At that moment, a towering figure strode forth from the invading ranks.
He moved like a dragon and a tiger combined—each step steady and commanding. His eyes flashed with sharp brilliance, his presence imposing even without anger.
In a booming voice, he declared:
"Clear the way, you rabble! I've not come for you. Today, I settle old scores with your sect leader. Call him out!"
The Black Dragon Sect disciples erupted in fury.
The man who had spoken was none other than the Nine Heavens Sovereign, Long Zhentian—tall, broad-shouldered, and built like a warhorse.
From the opposing side, another formidable man stepped forward.
This was Meng Ming, Left Dharma King of the Black Dragon Sect.
His voice carried restrained anger:
"So, Nine Heavens Sovereign—have you brought allies to provoke us at our own gates?"
Long Zhentian's gaze turned icy.
"Stand aside. Do not invite suffering upon yourself. Call your sect leader out—or today, the Black Dragon Sect will be destroyed."
At that instant—
The crowd parted.
Amid the gathering of his followers, a man stepped forward.
He was dignified, composed, and radiant with commanding presence.
It was Murong Gui.
His voice was calm:
"Long Zhentian. What business brings you here?"
Long Zhentian let out a cold snort.
"Murong Gui—such arrogance. Today, Jiuxiao Palace comes to settle our vengeance!"
Murong Gui smiled faintly.
"Vengeance? What vengeance? Is it not simply your ambition to dominate the martial world?"
At that moment, another figure emerged from the crowd—
The White Lotus Sect Leader, Huangfu Song.
He spoke coldly:
"We have come today to send you to your grave."
Murong Gui burst into laughter.
When his laughter faded, his voice turned sharp:
"If there is enmity, speak it plainly before the heroes of the world. Let them judge.Huangfu Song—why don't you begin?"
Huangfu Song's expression darkened.
"What's there to say? I'm here to take your life!"
Murong Gui smirked.
"Afraid to speak? Then allow me."
His voice rang clear across the plaza:
"Last year, when the Longyang Sect leader passed, all came to pay respects—except you. Instead, you sought revenge at their gates.
"I exposed your scheme. We fought—and you were defeated.That is the origin of your hatred. Am I wrong?"
Huangfu Song's face flushed with rage.
"So what if it's true? Next year this day will mark your death!"
Murong Gui's expression hardened.
"As leader of the Heroic Alliance, it is my duty to uphold justice.What you did was condemned by all—both righteous and unorthodox alike."
A murmur spread among the gathered warriors.
Many nodded in agreement.
Cheers rose across the crowd.
For years, the martial world had been in chaos.
Countless factions sought dominance, and endless bloodshed loomed.
It was Murong Gui who had rallied both righteous and unorthodox forces to form the Heroic Alliance—to preserve order.
Huangfu Song, humiliated, could endure no more.
With a sudden step—
He leapt into the air and struck downward at Murong Gui's crown.
Murong Gui met him head-on.
BANG!
Their palms collided.
Both men retreated.
Murong Gui said coldly:
"With all the heroes gathered here, you will not act recklessly.Even if you two join forces, you will answer for your enmity!"
At that moment—
Three figures descended from above.
They were the Judges of the Martial World:
"We are from the Judges' Guild of the Martial World—I am Cui Fujun, Chief Judge of the Jianghu.These are Li Yan, Wielder of the Brush of Life and Death,and Sun Tian, Master of the Judge's Blade."
Cui Fujun spoke:
"We are here not to interfere—but to deliver a message."
Long Zhentian sneered.
"You come as judges? We are here for vengeance—not a duel. You have no say."
Cui Fujun laughed.
"Peace, Sovereign. We merely bring news. After that—we take no part."
Long Zhentian narrowed his eyes.
"What news?"
Cui Fujun smiled faintly.
"This news… is both good and bad. Which would you hear first?"
Huangfu Song snapped impatiently:
"The bad."
Cui Fujun nodded.
"Li Yan—speak."
Li Yan stepped forward.
His voice echoed across the field:
"The Hall of Loyalty's master… is withdrawing from the jianghu.He has already departed for the Western Regions, on his final mission."
Silence.
Then—
Shock.
The entire assembly erupted.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
Without Wu Tong—
Who would uphold justice?
Without him—
Chaos would reign.
Long Zhentian and Huangfu Song exchanged glances.
A flicker of joy crossed their faces.
Murong Gui… had lost his greatest support.
But Murong Gui remained unmoved.
Like a mountain before collapse, like a river before flood—
Unshaken.
He laughed.
"So—this pleases you?"
His voice rang with confidence:
"Do not assume victory too soon.I have yet to reveal my hand."
Then he turned to Cui Fujun.
"In that case… I will hear the good news."
Cui Fujun nodded.
He turned to Sun Tian.
"Then speak."
Sun Tian stepped forward, smiling faintly.
He swept his gaze across the crowd.
The entire plaza fell silent.
Every breath held.
Every eye fixed upon him.