Over the past few months, there has indeed been significant movement from the Xidi Kingdom. The Third Prince has unified the various tribes, bringing them all under his absolute command. Following this, he began adopting the prefecture and county system used by the Great Chu State, installing his own subordinates as county magistrates to oversee the regions. In doing so, he has effectively centralized both military and administrative power, which previously resided with the tribal leaders, into his own hands.
Meanwhile, a massive upheaval has been occurring in the martial arts world. The Xidi people possess a sacred mountain known as Sword Mountain, which serves as the supreme authority of their martial arts circle. Every year, whenever unrest strikes their imperial palace, sword masters descend from Sword Mountain. These masters are not only highly skilled in martial arts but are also deeply versed in military strategy and the art of statecraft. This is precisely why the Xidi royal family has always been revered among the dozens of tribes. Although the Xidi Kingdom cannot defeat the Great Chu State in open war, they have always held the upper hand in the martial arts realm—a fact they have long taken great pride in.
However, against all expectations, a man from the Great Chu State arrived at the foot of Sword Mountain a few months ago, carrying an unsightly sword. On the first day, he single-handedly challenged all of their elders, and not one of them could defeat him. By …
Chapter 190