The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 197

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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 197

“Sichuan.”

Namgung Hyeok stared intently at the map.

“What is he doing there?”

“I’m not certain. Though our alliance’s information network is excellent, we don’t know everything.”

“I see.”

“But there were definitely sighting reports. He’s certainly in Sichuan, particularly staying close to Chengdu.”

“Hmm.”

Namgung Hyeok frowned slightly.

Sichuan Province’s Chengdu.

That place was none other than where the Sichuan Tang Family was located.

That’s why the Seonghwa Sect’s influence was weak there.

Of course, the Tang Family is currently in seclusion due to the previous incident…

‘Even so, we still haven’t been able to properly advance there.’

This was precisely due to the special nature of the Tang Family that had ruled Chengdu for a long time.

Like the Sichuan Tang Family’s motto of repaying kindness twofold and grudges tenfold.

They did not forget their enemies.

So the civilians of Sichuan rejected outsiders, fearing they might offend the Tang Family who might emerge from seclusion someday.

‘In that sense, the Martial Alliance with its existing branch is somewhat better.’

However, even the Martial Alliance couldn’t properly exert its power there.

The Martial Alliance branch, by its nature, was subject to Sichuan’s closed-off characteristics.

“Baekgol Magoon wouldn’t have gone there for nothing, so he must be plotting some evil scheme there.”

“Right. We’re keeping sufficient guard as well. Perhaps he’s planning to use the Tang Family for something.”

“A-Alliance Leader!? Surely you don’t mean the Tang Family, one of the Ten Great Houses, would betray the righteous faction and join hands with the Heavenly Demon Sect?”

Jin Hyeyeon, who had been listening quietly, asked urgently.

This would truly be a serious matter.

Of course, Dokgo Ryong, being a seasoned individual, didn’t immediately confirm it.

He was merely keeping the possibility open.

“That’s unknown. Perhaps it could be so, or maybe we’re making a ridiculous misunderstanding. The important thing is that we need to watch more carefully.”

“Ah, understood. Let’s do that.”

“Of course, this is a secret, so don’t go blabbing about it outside. If information that the Martial Alliance suspects the Tang Family somehow leaks out, it could cause unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“Yes.”

“Good. Now, returning to the topic, Seonghwa Gate Master. Why do you want information about Baekgol Magoon? He’s a demon operating outside your sphere of activity.”

“I have my circumstances.”

“Hmm, circumstances?”

“It would be better for my companion to explain that. Song Ha. Please explain.”

Song Ha looked intently at Namgung Hyeok.

An expression asking if it was really okay to speak.

Namgung Hyeok nodded in response.

With permission granted, Song Ha opened his mouth.

“I am Song Ha of the Seonghwa Sect’s Seongchang faction. The reason our Sect Master wants information about Baekgol Magoon is…”

He briefly explained his and the Seongchang faction’s circumstances.

That they were currently in Qinghai and being threatened by Baekgol Magoon.

Also that when he returned from his mission, the young lady who was the leader of the Seongchang faction might be in danger.

Having heard the entire story, Dokgo Ryong showed an understanding expression.

“I certainly understand why you stepped forward. You moved to protect the Seongchang faction since that old demon might do anything.”

“Well, that’s right.”

“As expected, you have a strong sense of chivalry. You pretend otherwise, but you can’t stand by and watch those in danger.”

Dokgo Ryong smiled warmly as if pleased.

“Then you should move as quickly as possible. I’ll lend you sweating blood horses, so pick up the pace.”

“You mean sweating blood horses?”

Sweating blood horses were arguably the highest grade breed of horses available in the Central Plains.

Yet he was offering to lend such precious things so readily.

It was a statement that made one feel anew how much goodwill Dokgo Ryong had toward Namgung Hyeok.

Namgung Hyeok bowed his head in gratitude.

“Given the situation, I’ll gratefully accept.”

“Sichuan and Qinghai aren’t that far apart. If he finishes his business in Sichuan or notices that you’re getting involved, he might return first.”

“Yes. That’s why we’re also thinking of moving as quickly as possible somehow.”

“I think it’s right to depart immediately, even if it’s a bit difficult. You can rest on the way.”

“Won’t you need an escort?”

Jin Hyeyeon asked cautiously.

However, Namgung Hyeok carefully shook his head at her question.

“I appreciate the thought, but I think we’ll be sufficient on our own. If we all rush over in a crowd, it might waste time and draw attention.”

“Ah… that’s certainly true. Understood.”

“However, don’t you not know the scale of the enemies? Considering that, it seems you should go with some degree of military strength.”

“If we use the Seongchang faction as our full strength, we should be able to defeat most enemies and escape. If that doesn’t work, we’ll ask for help while fleeing.”

Since it would be a request from none other than Seonghwa Gate Master Namgung Hyeok, there wouldn’t be many forces that would refuse.

It would be a good opportunity to put him in their debt.

Moreover.

“I don’t think there will be that many enemies. At most, there will only be Baekgol Magoon’s direct subordinates.”

That would only amount to dozens of people, or at most just over a hundred.

If it weren’t so, there would be no way they would have just left the Seongchang faction alone.

Since they couldn’t push through with force, they resorted to the troublesome act of targeting the leader.

“I see. In any case, I wish you good fortune in martial arts.”

“Thank you.”

After exchanging light greetings with Dokgo Ryong, Namgung Hyeok received sweating blood horses and various supplies under Jin Hyeyeon’s guidance.

“Well then, Young Lady Jin. I’ll see you next time.”

“I hope you have a safe trip.”

“Thank you. Let’s go!”

Namgung Hyeok spurred his sweating blood horse and galloped away quickly.

So Geomlip and Song Ha followed behind him.

The three people moved without stopping.

It didn’t take long for the Martial Arts Alliance Headquarters to appear as a small dot.

*   *   *

Several days passed like that.

The party that departed from Wuhan was able to cross Hubei and Shaanxi and arrive near Gansu.

“We’re almost there now. Once we pass Gongdong Mountain and enter Qinghai’s territory, our domain will appear immediately.”

“We can consider ourselves almost arrived.”

“Yes. Sect Master, would it be alright to increase our speed a bit more?”

“Let’s do that.”

Song Ha nodded and went to the front of the group to drive his horse.

About two more days passed like that.

The three people passed Gongdong Mountain and entered Qinghai.

They were soon able to arrive at the village where the Seongchang faction had been staying.

“Song Ha? It’s Song Ha! Have you returned?”

As soon as they entered the village, a middle-aged man who recognized Song Ha shouted with a bright face.

Song Ha nodded and answered.

“Yes. I’ve returned. Uncle Chung, how is the young lady?”

“The young lady is doing well. But those two people are….”

“I am Namgung Hyeok, master of the Seonghwa Sect. This is my comrade and protector of the Seonghwa Sect, So Geomlip.”

It was Namgung Hyeok who answered that question.

At the mention of the Seonghwa Sect, the middle-aged man’s mouth fell open.

He looked at Song Ha, about to ask what this was all about.

Song Ha smiled brightly and explained.

“I told you before I left, didn’t I, that I would call for support from the Seonghwa Sect! Fortunately, the Sect Master himself came after understanding our situation!”

“Huh, huuh….”

The middle-aged man seemed stunned and couldn’t continue speaking for a while.

But he soon composed himself, nodded, and performed a cupped fist salute.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Sect Master, I am called Cheong Jeok of the Seongchang faction. For now, may I guide you to the young lady… no, to our faction leader?”

“Please do so.”

Namgung Hyeok readily nodded.

The three men headed toward the heart of the village following Cheong Jeok’s guidance.

‘They’re quite on guard.’

He could immediately sense it.

Many gazes followed them, perhaps because they had deliberately chosen a path with many people.

“What’s going on?”

“That Song Ha fellow has returned.”

“Is that really true?”

“Yes. He really brought support.”

“But I only see two people….”

“This way.”

Cheong Jeok’s voice covered the murmuring sounds of people looking their way.

Namgung Hyeok strode forward and was able to arrive at a manor.

There, having already received word, stood a beautiful woman and a middle-aged man who appeared to be her guard.

“Young lady. Father.”

Song Ha approached them with apparent joy upon seeing them.

“You’ve returned. Song Ha.”

“Yes. As I mentioned, I’ve brought the Seonghwa Sect Master.”

“This person is the Seonghwa Sect Master…?”

Perhaps she hadn’t expected the sect master to come personally?

The woman called young lady looked at Namgung Hyeok with bewilderment.

But she didn’t show it any further. Instead, she only offered a polite greeting.

“Sa Gong Yeon Hwa, leader of the Seongchang faction, greets the inheritor of the Sacred Fire.”

“A pleasure. I am called Namgung Hyeok.”

Namgung Hyeok also received her greeting with a certain degree of formality.

Her position was that of a faction leader.

If she were to enter the Seonghwa Sect, she would need to be treated the same as Baek Ya or Maeng Seungji.

Sa Gong Yeon Hwa looked at Namgung Hyeok and spoke.

“I didn’t expect the Seonghwa Sect Master to come personally, so I’ve been discourteous. Please forgive me.”

“Not at all. This is a matter of taking the Seongchang faction with me, so I couldn’t entrust it to others.”

“What do you mean by taking us with you…?”

“Song Ha told me so. That the Seongchang faction was fully prepared to submit to the Seonghwa Sect. So I came to take you all personally. Is this not true?”

“Phew, that’s not it. We certainly have thoughts of submitting to the Seonghwa Sect. It’s just that there’s a problem….”

“By problem, may I assume it’s related to Baekgol Magoon?”

“Yes.”

Sa Gong Yeon Hwa nodded. Her expression looked quite tired, as if she had been troubled for quite some time.

“That’s fine then. I originally came to resolve the matter of Baekgol Magoon anyway.”

“Is, is that really true?”

“It’s true.”

“Then the others must be waiting outside the village now.”

“Others?”

Namgung Hyeok tilted his head at the unexpected statement.

“I’m sorry, but there are no others. Just me and this friend, two people total.”

“That’s….”

Sa Gong Yeon Hwa showed signs of bewilderment.

She seemed disappointed by the fact that the reinforcements were only two people.

“Don’t worry. I’ve received information that Baekgol Magoon is in Sichuan. If you prepare right now and the entire faction heads toward Jiangsu Province, there should be no problems.”

“I’m sorry, but we can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Baekgol Magoon… that man has taken hostages.”

“Hostages?”

“Yes.”

Sa Gong Yeon Hwa ground her teeth in frustration as she spoke.

“As if he prepared for this situation, he had his subordinates capture several villagers as prisoners and is holding them. In this situation, if we move as a group….”

“Ah, young lady! Something terrible has happened!”

But just then.

Someone came running from afar, gasping for breath. Sa Gong Yeon Hwa asked with surprised eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well….”

The man who came to report glanced at Sa Gong Yeon Hwa.

It was a silent question of whether it was okay to speak with strangers present.

“This person came to help us, so you can speak. What happened?”

Sa Gong Yeon Hwa quickly resolved his doubt.

Only then did the man come to his senses and report in an urgent voice.

“It’s them.”

“Them?”

“Baekgol Ma-gun Disciples are coming to this village!”

“…!”

Sa Gong Yeon Hwa’s expression hardened.

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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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