Chapter 1037: Chapter 1036: Returning to Sword King Valley_Part 1
"Thank you, noble heroes, for extending your hands in help. Please accept an old man’s bow."
For the first time in many days, they had successfully repelled a master of the Devil Path. The whole of Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain was filled with a gratifying sense of pride and relief. The Grand Elder, stepping forward first, bowed deeply to everyone.
"Please, Grand Elder, you must not do this, rise quickly!"
"The Grand Elder is too polite."
"This is what we should do."
Heaven Realm Martial Emperors were one thing, but the arriving Earthly Realm Martial Emperors, Human Realm Martial Emperors, and even the numerous Divine Barrier Realm Martial Kings hardly dared to accept such a grand gesture from the Grand Elder.
After all, some were there to repay debts of gratitude, others were visiting Elders of Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain, who usually enjoyed many benefits; they couldn’t possibly stand by and do nothing, both emotionally and rationally.
Of course, many didn’t make it. Seeking fortune and avoiding disaster is human nature. But after this incident, Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain would undoubtedly sever ties with them.
"Speaking of which, we owe today’s turning defeat into victory to the Kirin Sword Emperor."
The speaker, with silver-white lips and dressed in silver clothes, with three long swords hanging at his waist, was none other than the Heavenly Silkworm Sword Emperor—one of the eight star-ranked swordsmen.
The Heavenly Silkworm Sword Emperor still remembered, more than ten years ago, when he sat in the VIP seating watching the sword evaluation conference, being amazed by Shi Xiaole’s performance. He had even discussed the other party through the distance with the Dustless Sword Emperor.
Back then, he could hardly have imagined that in just over a decade, Shi Xiaole would have come this far. Even if he was not yet his equal, considering the speed of the other’s progress, how long would it take for him to catch up?
If one had to rank all the characters of Martial World over the past thousands of years by potential, the Kirin would undoubtedly be the first!
The others were also filled with emotions. People like "Cloud Piercing Swordsman" Xiao Lingyun, "Seven Stars Sword King" Zhuge Xuan, and others who had had interactions with Shi Xiaole during the sword evaluation conference, had complex looks on their faces.
They had never known that someone could be so stunningly gifted.
Genius was divided into several categories, but the name Shi Xiaole, alone occupied a category of its own—a universally recognized truth in Martial World, without any doubt.
"Heavenly Silkworm Sword Emperor flatters me too much. Without you all, what would I count for, except for running for my life?"
During his time at Nine Heavens Mountain, Shi Xiaole had specifically looked at some portraits of masters to avoid any unnecessary awkwardness when wandering Martial World, and thus he recognized the Heavenly Silkworm Sword Emperor immediately.
Finding his words amusing, everyone laughed.
Only people like the Xueluo Emperor had dark looks on their faces. Influenced by being near them, the Righteous Path experts who wanted to laugh did not dare, and could only look at one another unsurely.
"Of course, the Kirin Sword Emperor is extremely important, but each of you present is indispensable. I and Sword Evaluation Mountain will remember today’s kindness."
The Grand Elder laughed heartily as his gaze swept over Shi Xiaole.
In such a situation, he, of course, could not afford to offend anyone, especially the Heavenly Silkworm Sword Emperor and others. They were the key factors in overcoming the difficulty this time.
Concerned that the masters of the Devil Path might return, the group did not leave but instead returned to Sword Evaluation Mountain. In fact, with today’s developments, the crisis of Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain was essentially overcome.
Below the vast mountain peak, within a sprawling estate.
"This young man did not expose our plot, nor did he settle accounts on the spot, which is not in character for him."
The Divine Might Great Emperor narrowed his eyes.
With his status and strength, he naturally was allocated the highest quality courtyard for rest, but at that moment, he displayed not a trace of joy, only a heart full of suspicion and vigilance.
The Xueluo Emperor opposite him snorted and said, "He doesn’t have the capability to settle scores, and with so many people around, he wouldn’t dare to make a move."
Gritting his teeth, the Divine Might Great Emperor made a beheading motion, "Strike first to gain the upper hand. Shouldn’t we take the opportunity to get rid of that kid? To be honest, I’m a bit scared. We absolutely cannot let that kid live on; otherwise, we are doomed sooner or later!"
His words also threw the other two into a state of anxious alarm.
Little did they expect that Shi Xiaole would be so valiant in the Void Origin Realm, just like breaking through the Spiritual-Passage Realm. Among the three of them, even the strongest, Xueluo Emperor, was just a second-rate Heavenly Realm Martial Emperor. Who knows when Shi Xiaole would catch up.
"It’s definitely not possible to make a move here, as the Heavenly Silkworm Sword Emperor rather admires him, and the people of Sword Evaluation Mountain wouldn’t allow it either. Only in the outside world do we have a chance."
The Xueluo Emperor pondered for a moment, then said through gritted teeth, "I know a high-level expert who’s in seclusion nearby, even stronger than I am. We can contact him and make our move together!"
Just the three of them, in theory, could definitely kill Shi Xiaole, but the Xueluo Emperor was truly frightened. He couldn’t afford to give Shi Xiaole any chance to escape.
Notifying the sect’s expert was indeed the best choice, but they had already set off to attack the Devil Path. The time it would take to travel back and forth was unknown, and the Xueluo Emperor couldn’t wait.
"Is that person reliable?"
The Hanguang Emperor hesitated. With the reputation that Kirin currently had, if the matter were to leak, mere slander could drown them. Not to mention, the party in question seems to have a noticeable relationship with Shenzong and another woman in white (Mu Qianji) with extraordinary martial skills.
"There’s no need to worry about that, as long as we promise substantial benefits and have him swear to secrecy. My friends, this matter cannot be delayed. If you agree, I will take action immediately."
After exchanging a look, the Hanguang Emperor and the Divine Might Great Emperor hesitated only briefly before saying, "Let’s do as you say."
To enlist the help of that seclusive expert, the price they had to pay would surely be significant, but compared to dealing with Shi Xiaole, it seemed trivial. External possessions could always be regained, but the thorn in their side needed to be removed as quickly as possible.
The Devil Path’s experts made no further visits. According to spies, they left the same day, probably concerned about their sects being attacked. Besides, even if they had stayed, they were doomed to fail in destroying Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain.
The Grand Elder held a feast to entertain everyone and openly declared that he would take care of the sects and families of the fallen experts. Those who had not fallen were rewarded with cultivation resources according to their contributions, resulting in a harmonious gathering of hosts and guests.
The reward Shi Xiaole received was the privilege of entering the Sword King Valley to comprehend its secrets for a year.
Honestly, he was a bit surprised at the generosity of Sword Evaluation Elegant Mountain.
One must understand that the Sword Qi of the Sword King Valley wasn’t permanent; each time someone absorbed and comprehended a bit of it, it diminished slightly. The Grand Elder and the others were aware of his comprehension abilities, weren’t they afraid that he’d drain most of the essence of the Sword King Valley in a year’s time?
Upon reflection, Shi Xiaole could understand why they wanted to curry favor with him. If he were in their shoes, using shameless talk, he too would spare no effort to win over someone like himself.
Within the Sword King Valley, Sword Qi surged in all directions.
This time, Shi Xiaole didn’t need a Sword Protection Talisman; he walked in openly and upright. With his current cultivation and realm, the Sword Qi of the Sword King Valley could no longer harm him.
Deep within the Sword King Valley, there were ten supreme Sword Qi.
Seven of them were top-grade Sword Dao Qi, while the other three were Supreme Sword Dao Qi.
Sitting cross-legged, Shi Xiaole planned to start with the top-grade Sword Dao first. Given the ample time at his disposal, there was no need to rush.
As for the Xueluo Emperor and his cohort, he wasn’t afraid of them getting away. Once he was strong enough, he could find them even at the Ends of the Earth. Strength was insufficient now, and there was no point in putting up a futile fight.
