Chapter 1627: The Nine-Sword Dominator

In the vast starry sky,

The Nine-Sword Dominator quickly learned the general battle situation in the realm from Xu Jingming and others.

Notably,

Though the Winged One Kaela had been slain by Xu Jingming,

the Eyed One Brodie showed not the slightest intention to report.

Of course.

This matter was never on their side of justice; if he truly dared to report,

all he'd face would be a furious scolding from the Nine-Sword Dominator.

"Hahaha, you've all performed excellently this time!

Everyone, prepare yourselves—we're returning!"

The Nine-Sword Dominator, having learned all the details, was naturally in high spirits.

With a slight flick of his will,

Hum—

the magnificent divine realm projection unfolded once more.

Billions of law patterns wove into a brilliant river of light, enveloping every human warlord.

Space twisted violently, light and shadow spiraled.

When the crowd regained their senses, they found themselves standing on the familiar square.

"We're back!"

"Finally back on Aries Star!"

Many warlords exhaled deeply, their faces relaxing.

The realm was brimming with danger; nerves had been taut at all times.

Now that they'd returned to the safety zone, their spirits naturally eased.

The Nine-Sword Dominator's figure solidified in the high sky, his gaze blazing.

His voice rang out like clashing metal, echoing across all directions:

"The Starfall Realm expedition has concluded successfully. Now, we settle the conscription rewards."

As soon as he spoke, everyone's spirits instantly lifted.

Many also fixed their gazes instantly on Xu Jingming, filled with curiosity.

This prodigy who had carved out a fearsome reputation in the realm—

what astonishing reward would he receive?

The Nine-Sword Dominator first turned to Xu Jingming, his tone brimming with unhidden admiration:

"Xu Jingming!

Within the realm, you single-handedly slaughtered hundreds of prodigies from four major races.

You even seized the Starfall Dominator's legacy, upholding our human race's prestige and strengthening our clan's power!

Such achievements are unprecedented!

Therefore, I reward you with thirty billion military merit!"

Boom—!!!

At these words, the entire crowd fell utterly silent.

Then, a chorus of sharp intakes of breath erupted!

"H-How much? Thirty billion military merit?!"

"My god! Did I hear that right?!"

"Thirty billion! How long would it take to save up?!"

"This is insane! This reward is terrifying!"

"......"

Every warlord, including top-tier Nine-Star Warlord Ross,

now stared wide-eyed, their faces etched with disbelief and utter shock!

Thirty billion military merit!

What did that even mean?

Among them were beings who had lingered in the Cosmic Stage for tens of thousands, even over a hundred thousand years.

Even now, they'd accumulated only a hundred billion military merit at most.

For the vast majority of Cosmic Stage warlords,

it was an astronomical sum impossible to reach in a lifetime.

Even Xu Jingming himself now paused slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He had assumed that, having obtained the Starfall Dominator's core legacy and peak treasures,

he might be required to surrender part of the legacy in exchange for reward.

Yet he never expected the Nine-Sword Dominator to grant such a massive military merit reward without mentioning the legacy's ownership at all.

As if sensing Xu Jingming's confusion,

the Nine-Sword Dominator laughed heartily, his voice booming like a great bell:

"Your legacy is your own fortune—the clan will not claim it.

I reward you because you protected this legacy and kept it from falling into alien hands!

And because you forged our human race's glory!"

His gaze burned intensely, as if piercing through time and space:

"Remember, clans never hesitate to nurture prodigies.

I only hope you grow swiftly and ascend to the throne of dominion.

Only then will you truly contribute to our human race!"

Xu Jingming's heart warmed; he immediately bowed deeply and said solemnly:

"Thank you, Nine Sword My Lord! I shall not disappoint your expectations!"

"Mm."

Nine Sword Dominator nodded in satisfaction, his gaze shifting to the cold, exquisite figure beside Xu Jingming:

"Lin Qianxue."

Lin Qianxue stepped forward at the sound, bowing slightly: "Nine Sword My Lord."

"You assisted Xu Jingming in obtaining the legacy.

You share equal merit; special reward: ten billion military merits."

As the words fell, murmurs erupted again among the crowd.

"Ten billion?! Wait, is this even allowed?"

"Lin Immortal also gets ten billion!"

"Though not as much as Xu Jingming, this reward is still astonishing!"

"......"

Lin Qianxue was also momentarily stunned, a flicker of surprise crossing her stunning face.

She knew full well her greatest role within the secret realm.

Perhaps it was only her final cultivation of the Twin Stars Divine Scripture alongside Xu Jingming, aiding him in acquiring the Chaos Pearl.

Aside from that, most crises were handled by Xu Jingming alone.

This ten billion military merits, rather than being a reward for her,

was more like a side reward granted out of consideration for Xu Jingming.

"Little brother..."

Her eyes shifted, gazing at the tall figure beside her.

A warm current surged within her heart, filled with emotion.

All of this came because of him.

"Thank you, Nine Sword My Lord!"

Lin Qianxue suppressed her emotions and bowed respectfully in thanks.

"Mm."

Nine Sword Dominator gave a slight nod.

Then his gaze swept over the other hundred or so generals on the square, his voice resounding:

"All other generals who participated in this secret realm and returned alive shall each receive thirty billion military merits!"

"Boom—!"

The square erupted in chaos!

Thirty billion!

For the vast majority of Nine-Star Generals, this was a sum requiring thousands of years to accumulate!

"Thank you, Nine Sword My Lord!!"

Roars of ecstatic joy thundered through the air.

Every face glowed with excitement and elation.

This journey through the secret realm, though perilous, brought an equally astonishing reward!

Nine Sword Dominator gazed down at the excited crowd, a faint smile appearing on his stern face.

When the clamor subsided slightly, he proclaimed loudly:

"Enough. This mandatory conscription is now concluded."

"Quarters have been prepared with a victory feast—fine delicacies and rare wines await your indulgence."

"Alternatively, you may choose to board starships and return directly to your respective battle zones."

Having spoken, his gaze fell once more upon Xu Jingming.

His tone turned serious, filled with warning:

"Xu Jingming, your brilliance has shone too brightly.

You have nearly slaughtered the elite of all four clans' cosmic-tier warriors.

This matter has immense repercussions—they will not let it pass.

Henceforth, when operating on the Outer Battlefield, you must be exceedingly cautious!

The foreign races' assassinations and reprisals against our human prodigies have never ceased.

Remember: preserving yourself is the most important thing."

Xu Jingming's heart tightened; he bowed solemnly:

"Yes, I shall remember your lordship's teachings."

He had already planned as much.

First, return to human territory to lie low.

Even if he returned to the Outer Battlefield, he must conceal his identity.

"Good. You understand."

The Nine Swords Lord nodded slightly, "Very well, I must immediately report the details of this realm to the Supreme Commander."

Xu Jingming, strive in your cultivation; I look forward to the day your name resounds across the starry heavens."

As his words faded, the towering figure of the Nine Swords Lord gradually dimmed.

In the end, he vanished completely, as if merging into the void.

With the Lord's pressure gone, the atmosphere in the square instantly grew light and lively.

"Brother Xu, what are your plans next?"

Duncan was the first to approach, his face lit with a cheerful smile.

Xu Jingming turned to Lin Qianxue beside him.

This usually cold and aloof senior sister replied meekly:

"Whatever little brother plans, I'm fine with it."