As Xu Qing and the Captain made their stand, a feeling of excitement spread. The hearts of the swordsages surged as they were reminded of the dramatic day of the Lieutenant Governor’s Coup.4

Now as then, Xu Qing hovered in midair, visible to the eyes of everyone present. The only difference was that on this day, he was vastly more grand and majestic.2

As the excitement built, the swordsages flew up into the air and gathered around Xu Qing, forming a growing crowd. As of this moment, all of Sea-Sealing County pulsed with a desire to do battle.0

Although Master Seventh and Marquis Yao were superior to Xu Qing in terms of cultivation base, they were the type of lofty and distant people that ordinary cultivators wouldn’t even dare to approach.0

But Xu Qing was different. Xu Qing was a fellow veteran. He had walked the line between life and death with them. They were familiar with them, and they backed his decisions and attitudes. That was why they treated him, not just with incredible respect, but also, with deep familiarity. Every single swordsage present rose up and took a place by Xu Qing’s side.4

Looking around his fellow veterans, Xu Qing’s heart swelled. He would never forget what...4