Chapter 96
Smuggling between the two kingdom’s ports was hardly uncommon. With frequent border conflicts, chaos often provided the perfect opportunity for such clandestine activities. Even with the city’s law enforcement’s best efforts, there were always gaps in their control.
Despite thorough inspections at the ports and strict checking of ship permits, some always slipped through the net.
These smugglers employed countless tricks. Some bold ones even altered their routes at the last minute, steering toward different ports. Late at night, when the coastal defenses were at their weakest, once a ship set sail, it became nearly impossible to stop.
Of course, these weren’t the decisive factors. The most crucial element was having protection from someone in power, which explained why they hadn’t been caught yet.
The salty sea breeze swept across the helmsman’s face as he navigated by the stars, using the night sky to chart their course. Even as the rain fell in the second half of the night, it didn’t deter them from following their planned route.
In the cabin of the merchant ship, someone was speaking in hushed tones: “…Later, we’ll have to trouble you gentlemen to hide in the cargo boxes.”
“This method seems odd. What if the journey is too long, and they suffocate?”
“Rest assured, our cargo boxes are specially designed with breathing holes. From above, one would only see a layer of goods—there’s no way they’ll discover anyone hidden beneath.”
“Hmm, well-crafted indeed.”
“Of course. How else could we be of service to you gentlemen?”
The man in the inner room spoke softly: “Reward them.”
The crewman received the instruction and handed the helmsman a small tip, meager to them, but enough to send the man away in high spirits.
A subordinate lifted the curtain to enter, still somewhat worried: “Third… Young Master, your body is weak. Hiding in a box might be too much. Are you sure you’ll be alright?”
The man referred to as Third Young Master half-closed his eyes, gently fanning himself. His face was handsome but appeared somewhat frail.
“It’s fine,” he replied softly after a moment. “God will protect me. I won’t die.”
The subordinate knew his master was someone with a mind of his own. Once he made a decision, no one could persuade him otherwise. So, he didn’t push the matter further.
“Did you remember what I told you earlier?”
“Yes, Third Young Master.”
He then proceeded to recite all the information they had on the mercenaries.
Jing Tianyang was the captain of Beta Team. He had once led his team disguised as the Crown Princess’s body double, and they had already crossed paths once. His preferred weapons and fighting style were well-known.
Muna had also been to the frontlines of Nanling City, and her skill in disguise was no secret.
As for those from Alpha Squad… their movements were the most secretive. They often carried out missions alone and killed swiftly, so the details of their operations were unclear.
Except for…
They knew everything about Wakako, who came from the merchant family of Kitagawa. The source of all this information was the man in front of them.
The subordinate couldn’t help but ask: “How did you obtain such detailed information?”
“You could say we’re old acquaintances,” Third Young Master smiled, lowering his head and coughing into his fan to cover his face. “Naturally, I know more about her than others.”
The subordinate didn’t fully understand. He had only been temporarily assigned to this mission and knew little about his master’s past. He was simply puzzled by how the Third Young Master could be acquainted with a mercenary like Wakako.
But that wasn’t his concern. He needed to focus on the preparations; smuggling was no easy task.
***
Two days ago, rain had also fallen in Jinxin Port. The sky was misty, with no sign of sunlight, draining much of the city’s usual vibrancy.
Around dusk, the group, along with the two men they had captured earlier, set out for a secluded port where they were to meet Old Chen.
The issue of how to split their forces to protect the Saint was a tricky one.
If all the mercenaries were present, it wouldn’t be a problem. But with only five, their combat strength was barely sufficient, let alone having someone dedicated to her protection.
Yet the Saint was an indispensable member. No one felt comfortable leaving her protection to others.
Even setting aside her status, only she could receive divine guidance. While they could use communication stones, there was a distance limit, so everyone needed to stay close to her at all times.
After discussion, it was decided that Muna and Lin Lin would be responsible for the Saint’s safety.
Hua Yumu handed a smoke bomb to Lin Lin, instructing: “If the situation becomes critical, light this immediately. I’ve already shown the city patrol captain our Queen’s decree, and when they see the smoke, they’ll bring reinforcements. But don’t use it unless absolutely necessary.”
Tonight’s operation was merely a reconnaissance. If they acted too aggressively, it would only alert the enemy. Besides…
Who could guarantee that the patrolmen were all on their side?
The two captains exchanged glances, then looked at everyone, giving a final pep talk before setting out.
Jing Tianyang’s tone wasn’t particularly enthusiastic: “If we can’t handle these people, we might as well go back and retrain.”
Hua Yumu smiled: “Let’s go.”
***
The night breeze carried the salty tang of the sea to the shore. The merchant ship docked, and many hands were busy unloading the cargo.
However, the cargo boxes were unusually heavy. Even three or four strong men could barely move one. This was just unloading from the ship; getting them onto wagons and to the warehouse would be even more challenging. At this rate, it would take forever.
Old Six and Big Brother led the way, their legs shaking with every step p.
They weren’t good men by any measure, but they had always been loyal.
Wakako and Jing Tianyang followed closely behind, concealed blades pressed against Old Six and Big Brother’s lower backs. If they showed the slightest sign of backing out or trying to signal Old Chen, they would be killed without mercy.
The person directing the cargo movement stood out from the rest. While most people working on the shore had rough skin from their labor, this man’s skin was smooth and delicate, even elegant.
This was Old Chen, the man they were looking for.
“You’re here,” Old Chen waved from a distance, smiling. “Ah, I see you’ve brought quite a few people.”
Big Brother managed an awkward smile, not knowing what to say.
Wakako pressed the blade harder, and feeling the imminent danger, he stuttered: “Y-yes… These are the people you wanted. What do you think?”
Sweat was already trickling down his face, desperate to escape this place.
The dock workers needed strong Alphas, so Lin Lin, Muna, and the Saint didn’t show themselves, minimizing suspicion.
Old Chen examined them carefully. With his sharp eye, he could immediately tell these three were strong.
“Let’s see how strong you are,” he said, pointing to a box with a friendly smile.
The group exchanged glances. Wakako and Jing Tianyang were still secretly holding Old Six and Big Brother hostage, leaving only Hua Yumu with free hands. He stepped forward and effortlessly lifted the box.
Seeing this, Old Chen was overjoyed: “Excellent, excellent! Big Brother, where did you find these people? How much should I pay you?”
Big Brother could only manage a smile worse than crying: “J-just a lucky encounter. The money… just the usual amount.”
At this point, he cared little about money—his only concern was getting out alive.
Old Chen instructed someone to take Wakako and the others to move cargo while he reached into his pouch for silver coins.
The cargo boxes were all heavily locked, but this was no obstacle for Wakako. In her hands, they might as well have been wide open. Without even picking the lock, she split them in half with her bare hands.
Hua Yumu smiled, saying softly: “We should have let you do the demonstration earlier.”
Wakako said nothing, simply lifting the box.
Hua Yumu had used both hands, while she used just two fingers.
Jing Tianyang watched in amazement, speechless for a moment before giving a heartfelt thumbs up.
Wakako put the box back down and lifted the lid slightly to peek inside—it contained many gold, silver, and jewel items, indeed heavy, but not nearly as much as the current weight suggested.
There must be a hidden compartment with something else inside.
In the corner lay some inconspicuous cloth. Wakako discreetly felt around and quickly found porcelain bottles wrapped inside. She uncorked one single-handedly, touched what was inside, and brought her fingertip to her nose—
Sure enough, it was the same hallucinogenic plant.
She signaled to Jing Tianyang and Hua Yumu using their team’s secret hand gestures to convey this discovery, then focused on moving the goods.
With their help, the dock workers saved nearly half their usual time.
Old Six and Big Brother disappeared as soon as they received their payment, not willing to stay a moment longer, desperate to escape this troublesome place.
Old Chen strolled over with his hands behind his back to inspect the progress. He seemed to be a reasonable boss: “Once the goods are loaded onto the wagons, you’re free to go.”
This encouraged everyone to work even harder.
Once the goods were on the wagons, the job would be done. They took their wages and left happily, except for Wakako and her companions who remained in place.
Old Chen thought they didn’t understand the procedure and sent someone to explain: “You’re free to go now.”
According to the original plan, they were supposed to intercept the shipment at the docks, hand it over to the enforcers, and apprehend the leaders. But just then, Lin Lin’s voice crackled in their ears through the communication stones.
“The Saint just received a prophecy…” she said urgently. “There are enemies hidden in these cargo boxes! Forces from the Eagle Kingdom!”
