Chapter 159: Gift of the Sword
In Lian Yun's view, if the speculated intentions of the Peerless Demon Master were accurate, the alliance would inevitably collapse. The best way to ensure this collapse was through a division within the Alliance High Command, leading to the disintegration of the major families.
Thus, Lian Yun believed that when the Peerless Demon Master attacked the capital, it would undoubtedly result in a cataclysmic battle with countless casualties.
However, if the alliance were to fracture in advance, with some major families leaving the alliance and departing from the capital, then the momentum of the Peerless Demon Master's assault on the capital would be significantly weakened. This would reduce the number of casualties considerably.
It was not out of a desire to protect those departing major families, but rather to safeguard the millions of common citizens within the capital.
Moreover, in Lian Yun's eyes, those families that chose to leave were likely among those who had strongly urged for his downfall three years ago.
In the past, for the sake of national security, he could tolerate their actions, but that did not mean he did not yearn for revenge; it simply meant that a gentleman's vengeance is never too late.
After venting his frustrations, Lian Yun disdainfully surveyed the entire Alliance High Command platform. His gaze then fell upon the still unconscious Xue Qiong. Suddenly looking up, he mocked, "Is this truly your chosen substitute for me?"
"I cannot claim to be virtuous myself, but Xue Qiong's character is certainly lacking—something you all know better than I do. Ha! If this person were to grow stronger, how many innocent lives would suffer? At the very least, you so-called supporters would be humiliated beyond recognition."
"And you actually want me to become this person's servant? Hahaha! What a ridiculous farce."
At this moment, true irony unfolded.
Lian Yun and Xue Qiong were strangers; why would Xue Qiong desire to usurp everything from Lian Yun? Clearly, many had compared him to Lian Yun in front of Xue Qiong, which sparked his ambition to take everything from Lian Yun.
To make Lian Yun a slave was perhaps merely the first unreasonable demand from within the alliance that sought to satisfy him.
After his laughter subsided, Lian Yun's expression suddenly turned cold as he said in a chilling tone, "Today I may spare Xue Qiong's life; however, if he dares to approach Le Yan even a single step within three years—regardless of how much effort you invest in him—I will show no mercy. Whoever stands in my way shall die."
At this moment, Lian Yun appeared infinitely tall and imposing, looking down upon the Alliance High Command with an air of defiance as if he were prepared to confront them directly.
However, in the blink of an eye, Lian Yun turned his head and cast a gentle glance at the oval-faced girl from the Alliance Academy.
In anger, one can disdain the world and make enemies everywhere; in joy, one can be as tender as water, embodying both iron will and soft affection. This man has moved countless women to their core.
Even the oval-faced girl, deeply affected, revealed a hint of admiration despite her forgetfulness. Nearby, Cold Beauty also showed signs of being touched, as did the enchanting Drowning Fish Talented Woman, who lightly bit her red lip, her gaze filled with both admiration and jealousy.
Yet Lian Yun paid little mind to this. With a sudden turn, he resolutely stepped forward to the center of the Arena. Raising his head high, he declared with immense confidence, "Today I shall enter Yin Yang City. Anyone who wishes to kill me is welcome to follow. I, Lian Yun, guarantee that you will have no return."
This declaration was not only meant for certain members of the Alliance but also for several emperors of the Demon Clan.
At this moment, he truly stood against all.
He possessed a heart capable of bearing such weight and an imposing demeanor that was unmatched. With the absorption of Supreme Power, this aura was vividly expressed.
There was no hint of forcefulness; everything felt so natural and genuine.
At this moment, his figure appeared boundlessly tall, leaving many peers in awe and causing countless Monarchs to sigh in admiration.
Even Grandma couldn't help but express her pride, saying, "My grandson!"
"Yes, yes, yes! That's right!" Lin's Three Uncles quickly chimed in with smiles.
Lin Nanji proudly patted his chest and said, "My brother!"
However, he was promptly knocked on the head by Lin Nan for being overly enthusiastic.
Meanwhile, Lian Yun stomped one foot down hard, splitting the entire Arena in two—a declaration of determination and a severance of ties.
"Don't, Cloud Emperor, don't go. Don't head to Yin Yang City!"
"Yin Yang City is a one-way street; I urge you, Cloud Emperor, to think twice."
"Please, Cloud Emperor, think twice. Please, Cloud Emperor, think twice. Please, Cloud Emperor, think twice~~~"
At that moment, for some reason, the audience in the stands seemed to overlook Lian Yun's previous disrespect toward Xu Wenchang. They appeared unconcerned with Lian Yun's current demeanor; they simply did not want him to go to Yin Yang City. They wished for Lian Yun to stay.
It might seem a bit amusing, but from the genuine feelings of the audience, it felt as if they hoped that if Xu Wenchang stepped down, Lian Yun would take his place.
Indeed, although Lian Yun was only sixteen or seventeen years old, nearly everything known about him involved serving others and sacrificing himself to protect them.
Even beyond the arena, it felt as if countless voices from hundreds of miles away in the capital were urging Lian Yun not to leave.
Perhaps in the eyes of the audience or the people of Huaxia as a whole, once Lian Yun took the position of leader, he would undoubtedly dedicate himself wholeheartedly to serving the people.
To be honest, Lian Yun felt somewhat surprised, but more than that, he felt a sense of irony because not a single person from the Alliance High Command tried to retain him.
It wasn't that Lian Yun desired their retention; rather, he perceived this as a reflection of the current state of Huaxia. The Alliance seemed to have lost the people's support long ago. If it weren't for Old Alliance Leader Xu Wenchang holding down the fort, the Alliance would likely have fallen apart by now.
This was likely the main reason why Old Alliance Leader Xu Wenchang had not stepped down. However, in matters of division and unity, when something goes wrong, it should be corrected as soon as possible—even at great cost. If not addressed promptly and allowed to fester until it becomes irreparable decay, any attempts at change would be futile.
It was much like history; once it happens, it cannot be changed.
In response to the audience's fervent pleas, Lian Yun could not reply but raised his Greatsword high. Once the crowd quieted down, he declared loudly: "Within three years, I will return. I, Lian Yun, will make it happen. My decision is made; there is no need for further persuasion."
"You already have Wu Tai; what more sword do you need?"
The voice of the Ancestor echoed down from Divine Sword Mountain.
Lian Yun immediately turned and bowed, saying, "Ancestor, Gift of the Sword."
Someone from the Alliance High Command immediately showed strong opposition.
"Gift of the Sword," this was something the Alliance needed. There were only one thousand and twenty-four competitors in the tournament, and even if everyone received a reward, there would only be a little over a thousand swords. Thus, even if the best swords were taken from Divine Sword Mountain, it would still remain Divine Sword Mountain.
This undoubtedly indicated that Lian Yun wanted the entire Divine Sword Mountain.
After a moment of silence on Divine Sword Mountain, a voice came again: "You may take all the swords, but not the mountain. When I return, I will need to forge swords here."
"Thank you for your generosity, Ancestor."
"Senior Wan Yi, I have not comprehended any new Sword Intent recently. I will present it to you once I do."
"No worries, no worries! It doesn't matter how long it takes!"
Suddenly, countless long swords descended from above.
(End of Chapter)
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