The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 169

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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 169

 

The Hancheol Mine, which bore the name Huibaek, was close to the conflict zone.

 

The front lines had originally formed around that area as their base point.

 

When he thought about it, it was only natural.

 

Whether it was the Northern Sea Ice Palace or the rebels, they needed money to continue the war. And it was precisely the Hancheol Mine that stably produced and supplied that money.

 

So fighting was bound to break out around that area.

 

‘Of course, from the enemy’s perspective, they’d want to push the front lines far back so they couldn’t affect the mine.’

 

Since the Ice Palace side also knew this fact, they never stopped attacking the key strongholds around the Hancheol Mine.

 

However, their reach had not yet extended to the mine itself.

 

Infiltrating that far was a bit too deep…

 

And if they forced themselves to try to seize it, they might suffer great losses.

 

So they simply pressured the enemy by making careful, calculated moves.

 

However.

 

“I hear the enemy resistance on the front lines is quite fierce.”

 

The situation there was said to be evenly matched.

 

While the Ice Palace side had better individual skills and overall unity, the other side had greater numbers.

 

The Four Great Families alone were formidable, but with the added support of the Heavenly Demon Sect…

 

So the Ice Palace warriors couldn’t push forward decisively either.

 

In other words, it was an ambiguous situation in many ways.

 

That’s why Namgung Hyeok decided to look for an opening.

 

“Look for an opening? What do you mean by that?”

 

“When our allied forces clash with the enemy, we’ll act as special forces. Joining the front lines would be good too, but if we take a detour and approach the Hancheol Mine, we could reach the mine without fighting.”

 

“Not a bad strategy. But the mine will also have considerable forces guarding it.”

 

“Of course I know that. Jeon Wook!”

 

“Yes, Lord.”

 

“Report the information you gathered through infiltration.”

 

At Namgung Hyeok’s words, Jeon Wook nodded.

 

He had spent several days moving alone in secret, spying on the mine’s situation.

 

“I couldn’t get inside, but warriors from the Seol Family and Heavenly Demon Sect have set up camp around the mine.”

 

“What are their numbers like?”

 

“It seemed to be roughly four to five hundred. Since it’s an important stronghold, they probably intend to fortify their defenses.”

 

“Four to five hundred.”

 

“And considering that other enemy strongholds are positioned nearby…”

 

“We could end up surrounded by enemies if we’re not careful.”

 

“Even if we succeed in seizing it, that’s still a problem. If the enemy’s follow-up forces arrive before our allies, we might have to give back the mine we worked so hard to take.”

 

“Indeed. So we need to properly consider cooperation with our allied forces?”

 

The executives coolly analyzed the situation.

 

But even in this unfavorable situation, none of them said it couldn’t be done.

 

They were now elite forces, carefully selected from among the over three thousand Sacred Fire Sect disciples.

 

Even if the enemy’s numbers were double, there would be no problem carrying out the mission.

 

“I’ll have to negotiate directly with the Ice Palace Master about this matter. Leaving it to the underlings has too high a chance of creating variables.”

 

“Securing the mine is certainly a big deal. They might be displeased with us gaining merit, or conversely, they might not provide proper support to gain merit for themselves.”

 

“If we borrow the Ice Palace Master’s authority, even the front line commanders won’t be able to ignore us.”

 

“Or he might personally head to the front lines himself. It seems he’s already making preparations.”

 

“In any case, we must be cautious. I’ll step forward and try to coordinate.”

 

Namgung Hyeok said this and went to find the Bukhaebinggung Master.

 

When Bing Yohwi heard about reclaiming the Hancheol Mine, he shook his head with a troubled expression.

 

“It seems you misunderstood what I said last time. I was planning to give you the exclusive rights to cold iron even without launching such an operation.”

 

“But shouldn’t we achieve appropriate merit to create public opinion that it’s justified? I believe it’s right for us to step forward and reclaim the mine.”

 

“That may be true, but… it will be dangerous. Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

 

“A warrior’s work is originally like walking on a sharp blade. I’m fully prepared.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

Bing Yohwi’s eyes flashed sharply for a moment.

 

It seemed he was calculating something internally.

 

How much time passed like that?

 

“Then there’s no choice. I’ll gladly accept your help.”

 

Bing Yohwi spoke with a serious expression. It was essentially approval.

 

“However, we must devise a thorough plan before going. If we just rush in recklessly, we might suffer great losses.”

 

“Of course. We’ll need to coordinate with the field commanders in advance.”

 

“Then I’ll send letters… no, that won’t be enough. If one of the commanders is stubborn, even that might not work. So what should we do?”

 

After pondering, he smiled faintly.

 

“Would you undertake this mission together with Seolhye?”

 

“Together with Young Lady Bing… no, the Small Palace Master?”

 

“That’s right. She won’t be a hindrance. That child’s martial power has grown to a level I can acknowledge.”

 

“I’m aware of that as well.”

 

Who was it that had solved Bing Seolhye’s severed meridians?

 

It was none other than Namgung Hyeok himself.

 

Now only five severed meridians remained in her body.

 

While that part was the most difficult to resolve, conversely, just the parts resolved so far had improved her situation enough to practice martial arts.

 

‘No, it’s actually more than that.’

 

The cold energy that had been blocking her blood vessels had melted into her dantian as it was, becoming her strength.

 

Bing Seolhye was now someone who could emit more intense cold energy than anyone else in the Northern Sea Ice Palace.

 

However.

 

“I understand the Small Palace Master’s experience is still limited. Is it really alright to send her to such a dangerous place?”

 

“It’s fine. I’ll attach reliable guards to that child. Besides, you’ll protect her if necessary, won’t you?”

 

“That’s true, but… if it becomes known that the Small Palace Master is there, the enemies’ attention will focus on this side.”

 

“Then the front lines will become that much looser. While it’s a matter that needs discussion with the front line commanders, if that happens, the main force can break through the perimeter in one swift move.”

 

“So you’re planning to use the Small Palace Master as bait if necessary.”

 

“I won’t deny it. Are you disgusted by my attitude of using my own daughter as bait?”

 

“Not particularly. It’s actually an efficient and fair plan.”

 

After all, he was sending even his own blood to the heart of the battlefield.

 

The morale of the Northern Sea Ice Palace warriors fighting on the front lines would rise considerably.

 

Of course, he had to consider the risks if it failed, or the possibility that Bing Seolhye herself might refuse…

 

‘Would the Small Palace Master really refuse?’

 

Namgung Hyeok didn’t think so.

 

Though they hadn’t known each other for very long.

 

Bing Seolhye seemed like the type who wouldn’t avoid the battlefield she needed to go to.

 

She might even be happy that a chance to fight had come.

 

“I’ll speak to the Small Palace Master directly and request her cooperation.”

 

“I’ll leave it to you then.”

 

After parting with Bing Yohwi, Namgung Hyeok went to find Bing Seolhye.

 

Bing Seolhye was at her own training ground, located a short distance from the Palace Lord’s Great Hall.

 

He’d heard she devoted herself to training without missing a single day, and it seemed to be true.

 

“Who is it?”

 

Bing Seolhye, having detected the presence outside, asked sharply.

 

Namgung Hyeok answered calmly.

 

“It’s me.”

 

“Ah, Sect Master!”

 

Her voice became much more cheerful.

 

She opened the training ground door and personally welcomed Namgung Hyeok.

 

Namgung Hyeok glanced at the interior situation.

 

The training ground was already frozen solid from the cold energy Bing Seolhye had released.

 

“I haven’t been able to visit you for a while. What brings you here?”

 

“I came to ask for your cooperation because I need it.”

 

“My cooperation?”

 

He told her the reason for his visit.

 

That he was making plans to recapture the Hancheol Mine.

 

And that the Ice Palace Master had asked if he would go there together with Bing Seolhye.

 

A smile spread across Bing Seolhye’s face as she heard this story.

 

She nodded as if she understood.

 

“It’s insurance in case the field commanders don’t listen. If I’m there, they won’t be able to ignore us.”

 

If the Small Palace Master were in danger, they wouldn’t be able to resist sending reinforcements.

 

Even if they coveted the achievements that Namgung Hyeok and the Seonghwa Sect would establish.

 

Bing Seolhye frowned as if thinking for a moment, but only briefly.

 

Soon she smiled brightly and said.

 

“I like it. A mission together with my benefactor – my heart is already racing.”

 

“It could be dangerous. The place we’re going is no different from the enemy’s heart.”

 

“Hehe. That’s exactly why I must go. I need to show the Northern Sea people that I didn’t get the Small Palace Master position for nothing.”

 

Apart from her loyalty to Namgung Hyeok, she seemed to have her own reasons.

 

Then it would be possible to reduce the burden considerably.

 

‘It’s not like her skills are lacking either…’

 

Strictly speaking, Bing Seolhye’s martial arts level wasn’t quite outstanding yet.

 

However, she had Yin Cold Energy sleeping within her that was several times greater than others.

 

Even when executing the same technique, a much more powerful attack would emerge.

 

So her actual combat power was roughly just below the Four Great Protectors of Seonghwa Sect.

 

At this level, most enemies would be no match for her.

 

Moreover.

 

“However, there’s something I’d like to ask before we execute the operation.”

 

“A request?”

 

“Please resolve the Severed Meridians Condition that remains in me.”

 

She said this and looked at Namgung Hyeok with burning eyes.

 

As if this had been her purpose all along.

 

“I know it’s impossible to do all of them. Two out of five. That would be enough. Once two more severed meridians are resolved, my combat power will be incomparable to what it is now.”

 

“Not one but two. It will be dangerous. The remaining five severed meridians are hidden deep within Young Lady’s body.”

 

“But Sect Master and I can do it, can’t we?”

 

Strong trust could be felt in her tone.

 

She probably truly believed in Namgung Hyeok.

 

“…”

 

Namgung Hyeok pondered for a moment.

 

Was it right to treat the severed meridians while taking risks as she requested?

 

The answer came quickly.

 

‘Of course.’

 

As Bing Seolhye had already said, if two severed meridians were resolved, her combat power would certainly rise far above its current level.

 

Moreover…

 

‘She believes in me.’

 

Then it would be human nature to repay that trust.

 

He had already decided to resolve all of them eventually anyway.

 

He intended to take responsibility to the end for any task he had started.

 

Also, the more achievements they made in the Northern Sea, the more stable the alliance would become.

 

Rustle.

 

Bing Sohye removed her outer clothing.

 

She probably wanted to resolve the severed meridians right here and now.

 

But Namgung Hyeok shook his head.

 

Treating severed meridians required a high degree of concentration. No matter how private the personal training ground was, it couldn’t be handled outside like this.

 

“Let’s go to the room.”

 

They entered the Small Palace Master’s residence and gave strict orders that no one should approach.

 

And it was a full two days later when the two of them emerged again.

 

Bing Seolhye examined her body’s condition with flushed cheeks.

 

The severed meridians resolved this time were two.

 

But the results she achieved were incomparable to before.

 

She finally felt like she was properly using her potential.

 

“Rest well for the next few days.”

 

Namgung Hyeok, who had helped her by channeling Sacred Fire for two straight days, said.

 

“You need to replenish your strength.”

 

“When will the operation begin?”

 

“Probably in four days.”

 

Namgung Hyeok continued with a mysterious smile.

 

“By then, we will reclaim Hancheol Mine.”

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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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