The RoFan Novel Fan Has Reincarnated Into A Martial Arts Novel-Chapter 25

Chapter 25. She Didn’t Seem Like an Easy Woman

The Red Flower Gate’s building wasn’t actually red as its name suggested. Instead, a solid black tiled roof, upheld by deep brown pillars, greeted Yeon and Cheon-gang, with a signboard hanging beneath the eaves. The words "Red Flower Gate" were elegantly inscribed in refined calligraphy.

"I heard they expanded recently... This just looks like a brand-new building. Maybe it was a full-scale renovation?"

The stark contrast between her expectations of a villain’s den and the neat, well-maintained appearance of the place made Yeon hesitate for a moment. At that moment, the main gate of the Red Flower Gate swung open, and a middle-aged man with a benevolent appearance stepped out.

"You must be from the Hwang Bo family. Welcome. I am Eom Gilyeon, the Gate Master of the Red Flower Gate."

"The Gate Master came out personally?"

Traces of his younger training years had faded beneath the weight of age, but his face bore an affable, ever-present smile. From what Yeon had heard, the Red Flower Gate originated as a Sword Sect, but he seemed far more like a merchant than a master swordsman.

Since it would be rude to pick a fight with someone greeting them with a smile, Yeon reluctantly returned the courtesy.

"I am Hwang Bo Yeon."

"Yes, we’ve been expecting you. Please, come inside."

Eom Gilyeon led Yeon and Cheon-gang into the Red Flower Gate’s interior. Given how tense she had been before arriving, the reception felt strangely anticlimactic.

As they walked along the stone-paved path, the first thing that caught Yeon’s attention was the training ground. A group of martial artists, clad in matching red training uniforms, were practicing sword techniques in unison.

"Cha-at!"

Their loud shouts and the rising heat in the air filled the atmosphere with energy. It was a striking contrast to the funeral-like state of the Baekha Escort Agency, yet at the same time, it was the typical sight of a disciplined sword sect.

Noticing Yeon’s gaze, Eom Gilyeon spoke with evident pride.

"This is the Red Flower Sword Art, the pride of our sect. It may be unworthy of the eyes of someone from the Hwang Bo family, but..."

"Not at all, it’s quite impressive."

In truth, the Red Flower Sword Art was at a fairly respectable level. What surprised her more was the aura she sensed—it felt remarkably upright.

"This doesn’t match at all with assassination and poison techniques..."

She glanced at Cheon-gang, who was carefully observing the Red Flower Gate’s martial artists. He seemed to be lost in thought.

Eom Gilyeon guided them to a reception room. As they took their seats, a martial artist carrying a long sword stepped behind Eom Gilyeon, standing in a protective stance.

"Ah, this young man is my personal guard. The atmosphere has been rather turbulent lately. Still, in this region, the Red Flower Sword Captain is quite well-known."

For a moment, Yeon wondered if he was a high-ranking master from the White Lotus Sect, but after a closer look, he didn’t seem that skilled. freēwēbnovel.com

"Sorry, but even at best, he seems weaker than Namgung Ji-hyeon. He’s strong in his own right, but...."

Just then, the previously silent Sword Captain glanced at the sword strapped to Cheon-gang’s waist. His gaze slowly lifted, locking onto Cheon-gang’s emotionless eyes.

A quiet but tense stare-down began, prompting Eom Gilyeon to interject with a slight chuckle.

"And may I ask who this gentleman accompanying you is?"

"Ah, he’s..."

Yeon was about to make up an excuse when—

"I am also the young lady’s escort."

"Huh?"

Hearing the word ‘young lady’ spoken in Cheon-gang’s voice, in a tone entirely different from its modern usage, sent a peculiar feeling through her. She especially liked how he had phrased escort.

Barely suppressing the urge to smile, Yeon nodded.

"That’s right, he’s my escort."

She stole a glance at Cheon-gang. A brief exchange of eye contact passed between them, carrying a silent understanding and a fleeting smile. However, the Sword Captain remained fixated on Cheon-gang.

"That’s enough. This young man is still in his youthful years and can be a bit overly spirited at times. Please, don’t take offense."

After reining in his subordinate, Eom Gilyeon got straight to the point.

"Now then, may I ask what brings the young lady of the Hwang Bo family here?"

"Ah, I heard there was a conflict between the Baekha Escort Agency and the Red Flower Gate."

"A conflict... I suppose one could call it that. But you came all the way from Shandong just for this? That’s quite a distance... haha."

He let out an awkward laugh, but his meaning was clear—why was she involving herself in matters of this region? And truthfully, it was a fair point.

"The authorities actually conducted an investigation not long ago."

"The authorities?"

"Yes, of course, they found nothing amiss. But for people like us, such things are still intimidating. The trading group has only just begun operating."

The authorities rarely intervened in martial affairs. On the surface, this was a matter between a trading group and an escort agency, but this was ultimately a martial world conflict. For the authorities to get involved?

Suddenly, a certain figure flashed through Yeon’s mind.

"Could it be Grand Master Damdeok?"

He had mentioned he would find a way to buy time. She had expected him to have some sort of plan, but not to this extent.

"So, Shaolin even has connections with the government?"

As she was processing this realization, Eom Gilyeon posed a direct question.

"Let me be frank. Is the Hwang Bo family planning to intervene in this matter?"

"Huh?"

"If that’s the case, I, Eom Gilyeon, would like to express my sincerity..."

"No, that’s not the case."

Hearing her firm response, Eom Gilyeon hesitated, his hand pausing as he reached into his robes. Yeon reinforced her stance.

"It’s not my family—I came here of my own volition."

"You mean, personally?"

"Yes."

"And why would you...?"

"I want to uncover the truth."

"What?"

For a brief moment, a flicker of anger flashed across Eom Gilyeon’s face. It lasted only an instant, but the expression was unmistakably different from his previous demeanor.

"So you’re saying you’re not representing the Hwang Bo family? That means no one else will be coming?"

"That’s correct."

"Hah..."

He leaned back, his posture shifting as if his entire approach had changed.

"Well, do as you please. Investigate as much as you’d like."

"I have a few questions. According to the Baekha Escort Agency—"

"We’ve already handed over documents regarding that matter multiple times. To the authorities, to the Hengshan Sect. If you want /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ information, go look for it yourself."

His tone abruptly shortened as he stood up.

"The trading business is far busier than you might imagine. I don’t have time for—"

Cutting himself off mid-sentence, he briskly exited the reception room.

"See our guests out."

Yeon watched his retreating back with her mouth slightly open. Left behind with Cheon-gang, the Red Flower Sword Captain finally spoke for the first time.

"Shall we?"

****

A while later, the Sword Captain returned to Eom Gilyeon’s chamber.

"They’ve left."

"Good."

"Dammit... Get the kids out of the training grounds. We made an unnecessary fuss."

Eom Gilyeon slumped into his chair, his expression now completely different from the one he had worn when speaking with Yeon. His face was heavy with exhaustion and irritation.

"Do you think that girl was telling the truth?"

"Aside from the first four, no one has entered Baekha Escort Agency since then. There have been no particular movements from the Hwang Bo family either."

"Tsk. So it’s true. No matter how reckless a young girl may be, does she think this is some kind of child’s play?"

Clicking his tongue, Eom Gilyeon turned to the Sword Captain.

"And what was that back there with her escort? I told you not to act suspiciously."

"I deliberately provoked him. He was carrying a good sword and, like me, was suppressing his true strength."

"And? What’s your conclusion?"

"...Just a coward."

Eom Gilyeon sneered.

"Still, the girl was quite the beauty. If she weren’t from the Hwang Bo family, I would’ve thrown her into my palace without hesitation."

He licked his lips, but the Sword Captain interrupted.

"Gate Master, what should we do about the original plan?"

"We’ll have to put it on hold for now. Dammit, first the authorities start making a fuss, and now even a bunch of random nobodies..."

Eom Gilyeon gritted his teeth in frustration before suddenly straightening his posture.

"Wait. But is there really a need for such caution? So what if she’s from the Hwang Bo family? Even if their family head came himself, he’d drop dead here. Am I wrong?"

"You’re absolutely right, Gate Master."

"This is infuriating. It’s bad enough dealing with the authorities, and now I have to concern myself with a mere girl? How the hell am I supposed to earn recognition from the Cult like this?"

At the mention of the Cult, the Sword Captain flinched. Eom Gilyeon motioned for him to come closer, whispering something into his ear with a cruel smile.

"And you’re sure there won’t be any repercussions?"

"What can a girl do on her own? By the time word reaches the Hwang Bo family, it’ll already be over. And soon, the Hengshan Sect will be on our side as well. Hunan is their territory, after all."

"That’s true."

"It’s time to teach this girl just how terrifying the world really is."

"Still... she wasn’t as easy as the rumors suggested."

Eom Gilyeon chuckled meaningfully at the Sword Captain’s lingering caution.

"That’s right. But the tougher ones always break more easily... once they get a taste."

****

On the way back to Baekha Escort Agency, Yeon turned to Cheon-gang.

"Cheon-gang, do you think I backed down too easily?"

"No. Even if you had persisted, there was nothing more to gain."

"I thought so too. Honestly, it would’ve been easier if they had just outright picked a fight."

"Still, we didn’t leave empty-handed."

"How so?"

"They’ve begun to underestimate you."

Yeon smirked.

"So that’s why you let him win back there?"

"...Yes."

Before leaving Red Flower Gate, the Sword Captain had spoken to Cheon-gang.

"That’s a nice sword you’ve got."

"Is that so."

"Must be because you're from a noble family. That blade is too fine for someone of your skill."

Despite the blatant provocation, Cheon-gang had shown no reaction. The Sword Captain had scoffed before shutting the gate behind them. He must have thought he had spoken quietly, but there was no way Yeon hadn’t caught it.

"Acting like he’s the young master of some legendary martial clan. Maybe I should’ve said something back?"

As Yeon pondered over it, Cheon-gang spoke again.

"And there’s something else we gained."

Yeon looked at him questioningly. He continued.

"Do you remember the sword techniques those martial artists were practicing?"

"The Red Flower Sword Art?"

"Yes. Something was off about it."

"Really? From the energy they gave off, it seemed perfectly fine."

"On the surface, yes. But their sword paths were subtly misaligned, as if they had been altered little by little."

Yeon hadn’t even considered that. Surprised, she listened as Cheon-gang added,

"If my guess is correct, their technique has become far more aggressive. But that would mean it’s no longer an orthodox style. And yet, Red Flower Gate isn’t an unorthodox sect... which makes this strange."

"......!"

Yeon almost blurted out something about the White Lotus Sect. He had merely assumed that if a sect wasn’t orthodox, it must be unorthodox, unaware of the Cult’s existence.

"Should I tell him in advance?"

But even she had yet to confirm the Cult’s true nature. And if he asked how she knew, she wouldn’t have an answer. After all, even the Shaolin Abbot was unaware—how could a girl who had spent most of her time lying around possibly know?

"...Either way, it’s suspicious. Alright, let’s wait for another opportunity."

"Yes."

With that, they concluded their conversation and returned to Baekha Escort Agency.

On the way, Yeon bought a set of clothes for Soso. Soso was so delighted that she hesitated to wear it while treating patients.

"I’ll buy you more, so just wear it."

"I-It’s okay! But really, thank you, unni."

Clutching the clothes like a treasured doll, Soso suddenly said,

"Unni, I have something to tell you."

"Hm?"

"It turns out there are two patients. After the Escort Chief passed away, Baek Ju-a’s mother collapsed as well."

"What? How is she? Is it serious?"

"No, thankfully not. But she hasn’t received proper treatment. No physicians are willing to come to the agency..."

"Could Red Flower Gate be pressuring the local physicians?"

Yeon sighed, placing a reassuring hand on Soso’s shoulder.

"I see. You’re doing great, Soso."

Later, Yeon met with Baek Ju-a to hear the full details. Most of it was as she had expected, though some parts were even more absurd than she had imagined.

"I can’t just sit by and do nothing. What should I do? Should I infiltrate Red Flower Gate?"

As she was deep in thought, Cheon-gang appeared, holding something in his hand.

"Lady Yeon, you should see this."

It was a small letter.

The sender—Eom Gilyeon, Gate Master of Red Flower Gate.

It was an invitation.

For tonight.