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Chapter 306: Martial Alliance (武林盟) (1)

In the heart of Luoyang.

The leaders of the nine factions, symbolizing the ‘Nine Martial Arts Schools’, gathered in one place.

Ever since the Heavenly Demon Cult proclaimed a war and announced their entry into the Central Plains, all martial arts factions had been on high alert.

So Yoo-hyun of the Mu-Dang faction.

Ha Ryo-hwa of the Hwa-San faction.

Dan Mok-il of the Kunlun faction.

Gul Jung-gil of the Open faction.

Hyae Myung of the Shaolin faction.

All of them were elders, esteemed masters from their respective schools.

It was no easy feat to bring such esteemed people together, but considering the severity of the situation, they couldn’t shake the feeling that it still wasn’t enough.

“Where is the Alliance Leader?”

“He’s on his way back from his business. Should arrive within a day… two at the latest.”

“What a headache. Of all times, he is out in the northern provinces when we need him most.”

“My apologies. Our leader has such an independent streak… Haha. Left without a word, and it took some effort just to find out he is in the North.”

“Ha ha! Perhaps it is all Buddha’s will. Let’s not be hasty and wait patiently. Amitabha.”

Various remarks were passed around among them.

Just then,

“If we wait for days on end, it’ll be too late. The Jiangshi prepared by the Heavenly Demon Cult are strong and swift. Qinghae Castle has already fallen and the northwestern region is in jeopardy. Soon, even this place, Luoyang, will eventually fall into their hands.”

Someone had broken the silence, speaking from a position outside the circle of seats.

A woman with short hair and a pure appearance.

It was Chu Hon Sa-yeong.

And next to her, with an impassive face, were Chen Yu-sung and a slightly tense-looking Theresa.

So Yoo-hyun, who had been silently listening to Chu Hon Sa-yeong, sighed deeply.

“Then, does Chu Hon Sa-yeong wish for us to accept that previous proposal?”

“Yes. I believe that is the only way.”

“… You are aware of our position on this, I presume?”

“Of course. I know it well. But I want to say, once again, lend your ears to reason over emotion.”

Chu Hon Sa-yeong had repeatedly made the same proposal, but the Martial Alliance had decisively rejected it.

And for good reason.

What Chu Hon Sa-yeong proposed…

Was none other than seeking help from the players.

Certainly, some players had risen to a level worth considering for their prowess, like Chen Yu-sung and Theresa who were present.

However, the problem was that the key individual now had a lot of bad blood with the martial world.

“Even the representatives of the Five Great Families will soon arrive, but all of them have suffered at the hands of that person. There are those who have even lost disciples.”

Dan Mok-il of Kunlun added.

“Elder Dan’s words are correct. For us, rescinding the kill order was a major concession.”

They had already lost precious talents from their factions in the lower floors of the Tower.

Not something to be simply forgotten and moved on from.

“Oh my. So even if the entire martial world turns to a sea of fire over that small incident of the past, there is nothing to be done… is that what you mean?”

“Chu Hon Sa-yeong!”

“A sea of fire. You exaggerate too much with your words.”

“Ha ha ha! This isn’t the first time the Heavenly Demon Cult has invaded the martial world. We too have hundreds of mighty experts at our disposal.”

“In addition, according to the secret reports from the Shadowless Faction, even the Heavenly Demon himself seems to have vanished. While we mustn’t let our guard down, we can certainly smash them with the power of the Martial Alliance alone.”

Without the Heavenly Demon, the strength of the Heavenly Demon Cult would not even be half as potent.

That much was a common understanding among all members of the Martial Alliance.

And at that moment.

Creeeak…

The door opened.

There were still a few hours left before the representatives of the Five Great Families were due to arrive.

Who could have come at this hour?

As all eyes turned towards the entrance,

“Excuse me. I’m a bit late.”

Jinhyuk appeared, smiling awkwardly through the gap.

“No way…!”

“How dare he come here!”

“What are the guards outside doing?”

“Hoo…”

“Ha ha ha!”

The representatives of the Martial Alliance raised their voices in alarm.

＊＊＊

“You… don’t seem to be very welcome, are you?”

Elise shrugged her shoulders.

“They’re just playing coy even though they like me. I’ll take care of this, so just enjoy the show.”

He hadn’t expected things to go smoothly to begin with.

In fact, there was no reason to get along nicely with these people.

Thud.

Jinhyuk calmly walked over and sat down at the table.

“Jinhyuk.”

“Tsk. Go on, hurry up.”

“Haha. It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Master Jiang.”

The three of them greeted Jinhyuk in their own way.

“Who said… that anyone could just come in here as they please?”

So Yoo-hyun’s eyebrows furrowed deeply.

Kookookookoo!

The teacups on the table started shaking violently.

The cups started to crack.

It wasn’t just a boast that this young man had broken through the limit of transcendence and reached the realm of super transcendence.

Jinhyuk was taken aback by So Yoo-hyun’s murderous aura, albeit for a completely different reason.

‘Is this really the strength of an elder from the Mu-Dang faction…’

‘It’s serious.’

Even in the realm of super transcendence, compared to the Heavenly Demon Cult, the difference was like that of a child.

He could visualize the scene of the enemy turning to dust if he used the Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Technique at level 7 or above.

‘I could handle it in twenty moves…’

How could the Mu-Dang sorcerer be so weak after being too used to peace?

Then, something crossed his mind.

‘No, it’s not that the opposition is weak.’

To the player community, So Yoo-hyun would be seen as a monster beyond heaven.

Someone only a guild’s main force could handle with a raid formation.

But.

‘I’ve become stronger.’

He had undergone overwhelming growth and hoarded numerous opportunities.

He had grown stronger at an unmatched rate.

Perhaps it was because he had recently fought with formidable opponents like Yacha and Abigail, but the other side’s clumsy threats sounded like a child throwing a tantrum.

“……Ugh! You…!”

When his display of force through inner power did not work, So Yoo-hyun’s face flushed red with anger.

On the other hand, Gul Jung-gil looked at Jinhyuk with an intrigued expression.

“An interesting fellow. Well then. You obviously didn’t come all this way to work us up for no reason. Let’s hear your motives.”

“What motive. He should be beheaded on the spot!”

Swoosh!

Unable to hold back, So Yoo-hyun half-drew his sword.

“Calm down, Taoist man. He foresaw such a reaction, and yet he’s still here, which means he must have something to say, doesn’t it?”

“Well, indeed, there is something I wish to propose to you all, which is why I’ve come all the way here.”

Jinhyuk pulled out a map from his possession.

It wasn’t just any map; it included Luoyang, the Heavenly Demon Cult’s main camp at the Great Ten Thousand Mountains, and the entirety of the Central Plains.

But what brought gasps of shock from everyone was not the map itself, but the numerous arrows and notes written on it.

Key locations and routes of movement.

Details that constituted first-class secrets of the various schools and the royal family were laid bare.

These were part of information that had been erased, but even so, no one failed to notice that this was extraordinary data.

“This is…”

“Im-impossible, this can’t be!”

“How do you know all this?”

How indeed.

Do you guys only recall the great war a mere three times?

‘I’ve been through this level’s Great War, this makes it the 27th time.’

Naturally, with countless wars experienced, even if my mind and body resisted, I’d inadvertently memorized information.

How the enemy would attack, which route they would take to assault this place, everything.

But he couldn’t tell them the truth.

“I’ve captured a spy sent by the Heavenly Demon Cult to the Martial Alliance. A man named… Mar something. He knew quite a bit, and kindly shared his knowledge during our pleasant conversation.”

The spy was indeed alive.

And obtaining information was also true.

Other than the fact that it was a pleasant exchange, most of what he had said was accurate.

“A spy? Who are you talking about?”

“Captured means you currently have this person in your possession?”

“Answer us now!”

“How can you not answer when we ask?!”

The pressure from everyone continued,

But Jinhyuk didn’t falter beneath their barrage.

“Listen to me.”

Roles seemed to have reversed more than necessary.

After revealing so much, you’d think they would say ‘thank you’, but instead, they demanded everything. They haven’t quite realized the situation. It’s time to make it crystal clear who holds the power here.

“I’m the one offering the information and I’m also the one to decide how much to share. Stop demanding more. Frankly, whether the martial world falls or not, it’s none of my business.”

“In other words… we should just dance to your tune, is that it?”

“Exactly.”

He wondered if he should stamp them with a ‘Good Job’ sticker.

It was fortunate that there was someone smart enough to catch on quickly.

“Currently, there are seven main routes through which the Heavenly Demon Cult’s Jiangshi forces are advancing. I can tell you which route will be attacked first. Of course, you’ll have to pay a proper price for that information.”

“Pa-pay, you say?”

“Of course. Isn’t it obvious? Nothing is free in this world. I hear that Mu-Dang faction’s elixir, the Jaso Pill, is quite effective… is that right? Ah! And Hwa-San’s Flame Plum Blossom Sword is undeniably a fine weapon. Plus, my pet just adores jewels, so load those up too.”

His outrageous demands—to hand over the treasures of the schools and a massive offering—darkened the atmosphere inside the council hall even more severely.

But only Gul Jung-gil kept switching his gaze between the map and Jinhyuk.

Again and again.

“…”

The silence did not last long.

Gul Jung-gil appeared to make a decision as he bit his lip.

Part of the information was erased, but the rest alone was enough to assess its authenticity.

“Fine. When the Alliance Leader arrives, I will speak of this matter to him directly.”

“Hold on!”

“Are you serious?”

“Calm yourselves. It doesn’t mean I’ve made a decision, but that I shall mention it to the Alliance Leader.”

“A wise choice. Then I’ll enjoy sightseeing around the Imperial City while you deliberate. Call me once you’ve made a decision. Let’s go, Elise.”

“Yep.”

Jinhyuk and Elise leisurely took their leave, retracing their steps.

＊＊＊

At a place where a grand waterfall blended with nature.

Under the moonlight, Sima Ja slowly began to speak.

“Shim Masaryong. Do you know of the Blue Dragon?”

The Blue Dragon.

One of the Four Divine Beasts, representing the East among the guardians of the directions.

“Of course… I have heard of it.”

Shim Masaryong nodded.

He too had grown up hearing legends and myths of such supernatural creatures.

Tales that usually captivated the hearts of children.

“However, your Excellency, should we not be focusing on how to tear apart their heartland?”

It’s understandable that the scenery conjures up memories of youth.

But now is not the time to reminisce about old tales.

Despite Shim Masaryong’s urgency, Sima Ja remained smiling serenely.

“That’s where you’re looking at the surface. Our family is strong, but breaking through the defense network they’ve laid out is going to be difficult. Especially since the Alliance Leader has even penetrated through walls.”

“So you mean… he has achieved the same level as your Excellency?”

“Indeed. Thus, a meaningless battle of attrition would neither affect the overall trend nor waste our effort and spirit.”

“Then what plan does your Excellency have in mind?”

“Haven’t I asked already? Are you aware of the Blue Dragon?”

The moment Sima Ja finished speaking,

Whoosh!

The direction of the torchlight changed with the wind.

Suddenly, the view that was before their eyes started to shift.

What they thought was a mountain…

Was not a mountain.

“This… can’t be.”

It was unmistakable.

The tens of meters high stone statue bore an imposing and awe-inspiring form of a dragon.

As if it had just been moving moments before.

To call it a mere statue seemed wrong when every crease seemed to breathe with life.

“Could it be… your Excellency, this is…”

Shim Masaryong’s voice trembled rapidly.

“How intriguing, right?”

Wouldn’t it be interesting for the Blue Dragon, revered for manipulating rain and clouds with its orb, to roam the martial world?

Sima Ja’s lips turned upward.

“The existence of the Heavenly Demon is inconsequential.”

Whether Yacha or Jiangshi, they were all just parts of the plan.

“From now on, the history of the martial world will be rewritten by my hand, Sima Ja.”

The unification of the martial world, a task deemed impossible by many, could only be completed by one person.

“Kekeke… Kahahaha!”

Sima Ja erupted into maniacal laughter, standing before the colossal stone dragon.

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