The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 186

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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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The Red Dragon Emperor 186

Chapter 186 — Go-mi’s Revenge

Yi Hwan and Yi So sat across from each other.
Yi So explained first what had been discussed at the Grand Hall.
There was nothing particularly remarkable about it—except for the fact that several of the senior officials supported the Empress, which troubled him.
“Does the power wielded by the senior officials carry enough weight to influence the greater situation?”
“We can’t dismiss it. Though they’ve withdrawn from the front lines, they still exercise considerable influence. In particular, two of them command many followers even within the military. The General-in-Chief of the Central Army who accompanied Second Brother during the war with Zhao Kingdom is a prime example.”
‘Then I’ll need to look into those old men more carefully.’
Yi Hwan asked something else.
“Have you still not found a way to enter the Imperial Archives?”
At those words, Yi So let out a long sigh and furrowed his brow.
“Since the Empress herself has been unable to enter that place, she maintains the position that if she cannot gain entry, no one else will either. So it’s not easy. I had promised you, and I’m sorry to have let you down.”
“The Empress cannot enter the Imperial Archives either?”
“That’s right. It is the realm of His Majesty alone.”
It was a puzzle.
Even the Empress, who could issue orders under the guise of a royal decree whenever she pleased, could not enter the Imperial Archives.
Then why had Yi So spoken as though he’d been searching for a way to enter it?
‘Was it to win my favor?’
Doubt crept in, but he quickly dismissed it. Yi So was not a man who would lie by omission—he would have simply said it was impossible.
“As things stand now, there seems to be only one method.”
“What is that?”
“To enter together.”
“Together with the Empress?”
“Yes. If the Empress and I reach an agreement, we can open the vault door that holds the key to the Imperial Archives. His Majesty, in preparation for the time when I might fail, devised a special mechanism requiring two keys turned simultaneously.”
“So you each hold one key?”
“That’s right.”
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair, his brow deepening.
‘I cannot let the Empress into the Archives for my own selfish reasons.’
There was nothing for it but to wait longer.
“We’ll have to set aside the Imperial Archives for now.”
“But you said earlier there was something inside you needed to confirm?”
“Regardless, I cannot let the Empress enter. If there is something within as important as power itself, it could kindle her ambition dangerously. Even if we were to enter together, we must wait until we can be certain we hold the advantage over her.”
“Hmm.”
Yi So nodded in agreement.
Yi Hwan asked another question.
“Has the date of the vote been set?”
“The Empress has given no word yet. Likely because she hasn’t secured all the ministers who would support her cause. Though the same is true for us.”
“Since we too need time, I must drag things out as long as possible until I give you the signal.”
“Yes, do that.”
Yi So smiled faintly and continued.
“I hear the purge is proceeding. Are things progressing as you wish?”
“Yes. While I was away at the front, the Empress planted far too many loyalists within the palace, which created some problems, but we’ve nearly finished dealing with them.”
You should avoid bloodshed if possible. If you move too forcefully, it could alienate the neutral ministers. Of course, I trust you will handle it well.”
“Well, I had to execute a few, but the rest I’ve sent off to the Southern Military Unit and Northern Military Unit. Since it’s formatted as a temporary posting, they won’t be able to say anything even if they know. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Ha ha ha. That’s a very clever approach.”
Yi So laughed aloud. Gwan Ji-baek, standing by the door, smiled as well.
Yi Hwan finished his tea and stood.
“I should take my leave.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“I have much to attend to. Farewell.”
Yi Hwan left the Crown Prince Palace to Yi So’s farewells. At that moment, Gwan Ji-baek handed a chest to Cheol Mu-ok.
Yi Hwan asked.
“What is that?”
“Some time ago, the Crown Prince of Haedong sent His Highness a gift of silk. He never even opened the chest, saying it should go to the Grand Prince instead.”
Yi Hwan turned back to look at Yi So.
Their eyes met in the empty air, tangled together. Yi So smiled, and Yi Hwan bowed his head slightly.
“I shall drink it gratefully.”
On the walk back, Yi Hwan realized something: he liked Yi So just as much as Yi So liked him.
Yi So gazed up at the sky.
Beneath the glaring sun and that impossibly blue expanse dotted with clouds like cotton, Yi Hwan’s face appeared in his mind—a face radiating endless affection toward him.
‘Brothers…….’

* * *

The night the full moon rose.
Go-mi exhaled deeply and drew her sword with measured slowness. Yi Hwan stood before her.
“Treat me as an enemy and attack with everything you have. That’s the only way I can assess Go-mi’s true level.”
“You’re certain you want me to use my full strength?”
“Yes. Full strength.”
The blade sang free.
Yi Hwan unsheathed his sword as well.
Go-mi intended to deploy the form Yi Hwan had taught her most recently.
Only days ago she’d believed she’d mastered it completely. So this was the first time she would use it with a real blade—and against Yi Hwan himself, her teacher.
For his part, Yi Hwan marveled at Go-mi’s stance.
‘She’s reached a level where she can shed excess force perfectly now. Is it natural talent, or the fruit of effort? No—she must possess both.’
Of course, Yi Hwan regarded Go-mi as a martial genius. But he also knew she was a tireless worker, perhaps more than anyone else.
‘If she wants to grow stronger, I can make her as strong as I wish. But before that, there’s something essential: Inner Strength. Without solving that, she’ll never reach the Peak Master Realm—she’ll finish her life as a martial artist forever capped beneath that ceiling.’
Whoosh!
Go-mi moved.
A ribbon of Sword Wind tore through the air and drove toward Yi Hwan’s chest.
Clang!
Blade met blade, and sparks ignited.
Go-mi was driven back five paces. Yi Hwan held his ground.
‘Fast. But as expected—she’s short on power.’
Go-mi moved again. This time her blade descended with dazzling changes and fluidity.
Crash!
In an instant they exchanged blows and separated once more. Again: five paces for Go-mi, unmoved for Yi Hwan.
‘She’s made every variation entirely her own. Yet still, insufficient Inner Strength diminishes the impact.’
“Ha!”
Clash-crash-crash-clang!
Five exchanges unfolded in rapid succession.
Rising dust painted Go-mi’s hair and face yellow.
“Hah! Hah!”
Ragged breath spilled past her lips. Yi Hwan sheathed his blade.
Metallic snap.
“That’s enough.”
“I can continue!”
“It would be pointless. Put your sword away.”
Metallic snap.
Go-mi lowered her head as she sheathed the blade.
“Thank you for the instruction, Grand Prince.”
“Your speed is excellent. The only real flaw is those slight breaks where one form transitions into the next—though experience will smooth that away naturally. But the real problem…… yes, it all comes down to Inner Strength.”
“If I don’t solve the Inner Strength problem, I’ll never advance beyond this level?”
“Essentially correct.”
At Yi Hwan’s words, Go-mi’s spirit sank. Inner Strength wasn’t something effort alone could resolve.
“But don’t despair over it. There aren’t many women who reach your level of mastery at your age. Now, off with you.”
“……Yes.”
The two walked out of the Training Ground side by side.
But they’d gone only a few steps before stopping. Someone stood on the path leading out—Papa.
“Papa? What brings you here?”
“I couldn’t sleep, so I came out for air. I happened to see the two of you training and watched for a while.”
“Is something troubling you?”
“No. I simply wanted some fresh air.”
Yi Hwan meant to pass by, but paused to ask instead.
“What was your impression, Papa?”
“Of Go-mi’s swordsmanship?”
Yi Hwan nodded quietly, and Papa continued at once.
“At that age, he still lacks conviction. But with proper martial power backing him, he’ll become a formidable master.”
Do masters see the world through the same eyes?
Go-mi lowered her head again. Papa gazed at her and smiled softly.
“Shall we talk about us?”
……
“Then I’ll head in first.”
Yi Hwan turned away from the two women and made for his residence. As he walked, he caught a glimpse of Papa’s figure and smiled faintly to himself.
‘It seems she’s truly become one of us now.’

* * *

The next morning.
A commanders’ meeting convened in the Command Center. Go-mi, who could now be called a full member of the Gold Guard, naturally attended.
Yi Hwan studied her expression first. But to his surprise, the atmosphere was quite bright—a far cry from the dejected mood of the previous night.
‘I wonder what she and Papa discussed.’
Yu U-seong spoke up.
“Shall we begin, Grand Prince?”
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea, then moved directly to the matter at hand.
“As you all know, the Gold Guard’s authority has been substantially elevated. Therefore, we must now devote ourselves entirely to cultivating the strength befitting our expanded power. This means not only improving individual martial prowess, but also achieving in group combat a level that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the elite units at the front. To that end……”
Yi Hwan trailed off for a moment, then continued.
“My bodyguards will serve as instructors. Commanders are no exception—all must attend training sessions without fail.”
“When do we begin?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Excellent!”
The commanders’ response was enthusiastic. Doubtless they were aware of Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae’s formidable abilities.
Yi Hwan turned to Go-mi.
At his glance, Go-mi opened her mouth.
“We have uncovered the true identity of those who murdered imperial relatives and high officials. They are descendants of those who died in political strife generations ago—ranging from a few years to a century past—and they operate under an organization called the Yeokcheon Society. Their purpose is rebellion, as the name itself suggests.”
“Dreaming of rebellion? Have you ever seen such madness in all the land?”
“Descendants of criminals. Blood truly cannot be cleansed, it seems.”
The commanders erupted in agitated murmurs.
Vice Commander Yu U-seong posed a question.
“Have you identified their base of operations?”
“Because they operate through a strictly cellular organization, we have not been able to locate a primary base. Moreover, they attempt suicide the moment capture seems imminent, which means extracting more detailed intelligence will require considerable time.”
Yi Hwan asked.
“What’s this rumor that they act according to some prophecy?”
“The Yeokcheon Society adherents follow a heretical religion unknown to the Central Plains. That is likely the source of such rumors.”
“So that explains why they’re all such hardened fanatics.”
“That is characteristic of zealots, yes.”
Yi Hwan immediately posed his next question not aloud, but through Soul Transmission.
[They have no connection to the Empress or Yi Hwang-ja?]
[We are investigating that very matter now. As soon as we learn anything, I will report it at once.]
[As always, if you sense danger, do not push yourself.]
[Understood, Grand Prince.]
Yi Hwan moved on to the second item of business, and after discussing a third matter as well, he concluded the meeting.

* * *

Yi Hwan and Go-mi walked side by side.
As they went, Yi Hwan asked.
“Did Papa say something encouraging? You seem to be in quite a good mood.”
“Yes.”
“What did she tell you?”
“I’ll tell you next time.”
……
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Go-mi bowed and headed toward the office. As she walked, she smiled silently to herself.
‘I really wanted to do this.’
There was a time when Yi Hwan never told her anything when she needed to know. Back then, Go-mi had held back her frustration more than once, biting her tongue against mounting irritation.
So in the end, what she had done today was to exact her revenge from back then.
‘Not bad. Heh!’
Meanwhile, Yi Hwan watched Go-mi’s retreating figure ahead of him, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.
‘Something feels off. Like I’ve been played.’

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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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