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Leinster's explanation was brief, but Xi Luo and Tan Yueer listened with bated breath. Whether it was the power of the Blizzard Werewolf Lord or Leinster's swordsmanship, both were realms beyond their imagination. In comparison, the so-called twin-sword coordination they had been researching seemed like a child's toy.

"Then... Honored Ancestor, what methods do we have left to oppose him?" Tan Yueer pondered repeatedly but could find no way to counter such overwhelming strength. Suddenly, it occurred to her that since Leinster had come, he must have a solution, so she quickly asked.

Leinster did not answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Are the two Forbidden Spell Mark Crystals currently under human control still in your possession?"

Xi Luo replied somewhat frustrated, "Yes. Since the nations have yet to agree on which country's mage should inherit the mark crystals, they remain with us."

Now, only two Forbidden Spell Mark Crystals—earth and thunder—remain in the human world, yet the places needing them are countless. The southern continent, facing the magical civilization of the elves, naturally wants to claim them all. The northern Tiele Empire, locked in confrontation with the beastmen, refuses to let go. The Desert Mercenary Empire, pressed from both sides, demands them even more urgently. Even the Yellow Dragon Empire, situated behind the frontlines, must guard against the threat of the Mermaid Empire and thus refuses to compromise. With the four great powers deadlocked, the result is indefinite delay. Meanwhile, Xi Luo and the others, who hold the mark crystals, dare not risk inciting internal strife among humanity by forcibly distributing them.

"That works out well. The two in your hands, plus this one, will complete the set." Leinster nodded, then reached into his black robe and handed Xi Luo the water-attribute Forbidden Spell Mark Crystal.

"You... You mean to threaten him with forbidden spells?" Xi Luo asked doubtfully.

Leinster shook his head. "Of course not. While other Sword Saints, including myself and Leimen in the past, could only evade forbidden spells, that werewolf is different. He wields divine weapons imbued with the powers of 'Platinum Lightning' and 'Birth of Doom,' making him the natural counter to all magic. The Twelve Archmages might have been able to suppress him, but the current forbidden spell mages wield less than half their power and cast far slower. With his divine weapons and Saint-level strength, he could almost certainly break through a forbidden spell's attack zone and slay the mage directly. So, the deterrent of forbidden spells holds no value."

"Then what is your idea?"

"Fools—"

You think the perfect form of the Hero-Emperor Sword is merely dragging a wielder's power to the baseline of a Sword Saint wielding divine weapons? When those madmen, the Twelve Archmages, crafted this weapon, their creed was, 'Even an ordinary person wielding it should be able to oppose Leinster.' Though they died before fully completing it, once the eight Forbidden Spell Marks are united, you will unquestionably possess the power to face that werewolf head-on."

Xi Luo widened his eyes. "Face him head-on? Does that mean the complete Hero-Emperor Sword can unleash the power of a true Sword Saint?"

Leinster nodded. "Once the eight marks unite, not only will the Hero-Emperor Sword's power increase dramatically, but it will also unlock its unique domain—'Forbidden World.' It is said to be a space where one can freely command the energy of all eight elements, surpassing even the domains of me or Leimen. Even if you are not a Sword Saint, within that space, you will have the means to oppose a true Sword Saint. Do you think such power would serve humanity better than incomplete forbidden spells?"

"A domain? The Hero-Emperor Sword... can simulate Saint-tier abilities?"

"If it couldn't, how else could it be called the supreme divine weapon?"

Faced with the spectral First Sword Saint's assurance, Xi Luo deliberated briefly before finally accepting the proposal. After receiving Leinster's secret techniques for the Hero-Emperor Sword, he took the sword and the three Forbidden Spell Mark Crystals to a secluded place to train.

By the nameless lake, Tan Yueer stood quietly behind the Ancestor of Sword Saints, showing no intention of leaving.

"What are you waiting for?" the undead Sword Saint asked.

"Waiting for the ancestor to speak the words you could not say earlier to your disciple," Tan Yueer replied with a bow.

"How did you know I had more to say?"

"Xi Luo may not understand you, Honored Ancestor, but your disciple has devotedly researched your life. I know you are a perfectionist. If the complete Hero-Emperor Sword only allowed Xi Luo to oppose the werewolf lord within a domain—without solving the root problem—you would not have suggested it. Thus, I suspect you must have a way to further enhance Xi Luo's combat power, though I do not know why you did not say it outright."

"Ah..." Leinster turned, his spectral gaze—formed of ghostfire—gazing at Tan Yueer with a trace of regret. "You are so perceptive. It truly pains me to say it now."

Tan Yueer suddenly knelt before the black-robed undead Sword Saint. "Honored Ancestor, if I am not mistaken, your method likely requires a great sacrifice from your disciple, which is why you did not mention it in front of Xi Luo. Tan Yueer implores you to reveal it to me. Whether it demands my life, soul, or consciousness, I will accept it without hesitation."

Leinster asked gravely, "You... could guess even this? Truly, you are the Moonlight Tower's most accomplished disciple. But you are already a Sword Saint, destined for centuries of life. Why are you so quick to vow self-sacrifice?"