"Leader of the Anti-Traitor Alliance—recognized by all!"
The earth-shaking cry rolled like thunder across the Tengwang Pavilion Square. The sound rang in every ear, echoing across the vast space. Heroes of the martial world, chivalrous wanderers, and righteous men from all corners could not contain their fervor. The crowd's spirit soared, the scene an awe-inspiring tide of unity. This was the pinnacle moment for the righteous forces of the land—united in one heart, vowing to sweep away the rebellion of An Lushan.
At the very center stood Liu Xuan, Sect Master of the Heavenly Sovereign Sect, tall and straight, his gaze sharp as lightning as he swept his eyes across the gathered host. He knew well that this assembly, despite many trials, had overcome the Black Dragon Sect's attempt to provoke and disrupt. This was not merely a triumph of martial skill—it was a victory in the age-old struggle between justice and evil. From this moment on, the martial world had declared its stance: to fight An Lushan's treachery to the death!
Drawing a deep breath and steadying his inner energy, Liu Xuan clasped his fists in salute, his voice ringing out across the square—"Comrades of the martial world, men of honor—today we gather for a single purpose: to strike down tyranny, to punish the traitors, and to uphold the righteous Way!"
A surge of approving shouts rose up—"Strike down the traitors! Strike down the traitors!"The roar swelled like a tide, reaching the very heavens.
Liu Xuan's voice grew solemn, his tone weighty:"An Lushan is a wolf with the heart of a jackal—he murders his sovereign, usurps the throne, throws the realm into chaos, bringing misery to all under heaven. Such treachery cannot be tolerated! Today, the Black Dragon Sect sought to shatter our resolve, yet they failed. This is proof that Heaven does not favor the traitor!"
The crowd's fervor boiled over, voices thundering:"Slay the traitors—restore our rivers and mountains!"
A cold light flashed in Liu Xuan's eyes."The Anti-Traitor army has begun to gather, but the realm is not yet secure. The traitor's minions still live. Though the Black Dragon Sect has retreated, they will not rest. Our vow today is not a passing impulse—we pledge to see this cause through to the end!"
One after another, sect leaders and wandering heroes stepped forward to pledge their blades.Fei Jin, Chief of the Beggars' Sect, strode forward, gripping the Dog-Beating Staff, his voice booming:"My Beggars' Sect has always fought for the common people! Today, this old beggar leads my disciples to follow the Alliance Leader to the death—strike down the traitors!"
Zhang Zhen, the Dragon-Tiger Hermit of the Zhengyi Sect, followed:"My sect shall devote its full strength to following the Alliance Leader, to destroy the rebels!"
The Two Wonders of the martial world, White-Brow Daoist and Master Zhenkong, pressed their palms together:"When the nation stands or falls, every man bears responsibility. In today's cause, we cannot turn away!"
The atmosphere reached its peak. Every great sect, every chivalrous soul pledged their loyalty—The Alliance Leader's oath was now the rallying cry for all.
Seeing such unity, Liu Xuan's blood surged. Raising both hands high, he declared,"Since all comrades of the martial world place their trust in me, I will not refuse. Before all assembled, I swear this oath!"
He slowly raised his right hand, his voice cutting like steel:"Heaven holds sun and moon, earth holds mountains and rivers! Today, I, Liu Xuan, Sect Master of the Heavenly Sovereign Sect, swear on my life to lead the heroes of the Anti-Traitor Alliance—To strike down tyranny, punish the traitors,To restore the Tang realm,To return peace to all under heaven!This oath shall not be broken—let Heaven and Earth bear witness!"
At once, the heroes' blood boiled, their voices crashing like waves:"Destroy the traitors! Strike down the tyrants!""Destroy the traitors! Strike down the tyrants!"
Tens of thousands shouted as one, the sound shaking the ninth heaven, even the distant river rippling with the force of their righteous spirit. The alliance was forged, the martial world united—the first and most crucial step toward annihilating An Lushan's rebellion.
Yet the world was far from settled, and the storm clouds gathered once more.The Black Dragon Sect had retreated, but as An Lushan's strongest ally in the martial world, they would not remain idle. Would Murong Gui seek more powerful allies? Would the Black Dragon Sect forge darker pacts? Would An Lushan push deeper into the martial world?
The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing was clear—The war between court and jianghu had only just begun.
The Heavenly Sovereign Sect, Beggars' Sect, Zhengyi Sect, and the righteous forces of the martial world now stood shoulder to shoulder, swearing to destroy the traitors and restore the Tang. In the shadows, An Lushan's forces stirred, plotting their countermove.
The great struggle between the imperial court and the martial world—the era of chaos and blood—was about to begin.