If Xia Longyuan was suffering from the backlash of the mountains and rivers, then the heads of the aristocratic families were now experiencing the backlash of their own sword spirits, which was no less intense than what Xia Longyuan was suffering from.0

Previously, when their intentions clashed, and resonance was impossible, the sword spirits merely ignored them. Their actions had not been egregious enough to warrant punishment, and the sword spirits, weakened themselves, chose passive defiance over open rebellion.0

When the swords were revived with the Sea Tribe's yin qi, their strength was only partially restored, and their minds were muddled. Just like when Cui Yuanyang tried to communicate with the Lianshan Sword—the sword’s behavior resembled that of a half-witted brute. Without full clarity, their hatred was easily exploited: the emperor had stolen half their soul energy, so he was the enemy. Who else would they attack?0

But now, with their soul energy restored, the sword spirits expelled the Sea Tribe's influence, regaining full sentience.0

Their personal grudges faded. More importantly,...0