Chapter 134: The Black-and-White Twin Swords

After absorbing Jun Yao’s essential blood, the White Sword began to emit a low hum, as if the two swords had formed a resonance. Seeing this, Jiang Xiaofei and Jun Yao were both overjoyed and immediately resumed their practice of the dual-sword technique.

If one looked closely, a sword hovered above each of their heads—the Black and White Swords. After resonating, they radiated a dazzling light. The two swords moved toward each other as if to merge, but each time they attempted to unite, a tremendous resistance caused them to brush past one another.

Jiang Xiaofei naturally sensed this, and he frowned. Logically, now that the Black and White Swords had been claimed with blood and had achieved resonance, they should have been able to merge. Yet, they were currently repelling each other.

Jun Yao also felt something was amiss, but she was not anxious. She smiled and said, "If this dual-sword technique were so easy to master, my father and mother would have done it long ago. Since this is our first time, achieving this much is already quite good. Why rush? Let’s take it slow. I believe that as long as our minds and hearts are in harmony, we will surely master it."

"Very well, let us try again." Hearing this, Jiang Xiaofei nodded and resumed the practice. Although this attempt was smoother than the last, the swords still failed to merge. However, comforted by Jun Yao's words, Jiang Xiaofei did not panic; after all, if the technique were easy to master, it would make one invincible!

They practiced day and night until the first day ended, yet the dual-sword technique remained elusive. Jiang Xiaofei felt a touch of discouragement—were their hearts not truly in sync? Or was the legend of the dual-sword technique a lie?

Seeing his frustration, Jun Yao offered no reproach. She smiled and said, "Do not be impatient; haste makes waste. Perhaps we haven't found the right method, and today is the day you ascend as King—you should be happy."

"Indeed." Jiang Xiaofei nodded and said no more. He rose to push open the room's door, and a beam of light spilled in. Though the light was not blinding, the sight before him left him stunned.

The entire Si Manor had undergone a complete transformation overnight. Even the guards at the gates were clad in Nether-Soldier Ghost Armor, looking like hardened, iron-clad warriors. While Jiang Xiaofei had anticipated this, Su Muhe’s efficiency was staggering. He couldn't help but marvel that she was truly worthy of being the Chief Steward of the Si Manor.

Seeing the scene outside, Jun Yao smiled and said, "I picked Su Muhe up from a pile of corpses. Her capability is naturally exceptional, and it was precisely for this quality that I kept her by my side."

"So that is the case," Jiang Xiaofei replied with a nod. "Then I have decided: from today on, Su Muhe shall be the First Protector Elder of the Si Kingdom. Do you have any objections?"

Jun Yao smiled. "I have none."

"Good. Let us go find her and share the good news." Jiang Xiaofei nodded slightly and began walking out of the manor, with Jun Yao following closely behind.

The Si Manor was a hive of activity, draped in festive decorations. Even the plaque above the main gate had been changed to read "Si Kingdom." The city itself was filled with joy; after all, today was the day the Ghost Abyss Si Manor was established as the Si Kingdom, and the day King Fei would unify the Netherworld—a double celebration. The people were naturally delighted by such a monumental occasion. Outside the city, expansion was underway, and the foundations of an imperial infrastructure were already taking shape.

Jiang Xiaofei could clearly sense the changes in the manor and the surrounding Ghost Abyss City. As a peak-stage Heaven-Transformation expert, he could perceive everything within a hundred miles. Still, he had not expected the Ghost Abyss Si Manor to change so drastically overnight; it felt as if he had woken up to find his dreams turned into reality. When he first arrived in the Netherworld, he never intended to turn the Si Manor into a kingdom; he had only wanted to change the situation at the manor and repel the invaders.

However, after the battle at the Abyss of Ghost Howls, the Si Manor had not only dismantled its enemies but had risen in status. He had simply gone with the flow, never imagining that this push would propel the Si Manor to such heights.

Jun Yao also marveled at the transformation. She knew that if not for the man beside her, the Si Manor would not be what it was today, nor would the Si Kingdom exist. After reflecting for a moment, she said to Jiang Xiaofei, "Come, let us go outside and see."

Jiang Xiaofei nodded and followed her. Outside the manor, several veteran generals were receiving gifts. Elder Song, in particular, was beaming; in the past, the Si Manor had never received such honors from various factions. Most would have seized the opportunity to destroy the manor while it was weak. He knew this prosperity was all thanks to King Fei. He felt lucky for his past decision to support him, though he lamented the fate of his two shortsighted brothers who had ended up reduced to ashes.

Noticing Jiang Xiaofei and Jun Yao, he quickly stepped forward to offer his respects. "This old subject pays his respects to the King and the Queen."

Jiang Xiaofei waved his hand. "No need for formalities. By the way, I see you are receiving gifts—which factions are they from?"

Elder Song quickly replied, "They are from various factions throughout the Netherworld, including Ghost Commander City and Sky Ghost City. Even envoys from the surrounding Nether-Spirit Realms have sent tributes."

"Oh?" Jiang Xiaofei frowned. "Doesn't Sky Ghost City view us as enemies? Why would they send gifts?"

Elder Song smiled. "The situation has changed. Sky Ghost City must find a way to survive. They have already submitted a letter of surrender, stating that the Sky Ghost King is willing to submit to the Si Kingdom, begging only for King Fei’s mercy."

Jiang Xiaofei nodded. It was not entirely surprising; the Ghost Abyss Si Manor was no longer what it once was, and with the addition of Elder Feng, it was flourishing. Even if the Sky Ghost King sought revenge, he would have to weigh his own standing.

He then asked casually, "By the way, where is Protector Su? Why do I not see her?"

Elder Song replied, "Protector Su is quite busy. She went to the Ghost Abyss Platform early this morning to prepare for the enthronement ceremony. She is waiting for you, my King!"

Jiang Xiaofei nodded. "Very well, I shall head to the Ghost Abyss Platform now."

...

The Ghost Abyss Platform was a massive abyss, but suspended above it was an incredibly vast stone dais, connected to the four directions by four great pillars, acting like a floating stage. It was said to have existed before the establishment of the Si Manor, and while its origin was unknown, it had been used by successive Netherworld rulers as a viewing platform. It was believed that ascending to the throne there allowed the heavens to witness the event, thereby granting divine protection to the Netherworld.

Thousands of ghostly figures were gathered on the platform, representing various factions—from Ghost Commander City and Sky Ghost City to the Four Great Families Alliance. Beyond them were strangers, clearly hailing from other realms.