The battle at the Holy Spirit Cult stronghold swept through the entire Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy like a storm, even alarming the Empire's upper ranks.
Ji Juechen's sword that severed the rules, Ye Guyi's holy light that purified evil, Xiao Hongchen's torrent of metal, Huo Yuhao's domain that froze heaven and earth, Jing Ziyan's uncanny control, Nana's silent assassinations, Meng Hongchen's deadly ice poison... The sharp blade formed by the seven had destroyed a key Holy Spirit Cult stronghold near Mingdu with unmatched force. Their terrifying strength and flawless coordination left everyone who knew of it utterly shaken.
The name "Sword Pavilion" spread far and wide.
Mingde Hall, the deepest strategic conference room.
Jing Hongchen looked at the seven standing side by side before him, his face filled with undisguised praise and gravity. On the massive Soul Tool screen, key moments from the stronghold battle were being replayed, especially Ji Juechen's Annihilation Formation core and the scene of the seven joining forces against two Soul Sages.
"You did very well." Jing Hongchen's voice echoed through the empty conference room. "So well that you exceeded even my highest expectations. The Holy Spirit Cult suffered heavy losses this time and should rein in its claws for a while. But that also means that you—especially this group of yours—have fully entered their sights. The dangers ahead will only grow."
His gaze passed over each of them. "Now, tell me. Do you intend to remain a temporary combination, or... make this into a true whole?"
The conference room fell silent for a moment.
Jing Ziyan was the first to speak. She blew out a ring of smoke, her laziness tinged with determination. "Hallmaster, we've already cut down Soul Sages together and torn apart an evil cult's nest. What's temporary about us now?