Chapter Thirty-Three: The Treacherous Nature of the Human Heart

The group had yet to take its first step forward when several factions from Xishan Prefecture began to exert pressure on the Ji Family Escort Agency, clearly intending to join forces. At this moment, the entire caravan numbered just over three hundred people, with more than a hundred assigned to transport goods and manage logistics, while the remaining two hundred served as guards to ensure the safety of the cargo.

The fact that there were more guards than transporters was a testament to the harshness of the current times. Among those responsible for the escort, it was the legitimate forces from Xishan Prefecture that held the most positions—sixty in all, nearly a third of the total. The others, though greater in number, were scattered individuals from various regions, each place contributing only three to five people at most—they were a loose coalition with little cohesion.

If the internal factions of Xishan Prefecture formed an alliance, the rest could do little but follow their lead. The escort mission had not even begun, yet they were determined to make an example of someone, and the chosen target was the Ji Family Escort Agency.

Why? Simply put, the Ji Family Escort Agency drew the most attention. Out of the two hundred-odd people, only they had brought a black bear. The bear stood out so starkly among the crowd that it was impossible not to notice.

For a moment, Ji Yun’s expression darkened. The kind are bullied, and the gentle are ridden roughshod. In the world of the martial arts, trouble will seek you out even if you do not seek it. Such is the nature of the pursuit of fame and fortune, let alone for those who risk their lives for money.

If this had been the old Ji Family Escort Agency, Ji Yun would have had no choice but to swallow the insult. But over the past few days, he had observed the black bear’s prowess. He was utterly convinced—the bear might not be able to take on an army single-handedly, but as long as it did not exhaust its strength, it could easily stand against a host of enemies.

Could he endure such humiliation now?

“Beasts may not speak, but their hearts are not necessarily malicious,” Ji Yun retorted, refusing to yield to the combined pressure of Xishan Prefecture’s three dominant factions. Instead, he countered, “It’s only a pity when people are outdone by beasts and remain blissfully ignorant of it.”

“How bold!” came the cold retort, and the men who spoke now regarded Ji Yun with open hostility.

A large group began to walk towards Ji Yun, knives and weapons in hand, cold intent radiating from them. It was clear they were ready to start a fight at the slightest provocation.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Ji Wu noticed something was wrong and shouted, “Xiong Ba!”

“Roar!” The black bear responded at once, pounding its chest with mighty paws, muscles rippling like waves. Its roar split the sky, causing those nearby to flush red as their blood surged.

The bear, as massive as a small hill, stood protectively before Ji Yun. Even at its full height, a grown man would only reach its waist. Its heavy body shielded both Ji Yun and Ji Wu. Facing the approaching martial artists, the black bear showed no fear. Its eyes, as large as bronze bells, swiveled, and its gaping maw revealed glistening, razor-sharp fangs capable of tearing off a human head.

In an instant, the tension grew so thick it could be cut with a knife. It seemed the first battle for this government-sponsored escort was not against bandits, but among themselves.

“What are you doing? What’s the meaning of this?”

A scolding voice rang out from within the group. “Lord Chu hired you all to ensure the auspicious gift for His Majesty is not stolen by traitors, not to have you fighting among yourselves!”

“Of course, we respect Lord Chu’s authority. But I must ask, how can an animal occupy a man’s place? That hardly seems proper.” Li Gan, head of the Li Escort Agency, raised his voice, “How can men work alongside beasts?”

“That’s not quite right. Hunters take hounds with them into the mountains to hunt, to capture game and protect themselves. Men have their weaknesses, beasts their strengths. As long as men control beasts, not the other way around, what’s the harm in using a trained bear for assistance?” After a brief silence, Guo Hongming, master of the Guo Martial Hall, gritted his teeth and spoke in support of the Ji Family Escort Agency.

This was not only because both organizations hailed from Qingshan County, but also because Guo Martial Hall had few dealings outside the region—their business was mostly local.

If he did not speak up for the Ji Family Escort Agency now, it would be difficult to face them in the future, even if nothing was said outright. Conversely, offending the Xishan Prefecture group would certainly bring pressure, but it might strengthen ties with the Ji Family Escort Agency.

A distant relative is not as useful as a close neighbor, and those from Xishan Prefecture were not even distant kin—they had no dealings with Guo Martial Hall at all. After a moment’s hesitation, Guo Hongming chose to stand by the Ji Family Escort Agency.

“Well said. As long as the black bear doesn’t cause trouble within the ranks, there’s no harm in bringing it along.”

The overseer cared little for the undercurrents of rivalry. Anyone with eyes could see the black bear was a tremendous asset. His only duty was to deliver the cargo to its destination as safely as possible, with not so much as a scratch along the way.

A combatant like the bear was invaluable, especially if it could intimidate would-be bandits.

With the overseer’s word, those who had been pressing the issue frowned but dared not argue further—it would be a losing battle.

However, Li Gan of the Li Escort Agency seized upon a new pretext: “In that case, let them take the lead as scouts. After all, beasts are perfect for that job.”

“You—!”

Ji Yun’s eyes widened in anger. Scouting was not only a thankless and arduous task, but also fraught with danger. Without enemies, it was exhausting drudgery; in the face of foes, it became a deadly assignment. If an enemy were to strike, the scouts would be their first target.

With a single suggestion, Li Gan had shifted the most perilous duty onto them.

“So be it.” The overseer nodded slightly, unconcerned with their motives, only interested in what worked. “Then I must trouble you for this errand. With such a formidable bear, I imagine any bandits will think twice before daring to act.”

“...Very well.” The overseer had spoken, and Ji Yun could only clasp his hands and accept. After all, the man represented the authorities.

“Hmph.” Li Gan sneered. Still want to challenge us? Just wait and see what comes of it.

And so, after the others departed, the two men and one bear of the Ji Family Escort Agency moved to the front of the column. Because they were scouting, Ji Yun and Ji Wu received two horses.

“Do you see now? This is the martial world,” Ji Yun muttered, his expression still grim. The black bear’s strength was beyond doubt, but he and Ji Wu lacked the bear’s thick hide and sturdy bones. If real danger came—an ambush or a stray arrow—they would be at great risk.

“It’s just petty men. They’re everywhere! With Xiong Ba here, nothing will go wrong!” Ji Wu was in high spirits, still filled with excitement.

For the first month, all was calm. The two of them spotted a few thieves, but at the sight of their grand procession, the bandits turned tail and fled, not daring to make trouble.

Until...