Chapter 2052: Acquiring the Title of Sword Emperor

“That freak has actually done it… He’s passed the Sword Emperor Qualifications with a perfect score, and as a mortal, no less!”

The audience wasn’t just left in awe of Yuan’s feat. They felt a tinge of fear as well.

After all, there was nothing more terrifying than the unknown, and Yuan was the embodiment of that right now. From his identity to his true potential, nobody there knew anything about him.

Once it became clear that Yuan had conquered the final trial, the atmosphere at the Gates of Heaven shifted dramatically. Every recruiter present was poised to approach him the instant he emerged.

However, Senior Bai suddenly spoke, “Please refrain from approaching the participants until after the ceremony.”

At his words, those who had already begun inching toward the platform froze in place.

Defying Senior Bai’s warning wouldn’t just be disrespectful—it would make them look bad in front of the countless spectators, and worse, in the eyes of the very person they hoped to recruit.

Thus, these recruiters had no choice but to hold back their desire for now.

Moments after clearing the final trial, Yuan stepped through the portal and returned to the platform.

Under normal circumstances, such a feat would be met with thunderous applause, but this time, not a single voice was raised. The crowd was silent.

“Congratulations on completing the Sword Emperor Qualifications. You are now officially recognized as a Sword Emperor,” Senior Bai announced as he approached Yuan.

He then retrieved a beautifully crafted, sword-shaped badge, forged from a crystal that shimmered like a diamond, yet gleamed with a deep emerald hue.

“This is proof that you’re a Sword Emperor.”

He handed the badge to Yuan, who calmly accepted it.

Senior Bai continued, “Traditionally, those who earn the title of Sword Emperor are given the right to choose their own epithet. Have you decided on one yet?”

Yuan shook his head.

“That’s fine,” Senior Bai said with a slight nod. “You can reveal it whenever you’re ready.”

Of course, regardless of what name Yuan would eventually choose, the people had already given him one of their own—the Freak Sword Emperor.

“Then, do you have any words for everyone watching? A lot of them will try to recruit you after this.”

Yuan paused in thought for a moment before speaking, “There is one thing I’d like to say.”

At those words, every eye locked onto him, like hawks fixing their gaze on prey.

“I’ve heard that many of you wish to recruit me. I’m honored, but I simply don’t have the time to meet with everyone individually. So, if you’re serious about recruiting me, please direct your intentions to Celestial Overlord Qiang of the Celestial Overlords.”

A stunned silence followed. Not just the crowd, but even Senior Bai wore a dumbfounded expression.

‘He’s going to use Celestial Overlord Qiang as a scapegoat?!’ Senior Bai cried inwardly.

A few members of the Celestial Overlords were watching, and none of them had expected Yuan to already be part of their faction. While they were pleasantly surprised, they were also curious about how Celestial Overlord Qiang managed to find him.

The recruiters exchanged perplexed glances. Now that Yuan had revealed his affiliation with the Celestial Overlords and even invoked Celestial Overlord Qiang by name, they couldn’t approach him directly without speaking to her first, even if it’s just to let her know their intentions, as doing so could be seen as disrespect.

However, one individual clearly couldn’t care less about propriety and began approaching Yuan without hesitation. The moment the others saw who it was, a wave of tension swept through them, causing them to swallow nervously.

And of all people, it was the one Yuan least wanted to deal with—Madam Jun.

The moment he saw her approaching, a subtle frown formed on his face. Of all the recruiters present, she was the one he had hoped would stay far away.

Madam Jun landed gracefully on the platform, stopping just a few meters from Yuan.

Before he could say a word, she offered a warm smile and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not here to recruit you.”

“Then you must be here to invite me for tea,” he calmly replied.

A deafening silence fell over the crowd as they were left in disbelief by Yuan’s casual response to someone of her stature.

However, instead of being offended, the smile on Madam Jun’s face widened, and she spoke, “If that’s what you want.”

“Maybe another time. I have a lot of things to do right now.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Madam Jun suddenly retrieved a silver medallion and casually tossed it at Yuan, who instinctively caught it.

“Whenever you do have time for tea, come find me with that medallion.”

After saying that, she turned to look at Senior Bai and said, “This year’s Sword Emperor Qualifications was quite entertaining.”

Without saying another word, Madam Jun turned around and returned to her carriage. Moments later, she entered it with her daughter and left the Gates of Heaven.

‘That’s it…?’ Yuan wore a stunned look behind his mask, as he was expecting the worst.

Once the Celestial Family had departed, Senior Bai sent a voice transmission to Yuan, “I understand you may not have the best relationship with the Celestial Emperor, but Madam Jun is a righteous individual. Try not to antagonize her so hastily.”

“In truth, the Celestial Family has had little to do with the Celestial Emperor ever since he attained that title. They’re forbidden from direct involvement to prevent one family from becoming too powerful.”

Yuan was quite surprised to hear this, “Is this how it works now?”

Senior Bai nodded and elaborated, “While it’s inevitable that the Celestial Family holds some influence due to their connection to the Celestial Emperor, they’re strictly prohibited from using his name for personal gain—be it in politics, business, or otherwise. As for the Celestial Emperor, he is also not allowed to use his family while bearing that title.”

“That’s good to know. Thank you,” Yuan said.