Just moments ago, it was unclear who started it, but the cries of “The Envoy descends, peace returns to Zhongzhou” were already rising and falling in waves. However, the faces of the many court officials of Zhongzhou showed a variety of expressions, and a few even revealed looks of indifference. The so-called Envoy who appeared before them was merely a boy of thirteen or fourteen; although a faint divine radiance could be seen around him, there was nothing particularly extraordinary about him. Could such a person really save Zhongzhou from its crisis? Deep doubts were planted in the hearts of almost everyone present. Yet, the three Right Ministers of Zhongzhou—the Grand Priest, the Grand Artisan, and the Grand Diviner—exchanged glances in unison. The boy seemed ordinary, but with their years of expertise in divination, they had almost confirmed his identity. Truly, a blessing from the heavens, the three of them sighed simultaneously.

Henry Linton finally saw a middle-aged man dressed in the royal robes and crown of a king. Although that gaunt face appeared utterly spiritless, for a brief moment, he sensed a commanding aura from the man. However, compared to the emperor he had once met, he realized that this Son of Heaven before him seemed to be lacking something. Perhaps, this man was not truly suited to sit upon the imperial throne. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of David Wood’s cold, piercing gaze. Almost instinctively, he bowed and saluted, saying, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

So much meaning was contained in that single sentence that even though Henry Linton said nothing more, a commotion rippled through the court officials. King James Grant broke free from Samuel Johnson’s grasp and personally stepped forward to help Henry Linton up. “Good, good! I never imagined that after decades on the throne, I would live to see this day with my own eyes! The appearance of the Envoy is a sign of heavenly favor—nothing could please me more!” He gazed deeply at Henry Linton, then suddenly turned to face the assembled officials, drawing the treasured sword at his waist and raising it high. “From this day forth, the commands of Minister Linton are as my own imperial will. Any who disobey shall be punished by this sword!”

He paid no heed to the officials’ astonished faces, but solemnly turned back, holding the sword in both hands and presenting it to Henry Linton with great gravity. “Minister Linton, you are the pillar of the nation, and for the moment I can think of nothing else worthy to give you. This sword was forged by a master craftsman, made from the finest ores of the mountains, quenched in the blood of pure boys and girls. When wielded, its edge is peerless; when sheathed, its power is hidden. It is called Qianyin, and it is my most cherished possession. Today, with your aid in restoring Zhongzhou, I present this sword to you, hoping you will sweep away the nation’s weariness and return the world to peace and clarity!” His words rang out with vigor, showing none of his earlier listlessness, and the officials felt a chill in their hearts. Meanwhile, David Wood and the others had a strange light in their eyes, their emotions clearly in turmoil.

Henry Linton, unable to help himself, accepted the treasured sword from James Grant, his fingers gently brushing the spine of the blade, which sparked a flash of golden light. Such a miraculous sight, combined with King James Grant’s words, made the others almost silently accept the truth. From this day on, that seemingly insignificant boy would become the nation’s most precious treasure—the cauldron that would suppress all chaos in Zhongzhou!

Feeling the waves of murderous intent emanating from the sword, Henry Linton’s heart surged uncontrollably. He no longer paid attention to the orders coming from David Wood’s direction, but solemnly raised the sword high above his head and declared in a clear voice, “With the generous gift from Your Majesty, I, Henry Linton, hereby swear to use this sword to cut down all monsters and villains, restore peace and stability to Zhongzhou, and assist Your Majesty in creating an era of lasting prosperity!” Compared to the martial James Grant, his voice was not loud, but somehow, it miraculously reached the ears of everyone present, leaving them all shocked. David Wood watched the complex expressions on the officials’ faces with great interest, a most peculiar smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

While everyone was still immersed in this indescribable atmosphere, David Wood suddenly turned and shouted to the neatly arranged guards below the steps, “His Highness the Envoy has sworn his oath; we must obey his commands and restore peace and stability to Zhongzhou!” At his command, the eight great envoys parted the officials and knelt respectfully before Henry Linton. The guards below seemed to awaken from a dream, all kneeling and shouting in unison, “Congratulations to His Majesty for gaining the assistance of His Highness the Envoy! We shall uphold the king’s orders and the Envoy’s commands, and restore peace and stability to Zhongzhou!”

The officials of Zhongzhou, faced with such a passionate scene, were at a loss for what to do. No one knew who started it, but soon everyone was kneeling, murmuring words that could not be clearly heard. Atop the steps, only Henry Linton, holding the sword aloft, and King James Grant, his face full of excitement, remained standing. At this moment, their hearts were filled with a hundred emotions, and their four gazes, each carrying a different meaning, finally met and sparked a silent fire.

Chapter Seven: The Meeting

In the Hall of the Exalted Envoy, Henry Linton met one unfamiliar minister after another like a puppet on strings, a deep sense of helplessness welling up inside him. Still, he forced himself to stay alert, unwilling to show the slightest sign of fatigue in front of David Wood. The words he had spoken earlier before King James Grant had been full of force, but that was only a momentary surge of passion. At that time, under the silent pressure of David Wood’s aura, his anger had built up to the limit and finally burst forth in that instant.