Namgong Chunying walked with composed, deliberate steps toward the location of the secret meeting. The moonlight filtered through the courtyard, casting long shadows that danced around her figure.
As she turned a corner, her sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar face — the newly emerging Dragon of Wudang Sect, Zhen Qingsui, a top talent whose martial brilliance was said to rival her own. Qingsui's cold and dignified expression softened the moment she recognized Namgong Chunying.
"It's been a while, Qingsui," Chunying greeted, her tone carrying the faintest trace of a smile.
Qingsui turned fully, her eyes brightening and her lips curving slightly. "Oh… it's you, Chunying." She stepped closer, her movements graceful yet strong. "You know what's going on tonight, don't you?"
Chunying's smile deepened, but her eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Yes… I know. The person you admire the most is in trouble."
Qingsui's brows furrowed as she replied with conviction, "Yes. Our sects and clans are planning to go against the Alliance Leader. She is strong… the truest righteous martial artist in the world. How can our sect and clan — who should walk the same path as the Alliance Leader — decide to go against her?"
Namgong Chunying's expression remained calm, her lips curling with assurance. "Don't worry. I will handle everything perfectly. I know the Alliance Leader trusts you the most… and I also know you would never wish to go against her."
A faint blush spread across Qingsui's cheeks, and her voice softened. "I trust you, Chunying. You were the one who brought the Alliance Leader into the Murim Alliance. I'm sure you will guide every clan and sect back to the true path we must walk."
With that, Qingsui moved ahead toward the meeting, her robes flowing behind her like water. Chunying's gaze lingered on her back, and her smile slowly twisted into something colder.
"Yes… I am the only one who can show the true path," she murmured to herself before resuming her steps toward the secret meeting.
The heavy wooden doors creaked as Chunying entered. A tense, oppressive atmosphere immediately greeted her. Inside, the Elders of the Elder Union and representatives of all the great sects and clans were already seated. At the center sat the Chief Elder of the Elder Union — the Wudang Sect's greatest sword master and Zhen Qingsui's own teacher.
The Chief Elder's sharp, penetrating gaze locked onto Chunying. Zhen Qingsui stood loyally beside her master. Chunying moved with deliberate poise and took her seat beside the Namgong Clan's elder.
The meeting began with the Kongtong Clan elder speaking first, his tone thick with frustration.
"We need to do something. Our control over Murim is weakening. On one side, unorthodox powers are rising — pirates and bandits are uniting under them. On the other, small and medium sects are gaining strength rapidly. And now… they even try to join our Elder Union to decide the future of Murim. Ha!" He laughed mockingly. "And to make matters worse, our own Murim Alliance Leader approves this decision. If we don't act, our dominance will be over!"
Several elders nodded in agreement.
The Tang Clan elder, known as the Poison Elder, rose to speak, her lips curling into a smirk. "This problem stems from our so-called kind Murim Alliance Leader… brought here by Namgong Chunying and supported by the Namgong Clan. If she had never been here, we wouldn't be worrying about losing our grip on Murim's power. This is all because of the Namgong Clan — for allowing an outsider to take the position of Alliance Leader."
Her words dripped with arrogance as her eyes swept over the room. Murmurs and judging glances turned toward the Namgong Clan's side. The Namgong Clan elder opened her mouth to respond, but Chunying placed a steadying hand on her arm, silencing her.
Rising from her seat with measured elegance, Chunying spoke clearly. "It's true that I brought the Queen of War into the Murim Alliance and helped her become Alliance Leader."
The room fell silent.
"But," she continued, her tone firm, "I did this for all of our benefit — and to avoid greater trouble in the future."
The Poison Elder laughed mockingly. "Future trouble? Then what do you call this situation? A benefit?"
"Poison Elder, just let me finish," Chunying said, her calm voice hiding a sharp edge. "We all know how strong the Queen of War's martial arts are — she defeated the masters of every great clan and sect present here. But there is something far more dangerous than her martial prowess… and that is her righteousness. Day by day, her good deeds are overshadowing our clans' and sects' glory. Without asking for anything in return, she is doing the work we've used for generations to win the people's loyalty."
A faint layer of sweat began to form on a few foreheads.
The Poison Elder interrupted, her voice impatient. "Come to the point, Chunying. I know you feared she might form her own clan and take the Namgong Clan's position as number one. So you offered her the Alliance Leader position to stop that."
Chunying's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Yes… it's true I wanted to stop her from forming her own clan. But not because I feared for my clan's rank. If she created a clan… it would not just rival ours — it could become the enemy of all our sects and clans. It might even destroy them."
The Chief Elder's sharp gaze narrowed. "Explain yourself, Chunying."
"Imagine her martial arts being learned by hundreds… or thousands. Imagine a clan full of warriors that strong. Even with our strength, we would pay a price that could erase a thousand years of our sects' and clans' foundation. The balance of Murim would crumble. And at that moment, our greatest enemies — the Demonic Cult — could declare war."
The Poison Elder exhaled slowly. "You are too young to understand, Chunying. Even if she formed a clan, she wouldn't attack us. She would form an orthodox clan — and we would make her join the Murim Alliance, all under our control."
Chunying's gaze sharpened. "Elder, you overlook one thing. If she learns the truth about how we operate… do you really think she will join us? We all know how she thinks — her every decision is based on kindness. Ours are based on benefit. I would wager my life that she would never agree."
The hall fell silent.
The Chief Elder finally said, "So what if she doesn't join? We have enough power to crush her. But now… you've given her a position of power that belonged to us."
"It's only temporary power," Chunying replied smoothly. "We can take it back. But there is something even more dangerous than her forming a clan. I have seen medium-tier sect leaders approach her, suggesting the creation of a new alliance to rival us."
The room erupted in shock.
The Poison Elder snapped, "Chunying, don't make things up! Who would dare such a thing?"
Chunying's expression was calm but firm. "Elder, you underestimate the dissatisfaction within Murim. Many sects know exactly how we use the Alliance for our own gain — but they remain silent, waiting for the right moment. When they saw the Queen of War defeat our masters, their hope was rekindled. They approached her. But I… had already made arrangements to bring her into the Murim Alliance before they could succeed."
She let her words hang heavy in the air before continuing, "But just imagine… if she joined forces with the medium sects and clans to form a new alliance, she would certainly challenge us. A great war would break out… and with her reputation, many would follow her."
The council chamber broke into panicked whispers and hurried discussions.
"Silence!" the Chief Elder's voice cut through the noise.
Her eyes locked on Chunying. "Namgong Chunying… what is your plan to solve this situation?"
Chunying's lips curved into a sharp, calculating smile. "Don't you think Murim has been too peaceful? I believe we must remind the people why they need the Murim Alliance… and the Ten Great Sects and Clans."