Pei Ye now understood why Zhang Chao's letter earlier had been described as "restrained in tone." This was truly unequivocal support. Presumably, even Recommendation Letters issued by Sword Gates of the same standing differed greatly depending on their attitude.
But Pei Ye thought that the White Deer Palace's ordinarily worded letter had probably contributed a great deal too-he heard Duan Yu unfold another and read, "Ning Shuhong of Emei possesses exceptional aptitude for the sword and a clear, open disposition, and is truly a fine talent. We are willing to open the swords of the White Deer Palace for him to study, and ask our fellow members of the Dao Initiation Assembly to give him their attention."
Although Ning Shuhong sat upright, he could no longer conceal his excitement-this was almost the highest treatment a Sword Talent could receive. For someone from Emei, the swords on the seventh floor ranked alongside his own sect's most profound Jieyu Manual, while any sword on the eighth floor exceeded the level of the entire sect.
The Sword Talents turned to look, many showing surprise-they had heard of this True Disciple of Emei, but such a high assessment was unexpected.
Still, the Sword Repository Final Assessment had been scheduled for the first day precisely as a process through which the Sword Talents could learn about one another and see each other anew.
Ning Shuhong ultimately restrained her expression, because the boy beside her was still frowning. She had also seen his letter rejected, and presumed his Final Assessment would not be promising.
Wang Shousi and Wenzheng of Mount Hua received the same treatment next. Among the twenty Sword Talents announced so far, these three were among the only five who stood on the seventh floor, and the only three who could occasionally enter the