Chapter 182: Third and fourth on the Ming Sword Dao Rankings
The Ming Jianghu was divided into north and south.
In the south, the Shaolin Sect and Snowmoon City had reigned supreme. But now the Shaolin Sect had withdrawn into seclusion, and Snowmoon City had suffered devastating losses. The Supreme Alliance had united the Southern Jianghu.
As for the north, the Wudang Sect still stood at its head. But besides the Wudang Sect, there were other top-tier powers, with Apex Great Grandmasters presiding over them.
Muliang City was one of them.
Strictly speaking, however, Muliang City was not a jianghu power, but fell under the imperial court's jurisdiction.
Its city lord, Luo Qingyang, was a master swordsman ranked third on the Ming Sword Dao Rankings, known to the world as the "Lone Sword Immortal."
The Lone Sword Immortal Luo Qingyang, originally named Luo Li, was a descendant of General Luo Ze, the Smiling Tiger. Before the late emperor's death, chaos had engulfed the Capital, and numerous Demonic Path masters had entered it to stir up turmoil. Luo Qingyang had joined the fighting, repelled many of those masters, and distinguished himself in defending the emperor. Given his meritorious service and descent from a fallen hero, the late emperor had bestowed Muliang City upon him to aid his cultivation of the Sword of Desolation, establishing him there with a city of his own.
Over the years, Luo Qingyang had remained secluded in Muliang City, cultivating his swordsmanship. He had never ventured out or concerned himself with jianghu affairs.
Yet no one in the north could shake Muliang City's standing. Both the imperial court and the jianghu had to show it some respect.
One day, a swift horse suddenly raced toward Muliang City, only to be stopped by the soldiers guarding its gates.