The Emperor's Summon (II)

The journey from the Heavenly Sword Sect to the Imperial Palace was a long and arduous one, winding through treacherous terrain and dense forests. Tang Feng rode with a sense of purpose, the weight of his new responsibilities pressing heavily upon him. The summons from the Emperor was not just an invitation; it was a call to represent not only the Heavenly Sword Sect but also its affiliated sects, as news from the sect had recently confirmed.

As Tang Feng rode through a bustling town en route to the capital, he received a message from a courier dispatched by the Heavenly Sword Sect. The message was brief but significant.

*The orthodox faction of Murim had fragmented. The traditional sects that once stood united were now divided, with the Mount Hua Sect, Wudang Sect, Shaolin Sect, and the Namgung Family and the beggar union are forming their own faction. Tang Feng would need to represent only Heavenly sword sect at the Emperor's court.*

This new development troubled Tang Feng. Unity had always been the strength of Murim, and its fracture threatened to weaken their collective influence. The implications of this division were not lost on him, and he found himself absorbed in deep thought as he continued his journey.

His musings were interrupted by a conversation he overheard between two travelers at a roadside inn. The inn was bustling with activity, and the clamor of voices filled the air. Tang Feng had stopped to rest and was seated at a table near the bar, nursing a cup of tea. The two men seated nearby were engaged in a heated discussion, their voices carrying above the general noise.

"I tell you, the world will change under the guidance of the Mount Hua Sect, Wudang Sect, Shaolin Sect, and Namgung Family," one of the men declared, his voice thick with conviction and the effects of alcohol. "These sects have stood the test of time, each with its own legendary heroes. The Heavenly Sword Sect, with its mere two centuries of existence, is nothing compared to them."

The other man, slightly more sober, nodded in agreement. "You're right. The sects with their long histories and powerful lineages will reshape Murim. They've endured through centuries and won the last Great War. The Sword Demon of Mount Hua, the Heavenly Sword of Namgung, the Unparalleled Sword of Wudang, the Drunk Monk of Shaolin, and the Iron Fist Beggar of the Beggar Union—they're all legendary figures whose contributions have shaped the world."

Intrigued, Tang Feng leaned closer, his curiosity piqued by the mention of these renowned figures. He could not resist interjecting. "Could you elaborate on these figures and their contributions to Murim?"

The half-drunk man looked at Tang Feng with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Ah, a young one with questions! Very well. Let me tell you. The Sword Demon of Mount Hua was a peerless swordsman whose prowess on the battlefield was unmatched. His skills were so formidable that the Emperor Chun Myung during the great war, influenced by his actions, changed the state religion to Taoism, favoring a more spiritual and disciplined path over the previous doctrines."

He took a swig from his cup, continuing with fervor. "Then there's the Heavenly Sword of Namgung—a master of unparalleled sword techniques, whose blade was said to be able to cleave through mountains. The Unparalleled Sword of Wudang is a legend in his own right, whose swordsmanship is said to be the epitome of perfection. The Drunk Monk of Shaolin, despite his inebriation, was a formidable fighter whose martial arts were both devastating and enlightening."

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a great secret. "And the Iron Fist Beggar of the Beggar Union—he's a hero of the common people. His iron fist could shatter stone, and he led the Beggar Union with wisdom and strength. Their network of gathering the information won half of the war."

The man's boasting carried a sense of pride and nostalgia for the past. He spoke of these heroes as if they were the saviors of Murim, attributing the current state of affairs to their legendary deeds. Tang Feng listened intently, absorbing the tales with a growing sense of unease.

As the conversation continued, Tang Feng felt a pang of frustration. He was acutely aware of the differences between the long-established sects and the relatively young Heavenly Sword Sect. The contrast was stark, and the historical weight of the other sects was undeniable. The stories of these legendary figures emphasized their unparalleled contributions and set a high bar for Tang Feng and his sect to match.

With a sigh, Tang Feng excused himself from the conversation and left the inn. The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped outside, and he walked briskly towards his mount. The stories he had heard echoed in his mind, fueling his determination. He was not one to shy away from challenges, but the weight of history and the need to prove his sect's worth pressed heavily upon him.

As he resumed his journey, Tang Feng's thoughts were a whirlwind of strategy and resolve. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, not just from the political complexities of the Emperor's court but also from the need to assert the relevance of the Heavenly Sword Sect amidst the venerable sects of Murim.

The sun began to set as Tang Feng approached the outskirts of the capital. The city loomed in the distance, its silhouette marked by towering structures and the grand Imperial Palace at its heart. The journey had been long, but the sight of the capital renewed his focus.

He had much to prove—not only to the Emperor but also to himself and his sect. The fragmented orthodox faction and the historical legacy of the other sects were formidable challenges. Yet, Tang Feng was resolute. He would represent the Heavenly Sword Sect with honor and show that despite its relative youth, it was a force to be reckoned with.

The evening sky darkened as Tang Feng made his way towards the Imperial Palace, the weight of his mission settling upon his shoulders. The tales he had heard at the inn only strengthened his resolve. He would not falter in the face of history; instead, he would forge a new path for his sect and prove its worth to the world.

The journey was nearing its end, but Tang Feng knew that the real challenges lay ahead. With a final glance at the capital, he steeled himself for the trials to come, ready to face whatever awaited him in the Emperor's court.