Martial Heaven Alliance/Story

== Administration of Righteous Path ==
Li Tianxuan might be able to ignore the people from Pill Valley, the ancient races, and the ancient family alliance, but he had to treat the Martial Heaven Alliance with sincerity. After all, the Xuantian Dao Sect was under the administration of the Martial Heaven Alliance.
The Martial Heaven Alliance was the sum of the Righteous path's powers. It administered the entire Righteous path, and its goal was to point the blades of the Righteous path toward the Corrupt path.
The Martial Heaven Alliance was where all the wealth of the Righteous path was concentrated. Each year, each Righteous sect would send some of their resources to the Martial Heaven Alliance as a tax.
Those resources were used for the daily costs of the Martial Heaven Alliance and their reward system. Anyone who had achieved merit in the battles against the Corrupt path could apply for a reward from the Martial Heaven Alliance.
Once the Martial Heaven Alliance investigated and collected proof, if the circumstances were verified, they would give out rewards in accordance with how much damage a person or sect had done to the Corrupt path. The possible rewards and criteria for them were very explicit.
In the past, the Martial Heaven Alliance had always been fair, just, and open with their actions. Their conduct had won all the Righteous path's trust and support. They had been the most solid support of the Righteous path.
But in the past few years, a few problems had gradually appeared in the Martial Heaven Alliance, causing some friction between it and the Righteous sects.
Previously, the Martial Heaven Alliance had only been in charge of overseeing the overall battle strategy against the Corrupt path. But recently, they had slowly started to interfere in the competition between sects, causing quite a bit of dissatisfaction amongst the smaller sects.
After all, it was unavoidable to have some conflicts between sects. That was very normal. But if a third party decided to interfere, the flavor changed.
For example, if two brothers fought, no matter how they fought, they were still brothers. Once their fight was over, they would remain brothers.
But when two brothers fought, and an outsider came and was biased to one side, perhaps even helping that side defeat the other, the conflict would immediately escalate. They would become enemies.
There were now quite a few sects that had been harmed heavily because of the Martial Heaven Alliance's meddling. That was what caused the Righteous sects to accuse the Martial Heaven Alliance of misconduct and begin to refuse to cooperate with them.
Seeing how much fury they had incited, the Martial Heaven Alliance had stopped interfering with the sects. It could count as lowering their heads.
But it seemed that after lowering their heads, the Martial Heaven Alliance also became dissatisfied with the Righteous sects. They felt like their good intentions had been spat on, and they began to entirely stop caring about the Righteous sects.
In the past few years, they had even lost their original initiative in the fight against the Corrupt path. Now, they were only fulfilling their basic mission mechanically. They simply handed out the rewards. Other than major events, they wouldn't appear anymore.
As for this time, the Xuantian Dao Sect's fight at Devil Spirit Mountain had shaken the Central Plains. Other than requiring a huge amount of resources as a reward, they had also killed experts from Pill Valley and the ancient races. The Martial Heaven Alliance had no choice but to appear. After all, the Xuantian Dao Sect was one of their members.
Considering how this matter involved Pill Valley and the ancient races, huge waves could erupt from this. So they had come to investigate. The Martial Heaven Alliance's position in the Righteous path was unshakeable. Even Pill Valley and the ancient races wouldn't want to offend them. Offending the Martial Heaven Alliance was equivalent to offending the entire Righteous path, so the consequences would be heavy.
== Unification ==
Qu Jianying had actually been listening to his explanation of the Dao the entire time, and she was full of admiration for him. He was only in his twenties, but he was a monster. His martial path was completely different from other people’s, and he didn’t give a damn about the heavens or the earth. His choices were different from most people’s. Hence, the only way he could have reached his current level was with great willpower and intelligence.
What excited Qu Jianying the most was that Long Chen had managed to unify the junior generation of the Martial Heaven Alliance’s disciples as soon as he had arrived. Before that, a large portion of these disciples had had biased views of Long Chen due to the rumors from the outside world. Now, no one believed those lies.
== Great era ==
“Heavenly Fate Island went too far this time. Are we going to do anything to them?” asked Qu Jianying suddenly, her expression cold.
This matter definitely had Heavenly Fate Island behind it. There was no one else who could have managed to calculate things to this extent and make things go so smoothly. 
Yan Nantian said, “It seems Heavenly Fate Island is unwilling to stay quiet. They want to stand out in the great era. However, this time, they tried to incite conflict between us, the ancient races, and the ancient family alliance. Their calculations were truly accurate. Long Chen clearly saw through the clues and knew their intentions but still jumped into the trap. Even if he was falling for Heavenly Fate Island’s trap, he had to kill Di Xin as vengeance for those two children. It’s also because of this that our decision changed. This Long Chen, once he decides on something, no one can change his mind.
“However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With the great era, heavenly geniuses will rise in droves. No one can say which one will dominate the others. Before the final results are in, it truly is foolish for Heavenly Fate Island to act like this. But let them be for now. The ancient races and ancient family alliance also know the truth. Let’s wait to see how they react.
“As for Di Xin’s mother, she’s a hidden danger. But worrying about her is meaningless as well. We can only take things step by step. The Corrupt path is also starting to stir. Jianying, don’t give them any opportunities.
“Long Chen’s rise has actually split a great deal of their attention from the Martial Heaven Alliance. All their attention is concentrated on Long Chen, so we have more time to prepare.
“Make a large trip to all the powerful forces in our alliance. Make sure to make the opportunists properly stand at attention. Use the news of Long Chen killing Xiang Yunfei and the fact that the four of us have come out.
“Those slippery little fellows either have to fall in line, or they should scram over to Pill Valley. Don’t give them any time for hesitation. If you don’t give them a vicious blow, they’ll continue to be indecisive, and that’s not good for the Martial Heaven Alliance’s unity. 
“Various large powers are starting to revive. The great era is the best era but also the worst era. Many great figures will rise and contend for supremacy. There will definitely be a rain of blood throughout the continent. If no Sovereign rises, the chaotic battle will not end. If we don’t win over people’s hearts at this time, it will be too late.”
“Then go. Remember that you must be tough this time. Don’t give them a chance to haggle or compromise. They can decide for themselves whether they’re loyal to the Martial Heaven Alliance or Pill Valley. If they don’t give a direct reply within three days, they can be expelled from the Martial Heaven Alliance. They will no longer be under our protection,” said Yan Nantian.
== After the battle with Di Xin and Xiang Yunfei ==
In one day, Long Chen had slain Di Xin and Xiang Yunfei. That had shaken the continent.
During the past three days, Qu Jianying had taken a trip through the various large sects and demanded them to declare their positions.
Unfortunately, the results were the exact opposite of what she had expected. Some sects were saying that the Martial Heaven Alliance was too chaotic now, and so they were intending to leave.
The Righteous sects in the Eastern and Southern Xuan Region, in particular, were displaying great dissatisfaction with the Martial Heaven Alliance. They said that it was a dictatorship, and the alliance was a weapon controlled by Qu Jianying and Long Chen.
Long Chen was barbaric and bloodthirsty, while Qu Jianying actually pampered him and allowed him to do as he wished. He drew enemies from all around, and if this continued, sooner or later the Martial Heaven Alliance would be torn apart.
When Qu Jianying heard them say such things, she had an urge to kill people. Just what bastard had started these rumors?
Most hateful of all, many sects used the banner of opposing Long Chen to threaten her. If she refused to expel Long Chen and the Xuantian Dao Sect from the Martial Heaven Alliance, they would leave instead.
Under the lead of the east and the south, the remaining regions also had tens of thousands of sects band together to criticize her.
As they spoke up, countless other sects began to sway in the wind. They didn’t say that they supported her, and they didn’t say that they were against her either.
“It’s clear that Pill Valley is up to their tricks again. No one else has such power to rally supporters. Only Pill Valley has the ability to promise those sects that leaving the alliance won’t cause them to immediately become targets of the Corrupt path. Pill Valley started laying down the foundation for their plans years ago. Their claws stretched into the interior of the Martial Heaven Alliance, and although you noticed them and eliminated them mercilessly, it seems it’s already a bit too late.
“If the great era hadn’t come, your methods most likely would have been effective, but with the great era, the hearts of the large sects are getting ambitious. The change in eras will completely change the board. The cultivation world will look completely different in the end. Hence, this is the worst era that’s filled with cruel competitions where the strong devour the weak. But it is also the best era. The small can suddenly soar and become giants. Perhaps a third-rate sect can even become a supreme sect.
“So everyone is ambitious and easily seduced by opportunities to grow stronger. Even if Pill Valley wasn’t actively seducing them, some of those fellows would still be drawn away from you. Of course, some are devoted to you and prefer stability. Those sects all have some foundation so they don’t need to take the risk of betting.
“However, there is a good saying: barefoot people aren’t afraid of people with shoes. People with nothing to lose don’t mind going all-in. So many smaller sects that have been kept underfoot, or perhaps large sects whose inheritances are about to be severed, are all willing to bet everything on this era. You don’t need to get angry with them over this. This is something that follows every great era. Which great era didn’t end with rivers of blood flowing?” comforted Long Chen.
Qu Jianying was surprised by his words. She had been focused on the fact that it had been Pill Valley sowing dissension, but she had forgotten the true main point: the people’s hearts. It was because she hadn’t understood why these people would act so foolishly that she was so angry.
== Compassion cannot lead troops ==
“Long Chen, do you have a method to change our current predicament?” probed Qu Jianying.
“Kill them all.”
“How am I toying with you? Why is it that the Corrupt path has no traitors? Because they have terrifying punishments that are worse than death, so their people don’t dare to betray them.” Long Chen shrugged.
Long Chen smiled. “I naturally can explain it. The Martial Heaven Alliance is a simple cooperation for the sake of everyone’s benefit. With everyone’s power collected, it allows people to feel safer. If someone doesn’t want to feel safe here and goes somewhere else, let them go. What does their life and death have to do with us? All you need to do is look after the people who are always loyal. As for those people who leave, if they are abandoned and want to come back, just tell them to screw off.”
Long Chen’s meaning was clear. They wanted to leave, and they were adults. They could take responsibility for their own actions.
“If you do well, we won’t get jealous, but if you don’t do well, don’t come crying to us. You no longer have anything to do with us. To leave at the most critical time is a betrayal in and of itself.”
“There are no buts. This is what it means when people say compassion cannot lead troops. Long Chen’s words are completely correct. As a leader, you must bring out your resolution,” said Yan Nantian. “Long Chen’s thinking is identical to us four old fellows. Some people are so foolish that not even a god can save them. You will never be able to wake up everyone, so wasting the time and effort will only make you feel distressed. Furthermore, being distracted by that will lead to errors in judgment for your loyal followers. To save a few foolish people, are you going to let those loyal to you die? Don’t you feel that’s very foolish?”
Qu Jianying sighed inside. What she needed right now was to not be indecisive. She needed to be domineering and daring.
Yan Nantian nodded. “When we told you to demand those sects declare their positions, we expected this result. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Remember those loyal to you. Protecting them is our duty. Even if we have to lose our lives, it’ll be worth it. As for those who have rebelled and those opportunists, just directly abandon them. Kick them out of the Martial Heaven Alliance.”
In the Martial Heaven Alliance, although there was only ten percent who openly challenged and tried to threaten her, a total of thirty percent of the sects were still waiting to see how things turned out. If that thirty percent was also kicked out, it would be a huge blow to the Martial Heaven Alliance’s power.
With so many people kicked out, the Righteous path’s sects would become sparser and more open to the Corrupt path’s attacks. They might be quickly annihilated.
Long Chen was the one who replied, “Because the Corrupt path won’t let Pill Valley get so arrogant, as that’s not favorable to them. If they attack us, it will cause more sects to join Pill Valley, and that’s not what they want to see. There is a deep enmity between the Righteous path and the Corrupt path. As more Righteous sects adhere themselves to Pill Valley, Pill Valley will naturally be biased toward the Righteous path. With Pill Valley’s support, the Righteous sects that join them and have money, will definitely launch their own attacks on the Corrupt path. In that case, the Pill Valley that was neutral will have become an alliance of the Righteous path. Wouldn’t the Corrupt path be doomed then? Hence, the Corrupt path is probably also panicking and just watching. They won’t make a move rashly. Once you, the head of the Martial Heaven Alliance, make a move, a chain reaction will follow throughout the continent. This is the opportunity to wash away the sand and leave behind only the gold. This is your chance to see who is worthy of your trust.”
== Charisma ==
“Haha, Long Chen, this head of yours is not bad.” One of the Grand Elders actually praised Long Chen. The other Grand Elders nodded. Despite being so young, his vision was sharp.
“What a little monster. But if you’re so smart, why do you always do stupid things?” demanded Qu Jianying. When it came to cunningness, Long Chen was basically on the same level as these four wily foxes.
“Because there are many problems that intelligence can’t solve, and the more you try, the more indecisive you become. The opportunities in the cultivation world are fleeting. By the time you finish thinking, those opportunities will be snatched by others. So just like the old man, I like saying that in front of absolute power, all intelligence is nonsense,” said Long Chen.
“Don’t compare yourself to this fellow. He’s a freak. As the alliance head, intelligence is one aspect, but charisma is the most important factor, and you have it. Of course that’s why I’m willing to let you take my place,” comforted Qu Jianying.
== Paucity of geniuses ==
As for Long Chen, he was a monster, a freak, a demon. Even Yan Nantian was unable to see through him. He was someone both smart and dumb. No one could predict what he would do.
Back in Clearwind City, everyone had thought that in that scenario, Long Chen would release Di Xin. However, despite those old fellows trying to hypnotize him, he had killed Di Xin. Not even all those Netherpassage experts had been able to save Di Xin, because… no one had really thought that Long Chen would kill Di Xin.
There were too many unknown factors surrounding Long Chen, so the Grand Elders had hesitated to give Long Chen the spot to obtain the paragon art inheritance.
Why did the Martial Heaven Alliance only have four commanders amongst the disciples? Why weren’t there more terrifying geniuses? It was because a great deal of the Martial Heaven Alliance’s karmic luck was focused on maintaining those two ancient heroic spirits. 
So there hadn’t been any supreme geniuses to appear in the alliance. The four commanders’ actual power hadn’t been a match for their status in the alliance.
If the Martial Heaven Alliance hadn’t focused so much karmic luck on maintaining those ancient heroic spirits, the four commanders’ accomplishments would have been far greater, and the first commander and second commander wouldn’t have died such miserable deaths. This was also one reason for Qu Jianying’s grief.
== References ==
Category:Story