"Youāll defeat me? Iāll look forward to it," Yuan calmly responded to the Holy Sword Kingās aggression.
The Sword Empress merely shook her head in silence. Although she wanted to smack some sense into the Holy Sword Kingās head, there was also no guarantee that Yuan would win the Sword Emperor Qualifications just because his Supreme Sword Aura was stronger.
The qualifications tested more than just the strength of oneās Supreme Sword Aura. It also evaluated the swordmasterās skill, versatility, and overall mastery of their swordsmanship. After all, becoming a Sword Emperor demanded more than raw power, and only the most refined and knowledgeable swordmasters could earn such a prestigious title.
The Holy Sword Maiden silently watched the events unfold before her, her eyes staring at Yuan, feeling like sheād met him before, but she couldnāt remember when. Of course, she had no idea that the man before her was Yuan, the person sheād given her sword badge to.
"Take this." The Sect Elder approached Yuan and handed him a medallion. "This proves youāre qualified, and youāll need it during the Sword Emperor Qualifications."
"Thank you. And about the crystal..."
The Sect Elder turned to look at the cracked red crystal and sighed, "Weāll have to delay the Sword Emperor Qualifications until we receive another one."
"Delay?! How long will it be delayed?!" The Sword Empress asked.
"A month at most."
"Sorry..." Yuan apologized.
"Anyway, I have someplace to be, so Iāll talk to you guys later."
And without waiting for their response, he turned around and flew away.
"Senior Huang... who was that man?" The Holy Sword Maiden turned to ask the Sword Empress shortly after.
"Hm? You donāt know?" The Sword Empress looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"Should I know him...?"
"Of course. Since you gave him your sword badge."
The Holy Sword Maidenās eyes widened with shock after hearing this, and she finally realized who the masked figure was.
"That was him?!" she exclaimed.
The Holy Sword King didnāt say anything, but he was looking at the Holy Sword Maiden with a slight frown on his face, as he couldnāt remember the last time she seemed so engaged.
Though the Holy Sword King never openly admitted it, those close to him had long suspected his affection for the Holy Sword Maiden. Since their parents were both Sword Emperors in the Holy Sword Clan, the two had grown up together.
Unfortunately, the Holy Sword Maiden did not seem to have the same affection for him, for from the moment of her birth, the only thing she had ever pursued was the way of the sword.
Because of this, the Holy Sword King grew even more agitated and resentful, especially now that she was showing interest in some unknown figure sheād barely even met.
Meanwhile, Yuan wandered through the Gates of Heaven until he came across a disciple he could approach for directions.
"Excuse me, do you know where I can find Senior Bai, your Sect Leader?"
"Sect Leader Bai? Heās not someone you can meet just because you want to," the disciple said, eyeing Yuan from head to toe. To him, Yuan looked like just another mortal wasting his time.
And before Yuan could say anything else, the disciple flew away.
Yuan wasnāt bothered by the encounter and immediately went to find someone else.
Eventually, he found someone who was willing to help.
"The Sect Leader is currently greeting guests, so he could be anywhere. But if you really want to meet him, youāll have a higher chance of meeting him at the venue."
"Which direction is the venue?"
The disciple pointed in a specific direction, and Yuan followed it after thanking the disciple.
Some time later, Yuan arrived at the venue where the Sword Emperor Qualifications would take place.
The venue was nothing like Yuan had imagined. Hundreds of smaller islands floated around a massive central island. The smaller islands were packed with spectator seating, while the central island featured a vast platform surrounded by several imposing doors. Above it all, enormous projections hovered in the air, serving as viewing screens for the crowd.
Though the event was still months away, tens of millions had already gathered, a testament to the eventās significance and popularity.
Upon his arrival, Yuan immediately used his divine sense to sweep the place to see if he could find Senior Bai or anyone that he recognized.
Very quickly, he found Meixiu and the others since they were all grouped together and sat in a private area reserved for Senior Baiās close friends.
After finding them, Yuan immediately approached them.
"Hey, everyone."
Yuan greeted them as he landed before them.
"Yuan!"
They immediately recognized him despite his mask.
"You... youāre back already?" Kelan, who was also there, muttered in a dumbfounded voice.
He silently nodded.
"Does that mean youāve learned Supreme Sword Aura?" Li Jinxi asked.
"Thereās no way you learned Supreme Sword Aura in under a decade!" Kelan exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.
In response, Yuan calmly raised his hand and extended his middle finger, sheathed in a brilliant layer of Supreme Sword Aura.
Li Jinxi and the others chuckled at his response.
Kelan fell to his knees with his mouth wide open.
Yuan patted his shoulder and said, "Iām looking forward to checking out your treasury."
Kelan sighed deeply. "Why did I ever agree to bet with you? I shouldāve stood my ground and said no."
He stood up and continued, "Are you really going to participate in the Sword Emperor Qualifications, though? Even though youāve learned Supreme Sword Aura, you just learned it."
"Iāve already qualified to enter the event," said Yuan.
"Unbelievable..."
"Also, the Sword Emperor Qualification will be delayed for a month," he added.
"Delay? Why?"
"Because I broke the thing needed to verify during my verification," he explained.
"..."
"Why am I not surprised?" Kelan shook his head after a moment of silence.
"At least this will give me some time to spend with you guys before the event begins," Yuan chuckled.