The pavilion stood so high that it seemed to look down upon the world. It overlooked the massive city of Wuhan.
The figures gathered there were a testament to its importance. The Chairman of the Murim Alliance, central pillar of the orthodox murim. Shaolin's greatest master, representing the Nine Sects One Gang. The Heavenly Martial Academy Principal, whose institution nurtured the leaders of the next generation.
All three giants of the era, renowned for their martial arts and status, were gathered in one place awaiting their arrival.
Not long ago, many counted these men, along with Namgung Jaehak, the former patriarch of the Namgung Clan, as the Four Supremes of the orthodox. Now, however, two other men descended upon this sacred place.
"Long time no see, Chairman!" Baek Suryong greeted, clasping his hands together casually.
"Greetings, Murim Alliance Chairman," Namgung Su added, bowing with crisp discipline.
A wide grin split the Murim Alliance Chairman's face. These two were a study in contrast.
This is practically a show of force.
"You two, you've grown even more imposing since I last saw you. When I sensed your energy from afar, I had a feeling... Just how much stronger do you plan to get?"
"Your fists seem to have grown bigger, too, Chairman," Baek Suryong commended back.
"What? Kahahaha!"
His tone carried a subtle reproach, pointedly scolding Baek Suryong for spying on the Nine Sects One Gang's internal affairs.
After a brief and pleasant exchange with Baek Suryong, Yayul Hwang introduced his two companions. "Pay your respects. These two gentlemen here are the Supreme Buddha and the Heavenly Martial Academy Principal."
"I'm Baek Suryong."
"I am Namgung Su."
The juniors of the murim offered their greetings first. Their counterparts were renowned seniors. No matter how strong they had become, humility was appropriate here.
"Amitabha. This humble monk is called Muheo."
"I am Jin Ryang, Principal of the Heavenly Martial Academy."
Neither the Supreme Buddha nor the Principal spoke down to them.
The desperate battle against the Blood Cult at the Ak Clan Branch Estate took the world by storm. Most martial artists were ecstatic about the two peerless masters who played such a key role in the cult's defeat.
The Azure Dragon Hero Baek Suryong and the Thunder God Namgung Su had slain several Blood Cult elders and sent the traitorous Shandong Ak Clan Patriarch to his final resting place. Considering they were both under thirty, the next few decades were likely to be theirs. They were more than qualified to stand on equal footing with the Supreme Buddha and the Heavenly Martial Principal.
After the formal greetings, the Heavenly Martial Principal addressed Namgung Su, "It's been a long time. I believe this is the first time we've met since your graduation?"
"I have been lax about keeping in touch with you. I'm delighted to see you in good health, Principal."
The Heavenly Martial Principal smiled warmly and nodded at Namgung Su's polite demeanor. Genuine joy, excitement, and a strange fervor shone in his eyes as he took in Namgung Su's aura. "Considering your talent, I was certain you would one day master the Heavenly Lightning Sword Technique. I just never expected it would be this soon... I'm truly astonished. It's no exaggeration to say that this is the most rewarding moment I've experienced as a teacher in years."
"...I don't know how to respond to such high praise."
Yayul Hwang and the Supreme Buddha smiled warmly at the long-awaited teacher-student reunion.
Only Baek Suryong felt a strange unease creep over him.
Something about this is... Should I call it déjà vu?
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"The Principal of the Heavenly Martial Academy is an inscrutable man. Be careful what you say and do in front of him."
Recalling the warning his grandfather had given him before he left home, he furrowed his brow slightly at the familiar feeling radiating from the Principal.
Still, he let none of his discomfort show. He simply resolved to watch the Principal carefully.
The Supreme Buddha smiled benevolently. "Hoho, it seems we've kept our guests standing too long. Please, come and sit over here."
A moment later, the absolute masters of the orthodox took their seats around a table in the middle of the pavilion. A simple drinks table had already been set up, suggesting that the three elder masters had been talking beforehand.
"They say the back waves of the Yangtze River push the front waves forward. Meeting the two heroes who fought so fiercely against the Blood Cult makes this old man think I ought to hurry up and retire."
"Great Monk, I also plan to retire without regrets once I've swept away the Blood Cult."
"You are both too modest in front of your juniors."
The three elders naturally took charge of the meeting. Even then, they kept the atmosphere comfortable, showing consideration for Baek Suryong and Namgung Su. The conversation began with simple greetings and gradually widened to the state of the murim.
Baek Suryong nodded slightly at Namgung Su and ignored the principal's staring. "Reverend, I don't like beating around the bush, so please allow me to speak frankly."
"I hear the Blade Demon, So Jigwang, has passed the position of Black Snake Alliance Chairman to the Soul Hunting Bow Phantom.
"The unorthodox sects have formed an alliance as well, from what I hear. I'm not sure if they'll attend the Heavenly Martial Festival."
"What were the Fire King's final moments like?"
This was a conversation between some of the most respected martial artists in the orthodox. They discussed secrets that, if leaked, would send great ripples through the world, yet they treated them as casually as everyday talk. This was a testament to the formidable intelligence networks and insight of the three men.
Baek Suryong wasn't fooled by their kindly exteriors, however.
Somewhere nearby, he sensed an energy that was no weaker than that of the peerless masters gathered here.
As expected of orthodox masters. Even the way they intimidate people is so hypocritical. Especially...
As he watched Yayul Hwang's brow furrow occasionally, Baek Suryong figured out who was really in charge of this discussion. He quietly studied the benevolent face of Reverend Muheo, the Supreme Buddha.
As expected, the Nine Sects One Gang is taking the lead.
Simply by wiping the smile from his face, he made the air in the room heavy.