Chapter 2027 — Leaving the Holy Sword Temple

Yuan followed the Sixth Elder to the same golden carriage that had brought him to the Holy Sword Temple years ago. Once inside, the flying treasure immediately began to move, but it moved at a much quicker pace than before.

"We will arrive directly at the Gates of Heaven in one month, so we have plenty of time to talk."

Yuan had hoped to visit the Super Perfect Physique Tempering Sect first, but time was short. Besides, he was fairly certain they would already be at the Gates of Heaven since he had mentioned his intention to enter the Sword Emperor Qualifications, after all.

"You want me to join the Holy Sword Clan, right? While it wasn’t direct, I have already been recruited by the Holy Sword Maiden."

"In that case... what do you think?"

Most people would leap at the opportunity to join the Holy Sword Clan, so this was the first time the Sixth Elder had encountered someone who didn’t. Yet she wasn’t offended. In fact, with talent like his, she felt he had every right to be picky.

"I said that I’d need some time to see whether the Holy Sword Clan was a place I wanted to be associated with. After all, I don’t want to join a place I know nothing about. What if I accidentally join a faction with a bad reputation? I don’t want that to happen."

"Then you have nothing to worry about! Our Holy Sword Clan is not only reputable, but we’re also very respected. Besides the recent incident with the Holy Sword Temple, we don’t have any issues."

Hearing this, Yuan felt a little guilty. The Holy Sword Temple only acted it did because of him, but the Holy Sword Temple took the blame.

"About the Holy Sword Temple... I think everything is functional again. I was able to train inside without any issues, after all," said Yuan.

The Sixth Elder nodded and said, "I’m glad nothing happened to you, but we can’t assume it’s safe to enter again. We’ll need to conduct a thorough analysis."

Yuan wanted to tell her it wasn’t necessary, but chose to remain silent, as explaining everything would be too troublesome, and she likely wouldn’t believe him anyway.

Since there was nothing actually wrong with the Holy Sword Temple, they’d find nothing unusual. Most likely, they’d just waste time investigating, only to resume using it in the near future.

"Anyway, I’ll consider joining the Holy Sword Clan, so you don’t need to try to convince me," he then said.

"If you say so..." Not wanting to annoy him, the Sixth Elder stopped mentioning it and closed her eyes to cultivate.

Yuan spent the following month by the window, gazing into the distance each day in hopes of seeing the Eater of Stars again, but alas, she never appeared.

A month later, they arrived at the Gates of Heaven in the Seventh Heaven. Since most cultivators from the Eighth and Ninth Heavens possessed treasures that allowed them to spectate from afar and had the resources to travel downward, hosting the Sword Emperor Qualifications in the Seventh Heaven ensured the greatest possible audience.

The Gates of Heaven’s territory spanned thousands of miles, making it one of the most prominent sects in the Seventh Heaven, with a disciple count exceeding one hundred thousand. Much of its popularity stemmed from its vast and unparalleled collection of cultivation techniques, and unlike many others, the sect was generous in sharing them with its disciples.

The sect’s leader, Bai Ling, was among the most respected cultivators in the Nine Heavens—hailed as a hero by many and regarded as a role model throughout the cultivation world.

His contributions to the Nine Heavens were nearly unparalleled. Beyond making techniques affordable through the Myriad of Techniques, Bai Ling was renowned for aiding anyone in need, regardless of their status or background.

Despite holding only the rank of Overlord within the Celestial Overlords, Bai Ling’s contributions were unmatched, even surpassing those of the Celestial Overlords themselves.

Of course, if he wished, he could easily claim the title, having been offered the position multiple times. Yet, for reasons unknown, he had declined each offer and remained as Xu Jiaqi’s closest aide.

Thanks to Bai Ling’s esteemed reputation, news that the next Sword Emperor Qualifications would be held at the Gates of Heaven quickly drew the attention of countless prominent figures across the Nine Heavens—many of whom chose to attend in person. Naturally, as a once-in-100,000-year event, the Sword Emperor Qualifications already commanded immense attention, drawing an endless sea of spectators from across the world.

Even before reaching the Gates of Heaven, Yuan could see thousands of cultivators converging from all directions, almost as if there was a massive banquet.

"We’re here." The Sixth Elder said as she walked to the door.

"Give me a moment."

Yuan retrieved his mask and wore it.

The Sixth Elder raised her eyebrows after seeing this, and she couldn’t help but ask, "What’s with the mask?"

"There are too many people here, and I don’t like having too much attention," he calmly responded.

"..."

The Sixth Elder remained silent, her gaze fixed on Yuan, his appearance strikingly reminiscent of the Faceless Sword Emperor.

Unbeknownst to Yuan, all who trained in the Holy Sword Temple had to face Tian Xin in battle, so they were very familiar with his appearance.

"Did you sign up for the event yet?" she suddenly asked.

"No, I haven’t. Is it too late?"

"No, you can still sign up now. Most people sign up a few days before the qualifications begin, anyway. Come with me. I’ll take you there."

Yuan nodded.

After stepping out of the golden carriage, Yuan followed the Sixth Elder to the sect’s entrance, where hundreds of people were streaming in through the gates.

While the crowd made their way to the spectators’ area, the Sixth Elder led Yuan to the inner court of the sect, a far quieter place, as guests were only permitted to roam the outer court.