Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: The Road to the Imperial Capital (1)
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Go Mi found the road to the Imperial Capital simply delightful.
Though she hadn't shown it until now, life in the Southern Legion had been an endless string of grueling days.
Above all, the inability to properly bathe had worn her down. If not for the sense of fulfillment she felt watching Yi Hwan, who was satisfied with her intelligence, she never could have endured it.
"Your face looks brighter, Moon Lord."
"Does it show that much?"
"Of course. The Great Prince might feel slighted, so mind your expression."
Go Mi glanced at Yi Hwan's back as he rode ahead. The way he surrendered his body to the horse's motion, taking in the scenery around him, seemed utterly serene.
The brightness on Go Mi's face twisted slightly.
*I'm worried. The Imperial Palace is terrifying beyond comparison to the Southern Legion. Can the Great Prince truly hold up?*
Go Mi had momentarily forgotten.
The terror of the Imperial Palace.
It was a place where a single misspoken word could lead to the extermination of one's entire clan, such horrors happening all too frequently.
Even though Yi Hwan had displayed astonishing ingenuity and martial prowess in the Southern Legion, it was no guarantee he could handle that place.
"Moon Lord, why the sudden change?"
"Hm? Oh, it's nothing."
It was then.
"Let's take a short break."
* * *
On a clear day, spreading mats on the grass, sharing drinks and food to briefly forget the toils of life—this had become a trendy new custom, spreading like fashion among many people of the era.
Ju Tae looked around and muttered.
"Is this the latest fad? Why are there so many people in such a remote spot?"
Now that he mentioned it, quite a crowd had gathered around the spot where Yi Hwan's group had settled for their rest. They were all spread out in small clusters, enjoying food and laughing merrily.
The female warrior spoke cautiously.
"Lately, spending time outdoors like this has become all the rage. Not just this—I've heard it's so popular among the young to lay out bedding in carriages and spend nights that horses are in short supply across the land."
Ju Tae made a face like he couldn't believe it.
"How romantic. While warriors fight to the death on the battlefield, what nonsense is this?"
Cheol Mu-ok chimed in.
"Warriors find their fulfillment in seeing the people happy and content."
A scoff.
"Anyone would think you'd spent your whole life on the front lines."
"It was short but intense."
"True enough."
Ju Tae turned to Yi Hwan and asked.
"Will the Second Prince's side just sit idle?"
"Naturally not. There might even be assassins he's sent mixed in with that crowd."
"The road to the Imperial Palace won't be boring."
Listening to the conversation, Go Mi inwardly sighed.
*I completely forgot about the Empress and the Second Prince. Knowing the Great Prince is heading to the palace, they'll try something for sure.*
She turned to the female warrior and urged her.
[Until we reach the Imperial Palace, don't let those people out of your sight. Got it?]
[Yes, I will.]
After recalling the Empress and Second Prince, Go Mi lost her appetite entirely. Instead, her nerves sharpened, and she began wary of the people who had settled nearby.
It was a kind of occupational hazard.
* * *
About thirty paces from Yi Hwan's group.
Pa Pa and her three subordinates, disguised as ordinary folk enjoying leisure, ate and drank while stealing glances toward Yi Hwan.
Dressed in plain clothes rather than martial robes, Pa Pa looked like an utterly ordinary old woman.
Pa Pa leaned against a tree, sipping her drink as she stared at Yi Hwan's group.
*Those two are perfectly blocking all angles. And that Great Prince— I can't find a single opening. What in the world is going on?*
She had trailed them this far, watching only for a chance to strike. But no opportunity had come.
It was because of Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae.
The white-robed figures bringing up the rear were equally annoying. During travel, they sealed off every direction perfectly. So Pa Pa had held back, waiting patiently for the perfect moment, and followed them here.
*They'll show an opening eventually.*
Most people let their guard down during rests, so Pa Pa planned to finish it here. But Yi Hwan—whom she hadn't even considered a martial threat until now—surprised her.
Even in that casually drunken posture, there wasn't a hint of vulnerability.
*Coincidence. No true master would have eyes like that.*
Yi Hwan's gaze was utterly ordinary.
A supreme master might manage such eyes, but Pa Pa didn't entertain the notion that Yi Hwan was one—not even a fingernail's worth.
She couldn't imagine him reaching a realm she herself hadn't.
*To think the Empress of Zhao and the Second Prince are after them too.*
From overhearing Yi Hwan and Ju Tae's talk, Pa Pa realized assassins from the Second Prince might be about, and she warned her subordinates ahead of time.
[We're moving again.]
Yi Hwan's group ended their break and resumed travel. Pa Pa kept a safe distance to avoid suspicion and followed.
As she trailed Yi Hwan, she sharply scanned everyone else walking the same direction. A slight furrow creased her brow.
*This is getting troublesome.*
Now she had to watch not just Yi Hwan's group, but potential attackers from anywhere.
She couldn't let the Empress or Second Prince's killers take Yi Hwan. No matter what, she had to claim his head herself.
It was then.
[Pa Pa, those guys look suspicious.]
Pa Pa stared where her subordinate pointed. Between Yi Hwan's group and theirs walked three burly men. They clearly carried weapons, marking them as martial artists. As her eyes swept over the men, a blue glint flashed in Pa Pa's gaze.
*Not after the Great Prince—they're targeting women.*
Pa Pa shook her head at her subordinate.
[Ignore them.]
[But they keep glancing over.]
[They're just lechers like you. Forget it.]
[…]
* * *
As the sun began to set.
Yi Hwan's group entered the market street of a small city.
Being a small city, the market was modest, and there were only a few inns worth staying at.
Yi Hwan's group took rooms at the largest one available and immediately sat down for dinner.
Even during the meal, Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae never slacked on watching their surroundings. Go Mi and Song Cheon-mu were the same. The Sword King sect warriors seated nearby went without saying.
Despite everyone on such high alert, Yi Hwan alone was as relaxed as ever, no different from usual.
Go Mi had grown accustomed to this situation.
Yi Hwan's inexplicable nonchalance now seemed entirely natural to her.
*Of course. He didn't even furrow his brow while crushing Zhao's vanguard.*
"Moon Lord."
"Yes?"
"If I become head of the Golden Army, I'd like to absorb Moon Pavilion. What do you think?"
"You mean directly under the Great Prince?"
"Yes."
"I would follow His Highness the Crown Prince's orders. But the Second Prince's side won't stay quiet."
"I asked for your thoughts."
"My stance hasn't changed."
"Good enough."
Go Mi immediately wondered if it was even possible.
*It'll be tough. No way the Second Prince's faction lets Moon Pavilion go after losing the Southern Legion and now the Golden Army.*
*How did things end up like this?*
It was growing clearer day by day. She was stepping right into the heart of the fierce power struggle between the Crown Prince's Palace and the Second Prince.
*But if it's for His Highness the Crown Prince...*
Crack!
Unknowingly steeling her resolve, Go Mi snapped her chopsticks. The female warrior quickly brought new ones. At that moment, Yi Hwan stood.
"Eat slowly."
"Heading to your room?"
"Yes."
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae stood as well.
"No need. It's right overhead—keep eating without worry."
Yi Hwan went up to the room he had reserved in advance.
It was the largest and most ornate room in the inn.
Yi Hwan shed his outer robe and opened the window.
Rattle!
Whoosh!
A chill wind swept softly across his face. Arms crossed, Yi Hwan stood scanning the market street below.
Plenty of people passed by.
*Until I enter the palace, can I trust no one?*
Some among them might even be killers sent by the Empress or Second Prince.
Whoosh!
The wind brushed his face again.
After about a quarter-hour, he closed the window and lay on the bed.
He tried to sleep, but it wouldn't come.
Yi Hwan opened his closed eyes and raised his right hand. Five points of light floated up gently.
*Even after recovering much of my internal energy, I can't exceed five. The power is satisfactory, but I need seven to feel secure against anyone...*
If he had to name the martial art that had been his greatest asset so far, it was this without a doubt.
Regardless of strength, he had resolved most foes with it. It was the quickest way to subdue an opponent simply and cleanly, but above all, its silent, stealthy nature was the ultimate advantage.
Pop!
The lights floating in the air vanished in a puff of smoke. Yi Hwan closed his eyes again.
*One old woman and three sturdy men...*
He had seen them before closing the window. One old woman and three men watching him.
* * *
Pa Pa narrowed her eyes at Yi Hwan's room, now dark.
*Knowing the Empress and Second Prince are after him, he still takes a room alone? That confident?*
Pa Pa checked the floor below.
Cheol Mu-ok and the rest were still eating dinner.
*Now's the time!*
Pa Pa looked up at the inn's roof where Yi Hwan stayed. Her three subordinates waited there, one with the shadows.
They had moved there the instant Yi Hwan closed his window, awaiting her command.
Pa Pa signaled them with hand signs. They began to move.
But then.
*What?*
Pa Pa's eyes widened slightly.
Figures emerged like ghosts behind her subordinates. More shocking, her men hadn't noticed them at all.
*Guards protecting the Great Prince in secret?*
The thought hit her, and Pa Pa whistled sharply.
Tweet!
At the whistle, her subordinates froze and looked to her. Spotting the newcomers behind, they drew swords in unison.
Shing! Shing!
Their foes drew as well.
Shing! Shing!
Boom!
Crash!
Pa Pa burst through a window into the air at that exact moment.
* * *
Crash!
At the sound of something shattering, Yi Hwan opened his eyes. Moments later, metallic clashes rang from above the ceiling.
Clang!
Boom! Boom!
Dust fell from the ceiling.
*From the inn across, straight up to the roof in one go?*
Yi Hwan calmed his gaze.
The old woman and three men had definitely been in the opposite inn. If they caused this noise, they were at least peak transcendent level.
"Argh!"
A death cry pierced through the ceiling.
Then Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae flung open the door. Seeing Yi Hwan unharmed, they relaxed.
Go Mi and the Sword King sect warriors followed. Go Mi's tense expression eased upon confirming Yi Hwan's safety.
Still lying on the bed, Yi Hwan said calmly.
"Wait until it quiets down."
"Shouldn't we check who they are?"
"No need to jump into a dogfight. Probably killers after me fighting among themselves."
"If one side's from the Second Prince, the other might be from Zhao."
"Could be."
Yi Hwan sat up abruptly and asked Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae.
"Who are the famous old female masters in the current martial world?"
"Why ask that all of a—"
Yi Hwan furrowed his brow.
"You still haven't noticed? Some escort that is."
"..."
"One old woman and three men have been tailing us. Probably fighting hard on the roof right now."
Everyone's eyes widened.
No one present had realized it.
"Answer me."
Ju Tae asked.
"What level...?"
"Enough to smash through a window and fly twenty paces in a breath—at least peak transcendent."
"The Impartial Sword Nun from Emei Sect is one. She's known as the first woman to glimpse the absolute realm. A few others at similar levels, but they're all young women, not old."
"Emei Sect means Zhao affiliation."
"Yes."
Yi Hwan looked at Cheol Mu-ok. He looked troubled.
"No other female masters come to mind."
Yi Hwan's gaze shifted to Go Mi.
"Does the Second Prince have any like that?"
"Not in our intelligence. We'll look into it once in the capital."
Cheol Mu-ok stepped forward.
"If it's the Impartial Sword Nun tailing us, we need to stay sharp. She's no one to underestimate."
"So you've been half-assing the escort until now?"
"..."
"My apologies."
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae scratched their heads.
Then the noise above quieted. Only a few whooshes of wind-cutting, no more sounds.
Yi Hwan got off the bed.
"Moon Lord, you two only—follow me."