The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 32

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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 32

The alliance matter proceeded as Ak Yeonhu had expected.

Ak Biho proposed joint subjugation of the Red Wolf Gang, which had been causing trouble in southern Shandong Province recently, instead of concluding an alliance.

The Namgung Family had no reason to refuse.

Above all, it was an opportunity to form an alliance with the Shandong Ak Family…

The Red Wolf Gang’s sphere of activity extended not only to southern Shandong Province but also to northern Anhui Province. If they were left alone, even the subordinate sects that had good relations with the Namgung Family would suffer damage.

“We think Flame Dragon is the right person for this task.”

Ak Biho expressed his opinion at the dinner table.

Namgung Jangcheon made an openly uncomfortable expression, but still couldn’t refuse.

It was unpleasant to yield the merit of subjugating the Red Wolf Gang to Namgung Hyeok, but he couldn’t nullify the alliance because of that.

“Then let’s do that. The Main House will decide to send the Pungwoon Unit to subjugate the Red Wolf Gang.”

“We’ll also send our most elite Gwangpung Unit from the Main House. Haha. I’m already curious about Flame Dragon’s skills.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Namgung Hyeok answered politely.

Ak Biho was satisfied with this and engaged in various conversations.

After the meal ended, Namgung Jangcheon returned to his quarters and spat out curses with a reddened face.

“Damn it all!”

Bang!

He struck an innocent table with his fist to vent his anger. Just then, Namgung Hwan, who was entering his father’s quarters, was startled by the sight and asked.

“Father? What’s wrong?”

“Hwan.”

Namgung Jangcheon sat down with an irritated expression and explained what had happened.

The fact that Namgung Hyeok’s existence had greatly influenced the alliance with the Shandong Ak Family, which he thought he had brought about.

And the fact that all the family members had learned of this.

As a result, people’s perception would be fixed on the idea that the alliance was achieved because of Namgung Hyeok. Namgung Jangcheon, who had suffered in the middle, was about to have his merit completely stolen.

“Moreover, if he subjugates this Red Wolf Gang or whatever, that tendency will become even stronger. Everyone will think it’s Namgung Hyeok’s achievement.”

“Then… wouldn’t it work to prevent him from subjugating the Red Wolf Gang?”

“What?”

“Rather, it could be an opportunity. If the Red Wolf Gang defeats or kills Namgung Hyeok, wouldn’t that be perfect?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean like this. Contact the Red Wolf Gang before him and…”

“You foolish bastard!”

Smack!

Namgung Jangcheon slapped Namgung Hwan across the face.

“Ugh!”

Crash!

Namgung Hwan, who rolled violently on the floor, looked shocked.

“F-Father!? Why suddenly…”

“Don’t ever say such stupid things in front of me again. Never!”

“B-But isn’t it a good method? As the saying goes in military strategy, there’s ‘using barbarians to control barbarians’…”

“What’s good about it! If you do such things and fail to subjugate the Red Wolf Gang, the alliance with the Ak Family itself becomes unstable. Moreover, isn’t the Red Wolf Gang under the Evil Path Alliance?”

“Th-That’s exactly why they’d try harder to kill Namgung Hyeok, wouldn’t they?”

“You stupid…”

Namgung Jangcheon got greatly angry as if it wasn’t worth listening to anymore.

“The Evil Path Alliance are the bastards who might have poisoned Elder Brother. And you want me to join hands with such scum? Are you in your right mind?”

“…!”

Namgung Hwan felt shocked as if he had been hit in the head at that moment.

‘It wasn’t Father who poisoned the previous family head?’

Honestly, Namgung Hwan had inwardly concluded that the culprit was Namgung Jangcheon.

That made sense, since Namgung Jangcheon was the person who benefited most from Namgung Gong’s death.

But this reaction was that of someone genuinely angry.

That meant Namgung Jangcheon was unrelated to that incident.

‘Of course, there’s a possibility that even this is acting, but…’

Would he really act even in front of his own son?

That was unlikely.

That meant there was a separate culprit who poisoned Namgung Gong and Namgung Cheon…

Namgung Hwan felt goosebumps rising all over his body.

‘Then who is the culprit?’

* * *

After that, the distinguished guests from the Ak Family continued to stay at the Namgung Family Estate.

Instead, they sent messenger pigeons to report about the alliance and requested the Gwangpung Unit’s deployment.

This was to join forces with the Pungwoon Unit at the precise timing.

“Incredible discipline.”

Ak Biho exclaimed in admiration upon seeing the Wind Cloud Unit Members training with precision.

“This level is worthy of being called elite. Did you train them yourself?”

“Yes. My battlefield experience was helpful.”

“They certainly look more like soldiers than a martial family’s military force. But that’s exactly why they can display stronger power in group combat.”

“As expected of Elder Brother. Are these the troops who will go with us?”

“Yes. They’re called the Pungwoon Unit.”

“That’s a good name.”

Both Ak Biho and Ak Yeonhu didn’t spare their praise. However, Namgung Hyeok shook his head.

“They’re still lacking. Especially when facing bandit groups, mobility is important, but we haven’t secured sufficient mobility yet.”

“Unless you create a cavalry unit from the start, they’re all like that. Do you perhaps have a plan?”

“We’ll find their stronghold and launch a surprise attack. If we ambush their base, even the bandit group won’t be able to properly utilize their mobility.”

“That’s a good method. But can you find the bandit group’s stronghold in such a vast area?”

“I already sent a trustworthy friend ahead at dawn. He’ll go first and conduct various investigations for us.”

“Jeon Wook must have gone. If it’s him, we can trust him.”

Namgung Hyeok nodded.

“In case Jeon Wook can’t find it, I’m thinking of contacting the Beggar’s Sect and Hao Sect as well. However, they’re a bandit group operating on a considerable scale. If so, there will definitely be traces left.”

The bandit group would need trading partners to exchange assets obtained through plunder.

Moreover, they would need a place to supply food for hundreds of people.

‘It’s impossible to sustain that scale through plunder alone.’

So Namgung Hyeok judged that Jeon Wook could sufficiently track their traces and find their stronghold.

However.

“It’s not entirely without problems.”

“What is it?”

“There’s a possibility that information leaked out in advance. As you know, the Evil Path Alliance and Namgung Family have been in conflict for a long time. And the Red Wolf Gang is strongly presumed to be a force under the Evil Path Alliance.”

“So you’re saying they might already know through the Evil Path Alliance that we’re coming to subjugate them?”

“It’s just a possibility. There might be their spies in the Namgung Family. It wouldn’t be strange at all if there’s someone selling information for money.”

At Namgung Hyeok’s words, Ak Biho chuckled and replied.

“That could be the family’s shame, yet you’re telling us quite readily.”

“On the battlefield, don’t you have to consider all situations?”

“That’s true.”

Ak Biho smiled slightly.

“Then, assuming the information was passed on, how do you think the enemies will respond?”

“First, I think there are two possibilities.”

“Speak.”

“One is to abandon their base and quietly leave. They’d hide like dead mice for a while to avoid the subjugation force. It’s quite a likely possibility.”

“And the other?”

“Setting a trap.”

“…!”

“They’d accept taking losses themselves while trying to devour us in return. The Evil Path Alliance has many grievances against me, so this is also highly possible.”

Ak Biho asked with a serious expression.

“Even with the Main House’s elites joining us?”

“Of course it’s less likely than simply leaving. But I don’t think we can ignore the possibility.”

“That’s certainly true. So what do you plan to do?”

“I’m thinking of confronting them head-on.”

“Ho.”

Ak Biho narrowed his eyes and smiled as if finding it interesting.

“Even knowing it’s a trap?”

“A trap loses half its power the moment you know it’s a trap. If I stay alert beforehand, no disaster will occur.”

“Remarkable confidence.”

He was genuinely impressed.

If someone else had said it, it would have sounded arrogant, but coming from Namgung Hyeok, it truly seemed plausible.

“Good. Then let me set the stage.”

“Set the stage?”

“I’ll spread information that I won’t be participating in this Red Wolf Gang subjugation. That would increase the chances of the enemies remaining, wouldn’t it?”

His words made sense.

Ak Biho was an excellent spearman called the Invincible Iron Spear and held in high regard.

So if such a person were beside Namgung Hyeok, it would inevitably be burdensome from the enemies’ perspective.

But if rumors spread that he wasn’t there, the enemies would think they had an opportunity and make their move.

“Of course, I won’t actually leave. I’ll pretend to return and secretly follow behind, watching for opportunities and intervening immediately if you’re in danger. How about it?”

“I’d be grateful if you did that.”

Namgung Hyeok answered with a cupped fist salute.

At the same time, Ak Yeonhu, who had been listening to the conversation, burst into laughter.

“Haha. Uncle. Unfortunately, that won’t happen.”

“Hm?”

“Because there’s no way Elder Brother would be in danger from mere bandits.”

“…!”

* * *

A few days later.

The Pungwoon Unit, having quickly learned methods for dealing with mounted enemies, set out on their journey.

Only Ak Yeonhu was beside them.

This was because Ak Biho had returned to the family estate first for some reason.

“First, let’s go to the meeting place and join up with the Gwangpung Unit.”

Namgung Hyeok said this while commanding the Pungwoon Unit.

Within a few days, the Pungwoon Unit was able to cross Anhui and arrive at the southernmost part of Shandong.

There, they were able to join up with the Gwangpung Unit that had been waiting for them.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Pungwoon Unit Commander. I’m Ak Hyo, leading the Shandong Ak Family’s Gwangpung Unit.”

He was a warrior with an upright impression who appeared to be in his mid-forties.

His martial arts level was clearly above the transcendent peak at first glance.

According to what he’d heard from Ak Yeonhu, he was a branch family member who had made quite a name for himself within the clan. That’s why he was entrusted with the important military force called the Gwangpung Unit.

Namgung Hyeok performed a cupped fist salute.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Gwangpung Unit Commander. I’m Namgung Hyeok. It’s an honor to be able to work together like this.”

“I’m also honored to work with the Flame Dragon, whose recent reputation has been remarkable. Please take care of me in this mission.”

Ak Hyo greeted him courteously.

Namgung Hyeok, who replied equally courteously, began speaking.

“More importantly, do you have any information about those bastards? I’d like to hear how much you know about them first.”

“I’m sorry, but we haven’t properly identified the Red Wolf Gang’s true nature yet. They appeared so suddenly.”

“I see.”

Namgung Hyeok nodded.

Actually, he wasn’t particularly disappointed that they didn’t know. After all, he would soon hear the investigation results from Jeon Wook, whom he’d meet shortly.

But Ak Hyo’s words didn’t end there.

“However, there is one fact we’ve discovered.”

“What would that be?”

“We’ve found out their next destination. According to intelligence, the Red Wolf Gang is currently moving toward a village called Hyoeul Village.”

“Ho.”

Namgung Hyeok smiled meaningfully.

“Is it perhaps a distant place?”

“No. It’s a place we can reach on foot in a day from this county. What would you like to do?”

“What do you mean, what would I like to do?”

Namgung Hyeok answered immediately.

“We should go show those bastards a hot taste of what’s coming.”

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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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