflected Nangong-ryeon's barbs like water off a duck's back, his tongue wielding Muadang's Taeguk as deftly as his sword. It wasn't just swordsmanship he'd picked up beside Ha-yeon.
"Truly bewitched by that witch."
Nangong-ryeon sighed, covering her eyes. It must've looked that pathetic, because Ha-yeon blinked and jabbed her slave's ribs.
That wasn't lovesick pain; it was the grief of losing a comrade.
"Hey."
"Yes."
"She always like that?"
"Doesn't seem like she's changed much."
Meaning she's always been that way. Wow, must be tough carrying that stick up her ass. But somehow she caught their whisper and started whining in outrage.
"Ha. Fine. Thought the Blue Dragon was a worthy rival, but seeing him fall for some bitch like that... Wonder if he'll sell out even the Taecheong Sword Method next."
"..."
Yongcheong suddenly stared skyward at those words. Unable to meet her eyes like a guilty man, leaving Nangong-ryeon momentarily dumbfounded.
"...Blue Dragon?"
"...Ahem. Fine weather we're having, isn't it?"
She'd said it expecting nothing more than a jab, but with him hunching like a criminal, even Nangong-ryeon faltered, thrown into confusion.
"No way?"
"I'm just happy to reunite with so many fellow Murim travelers after so long."
Of course, Ha-yeon had basically memorized the Taecheong Sword Method herself, but who would believe that? Even a partial leak of a sect's core art was a huge deal, mistake or not. Meaningful glances shot toward Ha-yeon and Yongcheong.
Ha-yeon scratched her head, munching fried dough like it was popcorn.
"No way... you. That girl."
"What, bitch?"
"...Did that bitch learn Muadang's sword?"
Stares bored in. Yongcheong's eyes blinked pleadingly between them, lips twitching like just play along once. Nangong-ryeon's scrutinizing glare.
Ha-yeon smirked, wiping crumbs from her mouth.
"Curious?"
"This is serious. Your life could be on the line."
"Ha... that? Yeah, it's true."
Nangong-ryeon's throat bobbed.
"...I see. So you don't know what I learned? Is that it?"
"..."
"Got it. No need to bring it up then. You'll find out eventually; no point in me saying."
"Mocking me?"
"Oh—finally figured it out? Your sass outpaces your smarts."
Nangong-ryeon snapped, veins bulging on her forehead. No other way to put it.
"You little..."
"Muryangsubul. So-hyeop, please stop."
Yongcheong blocked her path.
"Ha. Protecting your girl, I get it, but she humiliated me in front of everyone—can't just let that slide..."
"No. Really, for your sake. I'm serious."
Yongcheong's face flushed awkwardly. Nangong-ryeon looked just like he had when he first met Ha-yeon—like staring in a mirror. And if left to her temper, Ha-yeon might turn Nangong Sega's Sword Seal into her pet next. He respected the Sword Lord elder's granddaughter, and their exchanges had built some camaraderie. Despite her twisted streak.
Already, Yongcheong could see it: Ha-yeon pinning the bucking filly Nangong-ryeon, collaring her neck.
Dogs that bite people need leashes, right? Yanking her head back to snap on the collar.
Damn. What am I thinking? Hanging with weirdos boosts skill but feeds inner demons. Yongcheong shook off the stray thought and soothed Nangong-ryeon.
"She's saying it for your own good, So-hyeop. Mess with that thing wrong, and your life's over."
"Blue Dragon, your speech... it's changed a bit?"
"People change."
Ha-yeon, suddenly "that thing," got annoyed and kicked Yongcheong's shin.
Then Nangong-ryeon—channeling a tsundere who just watched her crush get domestic-violence'd by a stranger—yelped.
"Tch! The Blue Dragon's totally bewitched! Shameful as a fellow young expert."
"No, So-hyeop. Why keep saying bewitched... You're misunderstanding."
"Tch! A rival I respected, ruined like that... Where's the Daoist's austerity... Tch!"
Ha-yeon muttered watching her go.
Did she actually love the slave? Unintentionally cockblocked the heroine pining tsundere-style. If she's gonna suffer, just confess. I'd chip in for the wedding gift.
Gulp. Gulp... With the bottle empty, Ha-yeon finally stood.
Fun's fun, but time to assassinate this meddling shipper pairing her with the slave. Don't worry, girl—head lump now beats splitting your skull later for lipping off. Lessons learned the hard way end punk phases quick. Call it tuition.
Ha-yeon stepped forward for the forehead flick barrage—
"But... where exactly are we headed now?"
The question slipped from Moyong-dan, puzzled even to himself.
Hwangbo Jung, quietly watching the drama, asked:
"What do you mean?"
"Wondering if this route's right."
Everyone looked up, scanning around.
Churning Jang-gang, the massive passenger ship drifting atop it. Tables laden with drinks inside, outside the yellowed waters, jagged rocks, wild plants sprouting in crevices. Looked normal enough—a standard waterway.
But.
"I wouldn't know, but what seems off to you, Moyong-dan So-hyeop?"
"I've crossed between Gangseo and An-hwi often since childhood. Spent more time there than home."
"True, Moyong-dan So-hyeop does know his stuff..."
"Yes. And I've been on this ship to An-hwi a few times. Unless my memory's wrong, this route's too unfamiliar."
Hwangbo Hye replied flatly.
"Jang-gang channels shift all the time. Who knows where it'll flow? Probably veered off or found a new path."
"No. I've taken this ship the same route multiple times—think I'd mistake it? Especially since I arranged it for you all."
"..."
Faces turned ambiguous, skeptical. They knew nothing to argue geography or routes; just passengers.
Unable to stand it, Moyong-dan stepped forward.
"I'll ask directly. Probably a mix-up; sorry for worrying everyone—feels awkward now."
Hmm, doubtful.
"Doesn't look like a mistake."
"Da-in?"
"You guys blind? See that?"
Ha-yeon's hand pointed. Everyone's bodies stiffened, eyes locking on the surging shapes.
Splash-crash—massive ships smashing through waves, closing in. Smaller and larger bandit vessels trailing.
And.
"Behind and sides too. Hiding like reefs, but that sticks out."
Encircling net tightening from all directions on the water. Not friendly drinkers dropping by.
Yongcheong's face hardened as he drew his sword.
"Water bandits. This big passenger ship's the target. But just bandits—we'll handle them quick."
"Slave."
"Yes."
"Biggest ship—Super Chojeoljeong inside. Dozens of Peak Jeoljeong."
"..."
Yeah. Get it now? Planned crime.
"Moyong-dan."
"Yes, Sojeo?"
"This ship hiding some epic treasure? Super Chojeoljeong aboard, like I said. Dozens Peak."
"Ha! Believe that?"
No time for kid games. Ha-yeon glared coldly at Nangong-ryeon.
"Shut it, Nangong. There's ways."
"She really has that ability. Moyong-dan Gongja, answer seriously."
Moyong-dan rubbed his chin, pondering—then shook his head.
"No idea. Something that valuable on board?"
"Yeah."
"What?"
"The one-and-only noble me."
Air chilled. Ha-yeon coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem. Plus you lot as bonus. Noble types with deep pockets."
"Kidnapping for ransom, then?"
"Maybe. But I wouldn't. Debts scare me. Mess with sword guys' kids, head rolls."
That left one option. Ha-yeon eyed everyone on the rocking deck.
"Probably the martial secrets, info dormant in your heads. Or hostages, grudges, revenge."
Then—
Creeeak-creak—wood groaning underfoot as a man appeared, gripping a bearded head by the hair.
"Captain... Who the hell are you?"
Moyong-dan grimaced at the severed head. The man chucked it into the Jang-gang, baring yellow teeth in a grin.
"Not 'you'—call me 'elder,' Moyong punk."
Ha-yeon sized him up. Gut screaming not ordinary. Let's see... Super Chojeoljeong? Nah. Stronger than that, can't compare to Wangjak. Aha! Hwagyeong!
"Or maybe... our young masters and ladies prefer this? Call me His Majesty the Water Bandit King! Keuhahaha!"
Oh, fuck. Payoff too quick.