The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 98

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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 98

Chapter 98 — Yi Seong-ji, the Third Prince

An inn in the City.
It was not particularly famous, but it had always bustled with patrons drawn by its flavorful cuisine — until it suddenly closed its doors. The guests who had come seeking a meal accepted the proprietor’s explanation with disappointment and turned away. Go-mi stood by the window, watching them depart with a keen and careful eye.
The inn had been rented entirely for Yi Hwan’s recovery over the coming days. The proprietor, well compensated, had accepted the arrangement gladly and ceased operations.
“Tea for you, Moon-ju.”
The Female Warrior prepared the tea.
Go-mi finally rose and walked to the table, sitting down.
The Female Warrior poured hot water into the cup and asked carefully.
“Should we not summon a physician?”
“The lord said he was fine. What else can we do?”
Go-mi took a sip of the tea and her brow knitted delicately. The bitterness was far too strong.
“I apologize. This is all the inn has available…….”
“Never mind.”
Go-mi cast her gaze out the window.
‘It was not inflicted by the enemy’s strike. He wounded himself.’
She recalled yesterday’s events.
The deafening roar followed by the poison gas spreading across the sky, then the flames igniting from Yi Hwan’s own body, and everything that came after.
‘A martial technique like that exists in this world?’
Even now, it was difficult to believe.
How had he conceived of igniting flames to burn away the poison gas? The sheer power of those flames was beyond question.
‘It was because of us. He forced himself to save us and sustained that internal injury.’
That was why Go-mi’s heart felt heavier still.
Song Cheon-mu in the adjacent room, the Female Warrior before her — they all carried the same weight of heart.
“He will be all right, won’t he?”
“Of course. He will be fine. He is a strong man.”
Even as she spoke the words, she herself found no comfort in them.
Among martial artists, internal injury was the most dreaded affliction. It required far more time to recover from than external wounds, and even after recovery, one had to contend with lasting consequences.
If there were damage to his dantian, the situation would be far more grave. For a martial artist, the dantian was the very wellspring of power.
‘When it came to the moment that decides life and death, I was of no help whatsoever. Sigh.’
Go-mi fought back the sigh threatening to escape and brought the teacup to her lips.
Clink.
Tap.
“I’ll look in on him.”

Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae stood in the corridor.
“Why are you standing out here?”
“He ordered that no one enter.”
Go-mi glanced at Yi Hwan’s door, then turned to Cheol Mu-ok. “Are you certain it is wise to forgo a physician?”
“Such is the lord’s command — what can we do? I suspect he believes a physician would be of little use in any case. But what of you? Are you well?”
Go-mi smiled bitterly.
“I did nothing, so there is nothing to worry about.”
Then a warrior ascended the stairs.
“The meal is prepared.”
Ju-tae asked, “Should he not have at least some rice gruel?”
“He says he is fine. Don’t disturb him — just go downstairs.”
They all descended to the lower floor.
Two warriors and the proprietor were moving bowls of food onto the table.
Go-mi observed the two warriors.
Both had sustained wounds in yesterday’s fierce engagement. One warrior had faced the crisis of a shattered blade, yet carried himself with perfect composure, as though nothing had happened.

‘Who could these people be? How are they so strong at such a young age?’
Go-mi found herself curious anew about their identities.
And about her connection to Yi Hwan as well.
Shortly after, Song Cheon-mu and the Female Warrior came down, and the meal began. Everyone moved their chopsticks as they always did.
But Go-mi and Song Cheon-mu could not.
Song Cheon-mu in particular sat with a rigid face, barely touching his food.
Understanding his state of mind, the others left him in silence. Rushing to console him now might only make matters worse.
But Go-mi, who faced the same circumstances, would not stay quiet.
“Rather than spend time blaming yourself, wouldn’t it be better to eat quickly and return to your Inner Method cultivation—wouldn’t that be the true way to serve the young master?”
“…….”
Cheol Mu-ok spoke up at last.
“Bi-wol speaks truly.”
“Agreed.”
When Ju-tae added his voice, Song Cheon-mu finally picked up his chopsticks.

* * *

Heat radiated from Yi Hwan’s body.
His entire frame glistened with sweat, and with each exhaled breath, wisps of vapor rose above his head, forming five rings.
The rings appeared and vanished in succession, each time growing larger. Just before Yi Hwan opened his eyes, they multiplied to seven before dissolving.
“Hah…….”
Yi Hwan opened his eyes and released a long breath.
The white radiance that had shimmered in his gaze faded, returning to its usual stillness.
Yi Hwan immediately circulated his inner energy.
Pain still rose from his dantian, but it was now infinitesimal compared to before. Instead, a new force coursed through his body and was absorbed into his dantian.
Though only a handful, Yi Hwan smiled faintly.
‘That was no ordinary Spirit Pill.’
The new force came from the Spirit Pill Go-mi had given him. Thanks to it, his condition had improved far faster than expected, and his inner energy had even increased slightly.
Yi Hwan rose from his seated position.
Crack!
An eerie sound echoed through the room.
He had sat motionless in the same posture since dawn—such sounds were inevitable.
“Is anyone outside?”
There was no answer.
Yi Hwan threw on his outer robe and stepped outside.
Just then, everyone hurried toward him as they noticed his emergence.
“Are you well?”
“I’m rather hungry, actually.”
“…….”

* * *

The next day, the group resumed their journey toward the Imperial Palace.
They had originally planned to stay for three days, but since Yi Hwan’s condition had improved better than expected, they set out two days early.
However, they were short one horse.
During the ambush, one had been struck by a throwing blade and killed. Since there was no stable in the city, Go-mi and the Female Warrior had no choice but to ride together on a single mount.
Having already experienced one attack, everyone kept a sharp eye even on birds flying overhead as they traveled.
But Yi Hwan, as always, remained composed.
He was certain no further attacks would come.
Go-mi asked him.
“You mentioned there was a stronger presence beyond the forest that day—could it have been Mujeong Geomni?”
“Possibly.”
“Then could she not pursue us?”
“Mujeong Geomni withdrew without knowing I had sustained internal injuries. Moreover, having witnessed these companions’ martial prowess, she won’t pursue us again. If she meant to strike, she would have made her move at the inn.”
“…….”
Go-mi nodded silently in acknowledgment.
But Cheol Mu-ok and the others showed no sign of easing their vigilance. They could not rest their minds until their lord was completely recovered.
That was the nature of serving a lord.

* * *

Somewhere in the Imperial Capital.
A magnificent pavilion stood atop a cliff overlooking a lake, and within it two figures sat absorbed in a game of Go.
One was a warrior, the other an old man.
After a time, the warrior—clad in robes as white as snow, with skin to match—smiled faintly.
“I believe I’ve won today.”
“Ah……”
The old man sighed and placed his stone down.
“Your momentum is as though you face a million-strong army armed with spears and blades. Will you truly rise to expert rank at this rate, Your Highness?”
“You flatter me. Today was merely fortune’s favor. Shall we have some tea instead?”
“Indeed.”
Servants cleared the board and prepared tea.
The two gazed down at the lake’s serene beauty as they raised their cups.
The warrior spoke.
“I’ve heard your second brother has been quite occupied of late. It seems his plans are not proceeding as desired?”
“Yes. The Crown Prince Palace, which had been losing ground until now, appears to be making a strong recovery. I suspect a counteroffensive may soon be underway.”
“A counteroffensive……”
The warrior’s words trailed away, a vague smile crossing his lips. The old man studied him intently.
“When will you take up your position at court?”
“I prefer it here. Playing Go and discussing the affairs of the world with you is sufficient for me. For now, I have no intention of entering the Imperial Palace.”
Many await your decision, Your Highness. They are men who would gladly lay down their lives should you command it. Do not treat their hopes lightly.”
“Master, let us not speak of such things.”
……
The warrior lifted his cup to his lips.
Then, leaving it half-full, he rose from his seat.
“I must rest now. Please take care of yourself, Master.”
The warrior descended from the pavilion and went directly into the palace hall behind it.
The old man watched his departing figure, exhaling softly.
“Ah……”
Then it came.
A man in blue robes approached the pavilion. He bowed before the old man and made his report.
“Yi Hwang-ja has failed.”
“You are certain of this?”
“Yes. We have confirmed it through those who were deployed in the operation and managed to escape alive.”
“Have you confirmed Yi Hwan’s whereabouts?”
“His tracks have vanished since the ambush. Should you command it, I will search for him.”
“No. There is no need for us to involve ourselves in others’ affairs. You have your answer—go.”
“Yes.”
The old man’s eyes grew heavy.
‘Yi Hwang-ja must have made his move deliberately, yet he failed. Does this mean there is something about Yi Hwan that we do not know? There was certainly no sign of separate movement from the Crown Prince Palace…… Should I inform His Highness?’
The old man glanced toward the palace hall where the warrior had gone. But he shook his head and descended from the pavilion.
As he left, several men in blue robes emerged like ghosts from the shadows.
“He will enter the palace.”
“The carriage is being prepared.”
Moments later, the old man departed northward in his carriage. But eyes watched his retreat.
They belonged to the warrior who had played Go with the old man.
The eyes that had shone clear as a lake mere moments before now held a mysterious light. He was Yi Seong-ji, the Third Prince, who until now had never stepped into the public eye.
Though hailed as a prodigy in his youth, he had long since faded from all attention and lived quietly in this place.
“Mother and my brother underestimate the Crown Prince Palace. They must understand that the moment the poison assassination failed and the Crown Prince awakened, the favor of heaven shifted to center upon the Crown Prince Palace.”
Whoosh!
Yi Seong-ji unfurled a fan weapon in his hand.
Then a figure stepped into view—a warrior in his mid-twenties with an air similar to Yi Seong-ji’s own.
“What have you learned?”
“The Prime Minister has officially consented to the Crown Prince’s desire to appoint Yi Hwan as Guard Commander.”
“As I suspected.”
“If Yi Hwan becomes Guard Commander, the balance of power may collapse. Are you not concerned?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Should we not support Yi Hwang-ja?”
“Why? Because we share the same mother?”
……
A faint smile crossed Yi Seong-ji’s lips. He twirled the fan weapon lightly in his hand as he spoke.
“Even the most venomous serpent must enter hibernation when the weather grows cold. The days are still warm, so one risks being bitten if they recklessly disturb the grass. For now, we have no choice but to watch and wait.”
He turned to face the Female Warrior directly and raised another matter.
“What progress have you made investigating the people around Yi Hwan?”
“So far, we have uncovered no new information beyond what is already known publicly. We’ve examined his connections to the Martial World sects carefully, but found no associations.”
“If he didn’t fall from heaven, there must be someone behind him. Deploy more people if necessary and investigate thoroughly.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“And is it true that the leader of the Bi-wol Organization travels with Yi Hwan?”
“That is correct. According to our findings, the Crown Prince ordered her to serve him.”
Yi Seong-ji’s brow furrowed slightly.
“My elder brother has let a truly valuable person slip through his fingers. Did he never recognize her worth from the beginning?”
“Is Go-mi truly such a remarkable person?”
“She remains at the Latent Dragon level for now, but one day she will be more than capable of threatening both the East Guard and the Gold Robed Guard. Unless my eyes deceive me.”
…….
Snap!
Yi Seong-ji folded his fan weapon and turned away.
“Let me know when Yi Hwan enters the palace. I should see his face after all this time.”
“Understood.”
Whoosh.
The wall split open to both sides, and Yi Seong-ji disappeared within. The Female Warrior soon vanished as well.

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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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