The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 148
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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 148
“A story about the Seongchang Faction?”
Namgung Hyeok’s eyes narrowed.
His expression seemed to ask how he could know about that.
Jin Yul chuckled and explained.
“There’s nothing so surprising about it. The fact that the sect leader is searching for the four factions of the Sacred Fire Gate is already a famous story. Probably most people with any knowledge know about it.”
“I see. Well, I did make quite a commotion.”
Namgung Hyeok nodded at the reasonable explanation.
By causing such an uproar in all directions, he had been able to get his hands on three of the four factions.
It wasn’t without effect, even if it meant becoming known to people.
“But it’s surprising that the Wudang Sect knows about the Seongchang Faction.”
“We don’t know exactly where they are now. However, the previous generations of our sect had exchanges with the Seongchang Faction.”
“Oh. It seems the Seongchang Faction formed connections with your side after the destruction of the Sacred Fire Gate.”
“The Seongchang Faction was said to be the smallest in number among the four factions that scattered at that time. So they sought a large force to protect them after the Demonic Sect War. That’s how they came to have ties with our Wudang Sect.”
“Did the Wudang Sect accept the Seongchang Faction?”
“To be precise, it would be better to say we provided them with a place to stay. Our sect provided them with a safe place to remain in exchange for martial arts exchanges with the Seongchang Faction. However, they left after just a few years.”
“Why was that?”
“I don’t know the inner details. They left without revealing their reasons to the Wudang Sect. But I heard their final destination was Qinghai.”
“Qinghai.”
Namgung Hyeok’s brow furrowed.
Qinghai was a distant land, quite far from here in Jiangsu.
A place closer to the frontier regions than to the Central Plains.
Currently, the Sacred Fire Gate’s influence didn’t reach as far as Qinghai.
They only had influence around the provinces centered on the Yangtze River.
‘If the Seongchang Faction established themselves in Qinghai, it would be natural that we haven’t heard any news of them.’
Namgung Hyeok let out a light sigh and said.
“Thank you for telling me. It’s been a great help.”
“Not at all. I’m more sorry that I could only provide this much information.”
“No. It’s been quite helpful.”
Although Qinghai wasn’t within the Sacred Fire Gate’s sphere of influence, dispatching informants there wouldn’t be difficult.
Then they should be able to catch the trail of the Seongchang Faction.
In that sense, the Wudang Sect had provided sufficiently helpful information. Namgung Hyeok poured alcohol with sincere gratitude.
“Although I participated in today’s gathering as a member of the Namgung Family, next time I’d like to invite the Wudang Sect members as the master of the Sacred Fire Gate.”
“Hehe. Our sect is also eager to form friendships with a sect led by a young hero like yourself. You’d be surprised to know how many among Wudang’s disciples admire you.”
“Haha. Thank you for the praise.”
“These aren’t empty words just to please the sect leader. Probably any young Late-Stage Expert would look up to you. I mean this sincerely.”
Namgung Hyeok smiled brightly instead of answering.
Jin Yul pointed to a spot some distance away and said.
“Now I’ve said what I needed to say. Shouldn’t the sect leader go over there? It’s a reunion of brothers after more than twenty years.”
That place was where Namgung Cheon and Baek Hyeon were having a conversation.
Namgung Hyeok pondered for a moment, then nodded his head.
“Let’s do that. I’ll see you later.”
“Hehe. Have a good time.”
He received Jin Yul’s greeting and approached the two men.
Whatever conversation had taken place, Namgung Cheon’s expression was quite bright.
“Hyeok, you’ve come?”
“Yes.”
“Good timing. We were just talking about you.”
“About me?”
“We were discussing how much you’ve changed.”
Baek Hyeon answered in a more relaxed tone than before.
Namgung Hyeok chuckled softly and nodded.
“I won’t deny it. It’s true that I’m different from before.”
“Of course, what I remember is from over twenty years ago… but back then, you were quite a timid and weak-hearted child.”
“I was like that until about ten years ago. Before I was dragged to the battlefield.”
“…”
Namgung Cheon’s expression darkened slightly.
It seemed he thought that Namgung Hyeok had been dragged to the battlefield because he couldn’t prevent it.
Namgung Hyeok spoke to Namgung Cheon.
“It’s not Elder Brother’s fault, so don’t make such an expression. Besides, it wasn’t all bad, was it? I grew through experiencing war, and I met precious comrades I could risk my life for. And as a result, I’ve now become the head of a sect.”
“That’s certainly true. I’m especially glad you were able to meet good people.”
“For example, like that woman who came as Hyeok’s escort?”
Baek Hyeon gestured toward So Yeon in the distance.
Namgung Hyeok nodded.
“She’s one of our Sacred Fire Gate’s Four Tigers.”
“Even at a glance, she looks like quite a formidable expert.”
“Not just formidable. If given sufficient distance, I can’t even guarantee I could defeat her.”
“Oh ho.”
Baek Hyeon’s eyes lit up at Namgung Hyeok’s words.
It seemed that statement had piqued his interest.
Namgung Hyeok chuckled at the sight.
“Second Elder Brother. We were worried about what kind of grudge you might hold until we met, but it seems you’re more interested in who’s stronger than such things.”
“The grudge built up twenty years ago has already faded. Besides, didn’t I say earlier? If Father hadn’t sent me to the Wudang Sect, I never would have become Master’s disciple.”
“I’m truly grateful you say that. Won.”
“Elder Brother. Please call me Baek Hyeon rather than Namgung Won. Even though I don’t hold any grudge against the Namgung Family, my identity is closer to that side.”
“I see. Understood.”
Though it was an answer that seemed to draw a slight line, Namgung Cheon was still very pleased that his relationship with his second younger brother, whom he’d reunited with after over twenty years, wasn’t at its worst.
Namgung Hyeok nodded slightly as he watched the two men.
‘Not bad.’
It was a good thing for him as well.
If, as Namgung Jangcheon said, Namgung Won—no, Baek Hyeon—harbored hostility toward the Namgung Family…
‘The Wudang Sect would likely have been hostile to our Sacred Fire Gate as well.’
But since that wasn’t the case, it meant they could have good relations with the Wudang Sect, one of the Nine Sects One Gang.
‘Then it would be like removing one obstacle to the Sacred Fire Gate’s expansion into Hubei.’
That alone was already a great benefit.
Enough to fully justify the value of his visit to the Namgung Family.
“Second Elder Brother, what are your plans going forward?”
“What do you mean, plans?”
“I’m asking if you just came to pay your respects. Will you return to the Wudang Sect a few days after this banquet ends?”
“Jin Yul and the other disciples will, yes. But I and a few disciples have decided to embark on a Jianghu Journey with this opportunity.”
“A Jianghu Journey. Then please be sure to visit our Sacred Fire Gate. You’re welcome anytime.”
“Of course I plan to. Having formed ties with the Namgung Family, not visiting the Sacred Fire Gate would be absurd.”
Baek Hyeon chuckled softly.
It seemed that in the world’s eyes, the Namgung Family and Sacred Fire Gate were known as one body.
‘It’s not entirely wrong, though.’
After all, the foundation for his growth to establish the Sacred Fire Gate had all been built at the Namgung Family.
Through that connection, they were now bound by a solid Blood Alliance.
‘That’s why people often view me as a member of the Namgung Family rather than as the Seonghwa Gate Master.’
Namgung Hyeok thought this as his eyes gleamed.
“It’s been a long time. Sect Master.”
“Oh ho. It has been a long time indeed.”
As the brothers were having a comfortable conversation, two people approached, seemingly sensing that the important discussion had ended.
They were Jang Huiwon and Wang Pyeong, who had entered the Namgung Family through Namgung Hyeok in the past.
Namgung Hyeok welcomed the two with a pleased expression.
‘In a way, these two are no different from my direct subordinates.’
Both had followed him into the Namgung Family, after all.
Although he hadn’t taken them along when he established the Sacred Fire Gate, he had heard news that both were achieving great success in the Namgung Family.
“Would you both like a drink?”
“We’d love to more than anything, but right now we came because there’s something we want to inform you about, Sect Master.”
“Me?”
Namgung Hyeok tilted his head.
Seeing this, Namgung Cheon spoke up.
“Hmm, shall we move to another location for a moment?”
“No. It’s fine. Tell me what this is about.”
“It’s… about Brother Ho.”
“What about Ho Young?”
“It’s a report that just came in. There was a report that Ho Young, the First Dharma Protector of the Sacred Fire Gate, clashed with the Black Dragon Society in the Sichuan region.”
“Hmm.”
At Jang Huiwon’s words, Namgung Hyeok made a strange expression.
“You don’t seem surprised.”
“If it’s Ho Young, he wouldn’t fall to those Black Dragon Society scoundrels.”
Namgung Hyeok trusted Ho Young.
With his skills, he would be able to return safely no matter what enemies he encountered.
When he gave such a confident answer, this time Wang Pyeong stepped forward.
“I think the same way. If it’s Brother Ho, he could easily defeat something like the Black Dragon Society. However, the problem is… the fact that the Sichuan Tang Family is also involved in this matter.”
“The Tang Family?”
Namgung Cheon, who had been listening from the side, asked with a bewildered expression.
The Sichuan Tang Family.
One of the Ten Great Families, famous for handling poison and hidden weapons and being ruthless in their methods.
But who would have thought such people would have a connection with Ho Young?
“Why would the Sichuan Tang Family be pursuing Ho Young?”
“I don’t know the detailed reason yet. However, according to uncertain information, they say Brother Ho kidnapped someone from the Tang Family.”
“Kidnapping.”
Just from the report alone, he felt like he couldn’t understand how things were unfolding.
Ho Young wasn’t someone who would kidnap others without reason, and there was a high probability that the report itself was wrong.
However, what was certain was…
“I’ll have to go to Sichuan.”
Namgung Hyeok stood up from his seat.
Namgung Cheon, flustered by this, asked.
“Hyeok. Do you mean right now?”
“Even though I don’t know the details of what happened, my person has gotten involved in trouble. Then it would be proper for me to go and see.”
Moreover, Ho Young was one of his most precious comrades.
He didn’t want to neglect the situation and have something go wrong.
“In that case…”
“Would it be alright if I came along too?”
At that moment, Baek Hyeon carefully spoke up.
Everyone looked at him with surprised expressions.
They hadn’t expected him to bring up such words here.
Baek Hyeon shrugged his shoulders and said.
“Listening to it made me curious about what’s going on. I was planning to visit the Seonghwa Sect after this anyway.”
However, Namgung Hyeok firmly refused.
“I cannot allow it. I can’t bring someone from the Wudang Sect to a place that could escalate into a problem between the Seonghwa Sect and the Sichuan Tang Family.”
“Then how about sending the other guys to the Seonghwa Sect first to do their Jianghu Journey while only I come along? If it’s me as an individual accompanying you, it would reduce the potential for problems.”
“Hmm.”
Namgung Hyeok looked at Baek Hyeon for a moment.
It wouldn’t be completely without problems, but to that extent, it seemed like it might somehow be possible.
‘When push comes to shove, I could even exploit the Wudang Sect’s name.’
Just moments ago he had shown consideration out of concern for the Wudang Sect, but if he was coming forward like this himself, he had no choice but to make use of him.
Namgung Hyeok nodded his head to show his agreement.
Then Wang Pyeong continued speaking.
“I will join you as well. I have a debt to repay to Elder Brother Ho.”
“Good. You’re welcome. Elder Brother, would it be alright to borrow Warrior Wang?”
“Of course. Think of your younger brother and sister, and return safely without getting hurt.”
Wang Pyeong bowed his head at Namgung Cheon’s warm words.
Namgung Hyeok immediately rose from his seat.
“Then let us depart.”
He said with gleaming eyes.
“We’re going to Sichuan.”
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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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