Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Nightmare (3)
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"After receiving the report, I've made some deductions."
Gahyu, who had paused briefly to gather his thoughts, spoke up again just as Yuak was about to press him for more details.
"The first incident that put the name Sima Geon on everyone's lips was when the Living Immortal Medical House was in peril. Back then, he rescued them from crisis and vanished after saving a subordinate who was being hunted while carrying the Heavenly Demon's sacred relic."
"Yeah. I remember that."
"Then, a couple of months ago, he resurfaced at Sungmyeong Island. The slave traders from various regions who had gathered there for a deal were smashed to pieces, and by coincidence, the heir to the Red Dragon Gang, who was visiting at the time, lost his life."
"That rings a bell too. There was a huge fuss claiming the Ha Hu Clan was behind the Red Dragon heir's death. It was obvious nonsense to anyone with eyes."
"We don't know exactly why he caused that chaos at Sungmyeong Island, but there were rumors linking it to the slave traders. Personally, that's my guess as well."
"Why's that?"
"Because it ties into why he attacked Hongik Hall."
"That doesn't make sense. Explain it properly."
Yuak snapped in irritation.
"Slave traders from all over converged on Sungmyeong Island. You think Hongik Hall sat that out? They're the top dogs in that world—no way they'd miss it."
"Sure, but we didn't hear anything about Hongik Hall getting hit."
"They might've covered it up."
At Gahyu's words, Wihaegum voiced his open dissatisfaction.
"They barely report anything to begin with. Thanks to who, I wonder."
The leadership of the Yangtze Waterway Alliance deeply resented Yu Han for his arrogant behavior, backed as he was by the Alliance Leader's brother—Hongik Hall. Wihaegum, who had clashed with him frequently even back when Yu Han was stationed at the Alliance headquarters, was especially vocal.
"Hmph, that's old news. Anyway, you're saying the Sungmyeong Island incident prompted the attack on Hongik Hall?"
"It's just speculation. We'll know the full story once the Hall Leader arrives."
He phrased it as a guess and hedged a bit, but given Gahyu's usual temperament, it seemed he was fairly certain.
"But why the delay? The Sungmyeong Island mess happened two months ago. If there was a problem, why not strike right away instead of waiting until now?"
Yuak's eyes gleamed as if he shared Wihaegum's exact doubt.
"Wasn't there another incident where Sima Geon's name blew up again?"
"The Heavenly Demon Cult...?"
"Yes. It was a massive event—even Ju Yu Geol Gwi lost his life. They probably realized the Heavenly Demon Cult was targeting them and took time to prepare countermeasures."
"Yeah. That makes sense."
Yuak and Wihaegum nodded in unison.
"The real problem starts now."
Gahyu's voice turned deadly serious.
"Hongik Hall has fallen, but the Hall Leader escaped unharmed. If they want his head no matter what..."
Gahyu's gaze shifted to Yuak.
"They might come after us too?"
"Yes."
"Even so, we have to protect him, of course."
"Alliance Leader!"
Wihaegum's shout drew a firm response from Yuak.
"It's not just because he's my brother. I may not like it, but Hongik Hall is still one of the key pillars upholding the Yangtze Waterway Alliance."
"A rotten pillar."
Wihaegum grumbled curtly, but Yuak brushed it off.
"Rotten or diseased, it's still our pillar—undeniable. Whether we cut it out or heal it is our choice, not some outsider's."
"The Alliance Leader's right."
The sharp-eyed elder, who had been silently nursing his cup, finally spoke.
"Brother!"
As Wihaegum raised his voice, the elder—Chosu of the Dongting Poison Claw, who alongside Yuak had led the Yangtze Waterway Alliance to its golden age—scolded him with a look of pity.
"How can we use an elder of the Yangtze Waterway Alliance with such a narrow view?"
Wihaegum, about to retort, shut his mouth upon seeing Chosu's white eyebrows furrow into an inverted 'eight' shape.
"No matter how distasteful, Hongik Hall operates under our shadow. If we ignore an external attack on them, what will the other water gangs think?"
"You know Hongik Hall's reputation. The gangs won't waver over it."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Well..."
Wihaegum trailed off lamely and averted his gaze.
"Even the sturdiest walls crumble from the tiniest cracks. And we have to consider how outsiders see us. If they sense weakness, we're done."
"Fine, let's say that's true."
As Chosu started to bristle again at the surly response, Yuak waved him off.
"Seems we've reached a conclusion. Let's leave it there."
With a subtle glance calming Chosu, Yuak turned to Gahyu, who sat nonchalantly as if the elders' squabbling had nothing to do with him.
"What about the Hall Leader? What's the plan?"
"He'll probably head straight here."
"Hmph! He's running scared. Coming right to us without rallying the nearby water gangs means that Sima Geon bastard's skills are beyond the rumors."
"Not just Sima Geon—the ones traveling with him are said to be formidable too."
"So, countermeasures?"
Yuak asked while lifting his cup, his expression implying he assumed Gahyu had them ready despite the fresh news. Unfazed, as if accustomed to such crises, Gahyu replied calmly.
"First, we track their movements. I've put all of Chueodang on standby."
"What are you waiting for? Send them out now."
"It's not just about tracking them. Chueodang agents need to relay the Alliance Leader's orders to every water gang."
"My orders?"
Yuak tilted his head, puzzled.
"They'll chase the Hall Leader by land or by boat down the river. Nothing says they won't clash with our gangs along the way. River travel—we can just halt operations temporarily. But on land, some gangs are bound to cross paths, and I'm worried they won't let them pass unscathed."
"Then don't engage—that's all."
"Come on, they're enemies now. Would you just let them go if you were in charge?"
Wihaegum, who had been sulkily sipping alone, suddenly turned his head.
"Of course I'd wipe them out. Hm, yeah—that's a real issue."
Yuak nodded thoughtfully and spoke without hesitation.
"Track their movements first. Order every gang on their land route to steer clear. No reckless heroics, or they'll end up dead."
The moment Yuak issued the command, a tongue-click echoed.
"Tsk tsk. What a pain. You must have it rough with a master like that."
Chosu shook his head at Gahyu.
"What'd you say?"
Yuak exploded in anger, looking ready for a fistfight.
"A pillar, you said? We choose whether to cut or heal it, right?"
"So?"
"You have to protect it somehow—not just tell everyone to run. How many gangs do you think they'll smash on the way here?"
"If they just hand over some goods and hide..."
"That's our foundation crumbling. No one likes seeing the house's main pillar shattered, orders or not."
"Then what do you suggest?"
As Yuak grew testy, the ever-composed Gahyu spoke up.
"If they come by river, order a halt to operations and wait here. If by land, the Alliance Leader will need to move."
"Me?"
"I'm saying we dispatch headquarters personnel to handle them. If clashes are inevitable, better to minimize damage."
"I'm worried it won't be minimal. With Yu Wol there too, and the Hongik Hall Leader—who's prouder of his skills than anyone—tucking tail like that, the enemy must be seriously tough."
Chosu said gravely. Then Wihaegum spoke up as if something had just occurred to him.
"Any word on that Gungwi punk?"
"None."
Gahyu shook his head.
"Who's Gungwi?"
At Chosu's question, Wihaegum waved it off dismissively.
"Just some guy I used to keep around."
"Oh, that sly little fox?"
"Yeah."
"Don't worry too much. He wasn't fated for a short life."
"Worry? Why would I? He's just out there tarnishing his master's name."
Wihaegum scowled. He still resented Gungwi settling into Hongik Hall.
"Who said you're worried? I'm just saying."
"Whatever. Anyway, why assume they'll charge straight in?"
"What are you getting at now?"
"If I were them and my target hid under a giant like the Yangtze Waterway Alliance, I wouldn't go head-on—I'd try other ways. No sane person rams the front door. I'd poke around, bide my time, and if that fails, harass from the flanks..."
"Enough!"
Yuak cut Wihaegum off.
"Hypothetically. If things play out like you described, what happens?"
Yuak asked Gahyu, his face hardening terrifyingly.
"A nightmare. The worst kind. Damage too great to even estimate."
"Isn't that jumping to conclusions? I get they're strong, but that strong?"
Chosu looked skeptical. Wihaegum, who had brought it up, chuckled dismissively, doubting Gahyu.
Gahyu let out a short sigh and revealed information he hadn't shared yet.
"From Hongik Hall—or rather, the message from the Deputy Hall Leader. At the end, it said: Sima Geon's prowess is beyond reckoning. To face him, we must attack as one. And that includes..."
Gahyu glanced at Yuak before continuing.
"Even the Alliance Leader is no exception."
No sooner had Gahyu finished than grumbles erupted from the leadership, who had been mostly silent until then.
"Insolent bastards!"
"Talk sense!"
"They're covering up their own incompetence."
The outcry from all sides died down only at Yuak's shout.
"All of you, shut it."
With one word, he quelled the uproar and turned to Gahyu.
"You believe that claim?"
"It's from Deputy Hall Leader Yu Wol himself."
Gahyu faced the still-fuming executives.
"How many here can claim victory against him?"
No one spoke. Surely some could back it up, but the mood stifled them.
"The Yu Wol I know doesn't bluff."
Wihaegum backed Gahyu up.
"Alliance Leader, don't take them lightly—you'll regret it."
Chosu eyed Yuak worriedly.
"A nightmare, huh."
Yuak murmured softly, falling silent for a long moment before speaking.
"If it's a nightmare, best to wake up fast. Gahyu."
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
"Relay orders to the water gangs. If they come by land, have them evade as discussed. The headquarters will cover all losses."
"Understood."
"Same if they come by river. No actions whatsoever."
"Yes."
"Don't lose track of them, no matter what. It could turn into the nightmare you described."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Gahyu received the orders with a stern face.
"We'll handle them. Me, all of us. By land or river, we'll crush them with everything we've got."
At the declaration of the Army Mountain Light Dragon Yuak, all bowed their heads in respect.
"We receive your command."