Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Pear Blossom (2)
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"Alliance Leader."
Yu Ak, lost in thought while gazing at the blood-red sunset, slowly opened his eyes.
Ga Hyu, who had approached cautiously, wore a grim expression.
"What is it?"
"Biwoong Stronghold has been hit."
Yu Ak's thick eyebrows twitched.
"Biwoong Stronghold? Why? I ordered everyone to avoid contact with them."
"It seems the message didn't reach them in time."
"Tch, tch. I rushed precisely to prevent something like this."
"My apologies."
Ga Hyu bowed his head with a stiff face.
As the head of Chueo Hall, which managed the entirety of the Yangtze River Water Alliance's intelligence network, he clearly felt responsible.
"Enough. Explain the situation. Oh, and did that friend Deung Cheol get hit too?"
"The former stronghold chief was at the water stronghold and escaped the flames. He moved late, but by the time he arrived, it was all over."
"Everyone dead?"
"With only a few handed over to the authorities, it looks like most lost their lives. Especially the chief and key officers—not a single one in sight. Even the boats they used to attack the merchant ships were seized and turned over to the government."
"Wiped out completely. What about Deung Cheol? He's not the type to back off after seeing his son killed."
Having once competed and roamed the Yangtze together, Yu Ak knew Deung Cheol's temperament better than anyone.
"He pulled back for revenge."
"Pulled back? Ha! He's gotten old. Lost his fire."
"There was your order, and he probably felt he couldn't handle it alone."
"So? He's heading here?"
"Yes. Moving ahead of them."
"Hoo! With our reunion so close, to meet over something like this."
Yu Ak sighed and shook his head.
Having lost a child himself, he couldn't help but sympathize with Deung Cheol's plight—forcing himself to retreat with the enemy right before his eyes.
"Where will we meet them?"
"At this rate, near Wuhu."
"Good thing we moved fast. Waiting holed up in Gunsan wasn't the answer."
The moment Yu Ak received word that Sima Geon and his group had boarded a boat at Gukou, he ordered the march. The original plan had been to prepare thoroughly in Gunsan and meet the enemy there, but he judged that if they avoided a direct clash, they'd be stuck—so he made the snap decision.
"By the way, where's that Hongik Branch Leader now?"
Yu Ak asked about Hongik Branch Leader's position, his face souring at the mere thought.
"Passing through the Jeonggang area by now."
"Already? Hmph! He's got fire under his tail. Seems he knows exactly what mess his boys caused. Tell him not to crawl here since I don't want to see his face—have him move with Biwoong Stronghold. Oh, and relay the order again to all water strongholds: absolutely no clashing with them. One mistake is enough."
"Understood."
"Above all, we need to track their movements properly. Approaching them won't be easy from the start, but make it happen. Don't miss even the smallest detail."
"Yes, sir!"
Ga Hyu steeled himself and withdrew.
But unfortunately, holes had already riddled their intelligence network.
The Yangtze River Water Alliance failed to confirm that it wasn't Sima Geon and his group who had cut off Biwoong Stronghold's chief and key leaders—but mysterious women. And that was a massive variable.
The Nanjing Merchant Association's ship, attacked by Biwoong Stronghold, had no choice but to dock at the nearest port. Cheol Woo's exploits had wrecked the vessel in spots—especially the snapped mast, which was fatal.
Using Biwoong Stronghold's boats, they reached the port safely and began repairs as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, the two captured pirate ships and prisoners were handed to the authorities, with most of the bounties claimed by the Nanjing Merchant Association. Ship repairs were one thing, but with potential retaliation from the Yangtze River Water Alliance over Biwoong, they needed the funds.
Of course, it was possible thanks to the women who swept away the pirates and the consideration from Sima Geon and his group.
After an all-nighter of repairs, the ship departed the port the next morning. The current was still fierce and swift, but with the wind shifting favorably, it moved faster than before.
Despite the uproar, the mood on board wasn't bad.
Lingering worries aside, the bounties from the pirate ships and crew were substantial, so the captain and merchants weren't too downcast. The passengers, having witnessed the pirates getting obliterated firsthand, seemed thrilled at the safe journey.
By midday, the women who had stayed in the cabins emerged onto the deck.
All eyes on deck turned to them at once. But having clearly seen how they annihilated Biwoong Stronghold, no one dared approach.
"Drinking in broad daylight! They must be out of their minds."
Juk Ye's eyes sharpened as she enjoyed the breeze leisurely.
The women's gazes followed hers to the bow.
There, at the end of their stares, Cheol Woo, Lightning, and Manchu were holding a drinking party. They'd clearly started hours ago, given the number of empty bottles scattered around.
"They can drink, sure. But this is over the top. Like you said, definitely weirdos."
The twin sister Juk Seon frowned deeply, her smooth brow creasing.
"Just ignore them. No good comes from dealing with their kind."
The twins bowed politely to Jin Rim, who had unilaterally crushed Gwang Hae the day before.
"Yes, sister."
"They're strange, but strong."
Neung So Hwa, the central woman who had noticed Sima Geon and his group before Juk Ye, spoke quietly.
"Even so, nothing against you, miss. All bulk, no substance."
Jin Rim dismissed it outright.
"Hard to say without clashing directly. Size aside, that one especially—he's strong. Outside my master, I've rarely sensed that kind of aura."
Neung So Hwa gazed at Sima Geon, sitting apart from his group.
"N-No way."
Jin Rim's face filled with shock.
Who was Neung So Hwa's master!
The undisputed top of the century—the world's greatest master, holding the first rank in the Wuwei Record, which ranked the top hundred martial artists.
Comparable to him? Unthinkable.
"M-Maybe a mistake?"
Jin Rim brimmed with disbelief.
"No, I don't think so. I thought the same at first—that I was wrong. But no. My senses are spot on."
"……."
Jin Rim was speechless at Neung So Hwa's conviction.
Unbelievable, no matter how she thought about it. But coming from Neung So Hwa, she couldn't outright dismiss it.
The prodigy who, at the youngest age in history, claimed the successor position and embarked on her martial journey.
If not her instincts, whose to trust!
"Who could he be? If as you say, he'd be famous in the martial world."
"No idea. No one like him among those master mentioned."
As Neung So Hwa observed Sima Geon, she unwittingly recalled her challenge booklet.
'What am I thinking!'
She shook her head in alarm, then turned to the puzzled Jin Rim with an explanatory tone.
"We're almost at Wuhu. From there, I'll go alone."
"Pardon? Oh, miss. Why say that so suddenly?"
As Jin Rim floundered in confusion, Neung So Hwa smiled.
"Not sudden—it's only right. No one before me took attendants on their martial journey. Not my master, her master, or the one above."
"Then why……."
"You miss your sister."
"Pardon?"
"You said she lives in Wuhu. Bima Escort Agency, right?"
Jin Rim's eyes widened impossibly further.
"Don't just exchange letters—go see her face after all this time."
"Miss……."
Jin Rim could hold back no longer and burst into tears.
Five years ago, her only blood relative had gone on a trip, bonded with Bima Escort Agency's leader, and married. Though she never showed it, how much she'd longed for her. Neung So Hwa's consideration—risking her honor for such a thing—left her at a loss for gratitude.
"Take care of the others on the way back too. I've spoken to the chief steward—no rush on time."
"Ah!"
A hot exclamation escaped Jin Rim.
She finally understood why Neung So Hwa, bypassing so many experts, had brought mere maids like them on this journey.
Unlike Jin Rim, the twins and youngest Nan Hwa kept in touch with family nearby, meeting occasionally. But such meetings were always brief and bittersweet. Knowing this, Neung So Hwa used the journey to let her devoted maids spend quality time with their families.
"Miss!"
"Thank you. Thank you so much, miss!"
The twins and Nan Hwa tearfully expressed their thanks.
"It's nothing—stop crying."
Neung So Hwa looked troubled as she soothed them, but the tears wouldn't stop.
"Ha! Crazy bitches! What a racket."
The weeping continued until Cheol Woo's cursing reached them.
"Welcome aboard, elder."
Ga Hyu bowed deeply to Deung Cheol as he boarded.
"You bastard!"
Deung Cheol lunged without warning, seizing Ga Hyu's throat.
"E-Elder."
"Do you know what you did wrong?"
Deung Cheol's face was murderous, ready to snap Ga Hyu's neck any second.
"Pardon? What……."
Caught off guard, Ga Hyu floundered helplessly.
"Don't know? Then die."
As Deung Cheol tightened his grip, Ga Hyu's face drained white.
Choking agony and death's terror gripped him. He thrashed to escape, but Deung Cheol's iron strength held him fast. The gathered Yangtze River Water Alliance pirates froze under the pressure, unable to act.
"Enough."
Just before Ga Hyu blacked out, Yu Ak—who'd rushed over after hearing—grabbed Deung Cheol's arm.
"Long time, Alliance Leader."
"I heard the news. I understand your pain, but killing a man……."
Before Yu Ak finished, Deung Cheol whipped his head toward Ga Hyu and growled.
"You know your subordinate failed to relay the Alliance Leader's order in time."
"S-Sorry……."
"Delays happen. Life's full of variables. But that worm's excuse? Intolerable. Drunk all night with whores. Cost me two sons, lifelong comrades, cherished men. That's why you die."
"Guh! Guh!"
Ga Hyu's struggles weakened, eyes rolling back.
Yu Ak sighed, forcibly prying Deung Cheol's hand away.
"If we're assigning blame, isn't he my subordinate too? Ultimately, it's my fault."
"Then will you take responsibility, Alliance Leader?"
Deung Cheol's killing intent shifted to Yu Ak.
"I will. That's why we're moving."
"How?"
"I'll cut the throats of those who did this to your sons."
"Can you promise?"
Deung Cheol's aura eased slightly.
"I promise."
"Their lives are mine."
"Understood. Their final breaths are yours."
Deung Cheol eyed Yu Ak a moment, then exhaled deeply.
"Thanks, Alliance Leader. Keep that promise."
"Don't worry. Touching Biwoong is touching the Yangtze River Water Alliance. You know I'm not one to let challengers slide. Trust me and step aside. I have words for those fools too."
Having calmed Deung Cheol, Yu Ak glared, grinding his teeth at the hesitant Hongik Branch Leader Yu Han approaching.