The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 86

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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 86

 

 

Maeng Seungji pondered for a moment before answering.

“If you’re referring to the other two factions… you must mean the Sacred Spear faction and the Fire Blade faction.”

Namgung Hyeok nodded.

“That’s right. I’d like to know their whereabouts.”

Maeng Seungji shook his head apologetically as he replied.

“Unfortunately, we don’t know where they are. All we knew was the location of the Fire Sword faction.”

“Hmm.”

This time, Namgung Hyeok turned to Baek Yeonhu and asked.

“Yeonhu. What about you? Do you know anything?”

“I apologize, Lord. We also couldn’t confirm the existence of the other two factions…”

“Then it can’t be helped.”

Namgung Hyeok gave up cleanly.

What could he do when they didn’t know?

Pressing them for no reason would only worsen the atmosphere.

It wasn’t really that kind of problem to begin with.

‘I can find the other two factions with my own power.’

He was already borrowing the entire information network of Yeomhwa Trading Company.

If he consistently invested time and manpower in investigation, something would turn up.

“Good. Then let’s prepare to depart.”

“Yes. I’ll give the orders.”

Maeng Seungji bowed and left to organize the village.

Namgung Hyeok pondered how to lead roughly two hundred people.

He then thought of Yeomhwa Trading Company and chuckled.

‘So Baek, that fellow is going to have a hard time.’

Combining the Fire Sword faction and Fire Blade faction meant having to handle roughly five hundred dependents.

Just thinking about places to house them and food to feed them would cost an enormous amount of money.

And once they got there, he’d have to provide jobs for establishing Sacred Fire Sect, which would be a headache.

‘It’s unavoidable for the great cause. Sorry, So Baek.’

Namgung Hyeok offered an internal apology and carefully examined the nearby map.

There might still be threats from unknown enemies remaining.

So letting his guard down was forbidden.

The Ha Family, having grasped the situation, might send large-scale forces at any moment.

‘Of course, even if that happens, I can respond adequately… but it would be better not to encounter them for now.’

There was no need to create unnecessary trouble.

Now if there was a remaining problem, it was about the Fire Blade faction still at the Ha Family…

‘It would be a waste to abandon them.’

However, it wasn’t a situation where he could bring them right now.

Unless they came out of the Ha Family on their own and crossed over here, there was no way to do anything about it.

But.

‘Ah. There was that method.’

Namgung Hyeok soon thought of one plausible method.

He wrote a letter addressed to someone.

And he requested Maeng Seungji, who was preparing the village people, to select some people.

“What? People who would voluntarily enter the Ha Family?”

“That’s right. If there are volunteers, it would be good to select about ten.”

“I’ll gather them once. But why is that…?”

“To plant our forces within the Ha Family.”

Namgung Hyeok showed the letter he had just scribbled and said.

“We have a friend over there too.”

 

* * *

 

The Ha Family was naturally in chaos.

The Fire Blade faction of Sacred Fire Sect.

That tremendous military power was in danger of falling entirely into Namgung Hyeok’s hands.

They heard the report from the second son Ha Jinhyeok who had returned to the family and immediately dispatched their military force.

However.

“This can’t be!”

Only about ten martial artists remained there.

The remaining two hundred or so members had all left following Namgung Hyeok.

But they couldn’t just stand there in shock, so the Leader of the military force asked the remaining people.

“Why didn’t you leave?”

“We judged that it would be better to entrust ourselves to the Ha Family.”

“Oh, is that so? You thought well! Life at the main house will be much better than at a weak place like the Namgung Family.”

The Ha Family welcomed them enthusiastically.

Unlike the other traitors, they were no different from people whose loyalty to the Ha Family had been properly proven.

Although it was regrettable that their number was only about ten…

Still, it was fine. There were already about a hundred Fire Blade faction members within the Ha Family.

If they used these people to promote well, they could raise the loyalty of the remaining ones and prevent any possible defections.

Meanwhile, the ten martial artists who had infiltrated like that met someone within the Ha Family.

It was Ha Jinseong, the Fourth Young Master of the Ha Family, and Hahou Yeon, who was working as his guard.

“Pleased to meet you, Fourth Young Master. This is a letter that the master of Sacred Fire sent to you.”

“The master of Sacred Fire…?”

“It’s what we call our Lord, Young Master.”

At Hahou Yeon’s words, Ha Jinseong showed a surprised expression.

If it was his lord, it could only be the one who had saved his life and even sent him the excellent guard Hahou Yeon.

It was a letter that Namgung Hyeok was sending to him.

He quickly unfolded the letter contained in the message tube.

There were simple greetings along with the reason for sending the letter.

[These are a gift I’m sending to you. Use them and the remaining Fire Blade faction to try building your own power base.]

“…!”

Ha Jinseong felt as if his breath had stopped for a moment.

A gift sent to him?

Could it be that Namgung Hyeok was still looking out for him?

Thinking that way made his heart feel full.

‘Ah. I’ve truly received great kindness.’

Ha Jinseong’s position within the Ha Family had grown rapidly recently.

It was because Hahou Yeon, whom he had come to know through Namgung Hyeok’s help, was incredibly capable.

He had not only blocked all assassination attempts directed at him but also carried out all missions given by the family without difficulty.

Seeing this, other siblings had offered tremendous conditions to recruit Hahou Yeon.

But Hahou Yeon didn’t waver.

Following Namgung Hyeok’s orders, he steadfastly protected his side.

But now he was gifting not only Hahou Yeon but also the Fire Blade faction…

‘I don’t know how to repay this kindness.’

If the forces of Hahou Yeon and the Fire Blade faction combined, his position within the noble house would grow several times over.

Then really… it meant he could seriously aim for the Young Family Head position.

‘If I’m going to do it, there’s no reason not to.’

Perhaps he was doing this to restore the relationship between the Ha Family and Namgung Family, and to make the Ha Family his ally.

Actually, the reason didn’t matter much.

In any case, the fact that he owed a debt of gratitude remained unchanged.

So he would simply try his best to repay it.

Ha Jinseong carefully stored the letter in his chest and smiled faintly.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“We also look forward to working with you, Fourth Young Master.”

The ten Salt Blade Faction members bowed their heads.

Though it was only ten people now, he would soon be able to take control of all the Salt Blade Faction members within the Ha Family.

And if that happened…

‘I’ll be able to cause major changes in the Main House’s power structure.’

A smile appeared on Ha Jinseong’s lips.

 

* * *

 

Namgung Hyeok, who had led the Salt Blade Faction northward, immediately sought out the Yeomhwa Trading Company.

Unexpectedly, there were no sabotage operations or anything of the sort.

Either the Ha Family or the Evil Path Alliance could have sent armed forces to interfere…

‘They probably didn’t want to clash with the Salt Blade Faction numbering two hundred.’

To block their movement would require sending armed forces in earnest, which would require being prepared for significant losses.

They probably didn’t want to go that far.

As a result.

They were able to safely arrive at the Yeomhwa Trading Company located in Kaifeng.

“Whoa.”

So Baek’s jaw dropped when he saw an additional two hundred people entering.

Namgung Hyeok patted his shoulder with an apologetic smile.

“Please bear with us until we can find a suitable place to accommodate them.”

“Sigh. I’ll try to find a site for the Sacred Fire Sect as quickly as possible.”

So Baek answered and sent him a resentful look.

Namgung Hyeok slightly avoided it and said.

“Of course, I won’t leave everyone here and go. I’m thinking of selecting volunteers to take to the Namgung Family Estate. Use the capable ones among those who remain as escorts or trading company members.”

“Well, this will certainly strengthen our forces tremendously.”

Neither the Fire Sword Faction nor the Salt Blade Faction were ordinary martial forces.

As could be seen from Baek Yeonhu’s martial power, they were all genuine martial artists who had learned each faction’s secret techniques.

Though they might not surpass the Nine Sects and One Alliance like in their heyday, they were on par with decent mid-tier sects.

‘But having such people join us means…’

The Yeomhwa Trading Company’s strength had skyrocketed like crazy.

In other words, the Yeomhwa Trading Company would no longer suffer from banditry.

Even if other major trading companies tried to interfere like before, they wouldn’t be shaken by ordinary matters.

This meant they weren’t just taking losses either.

“How many are you thinking of taking to the Family Estate?”

“I’m thinking of taking about fifty each from the Fire Sword and Salt Blade factions. That would complete one second-class armed force in terms of numbers. In actual combat power, it would be about three times that.”

So Baek nodded and asked.

“What are you thinking regarding the leaders of each faction?”

“I’ll have to ask them directly. I don’t really want to force them.”

“Then Hero Baek is currently having a martial duel with Hero Namgung. Why don’t we go together to ask what they’ll do?”

“Alright.”

The two headed to the Yeomhwa Trading Company’s sparring ground.

Clang clang clang clang!

There, two people were clashing with full force, creating beautiful sparks.

However, what was surprising was that Baek Ya was pushing back Namgung Jihak.

Though Namgung Jihak gritted his teeth and tried his best, he couldn’t match Baek Ya’s sword techniques.

Eventually.

“I’ve lost.”

Namgung Jihak said this upon seeing the sword touching his neck.

Baek Ya took a cupped fist salute and showed respect.

“It was a good duel.”

“Hehe, it seems I did well to come here with you. It was a good duel.”

“Waaaah!”

Cheers erupted among those watching the duel.

The two men’s duel was that high-level and fierce.

Regardless of victory or defeat, both sides deserved praise.

“You both worked hard.”

Namgung Hyeok handed both men a gourd bottle filled with water.

Baek Ya, who spotted him, quickly showed respect.

“You’ve arrived, Lord.”

“Ah, you’re here. I was just about to greet you after hearing you’d arrived.”

“Yes. I’m glad you two seem to have become close.”

Namgung Hyeok said this and explained his business.

He asked if both Baek Ya and Maeng Seungji, the leaders of the Fire Sword and Salt Blade factions, would stay as retainers of the Namgung Family.

Namgung Jihak was the first to react to those words.

“That’s a great idea! Hero Baek. Would you please come to the Main House as a retainer? The Main House will welcome you anytime.”

“Hmm. Leaving behind those at the trading company?”

“The distance between the Namgung Family Estate and Yeomhwa Trading Company isn’t that far, so if anything happens, contact is immediately possible. We’ve trained several messenger pigeons too.”

Baek Ya pondered for a moment but shook his head.

“I’m sorry, but I think it would be better for Hero Maeng and me to remain here. After all, we need to take responsibility for our respective forces. If you ask Hero Maeng, you’ll probably get the same answer.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, and we came to become members of the Sacred Fire Sect, not to become affiliated with the Namgung Family, didn’t we? Of course, since you, Lord, are from the Namgung Family, the Sacred Fire Sect and Namgung Family can be seen as strong allies, but… if we also stay there as retainers, people might view the Sacred Fire Sect as a subordinate sect of the Namgung Family.”

“They certainly might think that way. I understand. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Though Namgung Hyeok was a bit disappointed, he respected Baek Ya’s wishes.

Anyway, even without Baek Ya, his son Baek Yeonhu was with him.

Having him wasn’t much different from being with Baek Ya.

Namgung Hyeok consoled the disappointed Namgung Jihak and left the area.

But then.

“Lord! Something terrible has happened!”

One of the warriors belonging to the Yeomhwa Trading Company urgently sought out Namgung Hyeok.

He was holding a letter in his hand and seemed to have come to deliver some urgent news.

“What’s the matter?”

“Well… please look at this!”

He handed Namgung Hyeok the letter he was holding.

Namgung Hyeok’s eyes immediately changed after reading the letter.

“Assassins have infiltrated the Namgung Family Estate?”

This was information that absolutely could not be ignored.

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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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