The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 106

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Red Dragon Martial Emperor Episode 106

Chapter 106 — Go-mi Narrowly Escapes

The Marketplace District thronged with people.
Go-mi arrived there as twilight deepened into evening. She had come to meet an informant.
In truth, her sphere of operations was classified intelligence that even Crown Prince Yi So and Yi Hwan had not been briefed on. Her informants, naturally, fell under that same veil of secrecy.
Go-mi approached an inn and turned back to address the warriors of the Sword King Ilmaek who had come with her.
“I’ll be back shortly. Wait here.”
“We have received our lord’s strict command to protect you.”
“I cannot expose my informant’s identity. Wait here. I won’t be long.”
The two warriors watched Go-mi’s receding figure as she entered the inn, their brows furrowed.
“Will she be alright?”
“What trouble could there be? Let’s just wait. If anything goes wrong, we head up immediately.”
In the end, the two warriors remained at the inn’s entrance, observing the passersby as they waited for Go-mi’s return.
How long had they waited?
Two Hwang Po-in entered the inn. The warriors’ eyes swept sharply across the pair’s forms.

* * *

Go-mi sat across from Jang Han, whose features were unremarkable. The moment he took his seat, Jang Han opened his mouth.
“Two warriors belonging to the Red Moon have been found dead near the Gold Guard’s Military Command. It appears Red Moon’s target is indeed the fourth prince.”
“You’re certain?”
“Without doubt. I knew those men. You can trust this.”
“Is there anything else?”
Jang Han glanced around before speaking again.
“A few days ago, the Empress visited the Forbidden Realm.”
“You mean the Forbidden Realm within Manhwa Palace?”
“Yes.”
Go-mi’s eyes grew heavy with gravity.
‘Why would the Empress suddenly visit that place?’
The Forbidden Realm itself was absolute classified intelligence. Only a handful of people in the Imperial Palace even knew of its existence.
“It will be dangerous, but try to find out why the Empress visited the Forbidden Realm.”
“That is…….”
As Jang Han’s expression grew troubled, Go-mi drew a money pouch from her sleeve and offered it.
Jang Han shook his head.
“I’ve already received sufficient payment. The problem is that it’s too dangerous — I’m worried whether my associates will be willing to move.”
“This concerns the safety of the Crown Prince himself. I must ask this of you. If not for your network, there’s no other way to learn the truth.”
“Hmm…….”
At Go-mi’s earnest tone, Jang Han nodded after a moment.
“Very well. But it will take time.”
“I’ll wait.”
It was then.
Two Hwang Po-in entered. Jang Han, about to speak, fell silent.
Go-mi’s eyes drifted naturally aside as she studied the pair. Her eyes widened when she saw the Sword King Ilmaek warriors follow them in. When their gazes met, one of the Sword King Ilmaek warriors transmitted a telepathic message.
[These men radiate ill intent.]
Bewilderment flickered across Go-mi’s face as she averted her eyes. The informant’s face—which absolutely could not be revealed—had been exposed.
But the immediate concern was the identity of the two Hwang Po-in.
‘Are they after me?’
If the warriors’ instincts proved wrong, that would be fortunate. But if they were right, the informant’s safety demanded she make a stand here and now.
Go-mi quietly drew her sword energy upward.
Having left the hilt unlatched in preparation for such moments, the blade emerged silently, barely visible.
Jang Han did the same.
It was then.
The two Hwang Po-in, who had seemed ready to pass by Go-mi’s table, suddenly launched themselves at her with the force of lightning.
A blade materialized from nowhere, descending toward Go-mi’s throat.
In the same instant, Go-mi and Jang Han pushed off the floor with their feet and rocketed backward, using the recoil to retreat.
Crash!
The blades of the two Hwang Po-in fell onto the table by the narrowest of margins.
Crash!
Before the dishes and food that shot upward could hit the ground, the heads of both Hwang Po-in rose into the air.
The warriors of the Sword King Ilmaek had severed their necks in an instant.
“Argh!”
“Gasp!”
The patrons inside the inn scattered in panic, pressing toward the entrance. Two warriors approached Go-mi’s side.
“Are you unharmed?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
In the chaos, Jang Han, who had been sitting across from Go-mi, was already slipping out of the inn with the other guests. When one of the warriors moved to follow him, Go-mi raised a hand.
“He’s my informant. Let him go.”
“Understood.”
Go-mi stared down at the two severed heads lying on the floor, her gaze hardening. Yi Hwan’s face rose unbidden in her mind.

If they’ve finished investigating us, they’ll come after me first.

‘I expected it, but not this quickly.’
It had been a perilous moment.
Had the warriors not warned her in time, she would have been cut down from behind without a chance to move. Go-mi expressed her gratitude to them.
“Thank you.”
“It is our duty.”
“I have one request.”
“If it concerns keeping the identities of those you met in confidence, worry not.”
“Can you keep this secret from Yi Hwan as well?”
……
“Only until I tell him myself. For his sake, this must remain hidden for now.”
The two warriors exchanged glances and nodded.
“We understand. It shall be as you say.”
Shortly after, Go-mi left the inn.
The two warriors followed behind her, keeping watch on their surroundings.
[Should we really hide this from our lord?]
[She said we must keep it secret for his sake, so let’s do as she asks. If things go wrong, we’ll just take our punishment later.]
[Still, that woman’s reaction speed was incredible. The Martial World truly is a place where you can’t trust what you see with your eyes alone.]
[She’s the head of an organization, so she’d need to be at least that capable. In any case, we’re fortunate this went smoothly.]

* * *

‘My reaction speed has improved significantly.’
Having escaped danger, Go-mi’s heart raced. Her reflexes while evading the Hwang Po-in’s attacks had been faster than even she expected.
It was thanks to her increased inner strength.
Now another question surfaced in her mind.
‘Could it really be a Mental Cultivation technique that Yi Hwan created himself?’
Questions about Yi Hwan multiplied endlessly—one would vanish, only for another to take its place.
But this one was particularly troubling.
How many people in the world could reach a level where they could create their own martial techniques? And to create one that builds inner strength at that—she, having studied martial arts, knew all too well how extraordinary such a thing truly was.
‘Perhaps I should make discerning Yi Hwan’s true nature my priority.’
In fact, not long after she began serving Yi Hwan, she had ordered an investigation into him.
But the information gathered was nothing more than what she already knew and what rumor had told her.
After that, she had suspended the investigation.
She could not investigate him while serving him on the Crown Prince’s command, as though he were her lord.
‘Still, I’m fortunate he stands with the Crown Prince……’
Then a warrior called out to her.
“Go-mi.”
“……Yes?”
“Where are we headed?”
“……!”
Go-mi’s eyes widened slightly. Lost in thought while walking, she had veered entirely off course—nowhere near the Military Command.
“I need to pick up a few things.”
Go-mi did not change direction. A short while later, having purchased far more wine and dried meat than planned, she made her way to the Military Command.
“Do you care for wine?”
“I just have a cup when I can’t sleep.”
Go-mi brushed off the question and thrust a bottle toward her.
“Drink it once you’re back at your quarters.”
“We cannot. We do not drink alcohol.”
……

* * *

Crown Prince Palace.
Gwan Ji-baek found Yi So.
“A dispatch from the Grand Prince to the imperial family and key figures, sir.”
Yi So unfolded the paper Gwan Ji-baek offered.
It contained a pledge that he would actively support anyone who requested protection in advance should the need arise.
“It seems rather unexpected for his first move since taking office.”
“Not at all. Given the current situation with malevolent forces running rampant, isn’t this the most fitting response possible?”
“I suppose, but……”
A smile played at the corners of Yi So’s mouth.
“I’m curious to see how the people who support the Second Prince will react. If even one of them accepts his help, it could shift public opinion considerably.”
“No one will ask for his assistance. After all, they never received martial artist support from the Second Prince’s side, did they?”
“That remains to be seen. When an enemy suddenly offers to protect you, the heart wavers—it’s only human nature. Still, the malevolent forces have been quiet of late. It’s a relief, though the silence itself troubles me somehow.”
“Perhaps they’ve become cautious because the imperial family and key figures are hiring so many martial artists.”
“These are not men who would shrink from that. Even the former Vice Minister of the Central Secretariat, who traveled with more than ten martial artists, fell to them. They must have encountered some internal difficulty.”
Gwan Ji-baek recalled something and spoke.
“Come to think of it, their movements have grown noticeably quieter since they failed to assassinate the Princess. I wonder if an important figure among them was killed by her bodyguards at that time.”
“That may well be.”
The Princess’s escape from the malevolent forces’ attack had become the talk of the capital. Despite the far greater number of attackers compared to the previous incident, they had been slain to the last man by her bodyguards.
“Were those not the bodyguards the Grand Prince provided?”
“Yes. That’s what I’ve heard as well.”
Heh heh heh.
Yi So suddenly laughed aloud.
“Why do you laugh so suddenly, sir?”
“Isn’t it curious? Recently, nearly every fortunate occurrence connects back to the youngest. It strikes me as remarkable enough to laugh about.”
“Now that you mention it, it does seem that way.”
Yi So rose from his seat and moved toward the window. When he opened it, cool air rushed in and tousled his hair.
Gwan Ji-baek stood quietly behind him.
“Once the youngest takes command of the Gold Guard, I will move in earnest. Until then, provide active support from behind the scenes without letting them grow suspicious.”
“I already asked about financial assistance, but he said it wasn’t necessary.”
“He did? Winning people’s hearts requires a fair amount of money. Did he really say it wasn’t necessary?”
“Yes. He didn’t speak of it directly, but he seemed entirely unconcerned with financial matters.”
“It seems this Wang Dae-in is providing support.”
“That was my thought as well. In any case, the Grand Prince appears to be doing far better than expected. Strangely enough, I find myself without worry. Haha.”
“As it should be.”
Yi So’s gaze, lifted toward the heavens, gradually filled with unwavering resolve.
Then came a knock.
“Your Highness, Go-mi from the Bi-wol Organization requests an audience.”
“Admit her.”
Moments later, Go-mi entered.
Yi So greeted her with a bright expression.
Go-mi bowed her head and came straight to the matter at hand.
“The Empress has visited the Forbidden Realm, it is said.”
“Is this true?”
“Yes. My informants have confirmed it.”
Yi So’s eyes and expression shifted at once.
He returned to his seat and steadied his gaze.
‘Why would she visit the Forbidden Realm all of a sudden……’
After a brief silence, Yi So spoke.
“Has this been reported to the youngest?”
“No.”
“Good. Until I give permission, absolutely no one is to learn of the Forbidden Realm’s existence.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Nothing, Your Majesty.”
Yi So continued.
“It will be dangerous, but find out what purpose the Empress had for visiting the Forbidden Realm.”
“I’ve already made the request, so we need only wait and see.”
Yi So’s gaze toward Go-mi was full of trust. All the more so, since Yi Hwan had taken a liking to her abilities.
“Once the affairs of state have stabilized somewhat, I will make greater use of you. Until then, devote yourself fully to the duties entrusted to you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

Go-mi left the Crown Prince Palace.
Two warriors who had been waiting outside, unable to enter, approached her.
“Are you returning at once?”
“Yes.”
Go-mi held something out.
It was a round medallion overlaid with gold leaf.
“From now on, carry this when you come here. It will spare you from tedious inspections at the gate.”
“Thank you.”
Go-mi headed straight for the City Gate. She passed countless people on her way, yet not a single one acknowledged her.
“It seems there are quite a few people even within the Imperial Palace who don’t know who you are. How is it possible that among so many, not one of them pretends to recognize you?”
“My very existence is classified to most officials.”
“Then shouldn’t you move about in greater secrecy?”
“That doesn’t matter. Even if they know my face, as long as they don’t know I’m the head of the Bi-wol Organization, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Secrets could still leak from the Crown Prince Palace, couldn’t they? Just now, I noticed even the guard on duty seemed to recognize you.”
“If you can’t trust the Crown Prince Palace, where can you trust? Don’t worry.”
“Ah, yes…….”
It was then.
Moon Yi-jong and several of his associates appeared ahead. As the distance closed, Moon Yi-jong fixed his gaze on Go-mi. Go-mi did not avoid his eyes.
Both their existences were classified secrets, yet they knew each other. Of course, Moon Yi-jong, having officially assumed his position as head of the Gold Robed Guard, was no longer a matter of secrecy.
The two passed each other, their eyes locked, like ships in the night.
As they seemed to drift apart, a thin thread of telepathic transmission pierced Go-mi’s ear like a dagger.
[You survived, didn’t you.]
Writhe.
Go-mi’s eyebrows narrowed like blades. But she did not send a telepathic message in return.
Rather, she could not.
At this distance, she had neither the confidence nor the ability to send telepathic transmission that far to Moon Yi-jong.
‘A mere assassin playing at importance.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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