Apotheosis

Zen nodded resolutely. "Yes, I am going up the mountain."

Back in the Mountain Viewing Province, he had been chased by Elizabeth. She had been a great opponent, and Zen was forced to use every trick up his sleeve. As a result, Athemar realized his true identity.

Once he had been exposed, Zen was left with only two choices—either to go up the mountain, or to leave the Oneness Sky Palace.

Athemar was very explicit about this.

The Oneness Sky Palace was one of the three orthodox forces of human race. In addition, it was traditionally a place for cultivating swordsmanship—just what Zen needed.

More importantly, Zen learnt from Athemar that the path the Oneness Sky Palace had taken did not conflict with him and the Nine Li race.

Thus, Zen ultimately chose to go up the mountain.

Upon hearing Zen's answer, the disciples of the Sword Light Palace fell into silence once more.

They all knew what going up the mountain meant. However, they also were keenly aware of Zen's capabilities; he was more than qualified for this quest.

Although these disciples were unwilling to let Zen leave, it would've seemed selfish if they tried to stop him.

Beldene regarded the silent crowd. "The Flag Master is a truly genius. You know, it's a waste of his talent to remain in the Dragon City. He's helped us enough. Now, he's been chosen to go up the mountain. This means the Oneness Sky Palace is able to spot genius. We must give him our blessing!"

"Beldene is right!" echoed Jago.

"The Flag Master has already helped us a lot!"

"If it weren't for the Flag Master, we wouldn't even be able to cross the Sword Wall..."

"We should concentrate on our cultivation, so we can also go up the mountain in the future."

The atmosphere gradually changed from regret to excitement and determination.

Even though the disciples of the Sword Light Palace had only been in the Dragon City for a year, their mentality had changed a lot.

Disciples like Beldene and Elgin were absolute geniuses back in the Sword Light Palace. However, in the Dragon City, many other bright disciples had gathered. This humbled them greatly, reminding them that there was always someone in this world that was stronger than them.

Even the playboys of the Sword Light Palace, including Jago, had completely concentrated on cultivation, inspired to keep up with those geniuses' pace.

"If it weren't for you, Flag Master, I wouldn't even be able to enter the Sword Light Palace, let alone the Dragon City..." Kenelm sadly said under his breath.

When Zen went to the Excellence City, Kenelm had asked him if he could be his helper. Kenelm had never thought that such a person would bring him from the Gracious Province to t

s finally emerged, a middle-aged man in a white robe had joined him.

This man was Calum Gu. He was responsible for checking on all the disciples who tried to climb up the mountain. Sellers was only meant to give his recommendation.

After taking a look at Zen's Sword Card, Calum Gu nodded. "It's indeed the Sword Card from the Oneness Governor!"

Then he pointed to the road snaking up the mountain. "Starting from here, you have to go up the mountain by yourself. If you encounter any trouble along the way, it is up to you to handle it. At the top of the mountain, there will be someone waiting for you."

It was a difficult climb. Although Sellers had recommended numerous people before, only one out of ten ever made it.

"With your strength, I have no doubt you will reach the top of the mountain." Sellers smiled. "Just be careful on the road."

"Thank you for everything, Sir," Zen responded, bowing respectfully.

Calum Gu looked at Sellers in surprise. "Sellers, why are you so confident in this man?" He asked curiously.

Having Athemar's Sword Card only meant that Athemar thought very highly of Zen. There had been many people trying to go up the mountain from ancient times, but who could guarantee that they would be able to make it?

"He has Athemar's recommendation, so he is by no means an ordinary person," Sellers replied, with a smile on his face. As Athemar had warned him before, he couldn't reveal too much to Calum Gu.

Calum Gu shook his head. "I don't think so. Those Oneness Governors have all recommended some people, but many of them even fell from the mountain! They were not as good as those you recommended in the past..."

As they discussed, they both watched Zen's receding figure in the distance as he trekked on the road that snaked towards the mountaintop.