Chapter 254 - A Second Exiled Sword Immortal?
The Sword Warden turned to Yun Xiao. His eyes, serious as a judge, cut through the silence like a knife. "I wish for Yun Xiao to become an Exiled Sword Immortal," he declared with unwavering certainty.
At these words, the altar fell into an abyss of silence.
Even the golden mermaid paused, casting a puzzled glance at the Sword Warden.
Initially, Overseer Sikong proposed making Yun Xiao an ordinary disciple. Then, Feng Buhui suggested making him a Supreme Disciple, and the Withered Bone Keeper recommended making him a Star Emperor Child, having the Sword Warden take him on as a direct disciple... But now, the Sword Warden wanted to make him an Exiled Sword Immortal?
"Sword Warden, that's a bit much, isn't it?" Overseer Sikong frowned, "Being an Exiled Sword Immortal is no small matter. The entire Eternal Sword Prison has doubts about the Eternal Sword malfunctioning. Elevating the boy so high would put immense pressure on him, benefiting no one. It might even stir discontent among others."
"I believe," the Sword Warden's voice boomed over Overseer Sikong, "that the first nine hums of the Eternal Sword were without error."
"This..." Overseer Sikong's face twisted into an awkward expression. He glanced at the Withered Bone Keeper, then clamped his mouth shut, choosing silence.
The Withered Bone Keeper, with his clouded eyes, gazed at the Sword Warden and slowly said, "The title of Exiled Sword Immortal is decreed by the heavens, beyond anyone's control."
"The heavens have already spoken," the Sword Warden replied, his face a calm sea. "It's up to the master to interpret this heavenly decree."
"As the lord of the Sword Ruins, you should interpret it," the Withered Bone Keeper stated.
"My interpretation is clear. An Exiled Sword Immortal is an Exiled Sword Immortal. My Sword Ruins should fully support unlocking his talent, propelling him to the heavens. Whether he succeeds or fails is his own affair. If he succeeds, it's the glory of the Sword Ruins. If not, it's his personal disgrace. Let the world chatter; we should stand firm for the Exiled Sword Immortal first." After speaking, the Sword Warden smiled at the white-robed youth. "Yun Xiao, do you accept my words?"
"I do," Yun Xiao nodded without hesitation. Was it confidence, or ignorance of the stakes? At the very least, he understood that the Sword Warden was a man of integrity, vastness, and transparency. His words were crystal clear.
"If that's the case, then our Sword Ruins will henceforth have two Exiled Sword Immortals," the Withered Bone Keeper announced in his withered voice.
With both of them speaking up, the matter was settled. Yun Xiao now had the highest status in the Sword Ruins! The Overseers of the Sword Ruins, like Feng Buhui, Yun Xinghe, Shuang Jiang, Overseer Sikong, and others, remained silent, their eyes flickering with unknown thoughts.
"Congratulations," the golden mermaid said to Yun Xiao with a light laugh.
Yun Xiao was still somewhat dazed. He thought that after triggering the 100,000 resonances, all the fortunes of the Sword Ruins would fly away. Yet, he ended up with the highest status in the Eternal Sword Prison? This was even more prestigious than being a princess of the Endless Netherworld.
"Hey," the golden mermaid approached him, whispering, "Ling Chen gave up his power willingly, content with the Sword Ruins fully supporting his cultivation. What about you?"
Being an Exiled Sword Immortal was legendary. So, the ancestors of the Sword Ruins had decided to grant the title the same status as a Sword Warden. But this was a bit presumptuous! After all, the Sword Baptism Ceremony was attended by youngsters, inexperienced in wielding power. A misstep could spell disaster.
So, when Ling Chen became an Exiled Sword Immortal, he wisely chose to step back from power, avoiding major decisions, earning widespread praise. The golden mermaid was reminding Yun Xiao that he could win favor by temporarily relinquishing power, like Ling Chen. It was well-intentioned advice!
Compared to Ling Chen, Yun Xiao's status as an Exiled Sword Immortal still had some issues and dissent... She was considering Yun Xiao's position.
Unexpectedly, Yun Xiao asked, "What's the difference between an Exiled Sword Immortal without power and a Heavenly Sun Child?"
The woman was taken aback. Indeed, there was no difference!
After asking this, Yun Xiao smiled slightly and said no more.
Meanwhile, at the Withered Bone Keeper's side, the faces of several Overseers slowly darkened.
One Exiled Sword Immortal was a cause for celebration.
Two Exiled Sword Immortals, and things started to feel a bit odd.
Compared to the first, this second Exiled Sword Immortal didn't seem to hide his desire for power.
Unaware of the subtleties, the latter indeed seemed a bit less astute.
"Alright then." The Sword Warden seemed unfazed by Yun Xiao's non-surrender of power. He said to the Withered Bone Keeper, "Master, remember to open the doors of the Ancestral Sword Tomb for Yun Xiao."
The Withered Bone Keeper let out a weary sigh and nodded. He looked like he was on death's door, utterly exhausted, barely able to stand even with his cane.
"Dalong," the Sword Warden addressed the golden mermaid, "from now on, you will assist Yun Xiao in his cultivation."
"Yes, Father," the lady in the golden dress smiled and nodded, then said to Yun Xiao, "Exile Yun, my name is Mu Dalong. You may command me in all matters henceforth."
"Mu Dalong?"
That name carried a certain air of dominance. So, she was the daughter of the Sword Warden. Young as she was, serving as an Overseer of the Sword Ruins was no small feat. With this, the matter was conclusively settled!
The Sword Warden announced to all, "The arrival of two Exiled Sword Immortals heralds an era of unparalleled peers in the Eternal Sword Prison!"
At these words, millions were astounded. No one had anticipated that Yun Xiao, despite his unique circumstances, would become an Exiled Sword Immortal!
This status was no laughing matter.
Even a Heavenly Sun Child, despite being young, didn't need to bow to the likes of Supreme Adjudicators or Overseers of the Sword Ruins.
But an Exiled Sword Immortal? They reigned supreme over the entire Eternal Sword Prison. Even above the punishments of the Sword Ruins! Apart from the Sword Warden, who wouldn't have to bow their heads first upon meeting them?
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"With two Exiled Sword Immortals born, if even one fails to become a powerhouse, or if both fail, won't the Eternal Sword Prison be utterly disgraced?"
"Could this make us the target of the entire Nine Hells?"
One Exiled Sword Immortal, and the world would rejoice.
Two Exiled Sword Immortals, and panic would ensue.
After all, an Exiled Sword Immortal wasn't yet a proven warrior; their talent was still unrealized potential, fraught with uncertainties.
"Let's see how they perform on the Immortal Sword Rankings..."
Yun Xiao's status as an Exiled Sword Immortal even made Ling Chen's position seem dubious.
Regardless, from that day on, every Sword Cultivator in the Eternal Sword Prison was abuzz with this news, causing an uproar. Gone was the celebratory mood, replaced instead with utter bewilderment.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om