The Demon Swordsman 3
Ch. 120 - Pillar Lift
Emperor Qin raised the paper high in his hand, reading aloud before everyone.
The Appointment of the Imperial Pillar began from the bottom seat, which was the Tenth Pillar.
"Tenth Pillar, Jiang Cho. Former Council One and also a fighter who once served this Empire!"
Xin Chen was the one who was most surprised to hear that name. The name of the Jiang nobleman was the surname that had displaced Bai Huang from the Imperial Pillar. He did not twitch, seeing Jiang Cho advance with graceful steps. Each strand of her clothes was knitted with gold, depicting how elite she was when she climbed the stage.
Jiang Cho threw a smile in all directions where everyone was praising his name. Then his gaze stopped towards Xin Chen who was looking at him. He drew a fleeting smile, Xin Chen had no idea what that smile meant but according to his instinct it was one of the omens of danger.
"Next, the Ninth Pillar. The great and beautiful young hero, has subverted thousands of enemies and saved thousands of people from war. He had passed the selection of the direct selection by the center and obtained the recommendations of the previous Imperial Pillars. The Ninth Pillar, Xiu Qiaofeng!"
The next name that Emperor Qin mentioned was much more surprising to Xin Chen, who else if not Xiu Qiaofeng, the female Gorilla who had always been happy to beat him up. And now the girl took the stage with pride and honor. His hands greeted everyone, bowed as gracefully as possible. No wonder why so many men fall for her. Besides having a beautiful face, her fighting ability could not be doubted.
Xiu Qiaofeng stood next to Jiang Cho, straightening his head so that everyone could see himself - including a young man who was still astonished in disbelief on another stage.
"The next pillar, the Eighth Pillar, a tribute to the new hero who had been selected in the selection of the Empire Pillar candidates strictly by the best people, Zian Ning. Archers from the North."
Everyone applauded no less hilariously than Xiu Qiaofeng. Neither Xin Chen nor Xin Fai knew that new face at all. Right, Zian Ning had only been seen in their eyes, he was neither an elite nor a senior hero. But making it the Eighth Pillar was definitely an indiscriminate decision.
The girl with eyes as sharp as an eagle, arms covered in iron thorns and steps so quickly it entered the stage. No matter what the furore of everyone.
Who does not know Zian Ning and one brother who occupies the top 3 of the selection of the best heroes this year. Before the war in the Valley of the Gods began. Emperor Qin had issued an announcement in the form of a search for a new Imperial Pillar candidate. It's just, unlike the elections that have been going on for hundreds of years. The system has changed a lot due to some considerations.
Because the Shang Empire was in the Critical Era, Emperor Qin could not allocate too much funds to organize events. And for the safety of the candidates for the Imperial Pillar, the selection was conducted in a highly secretive manner.
The participants were accepted based on recommendations from sects and colleges. Only two are allowed. Zian Ning was from the Lion Fang sect. Located in the North of the Shang Empire, in a jungle surrounded by death. He and his brother managed to rank second and third.
All residents who heard the story of these two sister brothers were certainly amazed at the action of both. It was undeniable, the two brothers were neither nobles nor elite clans who had abundant resources and abundant power. They've been training from scratch since they haven't been able to speak properly. Two children abandoned by their parents at the age of 6 survived. Just two.
Both of their stories inspire many people. That was the reason why when Zian Ning did not say hello to him, everyone still called out his name out loud.
The high charisma. That was what Zian Ning had.
Emperor Qin flicked the paper in his hand, reading the next person enough to make him proud of his achievements. The person does not even need the first or seventh seat to save the person. He had just turned eighteen, such a young age to be made a Pillar. Indeed those who pass the secret selection are not directly appointed to stand in the first place, for some exact reason. Because right now the Qin Emperor needs those who can really bring peace and security to the Shang Empire.
"Lian Ning's! Lian Ning's!"
Vaguely among the voices of the thousands, came the name Lian Ning. A figure respected by many people. Needless to say with words, all of Lian Ning's services had been known to many people. When the other heroes were busy fighting in their respective places, Lian Ning fought in her own path. Risking his life the villages to be scorched, releasing the slaves and driving off the plunderers. It could be said, Lian Ning followed the path the Evil Sword had once taken. A new star candidate appeared, his light was so bright in the eyes of the residents of the Shang Empire.
Xin Chen watched Lian Ning's words, astonished to see her figure. Just by looking at his face, he was able to guess the young man's attitude. Stupid and silly. But he was able to stand on his own feet, helping everyone without thinking of a reply. Such a person was what this Empire needed. Xin Chen was quite proud. It was unexpected that there was still hope for the Imperial Pillar in the future.
Lian Ning was also staring at Xin Chen, the blue eyes that were once rumored to be true. He could hardly believe that he could meet a figure that he had only heard from people's mouths all along.
Zian Ning quickly pulled Lian Ning next to him, timidly his older brother ran towards the second Young Master Xin and did a stupid thing.
Xin Chen furrowed an eyebrow as Lian Ning scoffed at him, he waved an enthusiastic hand. His sister patted the jidat.
"Greetings knaal!"
Unfortunately Xin Chen was already not looking at him and was instead staring at another figure who was about to take the stage. Lian Ning was a little disappointed, but her sense of pleasure did not diminish at all.
"It's rude! Don't be like a hick, brother. We're being seen by a lot of people." Zian Ning protested half a whisper. Nudged her brother's waist to keep him quiet. Then Lian Ning waved a splashy hand at everyone. Which was warmly welcomed. Being able to stand on this stage is one proof that he deserves to be a protector.
"Yosh, this is just the beginning. I'll make sure you're all safe. And get rid of the rotten people of this Empire .." said little Lian Ning, rather she spoke there herself.
"As you always do." Zian Ning was happy that her brother had never changed, "And I will support you from behind, it seems like it usually is too."
Lian Ning knew her sister was happy now, but that flat expression ruined her mood. "Come on, smile at my little sister. The Devil Sword and the one person we idolized are looking at us."
Lian Ning and Zian Ning smiled widely.
"The number one candidate of the Empire's Pillar candidates who had defeated thousands of the Empire's best young men. Famous as the best swordsman at the age of 21 years. He is our Sixth Pillar, Yue Huanran!"
White uniform with gold flower carvings on the edges, the robe is often worn by the White Mist Valley college which since the war several years ago has moved to one of the hills on the outskirts of Fanlu City. Yue Huanran looked even more like an 18-year-old. His right hand clasped the sword at his waist, walking straight. His focus was never broken by applause all around. He closed his eyes when he arrived at the Imperial Pillar line. Looking ahead without much ado.
The gripping aura that Yue Huanran had always made Lian Ning goosebumps by herself. But the young man never played about fighting. That makes him worthy of first place.
***