The Unorthodox Alliance Chairman Maeng Ryonghwi, a man unheard of in the jianghu, had appeared at the orthodox murim's festival and threatened to force his way in if they refused him entry.
A dreary winter wind scattered his lion-like mane. A wild killing intent, like that of a predator stalking its prey, glittered in his eyes.
The orthodox martial artists, momentarily frozen by his aura, came to their senses belatedly, their faces flushing red.
"T-That man, is he really...!"
"He's acting so recklessly, relying on his measly martial arts skills!"
"One of the Ten Great Swordsmen?" Maeng Ryonghwi snickered.
"It seems that villain can't see the countless heroes of the Murim Alliance and the Nine Sects One Gang!"
The Qingcheng Sect Leader's beard trembled even more violently.
The enraged orthodox martial artists cried out in rage, but they looked more like frightened animals puffing up their fur than fierce warriors. One could say that Maeng Ryonghwi had just provoked the entire orthodox murim.
"I simply cannot continue listening to this any longer."
Even the masters of the Nine Sects, who were normally reserved and prudent, furrowed their brows deeply.
"...That dense killing intent and aggressive speech remind me of the Night Emperor."
Even the most stubborn orthodox heroes were taken aback.
"Is the Chairman really considering an alliance with that man?"
"We must carefully think this through. Could this be a case of inviting a tiger to catch a wolf?"
The Sect Leaders of the Nine Sects quietly voiced their complaints one by one. For them, this was a matter of ego and pride. If they opened the gates under threat, they would become laughingstocks throughout the murim.
Until a booming voice instantly quieted the chaos.
Maeng Ryonghwi smirked at their increasingly resolute expressions. A formidable aura radiating from his body, he sneered, "Just as I expected from you orthodox bastards. You hypocrites only unite at times like this, huh?"
The renowned masters of the orthodox, including the Supreme Buddha, the Sword Sage, and others from the Nine Sects One Gang, immediately gathered their inner qi to prepare for a clash. Even Namgung Su glowered at Maeng Ryonghwi, the veins on his neck bulging.
"I have a request for my fellow jianghu brethren!"
The Murim Alliance Chairman, Yayul Hwang, walked past Maeng Ryonghwi and stood before the orthodox martial artists. Sweeping the assembly with sharp eyes, he said, "I, Murim Alliance Chairman Yayul Hwang, am the one who invited the Unorthodox Alliance here. My intention was to propose a temporary alliance with the Unorthodox Alliance before the war with the Blood Cult. Despite the long-standing conflict between the orthodox and the unorthodox, however, I failed to prepare adequately for this event. This all stems from my own immaturity."
To everyone's shock, he openly admitted his mistake and bowed his head in apology.
"Just this once, I hope you will welcome the Unorthodox Alliance as guests for my sake. I bow my head and beg this of you."
"Chairman..."
"Why are you bowing your head!"
"Hoo, how very troublesome..."
"I shall see if you are truly worthy of being the Unorthodox Alliance Chairman."
The Murim Alliance Chairman cast aside his dignity and pride to bow before his inferiors. Considering his standing in the jianghu, this was by no means an easy thing to do.
Yayul Hwang raised his head and met Maeng Ryonghwi's gaze. "Unorthodox Alliance Chairman, you must also make a vow here and now. Swear that you won't cause trouble within the city."
"And if I can't do that?"
"Then either you go back the way you came, or we fight to the death right here and now."
Yayul Hwang stood his ground, making it clear that he would not concede any further. The orthodox martial artists nodded approvingly, acknowledging their Chairman's stance.
Maeng Ryonghwi regarded the Murim Alliance Chairman with a bitter smile.
What a crafty snake! Even though I intentionally steered the situation in this direction...
He knew the Murim Alliance Chairman was a clever man who, despite his simpleminded appearance, never let an opportunity slip.
He nodded reluctantly. "...Well, I'll do that."
Saving the Murim Alliance Chairman's face here wasn't a bad idea. Those with quick wits might have noticed the glances exchanged between him and Yayul Hwang, but public opinion had already been swayed.
Glancing at the Unorthodox Alliance, he continued, "As long as the orthodox sects don't pick a fight first, we'll exercise restraint as well. I, Maeng Ryonghwi, Unorthodox Alliance Chairman, and the other Unorthodox Alliance leaders, pledge this on our honor."
"Why are you using my name as you please?" So Jigwang grumbled under his breath, but Maeng Ryonghwi pretended not to hear him.
He turned back to the Murim Alliance Chairman. "In return, you'd better treat us with the proper respect due to honored guests."
"I'll make sure to issue a stern warning."
The two chairmen quickly wrapped up their discussion. Although they exchanged no further words, matching smiles spread across their lips.
"Can we go inside now?"
"Follow me. I'll guide you myself."
The Unorthodox Alliance entered the city, guided by the Murim Alliance Chairman. A huge crowd gathered to watch Maeng Ryonghwi lead his men through the gates with brazen confidence.
Despite the unfriendly stares, the Unorthodox Alliance martial artists carried themselves with dignity. Jeers rang out here and there, but Murim Alliance warriors slipped through the crowd, quietly dragging away any troublemakers.
The peace did not last long, however.
"Viridian Scholar! What gives you the right to enter this place?!"
Right before the Unorthodox Alliance reached the lodgings the Murim Alliance had prepared for them, a group blocked their procession. Dozens of swordsmen in fluttering, dark navy robes confronted them, their haughty, sharp auras radiating strict discipline. They were the martial artists of the Qingcheng Sect, one of the Nine Sects One Gang.
"Step aside, Sect Leader," Yayul Hwang commanded in a low voice.
The Qingcheng Sect Leader shook his head stubbornly. "Chairman, you have no right to interfere in our sect's feuds. We've already shown you enough respect by letting those villains through the gates!"
"But..."
"Will the Murim Alliance now police personal grudges as well? One of our elders lost a disciple to the Viridian Forest! Even after ten years, he hasn't forgotten that day." The Qingcheng Sect Leader glared at the Viridian Scholar, who calmly returned his gaze. "Do you remember how you stole away Qingcheng's future ten years ago?"
A middle-aged Taoist beside the Qingcheng Sect Leader stepped forward. He was the one who had just yelled resentfully at the Viridian Scholar. Drawing his sword, he muttered in anguish. "Today, I intend to avenge my young disciples. You shameless fiend! If you're a martial artist, don't you dare dodge my sword!"
They murdered my Yama Keep brothers without provocation."
"Booooo!"
The watching crowd jeered at the Viridian Scholar.
"Ugh..." The Murim Alliance Chairman's temple twitched, but the Qingcheng Sect showed no signs of backing down.
They seemed to think that they had already shown the Chairman enough respect, as they had said. Furthermore, the other Nine Sects seemed to agree, as no one stepped forward to mediate. Even the Supreme Buddha only offered a quiet prayer.
Maeng Ryonghwi's eyes grew cold as he watched this farce unfold. Right. I knew this would happen.
The Qingcheng Sect Leader said coldly, "As expected of an unorthodox sect scum, you're quite the conniver. There's no need to hear any more nonsense. Elder of Qingcheng, speak with your sword!"
The orthodox murim were still divided. The Nine Sects One Gang were too proud to accept the Murim Alliance as their central authority. They insisted on maintaining their autonomy even in the face of an imminent war.
"Didn't you hear me, villain? Stop hiding behind others and step forward!"
The request and answer were simple. The Viridian Scholar bowed to Maeng Ryonghwi and stepped forward.
The Qingcheng Elder provoked the Viridian Scholar once more.