Winds and Clouds Surge Across Xianjing Continent
Xuanming Sword Sect.
As a first-rate force in the Xianjing Continent with a Venerable One presiding over it, their influence is growing day by day as the continent is not suppressed by the [Four Extremes Twelve Gates], and they are gradually gaining the weight to shake the situation in the continent.
That is why this [Sword Master Ceremony] is so important.
If it were merely a matter of power transition between the old and new sword masters, it could be accomplished privately without needing to disclose every detail to the world, as was done with the successive imperial changes in the Great Sheng Dynasty, in order to demonstrate fairness.
The reason for extending invitations to all directions at the ceremony, and even sending two invitations specifically to the Jade Mountain Nine Luminaries Division, is self-evident.
It's simply to pave the way for Zhou Qingyan, who is known as the "Lord of Ten Thousand Swords," to become famous!
Imagine the scene when the new Sword Master of the Xuanming Sword Sect, under the spotlight, triggers extraordinary celestial phenomena, displaying talent that surpasses all others, even overshadowing the Retainer General and subordinates of the Immortal Scenery Prefect.
This will undoubtedly greatly enhance the Xuanming Sword Sect's influence within the continent, making its prestige rival that of the Grand Prefect of Dasheng, who governs an entire continent!
At that time, even the [Four Extremes Twelve Gates] will likely take notice of them and extend an alliance to them.
The Sword Sect Old Ancestor was well aware of the deeper meaning behind it.
Prefect Cao Ming was probably equally aware of the matter, but fortunately, the Sword Sect never left any evidence behind. Even the Nine Luminaries Division of the Immortal Realm could only watch helplessly as things developed without any evidence!
After all, the Nine Luminaries Division can't just execute a talented individual from Mountain Gate within its territory on trumped-up charges simply because a prodigy has emerged, can it?!
It is precisely because of this subtle game and potential shift in the power structure that the Sword Sect's inauguration ceremony has attracted the attention of most of the forces in the Xianjing Continent.
In just two days, more than ninety Mountain Gate sent their representatives to participate in the [Sword Master Ceremony], including those forces that also had Venerables presiding over them!
The following morning.
Within the territory of the Xianjing Continent, at the Jade Mountain Nine Luminaries Division.
The group of Yao Xuan Envoy stood solemnly, watching the crimson-gold Star Skiff slowly rise into the sky, then transform into a streak of light and streak towards the horizon.
Unlike the magnificent spectacle of the past.
Inside the Prefect's Star Skiff at this moment, only two figures sat silently facing each other.
Cao Ming was still wearing that simple blue robe, staring intently at a brand-new document that had just been presented to him, his eyes occasionally flashing.
The document details the various factions within the continent that participated in the Sword Master Ceremony.
That's a bit Trouble.
His main purpose in coming here was simply to let this arrogant and outspoken lieutenant general in front of him broaden his horizons.
Whether it was subduing demons in the Dragon Pool, being promoted to a minor general, or undergoing this Jade Mountain Refinement, Ye Li had gone through everything too smoothly.
In just one month, they have traversed a path that would take ordinary people tens of thousands of years to complete.
Cao Ming worried that such a series of successes would make such a promising talent arrogant and conceited, which would lead to his downfall when he was about to undergo the [Venerable Tribulation].
Words often fall short in this matter.
Only by letting him truly experience the vastness of the sky and the sea can we make him restrain his excessive sharpness.
Zhou Qingyan, the Sword Sect Master who is poised to become the number one prodigy in the Xianjing Continent, is undoubtedly a top talent in the continent capable of undertaking this great responsibility.
However, Cao Ming was also somewhat worried. What if the gap between the two sides became too large, allowing the Xuanming Sword Sect to seize this opportunity and rapidly expand its influence? How would he deal with that?
Please note.
It has been a long time since Zhou Qingyan, the prodigy of the Sword Sect Xianjing Continent.
Even the governor of the Xianjing Continent was unaware of her current state.
The only thing that could put Cao Ming at ease was that the results of the Jade Mountain Refinement a few days ago had already spread.
Having devoured and refined energy, and single-handedly defeated eight subordinate generals... even if Zhou Qingyan performs exceptionally well at today's ceremony, she still shouldn't be able to surpass Ye Li by much.
As long as there is no significant difference in the battle records of the two sides, these continental forces, most of which are opportunists, will not dare to take sides rashly.
"..."
On the tranquil Star Skiff, Ye Li paid no attention to the solemn expression of the person opposite him, but simply gazed leisurely at the flowing and receding landscape below.
He was not interested in the impending changes in the continent's situation.
He was just a newly promoted Retainer General, and he wasn't even currently within his own jurisdiction.
Asking him to participate in those turbulent, behind-the-scenes power struggles is really asking too much of him.
Most of the time, Ye Li only wanted to go on a killing spree without thinking, and his current attention was entirely focused on improving his own strength.
Buzz--
Just then, the Tiger Tally at his waist suddenly vibrated.
Ye Li snapped out of his reverie. This was the first time Lin Huaijin had replied to his message since he sent the news of his breakthrough to the Dao Evolution Realm back to Dragon Pool. He must have just finished dealing with his affairs.
As he channeled his magical Magic Power into the Xuan Tie Tiger Tally Talisman, the old man's familiar voice, tinged with a hint of amusement, immediately rang in his ears:
Congratulations on your breakthrough!
"I have already heard about Yushan's victory. The whole of Longtan is in an uproar, and even the prefects of the surrounding counties are shaken."
"This matter will greatly benefit your recommendation; you have done a very good job."
"As for... the Sword Master Ceremony of the Xuanming Sword Sect, I heard about it in my younger days. It can be described as a grand event in the Sword Dao that they haven't seen in ten thousand years."
"There must be many powerful forces going to observe. Since you've only been in Dasheng for a short time, it's definitely worthwhile for you to take the opportunity to broaden your horizons."
At this point, the old man paused and then added:
"With me guarding Longtan, everything is fine, so there's no need to worry."
After listening quietly to the old man's instructions, Ye Li first thanked him, and then replied telepathically:
"I have indeed benefited greatly from this training, and I will find an opportunity to repay you in the future. Thank you, Prefect."
Even disregarding the buff that reduces the cost of Malice Points by 45% when breaking through to the Cosmic Birth Realm in the future.
The fact that Lin Huaijin earned a million Malice Points during the refinement process alone is enough to demonstrate the effort he put into this matter.
"With our relationship, there's no need for thanks."
Even without seeing his exact appearance, Lin Huaijin's voice still carried a hint of nonchalant chuckle:
"Now that you have achieved a certain level of cultivation, how could the various forces within the county dare to openly cause trouble? This is the best reward you can receive."
"... Okay then."
Ye Li let out a silent sigh, not delving too deeply into the matter. After all, there was no point in saying more; he would find an opportunity to make it up to the old man later.
He has always been a pragmatist who values practical actions.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the communication was abruptly ended.
Ye Li glanced at the middle-aged man in blue robes opposite him, who was occasionally casting subtle glances at him, and asked calmly:
"What's up?"
"It's nothing, just looking around." Cao Ming coughed lightly and looked away.
To be honest, he was getting more and more annoyed with that Dragon Pool County. How could someone as outstanding as Ye Li, a close Retainer General, be allowed to run into that guy?
After working so diligently in the Xianjing Continent and traveling all over the country to handle affairs, I finally found a talent like Su Yongye.
Compared to the boy in front of him, he looked incredibly shabby.
Of course, I'm envious.
He had no intention of seizing his disciple by force. Although they were in a superior-subordinate relationship, they were also colleagues who worked together to maintain the situation in the prefecture. Cao Ming would never do such a despicable thing as abusing his power.
Composing himself, he changed the subject and said:
"After this ceremony, remember to have your Life Jade activated by your superior before you return to Dragon Pool. I didn't send anyone to your courtyard to disturb your peaceful cultivation the other day, just in case I was afraid of disturbing your rest."
Ye Li nodded in agreement.
Cao Ming raised his eyes again to look at the towering sword peak that pierced the clouds in the distance, his tone becoming more solemn:
"This ceremony is no small matter. As a lieutenant general, you should be well aware of the intricacies involved without me having to explain them."
"During today's ceremony, observe more and speak less. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me."
Ye Li neither confirmed nor denied this.
He always had his own ideas about what to do, and he would do it whenever he wanted, without ever consulting the Prefect of Xianjing.
Of course, we adhere to the principle of not Trouble for others.
Ye Li usually tries his best to take care of the experience of his own units, whenever conditions permit.