"Ha, just as I suspected," Qinglin was in no way startled by Ye Xiu's words. "Ancient texts in Myriad Sword City also mention Central Plains people entering the realm in search of the so-called Mad Sand Sword, Heaven Breaker Sword, and Howling Wave Sword. However, from what Qinglin knows, aside from the Beast Clan's Mad Sand Sword, the other two swords have never appeared in the Three Sword Realm. Therefore, Young Hero Ye might not be able to return to the Central Plains after all."

Ye Xiu lowered his head, somewhat dejected. He knew Ajiao had said the same thing, but regardless, he should secure the Mad Sand Sword first.

Myriad Sword Qinglin waved his feather fan, and a gentle breeze accompanied his words, sweeping over. "Qinglin doesn't care about those legendary three swords. I believe with Young Hero Ye's strength, whether in the Central Plains or within the Three Swords, you will surely make a name for yourself. Qinglin wishes to strike a deal with Young Hero Ye."

Ye Xiu's eyes lit up, realizing his initial impression of Myriad Sword Qinglin was correct. This Third City Lord, usually exceedingly low-key and uninvolved in governance, was now executing his own plans. "As I said before, Third City Lord, please command me with whatever task you have. I will do my utmost to accomplish anything within my ability."

"Young Hero Ye truly is an understanding man; Qinglin need not keep you in suspense any longer." Myriad Sword Qinglin closed his eyes in thought for a moment before saying, "Qinglin will certainly assist Young Hero Ye in obtaining the three swords. In exchange, I only ask that you stand by my side at all times."

"That simple?" Ye Xiu could hardly believe his ears. He had entered the Three Sword Realm precisely for the supposed Divine Ghost Three Swords; regardless of right or wrong in terms of allegiance, reaching his goal was paramount. "Ye Xiu understands. This is a very good transaction."

Myriad Sword Qinglin was adept at winning people over, not just through outward virtue, but by directly seeing what others desired. Once that weakness was grasped, no one could resist him. "For this First Martial Arts Assembly of the Three Swords, rest assured and participate. My people will provide the necessary momentum to push you forward."

Ye Xiu grinned, unsure whether to be happy or sad. "I knew the Third City Lord had everything under control. However, the First City Lord and the Second City Lord will surely use this opportunity to cultivate their own power base, as there can only be one victor, and ranking among the royalty will have a subtle influence on the overall situation."

"Young Hero Ye is indeed the person Myriad Sword Qinglin has chosen. To be frank, the winner of this competition will not only receive those rewards but will also become the consort of the Myriad Sword City Princess, my younger sister's husband." Qinglin spoke plainly. "All of this was devised by the First City Lord, Myriad Sword Cang Lao, specifically to limit the real power of the Second City Lord, Myriad Sword Xuanhu. However, it is also a risky gambit."

"What if someone from the Second City Lord’s faction wins? Wouldn't that be more trouble than it's worth? Or perhaps the First City Lord is very confident in the person he sent out." Ye Xiu understood Qinglin’s meaning, elaborating thoughtfully. "Now, with the Third City Lord bringing in an outsider like me—someone with no history or background in the Three Sword Realm—no one will suspect the Third City Lord. Even if I am fortunate enough to win, it offers no tangible benefit to the Third City Lord on the surface."

"You are sharp; you are indeed very suitable to be my brother-in-law." Qinglin stared into Ye Xiu’s eyes and laughed sharply. "Remember, it is not that you are fortunate enough to win; you must win and enter the royal family."

Ye Xiu looked into Qinglin’s eyes and, in that moment, truly recognized Myriad Sword Qinglin’s nature. He was unwilling to be subordinate, but the rules of royalty forced him to follow his two elder brothers. While Ye Xiu didn't yet know how the First and Second City Lords ruled, this Third City Lord, Myriad Sword Qinglin, currently appeared to be a calculating emperor.

Myriad Sword Qinglin turned away, gently waving his feather fan, speaking kindly. "Qinglin's younger sister, Myriad Sword Chenying, while perhaps not the most beautiful in the nation, possesses a face capable of toppling cities. Perhaps you two might find some affinity."

Ye Xiu raised his sword and bowed to Myriad Sword Qinglin. "The Third City Lord is a man of great endeavors. Ye Xiu considers it a blessing to follow the Third City Lord. Please await my good news."

"Go on." The Third City Lord did not turn back, merely waving his fan slightly toward Ye Xiu before slowly walking into the deep alleyway.

No matter what, he had to obtain the Divine Ghost Three Swords. This was a divine mandate and his only current conviction. Ye Xiu turned coldly and walked out, but suddenly thought of giving Ajiao a surprise. What on earth should he buy her?

The streets of Myriad Sword City were paved with massive flagstones, and the entire environment felt heavy and imposing. The streets were lined with various shops, selling nothing more exciting than silks and satins—utterly unoriginal. Ye Xiu walked back while carefully considering his options. However, he had just changed his attire, and all the modern items he possessed were either lost or discarded. What else was there? The Purple Smoke Chain? Since leaving the Heaven's Will Sword, the Purple Smoke Chain had never served a purpose.

As he neared the inn where he was staying, still empty-handed and at a loss, what could one give a girl? Flowers! But this era had no flower shops. What else could he manage? He felt his pockets and surprisingly discovered half a pack of facial tissues tucked inside. Paper? Ah, yes, Meiyi had taught him how to fold roses from tissues once. That settled it.

"Knock, knock, knock." Ye Xiu excitedly rapped on Ajiao's door. He heard hurried footsteps inside, and the door flew open.

"Ye Xiu, what about the things I asked for? My gift? My surprise?" Ajiao poked her head out, pressing him insistently. "What did you buy?"

Ye Xiu stood with his hands behind his back, smiling faintly. "Don't be so hasty. Let me have a drink of water first."

"Here, here! Drink quickly." Ajiao was surprisingly well-behaved at this moment, quickly pulling Ye Xiu into the room and pouring him some tea. "Hurry and tell me! What did you buy for me?"

Ye Xiu sat down, picked up the cup with one hand, and took a large gulp of water, saying with a hint of helplessness, "I didn't buy anything at all!"

"What? You didn't buy anything!" Ajiao’s brow immediately furrowed upon hearing this, and she pouted. "Fine, you lied to me again! Are you trying to get me to bite you again?"

"Haha, wait, wait," Ye Xiu quickly raised his hands to ward off Ajiao. He had no desire to experience the strength of her teeth again. "I didn't buy anything, but the gift I'm giving you is something I made myself."

"What? Something you made yourself? What can you even make?" Ajiao was about to cause a scene, but Ye Xiu stopped her. "What can you do besides swing a sword around? Don't lie to me, or I'll really get angry."

"Close your eyes. Only open them when I tell you to," Ye Xiu said with a mysterious smile, shaking his head.

"You're using that trick again." Ajiao had been fooled once and wasn't entirely convinced. "I don't care what you say! If you dare trick me this time, I won't be polite!"

"I absolutely won't lie to you. Be good and close your eyes."