Chapter 395: Righteousness Reaches the Heavens

As the sound reverberated, a figure descended from the sky.

He appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, of medium build rather than burly. His features were not delicate; instead, he had thick eyebrows and large, expressive eyes. Notably, his arms were slightly longer than average, and his eyes shone brightly, as if containing stars. This gave his entire demeanor a bold and unrestrained air. Amidst his laughter, he strode powerfully from the sky, his gait reminiscent of a dragon's might and a tiger's grace.

Though he didn't deliberately unleash his cultivation, the immense pressure radiating from him felt capable of suppressing ages. What struck Xu Qing most was the intense burning sensation emanating from his own Golden Crow Totem. While the Golden Crow had felt warm when he faced Shanhezi and his companions, it was nowhere near as intense as it was now. The approaching youth also possessed an Imperial-level cultivation technique. Under its influence, the void behind him tore open, and a golden dragon roared forth, coiling between heaven and earth with astonishing power. Each dragon scale shimmered with brilliant light, and every whisker exuded divine essence. His piercing dragon eyes, in particular, conveyed an aura of dominion over all. Furthermore, the golden dragon held a sword in its mouth. That was... the Human Race Sword Wielder's Imperial Sword!

This individual was, astonishingly, someone who had successfully comprehended the Imperial Sword. If that were all, it would have been noteworthy enough. But what truly stirred Xu Qing's heart was his perception of the Life Lanterns within the other's body. Not one, but three! In Xu Qing's perception, the glow of these three Life Lanterns within the youth was suppressed by his physique, making them difficult for outsiders to detect. Only those who also possessed Life Lanterns could sense them.

Powerful, immensely powerful! This was Xu Qing's most immediate impression. Against individuals like Shanhezi and his companions, he had felt danger but knew a fight was possible. Yet, at this moment, the approaching youth felt to Xu Qing like an unyielding mountain. The youth's aura was incredibly profound and awe-inspiring, truly unparalleled.

Concurrently, with his arrival, the surrounding Sword Wielders respectfully clasped their fists, most of them with smiles on their faces.

"Brother Kong!"

"Greetings, Brother Kong!"

"Brother Kong, it's been a while. Your cultivation has advanced significantly!"

The youth laughed heartily. As he returned their greetings, the girl who had wiped blood from her mouth transformed into a delicate young lady. She rushed to his side, and, as if steeling herself, was about to speak. However, the youth simply raised a hand and playfully pinched her cheek.

"Little Yelien, it's been over a year. You've grown taller."

As he spoke, Shanhezi and Wang Chen also quickly approached, paying their respects to the youth.

"Don't be so gloomy all the time, Xiaohe. It doesn't suit you. Smile a little."

"And you, always sleeping in a coffin, come out and have a drink with me later." The youth's voice was cheerful and clear. As he reminisced with his old friends, the captain was simultaneously sending a private message to Xu Qing.

"See? He's the 'monster' I told you about: Kong Xianglong. Within contemporary Fenghai County, he's the foremost talent among the Human Race's Ten Thousand Sects of this generation. A twenty-four-year-old Ten-Palace Golden Core is unheard of in a millennium! The intelligence I acquired has extensive information on him. He possesses three Life Lanterns. He also possesses two Imperial-level cultivation techniques: the Imperial Sword and the Dragon Patrolling Heaven Scripture. Furthermore, the intelligence mentioned that he carries a fragment of a forbidden magical artifact that has been refined five times. And a year ago, with the combat prowess of nine Heavenly Palaces, he killed a Nascent Soul expert from the Saint Lan Race!"

The captain's voice was filled with emotion, and Xu Qing, upon hearing this, was likewise deeply moved.

"Furthermore, Kong Xianglong is known for his bold and upright character, and he cultivates a wide circle of friends. Most human cultivators who initially oppose him eventually become his allies. However, he is exceptionally brutal towards foreign races; it's said that dismembering his foes is a common occurrence! But these aren't the main points I wanted to convey to you," the captain continued via private message, glancing at Kong Xianglong, who was currently conversing with others. A hint of admiration appeared in the captain's eyes.

"Little Ah Qing, some people may appear virtuous but are actually hypocrites, while others are truly consistent in character. When I first saw his intelligence, I honestly didn't believe he was as genuinely upright and open as reported. So I used my own methods to investigate him, and I ultimately discovered that he is a rare example of true integrity! His three Life Lanterns were not bestowed by elders but earned through his own strength. Though he's a newly appointed Sword Wielder, it's said he grew up within the Sword Wielder Palace, starting as a mere servant. He later earned military merits through life-and-death struggles, surviving near-certain death multiple times, which then granted him permission to cultivate using these merits. From then on, he fought tirelessly, suppressed foreign races, always serving as the vanguard in every battle, and repeatedly faced death, rising through the ranks in this arduous manner. One of his three Life Lanterns, along with an Imperial-level cultivation technique, was acquired through his military merits. He even successfully comprehended the Imperial Sword twice! His second Life Lantern was bestowed upon him in front of countless people after his closest friend sacrificed himself, a plea for him to complete his friend's unfinished journey. And the third Life Lantern was something he seized from the Saint Lan Race! Even your senior brother finds such a person admirable." The captain's tone was rarely so sincere.

Hearing all this, Xu Qing felt a strong ripple in his heart and looked towards Kong Xianglong. Almost at the exact moment Xu Qing looked, Kong Xianglong finished exchanging pleasantries with his old friends. His gaze swept over the crowd, landed on Xu Qing, and he walked over with a hearty laugh.

"I presume, young brother, you are Xu Qing, the 'Ten-Thousand-Foot Radiance' from Yinghuang Prefecture!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Kong," Xu Qing said, clasping his fists and bowing.

"Xu Qing, I heard about your dispute with the Law Enforcement Palace. I've long found that woman from the Yao family distasteful; she only knows how to point fingers and wield regulations like a weapon, engaging in the kind of cowardly schemes only gutless scoundrels would. You handled it brilliantly! Later, let's go for a drink together; it's on me!" As Kong Xianglong laughed, another figure approached from a distance—it was Zhang Siyun.

His face was grim. Having overheard the conversation, he shot Kong Xianglong a chilling glare, a cold glint in his eyes. Just then, however, Yelien's gaze turned unfriendly, Shanhezi's eyes narrowed, and Wang Chen smiled, his eyes glinting with killing intent. All eyes were fixed on Zhang Siyun. Zhang Siyun froze, then immediately composed himself and silently retreated to the edge of the crowd.

Kong Xianglong turned his head for a glance, a flicker of displeasure in his eyes. He knew Zhang Siyun's mother was Yao Yunhui of the Four Law Palace. He understood that Zhang Siyun's mother was stepping in on behalf of her son, but he had no patience for such behavior. Having grown up within the Sword Wielder Palace, even as a servant, he was deeply imbued with the palace's mission to protect the Human Race. Therefore, while competition among Sword Wielders was acceptable, he abhorred such unprincipled internal strife. Zhang Siyun's actions consequently drew his strong disapproval. However, he genuinely admired Xu Qing. Yet, knowing they had no existing rapport, he understood that excessive words might lead to misunderstanding. So, after a brief smile at Xu Qing, he turned and departed. He didn't spare the captain a single glance throughout. As for the 'One-Foot Radiance,' he suspected, more often than not, that person wasn't a good sort.

As Kong Xianglong and his companions conversed, the captain was also trying to convince Xu Qing.

"Little Ah Qing," the captain said, "I'm retracting my previous words. While Kong Xianglong's character seems fine, I don't think you two should become too close." Xu Qing looked at the captain, surprised.

The captain cleared his throat. "Remember, I am your senior brother!" He had just sensed Kong Xianglong's warmth towards Xu Qing. That enthusiasm, combined with Kong Xianglong's personality, could easily lead others to view him as a senior brother figure, which made the captain somewhat wary.

Hearing this, Xu Qing smiled, then took an apple from his storage pouch and offered it to the captain. "Senior brother, have an apple."

The captain immediately brightened. He took the apple, bit into it, and finding it wonderfully sweet, waved his hand grandly. "Fine, the spirit stones you owe me... I'll give you a... uh, thirty percent discount!"

Xu Qing's smile quietly vanished. He raised his head and looked towards Kong Xianglong.

The captain sighed. "Seventy percent off!"

Xu Qing was about to speak, but in the next instant, his expression turned solemn. The captain also immediately straightened, as did all the surrounding Sword Wielders, who abruptly looked up at the Sword Wielder Palace ahead.

The massive structure housing the Sword Wielder Palace appeared to be a single grand edifice, but it actually encompassed a vast complex of palaces. Currently, these newly appointed Sword Wielders were merely at its periphery. Before them stood the Outer Hall of the Sword Wielder Palace. This hall boasted a gilded, gleaming roof, blue tiles, and red pillars, exuding a profound grandeur. Its upturned eaves suggested a dynamic, soaring form, making for an extraordinary sight. It also bore another name: the Hall of Oaths.

As silence fell over the area, footsteps echoed from within the palace ahead. Soon, five figures emerged, stepping into the sunlight and drawing everyone's attention. Of these five, one stood at the front, with four behind him. The one in front was a middle-aged man, tall and upright, clad in official robes, exuding an imposing aura even without anger. His form seemed to flicker with overlapping shadows, as if ten thousand paths converged within him, giving the impression that he could potentially embody countless more. The four behind him were all elders, each appearing to be comprised of countless overlapping ethereal figures. It seemed as though they could expand to envelop the sky, manifesting as innumerable divine beings. While they were still far from manifesting as countless entities, the sheer majesty they radiated as they stood there was nonetheless earth-shattering.

"I am Ling Chengzi, Deputy Palace Master of the Fenghai County Sword Wielder Palace," the front figure announced. "The four behind me are the Four Great Deacons of the Fenghai County Sword Wielder Palace. Today, the five of us will present the official rites, impart the regulations, assign positions and duties, and witness your oaths. Now, for the official rites." The Deputy Palace Master stated calmly. One of the Sword Wielder deacons stepped forward from behind him, his voice resonating throughout the area.

"The first rule of the Sword Wielder..."

This time, there were no elaborate rituals; everything was simple. As the deacon read, his voice resonated directly within the minds of every Sword Wielder. Xu Qing's expression was solemn, and the others, including Kong Xianglong and his companions, likewise appeared grave, listening with utmost concentration.

After a long while, the declaration of the official rites concluded.

"Sword Wielders are bound by three main regulations, seven principles, and sixty-nine articles; you must commit them to memory. As Sword Wielders, you hail from various states, each with your own rules of survival, distinct personalities, and ways of navigating the world. It is permissible for you to clash and view each other with arrogance during your initial period as new Sword Wielders, but this phase is temporary. Thereafter, you must engrave this statement in your minds: Sword Wielders are comrades-in-arms who can confidently entrust their backs to one another! This principle stands in stark contrast to the sects you previously belonged to. While sect interests are paramount in your former affiliations, in the Sword Wielder Palace, duty is paramount, the Human Race is paramount, and the bond of comradeship is equally paramount. This is the very first concept you must change after becoming a Sword Wielder!

"Following this, you will undergo seven days of secret training. During this period, you will master various secret techniques unique to Sword Wielders, receive teachings on Human Race history, and learn about the customs of various other races. After seven days, successful completion of the assessment will lead to your official appointment. However, one among you requires no assessment and can be assigned a position immediately. Xu Qing, step forward nine paces!"

Xu Qing took a deep breath. Under the gazes of the surrounding Sword Wielders, he maintained a composed expression and stepped forward.