Chapter 522: Sword Intent, a General from the Former Dynasty

Boom!!
A massive mechanical wooden bridge was erected at the shore, forming a flat path straight to the city gates on the other side. Following Huang Rong, Happy and his group walked across the bridge in amazement and excitement, recording everything they saw as they arrived beneath this magnificent castle.
Hero’s Villa!!
Four huge characters, written in a bold and dynamic style, were engraved on the solid stone. A strong, resilient aura emanated from them. Happy paused briefly to take a look, seemingly gaining some insight.
The man in charge of defending Hero’s Villa and examining the group was a middle-aged man with a cold expression, carrying a black heavy sword. Noticing Happy’s gaze, his stern features softened slightly. “Young man, can you tell anything interesting?” He didn’t ask for Happy’s name but was interested in his expression, causing the other nine people present to exclaim, “Damn it!” Could just looking at Hero’s Villa’s sign trigger story events and earn the favor of NPCs? He Shiyi and the others could only smile bitterly.
Under the strange gazes of the other four sects, they also showed interest, wondering what astonishing words Happy might say!
Happy seemed unaware that the speaker was an NPC in charge of the castle’s defense. His eyes were fixed intently on the four characters, which exuded a fierce and heroic aura. Lost in thought, he murmured, “Did the person who wrote these four characters serve in the army?”
“Hero’s Villa is a sacred place for the righteous forces of the martial world; there are no imperial enforcers here,” the man replied, his expression darkening slightly.
Xi Qinggu’s Xin Yi and Lu Jing from Peach Blossom Island both smirked faintly, thinking, Even if Happy is talented, there’s no need to show off his calligraphy skills. What’s he pretending to be? If he can’t understand it, that’s one thing, but making up nonsense is unacceptable. This is a martial arts conference where people from all over gather—this isn’t an imperial event… Turning everything around military tactics is a bit absurd.
“That’s strange then,” Happy said, giving the man another glance. “Looking at the calligraphy, the style is bold and powerful, as if conveying the momentum of charging into battle, with an aura that makes one’s heart tremble… But the ending is completely different—more restrained, suggesting a desire to bring peace to the world. If the person who wrote these characters wasn’t a soldier, I find it strange. Who else could exhibit such a strong battlefield aura?” His conviction made even those who had been slightly smirking turn pale.

He thought to himself, Could it be that this kid, Happy, is really familiar with calligraphy as well? How could they know that Happy merely sensed a familiar sword spirit—a sword spirit reminiscent of his past life—which naturally made him clarify and express that feeling. Although the man denied it outright, Happy was fully confident that their sword spirits were the same. Sure enough, the man’s expression changed. “I underestimated you, young brother. I didn’t expect you to have such a deep understanding of sword spirit. Indeed, before I founded Hero Manor, I was indeed a general of the previous dynasty.” At these words, the few people who had previously shown mockery and schadenfreude immediately became stiff-faced, their expressions ugly, and their gazes at Happy grew even more wary! Sword spirit! What on earth is that? “I thought I was mistaken earlier. Since I wasn’t wrong, I wonder if I might be fortunate enough to know your master’s name.” Seeing the other party’s expression change, Happy shifted his tone: “I greatly admire a hero who can possess such a magnificent sword spirit. If it’s inconvenient, it’s fine.” “You’ll know when the time comes,” the man said with a hearty laugh. “Before that, tell me your name. I’ll take you into the manor and explain the details of the martial arts tournament for you.” “It would be an honor to have Hero Gui guide us personally,” Huang Rong said happily, quickly adding to Happy, “Hero Gui is very busy, but he’s in charge of organizing this tournament. If he explains it himself, it will save us a lot of trouble.” “Happy.” “So you’re the young hero who rescued the six major sects, Young Hero Happy.” Hero Gui’s eyes lit up in surprise. “No wonder you have such a deep understanding of sword spirit. You’re probably on par with another young hero who entered Hero Manor before.” “…” Hearing Hero Gui’s words, Happy felt a slight stir in his heart: “I wonder if that person also carries a black sword.” He suspected that “The Emperor” had already entered Hero Manor. “As for that, I’m not sure. But that person is very young, cold, like a sword drawn from its sheath. Even I feel a bit pressured in his presence.” Hero Gui’s words shocked the others, who looked at each other in confusion. Although they didn’t know Hero Gui’s exact cultivation level, from Huang Rong and the others’ attitudes, this little-known “Hero Gui” was likely a low-key expert, probably at the Wuwei realm—something essential. Someone who could make an expert at the Wuwei realm feel pressured—could there really be such a formidable person among them? “There’s such a powerful expert?” “Who is it?” “I don’t know…” The group discussed among themselves.

Only Happy could be sure that the person who kept Hero Gui preoccupied must be “The Emperor”. His brows tightened slightly, and Happy’s expression turned somewhat serious. It had been just over three months since his agreement with “The Emperor”; he still hadn’t mastered the “Nine Yang Divine Art” and had only learned three moves of the “Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms”. Yet now, he was to fight against “The Emperor” ahead of schedule… As expected, life is full of uncertainties! Plans can’t keep up with changes. However, Happy no longer felt that inexplicable tension toward “The Emperor” as before. His progress in the “True Dragon Ten Styles” gave him some confidence to confront “The Emperor” head-on! Since he was here, he would make the best of it. Hero Gui, who had been observing Happy’s reaction, nodded and said, “I look forward to seeing you face that man… It will surely be the most intense clash among the younger generation, and its excitement will likely be no less than battles between masters.” “Hero Gui, you flatter me.” Happy focused his mind and quickly returned to his normal state. By then, the inspection for the group had already ended. Seeing that the two had finished talking, Hero Gui opened the city gates, raised the drawbridge, and led everyone into the Hero’s Villa. Inside and outside the villa was like two completely different worlds. Outside, it was as peaceful as a utopia, but inside, it was bustling and lively. The streets were wide, with numerous skilled experts from various sects gathered around the fighting arenas, their shouts echoing everywhere! Boom!!! As soon as they entered the villa, which resembled a city, a wave of intense heat hit them, accompanied by continuous sounds of clashing weapons. The group was stunned on the spot. After scanning the entire area, their shock deepened even more! Even Happy was too astonished by what he saw to speak for a long time… They had thought the martial arts tournament would be held in a large, spacious venue, but instead, it took place in such a noisy and chaotic city, with fighting arenas scattered everywhere. Martial artists and players mixed together, fighting, shouting, and battling incessantly! “Really, the martial arts tournament is held here…” The group was utterly astonished.