He wore a plain white robe and stood there as though all heaven and earth paled beside his brilliance, as though every living thing in the world lost its color before him.
He was Sword Lake Palace's Spirit Transformation Forefather, the Sword God Liu Bai!
"Greetings, Forefather!"
True Monarch Qingfeng looked upon that face as if waking from a dream. His legs went weak, and he hurriedly dropped to his knees in worship, his voice brimming with reverence and excitement.
Wang Erniu gazed at the Sword God Liu Bai before him, his heart filled with a tumult of emotions as his eyes unconsciously reddened. "Revered Teacher..." he called softly, his voice trembling slightly.
The Sword God Liu Bai's gaze fell upon Wang Erniu, and a trace of gratification flickered through his eyes.
"Disciple, if not for you, your teacher's heavenly soul could not have returned. It was no easy feat for you to find this place. It seems your cultivation in the sword path has never slackened over these years."
"Master!" At that moment, Liu He wore a pained expression.
Wang Erniu and True Monarch Qingfeng turned to look. The Elder, once so dignified and extraordinary, had somehow become a child.
Liu Bai strode forward and raised a hand to signal them to rise. His gaze swept over True Monarch Qingfeng and Liu He. "These years, Sword Lake Palace has endured under your leadership. You have both worked hard."
"You overpraise us, Forefather. This is simply our duty." True Monarch Qingfeng spoke respectfully, his eyes full of veneration for Liu Bai.
Then Liu Bai looked toward the child at his side, sighed, and slowly said,
"Qinghe, you have suffered all these years. Return!"
The child abruptly floated into the air. Then golden light burst forth, so dazzling that none could