The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 140
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Spear Heaven Martial Emperor Episode 140
The atmosphere at Jiashan County, the northernmost point of Zhejiang Province, was extremely tense.
This was because an enormous amount of troops were on standby, preparing for a possible invasion by the Sacred Fire Gate.
Moreover, it was now known that Namgung Hyeok was heading north.
Even groups of martial artists in that area were being subjected to inspections.
“Lord. What shall we do?”
Jeon Wook, who had been watching from afar, quietly asked.
If they continued like this, their group of thirty-odd people would surely be suspected.
Namgung Hyeok pondered for a moment before answering.
“We’ll use the cover of night to break through directly. After all, our allied forces are waiting in the northern region. We just need to get there.”
“Yes.”
Jeon Wook nodded.
Namgung Hyeok looked around to see if anyone had different opinions, but there was no one.
And so they waited until dawn.
“Let’s go!”
Thud thud thud thud!
Namgung Hyeok led from the front, driving his horse to break through the checkpoint in one swift move.
“What, what’s that!?”
The North Sado Alliance warriors who had been dozing there were startled and tried to block their path.
However, seeing the fiercely charging cavalry, they had to step back.
“Hurry! Set up cover so the horses can’t advance… Urgh!”
The one who was trying to command calmly was struck by an arrow and died.
This was because So Yeon had sniped the executives who could be considered the enemy’s core while riding her horse.
Thus, Namgung Hyeok’s group charged straight through the path where no cover could even be set up.
“Chase them first! Reports can come later!”
Behind them, the enemy’s cavalry unit hastily gave chase.
However, their leader was likewise struck by So Yeon’s arrow and fell.
Neigh!
“Urgh!”
The pursuers became confused as they tripped over the falling horse.
In the meantime, Namgung Hyeok leisurely escaped the checkpoint area.
The pursuing enemies gritted their teeth and followed, but they couldn’t catch them.
How long had they traveled like this?
“It’s our allied territory!”
The Sacred Fire Gate’s flags began to appear in the distance.
It was their allied military camp that had been waiting after receiving advance notice through messenger pigeons.
Having heard that unidentified cavalry was approaching, they had formed a defensive formation and come forward.
“Stand down! It is our Lord!”
However, Jeon Wook’s booming voice rang out to them.
Whoosh!
At the same time, he ignited purifying fire and wrapped flames around his sword.
A technique that any Sacred Fire Gate disciple who could handle purification energy could learn.
Only then did the Sacred Fire Gate disciples immediately break their defensive formation and clear the way.
They blocked the path again only after all thirty-some allied forces had entered, keeping watch for troops following behind.
“Damn it all!”
The pursuers had no choice but to curse loudly and turn back.
To capture Namgung Hyeok’s group who had already entered the military camp would require far more troops, but their numbers were less than fifty.
“The enemies are leaving!”
“Don’t let your guard down! It could be a deception!”
The allied leader shouted in a loud voice.
Hearing that sound, Namgung Hyeok dismounted his horse and grinned as he looked at the fluttering Sacred Fire Gate command flag.
“I’m back.”
And not just back from any ordinary trip, but back with tremendous achievements.
Not only had he saved the Namhae Sword Pavilion from falling into the Northern Four Islands Alliance’s grasp…
He had also earned their trust and formed a connection with the Sword Empress.
Was that all?
They had even dismantled a thousand troops from the Northern Four Islands Alliance in the process, and killed one of Blood Heaven Cult’s Yuksado.
Gaining Cheongun, a figure who seemed to have deep ties with the Mosan Sect, was a bonus.
So the gains from this single expedition were more than sufficient.
But what was truly remarkable was…
“Everyone worked hard. I’m glad not a single person died.”
Not a single one of the thirty-some elite troops who went together had died.
There were quite a few who suffered injuries, but none were life-threatening.
At this level, they would recover with some rest and recuperation.
Considering what they had accomplished, this could be seen as a miraculous result.
So Yeon looked at Namgung Hyeok and said.
“If you hadn’t stepped forward to deal with the dangerous opponents, Lord, it would have been impossible.”
“Four Tiger Technique is right.”
“We only fought on relatively safe battlefields.”
“Being able to return alive like this is all thanks to our Lord.”
Quite a few special forces members echoed So Yeon’s words.
These weren’t words meant as flattery, but spoken because they truly felt that way.
Namgung Hyeok smiled warmly at this sight and spoke to the special forces members.
“Everyone rest well tonight. Once dawn breaks, we move to the Sacred Fire Gate branch in Suzhou.”
“Yes!”
* * *
The next day, having recovered his strength, Namgung Hyeok withdrew the forces that had been at the border region.
Since he had returned, there was no need for them to remain in the border region.
They returned to Suzhou together.
Maeng Seungji, who had been handling various affairs at the Suzhou branch, bowed respectfully upon seeing Namgung Hyeok.
“I greet you, Lord. Did your trip to Zhejiang Province go well?”
“As you can see. It’s all thanks to you supporting us from behind.”
“To have been able to help my Lord brings me great joy.”
Maeng Seungji smiled and bowed his head.
Namgung Hyeok told him about the events that had occurred during his trip to Zhejiang Province.
Surprise appeared on his face.
“Not only did you save Bota Temple, but you also killed one of Blood Heaven Cult’s Yuksado… You’ve accomplished a tremendous feat.”
“I did go through some hardships. How is the situation here currently?”
“It’s not much different from when you departed, Lord. We’re encouraging trade along the trade routes we’ve established.”
“It’ll still take some time before we see results.”
“Yes. It will probably take a few months before we start earning money in earnest.”
“That’s fine. I was already expecting it to take that long. The question is whether things proceed smoothly.”
“For now, there don’t seem to be any problems. The issue of water bandit attacks, which was the biggest obstacle, has been somewhat resolved.”
Namgung Hyeok had already subjugated the Yangtze Water Bandits that existed downstream, erasing their presence.
So no matter how many remnants remained, they wouldn’t dare act easily.
If they revealed their presence, the subjugation army would come for them again.
He nodded with satisfaction and asked about something else.
“How are things with Qinghai Sect’s movements?”
Originally, Namgung Hyeok had planned to stop by Qinghai Sect before saving Bota Temple to secure their cooperation.
Because their military strength was powerful enough to threaten the North Sado Alliance.
So subduing them in advance was the best strategy.
Namgung Hyeok had previously ordered them to investigate the atmosphere there.
Fortunately, Maeng Seungji hadn’t forgotten this and bowed his head as he reported.
“Actually, I had something to tell you about that matter, Lord.”
“Something to tell me?”
“Yes. Shortly after you departed for Zhejiang Province, a messenger from Qinghai Sect came to visit.”
“Oh?”
This was truly the first time he was hearing this report.
Namgung Hyeok looked at Maeng Seungji as if telling him to continue.
Maeng Seungji calmly continued speaking.
“He’s currently resting while being treated as a messenger. Would you like to meet him?”
“Do you know what purpose he came for?”
“It seemed to be the same purpose as yours, Lord. But he said he would discuss the exact business when you returned.”
“Oh really? Is that so?”
Namgung Hyeok laughed as if he found it interesting.
“Then I can’t not meet him. Guide me to him.”
“Yes.”
Maeng Seungji rose from his seat and headed toward the magnificent main hall where the guests were staying.
There sat a man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties. The man with an impressive scar near his eyes performed a cupped fist salute and bowed his head respectfully.
“Jihyeon of Cheonghae Sect pays his respects to the Seonghwa Gate Master.”
“I am Namgung Hyeok. So then, what business does Cheonghae Sect have with us?”
“I have come for the sake of exchange between our two sects.”
“Exchange?”
At Namgung Hyeok’s question, Jihyeon smiled brightly.
“Yes. If Seonghwa Sect and our Cheonghae Sect join forces, couldn’t we achieve mutual benefits at present? This is a proposal regarding that.”
“Ho. Continue speaking.”
“Cheonghae Sect wishes to propose a serious alliance to Seonghwa Sect. Not only a non-aggression pact, but the kind of alliance where we send reinforcements if either side is attacked. Hasn’t Seonghwa Sect already formed such alliances with numerous sects?”
“That’s true.”
“So with our Cheonghae Sect as well…”
“Haha.”
Namgung Hyeok let out a chuckle as if he could no longer hold back.
Seeing this, Jihyeon’s eyes trembled slightly.
He probably couldn’t understand why the man had suddenly burst into laughter.
But Namgung Hyeok wasn’t joking around.
“I’m sorry, but you seem to be under some misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding?”
“It’s true that our main sect has numerous alliances. But those are only formed in relationships where we can exchange equal power or comparable benefits – not with just anyone.”
“…!”
“You spoke of an alliance between Seonghwa Sect and Cheonghae Sect, but frankly, is there any need for us to form an alliance with you? If we did, nine times out of ten we’d end up becoming your protectors without gaining anything ourselves.”
“Those words are wrong! I’m confident that our Cheonghae Sect can bring sufficient benefits to Seonghwa Sect!”
“Ho, is that really so?”
“It really is. To begin with, it seems the Seonghwa Gate Master is underestimating our strength too much.”
Jihyeon spoke while showing his emotions as if slightly indignant, but Namgung Hyeok remained unmoved.
Because even that angry expression seemed like a type of acting for the sake of negotiation.
“Our Cheonghae Sect is strong. We’re even stronger than Eight Swords Gate, which claims to be the leader of the North Sado Alliance. If we fought them one-on-one, we’re confident we could win.”
“But war isn’t something you can wage by yourselves alone. Eight Swords Gate will try to subjugate you by borrowing the power of the North Sado Alliance and Blood Heaven Cult. Since you can’t handle that alone, weren’t you trying to attach yourselves to us?”
“That’s…”
Jihyeon closed his mouth briefly as if he had nothing to say.
Namgung Hyeok looked at him and spoke with a serious expression.
“Of course, just because I said this doesn’t mean I won’t form an alliance with you. However, we also have several conditions.”
“Conditions… I’ll listen to them.”
“They’re not particularly difficult, so you should be able to accept them.”
“Please tell me.”
“First, we need detailed sharing of information about your military strength. Of course, I’ll be visiting Cheonghae Sect directly soon, so it would be better to assess this then.”
“And?”
“The other thing is that we want to share in the rights you’ve been monopolizing. Something that only you, positioned on the coast, can provide.”
“The rights we’ve been monopolizing… surely not!?”
Jihyeon jumped up in surprise. His expression was one of shock. However, Namgung Hyeok nodded with a serious expression as if asking what was so surprising about it.
“What you’re thinking is probably correct.”
He looked at Jihyeon with sharp eyes and spoke.
“I want to use the maritime trade route that you possess.”
“…!”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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