Chapter 716: PAID

The Blade King, Peng Zhou.

The head of the Hebei Peng Clan, one of the former Four Great Clans—now referred to as the Three Great Clans—serving as the pillars of the orthodox sects.

When he was still known as one of the Late-Stage Grandmasters, people called him the Ink Dragon.

Later, after surpassing that stage and becoming active within the Alliance, he operated under the title Iron Dragon Lord.

A martial artist of the Hwagyeong level, ranked among the upper echelons of the Hundred Great Masters.

His record includes highly regarded achievements in past wars against the unorthodox sects. Even now, he is still considered a master whose skills have not diminished with age.

However—

Although he has run for the position of Alliance Leader several times, he failed each time.

This implies one thing:

“His martial prowess isn’t bad. His standing is decent, and he has political ambitions.”

Yet his nature leans toward being domineering and aggressive.

“He’s… simple.”

Easy to read.

While this might not be a major flaw for a martial artist, it highlights his inadequacies as a clan head.

“If we’re talking about leadership qualities, the Sword King is the better choice.”

Despite having a weaker presence within his clan compared to the Blade King, the Sword King possesses a slyness that’s more fitting for a clan head.

It might sound insulting, but it’s an essential quality for someone in such a position.

“That’s precisely what the Blade King lacks.”

It’s likely this deficiency, rather than his abilities or influence, that cost him the position of Alliance Leader.

All of this is fine.

If that’s all there is to him, then it ends there.

And yet—

“What reason does he have to participate in the Martial Tournament?”

The question lingers.

There’s nothing for the Blade King to gain here.

Status? He already has plenty of it.

Reputation? Even if he performs well in this tournament, it won’t add much to his fame.

There’s simply no benefit for him in this Martial Tournament.

Everyone knows this but doesn’t think too deeply about it.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Why?

“Because it’s entertaining.”

The mere fact that the Blade King is participating and showcasing his martial arts is enough to draw people’s attention.

And among those spectators—

“Plenty of them are connected to the Alliance.”

It’s clear.

This event is a win for the Alliance.

Even if the Blade King were a fool, he’d understand that much.

So there’s only one explanation.

“The Blade King entered the tournament to cooperate with the Alliance.”

Whether it’s by commission, cooperation, or coercion—it doesn’t matter.

What’s important is that the Blade King went along with it.