****
“It’s Sima Ho. My brother was working here as a porter and got captured as a prisoner.”
“Ah, I see. But what’s your brother’s name...”
“Sima Hyeon.”
It was a name he didn’t recall. Even if they were workers, the Zhu Hai Escort Agency had direct and indirect ties to hundreds of porters. He wasn’t the type to remember every single one of their names.
At that moment, a man who had been standing a little ways off came rushing over.
“He’s my relative. We started working here together, Vice Agency Leader.”
Bang Il Sam’s stiff expression softened upon recognizing the anxious newcomer as one of the stewards he trusted.
“Ah, is that so.”
Bang Il Sam nodded and bowed his head toward Sima Ho.
“Your brother’s situation is truly regrettable. I have no face to show you. In any case, we’re doing everything we can to ensure everyone returns safely. Please trust us and wait.”
Bowing to everyone present, Bang Il Sam turned away as if he had nothing more to say.
“That bastard.”
The curse slipped from Sima Ho’s lips, displeased by Bang Il Sam’s attitude.
“Damn it! No sincerity at all. Something feels off. Brother!”
Sima Ho snapped irritably and beckoned to Jang Seong, who had just vouched for his identity.
“You’re here?”
“Cut the crap. What’s the situation? They’re demanding a huge sum. Are they really negotiating properly like that guy said?”
“Of course. We’re handling it right. He’ll be back safe soon, so don’t worry and just wait.”
Jang Seong raised his voice, seemingly mindful of those around them. But Sima Ho didn’t miss the tremor in his eyes.
“Come with me for a sec.”
Dragging Jang Seong to a secluded spot, Sima Ho growled.
“Quit the bullshit and tell me straight. What’s really going on?”
“Hey, let go of my arm first.”
“Oh, sorry.”
Sima Ho released him at Jang Seong’s shout.
Wincing from the pain in his arm, Jang Seong glanced around cautiously before speaking.
“The amount they’re demanding is beyond imagination. They’re completely insane.”
“How much?”
“A hundred taels of gold.”
“...”
As Sima Ho gaped speechless, Sima Geon and Cheol U—who had sent him inside and been waiting outside—approached.
“The brothers are here too.”
Jang Seong bowed gladly.
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you come in?”
“We were going to, but the youngest who came with us suddenly fainted.”
“Jina? Why Jina?”
Jang Seong asked in surprise.
“The atmosphere around here’s pretty grim. She must’ve overheard something shocking. Though it’d be weirder if she wasn’t rattled.”
Sima Geon, who had broken out in cold sweat from Sima Jin’s sudden collapse, spoke bitterly.
“I see. Is she okay now?”
“Yeah.”
“Phew, that’s a relief at least.”
As Jang Seong sighed in relief, Cheol U—who had heard the bandits’ demands from Sima Ho in the meantime—let out a hollow chuckle.
“These guys are real lunatics. Where’s a small outfit like this supposed to get that kind of money?”
“What’s wrong with the Zhu Hai Escort Agency? It’s still one of the bigger ones around here.”
As Jang Seong bristled, Cheol U waved him off like swatting a fly and asked slyly.
“Shut it. You got some other plan brewing? Sending a rescue team or something?”
Jang Seong whipped around, startled by Cheol U’s question.
“How’d you know? We’ve been keeping it quiet.”
“The vibe screams it. But you think it’ll work? Doesn’t seem like the Zhu Hai Escort Agency has the muscle on its own.”
“The Agency Leader says it’s doable. Looks like we’ll get help from the locals. Word is we’ve already sent people out.”
“Dunno if it’ll pan out. The bandits probably have a rough idea of what we’ll try.”
Cheol U shook his head skeptically.
“But who the hell are these guys pulling this stunt? I thought there was some line between escort agencies and bandits.”
To Sima Geon’s question, Jang Seong replied with frustration.
“Exactly. This isn’t just crossing the line—it’s a straight-up declaration of war. Crazy bastards! Their stronghold got smashed, and they still haven’t come to their senses.”
Sima Geon’s eyes flashed for a moment.
“Their stronghold got smashed?”
“Yeah. Gold Tiger Stronghold—pretty notorious around here. It got wrecked not long ago. Everyone was thrilled to hear it.”
“So Gold Tiger Stronghold’s back up and running?”
Sima Geon’s voice was colder than ice, but Jang Seong didn’t notice.
“Not exactly reformed—more like the leader who ditched it came back. Higher-ups think they’re pulling this for one big score before skipping town...”
Jang Seong trailed off as a sudden commotion erupted.
Learning the uproar was caused by Gold Tiger Stronghold sending what appeared to be prisoners’ eyeballs and ears, Sima Geon realized there was no time to waste.
“Hoyah.”
At Sima Geon’s call, Sima Ho—who had been about to check if the eye and ear were his brother’s—halted and turned.
“I left Jina with Mrs. Yuk. She’s just up ahead—go make sure she’s okay.”
“Huh? Where are you going?”
“Got somewhere to be.”
“Now? But the situation...”
Meeting Sima Geon’s steady gaze, Sima Ho couldn’t finish his question.
“We’ve got connections. We’re off to find a way to get Hyeon back, so don’t worry—just look after the little one.”
Cheol U gave Sima Ho’s shoulder a light pat before hurrying after Sima Geon, who was already walking away.
As Sima Ho stared blankly at their retreating backs, Jang Seong returned from the commotion.
“Damn, I couldn’t tell for sure, but it didn’t look like your brother’s. The problem is they’re sending eyes and ears every four hours...”
Jang Seong ranted angrily, then sensed something off.
“Wait, where’d your brothers go?”
<><><>
“I-is that really true?”
After Gold Tiger Stronghold’s second “gift” arrived, Zhu Hai Escort Agency Leader Bang Seo Hong shot up from his seat, deeply shaken.
“Yes. Word from Brother Sowaang, who went to ask Flame Flower Escort Agency for help. It’s confirmed.”
Joy filled Bang Il Sam’s voice.
“Excellent. Truly excellent.”
Bang Seo Hong’s aged eyes reddened.
While negotiating with Gold Tiger Stronghold, he had pulled every string to assemble a rescue force.
He was certain the fellow escort agencies sharing their peril would pledge full support, and the nearby sects he’d appealed to would respond positively.
The issue was the razor-thin timeline.
Assembling a force to crush Gold Tiger Stronghold would take at least three days—and that was if they mobilized directly without detours. Yet eyes and ears from prisoners arrived every four hours.
Gold Tiger Stronghold had warned that after two days, they’d send heads instead.
Just as calls grew to pay at least part of the demanded ransom, this news arrived like rain in a drought.
“The Nangong Family warriors are really stepping in?”
“Yes.”
Bang Seo Hong clenched his fist at Bang Il Sam’s trembling voice.
“Heaven itself has intervened.”
Bang Seo Hong beamed with genuine elation.
Gold Tiger Stronghold Leader No Geuk was undeniably a formidable foe.
Even with aid from local agencies and sects, success in rescuing the prisoners wasn’t guaranteed against such an expert. But with Nangong Family warriors on board, everything changed.
No matter how mighty No Geuk, he paled against Nangong Family elites. Moreover, their helper was none other than Sky-Gazing Old Sword Nangong Gyeong—a top-tier master ranked within the top thirty in the Martial Prowess Record.
“Brother Sowaang says they’ve already headed for Gold Tiger Stronghold.”
“That fast? Ah, right—Flame Flower got hit before us.”
“Yes.”
“We need to hurry too. We asked for help; we can’t lag behind them. Unlike their revenge quest, we’ve got people we absolutely must save.”
“I’ll prepare at once.”
“Gold Tiger Stronghold spies could be lurking anywhere, so keep it as covert as possible.”
“Understood.”
As Bang Il Sam withdrew hastily, Bang Seo Hong rose and eyed the sword on the wall.
Three years since he last wielded it, but he hadn’t retired.
“Let’s ignite one final blaze.”
Grasping his beloved blade, the fire of an elder’s battle spirit blazed in Bang Seo Hong’s eyes.
<><><>
“Water Dragon Merchant Association?”
No Geuk’s face lit up at the unexpected name.
“Yes. Their caravan was huge, so I had my suspicions—and it was them.”
Escort Captain Kwak Jeung-san reported with barely contained excitement.
“We’ve hooked a big one. Good work. Casualties?”
“Five of the boys are hurt.”
No Geuk’s expression darkened briefly, and Kwak Jeung-san quickly added.
“Luckily no serious wounds. With proper care, they’ll recover fine.”
“Be more careful. You and the escorts are all I have left. Keep that in mind.”
No Geuk handed Kwak Jeung-san a cup.
Kwak Jeung-san bowed in thanks and downed it in one gulp.
“Anyway, nabbing Water Dragon Merchant Association means we’re set. Inspect the captured goods and figure out how much we can squeeze. Oh, how many prisoners?”
“Twelve.”
Surprised by the low number, No Geuk eyed Kwak Jeung-san questioningly.
“Even the guards and laborers put up fierce resistance. And once they saw their comrades hurt, the rest went berserk...”
As Kwak Jeung-san flushed, No Geuk waved it off.
“It’s fine. No need to fuss over riffraff. As long as the valuables survive. It’s Water Dragon Merchant Association, after all. A bit risky, but let’s milk them for all they’re worth.”
“We’ll prepare thoroughly.”
No Geuk nodded at Kwak Jeung-san’s confident tone, then asked as if it just occurred to him.
“How’re the Zhu Hai Escort Agency fools doing? How many shipments is this?”
“The fourth.”
“You’re slipping. And still no real response?”
“They did make one proposal.”
“Proposal?”
No Geuk snorted and twirled his cup.
“They say they can’t prepare the full ransom right away. How about half upfront?”
“Amusing. And?”
No Geuk licked his lips mockingly.
“If we release half the prisoners first, they’ll hurry the rest.”
“Cheap trick. They think we don’t know they’re begging aid everywhere to hit us. No good. Time to show them what happens with sloppy plays.”
No Geuk set down his cup, leaned back, and crossed his legs.
“Next time, send heads instead of eyes and ears. See if they keep yapping then.”
“Yes, Stronghold Leader.”
As Kwak Jeung-san turned to leave, No Geuk spoke again.
“What’s the Chief Patrol up to?”
“Out hunting.”
“Again?”
No Geuk looked exasperated.
“Yes.”
“Never gets old, huh? Over ten days of hunting—he should quit by now. The elders too?”
“Yes, they went along.”
“Tch, hunting in their old age. Pitiful, having to tend to the young pups. At least they’re not making demands.”
No Geuk downed his drink, then froze with a hollow laugh.
“Not that they’d dare, seeing this mess.”
Chest tight, No Geuk took a slow deep breath.
The sight of his lifelong stronghold reduced to ashes never grew easier, no matter the time.