In just a single day, all Ten Havens gathered at the Alliance Headquarters.
The first to arrive was the Patriarch of the Wudang Sect.
He stormed into the hall, fury radiating from every step. Without waiting for etiquette, he clasped his fists and bowed stiffly.
"It is an honor to meet the Alliance Leader."
The Alliance Leader studied him calmly. "So you came."
"Of course I came!" the Patriarch snapped, unable to contain himself.
"We are the ones who lost the most face in this disaster. Everything happened in Wudang territory—and they were the ones who assured the Alliance we could handle it. And now?"
His fists trembled.
"Now, the world questions us. A city was slaughtered under our watch. Where was the Wudang Sect? Where was our strength?"
His anger wasn't without reason.
In one night, they had lost twenty elite disciples, and even the Patriarch's own personally chosen successor — a genius meant to become the next Sect Leader — had died.
Wudang had suffered beyond measure.
The Alliance Leader understood his pain and allowed him to speak.
"I heard there were survivors," the Patriarch continued. "Where are they? I want to question—"
Before he could finish, a calm, aged voice drifted from behind him.
"You did not changed, Patriarch. Still as impatient as when you were young."
The Patriarch froze, then slowly turned around.
Walking toward them was an old monk, draped in simple robes yet exuding an unshakable presence.
He was Abbot Mingyuan, one of the Ten Havens strongest masters.
The Alliance Leader nodded to him.
"So, you came as well."
The old monk smiled. "You invited me. How could I possibly refuse?"
Abbot Mingyuan turned toward the Wudang Sect Patriarch and spoke calmly.
"So, Zhang Qinghe… you came early to see the survivors?"
Qinghe clicked his tongue. "Yes. And don't call me by name—we are not that close."
Mingyuan chuckled softly.
"I thought we were close enough. Besides… those two survivors are here. One of them is from my Shaolin Temple, and the other is an Alliance disciple, correct?"
The Alliance Leader, who had been listening quietly, nodded with a heavy expression.
"You are right. Both were found unconscious, but alive. They should wake up soon. Once all sect leaders arrive, we'll discuss the matter together. Until then… we wait."
Mingyuan folded his hands in front of him.
"Then allow me to see the boy—Hao."
But the Alliance Leader raised his hand.
"I must refuse."
Mingyuan opened his eyes slightly. "Oh? And why is that?"
"We don't know who might be connected to the organization responsible for this massacre," the Alliance Leader said. "To kill an entire city… they must possess a terrifying force. Yet we found no trace of where they went afterward. Until we know more, we cannot allow anyone access. I hope you understand."
A moment of silence passed.
"So you are suspecting me of colluding with the enemy?" Mingyuan asked quietly.
The Alliance Leader held his gaze.
"I didn't say that. I am simply being cautious."
That was his official answer — but in his heart, he knew the truth:
A man like Mingyuan… if he gained enough benefits, he might even make a deal with a devil. No one knows which way he truly leans behind that gentle smile.
Mingyuan's cunning grin deepened for a moment, then faded.
"I understand."
Qinghe, who had been listening the entire time, bowed to the Alliance Leader and turned to leave as well.
After some time, all ten Havens gathered around the grand round table. Their presence alone commanded respect, and each of them was over a hundred years old. Yet despite their age, the Havens appeared strikingly youthful, their aura radiating authority and power that belied their true years.
One by one, they were introduced:
Abbot Mingyuan from Shaolin Temple, revered as the Buddha's Hand.Zhang Qinghe of Wudang Sect, known as the Yang Yin Sword.Tang Wuye from the Tang Clan, famed as the Poison King.Hua Jianxing of Mount Hua Sect, known as the Sword of Flowers.Hong Shunbao of the Beggar's Sect, recognized as the All-Knowing One.Xuan Tiangong from the Heavenly Pavilion, feared as the God of Illusions.Long Qingshan of Azure Dragon Hall, infamous as the Assassin King.Yu Wenhai from Qingcheng Sect, honored as the Heavenly Fighter.Bai Lianxin of White Lotus Sect, known as the Heavenly Fairy.Hwangbo Minsuk from the Hwangbo Clan, steadfast as the Mountain of Justice.
Each of them exuded an aura that could silence an army, their reputations and mastery unmatched in the world. As they took their seats, a tense, almost sacred silence settled over the room, the weight of their power pressing down on every observer.
At the head of the table sat the Leader of the Murim Alliance, Namgung Jinhai, Patriarch of the Namgung Clan, known as the Sword of Justice, with many other titles. Behind him stood his strategist, Seojin, revered as the Sage of Wisdom.
Namgung Jinhai's gaze swept over the assembled Havens. His voice, calm yet commanding, broke the silence.
"I hope you understand why I have gathered you here. Now Shall we begin?"