Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Chongmyeong Island (2)
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"That's Soju right there."
Man Chu halted his steps and pointed toward the city, shrouded in early morning mist like a painting. Then he dropped to his knees with a thud.
His shoulders heaved with ragged breaths, his face flushed red, sweat pouring down in streams—it all showed just how exhausted he was.
"What are you doing? We need to keep moving."
Cheol Woo hauled Man Chu up, who was retching violently.
"Can't we rest just a little?"
Man Chu pleaded with desperate eyes.
"You bastard. I've known since you started stinking of booze. How far did we run that you need a break?"
"How far? We ran for two full hours without stopping once!"
"Is that running? A crawl would've been faster. You have no idea how frustrated we've been matching your pace."
"I wouldn't know about that. In this state, I'd drop dead before going any further."
Man Chu shook his head and flopped down flat on his back. As Cheol Woo scowled and opened his mouth to yell, Sima Geon intervened with a shake of his head.
"Sorry, but we're in a hurry. No time to rest."
Man Chu shot up, his face earnest.
"Just one incense stick's time—no, half that. I'm not slacking; I'm genuinely beat."
"Fine. But if we rest, we'll do it on the move. Cheol Woo."
At Sima Geon's call, Cheol Woo grimaced. But he soon sighed and slung Man Chu over his shoulder like a sack.
"I won't catch you if you fall, so hang on tight."
Man Chu's face lit up as he wrapped his arms around Cheol Woo's neck and twisted onto his back.
"All good."
Man Chu cheered gleefully. Thunderclap couldn't hold back a chuckle at the frog-like sight.
"This the time to laugh? If you've got time to snicker, scout the enemy's trail properly. Miss it, and we're dead."
At Cheol Woo's murderous bark, Thunderclap pointed to the unmistakable traces left by the Hongik Group.
"Missing tracks this clear? That'd make me an idiot, not a man. Save your worries and keep up."
Thunderclap boasted confidently and took off following the trail.
Yet exactly half an hour later, the group ended up right back where Cheol Woo had carried Man Chu.
"Idiot."
Ha Hu Yeon muttered, her brows deeply furrowed, annoyed at wasting time in this urgent situation.
On the southern coast of Chongmyeong Island, a single ship emerged with the morning sun at its back.
It was enormous—over twenty zhang long and at least five zhang wide. The hull, the forty-odd oars half-submerged, and the central sail were all blood-red, giving off an eerie, sinister vibe.
"Drop anchor."
As the anchor dropped and the ship steadied, Na Ham, who had been commanding his men with tiger-like eyes, turned cautiously.
"We've arrived, Young Master."
The young man fanning himself with a feather fan, Gu Cheon Myeong, surveyed the surroundings and scoffed.
"I had my doubts when the Blood Unit Leader mentioned it, but seeing them swarm like dogs proves he was right."
"Yes. The prize is that valuable—every last one of them has shown up."
"Do they all think the same as us?"
"I'd hope not, but nine times out of ten, they do."
"Fierce competition ahead."
"That's how rare the goods are. That's why Hongik Group spread the rumor on purpose."
"But we'll be the ones to claim it."
Gu Cheon Myeong crumpled the feather fan in his grip and declared.
"Even if it means drenching Chongmyeong Island in blood, we will have it."
"Understood."
Na Ham replied, but his expression wasn't great.
The Crimson Dragon Gang, a pillar of the Heavenly Demon Cult, had mobilized its main force—nothing could've stood in their way. They could dye it red not once, but dozens of times, turning Chongmyeong Island and the surrounding area to ruins without exaggeration.
But the force now at Chongmyeong Island was just fifty from the Blood Unit. Not a small number, and they were elite subordinates he could proudly field anywhere.
The problem was the slave traders gathering around—they were no pushovers. Surviving the brutal, treacherous slave markets meant they were backed by real skill.
'Still, with the Inspection Division Leader here, it should be fine. The guards escorting the Young Master seem formidable too. But my men will take the first hits. Damn! Of all times, this happens when the Young Master is with us.'
Accompanying the Blood Unit—one of the Crimson Dragon Gang's key revenue sources—as its heir was good experience, a prime opportunity for the future.
The past three months' journey had been smooth.
They'd pulled off several successful raids and profited handsomely from deals with the Zhu Shan Archipelago pirates they'd long traded with.
But just as the return voyage seemed set to end peacefully, an unexpected snag arose.
On the way back from Zhu Shan Archipelago, they heard from pirates that Hongik Group had secured a girl with Nine Yin Severed Meridians and would unveil her at the upcoming slave auction.
From then on, things escalated. Gu Cheon Myeong, who had left everything to Na Ham without interfering, finally ordered the ship turned toward Chongmyeong Island.
There was no room for objection or rebuttal. Na Ham immediately set course.
"The pirates said the girl's Nine Yin Severed Meridians were cured. Does that matter?"
At Na Ham's question, Gu Jong—the Inspection Division Leader whose hand rested on Gu Cheon Myeong's shoulder—spoke.
"According to the Black Hand Demon Physician, the only perfect cure for my youngest's Heavenly Punishment Nine Yang Severed Meridians is absorbing the yin energy from Nine Yin Severed Meridians. Other methods could save her life, but not fully cure her. If the girl's meridians remain uncured, it'll be mutually beneficial. Even if cured, it won't hinder treating the youngest—just won't be symbiotic."
Na Ham pictured the girl's sacrificial death at "not symbiotic."
"This is a gift from heaven, Uncle. Had we left sooner, how could we have seized this chance?"
Gu Jong nodded vigorously at Gu Cheon Myeong's words.
"Even hearing the news, we might not have timed it right. You're spot on. Without the ancestors watching over the Crimson Dragon Gang, how could this opportunity arise!"
"The day the youngest overcomes her Heavenly Punishment and stands tall, the Crimson Dragon Gang will soar."
Gu Cheon Myeong looked to the sky, his face filled with emotion.
His eyes glazed dreamily. In his vision, the Crimson Dragon Gang dominated the Heavenly Demon Cult and eventually the world.
Yu Wol's group, skirting Soju to reach Chongmyeong Island, arrived. Jin U Gi, who had lured pursuers through Soju, followed shortly after without issue.
"Quite the crowd."
Jin U Gi counted the ships anchored around Chongmyeong Island and grinned. Easily over twenty at a glance.
"The more who want it, the better—but the riskier too. Stay vigilant."
Yu Wol said sharply.
"Understood."
"Haha Clan pursuit might continue, so post scouts at the rear to watch closely."
"I suspect the intel was off, but just in case, I've assigned sharp, swift lads."
Yu Wol nodded, pleased with Jin U Gi's response.
"Good call. Better safe. Our group should be waiting—let's link up first."
"I'll lead."
Gwan Seung, more familiar with Chongmyeong Island routes than anyone, took point.
Gwan Seung guided them to a sandbar facing the northern Chongmyeong Island shore along the Yangtze lower reaches. As they arrived, a group emerged from the dense reed thicket behind the sandbar.
"Deputy Leader!"
A middle-aged man rushed from the front, bowing joyfully. Yu Wol, caught off guard, widened his eyes.
"Chief Steward, no word you'd come."
"Hahaha! Who else could oversee such a huge deal?"
Lee Ja Gon, Hongik Group's money man, eyed the central palanquin greedily.
"Heard you secured the goods. All safe?"
Yu Wol nodded, and Lee Ja Gon beamed.
"Checked the scene—everyone's salivating. Big profits ahead."
"A worry, though. One item, many hunters."
"True, but don't fret. Plenty of gain, minimal risk."
Yu Wol sensed something from Lee Ja Gon's confidence.
"You've already picked the buyer."
"Yes."
"Who?"
"Blood Unit."
Yu Wol flinched at the name.
"They're here too?"
"Indeed."
"Surprising. They were active once, but quiet lately."
"Finished deals with Zhu Shan Archipelago pirates on the way back, heard the news, and turned here."
"Lucky."
"We'll see who luck favors."
Yu Wol chuckled dryly at the meaningful look.
"Don't tease—spill what you know."
"Heh heh. Rumor once spread that one of the Blood Unit Leader's bloodline had Heavenly Punishment. They sought spirit medicines—and quietly, girls with rare meridians."
"Rings a bell."
"Certain. Fun part: while grabbing every medicine in sight, they hunted for odd severed meridians like that girl's."
"I get it."
Yu Wol caught on instantly.
"To cure that bloodline's Heavenly Punishment, they wanted a girl with similar affliction. Hers is yin-heavy Nine Yin Severed Meridians, so theirs likely yang-overload."
"Not sure on symptoms, but prediction fits."
"Blood Unit's reliable. Lesser foes won't dare tricks."
"Key's matching price to value. I'll gauge their desperation. We hold the blade, after all."
Yu Wol gave a wry smile at the greed-laden grin. Good they're allies; as foes, it'd spark endless irritation and rage.
The dreams were ambitious, but reality was harsh.
Most slave traders who rushed to Chongmyeong Island on the Hongik Group rumor realized their hopes were vain.
Even Blue Gate, South Snake Gang, and Black Bone Castle—who dominated the slave market—made odds slim. Then Blood Unit appeared out of nowhere.
Black Bone Castle, overlord of Zhu Shan pirates and longtime Blood Unit allies, quit immediately. No need to court fire with the Crimson Dragon Gang behind them.
Blood Unit pressured Blue Gate and South Snake Gang to withdraw too. The market veterans refused outright and allied against them, roping in a few trader acquaintances.
Blue Gate and South Snake tallied ninety, plus minor traders nearing 150 total. But the alliance shattered in half an hour—wiped from Chongmyeong Island, more like.
Nearly triple Blood Unit's numbers, but leagues apart in skill. No need for the Inspection Division Leader; the signal guards escorting Gu Cheon Myeong handled it. Each outmatched a Blood Unit Leader, a calamity to foes.
After crushing Blue Gate and South Snake, Blood Unit showed mercy to the trembling traders.
They pledged to abandon the Hongik deal—untouched, even compensated handsomely, winning all hearts.
With Chongmyeong Island's situation neatly resolved, Lee Ja Gon led the Hongik Group ashore.