Chapter 103

Chapter 103
Chapter: 103

Chapter Title: Flying Bear Stronghold (3)

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“We definitely handed over the transit fee to Black Bone Stronghold and were granted their insignia. Is it your intent to disregard the established protocols?”

“We have no desire to violate any codes, but we have even less interest in honoring a fraudulent token.”

“Fraudulent? This was given to us directly by the master of Black Bone Stronghold himself.”

“I am telling you, this mark is a sham. It is supposed to be yellow, yet this one is red. You grasp the gravity of that distinction, don’t you?”

“W-What…?”

Gwan Jiheung felt a crushing weight in his chest at the mention of yellow instead of red. Suddenly, the reason behind Deung Jagun labeling the insignia as a fake became terrifyingly clear.

“Did Black Bone Stronghold provide us with the incorrect token?”

“How should I know? Perhaps it was a careless blunder, or maybe they intended to set you up. Regardless, the mark is invalid. Consequently, we must collect the mandated toll. Of course, if you find that disagreeable, there are alternative paths we can take.”

Deung Jagun flashed a predatory grin, his hand tapping the hilt of the blade at his hip.

His gaze made it obvious that he preferred a violent struggle over a peaceful transaction.

“And what of the error made by Black Bone Stronghold? Are we expected to simply endure the loss?”

“Take your grievances to them—why bother me with it? It was their mistake, so if they possess any integrity, they might reimburse you. If not, petition the Yangtze River Alliance central command. There is a precedent for such disputes; you might actually see a return.”

He spoke with little conviction.

The idea of bandits returning gold they had already secured was laughable. Gwan Jiheung nurtured no such illusions.

“Lower your guard. Deliver a fair payment, and we shall leave you in peace.”

The moment Deung Jagun finished speaking, Gwanghae lunged forward, brandishing his wolf fang mace in a threatening arc as he roared.

“But if you attempt any deception, you best be prepared. I will crush your skull into paste.”

The violent whistle of the heavy weapon turned the already strained atmosphere on the deck into a suffocating, murderous fog.

“Captain, let us conclude our negotiations. Oh, and who is the proprietor of this vessel?”

A man of middle years stepped out from the crowd slowly following Deung Jagun’s inquiry.

“I am not the owner, but I represent the interests of the Namgyeong Merchant Association.”

“Ah, a Namgyeong trade ship. Ha! I am acquainted with several members of your guild, though you are an unfamiliar face. Regardless, we maintain a cordial relationship with your association, so fret not—just accompany us. There is no reason to cause a scene.”

Deung Jagun guided the captain and the representative to the side, and with Gwanghae taking point, the bandits commenced their pillaging in earnest. As if following a predetermined plan, they bypassed the merchants and the paid guards, focusing their greed entirely on the personal belongings of the travelers.

“Must we contribute as well, leader?”

Cheol Woo inquired in a low tone, his voice steady despite the simmering annoyance.

“Quiet! We gave our word to remain inconspicuous. Just shut your eyes and pay the man.”

Man Chu’s blatant grumbling earned him a flat look from Cheol Woo, who irritably nudged Noe Jeon’s shoulder.

“Hey, deal with this yourself.”

Noe Jeon glanced at Cheol Woo’s expression and realized that further protest would only lead to trouble, so he gave a silent nod and dropped several silver pieces into the sack held by a waiting bandit.

“You arrogant brat!”

“Let him be. It seems he wants to maintain some dignity. That massive ox too. They think they’re formidable. Listen, friends, do not let your pride get the better of you. It might lead to your grave. Heh heh heh!”

The bandits glared at his disrespectful demeanor but chose to walk away with a mocking cackle, satisfied by the weight of the silver.

“You did that intentionally, didn’t you? Trying to goad them into a confrontation.”

Noe Jeon shrugged his shoulders and shook his head in response to Man Chu’s question.

“Not at all.”

“Liar. It was plain to see…”

“The two of you, be silent. Things are about to get lively.”

Cheol Woo cut off Noe Jeon and Man Chu, his focus shifting toward the back of the deck. He observed with sharp interest as the group of bandits neared the women they had been leering at earlier.

The bandits halted their approach toward the ladies.

Gwanghae, who had spotted them the second he set foot on the ship, had signaled for his subordinates to hold back.

“Well, well! I had no suspicion that such exquisite beauties were traveling on this modest craft.”

Gwanghae’s face, twisted into a mask of false uncle-like friendliness, was dripping with lust.

Where did these girls come from?

Though veils obscured the lower halves of their faces, it was undeniable that they possessed extraordinary beauty. Particularly the one positioned in the center—she stood out like a lone crane amidst a flock of common birds. Her graceful stature, her pale forehead, her perfectly shaped brows, and eyes as clear as glass caused a primal stir within him.

“Sister.”

The woman on the far left gave a subtle look, and the one next to her held out a silver ingot.

As one of the bandits reached to snatch it, Gwanghae sent him flying with a kick.

“Who gave you permission to interfere, you half-wit?”

“M-My apologies!”

“Get lost.”

The bandit shrank back under Gwanghae’s savage stare and retreated.

“I am afraid, ladies, that you must accompany us for a short duration.”

“And for what purpose?”

The woman who had signaled to pay the toll asked with a freezing tone.

“No particular purpose. We simply need to verify a few details.”

“What details, specifically?”

“Our commander was recently targeted by a group of female killers. What was the name… ah, yes, the Crimson Moon Corps.”

It was a complete fabrication. Gwanghae had invented the story on the spot—there had been no ambush and no such organization as the Crimson Moon Corps.

“That concerns us not.”

“The performers who were caught aiding them said the same thing initially. Do not be alarmed, it will not take long. Once we confirm you hold no ties to the Crimson Moon Corps, you will be set free immediately. We might even provide an escort to your destination if you wish.”

As he spoke, Gwanghae’s eyes traveled hungrily over their figures.

Sensing his vile gaze, a spark of rage ignited in the women’s eyes, and the one addressing him looked at him with pure loathing.

“We decline your invitation.”

“Invitation? What makes you think this is a request?”

Gwanghae’s mouth twisted into a dark smirk as he went on.

“Think of it as a command.”

“We reject that as well.”

The woman brushed his words aside as if they were trash.

“You seem quite certain of your martial prowess.”

Gwanghae’s lip curled in a blatant sneer.

“I will grant that you appear capable. But you surely don’t believe you can defeat all of us in the confines of this ship, do you?”

“If you desire proof, I am willing to provide it.”

Even the woman who had remained composed shifted into a combative stance.

“Splendid. I admire that spirit.”

Gwanghae gave a mocking laugh and barked at his gathered followers.

“What are you waiting for? She wants to provide proof. Give her exactly what she’s looking for.”

Upon his order, the bandits let out a cheer and rushed forward.

“Agh!”

A blood-curdling shriek rang out from the bandit who had moved the fastest toward the women.

He slumped to the floor, his head lolling at an unnatural angle—his neck had been snapped instantly.

“W-What just happened?”

“You insane bitch!”

“Tear her apart!”

The temper of the crowd turned in a heartbeat. Even their lust for the women’s beauty could not survive the sight of a comrade being struck down so casually. The bandits’ eyes burned with a murderous red.

Hurling insults, they began to swing their steel with reckless abandon.

The scene became so chaotic and violent that Gwanghae’s brow twitched.

These fools have no restraint.

He was concerned the women might be damaged. The loss of a few lackeys meant nothing, but devaluing the prize was unacceptable.

“Be careful not to—”

In the middle of his shout to keep them alive, Gwanghae’s jaw dropped as he watched the heads of his men fly into the air.

What…?

For a fleeting moment, his brain failed to comprehend the carnage. But the screams and the foul language brought him back to the reality of the situation.

“Get back!”

Gwanghae swung his wolf fang mace and charged at the lead woman.

Contrary to his brutish appearance, his movements were incredibly swift and carried a weight far beyond a common outlaw.

The woman’s blade, which had already claimed seven lives in a heartbeat, was met with its first true resistance.

She showed a momentary flash of surprise at the block but did not hesitate to reclaim the offensive.

“Wow! I suspected as much, but she is far more capable than I imagined.”

Cheol Woo commented repeatedly as he watched the woman relentlessly drive Gwanghae back.

How could such a slight frame produce such devastating power? she was overwhelming him in raw strength, technical skill—every aspect of the fight.

“Aren’t they utter idiots? If you’re going to live as a bandit, you should at least recognize a predator. Those women practically radiated ‘death’ from the moment they walked on.”

Cheol Woo snorted at Noe Jeon’s dry observation.

“That’s rich coming from you, considering how you were staring at them. Beautiful women like that cloud the mind. And these are bandits who care nothing for propriety—they were blinded by desire, so how could they see the danger?”

“And that is why they are meeting their end.”

Man Chu gave a heavy sigh, gesturing toward the fallen outlaws.

At the rear of the ship, beyond the initial pile left by the lead woman, more than a dozen others were scattered, dead.

While the primary woman was occupied with Gwanghae, her companions had stepped in. They weren’t even exerting themselves fully, simply parrying and countering, yet their prowess was so high that any bandit who tried his luck died instantly.

“Ho, the master finally makes an appearance? He’s a bit late to the party.”

Cheol Woo noted as Deung Jagun stormed forward like a wild beast, his body dripping with raw, murderous intent.

The woman who had attempted to offer the silver to spare her allies from a two-pronged assault stepped out to block his path.

The sound of clashing steel rang out sharply!

The outcome was obvious from the first exchange.

Deung Jagun swung his twin axes with terrifying freedom, his energy like a localized gale. The woman endured the brunt of it—like a flickering candle in a storm. She managed to block without taking a critical hit so far, but she was clearly on the edge of failure.

“She won’t hold out much longer. One mistake will be her end.”

Noe Jeon remarked somberly, his eyes locked on the duel.

“Who? Her?”

Cheol Woo asked with a smirk.

“Yes.”

“That won’t happen, so don’t worry. The one who truly needs to fear for his life is the idiot swinging those axes like a child.”

“You look at this fight and still claim that? It will be finished in two or three exchanges, at most.”

“If it were allowed to continue that long, perhaps. But it won’t.”

Noe Jeon opened his mouth to dismiss the comment as nonsense—

“She is making her move.”

Cheol Woo cut him off, his playful demeanor vanishing, replaced by a cold, deadly seriousness.