v5c62: The Heavens Converge

The Lord Magistrate took a moment, in the sanctity of his own mind, to vent all of his frustrations. The Cloudy Sword Sect arriving in an official capacity, along with Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect, and one of His Imperial Majesty’s direct retainers?

Ah, his life was flashing before his eyes. He could feel his very soul start to leave his body.

The feeling lasted for far shorter a time than he had hoped. It was rather nice to have his mind just go blank so he could stop thinking about the coming guests. But alas, his senses returned and he had to actually think about this again.

He could understand why they were coming, for Jin had fully explained everything that had happened. An Imperial Realm demonic cultivator, a large demonic cultvator sect, along with a massive base? How utterly horrifying! He had no idea Jin’s grandfather was that strong either!

The Lord Magistrate could not even begin to imagine the kind of power such monsters had— as a mortal he literally couldn’t comprehend it. Those in the Initiate’s Realm had looked like unstoppable monsters when they had hurt his lady!

Jin had been hundreds of Li away and everyone in town had heard him fighting over the hills and trees, seen the glow from techniques. The earth had rumbled and the heavens had shaken, and if the battle had happened in Verdant Hill there likely would have been nothing left.

It was a wonder that the dance had distracted everyone else from that. The Lord Magistrate’s mind had been near numb, gibbering with terror. He could barely remember the dance, the night passing by in moments.

It… it was a good thing these people were coming. They would clear out the nest of monsters he had no idea had even existed, keeping him and his wife safe as well as everyone else.

He pondered briefly about retiring from his post and leaving for somewhere else at this point… but realistically, where would he be safer? Here, at least, would be under the aegis of two of the most powerful sects in the Empire.

Still, that didn’t mean he wanted to deal with the stress of actually meeting these people. He was a mortal for the Heavens’ sake! He would have to watch his words and pray that they didn’t ask him any questions.

Actually… that was rather a good point. Why exactly should he be here? They were cultivators, and they did cultivator things. Surely, these powerful experts did not want an ant like him around?

Yes! He could go about his business and Jin could tell him later if anything important happened! A brilliant idea!

The Lord Magistrate uncupped his hands from where he had been holding them in front of his face.

“Is my presence necessary?” he delicately inquired. “I will, of course, arrange everything you require, but I do not believe I can contribute anything meaningful to the coming discussion. Additionally, I am a mortal. The coming experts should be able to discuss their plans freely without a weak link such as myself intruding.”

Jin’s grandfather raised an eyebrow. “Most mortals would be quite enthusiastic to be included in such a meeting.”

“I know my capabilities, and this is beyond them,” the Lord Magistrate answered. “What would I even do? Curry favour? Arrange drinks? I am unqualified to take part in such a discussion.”

The old man considered the Lord Magistrate’s words, his sharp eyes upon him.

“And yet I believe you are qualified. My grandson and Lu Ri both speak highly of you. What do you know of the teachings of the Cloudy Sword Sect?”

The Lord Magistrate blinked at the words. Where exactly was he going with this…?

“Enough. Lu Ri gave me…” he trailed off as he remembered a particular passage… and then felt a coldness settle upon him. “Kowtow to the mortal that enlightens you; disdain the barbarian that knows only the strength of his arm?”

The old man smiled and nodded. “Indeed, it is for that reason why you will be here. My grandson calls you Teacher. Lu Ri calls you his friend and equal. I myself have taken your measure, and I do not find you lacking. Know this, Lord Magistrate, that you are one of the few mortals in all of existence that could dare say they possess the qualifications to be present for this meeting.”

Within the Lord Magistrate, an internal conflict raged. One part was the fear of cultivators. The other part was a man saying that the Lord Magistrate was impressive to the Cloudy Sword Sect, that he was the one man who could sit in on the meeting because his skills had drawn the praise and admiration of those on the path of immortality.

Never before had his capabilities been praised so highly.

He stroked his mustache to hide the trembling of his lips, a smile threatening to break out before he calmed it. He coughed into his closed fist.

“Very well. With that said… I would have appreciated more warning. This is cutting it very close, Jin.”

The young man bowed apologetically. “I didn’t think they would be here this fast either…” he muttered.

“Well, we can do something quick and hope our guests are not insulted. Is a stir fry with the Seven Fragrance Jewel Herbs an acceptable dish?” the Lord Magistrate asked.

Jin’s grandfather grinned.

“Indeed, it will more than suffice.”

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Thousands of Li away, a fleet of flying swords crossed the sky. They moved impossibly quickly, cutting through the air swifter than the fastest arrow.

Cultivators stood upon them, their hands clasped behind their backs as they travelled upon the weapons of the Cloudy Sword Sect, unsealed for war. Their bearing was one of complete focus, their eyes gleamed like stars.

One Imperial Realm Cultivator, two in the Fifth Stage of the Sky Realm, and twelve within the Earth Realm.

Enough strength to bring all but the most powerful sects in the Empire to ruin. Enough power to obliterate entire provinces.

And this was but the vanguard.

Back at the Sect, Elder Ran oversaw the disciples. They toiled; cultivating, forging, training, and meditating, awaiting the moment they would be called to battle. Great scrolls were unfurled, records of every tactic and stratagem used against the Great Enemy recorded in exacting detail.

The spirits created by the Founders drifted through the Sect, reciting the names of the Martyrs against the demonic. In the amphitheaters they extolled the actions of the great heroes of ages past and their meritorious deeds.

The rot that had infected the Sect had been purged, the ways of the Honoured Founders ascended to their rightful place.

The unflinching warrior-philosophers of the Cloudy Sword stood ready.