Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 310: The Designation

A method to indirectly obtain the Sword Emperor’s inheritance?

Upon hearing these words, everyone’s gaze turned to the Pavilion Master of the Sword Pavilion.

Sheng Tianyun asked in confusion, “Isn’t receiving the acknowledgment from the Sword Emperor’s lingering consciousness the only way to obtain his inheritance? If there were another method, then why haven’t I heard of it?”

Xu Lian and the other six honorary disciples were also confused. In the long history of the Sword Pavilion, countless honorary disciples had come and gone. If there were another way to obtain the Sword Emperor’s inheritance, surely some hint of it would have leaked out by now.

The eight sword attendants were also confused. As daughters of prominent families within the Sword Pavilion, they were considered part of its core. Yet, even they had never heard of an alternative method to obtain the Sword Emperor’s inheritance.

The Pavilion Master smiled. “In the past, receiving acknowledgment from the Sword Emperor’s lingering consciousness was indeed the only way to inherit his legacy. But things are different now. A new way has emerged.

“Recently, while inspecting the Sword Emperor’s Mausoleum, our senior leadership discovered that the remains of the Sword Emperor’s wife still retained a fragment of her consciousness. Therefore, if you can gain recognition from her residual thoughts, it will be equivalent to indirectly inheriting the Sword Emperor’s legacy.”

The Sword Emperor’s wife also has residual thoughts?

The group exchanged astonished glances, unsure whether this was true or just an invention. Perhaps, sensing the growing pressure from covetous external forces, the Sword Pavilion had fabricated this story to deter potential threats. After all, if the remaining thoughts of the Sword Emperor’s wife still existed, the colossal sword guarding the Sword Pavilion could unleash even greater power – a formidable deterrent.

While the Sword Emperor’s lingering consciousness had always been present, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass had vanished, rendering his consciousness ineffective in defending the pavilion. Since ancient times, it had been the colossal sword of the Sword Emperor’s wife that protected the Sword Pavilion.

“In that case, I’m willing to give it a try,” Sheng Tianyun said, his eyes gleaming with hope. Another chance meant another opportunity.

Xu Lian and the other six honorary disciples also expressed their willingness to attempt it. There was no harm in trying.

Rumble!

No one knew what the Pavilion Master was doing, but heavy stone doors opened one after another, revealing a narrow passage.

“Please follow me,” the Pavilion Master said before leading the group into the passage.

They twisted and turned through the passage for nearly half an hour before arriving at another burial chamber.

This chamber was shaped like a six-pointed star, with a coffin placed in the center. Strangely, the coffin wasn’t lying flat – it was standing upright.

The coffin was transparent like crystal, and inside was a regal-looking middle-aged woman with an imposing presence. It was clear that she had been a dignified figure in life.

“Could she still be alive?” one of the young honorary disciples murmured uncertainly.

Seeing this youth, Xu Lian couldn’t help but think of Ye Beining. Ye Beining also possessed a legendary sword and was an honorary disciple of the Sword Pavilion. He should have participated in this competition, but unfortunately, he hadn’t advanced far enough to reach the Sword Pavilion.

The Pavilion Master sighed. “If the Sword Emperor’s wife were still alive, how could the Sword Pavilion have fallen into its current state, coveted by so many powerful figures?”

Everyone agreed. The colossal sword wielded by the Sword Emperor’s wife had guarded the Sword Pavilion for so long-she must have been an unparalleled powerhouse in her lifetime. If she were still alive, even Supremes would tread carefully, and the Sword Pavilion’s exclusive cultivation zones wouldn’t have been completely devoured by other forces.

The Pavilion Master gestured for everyone to approach the coffin. “As before, you can expand your consciousness into the coffin. If the remaining thoughts of the Sword Emperor’s wife are willing to grant you the Sword Emperor’s legacy, they will respond.”

So the eight honorary disciples once again lined up in front of the coffin, closed their eyes, and expanded their consciousness.

The eight sword attendants became tense, experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. Their masters had failed before, but here was a second chance. They fervently hoped that their masters would succeed this time.

After all, if their master couldn’t become the new Sword Emperor, they would forever remain mere sword attendants – lowly servants. But if their master ascended to the position of Sword Emperor, their status would instantly be elevated to that of the Sword Pavilion’s most revered figure, second only to the Sword Emperor himself.

Moreover, their families would rise to become the foremost family within the Sword Pavilion, with all others bowing to them.

In a way, the Sword Attendants wanted the Sword Emperor’s legacy even more than the honorary disciples themselves.

For the honorary disciples, failure meant little loss-they could return to their respective sects or shrines, where their futures remained bright.

But for the sword attendants, failure meant stagnation. They would remain attendants forever, and their families’ aspirations within the Sword Pavilion would come to a halt.

Countless years had passed since the passing of the Sword Emperor, and among the dozens of powerful families within the Sword Pavilion, who didn’t dream of becoming the foundation for the next Sword Emperor?

Xiao Xiang’er glanced coldly at Huo Xin’er beside her. In her view, the only person who posed a threat to her master, Sheng Tianyun, was Xu Lian-Huo Xin’er’s master.

Noticing Xiao Xiang’er’s gaze, Huo Xin’er snorted and returned the hostility.

Time ticked by…

Suddenly, the Sword Emperor’s wife stirred inside the crystal coffin. She slowly raised her hand and pointed at it.

“She means me!”

Sheng Tianyun burst out laughing, overwhelmed with excitement. “The Sword Emperor’s wife has designated me as the heir to the Sword Emperor’s legacy! I will become the new Sword Emperor!”

Xiao Xiang’er’s eyes filled with tears as she trembled and knelt on the ground. She looked up at Sheng Tianyun with fiery admiration. “Congratulations, Master, on your ascension!”

The honorary disciples froze, their eyes clouded with disappointment.

The sword attendants turned pale. Moments ago, no one had succeeded. Now, with the emergence of the new Sword Emperor, the countless years of waiting by the various families of the Sword Pavilion had finally borne fruit. Their families had undoubtedly failed – all except the Xiao family, which had triumphed.

Huo Xin’er’s eyes reddened, unable to accept the result. Her teeth clenched in hatred, and she yearned to sink her teeth into Xiao Xiang’er’s neck.

Xu Lian glanced at Sheng Tianyun and Xiao Xiang’er and thought, “Already celebrating victory? It’s too early to pop the champagne, isn’t it?

He coughed twice. “I feel like the Sword Emperor’s wife is actually pointing at me.”

At these words, the entire room fell silent.

Huo Xin’er froze, then carefully examined the direction the Sword Emperor’s Wife was pointing at, as well as the positions of Xu Lian and Sheng Tianyun. Since the two stood close together, it was hard to tell whom she was indicating!

This realization filled her with renewed hope. “The Sword Emperor’s wife is pointing at my master!”

Xiao Xiang’er exploded in anger. “You’re lying! The Sword Emperor’s wife clearly pointed at my master!”

The two sword attendants locked eyes, sparks flying between them, nearly coming to blows.

The other six honorary disciples and six sword attendants felt bitter. They wanted to contest, but alas, the direction pointed by the Sword Emperor’s wife clearly excluded them-it had to be either Sheng Tianyun or Xu Lian.

“The other honorary disciples, please step aside. Sheng Tianyun and the Holy Son of the Nine Heavens, separate yourselves – one to the left, one to the right. Let’s see who the Sword Emperor’s wife finally chooses,” the Pavilion Master instructed, visibly excited. After countless years of waiting, the Sword Pavilion was finally about to welcome a new Sword Emperor.

Sheng Tianyun’s expression darkened as he reluctantly moved to the left. He was certain that the Sword Emperor’s wife was pointing at him and had already begun imagining his future as the ruler of the Sword Pavilion. But now, with Xu Lian standing next to him, uncertainty crept in. No one could maintain a good mood in such a situation.

Xu Lian stepped to the right. The answer was about to be revealed, and he couldn’t help but grow slightly tense. Of course, he hoped to become the new Sword Emperor-not necessarily for the inheritance itself, but for the vast cultivation resources left behind by the Sword Pavilion. If those resources were fully directed toward him, he would soar to unprecedented heights.

All eyes were on the two men, eager to see whom the Sword Emperor’s wife had chosen.

“It has to be my master – it has to be!” Xiao Xiang’er muttered anxiously, trembling with anticipation. Among everyone present, her emotions were undoubtedly the most complex. From despair to elation and now back to uncertainty, the strain was almost too much for her heart to bear.

“Shut up!” Huo Xin’er snapped, her own emotions spiraling from sorrow to joy and back to uncertainty. The tension was unbearable, and her frustration bubbled over.

The Sword Emperor’s Wife’s hand slowly shifted, moving to the right until it pointed directly at Xu Lian.

“No!”

Xiao Xiang’er shrieked, her face turning ashen. She collapsed to the ground, unable to accept the result. The transition from elation to despair was devastating.

Sheng Tianyun’s face turned livid, and his fists clenched tightly. He wanted nothing more than to crush Xu Lian’s skull. It was maddening to watch the Sword Emperor’s inheritance slip through his fingers and into Xu Lian’s grasp.

“The Sword Emperor’s wife has chosen my master!”

Huo Xin’er was overcome with joy, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Coming to her senses, she immediately knelt before Xu Lian, bowing deeply in submission. Her eyes brimmed with reverence and adoration as she gazed up at him. “Congratulations, Master, on becoming the new Sword Emperor!”

The other six honorary students and six sword attendants looked dejected. The Sword Emperor’s inheritance now had a chosen successor – but it wasn’t them.

The Pavilion Master exclaimed in awe, “The Holy Son of the Nine Heavens truly lives up to his reputation as the bearer of divine laws. His talent surpasses all the honorary disciples in the history of the Sword Pavilion. It seems that his inheritance of the Sword Emperor’s legacy was almost inevitable”.

“Luck, pure luck,” Xu Lian chuckled modestly, though his words only fueled the others’ resentment.

He helped Huo Xin’er to her feet, gently wiping away her tears. “Foolish girl, no matter what my title is, I’ll always be your husband.”

Huo Xin’er hugged him with a beaming smile, feeling an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Decades, even centuries of devotion and waiting had finally paid off. She would become the revered Sword Emperor’s Wife, the greatest pride of the Huo Clan in its history.

“Now that I’ve gained the recognition of the Sword Emperor’s Wife, what should I do next?” Xu Lian asked the Pavilion Master. He was eager to claim the Sword Emperor’s inheritance and become the new Sword Emperor. More importantly, he wanted to take control of the Sword Pavilion and secure its vast cultivation resources.

The Pavilion Master replied, “Everyone else must leave the Sword Emperor’s Mausoleum. Only the Holy Son of the Nine Heavens will remain here. The Sword Emperor’s wife should impart her teachings to you.”

Should?

Xu Lian frowned. So it wasn’t guaranteed?

This made his head hurt. It seemed like the belief that the recognition of the Sword Emperor’s wife would lead to the inheritance of the Sword Emperor’s legacy was just a speculation of the Sword Pavilion’s leadership – it couldn’t be guaranteed.

Huo Xin’er was startled when she detected the uncertainty in the Pavilion Master’s words. “Doesn’t the approval of the Sword Emperor’s wife guarantee the inheritance?”

The Pavilion Master explained, “There’s a certain possibility, but we cannot absolutely guarantee it. After all, the Sword Emperor and his wife were two separate individuals. Even as a husband and wife, their thoughts in life might not have coincided.”

Huo Xin’er’s expression turned sour. Until her master truly obtained the Sword Emperor’s inheritance, there was still room for uncertainty!

The other honorary disciples and sword attendants exchanged glances. If they couldn’t obtain it, they certainly didn’t want Xu Lian and Huo Xin’er to succeed either.

The Pavilion Master issued his final order. “Everyone, the chosen one has been decided. Please leave the Sword Emperor Mausoleum.”

Reluctantly, the group began to leave.

Seeing Sheng Tianyun and Xiao Xiang’er linger, the Pavilion Master hardened his tone. “Sheng Tianyun, please leave as well. And Xiao Xiang’er, behave properly.”

Sheng Tianyun scowled, but finally turned around and left. Xiao Xiang’er rose slowly, her movements sluggish and her eyes bloodshot as she stumbled out.

“Holy Son of the Nine Heavens, it’s all up to you now.”

The Pavilion Master took one last deep look at Xu Lian before leaving, closing the door of the tomb chamber behind him.

Left alone with the lifelike figure of the Sword Emperor’s wife in the crystal coffin, Xu Lian felt a chill run down his spine. Standing in a tomb with a corpse was unnerving to say the least.

He respectfully clasped his hands and bowed to the crystal coffin. Extending his consciousness, he cautiously inquired, “Esteemed predecessor, may I ask you to pass on the Sword Emperor’s sword techniques to me?”

“Good child, come closer. I will imprint the Sword Emperor’s sword techniques into your consciousness,” came the ethereal reply. Slowly, the Sword Emperor’s wife waved him forward.

For some reason, Xu Lian felt a creeping sense of dread. Something about the situation felt wrong.

Had it not been for the divine laws protecting him, he might have turned around and fled.

Bolstered by the divine laws, he steeled himself and approached the crystal coffin, stopping a meter away. Out of respect, he kept his gaze lowered and maintained his respectful posture.

“Empty your mind and think of nothing. I will imprint the Sword Emperor’s sword techniques into your consciousness,” the remaining thoughts of the Sword Emperor’s wife intoned.

A crack slowly appeared on her forehead, and a green mist began to seep out, drifting toward Xu Lian.

Watching the eerie scene unfold, Xu Lian tensed. Suddenly, the divine laws enveloping his body erupted with sun-like radiance, blocking the advancing green mist.

“You must open the divine laws shielding you and allow my consciousness to merge with yours,” the residual thoughts instructed.

Xu Lian replied, “I have not yet mastered the divine laws bestowed upon me. I cannot open them.”

The Sword Emperor’s wife fell silent. After a moment, her voice echoed once more, faint and insubstantial. “Then release your primary consciousness outside the protection of the Divine Laws and allow it to connect with me.”

Connect? Always insisting on connecting? Xu Lian noticed this key detail and became cautious.

His consciousness, though strong at the seventh rank of the Origin Tracing Realm, paled in comparison to the unfathomable depths of the Sword Emperor’s Wife’s residual thoughts. If she were to seize control of his consciousness-what was commonly known as “soul usurpation”-how would he defend himself?

Still, logically speaking, soul usurpation usually involved taking over someone of the same gender. Would a woman like the Sword Emperor’s wife really try to usurp a man?

Or perhaps she coveted the divine laws protecting him, disregarding gender entirely?

Regardless, allowing his consciousness to emerge from the protection of the divine laws was far too risky. He had no intention of doing so.