The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 191

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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 191

Chapter 191 — Yi Seong-ji Emerges from Seclusion

The lakeside thrummed with sightseers. Gong Ya-un sat in the pavilion, surveying the grounds, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Nearly a century we’ve kept commoners out of here. Now, out of nowhere, it’s opened to the public. What is the Empress scheming?”
It was true.
The lakeside and all the lands surrounding Yi Seong-ji’s residence had been strictly closed to the common people for generations.
Yet the court had abruptly reversed that order, and now streams of people came to admire the beautiful waters.
Gong Ya-un was certain the Empress stood behind the decision.
But that was not all.
‘And now they station troops here—a place where we need hardly worry about enemy attack. Is this meant to contain us? To support the Second Prince?’
Not only had the court opened the lakeside to the masses; they were also establishing a military encampment there, with soldiers posted permanently.
It made no sense to anyone—turn a place into a public pleasure ground, then garrison troops there.
One of his aides ventured carefully, “The master abhors crowds intensely. Should we not petition him to move his residence elsewhere?”
“Perhaps. Once he emerges from his closed training, we’ll ask for his wishes.”
“Yes.”

Gong Ya-un’s gaze turned to where Yi Seong-ji trained in seclusion—a place reachable only by those with martial prowess. It remained tranquil.
‘How much longer will this take…’
He exhaled slowly, frustration mounting. Then a warrior approached from behind.
“Unknown martial artists have entered the northern approach to the lake.”
“How many?”
“Five. I’ve had the men shadow them discreetly.”
Gong Ya-un’s eyes gleamed with sudden alertness.
‘Martial artists appearing now?’
He rose from the pavilion at once.
“I’ll go myself.”
“No. Remain here. Only if a call for reinforcements comes should you move.”
“…Very well.”

* * *

Whisper-swift.
Five figures in black robes moved northward along the lake’s edge, toward the south, their eyes sharp as hawks scanning the terrain.
“The entrance may be concealed by forest. Search thoroughly.”
“Understood.”
“Spread out in intervals of fifty paces.”
“Yes!”
The black-robed figures dispersed in all directions.
What were they searching for?
They combed through the forest methodically, missing nothing, creeping southward with patient precision.
Then one of them reached a cliff face, unusually dark in its stone, and lifted his head.
Save for its unnaturally dark hue, the cliff was unremarkable. Yet the figure studied the pine thrusting from its face and the ground around it with focused intensity.
Suddenly, he began to climb.
Shortly after, having reached the level where the pine emerged, he drew a dagger from his robes and began cutting away the grass.
How long did this take?
A rusty ring appeared at the base of the pine’s roots.
‘Found it!’
Joy flashing across his face, the figure whistled sharply to summon his companions.
Shrill-whistle!
The whistle, charged with inner energy, carried on the wind to the others searching at a distance.
He watched the companions return swiftly, then drew a water pouch from his belt and brought it to his lips.
Then his eyes widened. The air around the ring shimmered like heat haze on a spring day.
‘What is this?’
He threw down the pouch and his hand flew to his sword hilt.
It was then.
“You’ve gone where you should not. And seen what was meant to be hidden. Do not curse me for what comes next.”
“……!”
Crack!
A hand shot out from within the cliff face, seizing the black-robed man’s throat with impossible speed. He had no time to react.
Crunch!
The black-robed man died without even a scream, and a figure emerged from the rock above him.
Black hair fell loose across his face as he brushed it back, revealing his features. It was Yi Seong-ji, the Third Prince.
Yi Seong-ji’s eyes, which had flashed with an eerie Blue Light, now fixed upon the black-robed men who had arrived at the cliff face in response to a signal.
“Ah!”
Cling-cling-cling!
The black-robed men who spotted Yi Seong-ji below drew their blades in unison.
Looking down at them, Yi Seong-ji’s eyes were unnervingly calm and still.
He descended the cliff. Despite the considerable height, his feet touched ground without raising a speck of dust.
One of the black-robed men recognized him then.
“T-the Third Prince!”
“That you recognize me yet fail to bow your head means you came with impure intentions. Who sent you?”
Yi Seong-ji advanced toward them.
The black-robed men retreated, backing away.
Was it his rank as a prince? Or were they overwhelmed by the chilling aura that emanated from Yi Seong-ji?
Though they brandished their swords, none dared rush forward.
Yet they could retreat no further. Gong Ya-un blocked the path behind them.
Tremble, tremble…….
Gong Ya-un’s eyes wavered. He had seen Yi Seong-ji.
“We can exchange pleasantries later.”
“What of these men, sir?”
“They have seen what they must never see.”
The meaning was clear: kill them.
Gong Ya-un’s hands summoned Blood Light. At that moment, one of the black-robed men bolted into the forest to the right like lightning. The others charged at Gong Ya-un.
The Blood Light that left Gong Ya-un’s hands coiled around the black-robed men like a living serpent, binding their entire bodies.
“Garrgh!”
“Hack!”
The most agonized death cry erupted from the one who had fled into the right forest.
“Kraaaagh!”
Yi Seong-ji had caught him, splitting his body vertically in a gruesome death.
Whoosh!
Thud-thud-thud!
Blood and organs spilled forth, hot vapor rising in the air. Yi Seong-ji’s eyes reflected the blood, stained crimson.
“Aargh!”
The last black-robed man fell with a final scream. Yet he still writhed like a fish, his breath not yet gone.
Gong Ya-un seized the dead man’s sword.
“I will discover who sent them.”
“See that you do.”
Yi Seong-ji left the scene.
Gong Ya-un called after him.
“Are you returning to your quarters, sir?”
“Yes.”
Gong Ya-un smiled.
“I congratulate you on your emergence from seclusion, Your Highness.”

* * *

Yi Seong-ji and Gong Ya-un sat facing each other.
“I apologize. The man died under torture before I could extract the truth of who sent him.”
“It matters little. Your master would not know for certain anyway.”
“Supposition and certainty are entirely different things, Your Highness.”
“Those men bore the insignia of an Evil Sect. It is unlikely to have come from the Crown Prince Palace.”
Clink.
As Yi Seong-ji set down his tea cup, his fingers were pale and delicate, almost feminine. Gong Ya-un sensed throughout his entire being that Yi Seong-ji’s demeanor had shifted markedly.
“Did you obtain what you desired?”
“Yes. Very satisfactorily.”
Gong Ya-un did not ask what it was. In truth, he did not wish to know.
It was enough that Yi Seong-ji was satisfied.
“Master.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I’d like to hear how the Imperial Palace has been faring.”
“I shall tell you all that has transpired.”
Gong Ya-un began to recount every event that had unfolded since Yi Seong-ji entered secluded training. The account took considerable time, during which Yi Seong-ji emptied two cups of tea.
Clink.
“So the Fourth has grown wings.”
“It is the result of the Manhwa Palace’s miscalculation. Thanks to it, the Crown Prince Palace has ended up with nothing but a fisherman’s gain.”
“Do not dismiss the possibility that the Fourth orchestrated his own disappearance in Zhao Kingdom from the very beginning, with all of this as his aim.”
“……”
“I mention it only because that boy seems capable of such a thing. What I mean is, you must watch the Fourth as closely as the Crown Prince Palace.”
“Understood.”
Clink.
Yi Seong-ji set down the tea cup and turned toward the window. Gong Ya-un remained seated, watching his silhouette.
“This place, which was once so peaceful, has become as turbulent as the marketplace.”
Gong Ya-un could say nothing. He knew better than anyone how much Yi Seong-ji cherished this place.
“Master.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Find a suitable place for me to stay. As quickly as possible.”
“Are you certain about this?”
“What choice do I have? If they press me to leave, I must go. But I will exact a price for it.”
“What do you mean by——”
Yi Seong-ji turned around.
Their gazes met in the air between them, clashing and intertwining.
“I will enter the palace.”
“Perhaps you should rest for a few days——”
“Tomorrow is the Imperial Ritual. That is why I have set my emergence from seclusion for today. Make the preparations.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”

* * *

Yi Hwan sought out the Crown Prince Palace.
The Crown Prince Palace was consumed with preparing for the ritual that would take place tomorrow.
Yi So greeted him.
“Welcome.”
“Are the preparations nearly complete?”
“Nearly done now. Did you come because of the ritual?”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend. Something urgent has come up——”
“Wouldn’t it be better to attend if at all possible? All the elders are coming.”
“Since I haven’t attended the ritual even once since coming of age, there won’t be much talk if I miss it this time either.”
It was true.
Since Yi Hwan had departed for the Southern Military Unit, he had never attended the ritual once. He had deliberately avoided it because there were many members of the royal family who disapproved of his presence. And Yi So knew that well enough.
“Is there still something weighing on your mind?”
“I’ve forgotten about it.”
“Good. Unpleasant memories should be cast aside. In any case, since that’s how it is, it’s a shame. I had hoped to conduct the ritual with you this time.”
Yi Hwan was conflicted.
Should he tell Yi So now that he intended to enter the Forbidden Realm? That the Emperor might possibly be there?
The conflict did not last long.
‘There’s no need to give him unnecessary worry.’
Yi Hwan stood.
“Are you leaving already?”
“Yes. I have much to attend to.”
Yi Hwan left the Crown Prince Palace and headed straight for the City Gate.
It was just as he reached the entrance to the Plaza that Yi Seong-ji was crossing over the City Gate.
Both stopped, their eyes meeting. Yi Hwan did not lower his head. There was no reason to bow to Yi Seong-ji when he would not bow even to Yi Tae-ji.
“It’s been a long time.”
“It has indeed.”
“I hear there’s been good fortune?”
“The Manhwa Palace sent a gift, though I’m not sure if it counts as good fortune. Well then.”
Yi Hwan spoke those final words and crossed beyond the city gate.
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae flanked him, exchanging puzzled glances.
“Did you notice? His whole demeanor just… shifted.”
“Yes. I felt it too.”
Ju-tae turned to Yi Hwan with a question.
“My lord, what was your impression?”
“I’m not interested.”
……
Despite his words, Yi Hwan himself could sense that Yi Seong-ji’s presence had undergone a marked transformation.
‘Has he been training somewhere?’

* * *

Yi Seong-ji made his way toward the western reaches of the palace.
He was on his way to find Yi Tae-ji, his second brother. In days past, he would have stopped at Manhwa Palace first, but today he had business with Yi Tae-ji.
Yet even now, Yi Hwan occupied his thoughts.
Twitch.
The muscles around his eyes flickered slightly. His gaze hardened, frost crystallizing behind his pupils.
‘Until now, I let his arrogance pass without notice. But from this moment forward, he will learn to curb that pride in my presence.’

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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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