Time flows slowly by, and a century has passed in the blink of an eye.
Over the course of a century, Han Xuanji fulfilled her promise to Fu Xin.
He found a free day and invited Fu Xin to a secluded valley outside Listening to Swords Residence, where he demonstrated his Sword Dao.
It was less of a friendly exchange and more of a one-sided instruction.
Although Fu Xin's cultivation level was high, he had been stuck at the Peak Eternal Sage for many years. However, in terms of Sword Dao and actual combat strength, he was far inferior to Han Xuanji.
Han Xuanji used only thirty percent of his strength to completely dismantle Fu Xin's Sword Force. Fu Xin nodded as he was being hit, muttering, "So that's how it is," and "It can even be like this."
After the sparring session ended, he bowed deeply to Han Xuanji, and without even exchanging pleasantries, rushed back to his cave abode to go into seclusion.
Clearly, I've gained a lot and am eager to digest it.
The news that " Young Venerable Han's guidance on Sword Dao has remarkable effects" somehow spread throughout the Sword Pavilion.
First, several Sword Pavilion disciples who were familiar with Fu Xin came to him indirectly, earnestly asking Young Venerable Han for some guidance.
Han Xuanji didn't put on airs; it was just a matter of convenience, so she gave him a few pointers.
The news spread even faster, and eventually, even some sword masters at the Holy Lord Realm began to use their connections to send invitations, saying they wanted to discuss the Dao with Han Xuanji.
Chen Xin also came once.
This Sword Scion was clearly too ashamed to ask for guidance in person, so he came to Han Xuanji's door wanting to spar with him.
Han Xuanji was not stingy, after all, Chen Xin's Sword Dao was also very advanced, and he could also absorb a lot of nourishment from the other party's Sword Dao.
But with so many people coming, Han Xuanji also found it annoying.
After all, with his current Sword Dao, it's practically useless against the Sword Dao of Sage- level expert, unless it's someone like Chen Xin.
He came to the Sword Pavilion to cultivate, not to open a martial arts school and take on disciples.
So he decided to return to the Sacred Court first, which would save him some trouble.
Soon, news of Han Xuanji's desire to return reached Ji Mingyue's ears, and the Pavilion Master once again personally came to Listening to Swords Residence.
This time she didn't beat around the bush and asked directly:
" Han Xuanji, have you thought it through?"
Han Xuanji was unaware that Ji Mingyue and the Immeasurable Saint Emperor had already discussed the matter.
Although he was a little nervous in his heart when faced with pressure from a Top-Tier Saint King, he remained calm on the surface.
He pondered for a moment, then gave the same answer:
"Sect Master Ji, this junior still wishes to return to the Sacred Court."
He had expected to face Ji Mingyue's wrath and had even prepared himself for it.
Anyway, it's not like it will threaten his life; at most, it will just make him suffer a little.
To his surprise, Ji Mingyue received an answer, but simply sighed softly and said nothing more.
And from outside Listening to Swords Residence came a voice that he recognized very well.
"Truly worthy of being the Young Emperor of our Sacred Court."
The Immeasurable Saint Emperor pushed open the door and entered, a smile on his face that he made no attempt to hide.
The more he looked at Han Xuanji, the more satisfied he became. To be able to maintain one's composure under the pressure of a Top-Tier Saint King —this child's temperament was even more composed than he had expected.
When Han Xuanji saw the Immeasurable Saint Emperor suddenly appear, he was first surprised, and then a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.
How could he not understand?
These two probably planned this all along.
That question was less of a choice and more of a test.
If he had actually changed his mind and said he would join the Sword Pavilion, the scene would have been quite ugly.
But then I thought, no matter which side he chooses, he should be able to save his life.
No matter how much these two big shots argue, they wouldn't tear him apart on the spot.
The Immeasurable Saint Emperor walked to Han Xuanji's side, patted him on the shoulder, then turned to Ji Mingyue, his tone casual yet tinged with smugness:
"I've taken the person back."
Ji Mingyue glanced at him indifferently, without stopping him, only casually tossing out a remark as Han Xuanji turned away:
"If you change your mind, Sword Pavilion will welcome you at any time."
What the Sacred Court can give, the Sword Pavilion can also give; and what the Sacred Court cannot give, the Sword Pavilion can still give.
The Immeasurable Saint Emperor rolled his eyes helplessly, but did not refute it.
This is indeed true.
In terms of foundation, the Sacred Court and the Sword Pavilion are equally matched, and their status is also equal.
In terms of influence, Ji Mingyue's word is law in the Sword Pavilion.
Within the Sacred Court, factions abound. Although he, the Saint Emperor, holds a high position and wields great power, he ultimately cannot be as absolute as Ji Mingyue.
Even if he wanted to appoint Han Xuanji as the Young Emperor, he still had to convene a council, which was out of necessity.
Han Xuanji heard these words, his face remained expressionless, but he secretly made a mental note of them.
It seems that in terms of prestige, Ji Mingyue is more popular in the Sword Pavilion?
After Ji Mingyue left, only Han Xuanji and the Immeasurable Saint Emperor remained.
The faint, overwhelming pressure of Top-Tier Saint King dissipated along with Ji Mingyue's departing figure, and Han Xuanji finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Just now, standing under the noses of the two Saint King, he appeared as steady as Mount Tai, but the string in his heart was so taut it was almost about to snap.
He was genuinely afraid that the two of them would start fighting over a minor disagreement.
Although their level of cultivation wouldn't warrant a fight on the spot, he had seen plenty of instances where gods fought and mortals suffered the consequences.
Looking back now, I realize I was overthinking it. This isn't some urban drama about jealousy and rivalry. The two Top-Tier Saint King are vying for the inheritance of their lineage; it's not worth tearing each other apart over a junior like him.
The Immeasurable Saint Emperor took in his reaction without mocking him; instead, he generously praised him.
"Excellent, you performed very well this time. I will reward you upon your return to the Sacred Court."
Han Xuanji's heart stirred.
A reward that can be personally bestowed by the Immeasurable Saint Emperor must be extraordinary.
However, he didn't rush to ask further questions, but instead brought up the question that had been weighing on his mind:
" Saint Emperor Majesty, why does Pavilion Master Ji value me so highly?"
He admitted that the Sword Ancestor's phenomenon was indeed impressive, but for a Top-Tier Saint King to personally visit and spare no expense to win him over based on just one phenomenon seemed a bit excessive.
He wouldn't believe it unless there was a deeper reason behind it.
The Immeasurable Saint Emperor did not answer immediately.
His gaze swept over Han Xuanji, then he suddenly raised an eyebrow, thoughtfully saying, "How did you break through to the Late-stage Sage so quickly?"
Han Xuanji coughed lightly, quite honestly:
"The junior's fortuitous encounter in the Sword Stele Forest was all a gift from the Sword Ancestor."
He simply and decisively passed all his gains to the Sword Ancestor, since the Immeasurable Saint Emperor was unlikely to go and seek confirmation from the Eternal Sword Ancestor in person.
As expected, the Immeasurable Saint Emperor nodded, showing no suspicion.
Sword Ancestor was a Absolute Peak Saint King expert; even a slight leak of his power would be enough to benefit Han Xuanji immensely.
Thinking of how Han Xuanji had received such a great favor from the Sword Ancestor, yet still stood firmly on the side of the Sacred Court, the Immeasurable Saint Emperor was secretly moved.
Luckily, this kid didn't sabotage him, otherwise he would have been too embarrassed to show up.
Seeing that the Immeasurable Saint Emperor was deep in thought, Han Xuanji did not disturb him, but simply stood quietly to the side.
After a moment, the Immeasurable Saint Emperor sighed softly, as if he had made up his mind, and slowly spoke:
" Xuanji, you may not know this, but Pavilion Master Ji's identity... is actually the daughter of the Eternal Sword Ancestor, and also the Sword Ancestor's only descendant."
"Um?"
Han Xuanji was truly frightened this time.
His mind raced. Ji Mingyue was the daughter of the Sword Ancestor? How old was she? The era of the Eternal Sword Ancestor was extremely ancient in the history of the Eternal Continent, even earlier than the records of the Sacred Court's founding.