Upon entering the study, Rocky instantly saw Timothy standing in front of several portraits, seemingly
lost in thought. He also took a look at those magnificent portraits, and it didn't take long before his eyes
were fixed on one of them. On the portrait was no other than the one who taught him the Thousand-
star Swordsmanship—the former leader of the Sword Spirit Sect, Darius.
"Master Timothy!" Rocky greeted the sect leader as he cupped his hands.
"You're finally here. Have a seat." Timothy turned around and pointed him to the couch.
Rocky nodded and immediately did as told.
"Do you know why I summoned you today?" Timothy asked upon sitting across Rocky.
"I have a hunch, but I'm not really sure about it," Rocky answered with honesty.
"Then go ahead and make a guess," Timothy insisted.
"I heard that Miss Hannah is going to hold a martial arts competition that will determine the warrior that
she would marry. I'm assuming that it has something to do with that, right?" Rocky asked
straightforwardly.
"You're really good at this sort of thing. But that's just partially correct. There is more to it..." Timothy
slightly nodded as his expression immediately became more serious.
"I'm listening. Please tell me what you need me to do," Rocky responded earnestly.
"Harrison told me just recently that when you competed for the position of the Security Hall leader, you
happened to use the most powerful swordsmanship of the Sword Spirit Sect, the Thousand-star
Swordsmanship. He also said that according to you, you have acquired this swordsmanship when you
explored the Martial Spirit Graveyard before. Is that true?" Timothy asked as he stared directly into
Rocky's eyes.
"Yes, sir. That's true," Rocky calmly replied.
"Do you have an idea where the Thousand-star Swordsmanship originated?" Timothy asked out of
nowhere.
"I'm not quite sure. What I only know is that the swordsmanship was created by a peerless master from
the Sword Spirit Sect..." Rocky replied, trying to feign ignorance.
"Well, yes. That is correct. The swordsmanship was created by one of the ancestors of the Sword Spirit
Sect, and his name is Darius. In our sect, there are three most respected and remarkable ancestors,
and Darius is one of them. Back then, he had reached the peak level in swordsmanship. Even the
founder of the Sword Spirit Sect might not be able to defeat him if they faced off. Right before he died,
his strength was said to be at the peak level of the Emperor Realm and was almost close to breaking
through the Shura Realm, which no human spirit warrior has ever attained. Unfortunately, he was still
one step away when he died," Timothy explained.
"I see... It seems that the Thousand-star Swordsmanship is really the most noteworthy swordsmanship
in the entire Sword Spirit Sect. I didn't know," Rocky said, pretending to be surprised at what he heard.
"Yes, that should be the case. In the whole sect, there are only less than five people who have learned
the Thousand-star Swordsmanship, and I am one of them. However, until now, I still think that I haven't
actually mastered the essence of the swordsmanship," Timothy remarked with a sigh.
"Really? Then, it seems that I'm so lucky to have mastered it," Rocky answered, trying to look very
delighted.
"I highly doubt it. That kind of astounding swordsmanship cannot be mastered by sheer luck. It just
goes to say that you really have an unimaginable talent in terms of swordsmanship. Otherwise, you
don't have a shred of a chance to comprehend it," Timothy retorted firmly.
"But the thing is I learned the skill in secret. Is it against the rule of the sect?" Rocky deliberately
inquired.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. Since you have learned in the Martial Spirit Graveyard, you must be
destined to master it. Moreover, it's actually more beneficial for the Sword Spirit Sect that a powerful
warrior managed to comprehend it," Timothy said as his expression eased a little.
"All right. I'm relieved to hear that." Hearing that Timothy didn't put any blame on him, Rocky just
pretended to be relieved, but it was actually what he was expecting.
"Moreover, now that you have learned the Thousand-star Swordsmanship, I can no longer treat you as
an outsider. Although you have lots of secrets, I can't deny that your performance and strength prove
that you are a rare talent. With that, I can assure you of an opportunity to be formally enrolled within the
Sword Spirit Sect," Timothy declared as he fully acknowledged Rocky's potentials.
"It's my honor to be given such a privilege, sir." Rocky bowed to show his gratefulness.
"So, let me be blunt to you. I also hope that you can do me a huge favor," Timothy suddenly uttered.
"Of course. What can I do for you?" Just as Rocky suspected from the beginning, the sect leader might
be giving him a task related to the upcoming martial arts competition.
"I know you're a smart man, so you can easily grasp the situation. If the Grand Sky Sect wins, then
Hannah must marry into their wretched sect. At the same time, I'm sure that they will take that
opportunity to gain control of the Sword Spirit Sect, and I will never let that happen. Therefore, I have to
do everything in my power to ensure that the Grand Sky Sect will not win that competition." Timothy
gave a brief background.
"But there should be several powerful masters from various sects and clans that would take part in this
competition. Even if the representative of the Grand Sky Sect is defeated, there is still a huge chance
that the other sects and clans would seize the victory," Rocky responded frankly.
"I know. That's why I have to make sure that I can control the result of this competition!" Timothy said
with a shrewd look on his face.
"What do you exactly mean?" Rocky looked at Timothy, faintly reading what was running on in his
mind.
"I'm planning to make you take part in this competition. However, you can't participate as Basil, the
leader of the Security Hall." Although he didn't directly say what his plan was, Rocky understood what
Timothy meant.
"Are you saying that you want me to participate in the competition using a different identity? Only a
single representative from each clan and sect is allowed to join. How am I going to get through?" Rocky
was a bit confused by Timothy's ploy.
"Don't worry about that. I will take care of those things. I just want to know if you are willing to do this.
Normally, I should have picked you to be the representative of the Sword Spirit Sect, but I have my own
reasons for doing this in a roundabout way. I know that you can also understand why. Of course, if you
can successfully help the Sword Spirit Sect get out of this huge predicament, you can expect that I will
reward you handsomely!" Timothy said bluntly.
"Since it's related to the welfare of the Sword Spirit Sect, I won't decline this huge responsibility. After
all, if Miss Hannah didn't take me to the Sword Spirit City before, I wouldn't be standing here before
you. I'll take it as my chance to repay her," Rocky uttered with a firm resolve.
"Good. I will arrange a new identity for you right away." Timothy nodded as he heaved a sigh of relief.
"But if I win, should I immediately refuse to marry Miss Hannah? That part isn't really clear to me,"
Rocky remarked.
"No! That will defeat the purpose of the competition. Moreover, the Grand Sky Sect might take that
opportunity to make a move again. Therefore, after winning the competition, you must really marry
Hannah!" Timothy said with all seriousness.
"Marry her for real? Wouldn't it be unfair to her?" Rocky's eyes hinted a bit of concern.
"There is no other choice. The Grand Sky Sect's goal is to seize control of our sect. At the same time,
even the other sects and clans in the Ethereal Region desire to do the same. Thus, this is their
opportunity to take advantage of the Sword Spirit Sect. I've already considered all possible options, and
this is the only one that makes sense. Even Hannah is prepared for anything that may happen,"
Timothy said with a sigh.
"This isn't a small sacrifice for Miss Hannah. If she marries me, there is no turning back from that. Even
if we are just a couple for the sake of appearance, it will still be a huge burden for her." Rocky tried to
argue.
"Do you think she doesn't know that? She made this decision knowing all the possible consequences.
Although this will be a little unfair for her, it'll be much better than for her to marry someone that she
doesn't even like. Her mother died when she was still a child. On the other hand, I was always busy
taking care of the sect's affairs. Hence, she has been living all alone since she was little. I felt so sorry
for her, so I can't stomach the thought that she has to offer herself to others just for the sake of the
Sword Spirit Sect. At least if you win, she can still get her freedom after she marries you. Now, are you
still up for it?" Timothy asked with a stern voice.
"Does Miss Hannah know about this?" Rocky asked in the moment of his hesitation.
"Not yet. And don't let her know first. After all, it's still uncertain whether you can win the competition or
not. You can tell her after you win," Timothy said in a bit of a gloomy tone.
"I see. I will do my best to win. For Miss Hannah's sake too..." Rocky finally agreed.
"Thank you. I will remember everything that you have done for the Sword Spirit Sect and my family as
well," Timothy declared gently.
"I know I haven't been in the Sword Spirit City for a long time, but with all the trust that you are
bestowing me, I promise that I won't let you down," Rocky stated with a burning determination.
"All right. I expect you to do your best. You may leave now. I will send people to inform you once the
arrangements are done," Timothy said.
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