The Eastern Kingdom was ruled by strength, but not the kind born from magic circles or mana.
Here, power was forged through blood, discipline, and decades of relentless training. Internal energy refined through breathing techniques and martial forms determined a warrior's worth. Sects rose and fell based on lineage, mastery, and the steel of their disciples.
At the heart of this world stood the Orthodox Alliance.
A coalition formed centuries ago to suppress demonic sects, heretical martial paths, and any force that threatened the balance of Murim.
Aldous stood within the Alliance Hall, his posture straight, his presence steady.
The chamber was vast and circular, its stone floor polished smooth by generations of footsteps. Banners bearing the insignia of the great orthodox sects hung from the walls. Each symbol carried weight, history, and the quiet threat of violence.
Seated around the hall were the masters of Murim.
Sect Leaders whose names alone could halt conflicts.
Elders whose single strike could end a blood feud.
At the highest seat sat Hyunjin Kang.
Leader of the Orthodox Alliance.
Master of the Azure Sword Sect.
The Azure Blade.
Hyunjin's gaze was sharp and calm, like a blade resting within its sheath. His posture was relaxed, yet Aldous could feel the pressure emanating from him. This was a man whose sword had tasted more blood than most battlefields.
"Aldous G. Vaughn," Hyunjin said, his voice echoing softly through the hall. "Bearer of the Lightning Physique. Sword Tiger. Lightning Blade."
The murmurs began immediately.
Some were impressed.
Others skeptical.
A few openly hostile.
Titles meant little in Murim unless backed by action.
Aldous clasped his fist and bowed respectfully.
"I greet the elders of the Orthodox Alliance."
Hyunjin nodded once.
"You are young," he said. "Yet your achievements speak loudly. In four months, you have slain high class monsters, cleared forbidden regions, and defeated masters who trained for decades."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Tell me, Lightning Blade. Do you understand why you were summoned here?"
Aldous met his gaze without flinching.
"Yes," he replied. "The Blood Demon Sect."
The temperature in the hall seemed to drop.
Several sect masters scowled openly at the name.
Hyunjin raised a hand, silencing the room.
"The Blood Demon Sect has resurfaced," he said. "They operate along our western borders, preying upon villages, wandering martial artists, and weaker sects. Their martial arts are twisted, fueled by blood sacrifice and stolen internal energy."
A map was unrolled across a stone table.
Red markings scarred its surface.
"These are confirmed locations of their activity," Hyunjin continued. "Entire clans erased. Internal organs drained. Meridians shattered beyond repair."
Aldous clenched his jaw.
"This is beyond simple banditry," he said.
"Correct," Hyunjin replied. "This is organized. Methodical. And most concerning of all, they have gathered individuals with Exclusive Martial Physiques and Unique Innate Techniques."
The murmurs returned, louder this time.
Exclusive physiques were rare even in Murim.
Techniques that manifested naturally within the body were rarer still.
"How many?" Aldous asked.
"At least three confirmed," Hyunjin answered. "One wields a Blood Manipulation Art that allows him to control an opponent's circulation mid combat. Another converts pain into explosive internal energy. The third remains unidentified, but survivors speak of shadowed movement and silent kills."
Survivors were rare.
Aldous exhaled slowly.
"So you want me to strike first."
Hyunjin smiled faintly.
"You understand quickly."
He rose from his seat.
"You are not bound by sect politics. Your name alone disrupts their calculations. If the Lightning Blade moves, the Blood Demon Sect will react. They will either retreat or expose themselves."
"And if they fight," Aldous said.
"Then Murim will see who truly holds the mandate of heaven," Hyunjin replied.
The decision was already made.
"I will take the mission," Aldous said clearly.
The hall erupted.
Some masters nodded in approval.
Others frowned, displeased that an outsider was entrusted with such a task.
Hyunjin raised his hand once more.
"You will not act alone," he said. "Come forward."
A young swordsman stepped into the center of the hall.
His presence was sharp, disciplined, and precise. His robes bore the insignia of the Azure Sword Sect. His sword hung at his waist, its scabbard worn from years of use.
"This is Kang Doyoung," Hyunjin said. "My direct disciple and heir."
Doyoung bowed deeply.
"I will serve as your guide and blade, Lightning Blade."
Aldous returned the bow.
"I look forward to fighting alongside you."
Hyunjin's gaze softened slightly.
"Doyoung knows the movements of the demonic sects," he said. "He understands when to advance and when to withdraw. Learn from one another."
Outside the hall, Aldous's companions waited.
They were martial artists drawn to him not by command, but by presence.
A woman whose hearing allowed her to track opponents through heartbeat alone.
A monk whose body hardened when struck, his internal energy reacting instinctively to danger.
A tracker capable of following footsteps across stone and water.
Elite warriors who saw Aldous as both leader and challenge.
Doyoung studied them carefully.
"So these are the warriors who follow the Lightning Blade," he said quietly.
"They follow strength," Aldous replied. "As all in Murim do."
As preparations were made, Aldous found himself staring into the distance.
Somewhere far away, another path was being carved.
A darker one.
He thought of his twin brother.
Aldrin's smile before the gods took them.
"He is still alive," Aldous murmured to himself.
The storm within him stirred.
If Aldrin truly walked a different road, then fate would bring them together again.
Whether as brothers or as enemies.
The Orthodox Alliance had made its move.
Murim would soon tremble.