That day, as the rising sun broke over the horizon, it was the twenty-fifth of May. The summit of Mount Song was still shrouded in mist as golden sunlight pierced through clouds and treetops, casting a shimmering light upon the vast wilderness along the main road. Beams of sun intertwined with the lingering fog; dewdrops clung to grass tips and leaves, glittering like scattered gems strewn across the land, turning the entire plain into a breathtaking tapestry of brilliance. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass, and all around was wrapped in an atmosphere of solemnity and stillness.
This was the day of the Mount Song Assembly — a pivotal moment in the shifting tides of the martial world, when power would be redefined and alliances redrawn.
In the open wilderness, tents had been taken down, and banners fluttered proudly in the morning wind. The Four Great Envoys of the True Divine Palace — Li Qi, Bai Mu, Wang Ben, and Zhao Li — rode at the forefront, clad in silver armor, leading a grand procession of disciples up the mountain path. Martial sects from all corners of the realm had arrived in force, their flags raised high, swords gleaming, and voices booming. The vast train of people flowed like a mighty river, winding its way from the mountain's base up toward the summit.
After an hour's journey, the procession finally arrived at the main venue of the Mount Song Assembly. The terrain here was broad and open, surrounded by steep peaks. Mountain winds stirred the banners, which snapped and fluttered like the cries of war. A massive stone martial platform had already been erected, and the various sects and factions now assembled in formation, grouped by their positions. The site was crowded beyond imagination — hundreds of sects gathered, the scale grand and magnificent, a spectacle rarely seen in a century.
When the hour of si (9:30 a.m.) arrived, a commanding voice rang out:"The auspicious hour has arrived!"A herald followed:"Let the Mount Song Assembly ceremony begin! Sound the cannons!"
Boom—!Deafening ceremonial cannons exploded in unison, followed by fireworks that soared into the sky. Drums and bells rang out together — a thunderous symphony that echoed through the valleys. Hundreds of True Divine Palace disciples clapped rhythmically, and the wave of applause and cheers surged like rolling thunder. With this, the grand inauguration of the Heavenly Way Alliance (天道盟) was officially underway.
At the center of the plaza, on the high ceremonial platform, the Palace Lord of the True Divine Palace, Tuoba Xingge, appeared in majestic form — dressed in a black-gold robe embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, radiating authority and poise. Accompanied by Elder Long (Qin Wei) and Elder Hu (Wang Tao), he strode up the stage. As he passed, all assembled heroes stepped aside and bowed respectfully. The atmosphere turned solemn in an instant.
Tuoba Xingge stood tall on the platform and proclaimed in a booming voice:"First, I thank all comrades of the martial world, all brothers from every sect, for traveling far to attend today's grand occasion."His voice echoed like a bell, reaching every ear in the enormous crowd."In recent years, the martial world has fallen into chaos. No one upholds justice. Sects and factions dispute over territory and reputation, often resulting in bloodshed due to lack of unified authority. Even worse, petty villains seize the moment — the Three Great Fiends of the Central Plains rampage unchecked, and the Nine Heavens Palace obstructs us at every turn. I'm sure many of you encountered their interference on the way here."
A wave of noise erupted. Many cursed the villains aloud. Others raised their fists in defiance. The crowd roared:"Heavenly Way Alliance! Heavenly Way Alliance! Heavenly Way Alliance—!"The mountain shook with the momentum, a righteous energy surging skyward.
Seeing the mood had reached its peak, Tuoba Xingge raised a hand, and the crowd gradually fell silent. Then, in a deep and resolute voice, he declared:"Today, under Heaven's will, the True Divine Palace takes on the duty of safeguarding the martial world. We have invited heroes from all over to Mount Song to establish the Heavenly Way Alliance — to carry out justice on Heaven's behalf, to restore order, and to uphold fairness in our realm. With this alliance newly born, the burden is great. I, Tuoba Xingge, am willing to shoulder this responsibility and serve as the first Alliance Leader. What say you all?"
At first, the crowd was stunned. Then, like thunder rolling across the peaks, applause erupted. Countless warriors shouted in unison:"Palace Lord Tuoba is wise and righteous!""The Heavenly Way Alliance shall enforce justice!""We will follow you!"On the summit of Mount Song, their voices rolled across the skies. The tides of change in the martial world were now fully underway.
The applause from the sect representatives rumbled like thunder, filled with fervor and hope — like rain after a long drought. In an era of chaos, with no true leader to unite them, bloodshed had become common, and the righteous paths had crumbled. Now, with the True Divine Palace riding high from recent victories, its hosting of the Mount Song Assembly and establishment of the Heavenly Way Alliance felt like the will of Heaven.
The Shaolin Temple had declined in martial power, Wudang remained secluded, and many great sects were fading. The righteous martial order teetered on collapse. Not long ago, the martial world had been rocked when Tuoba Xingge, at the head of his forces, defeated Long Zhentian, Lord of the Nine Heavens Palace. His fame soared. With alliances forged in secret and weaker factions drawn by his rising power, Tuoba's call was met with loud acclaim.
One voice cried,"Palace Lord Tuoba's martial prowess is unmatched — our Black Tiger Sect will join!"Another followed:"The Black Wind Sect joins too!""Count the Azure Dragon Sect in!"Voices surged like a tidal wave, echoing with might.
But just then, a deep, resonant voice rang out:"How joyous, how grand!"It reverberated through the valleys like clashing iron, shaking the hearts of all present. The venue fell silent. Faces turned pale, eyes wide with surprise and caution.
From beyond the field, dust rose as a formidable group approached. Their steps were synchronized, their presence oppressive, veiled in hidden killing intent. At the forefront was a man in black robes, eyes sharp as lightning, face stern and commanding — none other than Murong Gui, the Sect Master of the Black Dragon Cult.
Behind him followed over a dozen elite martial masters:Left Dharma King Meng Ming, Right Dharma King Shi Kai, East Heaven King Yang Chao, South Heaven King Hong Qi, North Heaven King Wei Chang, and West Heaven King Xiao Cheng — all names that struck fear throughout the martial world.They were accompanied by other infamous figures: Chu Tianba, the Fiend of Qianzhong, the Wyrd Hermit of Wuliang, and Jia Yong — each with cold gazes sharp as blades. The formation was tight and dark as an iron tide surging into the arena, their aura overwhelming.
Murong Gui swept his gaze across the assembly and said coldly,"Palace Lord Tuoba, I am Murong Gui, Sect Master of the Black Dragon Cult."
Tuoba Xingge's expression darkened, but he still clasped his hands and replied,"Sect Master Murong, it is an honor. Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner. May I ask what brings the Black Dragon Cult to Mount Song?"
Murong Gui responded with calm indifference,"The Emperor of Great Yan has raised arms to strike the Tang. He calls upon heroes from all quarters to aid the cause. This Heavenly Way Alliance you forge today — is it to support the Tang, or the Yan?"
A hush fell over the crowd. Tension rippled like a blade across skin. Sect leaders glanced at one another in alarm.
Tuoba Xingge, unshaken, replied steadily,"If that is your reason for coming, I fear you'll be disappointed. Whether Tang or Yan, the Heavenly Way Alliance stands for protecting the weak, upholding righteousness, and ensuring justice in the martial world. We do not meddle in the affairs of kings and emperors."
Murong Gui's eyes narrowed."Fine words. But you clearly mean to aid the Tang. Do you think yourself some noble sage above the fray?"
Tuoba Xingge's expression hardened."Sect Master Murong, this alliance is not a rebel army. We martial folk follow the code of honor. Who wears the imperial crown is no business of ours. All I seek… is a path of justice for the warriors of this land!"
Murong Gui's voice turned icy,"Then let's waste no more breath. The Black Dragon Cult asks just one thing: will you submit to the Great Yan, or not?"