Chapter Three: The Grand Martial Assembly

Seven Days After

The Grand Martial Assembly had finally begun.

Martial artists from every corner of Jianghu gathered beneath Heaven’s Peak.

White banners bearing the symbols of the Five Great Clans fluttered in the mountain wind.

Azure Cloud Clan (青云门)

Symbol: White Crane

Color: Sky Blue

Reputation: The most righteous sword clan.

Leader:

Shen Qinghe (52)

Known as The Heavenly Sword.

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Crimson Wolf Clan (赤狼谷)

Symbol: Red Wolf

Color: Crimson

Reputation: Called “evil” by the martial world, though they simply refuse to obey anyone.

Leader:

Gu Feng (48)

Known as The Wolf King.

⸻

Jade Lotus Pavilion

A clan famous for medicine and poison.

Leader:

Madam Su Lian

No one knows whether she saves lives or takes them.

⸻

Golden Phoenix Manor

The richest family in Jianghu.

They control weapons, silk, inns, and information.

Leader:

Young Master Jin Yao

He smiles at everyone…

which is exactly why no one trusts him.

⸻

Iron Mountain Fortress

The strongest martial artists.

Their disciples fight with spears and heavy blades.

Leader:

General Han Wei

Heroes.

Wanderers.

Merchants.

Even the Imperial Court had sent officials to witness the gathering.

Shen Yichen walked through the stone gates with the disciples of Azure Cloud Clan.

His white robes drew respectful glances from every direction.

“The Jade Sword…”

“So that’s Shen Yichen.”

“They say he hasn’t lost a duel in five years.”

Shen ignored the whispers.

He had come to represent his clan—not to seek admiration.

Suddenly—

A loud crash echoed across the courtyard.

Everyone turned.

A young man in black landed effortlessly on the roof of a pavilion, holding a wine gourd in one hand and an apple in the other.

His long black hair danced wildly in the wind.

The crimson wolf embroidered across his robes caught the sunlight.

He looked around lazily before grinning.

“So many serious faces.”

“Did someone die already?”

The crowd fell silent.

One elder frowned.

“Gu Yan.”

“You’ve arrived late.”

Gu Yan shrugged.

“I arrived.”

“That’s what matters.”

Several disciples muttered under their breath.

“How disrespectful…”

“He really is as arrogant as they say.”

Gu Yan simply laughed.

His eyes wandered through the crowd…

…until they stopped.

A young man dressed entirely in white stood beneath a blooming plum tree.

Calm.

Elegant.

As still as moonlight reflected on water.

Their eyes met.

For a single moment…

The noisy courtyard seemed to disappear.

Gu Yan smiled first.

“So.”

“You’re Shen Yichen.”

Shen inclined his head politely.

“And you must be Gu Yan.”

“I expected someone colder.”

“I expected someone quieter.”

Gu Yan laughed.

“I can be quiet.”

He leaned closer with a mischievous smile.

“…When I’m asleep.”

Even Shen’s disciples struggled to hide their annoyance.

“What nerve!”

“How dare he tease Senior Brother!”

Shen remained expressionless.

“You speak more than the rumors suggested.”

“And you smile less.”

For the first time in years…

Someone had answered Gu Yan without fear.

His grin widened.

“I like you.”

The entire courtyard froze.

Even the elders stared.

Shen blinked once.

“You have known me for less than a minute.”

Gu Yan chuckled.

“I didn’t say I loved you.”

“I said I liked you.”

“There’s a difference.”

Before Shen could respond, the great bronze bell rang across Heaven’s Peak.

Dong—!

The Assembly had officially begun.

None of them noticed the masked figure watching from the highest pavilion.

Hidden beneath dark robes, the stranger smiled.

“Good…”

“The two pieces have finally met.”

Far above the gathering, storm clouds slowly covered the sun.

The game had begun.

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