Chapter 658
The position of the Heaven-Piercing Unit Leader within the Martial Alliance had abruptly changed.
The deputy leader, Iron Hand and Leg, Ma-un, had ascended to the position of Unit Leader.
The official reason given was the sudden illness of Unit Leader Yang Dae-ryang, necessitating an extended leave of absence.
However, all the influential figures within the Martial Alliance who were in the know were aware of the real reason.
Mental derangement.
Yang Dae-ryang, who had barely reached his fifties, had been found near Dongting Lake in a sudden state of madness.
The Martial Alliance summoned numerous renowned physicians in an attempt to cure him, but there was no improvement—nor could they even determine the cause.
—Why had he gone to Yeongpa Island in the first place?
Sensing something amiss, the Martial Alliance launched an investigation.
They uncovered that Yang Dae-ryang had accepted a secret martial challenge from a certain figure and fought alone against an extraordinary Master on that island.
—A Master of Yang Dae-ryang's caliber had been defeated by an unknown Master and reduced to an imbecile?
If such a fact were to become public, the dignity of the position of Martial Alliance Unit Leader would suffer a severe blow.
In the end, the Martial Alliance ordered all details of the incident to be suppressed, and the truth of Yang Dae-ryang's madness became an eternal secret.
The only silver lining was that, aside from the Martial Heaven Unit, all deputy leaders had been groomed to potentially succeed as Unit Leaders.
Since Ma-un, the deputy leader, had already been competently leading the Heaven-Piercing Unit in Yang Dae-ryang's stead, there were no major disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Rootless Society, which had taken root in Shaanxi, appointed a new Chief Steward.
It was none other than Yu Hwa-ryeong, the former leader of the Thousand Swords Society.
By all rights, he should have been a dead man, but thanks to Bu Eun-seol's intervention, he had survived—
Becoming the sole survivor of the Thousand Swords Society, which had been annihilated by Yang Dae-ryang.
Moreover, he was the one who controlled the society's vast financial resources.
With his appointment as Chief Steward, the Rootless Society gained the means to operate without ever worrying about funds again.
—The Ghost Children have reappeared!
In the meantime, the martial world had once again descended into chaos.
The Ghost Children, who had been dormant for a while, had begun emerging once more.
And the Black Path factions's worries deepened.
—We never should have taken the Rootless Society's bait and agreed to this...
The Martial Alliance was, after all, a coalition formed precisely for such matters, so it was understandable.
But for the Black Path factions, which moved solely for profit, to bear the enormous operational costs of deploying troops—
And risk their lives fighting the Ghost Children?
It was an outrage so bitter it could bring tears to one's eyes.
—Let's just find their base and wipe them out!
The Black Path factions attempted to locate the Ghost Children's stronghold to eradicate them completely, but no matter how much they investigated, they couldn't find it.
—How the hell do we resolve this situation?
The Black Path factions was plunged into despair.
Where the hell were they hiding?
Just when people began to forget about them, they would reappear, slaughtering innocents and ravaging villages.
And as time passed, they grew more cunning and stronger.
If they were caught ten days later?
They would be ten days' worth stronger.
In the end, the Black Path factions formed a specialized unit to deal with the Ghost Children.
No matter how many ordinary martial artists they sent, they only suffered heavy losses and returned empty-handed.
Yet, they couldn't afford to maintain such a costly unit indefinitely, waiting for Ghost Children who could appear at any moment.
—Now we can't even pretend this never happened...
But they couldn't back out either.
Because they had jointly signed the Joint Petition with the Martial Alliance.
If Ghost Children appeared within their territory, they were obligated to eliminate them.
And if they failed to act—
They had promised to compensate for the damages.
—This is absolutely impossible!
But as the Ghost Children continued to emerge relentlessly, they finally threw up their hands in defeat.
At this rate, the Black Path factions would cease to be the Black Path factions—it would become nothing more than an organization dedicated to exterminating the monstrous Ghost Children.
They couldn't afford to continue this mission at the cost of their sect's foundation.
—Let's ask the Rootless Society for help.
Fortunately, the Joint Petition included a covenant:
If either the Black Path factions or the Martial Alliance requested assistance, the Rootless Society would support them in dealing with the Ghost Children.
But then a problem arose.
When the Black Path factions attempted to seek the Rootless Society's aid, the Martial Alliance intervened with pressure.
—Are you trying to let the Rootless Society operate openly in the Central Plains martial world?
If either the Black Path factions or the Martial Alliance requested help—
The Rootless Society would be permitted to shed all restrictions and officially operate within the Central Plains martial world.
That was a scenario they had to prevent at all costs.
With the Martial Alliance taking a hardline stance, the Black Path factions had no choice but to hesitate.
But they couldn't just ignore the Ghost Children either.
Then, at that very moment, a figure as radiant as a beam of light appeared.
The Thunder God, Noe Bi-hon.
Not only had he fully recovered from his madness—once a wandering lunatic—and rebuilt the Thunder Spirit Gate, but he had also begun exterminating the Ghost Children appearing throughout the martial world.
—Destroy those bastards!
Noe Bi-hon didn't just eliminate the Ghost Children within his own territory—he also wiped out those that had emerged in the Black Path factions's domain.
―Oho.
As Noe Bi-hon began exterminating Ghost Children regardless of territorial boundaries, the Black Path factions found temporary relief.
Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't have welcomed the emergence of Noe Bi-hon and the Thunder Spirit Gate.
But now, the Black Path sects were so grateful they could've kowtowed in thanks just for him dealing with the Ghost Children.
―Sect Leader Noe. Help our Black Path factions. We'll compensate you handsomely.
Since they couldn't rely on the Martial Soul Society's aid anyway,
the Black Path factions decided they'd rather seek help from the Thunder God and his Thunder Spirit Gate—both wielding overwhelming power—to escape this crisis.
But the Thunder Spirit Gate's response was unexpected.
―This sect leader eliminated the Ghost Children solely at the request of the Martial Soul Society, which has been barred from operating in the Central Plains.
And then, he added one more thing.
―Dae Gu-hwi, their society's leader, is my disciple. He's promised unlimited financial support for exterminating Ghost Children, so I'm considering joining the Martial Soul Society.
The Black Path factions was dumbfounded, and the Martial Alliance was outraged.
The Thunder Spirit Gate, a long-standing orthodox sect of the Central Plains, was considering joining the Martial Soul Society—an organization founded by forces from Beyond the Frontier?
―We must stop this!
Upon hearing the news, the Martial Alliance immediately dispatched an envoy to the Thunder Spirit Gate.
"Sect Leader Noe, are you not a Grandmaster of the Central Plains' martial world?"
The envoy from the Martial Alliance, Western Heaven Hall's leader Jin Baek, had hastily followed Noe Bi-hon's trail to Shaanxi.
Now, panting, he stood in the guest inn's Separate Garden where Noe Bi-hon was staying, desperately trying to persuade him.
"If you join our alliance, the Thunder Spirit Gate will receive substantial support and benefits."
"..."
"Moreover, hasn't the Martial Soul Society openly declared itself a faction between the Orthodox and Heterodox? If you join them, the Thunder Spirit Gate may one day face attacks from both the Righteous and Demonic Paths."
"Attacks?"
Noe Bi-hon set down his teacup and snorted.
"Are you threatening this sect leader now?"
"Sect Leader Noe."
"I'd rather bite off my tongue and die than join the Martial Alliance."
When he flatly refused, Jin Baek was left speechless.
In the past, Noe Bi-hon had lost his family to an unknown force, driving him to madness.
Yet the Righteous Faction—no, the Martial Alliance—had utterly ignored him when he was a deranged wanderer.
And now they wanted him to come to them?
It was an absurd proposal by any measure.
"Sect Leader Noe. If the Thunder Spirit Gate joins the Martial Soul Society, you'll lose your standing in the martial world."
In the end, Jin Baek relayed the Martial Alliance's ultimatum.
"Our elders have declared that if you join them, the Thunder Spirit Gate will no longer be recognized as a Central Plains sect."
"So if I join the Martial Soul Society, this sect will officially become one between the Orthodox and Heterodox... Is that your serious stance?"
"It is."
"Perfect."
Noe Bi-hon rose from his seat and spoke coldly.
"Tell the Martial Alliance this: From now on, the Thunder Spirit Gate is no longer a Righteous Faction sect—it stands between the Orthodox and Heterodox."
"S-Sect Leader Noe!"
"Truthfully, joining the Martial Soul Society was nearly impossible for this sect. No matter what anyone says, we've always been a Central Plains faction."
"..."
"But now, the Martial Alliance has openly declared that if we join, they'll recognize us as a faction between the Orthodox and Heterodox... I should be thanking them."
Jin Baek's jaw dropped, his eyes bulging.
From the beginning, the Thunder Spirit Gate had been a Righteous Sect deeply rooted in the Central Plains.
No matter how much Sect Leader Noe Bi-hon proclaimed neutrality, a sect's alignment couldn't change overnight.
The Martial Alliance had sent an envoy not because they feared Noe Bi-hon would actually join the Martial Soul Society—
They were worried he'd use the Ghost Children as an excuse to lift the restrictions on the Soul-Less Society.
But now, by officially declaring that the Thunder Spirit Gate would no longer be recognized as a Central Plains sect if they joined the Martial Soul Society,
the Martial Alliance—the very organization governing the Orthodox Murim—had handed Noe Bi-hon the justification he needed.
Of course, their words were meant to pressure him.
Instead, Noe Bi-hon turned their threat into the perfect pretext for formalizing his allegiance to the Martial Soul Society.
"Sect Leader Noe... Did you predict and manipulate our alliance's reaction from the start?"
Instead of answering, Noe Bi-hon smirked.
Leaving the inn's Separate Garden, he strode confidently toward the Martial Soul Society.
And through intelligence networks, he instantly spread word throughout the martial world of his exchange with Jin Baek.
―The Martial Alliance threatened the Thunder Spirit Gate, only to provoke the Thunder God's wrath!
Had they acted too hastily?
The Martial Alliance had chosen the wrong method to coax Noe Bi-hon.
To a man who already held deep resentment toward them—
They'd threatened that joining the Martial Soul Society would brand his sect as one between the Orthodox and Heterodox.
―This is too much. They didn't even glance at him when he was a madman.
―I heard the Thunder God immediately headed to the Martial Soul Society after hearing those words.
―It seems he's seriously planning to join them.
As public opinion turned sharply against them, the Martial Alliance fell silent, making no further mention of Noe Bi-hon's actions.
The deed was already done.
Stirring him up further might only provoke another shocking incident.
―"The Thunder Spirit Gate has officially joined the Unorthodox Alliance."
In the end, Noe Bi-hon had chosen the Unorthodox Alliance.
With the Thunder Spirit Gate now part of it,
the Unorthodox Alliance had, in an instant, surpassed even the dominant forces of Shaanxi—Mount Hua and Zhongnan—becoming a formidable united faction.
―"We absolutely cannot allow the Unorthodox Alliance to expand its activities into the Central Plains."
With things escalating this way, both the Martial Alliance and the Black Path remained on high alert, closely monitoring the Unorthodox Alliance's movements.
Shaanxi, Unorthodox Alliance.
Since Yu Hwa-ryeong had taken over as Chief Steward, the Unorthodox Alliance had transformed into a well-structured martial faction.
Even the Thousand Swords Society—once mockingly called the "Vanished Sect"—had been meticulously maintained under his leadership.
So, reshaping the Unorthodox Alliance, already abundant in elite personnel and military strength, into a perfectly organized coalition was,
for him, an effortless task.
"This is the operational framework I've devised."
As Chief Steward, Yu Hwa-ryeong distributed letters one by one to Do Cheon-rin, Noe Bi-hon, Bing Han-pung, and Dae Gu-hwi in the conference room.
Each letter contained detailed advice on how to integrate their distinct combat divisions into the Unorthodox Alliance,
as well as how to foster a sense of belonging among their members.
The Unorthodox Alliance was a newly formed coalition, composed of elite forces from irreconcilably different sects.
The Rogue Vanguard, assembled from wandering warriors.
The Ice River Vanguard, hailing from the North Sea Ice Palace.
The Beast Division, representing the Beast Palace.
And now, the Swift Thunder Corps, newly added from the Thunder Spirit Gate.
Each of these forces had its own unique identity and combat doctrine.
They needed to preserve that individuality while fostering seamless cooperation between divisions—and growing even stronger than before.
Moreover, to capture Ghost Child without casualties, they would need specialized training.
Yu Hwa-ryeong had thoroughly analyzed the martial arts, personalities, and temperaments of the four sects and their respective divisions,
then provided several suggestions on how their leadership could collaborate closely, how their members could unite as one,
and how loyalty to the Unorthodox Alliance could be instilled.
"However, regarding the Thunder Spirit Gate, I recommend announcing their membership for now while temporarily suspending the activities of Sect Leader Noe's Swift Thunder Corps."
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had planned for Noe Bi-hon and the Thunder Spirit Gate to join the Unorthodox Alliance
only once their faction had grown strong enough that even orthodox sects would consider allying with them.
But with Ghost Child appearing more frequently than anticipated, they had deliberately provoked the Martial Alliance to accelerate their entry into the Unorthodox Alliance.
After all, there was no telling when Ghost Child might launch a full-scale assault.
"If the Thunder Spirit Gate immediately joins the active operations, the orthodox and unorthodox factions will spare no effort in finding ways to suppress our alliance."
"Understood. We'll proceed as you suggest."
Noe Bi-hon accepted Yu Hwa-ryeong's proposal without objection.
Since Yu Hwa-ryeong had taken the reins as Chief Steward, the Unorthodox Alliance had grown at an even faster pace.
The day they would officially begin their operations was drawing near.
Demon Hall, Hidden Demon Pavilion - Grand Conference Hall.
The Death Shadow War Unit's Great Lords were also swamped with endless work.
Now, Bu Eun-seol had to manage not only the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance but also the Martial Soul Society.
As a result, their workload had doubled.
'Ghost Child will only grow more rampant.'
Bu Eun-seol's gaze deepened as he stared out the window.
He could sense it.
If this was their current level, the Infinite Realm wouldn't be struggling at all.
Meaning, the Ghost Children appearing now were just the beginning—
soon, they would emerge in numbers so vast that even the Infinite Realm would be forced to take notice.
'The Martial Alliance and the Black Path will likely stay quiet for a while.'
Bu Eun-seol had no intention of entrusting the life-or-death task of dealing with Ghost Child to his subordinates or faction.
'Since this is a matter concerning the Central Plains, all factions of the Central Plains should handle it together.'
The Martial Alliance was, from the start, entangled with the Three Realms and various external forces—a den of demons.
And the Black Path gangs were nothing more than parasites, expanding their territories and sucking the lifeblood of the commercial world and common folk alike.
From the moment he had first spoken with the Supreme Emperor,
Bu Eun-seol had planned to use them to hold back Ghost Child.
'He said they seem to be releasing them in small batches.'
According to the Supreme Emperor, the faction known as Neither-Human-Nor-Beast deliberately released Ghost Children into the martial world in controlled numbers—
as if conducting some kind of experiment.
In other words, their goal wasn't simply to overthrow or destabilize the martial world.
Moreover, considering the nature of the Three Realms—
their differing banners and methods of pursuit—
Ghost Children might be just one of many tools Neither-Human-Nor-Beast used to sow chaos in the martial world.
'Perhaps Neither-Human-Nor-Beast is also divided into three factions.'
Sinister premonitions had never once been wrong.
Yet Bu Eun-seol never faltered or succumbed to fear, no matter the circumstances.
'After this, I'll proceed step by step, one thing at a time.'
If everything went according to the carefully laid plan, they would undoubtedly eliminate the Neither-Human-Nor-Beasts.
And the Martial Soul Society would rise to stand among the Three Great Forces of the martial world.
The subordinates of the Death Shadow War Unit and the elite forces would all find their new home within the Martial Soul Society.
By then, he would no longer be the Heir of the Demon Hall or the Martial Soul Lord.
'But to reach that point, we must overcome countless trials.'
If the Martial Soul Society grew beyond a certain scale, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would never tolerate it—he would crush them in an instant.
The same went for the Righteous Faction.
Thus, the Martial Soul Society had to skillfully exploit the confrontation between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths.
Ultimately, they had to become a force so formidable that not even the Twin Heavenly Emperors of Righteous and Demonic could topple them.
A power so indispensable that the martial world could not exist without them.
"Lord."
At that moment, Wi Cheon-gyeong rushed into the office.
"It seems things have begun."
Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for the main conference hall of the Hidden Demon Pavilion.
There, all the division leaders—including Yu Un-ryong—were waiting.
"Ghost Children are emerging simultaneously across the Central Plains."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Just as the Supreme Emperor had foretold, it was all coming true.
As if sensing the absence of the Infinite Realm, the Ghost Children were gradually increasing in number.
Fortunately, thanks to the Death Shadow War Unit's partial integration of the Orthodox and Unorthodox Intelligence Network, they could track the frequency and locations of appearances faster than any other faction.
"It seems the Martial Soul Society will soon have to step forward."
Yu Un-ryong spoke with a grave expression.
"If we don't stop them, the Infinite Realm will return."
"Indeed."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled slowly.
"The Martial Alliance must have some preparations in place. Their core members likely know of the Infinite Realm and the Ghost Children's existence... and above all, they won't allow the Martial Soul Society to seize the opportunity."
"Then the opening will have to come from the Black Path."
Wi Cheon-gyeong interjected.
"The Black Path is only dealing with the Ghost Children out of desperation. They still haven't organized a proper strike force."
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"The Black Path will have no choice but to raise the white flag and call upon the Martial Soul Society. If this situation repeats, the very existence of the Black Path factions will become untenable."
The Black Path was, after all, a group that moved solely for profit.
What if they had to continuously mobilize strike forces to protect civilians?
They would cease to be the Black Path.
"Then it seems our direct involvement in the Martial Soul Society's affairs will be a long way off."
Jo Nam-cheon chimed in.
"Unless the day comes when the Martial Soul Society can no longer exploit the tension between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths, that is."
"True."
Until the Martial Soul Society became one of the Three Great Forces of the martial world—
They could neither take the forefront officially nor mobilize the Death Shadow War Unit's subordinates.
"However, the matter of the Ghost Children is an exception. The Martial Alliance is already dealing with them, and we've already laid the groundwork."
"But I'm concerned."
Yu Un-ryong spoke up again.
"The mood within the Demonic Path is growing increasingly volatile."
Bu Eun-seol had saved more people than even the Martial Alliance and performed countless good deeds.
But that very fact had stirred resentment among the true demonic adherents who sought a world ruled by the Demonic Path.
Because of this—
More and more factions and martial artists within the Demonic Path had begun to openly disapprove of Bu Eun-seol's actions.
"And we don't know how long the Demonic Heavenly Emperor will remain silent."
"There's no need to worry. From the Demon Hall's perspective, the Ghost Children's rampage is actually a boon."
"Because they'll weaken the Martial Alliance and the Black Path on their own?"
"Exactly."
Bu Eun-seol met Yu Un-ryong's gaze and continued evenly.
"But soon enough, even the Demonic Path will have no choice but to intervene in exterminating the Ghost Children. So don't neglect your training."
At those words, the division leaders nodded.
Ever since becoming Bu Eun-seol's subordinates—
They had trained relentlessly to ensure they could emerge victorious and survive any battle.
Even if the Neither-Human-Nor-Beast appeared, they would not fear them.
"In any case, the most pressing matter now is gaining official recognition for the Martial Soul Society as a legitimate coalition."
Wi Cheon-gyeong grinned as he spoke.
"And in the future, we'll belong to the Martial Soul Society—not the Demon Hall."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath and gazed at the distant sky.
"Yes. But that... will take time."
His eyes darkened.
In the future, the Martial Soul Society would face attacks and pressure from both the Martial Alliance and the Demon Hall.
Neither side would ever allow another coalition to rise.
"This meeting is adjourned. I'll return to the martial world for now."
Once the Ghost Children appeared in force—
The Black Path would soon come begging for the Martial Soul Society's help.
Though they were barely holding on under the Martial Alliance's pressure, their patience had already reached its limit.
Bu Eun-seol intended to return to the Martial Soul Society and make preparations in advance for that very moment.
"Ah, right—I almost forgot."
It was then that Yu Un-ryong, as if suddenly remembering, finally spoke up.
"The Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist Gongson has secretly summoned you."
Gongson Dan-gyeong had long desired the destruction of the Infinite Realm.
Bu Eun-seol had finally brought them down, and Gongson Dan-gyeong had been verifying the truth of it for a long time.
By now, all investigations must have concluded.
It seemed she wanted to discuss not only the matter of the Infinite Realm but also the current state of the Martial World.
"Understood. I'll go see her as soon as this matter is settled."
The Murim was suffering from the sudden surge of Ghost Children.
With the help of its branch offices and orthodox factions, the Martial Alliance managed to deal with them without much difficulty.
But the Black Path was in agony.
The Black Path cared only for power and wealth.
No matter how desperately the Black Banner Society, the Dark Heaven Gang, or the Yaksha Gate struggled, none of the other Black Path factions lifted a finger to help.
In fact, they likely harbored secret hopes for their downfall.
The Black Path was the Black Path.
To them, there were no such things as allies—even those walking the same path were nothing more than competitors.
"This is utterly hopeless. We must request aid from the Martial Soul Society."
In the end, the Yaksha Gate was the first to raise its hands in surrender.
Even if the Martial Alliance applied pressure, it was useless.
If they held out any longer, they would be the first to collapse.
Forget about dealing with the endless onslaught of Ghost Children—they could no longer even defend their own territories.
"The Martial Soul Society's forces have mobilized into the Yaksha Gate's territory."
The Martial Soul Society's troops, long prepared for the Ghost Children, immediately advanced into the Yaksha Gate's domain.
Then the Dark Heaven Gang followed suit. And finally, even the Black Banner Society rushed to request their aid.
In the end, the Martial Soul Society's forces split into three and entered their respective territories.
At first, the Black Path factions didn't hold much expectation.
After all, their ultimate goal was to become a formally recognized coalition capable of operating within the Murim.
They had assumed the Martial Soul Society would only pretend to assist while scheming to expand their own influence.
But their expectations were completely off the mark.
"The Martial Soul Society's units have exterminated all the Ghost Children."
The Society's units wiped out every last Ghost Child that emerged in each Black Path territory.
They all possessed astonishing martial prowess, specializing in dealing with the cunning and agile Ghost Children.
Not only that—they asked for nothing in return.
They made no demands for rewards or concessions from the Black Path factions, nor did they attempt to occupy their territories to expand their influence.
They simply eliminated the Ghost Children and withdrew.
"From now on, the Black Path factions will fully support the Martial Soul Society's activities."
In the end, the Black Path opened the way for the Martial Soul Society to operate officially.
The Martial Alliance was furious.
But since the Society neither expanded its territory nor demanded compensation for dealing with the Ghost Children,
there was nothing they could criticize.
Moreover, the Ghost Children's movements were gradually becoming more organized, and their frequency of appearance had increased.
Eventually, even matters the Martial Alliance couldn't handle began to be resolved by the Martial Soul Society.
"The Martial Soul Society saved us."
The common people within Black Path territories began to sing the Society's praises.
Until now, the Black Path factions had been forced to deal with the Ghost Children, never considering the aftermath of their battles.
But the Martial Soul Society prioritized the safety of the people above all else in their fights,
and even handled the subsequent measures flawlessly.
In truth, it wasn't anything extraordinary—even the Martial Alliance took such measures as a matter of course.
But because the Martial Soul Society had begun its work in the Black Path's territories,
the praise was an inevitable reaction.
And Bu Eun-seol had been counting on exactly this.
Even if the Martial Alliance refused to acknowledge them, even if the Black Path refused—what if the common people's praise continued?
Even if the martial artists refused to recognize them, the Martial Soul Society would become a coalition standing between orthodox and heterodox, acknowledged by the people.
"If you need work, come to the Martial Soul Society!"
Moreover, the Society caused another major stir in the Murim with yet another astonishing move.
Dealing with the Ghost Children required a vast number of troops.
Thus, they began recruiting wandering martial artists who had nowhere else to go.
"The Martial Soul Society, standing between orthodox and heterodox, even accepts wanderers?"
"They train second-rate martial artists and even provide meals?"
"Depending on ability, they let you take on not just Society work but also jobs for wanderers!"
The Martial Soul Society had originated from Shaanxi's Ronin Market, the Red Sky Curtain Branch.
With its already immense financial resources, and with Yu Hwa-ryeong's assistance,
they secured enough funds to pay wages without issue, even as countless wanderers flocked to them.
As these rumors spread,
skilled martial artists and untrained wanderers alike began pouring in.
"The rumors were true!"
The Society personally trained those in need of instruction and assigned work according to their abilities.
Thus, second-rate martial artists with mediocre skills all flocked to the Society,
hoping to become its official members.