The phantom was stunned, unable to make sense of the woman's words.
The times had changed—what did that mean?
Could it be that in today's Soul Control Clan, deserters like her no longer had to be punished?
The woman said wistfully, "The Soul Control Clan is no longer as it was when you left. Many of the clan rules and restrictions have already been abolished."
The phantom's expression shifted slightly. "Then why are you here now...?"
The woman answered bluntly, "I was ordered to reclaim clan members scattered outside, like you, so that you may continue serving the clan."
The phantom froze for a moment. Thinking of Qiao Xue'er's earlier appearance, she came to understand. "Esteemed One means for me to become your 'Soul Spirit'?"
"Not mine." The woman shook her head. "You are far stronger than I expected. This time, I was only ordered to bring you back. Whose Soul Spirit you will ultimately become will have to be decided by the Clan Witch Elders and the others."
A troubled look appeared on the phantom's face. "Esteemed One, I... I no longer possess the qualifications to become a Soul Spirit."
The woman was startled. "What do you mean?"
The phantom spoke frankly. "Brother Long Ping created the path of Soul Fusion into Sword. I have now become one with that longsword. The sword body is my body; we can no longer be separated."
The woman frowned and sensed her for a moment, then fell briefly silent.
"This Soul Fusion into Sword, this path of coexisting with a sword—how much do you know about it exactly?"
Hearing the woman's question, the phantom hurriedly answered truthfully, "I am only familiar with the fusion of fate souls here. As for how one perfectly melds with a longsword and becomes one with it,