"The Matriarch's presence at the Banquet would be an honor for the True Martial Continent. You would be most welcome."
Even after what had happened in the Outer Lands, the Matriarch had taken the initiative to explain herself to Qin Hao. She had no wish for it to leave any bad blood between them.
"I was only joking."
The Insect Race Matriarch smiled and shook her head. "I won't attend the banquet. On behalf of the Insect Race, I congratulate the Sword Martial Sovereign on becoming a Nine-Tribulations Sovereign. I hope we can explore an Ancient Era Savage Land together someday."
"Certainly." Qin Hao nodded. He could tell the Insect Race Matriarch had no wish to enter the True Martial Continent.
The Insect Race Matriarch nodded, then exchanged a nod with Venerable Luoji. Her figure flickered, and she vanished.
"Qin Hao, you're quite the lucky man." Venerable Luoji winked at him. "The Insect Race Matriarch and the Ancestor may both be ancestors of the Insect Race, but they aren't Dao companions."
Qin Hao was speechless. He rubbed his nose and shook his head. "I have no interest in anyone else. Besides, I have Ziqing."
"Everyone, please." Qin Hao gestured for them to enter.
"Haha, forget I said anything, Qin Hao. Let's go." Venerable Luoji laughed.
"I happen to have a few questions about cultivation for the Sword Martial Sovereign. I hope you'll answer them later."
"The Sword Martial Sovereign became a Nine-Tribulations Sovereign at such a young age. His future potential knows no bounds. To be honest, I'm curious how he cultivated, too."
Venerable Qi Yan and the other Dao Alliance Dao Guardians smiled as they followed Qin Hao to the True Martial Continent.
At the Sword Martial Palace,
Mu Ziqing, Yun Chang, and the others had already prepared the