===============??===================
The aftermath of the intense celestial phenomena left a lingering sense of tension in the air, a reminder of the challenge awaiting Arthur.
As the last remnants of the aura of the Grand Heavenly Dao dissipated, Arthur let out a breath, a mixture of relief and contemplation in his eyes.
He had felt pressure that no one else could give him.
But for some reason he felt excited and even prideful about having such a powerful enemy.
'I mean, how many people can make the arrogant heavens regard them as a threat,' he thought.
Turning to his companions, he made a decision. "I think it's time we leave this place," he declared, his voice steady.
Cora's brows lifted in mild surprise. The events of the past moments had left her somewhat disoriented, and Arthur's words were a welcome anchor to reality.
She still had a lot of questions she wanted to ask but she decided to stay silent instead.
'If he wants to, he will tell me about it,' sh thought.
Her and Arthur's relationship had improved over these past time. And they could almost be considered friends but there still seems to be some sort of barrier between them.
Aixen nodded in agreement, his features composed. "As you wish, Master."
With Arthur's command, Aixen proceeded to deactivate the seal that had enclosed the chamber.
Instantly, the artifact spirit of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion manifested, its form shimmering into existence.
However, both Aixen and Cora had already retreated to the inner world of Arthur's artifacts, rendering them invisible and intangible to the outside world.
The artifact spirit surveyed the chamber, its gaze falling upon the rusty hilt of the Heavenly Dao Sword.
Shock and sternness mingled in its expression as it questioned, "What has transpired here?"
Arthur's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Don't get all serious now, the sword is still with me."
With a flourish of his hand, he summoned the ethereal form of the Heavenly Dao Sword Astral Soul, its resplendent gold and purple radiance filling the chamber.
The artifact spirit's reaction was immediate, a mix of astonishment and recognition evident on its spectral face.
It had lived through centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of countless cultivators, and it understood the significance of what it was witnessing.
"You awakened an Astral Soul with the sword?! How is that possible?"
"It's possible because I am the one."
The Artifact Spirit voice held a mixture of shock and submission as it spoke, "You have truly turned my world view upside down, Arthur."
He knew not to ask about other people's secrets, but he almost couldn't help himself.
As he had been guarding the Heavenly Sword Pavilion for so long there had not been anything much to do leaving him bored.
But he had found something interesting, ' But too bad he can't be my Master.'
The corners of Arthur's eyes crinkled in amusement. "It's quite a common reaction, I assure you."
The artifact spirit, while bound by its duty to guard the sword, seemed genuinely fascinated. "I must admit, this is an occurrence I never anticipated. You have achieved what countless cultivators in the past could only dream of."
Arthur's demeanor remained confident. "I simply tread my own path, artifact spirit."
And then, in a display of surprising action, the artifact spirit produced a small, purple-golden badge.
It tossed it to Arthur with a fluid motion, the badge landing gracefully in his open palm.
The emblem bore the markings of the Core Disciples of the Sword Sect of the Upper Realm, its hues of purple and gold signifying its esteemed status.
Arthur's eyes flickered with curiosity as he examined the badge.
"This," the artifact spirit began, its tone respectful, "is a reward for those who receive the recognition of the Heavenly Dao Sword."
Arthur's intrigue deepened as he regarded the emblem. "Recognition of the Heavenly Dao Sword?"
The artifact spirit nodded. "Indeed. It is a rare occurrence, a sign that your path has been acknowledged by the very essence of the Heavenly Dao Sword itself."
Cora's gaze sharpened from her hidden vantage point. She understood the significance of that badge.
'He has already gained the backing of an Immortal Sect of the upper realms.'
The artifact spirit continued, "The badge signifies your status as a Core Disciple of the Sword Sect. It grants you access to advanced manuals, resources, and privileges that support your cultivation up to the point of ascending to the immortal realms."
Arthur's eyes glinted with realization. "I see. And how do I activate this badge?"
The artifact spirit's words held a touch of reverence. "When you are ready to ascend merely channel your aura into it, and the badge will respond. An envoy of the Sword Sect will be dispatched to you regardless of your location. They are immortal-level cultivators, and they will serve you well."
Arthur nodded, acknowledging the gravity of this gesture. "Thank you."
The artifact spirit's spectral form nodded, its demeanor respectful. "It is what you deserve."
Arthur's eyes held a contemplative gleam as he asked, "What now?"
The artifact spirit's voice remained serene. "The trials of the others are still underway. They should conclude within an hour."
Nodding in understanding, Arthur decided to make the most of the hour he had. He found a comfortable spot in the chamber and assumed a cross-legged position, closing his eyes in meditation.
His journey so far had been a whirlwind of revelations, challenges, and gains. Now, he sought to consolidate those gains, to integrate the newly acquired Astral Sword Soul into his being.
As the minutes ticked away, Arthur's awareness delved inward.
He summoned the Astral Soul, its form shimmering above him in the shape of a magnificent sword. Its presence was like a beacon, a testament to his growth and resolve.
Meanwhile, an hour later, the trials of the remaining individuals had concluded.
The atmosphere within the chamber was thick with anticipation as each cultivator awaited their fate.
Balor, whose presence had undergone a change, stood tall amidst the gathering.
His encounter with the clone of the younger founder had been a clash worthy of remembrance.
His actions had not gone unnoticed, earning him a place of honor among the cultivators.
The artifact spirit appeared before Balor, its gaze serious yet approving. "Your trial was unconventional, but it yielded results. You have my acknowledgement."
A rare glint of emotion crossed Balor's eyes as he accepted the praise.
In that moment, a purple-golden badge materialized before him – the Founder's Badge. It was a symbol of recognition and authority, a testament to his strength and resilience.
Yet, the rewards did not end there. With the badge came a deeper legacy – the mastery of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion.
Its form was bound into a ring, and he now had access and control to the inner world of the heavenly sword pavilion. And so, Balor's status as the Prime Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect was solidified.
Kira, her composed demeanor momentarily faltering, as she found herself receiving a collection of scrolls.
Her delight was evident as she examined each one.
Some were rare inscription scrolls that her grandfather would have cherished. And among them was an unexpected treasure – a scroll she urgently needed, a piece of her puzzle falling into place.
'How could this be here?...wait a minute...' she suddenly recalled something.
'Mother foresaw this right? She could have just told me then. What if I decided not to come with Invincible,' she complained but was also glad.
'I guess I can count this as paying off some of your debt,' she glanced at Arthur and surprisingly smiled.
Arthur sensed something and turned but her smile had disappeared in an instant, returning to her usual calm look
But Arthur, his perceptive nature always alert, couldn't help but notice Kira's subtle change in demeanor.
'There are always intricate emotions that lay beneath the surface of each individual,' he thought.
'You can't hide it from me,' he looked at Kira and grinned.
"Hmph!"
'What's he smiling for? Does he know?...nah, that's impossible.'
With the trials concluded, a sense of freedom settled over the chamber.
The individuals were informed that they were free to remain within the inner world of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, cultivating to their heart's content until the realm's closure in a few weeks.
Everyone else choose to stay behind as a place tha had an abundance of sword gems was a rare fortuitous encounter.
Also, the Artifact Spirit had told Balor that no one else will know about his ownership of the heavenly sword pavilion except those he decides to trust with that information.
Balor had of course told Arthur about it the first chance he got and Arthur gave him a nod of acknowledgement.
As for the others, they only knew that Balor had received the Founder's Badge.
Meanwhile, Arthur, Luke, Sun Wukong, Kira, and Mark had decided to continue to explore the realm.
As the others eagerly immersed themselves in cultivation, this smaller group decided to explore the realm further, seeking hidden opportunities that might aid their journeys.
Balor had to stay back for obvious reasons and also to receive the inheritance of the founder which will be a big boost in his strength.
After all, the Prime Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect also has to be the strongest amongst the disciples asides from being talented.
This is a world that respects strength above all others.
===============??=================
------------End of Chapter------------
=================??================
A/N: Hello everyone, sorry for the lack of update the past two days...I fell ill to malaria...again.
Do I have a weak constitution?
I don't know, but I am better now so I can write again. See you in the next chapter...stay tuned!
and please don't slow down on your support (Power Stones, Golden Tickets, Gifts?...) thank you all and have a nice day.
PS: it 7:21 pm over here (WAT)
Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are published on freew(e)bnove(l).𝓬𝓸𝓶