Chapter 105

Chapter 105
### Chapter 105: Pear Blossom (2)

—

“Leader of the Alliance.”

Yu Ak had been silently observing the horizon, where the sky bled into a deep crimson at sunset, before slowly opening his lids.

Ga Hyu, who had paced toward him with measured, hesitant steps, bore a look of grave concern.

“Report,” Yu Ak commanded.

“The Biwoong Stronghold has been decimated.”

The thick brow of Yu Ak twitched violently.

“Biwoong? How? My instructions were explicit—there was to be no engagement with them.”

“It appears our messengers were unable to reach the stronghold before the conflict began.”

“Tch. I accelerated our pace specifically to avoid such a disaster.”

“I offer my deepest apologies.”

Ga Hyu lowered his head, his expression rigid with shame. As the commander of Chueo Hall, the pillar of the Yangtze River Water Alliance’s vast intelligence web, the weight of this failure sat heavily upon his shoulders.

“Restrain your apologies. Relate the facts. And what of my old comrade, Deung Cheol? Was he caught in the slaughter?”

“The former master of the stronghold was at the aquatic base and managed to avoid the fire. He mobilized as soon as he could, but by the time he reached the scene, the destruction was absolute.”

“No survivors?”

“A handful were delivered to the local magistrates, but it seems the rest were put to the sword. Most notably, the current chief and the senior lieutenants have vanished—likely killed. Furthermore, the raiding vessels they utilized against the merchant convoys were confiscated and surrendered to the imperial authorities.”

“A total erasure. And Deung Cheol? He is not a man to retreat quietly while his kin’s blood is spilled.”

Having once battled alongside and against him across the waters of the Yangtze, Yu Ak understood Deung Cheol’s volatile spirit better than anyone.

“He chose to withdraw to plan his retaliation.”

“He pulled back? Ha! The years have softened him. His inner fire has dimmed.”

“He had your standing orders to consider, and he likely recognized that the enemy was beyond his current capacity to handle alone.”

“So? Is he making his way to our position?”

“Indeed. He is traveling ahead of the targets.”

“Hah! To think our long-awaited meeting would occur under such dark circumstances.”

Yu Ak let out a heavy breath, shaking his head. Having endured the loss of a child himself, he felt a pang of empathy for Deung Cheol—the agony of having the killers within reach and being forced to turn away.

“Where is the projected point of interception?”

“At our current speed, we should cross paths near Wuhu.”

“It is fortunate we increased our tempo. Remaining stagnant in Gunsan was never the right path.”

The moment Yu Ak learned that Sima Geon and his companions had secured passage at Gukou, he had initiated the advance. While the initial strategy involved a fortified defense at Gunsan, he realized that if the enemy bypassed them, they would lose the initiative. He had made the call on instinct.

“On another note, where is that Hongik Branch Leader hiding himself?”

Yu Ak’s tone soured instantly at the mention of the man.

“He should be moving through the Jeonggang territory currently.”

“Moving that fast? Hmph! He’s running scared. He knows the magnitude of the catastrophe his subordinates triggered. Send word: I have no desire to look upon his face. Tell him to link up with the remnants of Biwoong Stronghold. And repeat the mandate to every water stronghold on the river: no one is to engage. We cannot afford a second blunder.”

“It shall be done.”

“Most importantly, I want a shadow on their every move. Getting close will be treacherous, but I expect results. I want every minor detail reported.”

“Understood, sir!”

Ga Hyu braced his resolve and departed.

Yet, unbeknownst to them, their information network was already compromised. The Yangtze River Water Alliance remained ignorant of a crucial fact: it was not Sima Geon’s party who had eradicated the leadership of Biwoong Stronghold, but a group of enigmatic women. This oversight was a ticking time bomb.

—

The vessel belonging to the Nanjing Merchant Association, crippled by the Biwoong Stronghold’s assault, had been forced to seek sanctuary at the nearest docks. The ferocity of Cheol Woo’s defense had left the ship scarred, particularly the broken mast, which rendered them immobile.

By utilizing the captured pirate skiffs, they reached the harbor and commenced urgent repairs. In the interim, the two seized pirate vessels and the surviving brigands were turned over to the law. The Nanjing Merchant Association claimed the bulk of the rewards; they needed every coin to offset repair costs and prepare for the inevitable shadow of the Yangtze River Water Alliance’s vengeance.

This windfall was only possible through the intervention of the women who had cleared the decks and the grace of Sima Geon’s group.

Following a night of frantic labor, the ship set sail at dawn. The river’s flow remained aggressive, but a favorable shift in the winds allowed them to make excellent time. Despite the recent violence, a sense of relief permeated the deck.

The merchants and the crew, bolstered by the significant bounties collected from the pirates, were in high spirits. The common travelers, having seen the terrifying pirates decimated so easily, felt a renewed sense of security.

By the time the sun reached its zenith, the women who had remained secluded in their quarters stepped out into the open air.

Every eye on the ship drifted toward them. However, remembering the cold efficiency with which they had broken Biwoong Stronghold, no one was foolish enough to bother them.

“Drinking in the middle of the day! Have they no shame?”

Juk Ye’s gaze turned icy as she stood by the railing. The other women followed her line of sight toward the front of the ship.

There, Cheol Woo, Lightning, and Manchu were deep into a raucous drinking session. A small mountain of empty jugs suggested they had been at it since the early hours.

“A drink is one thing, but this is debauchery. Just as you noted, they are truly peculiar individuals,” Juk Seon remarked, her brow furrowing in distaste.

“Pay them no mind. Involvement with such men leads only to headaches.”

The twins offered a respectful nod to Jin Rim, the woman who had effortlessly suppressed Gwang Hae only a day prior.

“As you wish, sister.”

“They are odd, yes, but they possess genuine power.”

Neung So Hwa, the woman who had first sensed the true nature of Sima Geon’s party, spoke in a hushed tone.

“Perhaps, but they are beneath your notice, My Lady. They seem to be all brawn and no refinement,” Jin Rim countered.

“It is difficult to judge without a true exchange of blows. Setting aside their appearances, that man in particular—he is formidable. Aside from my own master, I have rarely encountered an aura of that caliber.”

Neung So Hwa’s eyes lingered on Sima Geon, who sat in solitary silence away from the others.

“That… that cannot be.”

Jin Rim’s face paled in shock. She knew exactly who Neung So Hwa’s master was. He was the pinnacle of martial excellence, the man who stood at the absolute top of the Wuwei Record—the definitive ranking of the world’s hundred greatest warriors. To compare a random traveler to him was heresy.

“Surely you are mistaken?” Jin Rim asked, her voice trembling with doubt.

“No. I entertained that thought myself—that my perception was flawed. But it isn’t. My instincts are certain.”

Jin Rim was left in a stunned silence. It felt impossible, yet she knew Neung So Hwa was the youngest prodigy to ever be named a successor. If her senses were this heightened, there was no room for argument.

“Who could he possibly be? A man of that level would surely be a legend in the Central Plains.”

“I cannot say. He does not match any description my master ever shared.”

As Neung So Hwa watched Sima Geon, her hand instinctively brushed against her collection of challenge scrolls.

‘What am I doing?’

She shook the thought away and turned back to the confused Jin Rim with a soft, knowing expression.

“We are nearing Wuhu. Once we arrive, I shall proceed on my own.”

“What? My Lady, why this sudden decision?”

As Jin Rim began to panic, Neung So Hwa offered a gentle smile.

“It isn’t sudden; it is tradition. No predecessor of mine ever traveled with a retinue during their martial pilgrimage. Not my master, nor those who came before him.”

“But then, why…”

“You yearn for your sister.”

Jin Rim froze.

“You mentioned she resides in Wuhu, wed to the master of the Bima Escort Agency, correct?”

Jin Rim’s eyes filled with moisture.

“Do not settle for mere letters. It has been too long; go and see her in person.”

“My Lady…”

The dam broke, and Jin Rim began to sob openly. Five years ago, her only living relative had departed on a journey and found a home with the Bima Escort Agency. Though Jin Rim had maintained a stoic front, the longing had been a constant ache. To think Neung So Hwa would set aside her own prestige to grant her this mercy was overwhelming.

“Ensure the others return safely as well. I have coordinated with the head steward; there is no pressure to rush back.”

“Ah!”

A gasp of realization escaped Jin Rim. She finally understood why Neung So Hwa had chosen simple maids like them for this journey instead of seasoned guardians.

Unlike Jin Rim, the twins and young Nan Hwa had family within reach, but their meetings were always hurried. Neung So Hwa had designed this entire trip to give her loyal companions a chance to reunite with those they loved.

“My Lady!”

“We are eternally grateful!”

The twins and Nan Hwa joined in the tearful thanks.

“It is a small thing. Please, dry your eyes.”

Neung So Hwa looked slightly flustered by the emotional outburst, but the gratitude of the women would not be silenced.

“Look at these lunatics! Making a scene over nothing!”

The moment was punctured by Cheol Woo’s loud, drunken cursing from the bow.

—

“It is an honor to have you with us, Elder.”

Ga Hyu bowed low as Deung Cheol stepped onto the deck of the flagship.

“You miserable cur!”

Without a word of greeting, Deung Cheol lunged forward, his hand snapping around Ga Hyu’s throat like a vice.

“E-Elder… please…”

“Do you grasp the magnitude of your failure?”

Deung Cheol’s eyes were bloodshot and feral, his grip tightening enough to crush bone.

“I… I don’t…”

Ga Hyu clawed at the hand, his vision blurring.

“You don’t know? Then you are useless. Die.”

The color drained from Ga Hyu’s face as he began to suffocate. He kicked and thrashed, but Deung Cheol possessed the strength of a demon. The surrounding pirates of the Yangtze River Water Alliance stood paralyzed, terrified by the sheer killing intent radiating from the old man.

“That is enough.”

Just as Ga Hyu was on the verge of losing consciousness, Yu Ak arrived and gripped Deung Cheol’s wrist.

“It has been a long time, Alliance Leader.”

“I have heard of your loss. I sympathize with your grief, but executing my officer…”

Deung Cheol didn’t let him finish. He snarled at the gasping Ga Hyu.

“Do you know your man failed to deliver your decree? His incompetence led to this.”

“I… am sorry…” Ga Hyu wheezed.

“Errors occur. The world is unpredictable,” Deung Cheol growled. “But this worm has no excuse. He spent the night in a drunken stupor with harlots while the message sat idle. Because of his sloth, I lost two sons and my most loyal men. That is why he must die.”

Ga Hyu’s eyes rolled back in his head. Yu Ak sighed and exerted his internal strength to force Deung Cheol’s fingers open.

“If we are seeking someone to blame, he is my responsibility. Therefore, the fault lies with me.”

“Then will you answer for it, Alliance Leader?” Deung Cheol’s lethal gaze turned toward Yu Ak.

“I will. That is the reason we are here.”

“How?”

“I will personally ensure the heads of those who slew your sons are brought to you.”

“Can I take you at your word?” The pressure in the air lessened slightly.

“You have my word.”

“Their lives belong to me.”

“Granted. You shall be the one to end them.”

Deung Cheol stared into Yu Ak’s eyes for a long moment before finally letting out a ragged breath.

“I thank you, Alliance Leader. See that the promise is kept.”

“Do not doubt me. An attack on Biwoong is an insult to the Yangtze River Water Alliance. I do not tolerate such defiance. Stand with us. I have a few things to say to those arrogant fools myself.”

Having pacified the grieving father, Yu Ak turned his head. His teeth ground together as he watched the trembling Hongik Branch Leader, Yu Han, slowly approaching.