Since ancient times, the Two-River Basin had been a land of abundant waters and gathering fortune, blessed by its commanding terrain.
The carriage crossed an invisible boundary. A breeze brushed past, carrying the earthy scent peculiar to great rivers and lakes.
This was the territory of the Two-Lakes Martial Alliance.
The Great Xin Dynasty was fractured in all but name, with warlords carving out domains of their own. But in the world of cultivators, another set of ironclad rules divided the land.
The Two-Lakes Martial Alliance was a colossal power entrenched in the Two-Lakes Territory. It answered to no summons and obeyed no commands.
The spirit of chivalry flourished here more than anywhere else under heaven.
On the official roads of the Two Lakes, wanderers bearing sabers and swords could be seen everywhere.
They might lack the deep foundations of sects and noble families, but a rough, fearless spirit ran in their bones. They bowed to neither heaven nor earth, recognizing only the fist.
Like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, they gathered endlessly beneath the banner of the Two-Lakes Martial Alliance.
The reason these unruly wanderers could be bound together—even making warlords with armies at their backs hesitate to reach into the Two Lakes—was one man.
Guan Yue, leader of the Two-Lakes Martial Alliance.
"Alliance Leader Guan is a formidable man."
Inside the carriage, Guo Bingfu, the old Grandmaster of the True Martial Gate, rested with his eyes closed. As the carriage jolted along, he suddenly made the remark without preamble.
When he mentioned that name, his voice held a rare note of admiration.
Li Xiang sat opposite him and listened quietly.
"A master of both saber and martial arts, at the very pinnacle of Grandmaster." Guo Bingfu opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing through them. "For