In Unhwi’s memory, this was the name of a city within the territory of the Yun Nation, one of the Heavenly Alliance’s key strongholds.

Maewidong glanced at Unhwi for a moment before smiling.

“Now, since everyone is here, let us begin in earnest.”

His gaze deepened.

“I’m sure you’ve already heard about the death of the previous Alliance Lord, Lord Ye Wonje. His passing was sudden, and the truth behind it has yet to be uncovered.”

Maewidong’s voice grew heavier.

“The previous Alliance Lord was a pure idealist. He dreamed of a world where, in the realm of warriors, there were no distinctions between the Righteous Path, the Tyrant’s Path, the Demonic Path, or the Evil Path—that all martial artists could coexist as equals.”

He slowly swept his gaze across the room as he continued.

“He believed in what he called ‘Supremacy of the Martial.’ He held that all martial artists stood above commoners, and that the Heavenly Alliance should never interfere in conflicts between them. That was his principle of non-intervention, and he devoted his entire being to that ideal.”

Unhwi listened in silence.

He had already seen the truth of Ye Wonje’s philosophy before coming here—through the bandits he’d encountered.

Ye Wonje’s philosophy was a contradiction in itself.

“His ideal clashed with reality. In upholding equality among martial artists, he ignored the suffering of commoners, and as a result, the Heavenly Alliance lost the trust of the martial world.”

He took a step forward.

“Now we must choose. Do we continue down Ye Wonje’s path, or do we carve a new one?”

Tension spread through the room. Some could not hide their discomfort, while others looked at Maewidong with eyes full of anticipation.

“I propose a new Heavenly Alliance. Not a paradise only for martial artists, but an Alliance that understands balance. One that protects commoners and upholds order in the martial world. An Alliance where the strength of a martial artist is not a privilege, but a responsibility.”

There was force in Maewidong’s voice.

“The reason I invited you here is simple—I want you to become the pillars of this new Heavenly Alliance. The righteousness of the Five Great Sword Schools, the versatility of the Sama Outer Sect, and the steadfastness of the Everlasting Snow Palace—together, these can forge a new order in the martial world.”

The hall fell silent at his speech. Each person sank into their own thoughts.

“Of course, this will not be an easy road. But right now, the Heavenly Alliance is an empty shell. Some of its affiliated groups have turned away, others have caused trouble. Internal division has pushed it to the brink of collapse. Some call it a ‘revival’ or ‘restoration,’ but in truth, ‘rebuilding’ is the accurate term. The Alliance exists in name only.”

Maewidong was speaking with genuine sincerity.

“Outside help is essential. And that help had to come from groups that are neutral—neither part of the Martial Alliance nor the Sichuan Alliance. Groups like you.”

It wasn’t a lie.

The Five Great Sword Schools, the Sama Outer Sect, and the Everlasting Snow Palace belonged to neither the Martial Alliance nor the Sichuan Alliance.

If they wished to extend their influence further in the Central Plains and free themselves from the checks of the two major alliances, joining the Heavenly Alliance and becoming key figures in its rebuilding would be the fastest way.

The plan Maewidong had laid out was so transparent in its intent and purpose it was almost see-through.

“When you were seated, you will have seen the sealed letter placed before you.”

Just as the letter before Unhwi bore the place name Seongjak Province, the others each had their own location written on theirs.

“You will be appointed as Heavenly Guardians (Cheonsusa) of those places. Your first mission will be to establish Heavenly Branches (Cheonui Buwon) in each region, securing the Heavenly Alliance’s influence there.”

Maewidong looked around the hall again as he continued.

“A Heavenly Branch will serve as the Alliance’s local stronghold, and at the same time, it will be the official branch of your own sect in the Central Plains. For example, in Seongjak Province, the ‘Seongjak Heavenly Branch’ will be established, becoming the official Central Plains base of the Everlasting Snow Palace.”

Unhwi looked at Maewidong with interest. This was no mere appointment of a regional administrator—it was an opportunity to formally expand their sect’s presence in the martial world of the Central Plains.

Maewidong continued explaining the system in detail.

“Each Heavenly Branch will be headed by its Heavenly Guardian, with a Deputy Guardian beneath them to handle daily affairs. Establish a martial corps called the Heavenly Guard and a decision-making council to lay the foundation of the branch.”

He paused to catch his breath, then spoke again.

“Of course, this is only my suggestion. You may simply establish the branch and create your own subordinate organizations as you see fit. As Heavenly Guardians, once you have taken control of your regions, you are free to imprint your sect’s identity there. But do not forget the Alliance’s cause—that must remain at the center. You may bring trustworthy talents from your main sect to solidify the system. That will be one way to raise the Heavenly Alliance’s value and restore its former strength.”

It was a simple yet ambitious plan. If each of them could stabilize their assigned regions and fully take them into their grasp, those cities would once again become solid pillars of the Heavenly Alliance—and at the same time, each would serve as a base for their own sects.

Unhwi pondered the implications. The Everlasting Snow Palace had no real base in the Central Plains. The Snowy Mountains were isolated, with limited interaction with the mainland.

There was a reason he had seized Yang Nation territory, taken control of Shinsam Valley, and risen to be the Commander of Yangryeong Province.

The Snow Palace, though classified as a major sect, could not be called wealthy when compared to proper nations or the Martial and Sichuan Alliances.

Using Seongjak Province as a base would be a perfect chance to expand the Snow Palace’s influence into the Central Plains and amass a vast amount of resources.

Maewidong’s tone turned firm again.

“I will make this clear—every city you are appointed to as Heavenly Guardians was once a pillar of the Alliance, but now they are fractured, fighting among themselves, and in some cases, their factions have been annihilated.”

His eyes grew serious.

“Through the Heavenly Branches, unite them again. I don’t care how you do it. Run it with a dual structure, bring in more manpower from your main sect—I will look only at the results, and I will take full responsibility for anything that happens in the process.”

Several delegates nodded. It was an attractive offer.

“Again—any criticism of your actions as Heavenly Guardians will be borne by me. But if you cannot do the job, or think you cannot, tell me in advance. That way we won’t waste each other’s time.”

Maewidong’s eyes sank for an instant.

Unhwi found the situation fascinating.

When he had first decided to come to the Heavenly Alliance, he had thought that, sooner or later, he would expand into the Central Plains—it was better to lay the groundwork early.

But he had not expected it would happen this way.

The chance to formalize the Snow Palace’s entry into the Central Plains through a Heavenly Branch was an unexpected boon.

Yes—this was a true branch.

Not something embedded within the Snow Palace like the Seolgung Triangle, but an outward extension to amplify the Palace’s influence beyond the mountains.

This was an opportunity he could not refuse.

What’s more, in his memory, Seongjak Province bordered a vast coastline that connected to Jeokan in Yangryeong Province.

There would be no issues with procuring goods or manpower.

He lifted his gaze to Maewidong. Was this man’s will noble, or not?

He didn’t know—and had no desire to judge.

Whatever the case, the course of action was clear. Having come this far, he had no intention of returning empty-handed.

Unhwi rose from his seat.

“May I begin right away?”

Maewidong smiled faintly.

“Of course. The Heavenly Alliance will provide all the authority and resources needed to establish your branch. Each Heavenly Guardian should summon the necessary personnel from their main sects and gather here at the Heavenly Hall in one month for the first progress report.”

“Then I will take my leave.”

Without hesitation, Unhwi turned, and Commander Seong followed after him.

***

The place they headed for was not Seongjak Province, but an annex on the outskirts of the Heavenly Hall.

Leaning against a tree there, Unhwi heard Commander Seong ask,

“Just now—you seemed to make eye contact for a moment. Was that the Snowfire Demon Blade, Jeong Chusan?”

Unhwi nodded.

Jeong Chusan was the man who, before Unhwi came to the Heavenly Alliance, had sent a letter through Im Chiun of the Ice and Snow Academy, requesting a meeting.

The date was today, the place—here.

Commander Seong muttered quietly,

“…I’m starting to think we should have brought more people.”

No sooner had he said this than two men appeared from across the way.

They were the Snowfire Demon Blade, Jeong Chusan, and the Sky Wolf Demon Blade, Heukmyeong.

As briefly mentioned before, the rank structure of the Black Heaven Demon Beast Palace was simple.

At the top was the Palace Lord, followed by the Four Great Beast Claws, then the Twelve Demon Blades, and the Thirty-Six Claw Masters.

The Twelve Demon Blades were the backbone of the Black Heaven Demon Beast Palace.

Without exception, each had reached the Heaven-Earth Apex, and Jeong Chusan ranked about the middle, with his cultivation at the Harmonization Stage.

The problem was Heukmyeong.

He was classified as the head of the Sky Wolf Demon Blade unit—and his cultivation was at the Mythic Realm.

The two men stopped before Unhwi.

Heukmyeong was a short-haired, powerfully built man, and the look he gave Unhwi brimmed with interest.

“I don’t see any reason to bring up Im Chiun of Jeokan here. Don’t you agree?”

“I agree, senior.”

“Senior, is it…”

“And you may speak comfortably.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Then I shall. Pleased to meet you. I am Heukmyeong of the Twelve Demon Blades. This here is Jeong Chusan.”

“A pleasure. I am Seol Unhwi of the Everlasting Snow Palace. This is the Protector of Yangryeong Province under my command.”

Unhwi and Heukmyeong’s gazes crossed in the air.

These brief exchanges were mere formalities.

There was no way either of them didn’t know who the other was.

Unhwi was intent on grasping everything about the man called Heukmyeong—and Heukmyeong was doing the same.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep