The Sword Emperor's Way of Establishing the Namgung Clan

Chapter 59 - Venturing into the Martial World (2)

Shangqiu, in Henan Province.

Though Shangqiu was in a corner of Henan Province, it had the advantage of being close to the borders of Anhui and Shandong.

Thanks to this, though the number of merchants or caravans that visited Shangqiu was not many, there was a steady stream of them.

Even so, it was not a prosperous area, so there were many times when the day would pass quietly without any particular incident.

But that was not the case these days. It was because an Unorthodox Faction called the Brilliant Spirit Gang had been stirring up trouble in Shangqiu of late.

Originally, it had been a small sect of no account, but a great change had suddenly occurred recently.

The martial skill level of the Gang Leader and the other gang members had risen rapidly.

There was a rumor on the streets that the Brilliant Spirit Gang had obtained a new martial art, but nothing had been confirmed.

The clear fact was that the Brilliant Spirit Gang had become so strong that even the Fortress Guard Sect could not act carelessly against them.

“Huu. My head aches.”

It was when the Fortress Guard Sect Leader was letting out a sigh as he thought of the tyranny of the Brilliant Spirit Gang.

“Sect Leader. The ruffians of the Black Path are causing a disturbance at the Westwind Inn. But their scale is extraordinary. Those bastards have come in a swarm.”

“Not a single day passes quietly. Have you sent the disciples?”

“Yes. They should have arrived by now.”

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader’s sigh deepened.

The Westwind Inn was a commercial interest that the Fortress Guard Sect managed.

The Brilliant Spirit Gang, not satisfied with having monopolized nearly all of the few commercial interests in Shangqiu, was now coveting the commercial interests of the Fortress Guard Sect as well.

It was clear that the ruffians of the Black Path who were on the move now had also received the order of the Brilliant Spirit Gang’s Leader.

If things continued like this, the Fortress Guard Sect would have its commercial interests stolen one by one and would wither and die.

He had to make a decision, one way or another.

‘But an armed conflict…’

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader shook his head as he recalled the time he had recently encountered the Brilliant Spirit Gang’s Leader.

‘In the past, he was definitely a step below me. But how?’

Now, the situation had changed.

Though he could not know his exact level of martial skill, it was certain that he was stronger than himself.

Furthermore, since the number of the Brilliant Spirit Gang’s disciples was not small, he did not feel a certainty that he could win.

K-KRAAASH!

At the deafening roar that came from outside, the Fortress Guard Sect Leader shot up from his seat and went out.

The first sight that met his eyes was the completely shattered main gate.

The members of the Brilliant Spirit Gang were stepping on the fragments of the shattered main gate and crossing the threshold of the Fortress Guard Sect.

“It’s the Brilliant Spirit Gang!”

“Huh. Of all the times for this to happen!”

“Damn it. It will take time for those who went to the Westwind Inn to return.”

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader, who was looking at his bewildered disciples, suddenly realized.

‘Don’t tell me. Was this a ploy aimed not at the Westwind Inn, but at our main headquarters!’

The timing of the Brilliant Spirit Gang’s appearance was just that exquisite.

Though the disciples of the Fortress Guard Sect also rushed out in a hurry, their numbers were clearly lacking compared to the members of the Brilliant Spirit Gang who were flooding in through the main gate.

“Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader. What on earth is the meaning of this!”

The Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader paid no mind to the shout of the Fortress Guard Sect Leader, who had urgently stepped forward.

He was only looking around the grounds with a dry expression.

“Did I not make you a polite offer? Either come under the Brilliant Spirit Gang. Or leave Shangqiu.”

“Our sect has laid down its roots in Shangqiu for three generations, do not speak such nonsense!”

“Then it can’t be helped. How many commercial interests are there in this small land that two sects can divide and eat?”

Unlike the Fortress Guard Sect Leader, the smile of the Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader was overflowing with leisure.

The martial prowess of the leaders and the number of disciples.

It was because he had directly confirmed that the Brilliant Spirit Gang was superior in all aspects.

The Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader, for whom the reason to continue the conversation had disappeared, gave his command without hesitation.

“Wipe them out!”

At the Gang Leader’s shout, the disciples of the Brilliant Spirit Gang drew their swords and sabers without restraint.

“Do not be afraid! Until just a short while ago, they were no different from the ruffians of the Black Path!”

There was no lie in the words of the Fortress Guard Sect Leader.

In the process of absorbing the Black Path of Shangqiu, the Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader had left some in the back alleys and had accepted others as disciples.

The ones who had invaded the Fortress Guard Sect now were mostly those who had originally been ruffians of the Black Path.

“Waaaah!”

“Show them the power of a properly learned martial art!”

For that reason, the disciples of the Fortress Guard Sect rushed in without hesitation. With the confidence that although their numbers were lacking, their individual martial prowess was higher.

Ch-ch-chang!

However, as soon as the loud metallic sound erupted, the atmosphere of the Fortress Guard Sect changed rapidly.

It was because the disciples of the Brilliant Spirit Gang were stronger than they had thought.

“Kugh! These bastards!”

“How so quickly…”

The initial momentum, with which they had been driving back the Brilliant Spirit Gang, was broken in a single breath. Soon, the Brilliant Spirit Gang began to push back the Fortress Guard Sect.

That was not all.

‘These bastards. They are unfolding a martial art I’ve never seen before. Were the rumors true!’

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader’s mouth fell open as he saw the martial art that the disciples of the Brilliant Spirit Gang were unfolding.

Though he could not recognize what martial art it was exactly, it was certain that it was not a miscellaneous martial art that one could buy for money in the marketplace.

“Damn it!”

Even in the situation where they were being pushed back helplessly, the Fortress Guard Sect Leader could not step in himself.

It was because at some point, three gang members had blocked his path.

“Get out of the way!”

Ch-ch-chang!

“Hah!”

Though he was a First-Class Fortress Guard Sect Leader, he could not easily overcome the joint attack of three people.

On the opposing side, one First-Class and two Second-Class members were attached to him, so on the contrary, he had to devote all his power to preserving his own body.

It was then.

A powerful voice, which could be heard piercing through the chaotic metallic sounds, was plunged into the Fortress Guard Sect Leader’s ear.

“It is certainly not a martial art that should be in a Third-Class Unorthodox Faction sect.”

“It feels like they have slightly altered the spear techniques of the Revered Spear Sect into a sword or saber style.”

At some point, two outsiders were present on the grounds.

Refined martial arts uniforms and white cloud embroidery.

It was only that two people had newly appeared. But the atmosphere of the grounds changed rapidly.

The first to react was the Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader.

“The Azure Sky Society!”

Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong did not reply.

They merely stepped forward and drew their swords.

The two swordsmen walked in different directions.

KREEEAANG!

Baek Ri-cheong helped the disciples of the Fortress Guard Sect who were being pushed back, and Namgung Jun pierced into the formation of the Brilliant Spirit Gang.

CRACK!

CRASH!

Explosive sounds, heard from both sides at the same time.

The swords of the two swordsmen showed completely different appearances.

Baek Ri-cheong cut off all the sword strikes of the Brilliant Spirit Gang members with a solid and flawless sword form.

In contrast, Namgung Jun quickly cut down the members of the Brilliant Spirit Gang who were rushing at him with a clamorous sword strike that endlessly branched off.

Baek Ri-cheong held his ground and protected the disciples of the Fortress Guard Sect, but there was no need for Namgung Jun to do so.

“Keu-heuk!”

“What the! This young bastard!”

“Help!”

Namgung Jun’s steps did not stop. His sword moved endlessly and spewed forth dozens of streaks of sword-shadows.

Following the path that Namgung Jun walked, fresh blood dropped in a stream.

No mercy existed in the sword of Namgung Jun as he faced the Unorthodox Faction.

On the contrary, only an incisive, sharp aura was being emitted with immense force, sharpening the atmosphere.

The momentum of the members of the Brilliant Spirit Gang, who had been excitedly pushing back the disciples of the Fortress Guard Sect, was broken in a single breath.

Thump!

Namgung Jun, who was advancing while stomping his foot powerfully, surged in a straight line toward the Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader.

‘This is not a situation for me to step in!’

The Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader swallowed his saliva as he saw the body movements of the two swordsmen, especially the fierce sword strike of Namgung Jun who was gradually approaching him.

“Retreat!”

The Brilliant Spirit Gang Leader’s judgment was very keen.

As the Gang Leader was the first to withdraw, the members of the Brilliant Spirit Gang who had been fighting also urgently turned their backs and fled.

Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong did not go to the trouble of chasing them.

It was because they knew the location of the Brilliant Spirit Gang well anyway.

The two swordsmen, who had taken care of the situation, paid their respects to the Fortress Guard Sect Leader.

“I am Namgung Jun, a Two-Cloud of the Azure Sky Society.”

“I am Baek Ri-cheong, a Two-Cloud of the Azure Sky Society.”

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader bowed his head with a blank face.

“Thanks to the help of you two Young Heroes, we have escaped the crisis!”

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader, who had paid his respects, cautiously asked.

“How have you two come to find our sect?”

“We confirmed that the situation in Shangqiu was turning extraordinary and came to look into it ourselves.”

“Heo-eo. For now, please come inside.”

The two swordsmen, who had entered the pavilion, explained in detail to the Fortress Guard Sect Leader.

“According to the intelligence of our society, the Eight Great Unorthodox Powers are behind the Brilliant Spirit Gang.”

“The Eight Great Unorthodox Powers!”

The Fortress Guard Sect Leader’s eyes shot wide open. It was because a completely unexpected name had popped out.

As the surprised Sect Leader could not continue his words, Namgung Jun slowly continued his explanation.

“You will know of the Revered Spear Sect of the Eight Great Unorthodox Powers.”

“Of course.”

The Revered Spear Sect.

A great Unorthodox Faction sect of Shandong Province, where all the martial artists who composed the sect handled spears.

“The Revered Spear Sect has put the Brilliant Spirit Gang at the fore for the sake of advancing into Henan Province.”

“Heo-eo. But is there something important in Shangqiu? Is there a need for the Eight Great Unorthodox Powers to step in like this?”

Namgung Jun shook his head.

“To be precise, it seems they are aiming for the vast farmlands of the Henan Plains, using Shangqiu as a foothold.”

The expression of the Fortress Guard Sect Leader, who had heard the Revered Spear Sect’s plan, hardened.

‘If it’s the farmlands of the Henan Plains, then I can understand.’

The reason they were controlling the situation by putting forth a proxy called the Brilliant Spirit Gang without stepping in themselves must have been to avoid the notice of the Shaolin Temple as much as possible.

If the words of the Azure Sky Society’s righteous warriors were true, then the Revered Spear Sect would surely try to obtain Shangqiu.

“What should I do?”

“For now, we will help you. For the future, it would be best to request help from the Shaolin Temple.”

“Hmm. For now, I will try to do so.”

Namgung Jun, as if he had guessed the Fortress Guard Sect Leader’s worry, added.

“The Azure Sky Society has a separate opportunity to make contact with the Shaolin Temple, so we will deliver this part along with it.”

“Ah, if you will do that for us, thank you, Young Hero.”

Only after hearing Namgung Jun’s words did the Fortress Guard Sect Leader bow his head with an expression of relief.

And so, Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong stayed in the detached house that the Fortress Guard Sect Leader had prepared for them.

“Young Hero Baek Ri. Your atmosphere seems a little different today.”

“Is that so? It seems it was obvious enough for you to know, Younger Brother.”

“Yes. Is there a reason?”

Baek Ri-cheong, who had been contemplating for a moment, answered.

“It is likely because I have also suffered the calamity of my clan’s annihilation, so it does not feel like a stranger's problem.”

Baek Ri-cheong took in the sight of the Fortress Guard Sect’s full view, visible from outside the window.

If the two swordsmen had not appeared in time today, the Fortress Guard Sect might have been annihilated.

“I find myself empathizing. I want to protect the places I can protect as much as possible.”

Namgung Jun was silent.

Though he did not show it, Namgung Jun was also suffering from the pain of his sect’s annihilation.

He could know it clearly, as the disciples who had died still appeared in his mindscape.

‘The calamity of a sect’s annihilation.’

Namgung Jun gripped the hilt of his sword.

Baek Ri-cheong’s words were right.

Now that he had entered the Azure Sky Society, he had to stop others from experiencing the same pain.

Even if the opponent was not the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult.

For he was living this life not to live solely for revenge, but to walk the path of righteousness, the great cause, and his own Path of Martial Arts.

“What you say is right, Young Hero Baek Ri. Even if it is not our mission, it would be good to help if we have the capacity.”

……

“Hah. So you’re telling me you failed and came back.”

The old man, who was sitting in the highest seat of honor in the Brilliant Spirit Gang, clicked his tongue.

“If I were to step in myself, I could take care of a worthless sect like that all by myself. But do you know why I do not?”

“It is because we must stop your name, Old Senior, from spreading in the Martial World.”

“And you knew that, and still handled the matter in this pathetic way?”

The disciples of the Brilliant Spirit Gang closed their mouths at his roar of anger.

The old man, who had been glaring at his disciples with eyes in which a killing intent shimmered, rose from his seat as if he had made a decision.

“Originally, I was going to stop at just chasing the Fortress Guard Sect out, in order not to make things bigger.”

The old man fiddled with the spear that was right beside him.

“At this rate, it won’t do. Now that even the Azure Sky Society has caught the scent, we must handle this matter quickly. We will annihilate the Fortress Guard Sect.”

“Does that mean!”

“Yes. We will murder them to silence them. So that no one can guess my true identity.”

The old man waved his hand. Ten martial artists who had been on standby around the old man rose from their spots.

They were the spearmen that the old man had brought directly from the Revered Spear Sect.

“Gather all the martial artists of the Brilliant Spirit Gang. We will take them all and burn the Fortress Guard Sect down. So that not a single person can survive.”

“Yes, Old Senior.”

At the order of the old man holding the spear, the Brilliant Spirit Gang began to move.