When you think about it, the Murim itself belongs to all Martial Artists.
At least, that is what some of the lower ranked members of various sects came to the conclusion of when the leaders of the three Martial Alliances stepped up to meet on common ground.
From the Orthodox Sect was Tang Chun of the Tang Sect, otherwise known as Hidden Wolf. Though he was well in his 80's, he looked like a young man due to his enlightenment 3 years ago. With striking black hair and a warm smile that comforted all who approached, he was a master of the Mystic Realm that was said to wield both life and death in his hands.
The Unorthodox leader was named Jul Tu, a gruff, greyed man who's body towered over most Martial Artists. His muscles were caked in scars from the constant battles he fought to seek enlightenment, earning him the title of Berserk Tiger well in his youth. Even as the youngest of the 3 masters that stood together, he still held an aura that readily challenged anything.
Lastly, the Demonic Cult Leader Cheon Baek. She was a wise yet ruthless leader who raised the Demonic Cult from the ground 50 years ago. Thanks to her tactics, she earned the title of Bloody Fox. Her striking red hair and red eyes made some of the younger Martial Artists tremble just at the sight. Though she was well in her 70's, she looked nothing more than a teenage girl. Though that did little in making the males fawn over her, as those eyes seemed to pierce their very souls whenever they looked into them.
Now, the real question that everyone is wondering. Why have the most important figures of each faction standing before one another in a truce? Why have they brought every last sword they could offer? It was simple.
A new Major Power was emerging.
During the year prior to this meeting, all Major Powers received the same message from the Heavens.
'Look to the Lonely Mountain, for a Knight rises to challenge the natural order.'
When the Emperor learned of this message, he sent a Royal Decree to each head for an emergency meeting. After much debate, each person signed an oath to gather their armies and march on the mountain together when the first Lunar Eclipse occurs.
Beneath the mountain now stood an army of 70,000 Martial Artists. 20,000 Orthodox, 20,000 Unorthodox and 30,000 Demonic Cult members.
With the Royal Army stationed at each major headquarters of the powers, their truce would last until this excursion was done. Be it peacefully, or until this new power was slain.
"Hidden Wolf, Berserk Tiger, what an honor it is to stand on the same battlefield." Cheon Baek spoke up first, giving a proper bow to the other leaders.
"And you as well, Bloody Fox. I never thought I would live to see the day where we stand side by side. And you as well, Tiger." Tang Chun chuckled, returning the bow with a small, cold smile.
"What do you suppose is inside that mountain?" *Jul Tu spoke up as he glared at the mountain. His arms were folded over his chest, ignoring the others that gave their greetings.
"Only the Heavens know for now." Wolf sighed, holding his hands behind his back and following Tigers eyes.
"Whatever it is, it is enough to shake up the very Heavens we look up to." *Fox sighed as she folded her arms as well.
"I've noticed you have brought your entire force, Lady Baek. Are you certain this was a good idea?" Wolf cocked his brow and turned to Bloody Fox.
Berserk Tiger followed in suit. It was well known that Cheon Baek was wiser than most. The fact that she brought the entirety of her main force, well, it was not something the other two thought she would do.
"After a long debate with the other Sect Leaders, it was decided that this was the best choice. I fear that whatever is in that mountain is possibly a bigger threat than if both of you combined forces." Cheon Baek sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I do not want to imagine the possibility of what happens if we cannot talk this new force down."
"Do you not think that bringing such a large army would deter an means to 'talk them down?'" Tang Chun asked with a sigh, making Jul Tu laugh.
"If this new power is as strong as we make them out to be, perhaps this number will make the negotiations proceed smoother." Unlike his rough appearance, Jul Tu was actually a master at negotiation. Having learned from various merchant leaders, he developed a sense that found him at the top of most deals.