The martial world plunged into chaos.
A massive disturbance had erupted at the Martial Alliance's inauguration ceremony.
The Martial Soul Command Lord had invaded the Solitary Enlightenment Hall to assassinate the Alliance Leader in an unbelievable turn of events.
But the real problem came after that.
The Martial Soul Command Lord had actually caused the disturbance intentionally after realizing the Heavenly Emperor was a fake.
He had then summoned the real Heavenly Emperor.
Two Heavenly Emperors eventually clashed. The technique unleashed by the fake Heavenly Emperor, who had been acting as the Alliance Leader all along, was shocking.
It was a demonic martial art containing demonic energy that would make any Orthodox martial artist shudder.
―'The Martial Alliance Leader was a fake?'
The spiritual pillar of the Orthodox faction, the Heavenly Emperor Shin Domubi, had managed the Martial Alliance while repeatedly entering closed-door cultivation.
Was it really the Martial Venerable who had ambushed his sworn younger brother and turned him into a madman?
What was even more horrifying was that the Martial Venerable, whom the Orthodox martial artists revered, was actually a wicked great demon.
―'It must be a false rumor.'
When this rumor first spread, most martial artists burst into hollow laughter.
To think that the Martial Venerable, considered the greatest elder of the Orthodox faction, would ambush the sworn younger brother who had saved his life.
To think that he had ambushed the Great Grandmaster Shin Domubi, the heaven of the Orthodox faction, and acted as the Martial Alliance Leader all along?
It was an absurd story that one wouldn't believe even if it were a fever dream.
However, that rumor ultimately turned out to be true.
No, even if they wanted to deny it, they couldn't.
Because the martial artists of the Orthodox and Demonic factions who attended the Martial Alliance Leader's inauguration ceremony had witnessed the scene clearly with their own two eyes.
This nightmare-like rumor was something that had actually happened at the Martial Alliance Leader's inauguration ceremony.
Since Baek Museong had become the next Alliance Leader.
He had to quickly manage the uncontrollably spreading chaos within the Martial Alliance, but...
The Martial Alliance was already in a divided state.
―'In that case, hasn't the legitimacy of the current Alliance Leader, Baek Museong, also been damaged?'
Half of the high-ranking officials expressed that they could not acknowledge Baek Museong as the Alliance Leader.
After all, the next Alliance Leader Baek Museong had essentially received his endorsement from a fake Alliance Leader.
―'Squad Leader Baek established numerous merits as the Mucheon Squad Leader, and proved his skills through a martial arts competition!'
'Even if the Alliance Leader who endorsed him was a fake, the process of electing the Alliance Leader was real!'
Accordingly, the remaining high-ranking officials made such arguments, but...
―'Who can guarantee that Squad Leader Baek didn't collude with that wicked Martial Venerable to plot this situation?'
Of course, the claim that Baek Museong had colluded with the Martial Venerable was a forced argument.
However, the high-ranking officials within the Alliance could fully empathize with the logic that an endorsement received from a fake was merely a fake itself.
―'Squad Leader Baek's merits are known to heaven and earth. The martial arts competition process was also fair without a single point of suspicion!'
'Even if the Alliance Leader was a fake, Squad Leader Baek's skills and merits cannot become a lie.'
―'What frustrating words! I'm saying that fairness was damaged because of the fake Alliance Leader!'
The confrontation between the high-ranking officials split in half was tense, and the division deepened as time passed.
―'We will begin the Grand Council Meeting.'
As the uncontrollable situation continued, Baek Museong eventually stepped forward.
He intended to resolve the division through a Grand Council Meeting where all high-ranking officials were convened.
Martial Alliance, Heaven and Earth Pavilion. Grand Conference Room.
On the massive pillars supporting the ceiling, dragons soaring through the clouds into the sky were elaborately carved, and inside was a table made of heavy red sandalwood.
At the seat of honor sat a man in an upright posture. It was none other than the new Alliance Leader, Baek Museong.
The spotless, pure white silk clothing blended with his pale, white skin.
Quiet yet unfathomably deep wisdom sparkled in the black pupils beneath his long-drawn eyes.
He exuded an overwhelming momentum just by sitting silently with both hands neatly placed on the table.
However, most of the Martial Alliance's elders and high-ranking officials sat surrounding him like a sturdy fortress wall, showing only twisted smiles.
Their faces ranged from those deeply engraved with the traces of time or wrinkled like dried jujubes, to menacing faces with long battlefield scars.
The high-ranking officials varied in appearance, but their sharp gazes directed at Baek Museong were consistent.
In their seasoned eyes harbored suspicion, wariness, and a stubbornness that would not easily yield.
Some elders did not move an inch with their arms crossed, and some shook the tense air by letting out dry coughs.
As a heavy silence mixed with the weighty scent of agarwood filled the conference room,
"Ahem."
Someone among the high-ranking officials cleared their throat.
It meant to proceed with the meeting quickly.
However, Baek Museong silently stared at the high-ranking officials as if he hadn't heard the sound.
Just as the tension between the young Alliance Leader and the old high-ranking officials was about to explode like gunpowder...
"I am thinking of attacking Majeon."
An incredibly shocking story flowed from Baek Museong's mouth.
"The Martial Venerable assassinated the Alliance Leader and acted as the Martial Alliance Leader because the Demonic Path was right behind him."
The high-ranking officials all furrowed their brows.
To think that Majeon was behind the tragic betrayal between sworn brothers?
―'So he uses this kind of move in the end.'
For generations, whenever a major incident occurred in the Orthodox faction, they pinned it on the deeds of the Demonic Path.
There were even many instances where the Orthodox faction staged an incident themselves and pinned it on the Demonic Path.
Because of this, it wasn't all that strange for Baek Museong to suddenly blame all of this on the Demonic Path.
No, in a way, it was a matter where he didn't even have a choice.
"But it doesn't seem right to provoke Majeon at a time like this."
Vice Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong carefully brought up the words.
"Isn't the very person who uncovered this fake Alliance Leader incident the Martial Soul Command Lord?"
"Because it was a plot hatched in Majeon."
Baek Museong spoke calmly.
"The Martial Venerable becoming corrupted and usurping the Alliance Leader seat is a plan of the Demonic Path. That ringleader naturally would have known the inside story."
"The Martial Soul Command Lord isn't even thirty years old yet."
Buk Ri-seong sighed.
"Are you saying he plotted such a thing by enticing the Martial Venerable since his youth?"
"This Alliance Leader said the Demonic Path committed this matter. I did not say the Martial Soul Command Lord committed it."
"If the Demonic Path did it, there would be no reason for them to reveal the fact that the Alliance Leader was a fake, would there?"
Buk Ri-seong spoke calmly.
"On the contrary, if they knew such a fact in advance, they could have instead used various schemes to collapse this Alliance."
"How could we know the inner thoughts of that Demonic Path's ringleader? He perhaps intended to gain the trust of this Alliance and employ another scheme."
Baek Museong spoke while staring intently at Buk Ri-seong.
"Vice Alliance Leader, you only make remarks defending the Martial Soul Command Lord. Do you perhaps have some sort of friendship with him?"
Buk Ri-seong closed his mouth. Judging from Baek Museong's gaze, he would corner him as a spy for the Demonic Path if he continued talking.
'It's a lost cause.'
Buk Ri-seong closed his eyes.
Baek Museong thought the Martial Soul Command Lord had ruined his inauguration ceremony and harbored extreme competitiveness toward him.
There is no use offering loyal advice any further.
"It is impossible."
At that moment, the Twelfth Elder of the Martial Alliance, Baek Jangsong, spoke with a cautious expression.
"Though the Ten Demonic Sects are said to be weaker than before, the Demonic Path's momentum is growing even stronger. Majeon has the number one person of the current era, the Heavenly Demon Emperor, and subordinates skilled in combat and military strategy flock like clouds under the Martial Soul Command Lord."
He glared intently at Baek Museong, his eyes flashing.
"I agree with your intention to manage the chaos, but how do you plan to overcome that wall?"
Turning attention to an external enemy to quell internal chaos is a method commonly used since ancient times.
But declaring an attack on Majeon in the current situation is like pouring oil on a fire.
"That's right. You shouldn't turn the arrow toward Majeon this time."
"It will just be scratching to make a sore."
As Baek Jangsong's words finished, the high-ranking officials nodded and chattered among themselves.
Quietly observing that sight, Baek Museong said,
"By activating the Phoenix Token..."
He spoke in a low but solemn voice.
"I will establish the Lord of the Phoenix."
The noisy hall instantly grew quiet.
―'The Phoenix Token?'
The Phoenix Token was an exceptional Absolute Command that allowed the Martial Alliance Leader to transfer his full authority to another person in times of emergency.
The problem was that Baek Museong had not yet been perfectly acknowledged as the Alliance Leader.
For him to activate the Phoenix Token and effectively give the full authority of the Martial Alliance Leader to an outsider?
―'What nonsense!'
Naturally, the high-ranking officials raised their voices and opposed it, veins bulging in their necks.
Thump, thump.
But at that moment, along with the sound of footsteps.
The darkness behind the massive jade throne Baek Museong was sitting on swayed.
At the same time, a figure silently revealed itself.
In an instant, the crowd held their breath.
The shadow that appeared was an old monk with a refined atmosphere like a subtle orchid.
Though his hair and beard were as pure white as snow, his gaze overflowed with the vitality of a youth.
The high-ranking officials shouted at the same time in voices mixed with awe and a thrill.
―'Buddha Venerable?'
It was none other than the living legend of the Orthodox faction, the Buddha Venerable.
But for the Buddha Venerable to be the master of the Phoenix Token. What on earth was this sudden turn of events?
The high-ranking officials had nothing to say and stared at the Buddha Venerable with their eyes wide open.
The legendary high monk of the Orthodox faction before whom even the ringleaders of the Evil Path and Demonic Path bowed their heads, the Buddha Venerable Hong Hyeon.
For him to be the Lord of the Phoenix of the Martial Alliance?
"You must be very surprised."
The Buddha Venerable appeared hale and hearty, belying his age of over two hundred years.
And he spoke as if declaring in a low but irresistible voice.
"This old monk has accepted the position of the Lord of the Phoenix to manage the chaos of the Martial Alliance at the earnest request of Alliance Leader Baek, and to establish the thousand-year foundation of the Orthodox martial world."
He continued speaking in a low voice.
"A long preparation period will be needed, but I am thinking of attacking Majeon following the Alliance Leader's will as soon as we are ready."
"But to attack Majeon..."
"Of course, not right now. After all, a bent old monk like me cannot immediately defeat that vigorous Lord Sado."
The atmosphere in the hall softened considerably at the Buddha Venerable's joke.
Besides, wasn't that statement a declaration that he would someday strike down the Heavenly Demon Emperor?
"If anyone has any objections or differing opinions, please speak without hesitation."
The Buddha Venerable held out his hand with a gentle smile.
"If that is your will, I will return it right away in this very spot."
Before they knew it, a token made of red jade emitting a warm energy rested on his palm.
A phoenix soaring into the sky wrapped in flames while bearing golden energy was elaborately carved in the center of the token.
It was exactly the Phoenix Token.
The high-ranking officials made expressions of surprise.
Since they had already handed over the Phoenix Token, they would have nothing to say even if he gave orders as the Lord of the Phoenix.
Yet to say he would take it back at any time?
―'Isn't the Buddha Venerable the holy monk who leads the Orthodox faction?'
The high-ranking officials looked at each other and nodded. The Martial Alliance was currently divided, and Baek Museong lacked the virtue to manage it.
With the Buddha Venerable stepping forward to resolve it, there was no reason not to acknowledge his authority.
"If the holy monk has decided so, we must naturally follow."
At the words of the Twelfth Elder Baek Jangsong, all the personnel in the crowd nodded and expressed their agreement.
"If the holy monk takes on the role of the Lord of the Phoenix, it is a great blessing for this Alliance."
A smile flowed onto Baek Museong's mouth at that instant as well.
Since they acknowledged the Phoenix Token he activated, they could no longer argue over the legitimacy of the Alliance Leader's endorsement.
"Then this old monk will try to proceed with the matters."
Rustle.
The crowd stood up and paid their respects toward the Buddha Venerable.
Ultimately, for the first time in the history of the Martial Alliance.
A Lord of the Phoenix exceeding the authority of the Alliance Leader was born.
A great change occurred in the martial world at the news that the Buddha Venerable had become the Lord of the Phoenix.
Eccentrics and strange scholars who had not revealed themselves until now, or who had been mingling among ordinary people, began to step forward one by one.
The heads of secret organizations, eccentrics who had turned their backs on the secular world, and heroes of the past thought to be dead.
Hearing the decision that the Buddha Venerable was stepping forward to lead the Martial Alliance, they united as one under that giant's central figure.
Intending to reclaim the past glory of the Orthodox faction once again.
―'The Martial Alliance will reclaim its past prestige.'
The people of the Orthodox faction cried out in their hearts.
Ever since the martial world divided into Orthodox and Demonic, the Martial Alliance had driven out the dark clouds and the shadows of demons from the rivers and lakes.
The holy monk who had all along led the Orthodox martial world, the Buddha Venerable, had finally stepped forward.
Like a phoenix moving the mandate of heaven and leading a peaceful reign, the Martial Alliance will resurrect again.
* * *
Majeon Suppressed Demon Pavilion, Grand Conference Room.
As the news spread that Baek Museong publicly declared he would attack Majeon, along with the story of the Buddha Venerable becoming the Lord of the Phoenix...
Bu Eunseol immediately convened a Captains' Meeting.
"It is a completely incomprehensible matter."
The captains intuited that a bizarre and completely incomprehensible event had occurred.
"The Buddha Venerable and Baek Museong have essentially become enemies. How could Baek Museong offer the Phoenix Token to the Buddha Venerable?"
Wi Cheongyeong shook his head.
The Buddha Venerable had practically abandoned Baek Museong, and everyone expected that Baek Museong had thrown himself into the Clear River Realm.
But how could he offer the Phoenix Token to the Buddha Venerable?
"Even if this method could quickly heal the divided Martial Alliance, isn't it ultimately the same as handing over the Alliance Leader seat he obtained after enduring countless hardships?"
"We can predict it in three cases."
Yoo Unryong spoke while taking a deep breath.
"First is that the Buddha Venerable is the head of the Clear River Realm, and he aimed for the seat of the Lord of the Phoenix from the very beginning."
What if the Realm Lord of the Clear River Realm who had been manipulating Baek Museong all along was the Buddha Venerable, and he aimed for the seat of the Lord of the Phoenix?
Such a thing could also make sense.
"The Buddha Venerable being the head of the Clear River Realm."
Hearing those words, Myo Cheonwoo nodded.
"That could also be possible."
The captains all nodded.
According to what Bu Eunseol investigated, the Buddha Venerable was actually a Demonic Monk who had become corrupted a long time ago.
There was a high probability that he had committed all sorts of evil deeds in the shadows, was won over by the Three Realms, and had climbed all the way to the position of its head.
"The second is the case where Baek Museong surrendered to the Buddha Venerable because there was absolutely no other answer. He maintains his status in this way rather than miserably watching the Alliance divide without being acknowledged as the Alliance Leader."
The captains nodded again.
Most martial artists predicted that Baek Museong committed this matter as a desperate measure since he couldn't receive the Alliance Leader endorsement.
"And the third?"
When Myo Cheonwoo asked, Yoo Unryong said.
"On the contrary, it means Baek Museong set up this plan from the very beginning to slowly take control of the Martial Alliance."
"What does that mean?"
"The Martial Alliance is effectively an assembly of abyssal forces. The fact that a lacking figure like him rose to the Alliance Leader seat itself... means he is their puppet."
Yoo Unryong's eyes flashed.
"Baek Museong deliberately drew in the Buddha Venerable, who possesses immense influence and power, to escape their grasp."
At Yoo Unryong's deduction, Myo Cheonwoo stroked his chin.
"Would that be possible?"
"The Buddha Venerable has placed shadows and progressed various plans in the meantime, but the results were not good. What if Baek Museong voluntarily brought the Phoenix Token to him in that situation? He too would not have been able to refuse."
Yoo Unryong spoke powerfully.
"The Lord of the Phoenix is a position that can do many things. He must have willingly become Baek Museong's shade even while knowing everything."
"That might be so, but the price is too great."
Won Semun, who had been listening silently, shook his head.
"Isn't it obvious to everyone that Baek Museong making a fuss about attacking Majeon is a self-destructive move to manage the Martial Alliance?"
Since Baek Museong made such a declaration and then put the Buddha Venerable forward as the Lord of the Phoenix, the Buddha Venerable ultimately has to take all the responsibility.
"Well, it's a position with that much benefit, so he must be bearing it."
Myo Cheonwoo shrugged his shoulders.
"The Buddha Venerable became the Lord of the Phoenix in his own right... Since he can plot various things under the pretext of managing the Martial Alliance, it shouldn't be a loss for either of them."
"Only, what's strange is the Pavilion Lord."
At that moment, the Death Spirit Corps Captain Mu Heon said.
He has not convened a Majeon meeting, nor is he showing any particular reaction.
Since the Martial Alliance had declared they would attack Majeon, Majeon should also start preparing for battle even if it was only a formality.
But the Heavenly Demon Emperor was only continuing his closed-door cultivation, completely ignoring the barking dogs.
"Is that the majesty of the number one person of the current era?"
Myo Cheonwoo shook his head.
"Since there's no chance they will actually invade anyway."
Then Jo Namcheon cut in.
"Or he might be trusting the Chief Instructor."
Recently, Yeop Hyocheon had been keeping to his house unless there was a special matter, but he was Majeon's greatest intellectual general.
The battles he had commanded in the meantime had never suffered a single defeat.
Silently listening, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
"The Heavenly Demon Emperor knows."
"Knows what?"
"The ulterior motives of the Buddha Venerable and Baek Museong."
He calmly explained.
"The Great War Between Orthodox and Demonic has always occurred when one side possessed absolute power."
He said, looking around at the personnel in the crowd.
"For them to make such a public declaration when everyone knows they won't actually attack Majeon..."
"It means they have some other ulterior motive."
Mu Heon followed up on those words.
"And the Heavenly Demon Emperor has grasped that and is staying still."
"That is correct."
Bu Eunseol nodded.
"From now on, we must also grasp their ulterior motives. Otherwise, an irreversible situation might occur."
The captains all nodded with serious expressions.
The Buddha Venerable and Baek Museong.
The two pillars of the Orthodox faction who had received the respect and reverence of many people had actually been committing incredibly ugly actions.
Now that they had come out from the shadows into the light and begun their activities in earnest... they had to grasp their plans and stop them.
* * *
Was heaven helping the Martial Alliance?
It was barely half a month after Baek Museong declared he would attack Majeon.
The first news started with a single carrier hawk flying in from the north.
A letter stained with blood on its pitch-black feathers was tied to its foot, and it barely reached the main headquarters of the Martial Alliance before dying.
Following that, urgent reports began to rain down from the Western Regions, the Southern Barbarians, and the Eastern Sea.
As if they had made a promise, the factions beyond the frontier that had been holding their breath on the borders of the Central Plains for a long time revealed their fangs all at once.
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