The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 131

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

Enemy Dragon, No Emperor — Episode 131

Chapter 131 — Hwa Ryeong Wavers

Steam rose from the tea cup, veiling Hwa Ryeong’s face. There was not the slightest trace of haste in her as she savored the aroma.
‘A fascinating man. Almost too valuable to kill.’
In the days they had spent together, Hwa Ryeong had felt an odd intrigue drawn from Yi Hwan.
It was a peculiar emotion she had never encountered in anyone she’d faced before. Of course, it was not the sort of feeling that arose between a man and a woman.
‘From a mere figurehead prince to Guard Commander, and now someone important enough that even the Empress herself sees fit to check. Such a narrative is rare indeed.’
The Empress had not given her only the task of finding Zhao Gwang. She was also to eliminate Yi Hwan perfectly, leaving not a trace — that too was an assignment Hwa Ryeong had been given.
But the opportunity had yet to present itself. She needed to ensure no one would know who had killed him, and no such opportunity had arisen.
Of course, Hwa Ryeong’s own unhurried nature played its part as well.
‘Who would have guessed he was skilled enough to cleave a Qi-Infused Sword and a man clean in two?’
The martial prowess Yi Hwan displayed on the battlefield was astonishingly powerful. Yet it was not enough to inspire fear in Hwa Ryeong. She remained confident she could kill him even now.
‘If that is the full extent of your skill, you could never be my match, Prince.’
Hwa Ryeong smiled and brought the tea cup to her lips.
That was when it happened.
A female warrior entered.
“The commander has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
Moments later, Gwak Chung-mu’s commander stepped inside. Hwa Ryeong rose from her seat to receive him.
“Welcome, Commander.”
“I come bearing an order from the Crown Prince.”
“An order for me?”
“Yes. A reconnaissance unit will soon be venturing into enemy territory, and we would have you and your people accompany them.”
Hwa Ryeong’s brows drew together slightly.
Then a characteristic smile played across her lips.
“Understood. If it is the Crown Prince’s command, I shall obey.”
“Come to the Command Center in half an hour.”
“Will only we martial artists be going?”
“Several martial artists from the military unit will accompany as well.”
“I see. Then I shall see you in half an hour.”
The commander departed, and Hwa Ryeong drained her now-cold tea in a single gulp.
Clack!
The female warrior spoke.
“Why do they keep assigning us these missions?”
“You don’t see it?”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re testing us openly. Because we’re on the Empress’s side. I’d wager the Prince has a hand in it too.”
“How much longer will you endure this?”
“What choice do I have? Until the perfect moment comes, I do as I’m told. I’ll rest for now — wake me in half an hour.”
“……Yes.”
Hwa Ryeong reclined on the woven bamboo cot. The female warrior watched her with an expression of incomprehension before stepping outside.
Her eyes closed, Hwa Ryeong murmured to herself.
“Perhaps I’ll have to kill the Crown Prince first.”

* * *

Hwa Ryeong dreamed.
A nightmare.
When someone woke her and her eyes opened, her entire body was drenched in cold sweat.
“You need to go now.”
“Are they all waiting?”
“Yes.”
Hwa Ryeong threw on her outer robe and took up her sword, then stepped outside. The female warriors stood waiting, firmly outfitted in their padded garments.
Hwa Ryeong headed straight for the Command Center. But she had barely taken a few steps when she stopped in her tracks.
Figures were approaching from the direction of the Command Center.
Men clad in deep black robes and blue robes respectively. Hwa Ryeong fixed her gaze upon the face of the figure in black.
‘Why is he here of all places…….’
Heuk Po-in was virtually the Empress’s shadow—a man who could not abandon her side even if the heavens themselves split in two.
And yet he had appeared before her eyes.
‘What does this mean?’
Moments later, Heuk Po-in and Cheong Po-in took their place before Hwa Ryeong and the Female Warriors.
Swoosh-swoosh-swoosh!
The Female Warriors pressed their palms together and bowed their heads in greeting.
Hwa Ryeong offered a slight bow as well.
“Welcome.”
“Come inside for a moment.”
“But I need to depart on an operation by order of the Crown Prince…….”
“I’ve already told the Crown Prince to postpone. Come.”

* * *

Hwa Ryeong and Heuk Po-in sat across from each other. Cheong Po-in stood by the window, gazing out into the distance.
Heuk Po-in spoke in a low murmur.
“The Prince is alive and well, and Cho still hasn’t even left a trace…… How am I supposed to accept this?”
“Perhaps you should try for yourself?”
“You make excuses in the strangest ways.”
“I’m not making excuses.”
Hwa Ryeong’s eyes had turned as cold as ice, yet Heuk Po-in paid no mind, meeting her gaze directly.
“Did you even attempt it?”
“I don’t make reckless attempts unless the opportunity is perfect. One misstep would wound the Empress, so naturally I must be cautious.”
“That still sounds like an excuse to me.”
Hwa Ryeong’s eyebrows rose slightly. She then pushed off from her seat and stood.
“We can continue this conversation after the operation.”
Thunk!
Heuk Po-in placed something on the table. For just an instant, Hwa Ryeong’s eyes flickered with a wavering light.
“From this day forward, I lead the operation. Your subordinates will follow my command as well.”
Heuk Po-in fixed his gaze on Hwa Ryeong and asked:
“Will you obey?”
“Is that the Empress’s order?”
Instead of answering, Heuk Po-in gestured with his eyes toward the token on the table. That was answer enough to her question.
Hwa Ryeong did not respond.
“I asked if you would obey.”
“I’ll think about it after I return.”
Without another word, Hwa Ryeong turned and walked out.
Cheong Po-in, who had been watching the two from the window, wore a faint smirk.
“Do you think she’ll accept it?”
“What would a mere woman dare against the Empress’s command? There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Given Hwa Ryeong’s nature, she might even try to kill us. Be careful. No one yet knows the true depth of her power.”
“Hmph!”
Heuk Po-in let out a cold snort. It was the expression of a confidence that regarded Hwa Ryeong as beneath notice.
He turned to Cheong Po-in with a question.
“Before that, I need to settle something about you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Make clear whose side you’re on.”
Cheong Po-in smiled brightly.
“How could I dare raise a hand against the great cause the Empress seeks to accomplish? I follow only her will.”
“You’re not saying you’d follow me unto death.”
“No misunderstanding, please. Since the Empress has entrusted you with full authority, naturally my words mean I’ll follow you, don’t they?”
“That had better be the truth.”
“Of course it is.”
Heuk Po-in lifted the water cup from the table to his lips.
Cheong Po-in posed a question.
“Shouldn’t you pay your respects to the Fourth Prince? He is still a prince, after all.”
“Yes, that would be proper.”
Heuk Po-in rose to his feet.
“You’re leaving right away?”
“Curious, isn’t it? I wonder what’s changed in that man to make the Empress take such an interest. I think I’ll have to go see for myself.”
“Then let’s go.”

* * *

Yi Hwan regarded the two figures in black and blue robes who bowed their heads before him with cool indifference.
“The Empress sent you?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Yi Hwan’s brow furrowed slightly.
‘How long has it been since I arrived at the Northern Military Unit? And already she sends more people? That woman must be wound tighter than I thought. Though I suppose word of the Western garrison reached her, so it makes sense.’
Yi Hwan leaned back and continued.
“Understood. You’re dismissed.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Just as the man in black and blue robes reached for the door handle—
“Who has authority here?”
“Pardon?”
“Between you and this woman Hwa Ryeong, who holds the greater authority? I need to know so I understand whom to consult when matters arise.”
The man in black robes answered.
“The Empress has entrusted the authority to me. Should you require anything, please call upon me.”
“Is that so? Very well.”
Yi Hwan waved his hand dismissively, signaling them to leave. The two exchanged glances and departed through the door.
Cheol Mu-ok spoke.
“Both of them seem rather extraordinary. Especially the one in black robes—something about him troubles me.”
“I found the one in blue robes more unsettling, if I’m honest.”
“Keep both of them under close watch. But I’m curious how this woman Hwa Ryeong will take the situation. From the way he answered just now, it seems they hold similar positions. That could prove useful.”
“Wouldn’t internal conflict serve us well?”
“Suppose we give that conflict a little push?”
“How would you suggest that?”
“I’ll work out the details. For now, go. I’m going to rest, so don’t wake me.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Rest well.”

* * *

Whoosh!
A strong wind swept across the mountainous terrain.
Unmelted snow whipped up by the gale obscured the view as Hwa Ryeong, her face half-covered by cloth, approached the Zhao Military Encampment alongside the reconnaissance unit.
As they drew closer to the encampment, subtle traces of presence flickered at the edges of her awareness.
The lead scout raised his hand, signaling the group to halt. But Hwa Ryeong, distracted, took several more steps before stopping.
[Focus!]
[Sorry.]
A wry smile played across Hwa Ryeong’s lips.
Yet beneath that expression, her mind churned with anything but peace. Her thoughts were consumed entirely by Heuk Po-in.
‘How long have I been here? And already she sends someone to replace me? Is this all the trust the Empress has in me?’
Doubt bloomed alongside suspicion—suspicion of the Empress herself. Once kindled, the flame of doubt grew larger with each passing moment.
It was the fatal weakness of those who had never known failure, who had tasted only victory.
Tap!
[We’re moving forward.]
The Female Warrior jabbed Hwa Ryeong’s back with her finger. Hwa Ryeong shook off her thoughts and resumed her advance.
[If you can’t focus, then go back!]
The angry Sound Transmission of the Martial Artist leading the scouts cut through her mind. Hwa Ryeong answered with nothing but another smile.
Then it happened.
Flash!
A projectile streaked from the forest to the left.
Thud!
“Ugh!”
The projectile pierced through a scout’s throat and embedded itself in a tree behind him.
Thud!
“Enemy!”
“On the left!”
“They’re on the right side too!”
Crack!
Beyond the swirling snow, figures rose into the air. Martial artists from Zhao Kingdom.
“Damn it, how many of them are there?”
“Form ranks!”
The reconnaissance unit of Yen Kingdom quickly assembled a sword formation. Hwa Ryeong and the female warriors drew their blades and rushed forward to intercept those charging from the right.
Hwa Ryeong’s eyes blazed white.
‘I’m already furious enough as it is.’
Her sword cut through empty air.
Thud!
“Argh!”
Before the severed head could even touch the ground, Hwa Ryeong had already sliced through another enemy’s waist.
Thud!
“Aaaah!”
Clash-crash-clang!
Crack!
“Argh!”
“Ugh!”
The skirmish had begun.
Hwa Ryeong moved from place to place, unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks. It seemed no one could possibly stand against her.
But the moment a Blue Robe warrior appeared, everything changed.
Flash!
A beam of light erupted. It shot like a Flash Step toward a female warrior moving behind Hwa Ryeong. The female warrior raised her blade to block the incoming projectile.
Yet.
Boom!
“Ahhh!”
The female warrior cried out as she flew through the air like a broken kite, crashed into a tree, and crumpled to the ground.
Thump!
Collapse!
Hwa Ryeong spun around in alarm.
It was a man draped in a chill, cerulean-blue robe. He approached her with a cold smile.
“What an exquisitely attractive body you possess. I shall claim it for myself. So don’t be so savage about it—it would be a terrible shame if such beauty were marred. Hehehehe.”
Twitch!
Hwa Ryeong’s brows curved like the edge of a blade.
“What did you just say, you bastard!”

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