Ji Qingxuan and the others, newly awakened from their sword contemplation, gathered around Li Tiemu. Some still had thoughtful, lingering looks in their eyes.
As the Eldest Senior Brother, Ji Qingxuan had already reined in the brilliance in his eyes. He asked:
"The Southern Region Assembly Battle is still a long way off. Are we deciding the slots so soon?"
"This climb up Emperor Sword Mountain was a selection trial. Our Sword Abyss has ten slots. Eight disciples who meet the soul lifespan requirement were selected this time. The remaining two were chosen outside while you were contemplating the Emperor Sword."
Li Tiemu spoke.
At this, Murong Qingwu and Yue Xi both looked at Li Tiemu curiously.
Even Murong Qingwu, who had joined the sect several hundred years ago, would be participating in the Southern Region Assembly Battle for the first time. There was much she did not know.
"Can't Eldest Senior Brother participate?"
Yue Xi turned to Ji Qingxuan, then looked at Senior Sister Wei Hongye, who had often looked after her.
Wei Hongye smiled at her and shook her head without speaking.
Li Tiemu sighed inwardly. He, too, wished his prodigiously gifted eldest disciple could participate, but Ji Qingxuan's soul lifespan had long exceeded three thousand years. He had been born at the wrong time.
"Qing Xuan and the others have more important things to do. This time, we'll be relying on you."
Li Tiemu's gaze grew more solemn as it swept over Murong Qingwu, Yue Xi, and Gu Yan.
"Of the Sword Abyss's ten slots, four went to my disciples. You bear a heavy burden. Our Great Dream Nine Abyss is a Heaven Four Sect. Whether we can rise to become a Heaven One Sect this time depends on your performance!"
He knew these words would put