Chapter 750: Too Many Complaints, Simply Untitled

Chapter 752: Untitled Due to Excessive Cursing

The dim underground cavern became dazzling the moment the Great Emperor opened his eyes, enveloped entirely by a colorful glow. Furthermore, the stars shifted, and all things changed. The cavern was concealed within this light, replaced by a vast, star-and-moon-filled celestial expanse.

It was as if Xu Qing was, at this moment, drawn beyond the Ancient Continent, appearing in the boundless starry sky. Looking around, starlight glittered, and distant galaxies seemed to flow. Simultaneously, countless stars emerged from within the galaxies, gathering together to form a tall figure.

A starlit figure, a resplendent imperial robe, a luminous imperial crown, and a majestic face that commanded respect without needing anger—it was precisely the Great Emperor. The depicted Great Emperor sat cross-legged in the starry sky, his might radiating across the universe, his essence spreading throughout the Ancient Continent. Before him, Xu Qing was like a speck of dust.

Xu Qing bowed his head respectfully.

"Tell me, what was the original intention behind the establishment of the Sword-Wielding Palace?" The Great Emperor's voice echoed through the starry sky, causing ripples in the void and making countless stars tremble.

Xu Qing looked up, gazing at the Great Emperor's figure. With reverence, he spoke clearly. "The lineage of the Sword-Wielders, to usher in the highest glory for humanity and establish eternal prosperity and peace—this was the original intention."

"What is the mission of a Sword-Wielder?" the Great Emperor asked again.

"A Sword-Wielder, with the sword as their command, protects all living beings, vows to cut down misfortune for the common people, and brings forth light for heaven and earth!"

As Xu Qing's words echoed, the stars forming the Great Emperor's figure shone with an even brighter light. This seemed to be an acknowledgment, confirming that what Xu Qing said was indeed what he truly believed.

"What if there is resistance from foreign races?" The Great Emperor's voice echoed, these words imbued with a chilling intent.

Xu Qing's expression became more serious. He calmly replied, "Slay!"

"What if there is resistance from humanity itself?"

Xu Qing did not hesitate and immediately spoke. "Slay. The Emperor embodies the multitude, yet stands apart. Representing our Sword-Wielding Department, all below the Emperor can be slain."

"What kind of Emperor is this 'Emperor' you speak of?"

The Great Emperor's stars shone, his voice imbued with a killing intent, causing an endless chill to rise in the starry sky. Xu Qing paused his words, lowering his head. This question required thought.

After a moment, Xu Qing looked up, a strange light in his eyes, and slowly spoke. "Is this Emperor the Ancient Emperor?"

The Great Emperor did not speak. Xu Qing remained silent. After a long time, the Great Emperor's voice, full of ancient wisdom, echoed through the starry sky. "For Sword-Wielders, this 'Emperor' refers to the Ancient Emperor, the Human Emperor. However, for the Sword Palace, 'Emperor' does not refer to a single person. The purpose of the Emperor is to ensure the continuation of the race. Therefore, the meaning of 'Emperor' is the continuation of the race. The phrase 'all below the Emperor can be slain,' for the Sword Palace, means that anyone who impedes the continuation of the race shall be slain... by the Sword-Wielders! Even if that person is an Emperor!"

Xu Qing's body trembled. This statement made his breathing quicken slightly, as it differed from his understanding of Sword-Wielders. He also understood the distinction the Great Emperor made between Sword-Wielders and the Sword Palace. The earliest Sword-Wielders, in fact, originated from the Great Emperor's own Sword Palace lineage.

"However, any power must have limits. Therefore, after my Sword Palace lineage became Sword-Wielders, I issued an imperial decree: after my death, in every era, there must be a successor of the Sword Palace whose duty is supervision. Only a Sword Palace successor possesses the authority I just spoke of to you! Furthermore, the Xia Immortal Palace, in addition to recording history, also has the responsibility of overseeing the Sword Palace successor. Only then can a cycle be formed! However, this decree has never been truly implemented because a trace of vitality remains in my clone. The changes in later generations prevent me from, and make me dare not, release my grip!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing's heart stirred. He understood that this Sword Palace successor was the final safeguard for the continuation of the human race.

In the starry sky, the Great Emperor gazed at Xu Qing, then closed his eyes without speaking further, as if his awakening this time was solely to inform Xu Qing about this safeguard. As he closed his eyes, the starry sky blurred, the stars dimmed, and everything gradually returned to the appearance of the underground cavern. The Great Emperor's figure also slowly dissipated, transforming back into the withered remains that still held a trace of vitality.

Xu Qing bowed his head respectfully and slowly retreated. But just as he was about to leave this world, while still in the state between the cavern and the starry sky, the Great Emperor, eyes closed, suddenly spoke: "Do you still remember the words I gave you during your Heart-Questioning?"

Xu Qing's steps faltered, and he nodded. "No matter when, this heart shall not change!"

The Great Emperor said no more, and everything fully returned to normal. Xu Qing's figure dissipated along with his surroundings! The Great Emperor fell back into slumber! The rainbow in the sky disappeared!

Xu Qing's figure reappeared outside the Sword-Wielding Palace. Everything felt like a dream, unique to him. His return attracted countless gazes and divine senses. Most of the powers in the Imperial Capital were focused on Xu Qing. They didn't know what the Great Emperor had said to him; they only saw Xu Qing disappear from the Sword-Wielding Palace and reappear about an incense stick's time later. The surrounding Sword-Wielders all looked towards Xu Qing, including the current Palace Master of the Sword-Wielding Palace. However, he did not inquire, merely gazed at Xu Qing for a moment before turning and walking back into the palace.

As he left, all the Sword-Wielders present followed him back into the Sword-Wielding Palace, but each of them had imprinted Xu Qing's figure deeply in their hearts that day. With their departure, the area outside the Sword-Wielding Palace became empty. Only Xu Qing stood there with his eyes closed, the scene of his earlier meeting with the Great Emperor replaying in his mind. Gradually, a hint of sorrow rose in his heart.

"Is the Great Emperor going to fall...?" Xu Qing murmured inwardly. He felt a sense of entrusting the orphaned, and here, the "orphaned" was the human race!

After a long time, Xu Qing opened his eyes. He cupped his fist towards the Sword-Wielding Palace in a respectful bow, then left with a complex expression.

The night sky! The moon shone brightly amidst sparse stars, and a gentle breeze caressed Xu Qing as he walked the streets, his clothes fluttering and his long hair scattering. The wind here was different from that of Feng Hai County; it wasn't as humid, a bit dry! It brought a sense of unfamiliarity as it blew across his body!

Xu Qing walked silently, the events that had occurred since his arrival in the Imperial Capital flashing through his mind, one after another. He needed some time to let them settle. After some time, Xu Qing saw the lake outside Ning Yan's residence. Under the moonlight, the lake resembled a mirror, reflecting the sky. If one gazed long enough, a strange illusion would arise, as if the moon in the lake was more real than the moon in the sky!

Time flowed, and a night passed! Back at his residence, Xu Qing meditated all night, the day's events resurfacing in his mind. Finally, at dawn, he looked up in the direction of the Sword-Wielding Palace and let out a soft sigh.

With the arrival of day, the jade slip sent to the Tenth Prince's residence also received a reply! The Tenth Prince refused, stating that it was nonsense. This was quite unreasonable! Given Xu Qing's actions since arriving in the Imperial Capital, anyone with a rational mind would not choose to be the first to test Xu Qing's bottom line for others at this time! Especially after the Great Emperor's recent awakening and summoning, logically, the Tenth Prince should have chosen to return it, which would be in line with human nature, unless he was a fool!

Xu Qing shook his head. He didn't believe the Tenth Prince was foolish. Therefore, it was clear that acting this way better served the Tenth Prince's own interests!

"The Imperial Capital is indeed intricate, and everyone here wears more than one mask!" A cold light appeared in Xu Qing's eyes. He stood up and, with Ning Yan and Kong Xianglong, left the residence. As for the Captain and Zi Xuan, they had already gone out early in the morning and were nowhere to be seen!

On the way to the Tenth Prince's residence, Ning Yan looked at Xu Qing with admiration and awe. He naturally knew about the Great Emperor's awakening the previous day! Then, thinking of the Tenth Prince's actions, he moved closer to Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice. "Boss, the Tenth Prince is heartless. He has ordinary talent, wasn't liked by his mother's clan when he was little, and his imperial father didn't favor him. My mother saw how lonely and pitiful he was and took care of him in the palace for several years, but he immediately forgot her kindness after she passed away!"

"We'll see when we get there!" Xu Qing replied calmly, and Ning Yan stopped speaking.

The group gradually arrived in the city's east. Soon, a luxurious mansion entered their view! The mansion was dazzling and magnificent, as if afraid others wouldn't know its prestige; even the guardian beasts outside were crafted from spirit stones. Inside, voices buzzed as if a banquet was underway! Laughter and music echoed from within. Outside the main gate stood two guards. Upon Xu Qing's arrival, these two guards seemed a bit nervous, their cultivation surging as if facing a formidable enemy.

Xu Qing chose not to force his way in. He waited outside the gate, allowing the guards to announce him. However, after waiting for a long time with no response, he thought for a moment and walked forward! The two guards were just about to stop him, but Xu Qing had already walked past them, reaching the red main gate. He raised his right hand and pressed it against the door! With that press, the main gate boomed. Cracks rapidly spread from where Xu Qing touched, instantly covering the entire surface before it completely shattered and collapsed into four pieces!

Xu Qing's eyes narrowed. The shattered door panels now scattered into the mansion, falling to the ground, and a piercing sound echoed from within. Soon, hundreds of cultivators rushed towards him as Xu Qing walked in. "Halt!" "This is the Tenth Prince's residence! How dare you be so disrespectful?" Although these hundreds of cultivators roared in anger, their speed was inexplicably slow. Their shouts grew louder, but not a single one actually approached. Instead, they allowed Xu Qing's group to walk straight through the courtyard and appear at the ongoing banquet!

At the banquet, dozens of dissolute scions were seated, surrounded by serving girls in a scene of debauchery. In the center sat a young man in a prince's robe, his expression arrogant. He squinted at Xu Qing and Ning Yan as they approached and sneered, "Get out!" The surrounding crowd looked over.

Xu Qing acted and retrieved the memento!

Xu Qing walked out of the main gate, casting a deep, meaningful glance back.

Inside the Prince's residence, the Tenth Prince groggily opened his eyes, taking in everything and learning what had transpired from the surrounding people. He was furious. Seeing this, everyone quickly excused themselves and departed. The Tenth Prince, enraged, punished all the guards, his furious roars echoing. With venom in his eyes, he stormed into his bedchamber!

The moment the bedchamber door closed, no one saw the venom in the Tenth Prince's eyes vanish for an instant, replaced by a sigh of emotion on his lips. "Aunt Qing, Xin Hai's abilities are limited. All I could do for you was to protect your memento on behalf of the Twelfth Prince... Now, it has finally returned to its rightful owner!" The Tenth Prince murmured inwardly, recalling the deceased elder with a touch of bitterness. In that cold palace of indifferent family affection, he could never forget who had given him motherly warmth. "It's a pity I could only use this method. I can't let anyone see my sentimentality, but I will definitely find out the cause of your death, Aunt Qing!"