Chapter 14
Martial Alliance Leader
The loser falls in disgrace, and the victor claims everything.
The glory of victory was no exception.
– Wooo!!
– HeavenlyMaiden! HeavenlyMaiden!!
– The best, Heavenly Demon-nyang!
– To the Martial Alliance with HeavenlyMaiden!
– メHeavenlyDemonForever: Brilliant psychological warfare, Sect Leader!!
[HakkoDigger13 donated 10,000 cookies!]
HeavenlyMaiden is so amazing!! You stole my heart!
[SandyMole donated 10,000 cookies!]
Heavenly Demon-nyang! Heavenly Demon-nyang! Heavenly Demon-nyang!
[PeanutButterRamen donated 10,000 cookies!]
All my peers are watching HeavenlyMaiden’s stream!
“Heavenly Demon-nyang~ Thanks, nyang!”
[HeavenlyDemonChanDongpoMeatThief donated 100,000 cookies!]
The absolute best, HeavenlyMaiden!!!
“Oh.”
HeavenlyMaiden’s eyes widened as she reacted to the donation.
– 100,000 cookies?
– Insane, insane!
HeavenlyMaiden smiled warmly at the camera, her face beaming with satisfaction.
Even HeavenlyMaiden couldn’t help but smile at 100,000 cookies!
The power of money was immense.
“Thanks for the 100,000 cookies. I’ll put it to good use.”
– Lol, where’s it going?
– Obviously to buy Dongpo pork, haha.
– Or maybe that Demonic Sect thing? Lol.
– メHeavenlyDemonForever: I said it’s not the Demonic Sect, it’s the Heavenly Demon Sect.
– Sure, Demonic Sect~
– (Chat restricted for 60 seconds)
HeavenlyMaiden’s expression turned resolute as she nodded firmly.
“Alright, 100,000 cookies? I can’t just sit still.”
The difference between 10,000 and 100,000 cookies was significant.
Naturally, a 100,000-cookie reaction had to be distinct from a 10,000-cookie one. That’s just how it works.
It was the perfect way to milk—er, encourage more donations from the Dongpo Meat Squad.
– Oh?
– New reaction?
– Something big coming?
– Murmur murmur
Having studied countless streams before starting her own, Chi Yulang was well-versed in the latest trends.
She confidently performed the hottest reaction on Kwitch: the Bbi Bbi Dance!
‘I didn’t slack off practicing for this moment!’
Upbeat background music played from somewhere, and the chat went wild over the adorable, breeze-like dance moves of the young girl, HeavenlyMaiden.
– Lolololol!
– So cute, haha!
– It’s like a talent show, lol.
– Why’s it so awkward?
– That’s what makes it cuter, haha.
– Creak creak.
– That expression, lol, why’s she so bright?
– Look at her grinning, haha. Isn’t the point to do it with a straight face?
– Who cares, she’s cute, that’s enough.
– For real, lol.
– メHeavenlyDemonForever: Sect Leader ㅠㅠ Going this far for the sect ㅠㅠㅠ
The viewers’ ecstatic reactions sent a thrilling shiver through Chi Yulang.
The hours spent practicing while watching videos overnight had paid off.
After wiping out the assassination squad and thoroughly teabagging them, Chi Yulang left the room triumphantly.
Unfortunately, the gap between Gold and Platinum wasn’t large enough to earn as many points as the previous day, but compared to matching against other Gold-tier players, she earned nearly double the points, which was satisfying enough.
After beating a few more opponents in matchmaking, Chi Yulang wrapped up her fifth day of streaming.
Clips from the fifth day were shared far and wide, but for some reason, the 100,000-cookie reaction garnered the most enthusiastic response.
————
[Broadcast Stats]
– Peak Viewers: 463
– Average Viewers: 311
– Followers: 301 (+68)
“Heh heh.”
After ending the stream, Chi Yulang checked the broadcast stats with a satisfied smile.
While the peak viewer count had only risen slightly, the significant growth in average viewers stood out.
This was telling.
It meant her consistent, loyal audience—the so-called concrete layer—was steadily growing.
This upward trend was anything but temporary.
“Excellent.”
Seeing the steadily rising metrics was satisfying enough to make her feel full even without eating.
Ding-a-ling!
Answering a voice call, Dam Wolrin’s sweet voice came through.
– Brother, today’s stream was fantastic too!
“Was it?”
– Absolutely!
Dam Wolrin’s excited voice poured out praise.
– When you thrashed those cocky small fries, it was so refreshing, you have no idea. The viewers loved it too. Haha! Those fools thought they’d set a trap, oblivious that they were the ones caught! The way their smug smiles faded as they realized something was wrong was pure gold!
Praise always felt good.
Chi Yulang wondered if she became sect leader just to bask in admiration, smiling contentedly.
“Good to hear.”
– Oh, and about our Moonlight Divine Sect—it’s already surpassed 50 members!
“Oh, really?”
– Yes! To grow this fast right after launching? It’s all thanks to your selfless promotion on the stream, brother. Sniff! This Dam Wolrin is deeply moved by your dedication to the sect…
Ding!
“Hmm?”
– What’s wrong?
Looking at the message on the screen, Chi Yulang said.
“A message came in.”
– From where?
“Kwitch Corporation.”
– Oh, the one from during the stream? How dare they interrupt your broadcast without prior notice. So impudent. Should I storm their headquarters and flip everything upside down, brother?
“No need. Let’s hear what they have to say.”
Ding! Ding!
“…No idea why they’re in such a rush.”
Chi Yulang opened the incessantly chiming message window.
Messages from Kwitch Corporation flooded in.
– Hello, HeavenlyMaiden.
– This is Kwitch Corporation. We would like to propose a partnership with you.
– By forming a partnership, you’ll gain benefits such as subscriptions, custom subscription icons, stable revenue through the subscription system, ad revenue from VODs, adjusted revenue splits, fee exemptions, and the ability to open multiple channels on YouTube.
– Typically, we observe streamers for at least a month before offering a partnership, but in your case, HeavenlyMaiden, you’re an exceptional case. After an internal meeting, we decided to offer you a partnership despite only five days since you started streaming.
– As mentioned, this is highly unusual. Regarding this, we have a few things to confirm. First…
– ?
– Wait.
– Hold on.
– This is important.
– Please don’t go…
– Ah.
– She’s gone.
– …
– That’s harsh.
(Three hours later)
– HeavenlyMaiden?
– Are you there?
– HeavenlyMaiden.
– HeavenlyMaiden.
– We know you’re reading this.
“…”
The messages bordered on obsession.
Chi Yulang blinked at the text dripping with desperation.
‘Is this normal?’
She’d heard Kwitch was shrouded in secrecy, almost like a mysterious, intimidating underground organization.
This was unexpected in many ways.
– Brother, what do they say?
Squinting at the messages, Chi Yulang replied.
“They’re proposing a partnership. What’s that?”
Dam Wolrin’s voice lit up.
– Oh! A partnership? They recognize your true worth, brother!
Chi Yulang tilted her head.
“Is it a good thing?”
– Absolutely! It’s something only offered to the hottest streamers. In exchange for streaming exclusively on Kwitch, you get tons of benefits!
“Oh.”
– As expected of you, brother! Not just anyone gets this offer! You haven’t even been streaming for a week, right?
“Correct.”
– That’s incredible! The shortest time to get a partnership offer! This is Hall of Fame-worthy!
Given Dam Wolrin’s tendency to exaggerate, it might be a bit overblown, but it was clear this wasn’t an offer just anyone received.
Chi Yulang’s shoulders rose with pride, her mood lifting.
“Hmm. But I can’t just accept it blindly.”
– Wise words, brother. Shall I negotiate on your behalf?
Chi Yulang shook her head.
“I’ll talk to them first. I’ll call you if I need you, so go handle your tasks.”
– Yes, sir. I’ll prepare for tomorrow’s roadmap announcement! Call me anytime!
Ding-a-ling-
After ending the call with Dam Wolrin, Chi Yulang placed her hands on the keyboard to reply.
Messages kept coming in the meantime.
– HeavenlyMaiden?
– HeavenlyMaiden?
– We can see the read receipts, you know?
– Please respond.
Their desperation suggested there was room for negotiation—and in Chi Yulang’s favor.
Still unfamiliar with typing, Chi Yulang pecked at the keys one by one.
“Hel…lo…”
By the time Kwitch called her name six more times, she finally managed to send a greeting.
– HeavenlyMaiden: Hello, Kwitch.
Ding!
A reply came instantly.
– Wow, were you typing that this whole time?
– HeavenlyMaiden: I’m a bit slow at typing. Like a cloud.
– ;;
– Anyway, we’re glad to hear from you, HeavenlyMaiden. Have you read about the partnership we mentioned?
– HeavenlyMaiden: Yes.
– What do you think? About partnering with us.
– As we said, your case is truly exceptional.
– There have been fast-growing streamers before, but you’re the first to get a partnership offer this quickly!
Chi Yulang smiled contentedly.
Praise and admiration were always welcome.
Her hands got busy.
“That’s…an…honor…”
– HeavenlyMaiden: That’s an honor. I’m considering it positively.
After a not-so-short wait, Kwitch Corporation responded with palpable excitement.
– Really?
– Woohoo!!
– That’s great!
– We’re thrilled to work with you, HeavenlyMaiden!
– HeavenlyMaiden: Haha.
– Oh, one very important thing before we proceed. We need to ask you something to finalize the partnership.
– HeavenlyMaiden: What is it?
– Since your case is so exceptional, please answer honestly.
– HeavenlyMaiden: I never speak false.
– Great, perfect.
– Here’s the question.
– Are you currently in the Demon Realm?
————
“Hmm…”
This was the Martial Alliance.
In a quiet office smelling of wood and paper, an older man with graying sideburns sat at a desk, reviewing documents.
“…It feels like there are fewer than before.”
His expression wasn’t particularly bright.
He was examining the list of promising young martial artists to invite to the upcoming Dragon and Phoenix Tournaments.
Unfortunately, there weren’t many standout young martial artists.
Of course, the purpose of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly wasn’t solely to scout young talent, but as a martial artist himself, he naturally hoped for more martial artists to shine.
As the only martial artist among the Nine Heroes, he wished for martial artists to thrive, but reality was harsh.
The majority were those from the world of magic and aura, so-called fantasy folk, or hunters who awakened specific abilities.
Martial artists were roughly equal in number to punks, but even then, they were a minority of purists who refused implants, considered oddballs even among punks.
The Alliance Leader clicked his tongue.
“I’d heard the younger generation was shunning martial arts, but this much?”
Still, there was some silver lining.
There were still some talents.
“Interesting. The numbers are down, but the quality has gone up.”
There were young martial artists shining like stars.
The hope of the martial world!
A small but elite group!
Perhaps because they grew up in harsh conditions, they had become tougher and stronger.
Among them were the eldest son of the Namgung Clan, a genius from the Huashan Sect, a young Shaolin monk wielding the power of the Demon-Slaying Sword who was especially effective against beasts, and the successor of the Soul-Reaping Tower, among others.
The older man smiled warmly, running his hand over the list of their names.
“Truly a golden generation. This time, a martial artist will finally win.”
Martial artists had never won the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.
“Heheh, we’ll flatten the noses of those cocky folks.”
Rubbing his hands with anticipation, he was none other than one of the Nine Heroes who led the Rift War to victory and saved the world.
The Martial Alliance Leader, Spear Dragon Kang Yoon-je.
Known as the Divine Spear or Divine Extreme for having reached the pinnacle of spearmanship, he preferred the nickname Spear Dragon.
He earned the title Spear Dragon by winning the Dragon and Phoenix Tournament held by the Martial Alliance during the martial world era before the Great Cataclysm, making his expectations for this event particularly high.
‘This Dragon and Phoenix Tournament will birth the hero to lead the next era.’
He genuinely believed that.
“Alliance Leader! Alliance Leader!”
Crash!
“What’s all this commotion?”
A military officer from the Martial Alliance burst into the office without knocking, thrusting a tablet forward.
“Have you seen this?”
“What’s got you so worked up?”
“You haven’t seen it! Just watch.”
The tablet displayed a short clip, which the officer played immediately.
Bang!
A punk, presumably, fired a gun hidden behind their back.
A cute, twin-tailed young girl caught the bullet with her bare hand.
“?”
The Alliance Leader blinked dumbly.
‘What did I just see?’
His mind refused to process it.
But the officer didn’t wait.
“Watch these too.”
More clips played in succession.
The adorable twin-tailed girl took down menacing Extermination Squad members with single strikes.
Then, a swordsman in a red floral shirt appeared in the video.
“Wait, isn’t that…?”
“You know him?”
“Of course. That’s Blood Flower Sword Nam Dusik.”
A martial artist at the peak of first-rate, one of the talents he’d been keeping an eye on.
He led a strange group called the assassination squad, but his skill was the real deal. He wasn’t someone who could be defeated by parlor tricks like catching bullets barehanded.
The officer paused the video and asked,
“Who do you think will win?”
“Obviously…”
“Obviously?”
“Obviously Blood Flower Sword.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He’s a late-stage first-rate martial artist. No matter how impressive that kid is for her age, she’s just that—impressive for her age. Against the real deal…”
The Alliance Leader’s words didn’t last long.
The officer hit play again.
The girl dodged Blood Flower Sword’s attacks with squirrel-like agility, then struck his chest with a palm technique.
Blood Flower Sword flew back, and the match ended.
“…”
“What was that about ‘against the real deal’?”
The Alliance Leader’s jaw dropped.
Seeing his shocked expression, the officer grinned with satisfaction.
“What do you think? Isn’t this the emergence of a young hidden dragon?”
“W-Whose daughter is she?”
The Alliance Leader was so flustered he stammered.
“Don’t know. It’s not public information.”
“Is she streaming?”
“Yes.”
The Alliance Leader immediately accessed his PC and asked,
“What’s her nickname? Quick!”
“HeavenlyMaiden.”
Freeze.
The Alliance Leader’s hands, rapidly typing, stopped dead.
His eyes trembled.
“…What?”
“Her nickname is HeavenlyMaiden.”
“H-Heavenly Demon…?!”
