"But the Heroes' Alliance was ultimately just a loose confederation. Its members came from all walks of life, with differing philosophies, relationships, and even pursuits."
"As such, though there were many martial arts experts at the time, they lacked unified command. Furthermore, grudges often existed among them, and those with ulterior motives further fanned the flames."
"The Heroes' Alliance thus only shone brightly for a brief period before fading into obscurity. After the current dynasty consolidated its rule, the Heroes' Alliance became but a mere legend in the memories of the older generation!"
The older generation that Feng Jiu referred to was his own, a time long past.
Chen Fan paused his chopsticks and asked, "The thousand-year-old royal Feng family, did they also emerge during that era?"
"Amidst the raging wars, disciples of the Feng family naturally ventured out into the world, otherwise, how would I know all this so clearly?" Feng Jiu replied, "However, family tenets remained, and the Feng family sent out only a limited number of disciples."
Chen Fan smiled and continued eating his noodles.
A thousand-year-old royal family like the Feng clan possessed their own principles and philosophies for survival. In times of chaos, they often retreated into seclusion, only to emerge during periods of prosperity.
After all, in chaotic times, a single misstep could lead to the annihilation of the entire clan, whereas in prosperous times, the worst that could happen was forming some minor grudges.
Of course, in the past few decades, the times had changed drastically from ancient eras. The advancements in technology had brought about immense transformations.
Even ancient families like the Feng clan had been impacted by the torrent of the times.
Otherwise, core members of the Feng family like Feng Qianyuan and Feng Qianluan would not have appeared in the capital.
"Let's return to the Heroes' Alliance," Feng Jiu said, gesturing with his chopsticks as he continued to expound. "About thirty years ago, some individuals began to rally and advocate for the revival of the Heroes' Alliance. Their main aim was to leverage the name of the Heroes' Alliance to share resources, exchange knowledge, and spar, adapting to this new era."
"Their philosophy was that stagnation would only lead to obsolescence. The current era was developing at an unprecedented pace, and the Heroes' Alliance should exist in a new form, strengthening its connections and re-establishing its influence over the secular world and beyond!"
"Some responded, while others remained indifferent."
"After all, many traditional martial artists held conservative views, adhering to the principle of secrecy in martial arts. Furthermore, some martial arts families and sects derived sufficient income from their own industries, so why would they rely on this Heroes' Alliance?"
The crucial point had arrived. Chen Fan put down his chopsticks and asked, "Who was behind the initiative?"
Shang Wushuang had not provided these details last time. Unable to contact Shang Wushuang, he had come to seek out the Feng family.
"Who else could it be? Naturally, it would be martial arts families and sects with sufficient strength and reputation."
"As far as I know, the initiators were the Zuo family and the Xin family, along with the Changbai Sect, which stands proudly beyond the passes."
This was precisely what Chen Fan most wanted to know and understand.
Last night, amidst a vast sea of data and information, he had pieced together numerous clues and discovered that the Brotherhood had an extremely close connection to the ancient martial arts world.
Naturally, this led him to think of the Heroes' Alliance that Shang Wushuang had mentioned.
When the names Heroes' Alliance and Northern Brotherhood were combined, Chen Fan suddenly realized a possibility that sent a shiver down his spine.
That is, these two organizations, separated in the secular and martial realms, might not be entirely distinct.
This was why he had come to find Feng Jiu, or rather, his original intention was to find Feng Qianluan.
"As for whether there were other forces involved, I am not aware," Feng Jiu said with a grin. "The current leader of the Heroes' Alliance is Zuo Lizhou, a Martial Grandmaster who has dominated Jinbei for over twenty years, unchallenged!"
"As for the Xin family, they are the undisputed King of the Northeast. Even Ji Cang, the powerful figure beyond the passes, dares not venture north to claim territory."
Chen Fan had seen some of this information, but not in detail. He let out a long sigh and asked, "Does the Xin family also have a Martial Grandmaster?"
"Xin Beitian, the head of the Xin family, is a seasoned Martial Grandmaster. Few people know the extent of his cultivation; he is known as the North Venerable."
"He became a Martial Grandmaster thirty years ago. Our family head has commented that if anyone were to achieve the Heaven-Man realm and become a True Immortal on Earth, Xin Beitian would likely be among them!"
"Is your family head not as good?" Chen Fan asked bluntly.
Feng Jiu shook his head helplessly. "There are differences between Martial Grandmasters. In the present world, though Martial Grandmasters are few, there are still one or two dozen who can be counted. However, those who reach the absolute pinnacle of the Martial Grandmaster realm are fewer than a handful. It is exceedingly difficult!"
"Do both families have one Martial Grandmaster each?"
"Naturally. Martial Grandmasters are not easily cultivated. My Feng family has two Martial Grandmasters, which is the true foundation of a royal clan."
Chen Fan glanced at Feng Jiu, feeling he was boasting.
The Feng family might have been powerful in the past, but these two current Martial Grandmasters were likely a product of the clan's thousand-year heritage, not comparable to those born with exceptional talent.
This could be inferred from the fact that the Feng family head had taken Su Yingxue away.
As they were talking, the sound of footsteps approached, and a slender figure appeared at their table, drawing the attention of many patrons.
It was Feng Qianluan.
"One bowl of Youpo noodles, with an extra serving of braised beef!"
After ordering, Feng Qianluan glanced at Chen Fan and said, "Waking someone up so early, are you doing that on purpose, Chen Tianjiao?"
"As a martial artist, you're not working hard enough by not waking up early to train," Chen Fan retorted. "No wonder people dare to bully the Feng family!"
"Besides you, who else dares?" Feng Qianluan snorted coldly.
"The Northern Brotherhood dares."
Chen Fan said, "Your brother's death, and your Feng family's inaction for three years, have likely led people to look down on you."
Feng Qianluan's expression darkened, but she could not refute him.
On the contrary, Chen Fan's words were very reasonable. Over the past three-plus years, the Feng family's reputation in the martial arts world had indeed declined significantly.
"Uncle Jiu, continue telling me about these three families. What kind of experts do they have?"
Feng Jiu nodded. Seeing that Feng Qianluan did not object, he continued his introduction to Chen Fan.
After finishing breakfast, Chen Fan had a clearer picture in his mind.
However, he did not share his speculation that the Heroes' Alliance and the Northern Brotherhood were the same organization, or even potentially the same entity.
Although he felt this possibility was very, very high, he lacked evidence.
The battle between the two Grandmasters in the capital might be a turning point.
After breakfast, upon returning to the archives, Chen Fan said to Feng Qianluan, "I need all information regarding the martial arts world. Don't overlook any intelligence; get it to me as soon as you obtain it!"
Feng Qianluan rolled her eyes. "You barged in here early this morning, gave us no clues, and yet you speak with such an imperious tone, as if the Feng family is supposed to obey your orders?"
Chen Fan smiled. "I have many leads now and am stretched thin. I'll leave the martial arts world to you. How quickly we find the murderer of your brother depends on yourselves!"
"Understood."
Feng Qianluan replied calmly, "I will find a way to determine the guest list for the battle between the two Grandmasters and give you a copy!"
"Good."
Chen Fan said no more and turned to leave.