**The Council of the Martial Alliance**

In the grand hall of the Martial Alliance, the leader, Kang Ho-baek, sat at the head of the table, surrounded by the key figures of the alliance.

“Are we seriously considering attending the inauguration of a demonic sect responsible for the bloodshed in Shaanxi?”

“The Black Night Palace has boldly invited all three major powers. If we don’t attend, it will look like we’re afraid.”

“Are you saying that the leaders of the Evil Sect and the Tyrant Fortress are heading to Guizhou?”

The Black Night Palace was rumored to be located in the secluded valley of Onya in Guizhou. Its exact location was revealed when they sent out invitations.

“We received word half an hour ago that they are preparing an envoy,” said Jegal Jin, the head of intelligence and military affairs, causing the gathered leaders to frown.

“All the demonic, evil, and tyrannical forces in one place?”

“Indeed, it sounds like a den of chaos.”

“Even if all the other factions gather, do we really need to follow suit?”

“We can’t decide our course of action based solely on our disdain for the demonic. The stage set by the Black Night Palace is too significant to ignore.”

The debate over attending the inauguration continued, with Kang Ho-baek quietly sipping his tea, observing the heated discussion. He reached for a snack, the crunch echoing through the room, amplified by his inner strength. The sound silenced the room, drawing all eyes to him.

Crunch!

After finishing his snack, Kang Ho-baek dusted off his hands and addressed the council.

“We’ve been at this for two hours… I’ve heard your arguments, both for and against. Each side has valid points.”

He turned to Jegal Jin, signaling him to speak.

“From a moral standpoint, the Martial Alliance should not attend. Regardless of the Black Night Palace’s intentions, our participation is unthinkable.”

The faces of those opposing the attendance brightened, but Jegal Jin continued.

“However, if we only consider the moral perspective, I wouldn’t be sitting here as your strategist.”

Kang Ho-baek gestured for him to proceed.

“Attending the Black Night Palace’s inauguration? Whether it’s a simple celebration or something more sinister, going there is like walking into the lion’s den.”

“Exactly, strategist. Why risk our valuable members? Who knows what the Black Night Palace might do?”

Jegal Jin nodded at the agreement, then leaned forward.

“But if we let fear of their schemes keep us from sending an envoy, we’ll miss a valuable opportunity.”

“And what opportunity is that?” Kang Ho-baek asked.

Jegal Jin replied as if he had been waiting for the question.

“Despite our best efforts, gathering information has its limits, especially with the demonic sects. This inauguration is a rare chance to assess the Black Night Palace’s strength, as well as that of the Evil Sect and the Tyrant Fortress.”

Some leaders nodded in agreement. The other factions, aware of the risks, would surely send their best.

“And with all three powers in one place, who knows what dynamics will unfold? The Martial Alliance must be there to read the situation and respond swiftly.”

One of the leaders spoke up.

“Assessing the demonic forces and monitoring other factions… If we miss this chance out of caution, it could come back to haunt us.”

“That’s my belief,” Jegal Jin affirmed.

Silence fell over the council once more, broken only by the occasional sound of someone deep in thought. Kang Ho-baek seized the moment.

“I believe the strategist’s view will benefit us more. What do you all think?”

“We agree, leader.”

“It’s better for the Martial Alliance to attend the inauguration.”

With the consensus reached, Kang Ho-baek nodded and moved the meeting forward.

“Let’s prepare our envoy for the event.”

“First, we need to appoint someone in charge,” a leader suggested.

Kang Ho-baek frowned slightly.

“In charge? Naturally, the leader of this envoy will be me.”

The leader who had spoken blinked in surprise, as did the others. Even Jegal Jin, who had been calmly persuading the council, paused.

“You, leader?”

“As you’ve all pointed out, the Black Night Palace could be a death trap. We must be prepared for anything. At a gathering of all the major powers, who better to represent the Martial Alliance and ensure our members’ safety than me?”

“But leader… your position is too important. If something happens to you, the entire alliance could be destabilized. Perhaps we should send Mu-sang instead.”

Mu-sang, responsible for the alliance’s martial prowess, had been reluctantly placed in his position by Kang Ho-baek.

“If we send him, he’ll be too busy admiring others’ muscles to notice anything else. That’s not an option.”

Jegal Jin, trying to accept Kang Ho-baek’s decision, shook his head.

“Leader!”

Jegal Jin pleaded, but Kang Ho-baek was resolute.

“I didn’t take on the role of leader just to give orders from the rear. When the time comes, even the leader must stand at the forefront. This inauguration is such a time.”

No one dared to argue further.

Kang Ho-baek had always led from the front, overcoming crises and upholding justice. His values as a warrior and hero were well known, making persuasion futile.

“Besides…”

As Kang Ho-baek trailed off, all eyes turned to him.

“I doubt the leaders of the Evil Sect and the Tyrant Fortress will send mere representatives.”

“You think the leaders themselves will attend?”

Jegal Jin questioned, though he doubted it. Would such powerful figures move so easily? Yet, he couldn’t dismiss Kang Ho-baek’s reasoning.

The Tyrant and Guan Yachang were known for acting on their whims, defying convention.

“Having crossed swords with them, I’m certain. They won’t miss this opportunity. If they attend, so must I.”

Kang Ho-baek’s voice carried conviction as he spoke of the Tyrant and the Evil Sect leader.

“Who else but me can stand against them?”

The leaders, overwhelmed by Kang Ho-baek’s determination, could only nod in agreement. Jegal Jin sighed, knowing he couldn’t sway him.

‘If the leaders of these great powers gather, who knows what chaos might ensue.’

* * *

Enshi, Hubei Province.

Located at the western edge of Hubei, from here one could head south into Guizhou. Mu-hwi and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen arrived at the Martial Alliance’s Enshi branch.

“Mu-hwi!”

Familiar faces greeted them as they entered, the promising young warriors of the alliance.

From the Southern Sea Sword Association to the likes of Woo Tae-gang, Jegal Myung, Paeng Ho-yeon, Baek Lee-sang, and Seon-woon, the most talented young warriors from the Small Assembly were gathered.

“It’s been too long, Mu-hwi,” Paeng Ho-yeon waved cheerfully, only for Jegal Myung to gently restrain him.

“Let’s catch up later. The leader is waiting.”

Mu-hwi nodded and followed them inside. Guided by the alliance members, they reached the office where the leader’s guard, the Eocheon Brigade, stood watch. Recognizing Mu-hwi, they stepped aside and opened the door.

“Please, go in.”

Inside, Kang Ho-baek awaited, his bamboo hat set aside.

“Welcome, Mu-hwi.”

“Leader, it’s an honor.”

Kang Ho-baek’s eyes gleamed with warmth as he looked Mu-hwi over, a smile playing on his lips.

“I hear you’re now called the Volcano Sword Saint. A fitting title.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ve been briefed, but is the Volcano Sect unharmed?”

“Yes, we managed to defend ourselves.”

“That’s a relief.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Kang Ho-baek got to the point.

“Did you meet the other young warriors on your way in?”

“Yes, I greeted them. They’re from the Small Assembly.”

“Indeed. I sought out those who excelled in the Heavenly Martial Tournament. Training and missions within the Small Assembly have honed their skills remarkably.”

“It seems so. That’s good news.”

The envoy to the inauguration included these young warriors, likely due to events planned for them.

“It’s unlikely they’re just planning to exchange pleasantries among the younger generation, don’t you think?”

“Indeed. The real aim is probably to gauge the strength of each faction ten or twenty years down the line.”

Though it wasn’t clear which masters would attend the gathering from each faction, it was certain that only the most esteemed would be present.

Since they couldn’t risk having these masters clash directly, they’d likely have the younger generation stand in for them. These young talents would essentially be fighting proxy battles for their factions.

If they misjudged their strength and things went awry, the faction’s reputation could plummet, and the morale of their warriors would hit rock bottom. It was a delicate matter.

“Did you summon me with the intention of crushing the other three factions entirely?”

Mu-hui’s question brought a chuckle from Kang Ho-baek.

“Even if you don’t take action, just your presence will make a difference. But more than that, I’d like to have you on hand in case anything unexpected happens.”

Mu-hui nodded at Kang Ho-baek’s words.

The delegation for this mission was extremely limited.

One representative from each faction.

A single escort unit for the representative.

Ten young talents to participate in the gathering.

The delegation was kept deliberately small. In such a scenario, Mu-hui, who possessed the skills of a supreme master, was an invaluable asset.

Having Mu-hui accompany them would be more reassuring than leading three elite escort units.

“Honestly, I hesitated a bit. I’m asking you to step into a potentially dangerous situation for our benefit.”

“I’d have been disappointed if you hadn’t called on me.”

Mu-hui’s smile prompted a hearty laugh from Kang Ho-baek, who had been looking apologetic.

“Haha! I appreciate you saying that.”

Kang Ho-baek’s laughter faded as he turned serious again.

“If anything happens, I’ll take full responsibility. You have nothing to worry about.”

Mu-hui, sensing the weight behind Kang Ho-baek’s promise, merely offered a faint smile.

“Nothing will happen.”

“Let’s hope so.”

* * *

Yeo-gyeong, Gui-ju Province.

The region where Onya Valley, home to the Black Night Palace, was located. The delegation from the Martial Alliance was heading straight for Onya Valley, southwest of Yeo-gyeong.

“Leader.”

A warrior from the Yi-cheon unit, leading the way, turned to speak. Kang Ho-baek, knowing why he was being addressed, simply nodded and kept his eyes on the road ahead.

Ahead, a flag fluttered in the breeze.

On a dark brown background, the words “Sadocheon” were emblazoned in red. It seemed Sadocheon had noticed the Martial Alliance and was approaching directly.

“Leader.”

“No need to prepare for battle. They’re probably just bored or curious.”

Kang Ho-baek glanced at Mu-hui as he spoke.

Despite Kang Ho-baek’s words, the Yi-cheon unit couldn’t help but remain tense. The warriors escorting the golden carriage wore red uniforms, with the word “Manhyeol” emblazoned in an even deeper red across their chests.

Sadocheon, founded around the same time as the Martial Alliance.

The Tianan Pavilion was actively gathering intelligence on Sadocheon’s forces. Thanks to their efforts, they had managed to obtain some information on a few of their units.

Among them, the Manhyeol unit was considered the strongest of Sadocheon’s forces.

‘The leader’s prediction was spot on.’

It was obvious who the Manhyeol unit was so fiercely protecting.

While the Yi-cheon unit, following Kang Ho-baek’s orders, maintained a calm demeanor, the Manhyeol unit seemed to be deliberately provoking them, exuding a menacing aura.

The intense energy from both sides caused the flags of the Martial Alliance and Sadocheon to flutter violently, even without a breeze.

Ten paces.

With this narrow gap between them, the Martial Alliance and Sadocheon glared at each other, poised for a clash at any moment.

Then, the flags, which had been flapping wildly in the warriors’ energy, suddenly drooped. The fierce energy that had been playing with the flags like a strong wind had been subdued. The Manhyeol unit looked visibly startled, as they hadn’t withdrawn their energy themselves.

‘He’s overwhelmed us completely.’

Amidst the Yi-cheon unit, a long robe adorned with a striking purple plum blossom design fluttered.

Having received Kang Ho-baek’s permission, Mu-hui stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the golden carriage guarded by the Manhyeol unit.

“Lord of Sadocheon. Step aside.”

At Mu-hui’s words, the Manhyeol unit’s eyes widened, and they began to unleash their killing intent.