The swordsage recruitment trial was an event full of holiness and dignity. It was the most orthodox of human ceremonies, and was something that no sect could match. The swordsages had resources that other organizations simply couldn’t tap into. Because of that, the ceremony and rules were naturally unique.5

In a chaotic world, ceremonies were very important. The darker it got, and the colder it got, the more important it became to have fire. And that fire... could fuel the legacy of all humanity. That fire was the human bloodline, and it represented the very spirit of all humankind. Ceremonies represented the spirit of legacy. The more formal a ceremony, and the more holy it was, the deeper impression that legacy would give. It could be branded onto the soul itself, never to be dispersed. This was a swordsage ceremony, but at the same time, it was a ceremony for all humanity.2

In the dome of heaven, the swordsages were organized by rank into two wings. The wing-like shape of their formation had significance; it was a symbol of how they offered protection. With their wings, they would offer shelter to humanity. Beyond that, they were willing to spread their wings wide and fly to the highest heights, all for the sake of humankind.4

The nine swordsage elders had solemn expressions on their faces as they bore witness to the events playing out. That itself was part of the ceremony. There were four on each side, and one in the middle. Arrayed at different heights, they resembled a mountain or a sword. They represented the cutting edge of the swordsages. They represented the command sword. The sunrise glow illuminated them from behind. Combined with the divine likeness of the Grand Emperor, hīs gaze encompassing all heaven and earth, meant...1