Book 18 Chapter 13

White lightning, flashing.

―The path, blocked.

A path, whether tangible or intangible, once one decides to walk it, one should be prepared for the various events one will encounter along the way. If one is not prepared, it is better to abandon the path altogether. The occasional mid-journey retreat or collapse, without proper resolve, can be attributed to being overly armed with a reckless spirit.

The path the Jungyang Express convoy was currently walking was a dense mountain trail with trees standing thick on either side. Traveling a mountain path with a heavy load was an arduous task, but it was unavoidable to reach their destination. This was because it was the widest, lowest, and best-maintained mountain path in the vicinity.

Some claim that the reason this mountain road is so well-maintained compared to surrounding hiking trails, despite the Ministry of Works' civil engineering department, known for its distance from meticulousness, thoroughness, and diligence, wasting tax money and idly passing time, is because the bandits camped nearby secretly dug and carried out large-scale land leveling operations to maintain the road. The government denied this, calling it preposterous, but in reality, this claim was mostly true. Then, why would the bandits perform such seemingly good deeds that enhance the convenience of the people and benefit the nation?

Some vehemently insisted on the absolute nature of causality, proclaiming that there are no results without causes, but there are indeed results without causes.

However, except for a few special cases, this is generally not applicable in ordinary, extremely secular, and common situations. Therefore, there must have been a special reason, a cause of causation, for them to take the initiative in performing such an act that would not align with their professional ethics. It was absolutely not that the bandits from several nearby mountain fortresses, notorious for their brutality and ferocity, suddenly reformed like a bolt from the blue and couldn't resist an overwhelming urge to do good deeds when no one was looking. It wasn't that these individuals, whose brains seemed to be filled with muscle, were inspired by the proverb, "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." Although they were aware of such sayings, they only accepted them as maxims emphasizing the importance of destroying evidence when committing bad deeds like robbery, murder, or arson.

For these individuals, the maintenance of the treacherous mountain path was a kind of business strategy. This road was an important means of commerce for them, and to attract more customers, not only the "toll" was important, but a charm that differentiated it from other mountain paths was also required. Thus, road maintenance was the chosen sales strategy.

It was the heavens' doing that the mountains here were lower than those elsewhere. However, it was humans who, seeing the advantageous location here, predicted it would become a "transportation hub" and established their base. And to attract even more customers, they maintained the mountain paths. And although it was a slightly cunning tactic, they did not hesitate to cut down large trees in front of the hiking trails of other mountains, blocking the way with dirty deeds. After all, they were bandits, and such cowardly tactics were very much in line with their professional outlook. This road maintenance strategy and cunning tactics were more successful than expected, and many people began to flock to this path. Their meticulousness did not end there. They did not start their business from the beginning. They waited. If they had started their business from the outset, the impression of this path would likely have soured, leading to a significant decrease in customers. They waited for the number of travelers using this path to increase, and once people became familiar with it, they commenced business with merchants and express companies at what they considered the most appropriate time. They even had a plausible justification.

―We are the ones who maintained this mountain path, so anyone who passes through must pay a toll.

Merchants and express companies were initially surprised, but they too were experts in their own way. Such incidents were commonplace in their trade, and each time, the only thing left was a mountain of debt. Therefore, negotiating was more advantageous than fighting. Engaging with the attacking bandits one by one would inevitably lead to substantial losses. The burden of this could easily be passed on to the customers. Moreover, since they had even paved the road, these bandits were relatively conscientious. Therefore, despite the presence of bandits, many people still used this mountain path.

Hence, even though the Jungyang Express convoy had been prepared and had brought separate tolls with them before even departing, perhaps wanting to make their preparations in vain, or perhaps out of mere caprice, today was different from other days.

"Sir! Sir! Something seems very strange!"

"I agree that something is strange, President Kang. But…"

Jang Wooyang hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"Stop calling me twice in a row. Even if you call me once, my ears are still fine, so I will respond to your call. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then tell me what you find strange."

"As you've probably noticed, Sir, isn't it too strange? That… nothing has happened so far. Not even once!"

"See? This is the third time. That nothing has happened. I'm not sure whether I should be happy or sad."

As the Sir let out a light sigh, President Kang, the de facto leader, nodded a couple of times as if he understood his sentiment while crossing his arms.

"Are they resting because it's a holiday?"

Rest is sometimes necessary to increase work efficiency. Perhaps the Green Forest Mountain Fortress, knowing that overworking people does not increase efficiency, has entered a phase of self-improvement. It's not an impossible scenario. However, Jang Wooyang firmly denied it.

"I've never heard of bandits working while resting. Besides, we've already passed three places without incident. Nothing happened. It's not like they're having a team-building event."

He was uneasy about the fact that nothing was happening.

"Is something wrong?"

At this moment, Jin Solyeong, who approached, joined the conversation. She had sensitively detected that their expressions had changed significantly since entering the mountain. She was curious because Jang Wooyang and President Kang were whispering in a way only they could understand.

"Ah, it's nothing, Miss Jin. We were just wondering why nothing has happened since we entered the mountain."

"Is it bad if nothing happens?"

Miss Jin countered with a puzzled expression.

"Of course, it's best if nothing happens. But the fact that absolutely nothing has happened is a bit concerning."

"Why?"

She was the type who needed to understand completely by asking repeatedly until she was satisfied with anything she couldn't comprehend.

"It's understandable why you're puzzled. You worry when nothing happens, even though it would be better if something did. But it's just too quiet. Excessively so. We should have passed two or three collection points by now, but as you can see, no one has come out to collect. For a large-scale express delivery like this, they would have known from five li away. This is definitely strange. Even if it were a regular holiday, they should have left two or three subordinates to collect tolls. That's their business model of operating year-round."

"Collection points?"

Jin Solyeong asked again, hearing another incomprehensible word. It was Jang Wooyang who answered.

"Ah, collection points, you see…"

Collection points referred to areas managed by bandits for collecting tolls. The Jungyang Express convoy, due to several past battles involving the Vermilion Bird Gang and Billuryeon, had gained quite a notorious reputation from the Green Forest, so no one dared to mess with them, but mountain fortresses with significant influence would still demand appropriate tolls. It was also risky to engage in battle carelessly, as it could lead to unnecessary casualties or damage to the cargo. Thus, they would conclude negotiations at a reasonable price. They had to prevent casualties and damage to the cargo at all costs. Those cunning bandits tended to target only the cargo and damage it if they felt they lacked strength. There was nothing more infuriating for an express company. Therefore, the occurrence of problems had to be minimized. Even if they felt they could win a fight, the rule of thumb for express services was to avoid fighting until the very last moment. Relying solely on strength and acting recklessly could lead to a repeat of the "Suffering of Bokho Mountain" experienced by the Jungwon Express, which, ten years ago, disdained bandits by relying only on their strength. At that time, almost all the carts of the Jungwon Express carrying a massive amount of cargo were engulfed in a hail of fire arrows and burned down. It was a demonstration showing that destruction was easier than theft. The Jungwon Express, which failed its delivery, had to pay an enormous amount of compensation to its customer, and its brilliant reputation, like the midday sun, plummeted to the bottom. It took immense time and effort to restore that damaged reputation. They wanted to avoid such a fate.

"It's quite ironic. To be so anxious because there are no bandit business activities."

Jang Wooyang clicked his tongue. Ordinary people like him always feel uneasy when their daily lives are disrupted, even if it's for a bad reason.

For such a large-scale express delivery and such a long journey, the fact that no one had come out to do business was as significant as the sun not rising for someone in the express business. It was absolutely impossible that they had suddenly reformed and decided to become good bandits. Therefore, rather than being happy, the worry that a greater disaster might befall them overshadowed their joy. However, being anxious because the sky, which doesn't collapse, doesn't collapse is not highly recommended for mental health. But "Salhochae," the resident power of this area, had never let an express delivery pass without incident.

"If they're not coming out to do business, there's no need to seek them out or beg."

Miss Jin said. In fact, she couldn't understand at all why they had to pay unjust tolls to bandits. In her world, that was unthinkable. It seemed like a path of compromise with what was wrong.

"That may be true… but it still feels unsettling."

"Could they have moved their business location?"

Miss Jin suggested.

"After putting so much effort into paving the road, that's unlikely."

While she might be a hundred years behind him in swordsmanship, he was an expert in the ecology and habits of bandits. Various thoughts kept bothering him. However, as they were responsible for the safety of the express delivery, they could not afford to be complacent about the current peace.

Yuran, who had approached a few steps away, asked Jin Solyeong, "It's really strange. In that case, aren't you worried in any situation, Master?"

Then, Yu Eunsung, who had appeared beside her, answered instead. "People fear the disruption of their daily lives. It's the fundamental nature of this constantly changing world, but humans, paradoxically, strive for stability. Humans seek to settle down, so they cannot easily accept change."

He then looked at his niece on his left and added, "Those who settle down do not progress. Unbi, you must also keep this fact in mind."

"I will keep it in mind, Uncle."

Then Jin Solyeong chimed in, "The only unchanging truth is that everything is constantly changing. Since things are changing, wouldn't it be better to undergo a great transformation, like the Kun becoming a Peng? Yuran, you must not fear change. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master! Your disciple will keep it in mind."

Yuran replied.

"Ah, speaking of which, what is that person doing?"

Jin Solyeong asked.

"Yes, Master. Since the express delivery departed, they have been sleeping in the carriage. Strangely, no matter how much the carriage jolts, they don't wake up. Nor do they fall off."

If they had fallen off even once, they might have garnered more favor.

"I don't understand, Master."

"What don't you understand?"

"Why do you use such honorifics for someone like that, Master? Aren't they just a strange old man? And why do you, a Master, use such respectful terms and seem to be wary of them?"

Yuran said with a pout. Like any young girl, she had a habit of speaking her mind without restraint.

"Well… I don't know about that either."

"That…"

She barely managed to hold back from exclaiming, 'That's not an answer.' Jin Solyeong knew well that her disciple was dissatisfied with this answer.

"But!"

So she added another remark, "Always be cautious when you encounter the unknown, which you cannot grasp. At such times, listen to your instincts. Instincts sometimes make better judgments than shallow emotions based on humanly built prejudices."

It was at that very moment that a black-clothed masked figure blocked the express delivery.

"Stop!"

The figure suddenly appeared about ten paces away from the front of the express delivery.

Even though an unknown masked figure blocked the path of the express delivery, Jang Wooyang and President Kang's faces even showed a hint of a smile. It was because, feeling like they had returned to normalcy, their sudden anxiety vanished, and they felt a sense of ease.

"Ah, we've been waiting. Welcome."

Jang Wooyang greeted them first with a cheerful voice.

The two sincerely welcomed this unknown man. Hyeolpyo, the chief leader of the Salryongdae who blocked the express delivery, was momentarily bewildered by the unexpectedly warm welcome.

"……?"

They were welcoming an uninvited guest with excessive warmth.

'Are these guys crazy?'

It was not unreasonable for Hyeolpyo to think so. When could he, who always operated in the dark shadows of the night and committed only evil deeds, have ever received such hospitality?

"But something is strange, Sir."

"What's strange now?"

Jang Wooyang asked back in a disgruntled tone.

He preferred normalcy. He was a proponent of normalcy. However, his subordinate, President Kang, easily dismissed his wish.

"Yes, it's strange again."

Since it was strange, it couldn't be helped. If something strange was called normal, that would be the strange thing, wouldn't it?

"I've never heard of any of the collection points in this area operating anonymously."

Come to think of it, the bandits he had met, though annoying, had all shown their faces while committing banditry. Not a single one of them wore such a black mask while working. Although banditry is a rather shady business, they didn't seem to think so themselves. Since they were strong fools who lived by preying on others, they should at least have that much charm.

"From which peak do you hail, esteemed sir?"

"Hapja" was slang in the Green Forest for a fellow operative, and "peak" or "bush" referred to a mountain fortress. Jang Wooyang was asking which mountain fortress he belonged to.

"……"

This time, he could have answered, but the other party remained silent.

"Really… strange."

Jang Wooyang cautiously proposed the hypothesis that the other party might be deaf or mute.

"Bring out the children!"

Hyeolpyo said in a threatening voice.

"Haha, of course, you… Huh? Children?"

Jang Wooyang's words, which were about to be readily answered, abruptly stopped.

"Children? Excuse me, President Kang. Was there anything like that on this express delivery list?"

After quickly scanning the list of goods, President Kang replied, "Looking everywhere, there is no such item listed."

"Ah, is that so? I was surprised, thinking our Jungyang Express had entered the human trafficking business without my knowledge. Phew~"

"Haha, how could that possibly be?"

Jang Wooyang said with a relieved smile towards the black-clothed masked figure.

"Did you hear? Our Jungyang Express is not an untrustworthy company that illegally transports items other than those listed. So, you have nothing to hand over. Be aware of that and leave."

It's impossible to give what you don't have. Of course, even if it were listed, they wouldn't be able to hand it over, given that express companies would refuse to hand over goods even if paid double, but it was the same in this case.

"Hmph, don't lie! The trail has gone cold from your express delivery, yet you intend to feign ignorance? Hand over the children! Otherwise…!"

"Otherwise, what?"

Jin Solyeong suddenly stepped forward and asked in a chilling voice.

"You will suffer a terrible fate!"

Hyeolpyo replied without hesitation, perhaps not sensing the killing intent emanating from Jin Solyeong.

"That's an interesting proposition."

"Hmph! You'll only be able to laugh up to that point!"

Clack!

Hyeolpyo raised his hand and signaled, and dozens of masked figures hidden in the surrounding bushes emerged. In an instant, the quiet forest air filled with cold killing intent. Each of the masked figures possessed an extraordinary aura.

"Wh-when did…"

Yuran and Yu Unbi guarded their surroundings with startled eyes.

"Calm down!"

Yu Eunsung, who had already noticed, scanned his surroundings without a hint of disturbance.

"How about it? Have you changed your mind?"

Hyeolpyo asked again with a cold sneer.

"Well, there's no need to boast just because you have many family members, is there?"

Jang Wooyang replied in a leisurely voice. He was no longer the leader of a small express company of the past. Although he claimed to prefer normalcy, as the owner of a rapidly growing express company, he had felt the need to expand his capacity accordingly and had not neglected his training. The experience he had accumulated allowed him to respond in this manner. Sometimes, a position makes the person.

If they showed weakness here, the morale of the express personnel would rapidly decline. Even with a large number, demoralized soldiers are no better than paper dolls. Therefore, he, their representative, must not show weakness. Jang Wooyang was aware of that.

Moreover, perhaps it was heaven's help. He now had not one, but two reliable trump cards. Thinking of that further fueled his fighting spirit. With one of the Five Swordsmen of the World and the number one swordsman of Chang, protecting him, what was there to fear! The merit he had accumulated was about to shine. It is said that good deeds always bring blessings. Indeed, it was worth accumulating good deeds.

"Do you dare to interfere with our operation? You, a mere express company?"

At that moment, a blue vein bulged on Jang Wooyang's forehead. He then shouted,

"A mere express company! Watch your words! In three years!"

Jang Wooyang stretched out his right arm and forcefully extended three fingers.

"I guarantee that within three years, our Jungyang Express will surpass Jungwon Express, the industry leader, and become the true number one express company in the martial arts world!"

Jang Wooyang thrust his sword-wielding arm towards the sky. And he vowed,

"I, Jang Wooyang! Vow today, under this sky, to risk my life!"

"Waaaahhhhhh!"

Inspired by his heroic demeanor, the exhilarated express personnel raised their swords and let out a cheer.

Hearing the cheers, Jang Wooyang felt confident. It was worth a fight.

"Ran, you go!"

Jin Solyeong quietly said to her disciple, Yuran.

In an instant, the eyes of everyone within earshot, that is, everyone, widened in astonishment. It was as if she had unhesitatingly pushed her disciple's back into a deadly situation.

"Yes, Master! I will obey your command!"

Yuran replied with a bow, without the slightest hesitation.

"Unbi!"

Then Yu Eunsung called his junior disciple, Unbi.

"Yes?"

To his junior disciple and nephew, who countered, he delivered a firm and fatal judgment without mercy.

"Are you going to stand by and watch a woman go out alone? Hurry and prepare to go!"

He didn't particularly want to say "Yes." However, it seemed like he would have to dig his sleeping place three feet deeper into the ground if he didn't, so he refrained. Since he wasn't a king, he stopped at digging more than three feet.

"Do we really have to?"

As soon as those words were spoken, a flame of anger flashed in the eyes of his uncle, Yu Eunsung.

It was a firm and unparalleled will to not spare him if he brought shame before Miss Jin.

Through his years of experience, he knew that he should not confront his uncle in such a state and must absolutely obey his commands, even if they contained a bit of coercion.

"Of course, it was a joke, Uncle. So please take back those terrifying eyes."

"Do you call a unfunny joke a joke?"

"I'll go quickly and take care of it."

And he quickly retreated. It was safer to distance himself by more than five paces, as he didn't know when a fist might fly.

"Is it alright? With just those two young people?"

Jang Wooyang asked with a worried tone.

"It will be a good experience. They won't be able to gain real combat experience otherwise."

His words carried the strictness of a lion.

"The place we have to go is not an easy place. Considering the trials they will face, this is the least they need."

However, Jin Solyeong had not sent the children into a death trap without any preparation.

"Hero Yu."

"Don't worry, Miss Jin. I will protect them with all my might. This distance is no obstacle for me."

"I'm counting on you. I'll do my best too."

However, whether luck was on their side or not, these two, who were approaching their first real battle with their minds and bodies fully tensed, unfortunately lost the opportunity to gain combat experience.

It was immediately after a white gust of wind swept past them.

White lightning flashed.