The Supreme Who Rules the Boundless Sky - Chapter 92
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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 92
Everyone looked at Namgung Hyeok with surprised expressions.
They hadn’t expected that Namgung Hyeok would have already decided everything from the start.
“May I ask why you chose Nanjing?”
“There are several reasons. Let me tell you only the decisive ones.”
Namgung Hyeok held up three fingers as he spoke.
“First, Nanjing is both close to and far from the Namgung Family Estate. The current Sacred Fire Sect and Namgung Family Estate are already inseparably connected, but as the Elder Council Head said, staying too close would only hinder each other’s growth.”
He looked around at those gathered in the room as he spoke.
“So we want to establish ourselves at a position where we can maintain an appropriate distance while still being able to help each other at any time. That way, we can only give and receive good influences.”
“Indeed.”
“What is the second reason?”
“Because Jiangsu Province has no martial force that could be called a true hegemon.”
“…!”
“Some branches of Sado Region have advanced there, and the Yue Family is established above, but their influence cannot be said to extend throughout all of Jiangsu Province. So I believe it wouldn’t be difficult to establish a foundation if we set up the Sacred Fire Sect there.”
“That’s certainly true.”
“What is the last reason?”
“Nanjing has been an important trade center of the Central Plains since ancient times. The Yangtze River flows above, making it easy to travel anywhere in the Central Plains, and moving south leads to Suzhou and Shanghai. I’m confident that if we take control of this place, we can grasp the financial lifeline of the Central Plains.”
Those gathered in the Meeting Hall seemed to be pondering the three reasons.
Namgung Hyeok added with a slight smile.
“Besides, as you know, Nanjing is famous for being hot in summer. Since the Sacred Fire Sect practices martial arts that handle fire energy, the hot climate would be helpful. So I thought there would be many advantages in various ways.”
“Hmm.”
Namgung Cheon nodded his head. In contrast, Namgung Jangcheon wore a cautious expression.
“Certainly, what you’ve said are all things that can be considered advantages. But Hyeok, I’m not quite convinced by the second reason.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. The reason there’s no hegemon in Jiangsu Province isn’t because there are no powerful martial forces there. Rather, because it’s such an important location, everyone is fighting to take control of it, making it appear as if there’s no hegemon. In reality, there are several forces with powerful strength there.”
“Yes. I’m aware of that.”
“But even so, you’re confident you can take control of Jiangsu Province? You might not even be able to establish yourself and could be pushed out to another place.”
“If we can’t even overcome such obstacles, how could we aim to become the hegemon of a province?”
Namgung Hyeok said with a bright smile.
At those words, Namgung Jangcheon’s gaze became much softer. He felt that Namgung Hyeok’s words weren’t bravado but sincere.
“You really are quite something. To be able to say such things so confidently at your age….”
“Of course, I know it won’t be easy. But if I was going to give up before even trying, I wouldn’t have brought up the topic in the first place.”
“Of course that’s true. Then I’ll respect your decision.”
“Third Young Master. Then when do you plan to hold the founding ceremony?”
“Soon. Well, I won’t hold a grand event, and I’ll try to keep it within that region as much as possible.”
“Even so, isn’t it too early?”
“The founding ceremony serves to imprint on the surroundings that a sect has been established, while also informing those who carry on the lineage of other Sacred Fire Sects somewhere in the Central Plains that we are here. So the sooner the better.”
“That’s true as well.”
“There are two remaining factions, you said?”
“Yes. My comrades are currently tracking their whereabouts, and we should have good results soon.”
Of course, they might be difficult to find.
Perhaps they might never be found.
Decades had passed since the Sacred Fire Sect disappeared into the back alleys of history.
Honestly, it was already a miracle that the Fire Sword faction and Flame Blade faction had survived until now.
‘When that time comes, there’s nothing I can do.’
But Namgung Hyeok didn’t give up hope.
His intuition told him that someday he would be able to accomplish it.
Namgung Hyeok trusted his intuition. So he planned to wait until that time came.
And when all four factions truly gathered….
‘The Sacred Fire Sect will truly be revived.’
* * *
Namgung Hyeok first moved to the site that had been purchased in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.
“Leader!”
There, one of his comrades who was now a martial artist of Yeomhwa Trading Company was waiting for him with joy.
Namgung Hyeok smiled brightly and waved his hand.
“Gwak Hong. Have you been well?”
“Don’t even mention it. I’ve been so busy I couldn’t even catch my breath.”
If Hahou Yeon was So Baek’s right arm, then Gwak Hong could be called So Baek’s left arm.
So he was also a person who was trusted and put in charge of the Sacred Fire Sect’s reconstruction.
He introduced the site that Yeomhwa Trading Company had prepared in advance to Namgung Hyeok and the group that followed him.
“This is the place we had as a candidate. Fortunately, there weren’t many competitors, so we were able to purchase it at a reasonable price.”
“Oh ho.”
It was a manor that looked quite elegant yet practical.
The current main hall seemed a bit small for hundreds of disciples to stay….
But that could be solved by building a few more halls.
Other than that, it was a wonderful place with no complaints. He was truly impressed by the capabilities of Gwak Hong and Yeomhwa Trading Company for finding such a place.
“Ah, this is all thanks to you, Leader, for securing exclusive trading rights with the Northern Sea. If we hadn’t had the funds obtained that way, we would still be struggling to grow the trading company.”
Gwak Hong showed modesty at Namgung Hyeok’s praise.
From his expression, it seemed he believed it was true to some extent.
Namgung Hyeok chuckled and patted his shoulder.
“But without your efforts, we couldn’t have seized such an opportunity. I express my gratitude for that.”
“Ah, how embarrassing.”
But contrary to his words, Gwak Hong seemed quite pleased.
Namgung Hyeok unpacked at that place and looked around the surroundings appropriately.
Indeed, befitting a land that had been chosen as the capital of various dynasties, Nanjing was where countless people lived vibrantly.
“Gwak Hong. Among the martial sects here, which ones should we be careful of?”
“There are three major ones. They’re called the Three Powers of Jiangsu.”
Gwak Hong answered fluently as if he had prepared in advance.
“One is a demonic sect called Ghost Spear Sect. As the name suggests, they handle spears like ghosts, and especially the sect leader’s skill is said to be unparalleled under heaven.”
“Oh ho.”
“Another is the Jiangsu Salt Association established in Suzhou. As the name suggests, it’s a sect that started as an association of salt merchants in Jiangsu Province, but now it has built up power beyond that of ordinary martial forces. They’re especially famous for their unique tight solidarity.”
“And the last one?”
“The Makri Noble House. It’s a family belonging to the demonic path, so it’s not included in the Ten Great Noble Houses, but its power and history are said to be comparable to the Ten Great Noble Houses. Currently, these Three Powers of Jiangsu maintain an exquisite balance with each other while ruling Jiangsu Province.”
“Who are the closest to the location of the manor we newly bought?”
“The Makri Noble House.”
“Hmm. Then that fellow who’s following and watching us now is likely from the Makri Noble House.”
“…!”
It was a calm voice as if he was just making casual conversation, but the content of that voice was by no means light.
The one who had been secretly following Namgung Hyeok’s group realized he had been discovered and immediately tried to turn around and flee.
“Don’t move.”
But Jeon Wook was already there, blocking his path with his sword drawn.
The man gritted his teeth and charged at Jeon Wook.
“Oh ho.”
Namgung Hyeok exclaimed in admiration at the sight.
To think he would choose a frontal breakthrough here?
It meant he had some confidence in his abilities.
Indeed, looking at the attacks being launched against Jeon Wook, one could tell that the opponent was a martial artist who had reached quite a high level.
However, his opponent was Jeon Wook.
One of the four comrades Namgung Hyeok trusted most, and an assassin of extreme strength who had easily assassinated the branch leaders of the Evil Path Alliance just recently.
Clang!
“Kuk!”
In the end, the young man who had been tailing the group could only groan and retreat backward.
Drip!
A trickle of blood flowed down the young man’s neck.
This was because Jeon Wook’s sword had touched his nape.
“Stay still. If you move even a little, I’ll cut off your head immediately.”
Jeon Wook threatened with a murderous voice.
The young man broke out in cold sweat while rolling his eyes to look back at Namgung Hyeok’s group approaching him.
Namgung Hyeok chuckled softly at the young man and said.
“That’s why you should have been more careful when tailing others.”
“…”
“Where are you from? If you answer well, I’ll let you go quietly. I promise on my name.”
Namgung Hyeok asked gently while looking at the young man.
The young man, thinking he had no choice, answered while breaking out in cold sweat.
“I’ll tell you, so could you please remove this sword first?”
“Jeon Wook.”
“Yes.”
At Namgung Hyeok’s gesture, Jeon Wook withdrew his sword.
However, his eyes remained menacing, as if ready to cut off the neck again at any moment.
Namgung Hyeok looked at the young man as if asking if this was enough now.
“I’m grateful for your mercy.”
“Good. Then now it’s your turn. Who are you to have been tailing us?”
“I, I am called Gongsun Baek from a sect called Baekgeommun. I heard that new owners were moving into this empty manor, so I got curious and…”
“Baekgeommun.”
Namgung Hyeok muttered this and looked at Gwak Hong.
Gwak Hong explained calmly.
“It’s one of the orthodox sects located in this area. It’s not as powerful as the Jiangsu Three Powers, but it’s quite prosperous. However, it’s known to be financially shaky recently.”
“What!”
Gongsun Baek muttered with a stunned expression upon hearing the immediate explanation.
Just from this answer alone, he could tell that they had conducted considerable research on them, or rather, on the Jiangsu martial world.
“Right. Gongsun Baek. Was following us really just out of curiosity?”
“Y-yes, that’s right. That manor was a property that our Baekgeommun was also eyeing, so I wondered what kind of people had taken it…”
“If there’s even the slightest lie in your answer, I’ll cut off your head.”
Jeon Wook warned with a murderous voice.
Gongsun Baek’s face turned pale white, but Namgung Hyeok just smiled and patted his shoulder.
“Conversely, it’s just a matter of not lying, so don’t worry too much. Then there will be no harm at all.”
“Who… are you?”
“Ah, I’m late with introductions. I’m called Namgung Hyeok.”
“Fl-Flame Dragon!”
Gongsun Baek’s expression changed immediately. He asked cautiously with a more respectful attitude.
“Are you really Flame Dragon Young Hero?”
“Yes. I don’t know which Flame Dragon you’re referring to, but it’s probably me you mean.”
“Then is the Namgung Family advancing into Jiangsu Province?”
“No, that’s not it. This place will be used as the site for Sacred Fire Gate.”
“Sacred Fire Gate?”
“It’s the name of the sect I’m going to establish.”
“…!”
Gongsun Baek couldn’t hide his surprise at Namgung Hyeok’s answer.
He was flustered that Namgung Hyeok, praised as the representative Rising Star of the Namgung Family, was coming over to establish not the Namgung Family but a different sect.
However, he soon wore a serious expression.
“Flame Dragon Young Hero. I have something to tell you.”
He looked straight into Namgung Hyeok’s eyes as he spoke. Namgung Hyeok, intrigued by his different attitude from before, asked.
“What is it?”
“If you do come to this place, please be especially careful of the Makri Family. This is advice from a fellow member of the orthodox faction.”
“Why is that?”
“Because…”
Gongsun Baek looked around to see if anyone was listening, then spoke carefully.
“The Makri Family are descendants of the Blood Heaven Cult, which is known to have been destroyed long ago.”
“Ho.”
Interest sparked in Namgung Hyeok’s expression.
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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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