The bell signaling a first-level emergency rang loudly throughout the escort agency.
"Whoosh…"
Fully armed escorts swiftly emerged from the training ground. In their hands, white spears and swords glittered brilliantly in the sunlight, creating a dazzling spectacle.
"As happy as I am to visit, this welcome is a bit too noisy. There's really no need for such a grand display."
Scratching the back of his head in a slightly embarrassed manner, Bi Ryu-yeon commented. leader Jang Woo-yang, who had rushed out like a tiger even before the emergency bell rang, was the first to bow and greet him.
"Venerable Master, for what reason have you graced our humble agency once more with your presence?"
Jang Woo-yang could clearly feel his voice trembling. He definitely did not want to relive the nightmare of a month ago. This thought only weighed heavier on his heart.
"Hey, what happened to your shoes? Did you take them off to sell somewhere? Oh, it's not just you? That guy over there and this one too… No, even he's the same. Have all the shoes in your escort agency been exchanged for taffy? As if there's a conspiracy. How come it's rare to find someone properly wearing shoes? I haven't heard that the agency's situation is so bad that you need to sell shoes to make ends meet."
"Pardon?"
With a puzzled expression, looking at Bi Ryu-yeon as if he were a curious sight, leader Jang Woo-yang, upon hearing the sudden and bewildering remark, looked down at his feet and immediately blushed. He was barefoot. In his haste, he had apparently forgotten to put on his shoes. Glancing around at the lower bodies of those present with a hope it wasn't just him, Jang Woo-yang's face reddened even more, turning as red as an active volcano about to erupt. This was because, like him, many escorts had rushed out barefoot. Blushing with embarrassment, Jang Woo-yang lowered his head and spoke, his hand trembling faintly.
'What on earth brings this old man here again? What could he possibly want this time?'
This desperate thought remained just that – a thought, kept inside his head and mouth. Given that there is only one life to live, one chance in the world, it was necessary to be cautious. Jang Woo-yang cleared his throat a couple of times and composed himself. He couldn't continue to appear foolish.
"So, what brings you here…"
"Ah, I heard that your Central Armed Escort Agency is short-staffed these days? I heard about it and came over. They say you're having a hard time because you're short on workers."
'Does he even know who's responsible for that?'
Jang Woo-yang restrained his urge to curse with immense patience. The powerless had no choice but to swallow their anger. With an awkward smile, Jang Woo-yang politely responded.
"Yes, our business has suddenly expanded, leading to a severe shortage of manpower. This growth of our business, it's all thanks to you, Master."
"Really? So the rumors were true. Excellent, that's excellent indeed! Which is why, I couldn't just stand by and watch your plight while fully aware of it. I've come here to offer you a helping hand. Call it my saving hand."
"I'm afraid I don't quite follow Your words…. I only hope for your guidance, Venerable Master."
Jang Woo-yang's response was extremely polite and respectful. However, despite his outward demeanor, he suddenly felt a pang in his stomach, recalling the pain from being kicked a month ago.
"Simply put, I'm offering to lend a hand. Doesn't it sound good? Not just in name either, a genuinely good offer! Don't you need help going to Nanchang? I'll gladly assign as many as 16 of my disciples to your mission, all of them! They'll accompany your Nanchang-bound escorts. Don't refuse now. This is for mutual convenience between us, no? You've experienced those fellows' skills personally… So, I won't belabor their capabilities. So, what do you say? Ah, yes, of course! I knew you'd be pleased. Then it's settled."
'But I haven't said anything yet….'
Bi Ryu-yeon was a drummer, gong player and everything else by himself. Jang Woo-yang hadn't gotten a single word in edgewise. Truthfully, he didn't have the chance to. While this monster lunatic jabbered on frenetically by himself right in front of his eyes, as if Jang Woo-yang had the power or guts to cut in saying, 'I object to this!'
Jang Woo-yang, as always, had no choice in the matter. Moreover, this arrangement wasn't entirely unfavorable for him. He had been incredibly anxious when the old man suddenly appeared without warning! Jang Woo-yang had worried immensely—what if he'd caught wind of escort goods scheduled to depart in two days and came demanding they hand those goods over? He was convinced he'd be unable to escape indigestion and stomach meds for quite some time. If he could just safely get through today, he vowed he'd immediately summon physician Hwang from Hwang Clinic.
Physician Hwang was a renowned doctor, famous for his Hwang Family's Secret Stomach and Intestinal Medicine and his skill in treating digestive issues, reputed to be the best in Sichuan. What would Jang Woo-yang do if that monstrous old man asked for it? He would have to give it, as a powerless person has no right to refuse.
But that would surely lead to the escort agency's bankruptcy. The business, passed down through three generations, would have to close its doors. Yet, as if the gods of heaven and earth intervened, what seemed to be the worst situation was avoided. The person who appeared like a disaster suddenly, for some unknown reason, transformed into a blessing, offering help. And not just any help, but from the very people whose abilities he had witnessed and experienced firsthand a month ago. For the current Jang Woo-yang, the assistance of these skilled martial artists was desperately needed.
"If you would do that for us, I would be deeply grateful. How could I possibly object? I will never forget this kindness, Venerable Master."
Jang Woo-yang bowed at a right angle, seemingly quite pleased.
"Well, let's not talk about kindness. When is the escort mission to Nanchang departing?"
"Yes, it's scheduled to leave the morning after next at the hour of 'Myosi' (8 AM)."
"Is that so? Then let's meet then. Make sure to give my disciples a little something for the escort fee once they safely reach Nanchang. Tell them to buy some drinks, a little treat, and pocket money; it's all about helping each other out, right?"
Bi Ryu-yeon emphasized the word 'little' strongly. Anyone who heard this would not dare to give only a paltry sum. Just to relieve worries of future troubles, they would have to cram over several shiny coins worth a tael.
"Of, of course. Don't worry about it."
"Treat them generously. I'll cover the cost. They are quite observant. After all, they're my disciples.."
As Bi Ryu-yeon was waving his hand and about to leave the agency's premises, he suddenly paused. Then, turning around in a whirl, he added one more thing.
"Ah, and my disciples are for a one-way mission only. I guarantee they'll safely escort the goods to Nanchang so don't fret about that. But they'll part ways there. They need to return on their own. Now, I'll be off..."
"Huh, wha- Hey! Venerable Master, Venerable Master Bi!
Ignoring agency leader Jang Woo-yang's bewildered calls, Bi Ryu-yeon disappeared in an instant. Left in his wake were the escorts of Central Armed Escort Agency standing blankly barefoot, spears and swords in hand, basking in the sting of the afternoon sunlight – considering themselves blessed by Heaven that the storm had passed them by unscathed…
***
Return of the 16 Warriors
A sea of silver stars adorned the curtain of darkness
that seemed ready to fall to the earth at any moment.
It was a sight so beautiful that one could almost shed tears just by looking at it.
Under the mystery of this beautiful universe, with the Milky Way crossing the black silk of the earth,
there was a man gazing endlessly into the distance.
Put differently, the young man sitting as if 'soaked in misery' was lost in endless thoughts. With an inscrutable expression giving no hints as to his ponderings, the young man simply continued staring pensively at the nocturnal sky.
"The stars are so lovely tonight. You seem absorbed in some profound thoughts – what might those be, Young Master Namgoong?"
Recognizing the owner of the swee, wind-carried voice, Namgoong Sang whirled around in surprise. Under the blessing of the night, Jin Ryeong stood modestly under the beautiful moonlight, against the backdrop of the starry sky. Her figure, illuminated by the moon and surrounded by stars, seemed almost like a celestial maiden descended to earth, dazzling enough to induce illusions. Namgoong Sang was momentarily captivated by her beauty, unable to hide his mesmerized gaze. Her beauty, like that of a heavenly maiden, seemed not of this world and enchanted him endlessly.
"Ah, Miss Jin. The thought that I must leave this place tomorrow brings many things to my mind, making it impossible for me to sleep."
"Ohoho, I feel the same! Strange, isn't it? We've only had tough experiences and few happy occasions…. Back then, we always wished we could escape from here as quickly as possible. Yet now that we're told we'll depart tomorrow, it somehow doesn't feel real. I couldn't sleep either and came out to see the stars…only to find you'd beaten me to it and already staked your spot here, Master Namgoong."
Jin Ryeong smiled softly and spoke in mellow tones. Her smile directed his way agitated Namgoong Sang's heart and he could feel his face flushing. Wasn't this the first time the woman who'd stolen his heart was gifting him a smile just for him, only him?
Her smile fiercely stirred up his chest. To think he was conversing so intimately beneath the brilliant river of stars on this quiet night of ambition with the woman deeply enshrined in his heart – Namgoong Sang felt as if even his soul were fettered by her, his entire body tense and tongue tied, sensations of paralysis creeping through his limbs.
In the next moment, lightning exploded and crackled loudly within Namgoong Sang's mind as a blaring alarm rang out. He was too stunned by the sudden fantastical situation to grasp what had just happened to him – because she, Miss Jin, was sitting side by side next to him. Pressing that slender, bewitching body against him… This was outright provocation! Something scorching hot surged up from the depths of his heart, raging through his body in uncontrollable tides of passion. So much so that coherent thoughts were impossible. Was she even aware of his feelings? With that pure, innocent expression as if she knew nothing, Jin Ryeong continued gazing at the beautiful stars and murmured,
"It's like black silk embroidered with gems. Since the night sky is so clear, the weather tomorrow will definitely be nice."
"Ah, yes, I suppose so."
Namgoong Sang hemmed and hawed awkwardly. He remained utterly hopeless when it came to progress or learning.
"Excuse me….have your injuries healed well?"
Recalling how he'd sustained those wounds protecting her from the white tiger they met in the forest months ago, Jin Ryeong asked with concern. While the gashes themselves had mended by now after all this time, they had been quite deep, so she worried if any lingering after-effects remained.
"Injuries? Ah yes, perfectly fi- *Gulp!*"
Namgoong Sang's firm reply abruptly died off as his breath hitched in unison. But this didn't mean Jin Ryeong had ambushed him. However, Jin Ryeong gently caressing the spot on Namgoong Sang's back where he'd been clawed could have a decisive impact on the preservation of his life. Her exquisite jade-like hand could prove far more perilous to Namgoong Sang than any blade. Naturally, his breathing had ceased properly.
Namgoong Sang's whole body was rigid, his eyes fixed and unmoving. His breathing had weakened until only the faintest wisps could barely be heard. Was it agitation flushing his blood into his face? His complexion felt hot.
'Wha-What is this feeling…?'
Together with the surging rapture bubbling up from the depths of his heart, he sensed a light pressure upon his right shoulder. Jin Ryeong was resting her head against him. Silence descended. For an indistinct amount of time with not a word spoken between them, the two simply remained in that posture. Only muteness filled the space between them.
"I was really grateful back then."
The scales of silence tipped towards Jin Ryeong as she murmured softly. Back then, she was grateful…
"Ah, don't say that. I only did what I ought to have done."
Befuddled by her saccharinely sweet voice, Namgoong Sang could not help but feel perturbed.
"Even still, Master Namgoong was the one who saved my life."
"No, the true savior was our Master. He was the one who repelled the white tiger."
Whether due to his ingenuous nature or not, Namgoong Sang stated the facts plainly without attempting to twist another's contributions as his own in order to impress her. His behavior in not redirecting the credit for saving his life to himself to look better in Jin Ryeong's eyes demonstrated that he was an honest, upright man not versed in cunning schemes.
"But the one who truly protected me from danger was you, Master Namgoong. And because of that, you suffered these wounds on your back…"
To Namgoong Sang, her smiles and words felt far softer and sweeter than anything else in this world.
"It's just a small injury. No traces left anymore, so don't worry."
But that was a lie. Three long gashes from the white tiger's claws still ran deep in Namgoong Sang's back. They would likely never fade for the rest of his life. Yet Namgoong Sang regarded them with pride – honorable scars earned in the act of shielding his beloved. And he hadn't wished to hurt her by saying the wounds on his back would remain there permanently, never fading even with the passage of time.
"Hmph, you're lying. They're still so distinct."
Once more, Jin Ryeong gently caressed Namgoong Sang's back. The wounds had been deep enough that she could still clearly feel them through his clothes. Better than anyone, Jin Ryeong knew these were no trivial wounds that would heal quickly. They would likely burden his back for his entire life, never disappearing. The fact that these eternally unforgettable scars had been born from trying to protect her made her heart ache even more.
"Master Namgoong."
Jin Ryeong softly whispered his name.
"Yes."
Namgoong Sang replied quietly too with a calm, measured voice that soothed the listener. Everyone was silent, enveloped only in tranquil stillness.
"If a similar situation occurs again, will you still be able to protect me?"
"Of course."
In a composed yet firm tone brimming with conviction, Namgoong Sang answered.
"Even continuously?"
"Yes, continuously."
"For life?"
Namgoong Sang looked at Jin Ryeong with surprised eyes. Her gaze glimmering under the moonbeams was profound and exquisite. Those jet-black pupils holding abyssal lights had captivated his heart with their infinite splendor. An enrapturing look that enthralled people. Namgoong Sang thought no man in this world could behold her eyes and not be bewitched.
"I will shield you forever. Until the day this life of mine ends."
It was a calm yet resolute voice. And Namgoong Sang quietly pressed his lips conveying an oath of covenant to hers. It was truly an enchanting experience. In an instant, his mind blanked pure white. Then from his lips spreading throughout his entire body came soft, tender sensations. Drowning in the sweet intoxication that plunged him into rapture, Namgoong Sang let slip the last threads of rationality he'd barely clung to. Their first kiss.
When Namgoong Sang regained his senses shortly after, he found his lips still pressed over Jin Ryeong's, his left hand cradling her swan-like neck and his right arm wrapped tightly around her waist. But they hadn't crossed the line yet.
Despite being locked in his embrace every which way, Jin Ryeong did not resist at all. At last grasping the situation and his actions, the flustered Namgoong Sang hurriedly parted his lips and hands, then shyly turned away from Jin Ryeong. She leaned against his back and the warmth of her body transmitted to Namgoong Sang along his spine.
Silence fell once more, but it didn't last long this time. Perhaps the scales of quiet tipped towards Namgoong Sang, for he made the next move without speaking – gently taking her hand. If the phrase "delicate jade-like hand" could be personified, it would be Jin Ryeong's hand. That smooth, warm touch was a sensation not easily expressed in words. With the stars growing deeper overhead, the two continued sitting back to back, relishing each other's comforting bodily warmth.