Chapter 226: Attending a Banquet

“Going to a banquet tomorrow?” Turning to look at Rod, his sharply defined face appeared aged under the moonlight. For some reason, Eirwen found herself deeply engrossed in it.
“Didn’t I say so?” Rod asked back, frowning.
“They want to win you over!” Eirwen said slowly after a moment, then stared at Rod as if seeking his thoughts.
Sighing, Rod finally turned to look at her. Eirwen was indeed not as simple as she seemed! Being able to see this meant he wasn’t that innocent either—on the contrary, he was quite scheming.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m going back!” Getting up, Rod headed toward his room, clearly unwilling to engage further with her.
“The pro-war faction and the opposition are sworn enemies—you should know that!” Eirwen followed him, continuing to speak.
“I know.”
“Who exactly are you, and what do you want from the Source of Darkness?” Finally, Eirwen spoke out what she had been holding back for so long. Aida hadn’t told her Rod’s identity or his purpose for coming here, but from various clues, Eirwen had realized Rod was no ordinary person and wasn’t from the Source of Darkness. He must have a purpose for being here.
“It’s late; time to rest!” Turning to look at Eirwen, Rod frowned slightly before quickening his pace, leaving her behind. He entered his room and shut the door firmly.
Rod grew increasingly suspicious of Eirwen, telling himself not to get too close to her. Though he wasn’t entirely sure about some things, he could tell she had no good intentions toward him.
Staring at Rod’s room, Eirwen fell silent for a moment before turning to leave. “Rod, no matter who you are or what your purpose is, I will find out. Our opposition clan cannot be controlled by you or fall into Aida’s hands. Only I am qualified to take over!”
No one could have imagined that these two sisters, who seemed to get along well, were actually engaged in a hidden struggle and battle unseen by others.
The night was cool as water. Midsummer had slowly passed, and autumn was approaching swiftly. The nights now carried a hint of chill.
Inside his room, feeling Eirwen’s departure, Rod fell into deep thought.
……
“Kid, come on, let’s go see what kind of trap this is!” At noon, the group gathered in the hall, pulling Rod along as Sognar said nonchalantly.

The group marched in a grand procession toward the residence of the Second Prince, Guyi. However, Aida and Eileen, two members of the opposition, remained unusually quiet, their expressions grave. After passing through the busiest street in Wuyou City, the group finally arrived at Guyi’s residence. The simple mansion, with its blue bricks and black tiles, appeared quite old. It was quiet in front of the door, with only two guards standing by. Seemingly instructed in advance, one of them stepped forward quickly and led the group inside. Inside, as well, everything was simple and unadorned, without any excess or clutter, exuding a faint delicate fragrance. “Hahaha, Brother Rhode and all the elders have finally arrived! Guyi has been waiting quite a while!” Before even entering the hall, they saw Guyi coming out to greet them with a smile, appearing harmless. Inside the hall, it was empty except for Rhode and his group, along with Guyi and his two subordinates. Clearly, this banquet was meant specifically for them. After taking their seats, at Guyi’s command, dancers entered and began to dance to soothing music, creating a beautiful scene. “It’s truly an honor to have all the elders here today!” Guyi said cheerfully, clearly in high spirits. With fine wine, delicious food, and entertainment, the group enjoyed themselves greatly. After eating and drinking their fill, they continued to appreciate the wonderful dances and songs. Only Guyi’s gaze remained fixed on Rhode with interest. After a while, he said to Rhode, “I’ve heard that Brother Rhode has exceptional sword skills and must know a great deal about swords. I happen to have acquired a sword recently. How about we take a look together?” With that, he stood up, signaling for Rhode to follow him. As soon as he spoke, the expressions of those present changed slightly—finally, the main event was about to begin! Yet, since Guyi had invited only Rhode, a few of them frowned in dissatisfaction. This was not only a disregard and disrespect toward them but also a attempt to divide the group. “Very well!” Rhode nodded and glanced at those around him, sending them a look.

“Hehe, Rod, then go ahead by yourself. The rest of us won’t be participating—we haven’t done any research on this thing! But be careful not to break it; otherwise, I’m afraid you won’t be able to afford to replace it!” Sensing the meaning in Rod’s gaze, Sognar said with a smile, instantly easing the tension.
“The senior is joking!” Gu Yi replied politely with a faint smile.
Taking Rod with them, the two quickly left the hall, leaving the two elders by his side to accompany Sognar and the others. It was obvious that these two were watching over them.
The atmosphere suddenly became a bit surprised. Especially Aida and Eileen looked worriedly into the distance. Most of the people here had already understood Gu Yi’s intentions—by taking Rod aside for a private talk, he must have some plan in mind.
…
“I wonder what Rod brother plans to do after participating in the competition?” Gu Yi asked casually as they walked along the corridor of the mansion.
“Hehe, I aim to secure a spot in the Netherworld!” Rod replied without hesitation, smiling faintly.
“Rod brother is joking. That spot is surely yours. Everyone can see your strength—no one can stop you from moving forward!” In the blink of an eye, the relationship between them shifted from “senior” to “brother,” as Gu Yi quickly brought them closer.
“Talents emerge everywhere. I’m just trying my best!” Rod wasn’t impressed by Gu Yi’s flattery.
“Rod brother, you’re too modest!”
In no time, the two arrived at a attic by the lake. From there, they could see the entire lake—a truly beautiful sight.
On their table lay an ancient-looking box, clearly the so-called sword.
Looking at Rod, Gu Yi smiled in satisfaction before opening the box. A green, ancient long sword appeared before them.
The sword exuded a powerful aura. The moment the box was opened, Rod felt a fierce fighting spirit; the ancient sword even trembled slightly, emitting a humming sound.
“This sword is named Heartbreak! Although it isn’t among the top ten divine weapons of the Source of Darkness, it’s comparable to the mighty weapon Giant Slaughter. It’s just not well-known—people simply don’t know about it! Brother, what do you think?” Gu Yi said, looking at the sword with pride, clearly very fond of it.

“Hmm, not bad. Full of killing intent, fierce fighting spirit, and towering pride. It appears simple on the surface but is actually restrained. Once it drinks blood, it will surely shake the nine provinces!” Nodding, Rhode spoke without reservation—this was indeed an unparalleled sword, perhaps even slightly better than today’s Dark Dragon.

“Hehe, truly excellent taste. This sword was forged by Qing Shuang, the greatest swordsmith of ten thousand years ago. When it was completed, dark clouds covered the sky and thunderstorms struck—a sign that heaven itself envied this sword. Later, it absorbed Qing Shuang’s soul, causing the heavens and earth to tremble. It was then unleashed alongside Ao Tian, a tyrant from eight thousand years ago, through countless battles, drenched in blood of tens of thousands, yet never defeated—truly a sword that made its name through the destruction of countless foes! Over a thousand years, it also absorbed Ao Tian’s fighting spirit and pride, making it an unparalleled treasure!” Nodding, Gu Yi praised it generously.

“It truly lives up to its name!”

“Brother Rhode, what do you think? As a swordsman, the greatest among us, renowned and immensely powerful, I believe only Brother Rhode deserves to possess this sword! Only in his hands can it regain its former glory!” Taking out the sword, Gu Yi said earnestly.

Looking at Gu Yi in confusion, Rhode didn’t understand what he wanted. Did he really think he could buy him over with this sword? It seemed too easy.

“Hehe, Brother Gu Yi, what do you mean?” Rhode asked, pretending to be surprised.

“A sword deserves a hero. In this world, only a handful of people are worthy of this sword, and Brother Rhode is definitely the best choice!” Gu Yi said without hiding his intentions.

“Hehe, Brother Gu Yi, you’re exaggerating. How could I, Rhode, deserve such recognition? I’m too humble to accept it!” Without reaching for it, Rhode delayed: “Besides, I already have a sword. Though not as sharp as Duan Chang, it’s still easy to use. I’ve fought alongside it all this time and have deep affection for it—I’m reluctant to give it up!”

“It seems Gu Yi was too hasty. I didn’t expect Brother Rhode to be such a true man of principle—admiring. Under the temptation of Duan Chang, I believe only Brother Rhode could remain so calm and persistent! It seems Gu Yi went to extra lengths needlessly!” Slightly stunned, Gu Yi showed no displeasure at being rejected; instead, he spoke with admiration.

“This must be a fine sword. Rhode feels he’s not good enough for it—its pride is formidable, its fighting spirit intense. I’m not yet at that level!” Looking at Duan Chang, Rhode said sincerely.

“Well, I won’t force you. This sword will always remain for Brother Rhode. Should Brother Rhode ever need it, I’ll offer it to you right away!” Gu Yi said with deep emotion as he casually put away the Broken Heart Sword.
“I just wonder what Brother Rhode plans to do once he enters the Netherworld, and what after he comes back. You must be aware of the feuds between the pro-war faction and the opposition, as well as the relationships among several clans. Since I’m free today, might we take this opportunity to discuss the current situation?” Gu Yi said thoughtfully, sitting in his seat and gazing at the lake in the distance.