Attitude Shift

After assessing merits and strength, Kennen naturally didn't need to change. The three new guardians were Tianshu, Haishi, and a woman named Li.

Kennen also recognized the strength of these individuals. Li, in particular, was Alanta's disciple. She had grown up with Alanta and inherited her legacy, already viewing her as a mother in her heart.

Upon hearing Shen announce Alanta's death, Li, as a top ninja, had suppressed many emotions due to her rigorous training. However, her body couldn't help but tremble. Each blink took a long time to open, clearly indicating the immense blow she had suffered.

"Balance exists between all things! In the name of balance, I swear to dedicate my life to protecting it and eliminating all enemies who defy its principles." She then added, "First, Zed!"

As the group finished their oaths and were about to step down, Shen suddenly called out to Li, "Wait a moment. Tianshu and Haishi have already received my purification. You haven't yet. I will now cleanse your impurities."

With that, Shen drew a sword from an Illusion Stone and suddenly plunged it into Li's chest!

Li was clearly caught off guard, her eyes wide open, completely unable to believe what was happening before her.

Kennen shouted angrily, "What are you doing! Why are you harming your own people, and one of the newly chosen guardians at that!"

"Senior brother, please don't worry. This is not a weapon, but a Soul Blade extracted from an Illusion Stone. It's a profound technique I comprehended during my recent training. Inserting it into a disciple's body can cleanse their soul and remove all evil thoughts, allowing them to understand the true teachings of the Kinkou Order."

Kennen was skeptical but approached Li, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I did feel pain just now, but as the sword left my body, the pain quickly subsided. I don't feel anything unusual now; quite the opposite, I feel refreshed. It's likely, as the Abbot said, that my soul has been purified."

Hearing her words, Kennen calmed down and returned to his seat, awaiting Akali's initiation ceremony.

Many Kinkou Order members joined at a young age. Akali wasn't the youngest, but she was the most watched, as she inherited Alanta's bloodline.

I didn't expect Akali, at such a young age, to undergo the Soul Blade purification. The process was agonizing for her; the little one was on the verge of tears.

Kennen's relaxed heart tensed once more. His eyes, sharp as lightning, scrutinized the ceremony. My heart was also conflicted; I desperately wanted to rush over and pull her back, even if it meant enduring the pain myself.

Li's worry was no less than ours. Akali was like a younger sister to her. Although they hadn't met, the love passed down from Alanta bound them tightly together.

She kept encouraging Akali, "Hold on a little longer, it'll be over soon. Once you officially join the Order, I'll teach you Master's skills!"

Not long after, the ceremony finally concluded. Li quickly rushed over to help Akali up, but the little one was unfamiliar with her and struggled, running to my side.

I thought the day's ceremonies were over, but Shen's next words shattered the moment, "Senior brother, please come up and receive my purification."

"You want me to receive your purification? To cleanse my evil soul?"

Kennen was surprised that he, as a founder of the Kinkou Order, was to receive Shen's purification, especially in this manner, which he had never heard of before. After all, they were nominally brothers, but in reality, master and disciple.

"I have never doubted your loyalty to the Order, nor have I doubted that your soul is tainted. However, at this moment, we need to be more united to confront external challenges. As you said, I am now the Abbot."

"You've changed, Shen. You've become a stranger to me."

"Please mind your tone. You are speaking to our Abbot. Everyone should obey his commands for the Kinkou Order to become stronger!" The surrounding crowd erupted, seemingly displeased with Kennen's reaction.

Kennen stared at them with a stern expression, wondering why these people, whom he had once commanded immense respect from, had become so fanatical. He unleashed his power, startling those nearby into stepping back repeatedly.

"You are the Abbot, and I should obey your commands. But don't forget you are my disciple. Even your father dared not treat me like this! If you want to cleanse my soul, then prove it with strength!"

Kennen chose to confront almost everyone head-on. I was also surprised. Not long ago, Shen was a humble person; how could his attitude change so drastically?

"Zhao Xin, Poppy, protect Xiao Li. Today, I will bring the Kinkou Order back to the right path!"

With that, Kennen moved. His speed was beyond my imagination. One moment he was in place, the next only afterimages remained.

The powerful Heavenly Thunder surged like a destructive force, felling people wherever it struck!

Of course, Kennen didn't kill them, only using enough power to stun.

I had been on guard for nothing, as no one paid us any attention. By the time Kennen stopped, only a dozen or so people remained standing, including Shen.

"Senior brother is truly too powerful, no less than in his prime. Sometimes I truly envy the Yordle's vitality and combat prowess. Even with so many of us, it's still meaningless to you."

"It's not too late to turn back. As long as you are willing to lead the Kinkou Order back to the righteous path, it's never too late. Also... tell me your troubles, perhaps I can help you."

"No need, it's already too late."

"Why do you say that?"

"Father never guided me. I trained with you from childhood, and my feelings for you run deeper than for my father. That's why I didn't make a move just now."

"I saw that, which is why I gave you a chance to speak your troubles."

"You and Father are both hypocritical. You claim to love everyone equally, but in reality, you favor Zed more. My strength is no weaker than his, and I train even harder, so why is that?"

"Your father did indeed favor Zed more because he wanted to groom Zed as his successor. As for me, my feelings for both of you are the same; I've never shown favoritism. In terms of training, I undoubtedly lean more towards you."

"So you weren't angry when you learned Zed had betrayed us? You weren't eager for revenge when you learned he killed Senior Sister Alanta? Instead, you suspected there was more to it? So you didn't tell me anything and wanted to find the mastermind?"

"So you've been monitoring me all along. It seems your obsession runs deep, just like when you were a child."

Kennen shook his head and instantly unleashed astonishing power, rushing to Shen's side, gripping his throat tightly, and then ordered the others to leave the temple.