Swordforging City...
Xue Ne took a long, searching look, then withdrew his gaze and turned toward the pitch-black fissure of killing intent in the field. He sighed, his voice heavy. "Alas... the killing intent accumulated over centuries has been stirred after all. Even if we channel and suppress it, I fear this Changlong Workshop will be stripped of all vitality for the next ten years. Not a blade of grass will grow."
Lu Changfeng collected himself and offered reassurance. "General, thanks to the soldiers risking their lives, we stopped Xu Lu's mad attempt to detonate the earth veins completely and refine the killing intent into his evil swords. Though the killing intent has escaped, it is still within our control. We prevented a calamity that would have engulfed the entire city. That is a blessing amid misfortune."
"Exactly!"
At these words, Xue Ne's expression eased somewhat. He solemnly cupped his hands to Lu Changfeng and Wang Jingxian. "Had you not slain the fiend with your divine archery tonight, sir, and had Miss Wang not shattered all eight directions with her sword, fighting to the death beside me, the consequences would have been unimaginable. You both stepped forward for righteousness without hesitation. On behalf of Youzhou's soldiers and people, I offer my deepest thanks!"
His voice rang like a great bell, sincere and heartfelt.
Wang Jingxian gave a slight nod, claiming no credit. From inside her robes, she took out an official document sealed with sealing wax and bearing the seals of both the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War. She presented it to Xue Ne with both hands, her voice clear and resonant. "You are too kind, General. Defending our lands and keeping the people safe is a martial artist's duty. Your subordinate, Wang Jingxian, has come to