“The line is long~”
“In a city this size, there has to be a thorough inspection.”
Given that the Martial Alliance was located in Wuhan, any negligence could result in serious consequences for many individuals, so it was inevitable that the inspections be conducted with earnestness.
Frankly, if spies from the Demonic Sect or Evil Path were to slip through a lax inspection and cause trouble, it would be impossible for anyone involved to get away unscathed.
Heads of the guards could very well be hung in the square without anyone batting an eye.
Neither the government nor the Martial Alliance wanted such a situation, so it was only natural that the inspections were stricter here than elsewhere. Thus, we waited patiently for our turn without complaint.
“We’ve walked so far and now we have to stand for so long… Isn’t there a quicker way for us from the Nine Sects and One School to get through… Ow!”
“Haking, stop your senseless talk and stay quiet.”
“Yes…”
Haking, whom Hajin had just knocked on the head, sighed and looked forward. A disciple of a prestigious righteous sect making such remarks was fortunate to get away with just a knock.
Among the disciples of the Hainan Sword Sect, Haking was especially known for his frivolous nature, muttering about how he had only been joking and that Hajin was overreacting. Another head knock seemed likely if he continued.
He should have followed the quieter examples set by Mugwang or Geonsam.
“Since Martial Alliance consists of warriors from the Nine Sects, one will get the chance to witness various sword techniques, wouldn’t you agree, Great Hero Wi?”
“Sword techniques. It is indeed something to look forward to.”
Remembering the righteous sects’ sword techniques from wuxia novels, I nodded in agreement.
The Plum Blossom Twenty-Four Hands Sword Technique.
The Tai Chi慧Sword Technique.
The Exorcist Sword Technique.
The Blue Cloud Crossing the River Sword Technique.
To have the opportunity to witness the sword techniques of the Nine Sects and One School was a great chance.
Experiencing diverse sword techniques presents an opportunity for self-improvement.
After all, overcoming one’s limits requires numerous experiences, making it important to engage in as many sword duels as possible.
If only my fortune were better, I wouldn’t have to go around individually challenging others to duels.
“Hey, look over there. It’s a member of the Qingcheng Sect!”
Turning to where Hye-ryeong had pointed, a group of warriors dressed in green was seen walking towards our rear, presumably to join the queue.
“Qingcheng Sect… Isn’t that the one known for the Blue Cloud Crossing the River Sword Technique?”
Honestly, I didn’t really know much about the Qingcheng Sect.
In wuxia stories, Qingcheng was one of those factions with little presence; gathering information about them would be impossible. Even in the original story, their combined significance across 200 chapters didn’t amount to more than 1,000 characters.
So, it was probably unnecessary to pay much attention.
“Oh, the Qingcheng Sect is renowned for the Blue Cloud Crossing the River Sword Technique and the Streaming Current Technique!”
“Streaming Current Technique?”
“Yes! It’s a highly agile footwork technique that moves as freely as the wind!”
…Even hearing that, I still didn’t know much about it.
At least now I understood they specialized in excellent footwork.
“Seeing the Qingcheng disciples makes me really feel like we’ve arrived in Wuhan.”
Hye-ryeong gleamed with excitement like a child. Her purity was evident no matter how you looked at it. Subtly, I moved to shield her from sidelong glances and crossed my arms.
Who says it’s ok to ogle?
Are you seeing a woman for the first time?
“Hehe…”
Her joyous laughter tickled my ears from behind. It seemed she was somewhat aware of the attention she was drawing.
I thought she’d be used to it, given how she usually draws attention wherever she goes.
“Hehe…”
We continued small talk as we awaited our turn.
About half an hour later, we finally approached the guards at the checkpoint. The guards carefully examined us, then asked in surprise if we were swordsmen from the Hainan Sword Sect.
Indeed, the holy ground of martial artists is different.
As soon as the guards identified us, they immediately offered a respectful salute.
This was something we had never experienced before.
Although our perception of martial artists might not always be positive, they were still respected due to their connection with authority.
Even if someone appears polite and good-natured, the mere sight of someone holding a sword naturally induces fear.
The law is far and the sword is near, or so they say.
While righteous sects tend to tread carefully, the less reputable martial artists from the evil path were often considered dangerous individuals.
The Hainan Sword Sect, however, actively maintained security in the Hainan region, distinguishing them from the rest.
“What brings you here?”
“We’re here on business with the Martial Alliance.”
“Understood… Is the person wearing the straw hat also part of your group?”
Their gaze then turned to me. I lifted my hat slightly, bowed, and introduced myself.
“I am William Marshall, known to some as the Blue-Eyed Lion.”
“…Ah, the Blue-Eyed Lion. I’ve heard of you.”
“The foreigner who defeated Iron Wind Fist in a single move.”
“The rumors are exaggerated. We actually exchanged techniques for quite some time.”
Provided a modest response, the guard nodded, and then stepped aside.
“May you enjoy your stay today.”
Without any hassle, we passed through the checkpoint.
This is why having connections is important.
Whereas other lone swordsmen would undergo meticulous checks, our affiliation with the Hainan Sword Sect granted us swift passage.
“Wow… Look over there, Mister! The buildings are incredibly tall!”
“…What? A five-story building?”
In the medieval era, a five-story building?
It’s impressive on a grand scale. Just in my brief observation, there were at least three towering structures visible. It seemed Hubei’s most prosperous city wasn’t just an exaggeration.
“This is Wuhan…”
Mugwang’s voice echoed in my ears.
All the others had similar reactions.
Upon reflection, this was understandable.
Coming from a remote village on Hainan Island, the furthest we usually traveled was Seomun County, which, although well-developed, wasn’t anywhere near this size.
Even in the West, there wouldn’t be many cities this large.
Though Constantinople was vast, it didn’t resonate with me.
Perhaps it’s because I’m reincarnated as an Easterner.
Jerusalem is barely more than ruins, certainly not majestic, and the reason for its repeated wars for sacred land baffles me.
Of course, religious wars tend to follow similar patterns, so it shouldn’t be surprising.
“Hehe, quit gawking and follow closely. It’s too crowded to lose each other.”
“Hehe, understood, Mister.”
Why the arrogance?
Nonetheless, I extended my hand to Hye-ryeong who was eager to grab hold as if asserting that she wouldn’t let go.
“Does it make your heart race?”
“I hear you. Focus ahead.”
“Tch.”
What’s with the “tch”?
In a parental manner, I held Hye-ryeong’s hand and we moved forward.
We walked together towards the Martial Alliance.
The city’s vast size required nearly half an hour just to reach the entrance of the Martial Alliance from the checkpoint.
It seems if you don’t learn light-body techniques in the Central Plains, traveling here becomes quite cumbersome.
We would first secure accommodations and then search for the protagonist while practicing these techniques.
“Look, Mister! There’s the Martial Alliance!”
All I see is a ridiculously long wall no matter how you describe it.
Looking at the relatively calm entrance of the Martial Alliance compared to other areas, I noticed the guards seemed to be capable martial artists. The level at this righteous sect’s core appears much higher indeed.
They looked like seasoned veterans at least.
We swiftly approached the guards. One of them spotted us, appeared surprised, and offered a bow.
“Are you not the swordsmen from the Hainan Swords Sect? Are you here for the martial competition?”
“Correct.”
“We welcome you to the Martial Alliance.”
With pride in his voice, he stepped aside to open the gate.
As the great gates slowly opened, a glimpse of the interior of the Martial Alliance began to reveal itself.
“Wow…”
Whispers of awe spread around us as we too stood in amazement.
Even from the outside, one could sense the enormous scale of the Martial Alliance beyond imagination.
“The Martial Alliance… where all righteous swordsmen gather…”
“Hehe, it’s too early to be astounded.”
“Really?”
Hye-ryeong looked up at Elder Baek with excitement. He smiled fondly as he nodded.
“Everything you see now is but a drop in the ocean.”
“Ha ha, visitors often say the infinite lies within the finite inside the Martial Alliance.”
…It seems like a fitting description.
The space beyond the gates seemed endless.
“Let’s go in then.”
Following Elder Baek, we entered the premises of the Martial Alliance.
