Chapter 20

Chapter 20
## Chapter 20

### Chapter Title: Outrageous Requests (2)

“It is Sima Ho, senior. My elder kin was laboring here as a transport worker for the Juhae Escort Agency when he was captured.”

“I see. Might I inquire as to your sibling’s given name…”

“Sima Hyeon.”

The name failed to trigger any recollection. Even among those on the official books, there were upwards of a hundred porters associated with the Juhae Escort Agency through various channels. He was not the sort of meticulous leader who committed every low-level name to memory.

Just then, a man who had been observing from a short distance hurried toward them.

“He is my sworn comrade. We entered service here at the same time, Deputy Chief.”

Bang Il Sam recognized the man, who had arrived with a look of deep concern, as one of the chief steward’s most reliable underlings. The tension in his features faded.

“Ah, that clears it up.”

With a small nod, Bang Il Sam offered a polite bow to Sima Ho.

“What has befallen your brother is truly lamentable. We feel a great sense of guilt. Regardless, we are exhausting every resource to ensure everyone returns unharmed. Please maintain your faith in us and stay patient.”

Bang Il Sam bowed to the assembled group and turned on his heel quickly, as though he had no further business there.

“That arrogant prick.”

An oath escaped Sima Ho’s teeth. The dismissive behavior of Bang Il Sam had grated on his nerves.

“Dammit! There wasn’t a shred of honesty in that. My gut says something is wrong. Brother!”

Sima Ho, venting his frustration loudly, signaled to Jang Seong—the man who had just vouched for his credentials.

“You actually got inside?”

“Stop the chatter. Give it to me straight. They are asking for a fortune. Are these people truly bargaining in good faith, like that official claimed?”

“Naturally. Things are being managed correctly. They will be home soon, so don’t get worked up—just stay put.”

Jang Seong raised his voice, clearly aware of the prying ears surrounding them. However, Sima Ho did not fail to notice the flicker of uncertainty in the man’s gaze.

“Step over here for a moment.”

Pulling Jang Seong into a quiet corner, Sima Ho spoke in a low, threatening growl.

“Quit the performance and give me the truth. What is the actual state of affairs?”

“Hey, release my arm first.”

“My apologies.”

Sima Ho let go at Jang Seong’s exclamation. Jang Seong rubbed the ache out of his arm, then cast a wary look around the area before whispering.

“The sum they are calling for is beyond belief. They are absolute madmen.”

“What is the figure?”

“One hundred nyang of gold.”

“……”

Sima Ho’s mouth hung open; he was struck dumb. It was at this point that Sima Geon and Cheol Woo—who had helped Sima Ho get inside and had been waiting nearby—moved closer.

“Friends, you have arrived as well.”

Jang Seong greeted them with a look of relief.

“Indeed.”

“Why did you stay back?”

“We intended to follow, but the youngster with us suddenly lost consciousness.”

“Jin-ah? What happened to Jin-ah?”

Jang Seong asked, visibly shaken.

“The energy around this place is foul. She likely caught wind of something terrifying and went into shock. It would be stranger if she hadn’t been affected.”

Sima Geon, who had been sweating with worry over Sima Jin’s sudden collapse, spoke with a bitter tone.

“Understood. Is she recovered now?”

“Yes.”

“Phew, that is a blessing, at least.”

As Jang Seong exhaled in relief, Cheol Woo—who had just learned of the outlaws’ requirements from Sima Ho—produced a dry, mirthless laugh.

“Those lunatics are completely insane. How is a modest operation like this supposed to gather that kind of wealth?”

“What do you mean ‘modest’? The Juhae Escort Agency is one of the more prominent firms in this region.”

Jang Seong snapped back defensively, but Cheol Woo dismissed his indignation with a wave of his hand and asked in a low, knowing voice.

“Silence. Do you have a contingency? Are you organizing a rescue party or something of that nature?”

At Cheol Woo’s inquiry, Jang Seong flinched and checked his surroundings.

“How could you know that? We are keeping those plans strictly confidential.”

“The atmosphere here practically shouts it. But do you really think you can succeed? It doesn’t look like Juhae has the strength to manage this alone.”

“The Chief believes it is possible—he is likely calling in favors from neighboring allies. Messengers have already been dispatched to various locations.”

“I hope it works out. But the enemy must have a general idea of what you’re planning.”

Cheol Woo shook his head with doubt.

“But who exactly are these villains pulling such a stunt? Normally, there’s a boundary that escort firms and bandits respect.”

At Sima Geon’s question, Jang Seong replied with a look of utter exasperation.

“Precisely. This isn’t just crossing a boundary—it’s a suicide mission. They are a pack of lunatics! Their base was completely destroyed, yet they still haven’t come to their senses.”

Sima Geon’s eyes suddenly sharpened.

“Their base was destroyed?”

“Yes. The Golden Fox Bandit Lair—it was quite notorious in these parts. It was demolished not long ago. Everyone celebrated when the news broke.”

“So the Golden Fox Bandit Lair has returned?”

Sima Geon’s tone was frigid, but Jang Seong failed to perceive the change.

“Not exactly returned—it’s more like the leader who fled has come crawling back to his old haunt. The word from the inner circle is that they are doing this for one final haul so they can disappear forever…”

Jang Seong’s explanation was cut short by a sudden outburst of noise.

Once he discovered that the chaos was caused by the Golden Fox Bandit Lair sending over what appeared to be the eyes and severed ears of hostages, Sima Geon realized there was no more time for delay.

“Ho-ya.”

At Sima Geon’s command, Sima Ho—who was about to rush off to see if the parts belonged to Sima Hyeon—stopped and looked back.

“I left Jin-ah with Mrs. Yuk. She is just a short distance ahead—go and stay with her.”

“What? Where are you heading?”

“I have a brief task to handle.”

“Right now? But considering the situation…”

Sima Ho was silenced by the steady, unmoving gaze of Sima Geon.

“We have many connections. We are going to find a way to recover Hyeon, so do not fret—just take care of the girl.”

Cheol Woo gave Sima Ho’s shoulder a reassuring tap, then hurried to catch up with Sima Geon, who was already walking away.

As a stunned Sima Ho watched them depart, Jang Seong returned from the center of the commotion.

“Dammit, I couldn’t be certain, but it didn’t look like your brother. The issue is, they are sending these things every three shichen…”

His voice thick with fury, Jang Seong suddenly noticed the absence of the others and asked.

“Where did your companions go?”

—

“Is… is that really the truth?”

After the second gruesome “delivery” from the Golden Fox Bandit Lair arrived, Bang Seo Hong—who had been drowning in despair—bolted upright from his chair.

“Yes. News just arrived from Brother Sowang, who went to seek assistance from the Yeonhwa Escort Agency. It is verified.”

Bang Il Sam’s voice resonated with excitement.

“Splendid. Truly splendid.”

The eyes of the elderly Bang Seo Hong grew moist.

While maintaining the pretense of bargaining with the Golden Fox Bandit Lair, he had utilized every contact he possessed to put together a strike team.

He was confident that the other agencies, feeling a shared sense of danger, would provide support, and the local sects he petitioned would react favorably.

The problem was the incredibly tight window of time.

Gathering a force capable of eradicating the Golden Fox Bandit Lair would require at least three days—and that was only if they moved directly to the target. Yet every four shichen, more eyes and ears from the captives were being delivered.

The Golden Fox Bandit Lair had threatened that after two days, they would begin sending severed heads instead.

Just as talk began to circulate about paying at least a portion of the ransom, this news arrived like a torrential rain during a drought.

“The warriors of the Nangong Clan are actually intervening to assist?”

“Yes.”

Bang Seo Hong squeezed his fist tight as he heard Bang Il Sam’s emotional confirmation.

“The heavens have smiled upon us.”

Bang Seo Hong’s face radiated pure joy.

No Geuk, the leader of the Golden Fox, was undeniably a dangerous adversary.

Even with the help of neighboring firms and sects, the success of a rescue mission was far from certain. But with the Nangong Clan providing combatants, the scales were tipped entirely.

No matter how powerful No Geuk might be, he could not stand against the elite of the Nangong Clan. And the figure leading this charge was none other than the legendary Heaven-Gazing Elder Sword Nangong Kyung—a premier master listed within the top thirty of the Martial Power Record.

“Brother Sowang reports that they have already departed for the Golden Fox Bandit Lair.”

“So soon? Ah, that makes sense—Yeonhwa was targeted before we were.”

“Indeed.”

“We must move quickly as well. We requested their aid; we cannot afford to fall behind. Furthermore, unlike their mission of vengeance, we have lives we must save at all costs.”

“I will make the preparations immediately.”

“Spies for the Golden Fox could be watching anywhere, so ensure our movements are as hidden as possible.”

“Understood.”

As Bang Il Sam hurried out, Bang Seo Hong stood and looked at the blade mounted on his wall.

It had been three years since he last drew a weapon, but he had not yet surrendered his spirit.

“Let us light one final fire.”

As he gripped his trusted sword, the veteran’s eyes burned with a fierce, rekindled will to fight.

—

“The Water Dragon Merchant Association?”

No Geuk’s face brightened at the mention of the unexpected target.

“Yes. They are a massive entity, so I had my inklings—and it was indeed them.”

Escort Captain Gwak Jeung San reported the news with visible thrill.

“We have snared a prize catch. Excellent work. What of our losses?”

“Five of our men are injured.”

No Geuk’s expression clouded for a moment, but Gwak Jeung San was quick to reassure him.

“Fortunately, there are no fatal wounds. With some rest, they will return to form.”

“Exercise more caution. You are all that remains of my strength—you and the escorts. Never let that slip your mind.”

No Geuk poured a drink and handed the cup to Gwak Jeung San.

Gwak Jeung San bowed in gratitude and finished the liquid in a single gulp.

“Striking the Water Dragon Merchant Association ensures our future. Check the seized assets and calculate a substantial ransom. Tell me, how many captives do we have?”

“Twelve.”

Fewer than he had anticipated, No Geuk looked at Gwak Jeung San with a questioning eye.

“The guards and even the laborers fought with surprising tenacity. Once they saw their comrades falling, they became like demons…”

Gwak Jeung San turned red as No Geuk dismissed the explanation with a gesture.

“It matters not. Don’t worry about the commoners. As long as the people of value are breathing, we are in a good position. This is the Water Dragon Merchant Association—it’s a bit of a gamble, but we will squeeze them for everything they have.”

“We will organize everything with the utmost care.”

No Geuk nodded at Gwak Jeung San’s bold tone, then asked as if he had just remembered something.

“How is the Juhae Escort Agency responding? How many ‘mementos’ have we sent now?”

“The fourth.”

“You are a fool then. Still no significant reply?”

“They did submit a counter-offer.”

“An offer?”

No Geuk let out a snort and toyed with his cup.

“They claim they cannot produce the entire ransom immediately. They suggested providing half the amount upfront.”

“How droll. And the rest?”

No Geuk curled his lip in a sneer.

“If we release half of the hostages now, they promise to collect the remainder as quickly as they can.”

“A transparent tactic. They likely think we are unaware that they are begging every ally for help to strike us. It won’t work. It’s time to demonstrate the cost of such clumsy games.”

No Geuk placed his cup down, leaned back into the shadows of his chair, and crossed his legs.

“With the next delivery, send heads—not eyes or ears. Let’s see if they continue to stall after that.”

“As you command, Chief.”

As Gwak Jeung San turned to depart, No Geuk’s voice stopped him.

“What is the chief patrol occupied with?”

“He is out on a hunt.”

“Again?”

No Geuk looked skeptical.

“Yes.”

“Is he not weary of it? He’s been at it for over ten days—it’s time to stop. Are the elders with him?”

“They are. They accompanied him.”

“Tsk. Old men playing at hunting, waiting on some young pups. It’s pathetic. At least they aren’t making any demands of me.”

No Geuk finished his drink, then paused and let out a dry, empty laugh.

“Who would dare make demands after seeing this wreckage.”

His chest felt heavy as No Geuk exhaled a long, measured breath.

The vision of his lifelong fortress turned to cinders was a sight that never became easier to bear, regardless of how much time passed.