The tension inside the Murim Alliance hall was suffocating, every word heavy with consequence. The Chief Elder's declaration echoed like thunder:
"We must go to war."
Queen of War's eyes narrowed, her voice calm but firm as she stood.
"War is not something we can just start whenever we please. We need to think and understand the situation first. For now, I will send a special squad—and I will personally speak to the Devil Matriarch about this matter."
Her words caused ripples of murmurs to spread through the hall. The Chief Elder leaned forward, her sharp gaze unflinching.
"An ideal way to handle it, perhaps… but what if they have already declared war on us?"
Queen of War's brows furrowed.
"What?"
The Chief Elder raised her voice so that everyone could hear.
"According to information from the Beggar Sect, the Great Devil Sect has already attacked several of our branches. They left behind a message: This is the start of the Murim Alliance's downfall. The unorthodox will rule the world."
Queen of War's heart sank. Her thoughts immediately turned toward Chunying, her most trusted ally. Why didn't you tell me this before?
Namgong Chunying bowed slightly, her face calm, almost too calm.
"I am also hearing this for the first time, Leader. Perhaps the Beggar Sect is more loyal to the Elder Council than to you."
Queen of War closed her eyes briefly, her fists tightening at her sides before she spoke.
"Even so… let me talk to the Devil Matriarch first."
The Chief Elder slammed her hand on the table, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
"Leader! Why are you trying to protect these evil martial artists who are shattering the peace of Murim? This is the perfect time to crush them once and for all!"
The Queen's voice roared across the chamber, shaking even the torches lining the walls.
"Chief Elder! Do not take human life so lightly! Even though their path is different, it does not mean they deserve to be slaughtered!"
The Chief Elder sneered.
"And yet, it is fine for them to kill our people? They have gathered bandits and pirates under their banner. If we let them be, they will only grow stronger!"
The Queen of War's tone was cold as ice.
"Then we too shall grow stronger."
But the Chief Elder pressed further, her voice dripping with venom.
"If you will not decide, then let us go by the rules. Let us vote."
Namgong Chunying's lips curved into a faint smile, almost imperceptible, as if she had been waiting for these words.
"Yes, Leader. Voting is needed when declaring war. It is the ancient law of the Murim Alliance."
Queen of War exhaled slowly.
"…Very well. Then we vote."
She raised her hand first.
"I am against declaring war."
The Chief Elder followed without hesitation.
"I am in favor of declaring war."
The Murim Alliance Commander( the one who command alliance forces) stood next, his voice heavy with grief.
"My warriors died because of them. I too am in favor of declaring war."
All eyes turned to Namgong Chunying(stratergist). She bowed gracefully, a serene smile on her lips.
"I am against the war idea."
The Chief Elder's eyes burned with fury, glaring daggers at Chunying, but she said nothing.
The Queen of War took in a deep breath, but the Chief Elder's voice cut her thoughts.
"It is a tie. We need one more vote… but who?"
The Queen of War's lips curved into a small smile.
"Elder, do you not recall? I proposed the creation of a new position: Murim Alliance Advisor."
The Chief Elder's eyes narrowed.
"Yes, we approved the position… but you never told us who it would be."
The Queen of War stood tall, her presence commanding the room.
"From this day, Zhen Qingsui will be the Murim Alliance Advisor."
Gasps erupted around the chamber. Even Qingsui herself froze, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"M-me? Leader…?"
The Queen of War's gaze softened, her smile kind.
"Yes, you. Because you are kind, sensible, and a righteous martial artist. I know you will lead Murim in the future. This position belongs to you."
Qingsui stepped forward, her heart swelling with joy… but then her gaze shifted. The Chief Elder was staring at her with sharp, fierce eyes—eyes that screamed: You are Wudang first before you are Alliance Advisor. Remember your roots.
Her joy turned to dread. Then she saw Chunying smirking, her expression smug, as if she already knew how Qingsui would choose.
With trembling lips, Qingsui whispered, almost broken,
"…I am in favor of war."
The Queen of War's expression shattered. Her trust, her hope, her faith in Qingsui—all of it cracked in that instant.
The Chief Elder's laughter rang out in triumph.
"Then it is decided! We shall go to war! We will show those unorthodox monsters why orthodox Murim reigns supreme!"
The hall erupted in cheers, but the Queen of War stood, her voice commanding silence.
"If this is the decision, then so be it. But remember this: our goal is to subdue, not slaughter. We hold righteousness—never forget that."
The Chief Elder smirked, her words laced with mockery.
"Do not worry, Leader. We know exactly how to handle them."
The Queen of War turned to Chunying.
"Send word to every orthodox clan and sect. Tell them to join us under the Alliance banner in this war."
Chunying bowed deeply, her voice calm and obedient.
"Do not worry, Leader. I will take care of everything."
The Queen of War smiled faintly.
"I trust you, Chunying. I know you will make the right judgment in this storm."
As she left the hall, Chunying's expression turned cold, her smile twisting into something darker.
The Queen of War turned toward Qingsui, who stood frozen in place. Step by step, she approached, her presence heavy as a mountain. At last, Qingsui snapped out of her daze and stammered,
"Oh Leader… so many things happened today, right? I know I am against your idea, but I think evil martial artists need to be punished. But… we will keep the bloodshed to a minimum."
The Queen of War placed her hand gently upon Qingsui's shoulder, her eyes steady as steel. Her voice carried both weight and warmth as she said,
"I know, Qingsui, why you decided to vote against me, and I do not blame you. You cannot betray your roots. But remember—never regret your decision. Heaven does not blame the one who wields the sword to kill… Heaven blames the one for whom the sword is wielded."
Outside the hall, the Chief Elder stopped her.
"What game are you playing, Chunying? You almost ruined everything by voting against us."
Chunying chuckled softly, her eyes glinting like a fox in the dark.
"Relax, Elder. Everything is going exactly as planned. I already knew who the new advisor would be."
The Chief Elder's face hardened.
"…You truly are a crafty fox."
As she left, Chunying whispered to herself, her lips curling into a sinister smile.
"The game has just begun."