A long time ago, everyone was living a peaceful, ordinary mundane life with little to no conflict, but it didn't last long due to human greed causing great strife to befall upon the world.
As time went by, everyone began to create martial arts for their own protection, while some used it for killing.
It became a normal occurrence in Jianghu where martial artists trained intensely to achieve their objectives, whether good or evil.
Martial artists kept honing their skills, improving their martial arts, and passing them down through generations using books and scriptures containing their predecessors' knowledge and teachings, evolving their martial arts into a more refined form.
Through the creation of unique breathing techniques that efficiently circulate their internal energy throughout their body, practitioners can receive a tremendous amount of growth in both physical and mental aspects if done right.
Over time, the variety of techniques became more and more perfected and refined to such a degree that a mere wave of the hand can cause huge destruction, a simple movement can surpass the blink of an eye, and even the ability to fly became attainable.
However, only those at the highest peak of Murim can master such feats, as they have practiced longer and hold more talent and potential, following the path paved by their predecessors.
Eventually, certain martial artists gathered and began forming clans and groups, each having their own respective martial arts, specialties, beliefs, and motives.
At the current time, aside from other groups, Jianghu has been mainly divided into three different forces:
The Righteous Alliance follows the path of righteousness; they have a strong sense of justice and value honor. The Righteous Alliance keeps the Evil Society at bay, protecting innocents. They believe that the ways of the Evil forces are wicked and must be annihilated for the common good. The same goes for the Demonic Cult due to their dangerous demonic arts and their relentless pursuit of power, which oppresses the weak. These people are guided by their Alliance Leader, Mu Chen.
The Evil Society's sole purpose is to bring destruction and chaos in an attempt to rule an anarchic world. This group, headed by Society Leader Yeon Gwang-Soo, likes to commit heinous deeds and atrocious acts to get what they want, be it authority or simply due to their fervor to kill and cause disorder. They believe that only by filling the world with lawlessness that doesn't restrict people from doing their desires will the society embrace the ideal environment.
Lastly, the Demonic Cult is led by the Heavenly Demon, Cheon Ma. They normally stay aloof in worldly affairs, but they would do anything to gain strength because, for them, power is everything. The Demonic Cult raises its members in a merciless, dog-eat-dog environment. Only the strongest survive, honed through savage trials and demonic arts. This ruthless process ensures that the few who emerge alive from it are immensely powerful and are solely driven to become stronger to elevate the prestige of the Heavenly Demon.
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Additionally, there are powerful hidden factions, reclusive sects, and neutral forces in Murim.
These groups remain mostly aloof, their influence overshadowed by the three main forces, making them seem irrelevant in the current power dynamics
However, their true strength is generally unknown and might rival or even surpass the three main forces.
The Righteous Alliance, Evil Society, and Demonic Cult must think twice before offending them, as their potential to shift the balance of power remains a significant, yet often overlooked, threat.
The current Murim is where the strong rule and the weak get trampled on.
And the Righteous Alliance ensures the safety of those who are weak.
The Righteous Alliance stands as a symbol of unity and power, keeping the world safe from the likes of the Evil Society.
---
Chang-An city, also called the 'Perpetual Peace.'
The forces of evil wouldn't even dare to step into this place rashly.
That's because it's the location of the Righteous Alliance's base and the place where one of the most powerful martial artists resides, rivaling the power of the Heavenly Demon and Evil Society Leader.
The Alliance Leader, Mu Chen.
Together with the other great sects, they ensure the safety of the world against the evil forces.
But the hostility among the three forces has not subsided since then.
These types of aggression are what gave them the reputation as the three main groups in Jianghu due to their relentless enforcement of their beliefs.
This constant imposition leads to frequent conflicts, unlike the more reserved factions that keep their doctrines to themselves and rarely participate in the wars between the three main forces.
Hence, a large-scale war may arise at any time.
By then, the peace the Righteous Alliance have tried so hard to protect will begin to crumble.
---
'Just how long will I be able to protect this peace?'
Mu Chen thought while looking around at the community as he witnessed the smiles of the children playing.
Thinking about the Evil Society being quiet for a while perturbs Mu Chen.
So Mu Chen, the Alliance Leader, called for a meeting at the Righteous Alliance headquarters.
In the heart of Chang-An is where the headquarters of the Righteous Alliance are located...
Ten individuals, a mix of men and women, slowly entered a building.
The meeting place is a grand hall adorned with intricate murals depicting heroic deeds and ancient battles, reflecting the Alliance's commitment to justice and righteousness.
Tall pillars line the hall, supporting a high ceiling with elaborate chandeliers casting a warm glow over the room. A long, polished wooden table sits in the center, surrounded by chairs for the members.
The atmosphere is solemn yet determined, embodying the spirit of the Righteous Alliance.
One could tell at a glance that the people were confused and worried at the same time about the sudden meeting being held by the Alliance Leader.
It's because Mu Chen is not someone who would call them for trivial matters.
The next moment, two of the new generation martial masters affiliated with the Righteous Alliance also entered the hall.
Han Taejin, a young man with piercing eyes and an aura of unyielding confidence, moved with a grace that hinted at a coiled power beneath his calm exterior.
Beside him, Seo Yura, with her serene and composed demeanor, radiated a quiet strength and wisdom far beyond her years.
Among the ten new generation martial masters, only Han Taejin and Seo Yura were able to attend.
The other eight were either in the midst of rigorous outdoor training, at a crucial part of their cultivation, or simply uninterested in this meeting.
Mu Chen took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he looked at each person in the room. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he began.
"The silence from the Evil Society has been unsettling."
Although some of the areas they're having a territorial dispute on is still active, it's simply because they wouldn't want to lose important locations that'll give them a huge military advantage."
"We must be vigilant and prepare for whatever they might be planning. Your insights and readiness are crucial in these uncertain times."
The room filled with a mix of murmurs and nods, the gravity of the situation settling in. The meeting was about to begin in earnest, and the fate of their peace rested on the decisions made within these walls.