The martial worlds of different planes varied greatly in their power levels, and those with higher power tended to prioritize raw strength over refined technique. In realms where sheer force reigned supreme, mastering overwhelming power often proved a quicker path to dominance than honing intricate skills.
The world of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer paled in comparison to the Storm Riders plane in terms of raw power. Even a figure like Dongfang Bubai, a titan in her own right, might struggle against the lowliest killer among the Twelve Evils of Sky Lake in this world. Yet, the Dugu Nine Swords, a technique born in the less powerful plane, stood as a pinnacle of swordsmanship, its brilliance undiminished by the disparity in strength.
Close-combat skills, like those of the Dugu Nine Swords, transcended the limitations of a plane's power level. Their effectiveness relied on precision and mastery, not brute force, making them universally formidable.
Luo Xian, constrained from unleashing her formidable internal energy derived from the Sacred Heart Art, was forced to duel Alex purely on technical skill—a contest that played to her disadvantage and Alex's strength. By limiting herself to swordsmanship and movement, she pitted her weaknesses against Alex's finely honed expertise.
The synergy of Shave's lightning-fast movement and the near-unbeatable close-combat prowess of the Dugu Nine Swords created a perfect harmony.
Di Shitian's face broke into a broad smile, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Hahaha, young man, your martial arts are truly remarkable. If you deepen your internal strength in the years to come, only a handful in the martial world could hope to rival you," he said, his laughter hearty and approving, clearly impressed by Alex's display.
Initially, Di Shitian's interest in Alex had centered on his rumored foresight, a talent that could aid his dragon-slaying ambitions. But witnessing Alex's swordsmanship firsthand shifted his perspective. With a decade of rigorous training, Alex could become a formidable ally in the quest for Dragon Yuan, a prospect that excited the ancient master.
Turning to Luo Xian, Di Shitian's tone grew playful. "Daughter, does Alex's martial skill meet your standards?" he asked, his laughter carrying a teasing edge.
Luo Xian's defeat in swordsmanship had clearly stung, her pride as the Goddess of Sky Gate bruised by the loss. She cast a long, searching look at Alex, her expression unreadable, before turning abruptly and striding away without a word, her departure swift and purposeful.
Di Shitian chuckled, waving off her exit with a knowing grin. "My daughter is a bit shy, hahaha. Well, it seems your marriage is settled, Alex. Do you still have parents?" he asked, his voice brimming with satisfaction, as if the matter were a foregone conclusion.
Alex shook his head, his tone measured. "No, my parents passed away many years ago," he said, his words carrying a hint of somber truth. In this world, Alex was an orphan, free to make his own decisions regarding such matters as marriage.
Di Shitian's enthusiasm surged, his mind already racing ahead. "Splendid! Then we'll choose an auspicious day for the wedding," he declared, his eagerness palpable, as if ready to finalize the union on the spot.
Alex's expression darkened slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his features. Di Shitian's haste was almost comical—how could he be so eager to marry off Luo Xian to someone he'd only just met? The speed of the arrangement felt absurd, even by the standards of the martial world.
Holding up a hand, Alex interjected, his voice calm but firm. "Wait, old man, there's no rush for the marriage. I still have a mission to complete and must return to the World Alliance to report. Why don't you and Luo Xian accompany me? As for the marriage, how about we decide after the Mid-Autumn Festival night?" he proposed, his suggestion calculated to delay and redirect.
Di Shitian paused, considering the idea. "Uh, you're right. I was too impatient," he admitted, nodding thoughtfully. His eagerness had indeed outpaced propriety, and he recognized the need to temper his haste. As a master of skill and boldness, he saw no issue with traveling to the World Alliance, intrigued by the prospect of observing Alex in his own domain.
Alex suppressed a sly smile, his mind alight with scheming. He had always adhered to a principle of clear gratitude and grudges. Xiongba's coercion in forcing him to join the World Alliance had left a lingering resentment, one Alex hadn't forgotten. His diligence in completing Xiongba's mission to find Jiansheng was partly driven by a desire to see Xiongba humbled, ideally at the hands of the Sword Saint.
Now, with Di Shitian in tow—a figure akin to a nuclear bomb in the martial world—Alex saw an opportunity to escalate his plan. Bringing Di Shitian to the World Alliance was like introducing a volatile force into a delicate balance. If he could maneuver events to pit Xiongba against Di Shitian, the resulting clash could serve his vendetta, using another's strength to strike at his adversary.
With this plot in mind, Alex lingered in Luo City for a few more days, allowing time for preparations. After packing their belongings, he, Xu Fu, and Luo Xian set out for the World Alliance, their journey marked by a deceptive camaraderie that masked their individual agendas.
At the heart of the World Alliance.
Xiongba sat upon his throne,
He listened as his subordinates reported on the gang's progress, their voices detailing the steady but slow expansion of their influence.
Beneath his composed exterior, Xiongba's heart churned with frustration.
The World Alliance had grown to an impressive scale, but further advancement was proving increasingly difficult, each step forward met with resistance from rival factions.
Though Xiongba held unwavering confidence in his own strength, his prestige in the martial world lagged behind his ambitions, a gap that gnawed at him.
His thoughts drifted to the Clay Buddha's prophecy: "When you encounter Wind and Cloud, you shall soar as a dragon." With Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun—Wind and Cloud—now under his command, Xiongba had expected a meteoric rise. Yet, the reality was far less triumphant, the prophecy's promise unfulfilled.
"I wonder if Alex can truly locate Jiansheng…" Xiongba mused, his mind turning to the young head of the Divine Martial Hall, who had been absent for months. Defeating the Sword Saint in a public duel would elevate Xiongba's reputation, cementing his dominance in the martial world—a victory he desperately needed.
As Xiongba pondered Alex's mission, Wen Chouchou, the flamboyant general manager of the World Alliance, hurried into the hall, his small steps quick and animated. "Boss, Boss, good news, good news…" he called out, his high-pitched voice brimming with excitement.
Xiongba's gaze sharpened. "Oh? Wen Chouchou, what's the good news?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, intrigued by the urgency in his subordinate's demeanor.
Wen Chouchou beamed, barely containing his enthusiasm. "The head of the Divine Martial Hall has returned and is heading toward the World's Peak Tower…" he announced, knowing full well the significance of Alex's mission to find Jiansheng, a task tied to Xiongba's prestige and the World Alliance's future.
Meanwhile, at the Divine Martial Hall, Alex ensured Xu Fu and Luo Xian were comfortably settled. "Uncle Xu, Miss Luo, this is the Divine Martial Hall of the World Alliance. Please rest here for a while. I need to report to the boss and will return shortly," he said, his tone courteous as he arranged for their accommodations.
Xu Fu nodded, his expression genial. "Well, you should go and take care of your business first," he replied, his voice calm but his eyes subtly assessing his surroundings.
Alex offered a respectful nod, instructing the hall's members to tend to his guests' needs. With that, he turned and made his way toward the World's Peak Tower, his steps purposeful, his mind already calculating the next phase of his plan.
Left to their own devices, Xu Fu and Luo Xian explored the Divine Martial Hall, their curiosity piqued by the World Alliance's operations. Though Di Shitian, in his Xu Fu guise, didn't regard the gang's scale as particularly impressive, he couldn't help but acknowledge its potential. The organization's discipline and resources suggested it could rise to become the martial world's preeminent power within a decade.
As they wandered, a young boy caught Di Shitian's attention. No older than ten, the boy was bent forward, a rope tied around his waist. At the rope's end was a stone lock, weighing between thirty and fifty kilograms, dragging behind him. With each determined step, the boy moved forward, his face slick with sweat, the stone lock carving a long groove in the ground.
Di Shitian's eyes narrowed, impressed by the boy's rigorous training. "Such dedication to external skills," he thought, noting the child's indomitable spirit, a rare quality that radiated resilience and resolve.
Turning to a nearby gang member, Di Shitian inquired, "Who is this boy?"
The member responded promptly. "This is Master Duanlang, the direct disciple of our hall master…" he said, his tone respectful.
Di Shitian's interest deepened, unaware of the fateful connection. In the original Storm Riders storyline, Duanlang would one day be the one to end Di Shitian's life. Now, due to Alex's interference, their paths had crossed decades earlier, a twist of fate that set the stage for unforeseen consequences.