TSBIRBV Ch 41

Chapter 41 Namgung Un (6)

Yipseon Sect wasn’t mentioned at all.

“I’d like to offer my thanks directly.”

For once, Yegyeol, who usually left Samrang to speak for him, stepped forward. The caravan leader glanced at Samrang, who nodded, pointing toward where the captured river bandits were tied up.

“They are over there.”

Curious, Yegyeol’s gaze shifted to the Okhyeong Sect disciples. They were deep in discussion. Between their white robes, one figure remained carefully obscured — yet when his head inclined slightly, the others obeyed in concert.

The formal leader had already accepted greetings, but this hidden man was the one actually guiding the air around them.

Could that be the “special guest” Samrang mentioned?

He was tall, broad-shouldered, his face shadowed under a bamboo rain hat. That only made him draw more attention.

“That’s him. He noticed the first hooks and with dazzling movements cut every line, stopping the pirates before they could board.”

Even without such testimony, the man stood out. Yegyeol’s eyes met his just as he turned their way. Beneath the shadow of the hat, he saw lips part faintly.

…And a handsome jaw at that.

Too late to feign ignorance, but shameless Yegyeol walked forward.

“Thank you for protecting our people.”

Pretending not to be a martial artist, he bowed instead of offering a warrior’s salute. Just a month ago he’d been in Korea, after all — here felt more foreign than there.

“There is no need for such thanks. Okhyeong Sect merely performed its contracted duty.”

An older woman among them stepped in quickly, clearly recognizing this youth held authority above the caravan leader.

“After the last caravan’s failure, to lose goods again to pirates here… one shudders to think.”

Putting an edge of anguish in his tone, Yegyeol turned specifically to the hat-shrouded man and bowed again.

“I heard you saved the caravan leader’s life. May I ask your honored name?”

“…Call me Un.”

The answer came quick. Just the one syllable, surname omitted. Yegyeol accepted it eagerly.

“Ah, Hero Un.”

Loud enough for Samrang to hear, of course.

“When the ship docks, may I treat you to a drink in gratitude?”

“I have personal reasons not to drink. But I’ll accept the thought.”

Yegyeol’s lips curved into a polite smile.

“A pity.”

“Sir, it’s time to return.”

Samrang’s voice was gentle but insistent. Annoyed at being interrupted after drawing out even a name, Yegyeol still dawdled.

“Sir.”

This time sharper. Yegyeol fumbled theatrically with his robe hem and said:

“My guard still frets after that attack. I must go now — but please, allow me a chance to repay this grace in the future.”

“Till next time,” Un replied quietly.

Samrang all but dragged him back to the cabin. She lingered, ears straining on the sounds outside, before finally turning back.

Meeting Yegyeol’s eyes, she startled — not anger, but curiosity lit his gaze.

“…Who is he, that you pulled me away so urgently?”

Her lips faltered. Yegyeol stared like a farmer scanning a parched sky for rain.

“…Just a suspicion for now. I’ll tell you if I’m sure.”

“You force me inside over a suspicion?”

Grumbling loud enough for her to hear, he saw her glance nervously, then add:

“Whatever you do, hide Baembeam’s scales completely. Never let that man see.”

“Of course. I’m always careful.”

“I mean it. Never, ever show him.”

“…Understood.”

He nodded obediently. After all, in this vast Central Plains, Je Haryang was his only true foothold. And Samrang was the one Haryang had left him. If she was shaken like a snake with all its scales raised, Yegyeol would not test her warning.

Still—Un. That name.

Plenty of Un’s must live across the land. Yet something about it prickled like déjà vu. Curiosity and caution twined inside him like a coiled serpent.

As the ship drifted down the Yangtze, pirates harassed them again and again.

“This is too frequent, even for these waters.”

Forced to hide back inside, Yegyeol frowned. Samrang answered as if waiting:

“Tang Clan scouts sent word by courier pigeon. Pirates confessed they’d heard the caravan carried priceless Western goods.”

“Strange. Nothing worth raiding aboard…”

Compared with what Tang lost last time, this shipment barely mattered.

“Could someone truly be plotting to ruin this journey?”

Yegyeol nodded at her suggestion.

“I suspected from the start, when we brought in Yipseon and Okhyeong. But the raids are so… paltry.”

Captives fled readily, injuries were minor, no deaths. These weren’t serious attacks.

“Not so small.” Samrang shook her head. “The first strike was heavy, but after failing, they reduced numbers and increased frequency. Hit-and-run. They know we can’t chase far without risking goods — it keeps tension high.”

“…Then the escorts can never relax.”

“Exactly. Even the strongest grow tired. Whoever controls these pirates waits for that.”

Yegyeol clapped delightedly.

“Scheming indeed — you’re an expert, Samrang.”

Her kind smile hid the thought she didn’t voice: We’re being herded.

The ship shifted course several times to evade attacks, wearing nerves thin, breeding both fatigue and complacency.

“Let’s get some air.”

Bored in a windowless cargo ship, Yegyeol dragged Samrang to the deck. Mist drifted thick across the water, and speed had lessened. Okhyeong disciples leaned on rails, scattered.

Then he saw Un, standing alone at the stern, gazing into the fog.

Can he even see anything?

Even the brightest eyes couldn’t cut through this haze.

“Something troubles you?”

“No…”

Without turning, Un still knew he was there. His voice was calm.

“The mist’s sudden thickening—strangely beautiful. I was watching.”

Even to minor guildsmen, his speech was refined. Yet his lips stayed tense.

“Your first Yangtze trip?”

“I’ve crossed before, but never battled on the water.”

Yegyeol blinked. He had assumed from his composure that Un was a hardened veteran.

“You must be weary, then. Perhaps you should rest while you can.”

Unusually kind from Yegyeol — as polite as he was to anyone not Je Haryang.

But truth was, everything about this man reminded him of someone.

Measured words, excellent skill, restraint, youth.

Every piece conjured Je Haryang — not as he was now, but as he had been in his late-twenties prime.

So that’s why.

“Perhaps…” Un murmured. “Now would be the pirates’ chance.”

CRASH!

The ship lurched as if struck. Yegyeol staggered — but before Samrang moved, Un caught him firmly by the waist.

“Careful!”

“Ah…”

Dangling in his arms, Yegyeol’s breath hitched sharply.

A guide.

Footnotes:

 

 

• Courier pigeon (전서구) — Traditional Jianghu method for fast messages.