"This Mystic Iron Sword was once worn by your Great Ancestor. It followed him across battlefields and slew countless Mutant Beasts and evil demons.
Take it with you. This sword can sense the true culprit who killed Xiaoyao back then!"
A Black-Iron Treasure Sword appeared in Xuan Chuqing's hand. She stared blankly at it, her eyes reddening. After a long while, she handed it to Hua Qiang.
The air in the council hall suddenly grew heavy.
Hua Qiang's fingertips brushed over the half-worn Mystic Iron Sword. The two characters "Xiaoyao" engraved upon its scabbard glimmered coldly beneath the candlelight.
It had been the weapon Great Ancestor Hua Xiaoyao used in life, yet now it had become the tool Hua Qiang needed to complete this trial.
Yan Ruyu and the other six women all asked to accompany him, but Hua Qiang refused them all.
"This journey to the Extraterritorial Evil Cave requires only me."
Hua Qiang raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the tense faces of Yan Ruyu, Yao Lenchen, and the others. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
Yan Ruyu gripped her jade flute until her knuckles turned white. She spoke urgently, "The Evil Cave is fraught with danger. One more person means one more helping hand. How can we let you risk your life alone?"
Liuyue's eyes flickered. She stepped forward and placed a protective jade pendant in his hand.
"Young Master, this is an evil-repelling jade pendant passed down through my Liu Clan. Wearing it will at least ward off some of the yin-evil energy."
Yet Hua Qiang gently pushed the pendant back, his tone as firm as iron. "This is a trial Great Ancestor's mother set for me. If I do not even have the courage to face it alone, how could I speak of