In the end, Qi Ling didn't ask Jian Lan for help and defeated "himself" on his own. When he watched himself disappear on the ground, panting, he still didn't understand what the system's purpose was in doing this.
I'm very capable, don't I know that? Do I need the system to tell me? Do I have to beat myself up? I think this system is deliberately making things difficult for me!
"Phew, finally made it through. This time it should be fine, right?" Qi Ling said, sitting on the ground.
Just then, the system's voice came again.
[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have passed the fifth trial of the King's Trial. You have successfully defeated your former self and have received the system reward: Xuanyuan Sword Intent. Please practice diligently!]
[You have passed all the trials of the Trial: The Path of the King, gained the approval of the divine artifact: Xuanyuan Sword, and acquired the Qualifications of a King. Please continue on the path you have chosen!]
After that, the environment around the two gradually changed, and they actually reappeared in the bamboo forest of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the place where the two began their trials.
Almost a year has passed since they began their trials, and returning to the real world suddenly gave Qi Ling a feeling of seeing the light of day again.
"You're back. How was it? Did everything go smoothly?" Just then, Sword Douluo Chen Xin's voice came from not far away.
As if he knew in advance that the two would emerge from seclusion today, he had been waiting here for a long time. When he saw the two suddenly appear from another space, he was not surprised at all.
"Oh? Senior Chen Xin? How did you know we'd be leaving seclusion today? Could you be a prophet?" Qi Ling exclaimed in surprise.
Chen Xin replied, "It's just a gut feeling. Besides, you've been gone for so long, it's about time you showed up. It just so happens that I've had some premonitions these past few days."
Qi Ling couldn't help but marvel at this. Are all swordsmen this powerful? They can even sense destiny. She wondered if she would become just as powerful now that she was using the Xuanyuan Sword.
"By the way, Qi Ling, I've already told the Sect Master that you'll be leaving seclusion today, so Rongrong is here too. They're all waiting for you in the front hall, so hurry up and go," Chen Xin said. "As for Lan'er, keep her behind; I have something to tell you."
"Okay, sure," Qi Ling replied. " Jian Lan, I'm going now. You have to come over later."
After Qi Ling left, Chen Xin looked at Jian Lan and suddenly laughed, " Lan'er, did you gain anything from the trial?"
"Something has been gained," Jian Lan said with a soft smile.
"Hahaha, good thing, good thing!" Chen Xin laughed. "It's really a good deal for this kid. I don't know what's so good about him. Rongrong is the same way, and so are you."
"Yes, I don't know what's so great about him," Jian Lan laughed. "But this is the path I've chosen."
"Hehe, well, whatever. Seeing that you've found your own path, I'm relieved." With that, Chen Xin raised his hand, and his Seven Kill Sword appeared in his palm.
"Come, let me see if your sword has become even sharper now that you're no longer confused!"
Jian Lan remained silent, slowly drawing her Immortal Slayer, Zhanxian. The instant the sword was drawn, an aura completely different from before appeared around her.
In the front hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Qi Ling was surprised to find that, in addition to Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong, there was another unexpected person sitting in the hall: Xue Qinghe, the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Seeing Qi Ling appear, Ning Rongrong was naturally the happiest person. She immediately rushed into Qi Ling's arms and said, " Qi Ling! You're finally out! I thought you and Sister Jian Lan had eloped!"
Qi Ling was speechless for a moment, then said, "You silly girl, can you stop overthinking things!"
Ning Fengzhi was naturally very happy to see Qi Ling appear, and couldn't help but turn to Xue Qinghe to explain what Qi Ling had been doing during this time.
But in that instant, Ning Fengzhi was surprised to find that a shadow he had never seen before had appeared in the eyes of his prized disciple.
"Teacher, what's wrong?" Seeing Ning Fengzhi looking at him, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but ask, but at this moment, his face had returned to that sincere expression.
Ning Fengzhi wondered if he had misread the situation. His student had never shown such a look before, especially not to Qi Ling. There was absolutely no need for it!
"Oh, it's nothing, Qinghe." Ning Fengzhi suppressed his doubts and said, " Qi Ling only emerged from seclusion today; it seems she has benefited greatly."
"Yes, I've learned a lot. It seems he's become someone I have to pay attention to," Xue Qinghe said meaningfully.
Immediately, Xue Qinghe stepped forward and said to Qi Ling, " Qi Ling, congratulations! It seems you've gained a lot this time. Your aura has become even stronger, and you have a kind of imposing presence that I can't quite describe."
"If it's convenient, could you tell me what you've been cultivating in seclusion this time?"
When Qi Ling was asked by Xue Qinghe, he laughed and said, "Just some trivial skills, not worth mentioning. It's just practicing swordsmanship and fighting monsters."
"Oh, practicing swordsmanship?" Xue Qinghe said thoughtfully, "Brother Qi Ling is indeed very talented. It seems you can achieve extraordinary things in swordsmanship as well."
Afterwards, Xue Qinghe chatted with everyone about some trivial matters, once again congratulated Qi Ling breakthrough, and then took his leave.
Just as Xue Qinghe left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and got into his carriage, a gloomy expression crept onto his face. " Qi Ling, this kid is a dangerous person!"
"I sensed the qualities of a king in him; he will become a tremendous obstacle on my path to hegemony!"
Inside the carriage, the aloof and beautiful woman Qi Ling had met before spoke up, "Should I get rid of him?"
"No, we can't afford to create any complications now! His current position is already too prominent; eliminating him could ruin all my plans!" Xue Qinghe said, narrowing his eyes. "The only thing we can do now is to accelerate our plans!"
"When the time is right and we achieve our goal, even the heavens won't be able to stop me! What is there to fear from a mere king's potential!"
The aloof woman asked, "So, are we just going to leave him alone? Won't that affect our plans?"
"No, if we're talking about impact, that woman is what we need to consider most!" Xue Qinghe said. "Besides, is there still no way to treat Qian Xunji's injuries? That damned guy!"
The aloof woman said, "There's still no way. The seal on the Sleepless City possesses a special power that even we are powerless to remove."
"Damn it, they're all such useless trash!" Xue Qinghe cursed. "They're more trouble than they're worth, I really don't know how I could cooperate with such garbage!"