The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 151

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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 151

Chapter 151 — Setting the Trap

Yeom Yu-gwang, leader of the Yellow Dragon Guild.
After enduring imprisonment, he had barely secured his release through the Empress’s intervention. Now he swore vengeance and reinforced his martial artists. His first target was, naturally, Wang Ji-gyeong.
“The Grand Prince entered the Song Residence just moments ago.”
“Wang Ji-gyeong is there as well?”
“Yes.”
Yeom Yu-gwang stirred his teacup absently, his smile cold as winter ice.
“Did he think clinging to the Grand Prince would save him? How naive.”
“If the Grand Prince takes him under his protection, the situation becomes far more complicated, does it not? The Gold Guard may even intervene, Guild Leader.”
“The Grand Prince is no concern. It’s the Crown Prince we must watch. Before he returns, we sever Wang Ji-gyeong’s thread of life.”
“Understood. When Wang Ji-gyeong leaves the Song Residence and heads home, I’ll deploy the assassins.”
“Handle it flawlessly. No investigation, no matter how thorough, must trace this back to us. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Guild Leader.”
As his aide withdrew, Yeom Yu-gwang sank deeper into his chair and fixed his gaze upon Hwang Po-in, seated across from him.
“I’ll need the head of the household to take a hand in this.”
“My men alone should suffice, it seems to me.”
“This man must die. To guard against any unforeseen complication, I need you to act directly. Only then will my mind be at ease.”
“Understood. If you harbor such doubts, I have no choice but to step in myself. I shall return shortly.”
Yeom Yu-gwang watched Hwang Po-in’s departing figure, his laughter thin and mirthless.
“Wang Ji-gyeong, this day next year shall be your death anniversary. When you reach the underworld, I trust you’ll bear me no grudge. Hehehehe.”

* * *

Yi Hwan learned from Wang Ji-gyeong that Yeom Yu-gwang had been released.
‘Much has happened since we were sent to the front. Perhaps that was always his design.’
Yi Hwan drained his cup, and Yi Young immediately refilled it.
Pour.
“The Yellow Dragon Guild’s affairs concern my sister as well, so I’ll handle them. In the meantime, stay here for the next day or two.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“The Crown Prince will return soon. Before he does, Yeom Yu-gwang will make an attempt on your life. But if you remain here until the Crown Prince’s return, no such danger will befall you.”
Wang Ji-gyeong looked between Song Cheon-ho and Yi Young.
Song Cheon-ho nodded his assent.
“We’ve no shortage of empty rooms. Please, do stay.”
“I’m grateful. Then I shall impose upon your hospitality.”
The tension that had gripped Wang Ji-gyeong’s features finally eased. Yi Hwan turned to him with a new question.
“You’re still recruiting Martial Artists through the Sangchun Inn?”
“I’m told the supply has dwindled of late. Martial Artists have grown scarce since so many have enlisted as mercenaries in the war with Zhao Kingdom. The shortage has become quite severe.”
It was true enough.
The war with Zhao Kingdom had drawn considerable numbers of Martial Artists into service as mercenaries. For them, mercenary work was a crucial source of income.
Particularly since wartime contracts with the state came with guarantees of payment, such positions enjoyed exceptional popularity.
“Can you gather as many Martial Artists as possible?”
“How many would suffice?”
“No limit. The more the better. Of course, I’ll provide compensation sufficient to offset your expenses.”
Wang Ji-gyeong paused as though weighing the request, then readily nodded his agreement.
“Understood. If that is your wish, I’ll begin recruitment starting tomorrow. But if I may ask—what purpose do you have for so many Martial Artists?”
“I’ll explain the reason later.”
“Very well.”
“Brother, please eat first.”
The feast began in earnest.
Yi Hwan ate more than usual, mindful of Yi Young’s efforts. Perhaps it was the simple pleasure of a proper meal after so long; Cheol Mu-ok, Ju-tae, and Go-mi all wielded their chopsticks without pause.
As they ate and the mood grew warm and convivial, Yi Hwan suddenly posed an odd question to Wang Ji-gyeong.
“Did you arrive by carriage?”
“Yes, Grand Prince.”
“Good.”
Yi Hwan glanced toward Yi Young.
“Is there anyone in the household guards with a build similar to Wang Ji-gyeong’s?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure.”
Song Cheon-ho spoke up as Yi Young tilted her head in thought.
“Not quite as imposing as Wang Ji-gyeong, but I do know a rather solidly built fellow.”
“That’ll do. Cheol Mu-ok.”
“Yes?”
“Match the number of Wang Ji-gyeong’s bodyguards and have them swap clothes accordingly.”
“Will the Yellow Dragon Guild move immediately?”
Yi Hwan drained his cup.
Clink!
“The Crown Prince returns soon. For Yeom Yu-gwang, who thirsts for vengeance against Wang Ji-gyeong, time is running short. If that’s the case, there’s a very high chance they’ll strike when Wang Ji-gyeong returns home tonight.”
“If Yeom Yu-gwang knows when His Highness will return, today would indeed be the most likely opportunity.”
“The Empress and the Second Prince back that man. I can’t let him run loose—he needs to go back to prison. Make preparations.”
“Understood.”
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae left the room.
Yi Young spoke with a furrowed brow.
“You don’t even get proper rest, yet you throw yourself into danger.”
“If I leave it be, your Song Residence will face considerable trouble as well. Not to mention the disruption to your business.”
“I’m sorry, brother.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for—I’m doing this for my own peace of mind. In any case, this liquor is quite decent. Shall I have another bottle?”
“Just a moment. I’ll fetch it right away.”
After Yi Young left the room, Yi Hwan fixed his gaze on Song Cheon-ho and asked, “You’ve lost weight, haven’t you? And I noticed you barely touched your food.”
“Ah!”
Song Cheon-ho’s face lit up as if he’d forgotten something, and he broke into a broad smile.
“Morning sickness has been quite severe. I’m going through quite an ordeal.”
Wang Ji-gyeong’s expression froze.
“We’re finally going to have a child.”
‘She’s carrying a child…’
“Oh! What wonderful news! Congratulations! My sincere congratulations! Hah-hah-hah!”
Wang Ji-gyeong beamed as though it were his own blessing.
Yi Hwan felt something stir in him. Strictly speaking, Yi Young was no blood relation of his.
Yet if he must continue living in this body, then a niece—something that had never existed in his former life—would soon come into being.
“Can’t the physician do anything about the morning sickness?”
“There’s no remedy for it, they say. But it shouldn’t pose any serious health risk, so please don’t worry too much.”
“In any case, my congratulations.”
“Thank you, Grand Prince.”
Just then, Yi Young entered carrying a bottle of liquor.
Had she heard outside? Her cheeks flushed with shyness as she uncorked the bottle and poured into an empty cup.
Glug, glug.
“You carry precious life now. Guard your health with particular care.”
“Yes. I’m being very careful.”
The drinking continued longer than planned.
Yi Hwan consumed three bottles. Though he didn’t quite realize it, he wore a broad, contented smile throughout the gathering.

A pitch-black night.
The carriage bearing Wang Ji-gyeong rolled slowly along the Official Road. The eyes of those watching grew sharper, more hungry with killing intent.
“Strike where the road curves.”
“Understood.”
They were figures wrapped in masks from crown to heel.
Twenty on each side of the Official Road, they hid themselves and waited for Wang Ji-gyeong’s carriage to approach.
Behind them stood a figure like a ghost. It was Hwang Po-in, whom Yeom Yu-gwang called his steward.
He too wore a mask as his eyes remained fixed on Wang Ji-gyeong’s carriage.
“The escort seems smaller in number than expected.”
“Director Yeom wouldn’t dream that he’d move today. Or they’re a small, elite force.”
“Given Wang Ji-gyeong’s wealth, the latter seems more likely. Though I wonder if you need to personally see this through, steward.”
“Having received such generous payment, shouldn’t there at least be blood on the blade?”

Hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo.
An owl called out somewhere nearby.
Perhaps a quarter of an hour had passed when Wang Ji-gyeong’s carriage finally reached the curved bend in the Official Road.
“Strike.”
Whoosh!
At the command, masked figures erupted simultaneously from the forests on both sides of the road. Swords glinted with moonlight, casting a sinister gleam as they flew toward Wang Ji-gyeong’s bodyguards.

* * *

Yi Hwan stood watching Hwang Po-in from beyond the surge of masked attackers.
‘So that one’s the ringleader.’
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae charged forward to meet the onrushing masked figures.
Clang!
Thwack!
“Argh!”
“Ugh!”
The warriors of Yi Hwan’s faction, disguised as Wang Ji-gyeong’s bodyguards, drew their swords in unison and moved to intercept the masked attackers.
Three more figures burst from the carriage.
Crash!
Splintering crash!
“Ahhhhh!”
“Gahhh!”
The quiet Official Road was filled with the desperate death cries of the masked men.
Hwang Po-in’s eyes changed the moment he saw his subordinates, whom he’d thought would overwhelm them, falling one by one in brutal slaughter.
“……!”
Crash!
Splintering crash!
“Ahhhhh!”
“Gahhh!”
“What kind of cursed luck is this!”
Shink!
Hwang Po-in drew his sword.
That was when it happened.
“Stay right there.”
A cold, detached voice spoke, and someone dropped down before him.
It was Yi Hwan.
Hwang Po-in flinched, raising his sword to guard.
Above his head, seven points of light moved silently through the air. But Hwang Po-in had no awareness of them whatsoever.
The lights had already been hovering above his head before Yi Hwan descended.
“Did Yeom Yu-gwang send you?”
Hwang Po-in did not answer. Instead, he spread his feet slightly wider than shoulder-width and held his sword extended downward with both hands.
The moment he laid eyes on Yi Hwan, he sensed it—that he might very well die here tonight.
“So you’ve made peace with dying, sworn to keep your secrets to the grave. But I’m afraid things won’t go as you wish.”
“You talk too much. Come on then!”
“I was planning to.”
Whoosh!
Yi Hwan moved.
Hwang Po-in tracked the movement and quickly shifted the direction of his blade. But that was precisely when it happened.
Thwack-thwack-thwack-thwack!
“……!”
Hwang Po-in’s eyes went wide, his body frozen in place like stone.
Yi Hwan approached with a cold smile.
‘I caught him far too easily.’
Capture alive had been the goal from the start. So he’d released the seven points of light first, then orchestrated the situation so his opponent would focus entirely on him.
His first movement was naturally a feint, and it worked flawlessly.
“Guh……guh…….”
Strangled sounds came from Hwang Po-in’s throat. In that brief moment, his vital points had been sealed. Yi Hwan had learned through bitter experience how many times prisoners would bite down on poison hidden in their mouths to escape interrogation—so from the start, he’d suppressed the vital points that would allow such resistance.
Yi Hwan looked directly into Hwang Po-in’s eyes, which trembled with disbelief and shock, and spoke without inflection.
“You have two choices. One is to answer my questions honestly. The other is to die very slowly in agony so exquisite that no human being could endure it.”
A faint tremor ran through him.
“Of course, if you choose the first option, I’ll spare your life. But first, you’ll watch your subordinates die. I’d like to save them, but I can’t have any witnesses.”
“……!”
Flash!
Crack-crash!
“Aaaahhh!”
“Eeehhhhh!”
His eyes were still intact, so the horrific death throes of his subordinates burned themselves into Hwang Po-in’s pupils with perfect clarity. His wide eyes tore at the corners, blood trickling down his face.
“Hhhhh…….”
Yi Hwan simply perched himself on a rock beside Hwang Po-in, arms folded.
“Hhhhh…….”
Hwang Po-in turned toward Yi Hwan. But he could only move his eyes, not his head—so he couldn’t see him at all.
“Don’t bother struggling. You’ll know who I am soon enough.”
Yi Hwan watched the slaughter unfold with deliberate calm. The survivors were beginning to scatter and flee.
But a few of them fought on to the end.
Thud!
“Ahhh!”
The skull of the last remaining man caved in like a melon, and the massacre came to a close.
“Don’t pursue them.”
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae approached.
Yi Hwan’s soldiers fell in line behind them. Drenched in blood as they were, they looked to Hwang Po-in like demons freshly escaped from hell.
Ju-tae stepped forward.
“Shall I interrogate him, my lord?”
“Shake him down thoroughly.”
“Understood.”

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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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