Chapter 28: Farewell

The golden hall will reach its end this night.

It was merely a casual lie, merely a short gathering of a few days, yet Li En felt an inexplicable nostalgia.

"Everyone is here."

Three figures arrived beneath the hall.

"Young Lady Long Shou seems not to have come."

"She won't come." Li En smiled; even without her saying so in advance, Li En knew she wouldn't come.

She would not come to accept her own failure, even though she knew from the start this was a competition with no chance of winning.

She could understand it, yet she could not calmly accept her own elimination.

"The little girl is quite arrogant."

Nobles should be excellent, naturally standing above the masses. This is not discrimination, but Long Shou's clear self-awareness.

Noble bloodlines are generally far stronger than commoners', and they are born with various resources; as long as they strive, they will basically reap rewards, so excellence and continuous victory are only natural.

She could not accept her own defeat, especially defeat at the hands of an ordinary person.

"Since nobles are more excellent, they should bear more responsibility, yet now the kingdom's nobles are a bunch of selfish trash." During a barbecue chat, Long Shou displayed her classical noble traits.

This made Li En overestimate her status once again; she must belong to one of the kingdom's oldest noble families, naturally looking down on the new nobility.

Not coming to witness her own failure firsthand is probably her way of protecting her self-esteem; calmly accepting the birth of the victor is evidence of her acknowledging the victor's capability.

Li En did not think she was unaware of who the victor was in the real world, and since the victor was already covered in blood and full of flaws, she should have the ability to mobilize forces to eliminate the victor within legal and compliant bounds.

Yet she did nothing, even providing behind-the-scenes help to the victor.

She merely refused to attend the new king's coronation ceremony.

"Is this tsundere? Or some kind of alternative righteous person?" Within Li En's scope of thought, anyone Su Er, that justice-obsessed maniac, could pull in as a candidate for testing must be a person of moral standing or higher.

And he estimated that last night's meeting would not be the last, but without this platform, revealing the other party's identity would probably not be easy.

Li En shook his head; whether she came or not was irrelevant; what mattered now was the people before him.

His gaze turned to the very last one, the one he had pulled in through the back door.

"Ying Cai, you should know too; you are very good, but not good enough." Li En's tone held a hint of sighing; truly, she had been running alongside everyone the whole time.

"Mm." The woman sighed and ultimately offered no explanation.

She was not a weakling; in fact, her combat level was quite high, possibly the highest among the candidates.

But from the very beginning, she had no possibility of victory.

However, she did not regret being able to learn from the Heroic Souls, witnessing those nightmare-like battlefields, witnessing the unyielding battlefields, witnessing these new generation of "righteousness," and witnessing the changes happening in her homeland; she was already very satisfied.

"Take this."

Faint red light condensed into a glowing orb and floated over.

"These are memories, some hellish battlefields I have experienced. I do not know how long it can last; if you are willing to experience those nightmares, call out to it before entering the dream."

"I hope it can help you find your own righteousness and confidence." Seeing the woman's surprised expression, Li En continued. "You are far better than you evaluate yourself; do not hesitate, keep moving forward."

This was the consolation prize, but perhaps also the thing Talia needed most.

After all, this was a dreamscape; besides the gifts granted by the Heroic Soul Codex, Li En could now only use his teaching authority to copy and fragment some of Su Er's historical memories to bestow upon the other party.

This was the most brutal battlefield and trial, yet often the most solid righteousness is born in such hells.

Li En saw Talia's confusion and lack of confidence; such a person is especially easily misled by external things or false things; he hoped it could help her find the truest desire within her heart.

Judging by the other party's overjoyed expression, she seemed to love this gift very much.

Long Shou's? She didn't come, so naturally there was none; even though Li En thought it didn't matter, rules were rules, and he didn't think Long Shou really lacked this; that girl's will was actually quite firm.

Next, his gaze turned to the remaining two candidates.

"Tsk, there was never a choice from the start, was there?"

He waved his hand, and that most brilliant Heroic Soul card was replicated once more; a small pale silver card was held between his fingers.

Li En flicked it lightly; the card spun through the hall and landed on Demont.

"Wait, why me?!"

The most surprised was Demont himself, who had remained silent since entering.

He had kept his head down because he didn't really want to witness Larry's victory, yet he still came; he was very grateful to Lord Heroic Soul Su Er for the opportunity given; this recognition of righteousness would be a lifetime treasure for him.

With his head down, he was even considering who to kill tomorrow; the moment the silver light fell, he was completely stunned.

He was shocked; he truly never expected it to be him. "I am a butcher covered in blood; how can I inherit the legacy of such a noble Heroic Soul?!"

"You are my personal successor. If you knew the things I have done, you would know that what you are doing now counts for nothing."

What could be seen with the naked eye was that, after tossing out this legacy, the Heroic Soul became much more illusory.

"For me, form and procedure are not that important. Righteousness in the heart, unyielding righteousness, should not be bound by any regulations or rules. The legacy contains part of my memories and experiences; I need not waste many words; I only hope you do not extinguish the flame in your heart."

And the eliminated candidate, Larry, was first shocked; she had completely not expected the result to be like this. But ultimately, she said nothing.

She acknowledged it, from the depths of her heart.

Even though she was always angry in words, even though she was highly critical of Demont, even though she still felt he was unworthy of inheriting the Heroic Soul.

But seeing his actions, seeing the things he was changing, seeing the actions he prepared to fulfill with his life, this criminal in the eyes of the law, in her inner judgment, should also be righteous.

No, he is righteousness; at least, the weaklings she could not protect received his salvation.

She was not stupid, just a bit simple; she had always been paying attention to everything happening in the Dock District. The new order, the hospital, the martial arts hall, and the school could change the status quo of the Dock District and give the children in those orphanages a better future.

At least, he was stronger than her; she was treading water in place, while he pointed out a direction.

Then, was the one who was wrong actually herself?

"Heh, Larry, you are more calm than I imagined; I thought I would need the proctor to come out and persuade you."

Proctor? When everyone was surprised, "Su Er" made an action that was hard to understand.

He once again took a piece from the Heroic Soul card and flicked it lightly.

This time, it fell upon Larry.

"This?!" Larry's face was filled with shock, utterly unable to believe it. Wasn't it said there was only one legacy?

"This is not my legacy; it is the legacy of the Law Knights. Haven't you always envied Li En's Sin Domain Judgment? Envied how he can swing his sword without hesitation?"

Unlike the dramatic spectacle expected, now that this step had truly been reached, Li En (Sul) was instead very calm.

This was not a cake to be divided where you have some and I have some; it was merely fate delivering the most suitable heir right before Li En's eyes.

Di Meng, whose hands were covered in blood, who knows how many more crimes he would commit; he was not fit to wield the power of Law, yet he could become the heir of "Blind Justice."

And the other candidate was not perfect either.

"You are lost. You dare not cross a single step beyond the legal code, yet your inner justice and morality have already told you this is an act of utter foolishness."

Li En smiled; perhaps this was the way the power of Law should be used, and the person it should be entrusted to.

"As an enforcer, revering the law is not a bad thing. Then, take this power of Law; it will become your new standard, your new constraint."

The constraint of law is not necessarily a bad thing; it may limit perfect justice, yet it can also limit the abuse of violent enforcement.

"Afterwards, you should learn from your senior Li En: when you see an evil person, cast a Sin Domain Judgment, and then strike. Heh, this is not the most perfect method, but it is the least imperfect one. I hope there will be more Law Knights in this world; at the very least, it can make this world much better."

The Mentor had spoken so many words in one breath and seemed somewhat exhausted; his figure became even more illusory.

Larry's dazed eyes hardened. Do I have the qualification to wield the Sword of Judgment? Perhaps I can use this power to determine the target of my swing.

"But, remember! It is still merely a tool; do not let the tool become your master!"

Larry probably did not understand this now, but "Sul" hoped she would remember it.

When she must inevitably face a difficult choice, she will naturally recall it.

The Teacher has done enough here; the path has been pointed out, and the rest is for the disciples to walk themselves.

"Sul's" gaze turned toward the distance, where a humanoid figure appeared.

"My proctor, my time has come. Next, I will trouble you; please come out and greet them."

"Very well, Teacher Sul."

A figure the three knew extremely well appeared there.

The two wore expressions of shock, while Talia revealed a smile, as if she had known all along.

"It has been a long time, everyone. Heh, I thought you would dig me out very quickly; in that case, you still have to practice..."

Li En's true body appeared in the courtyard, while the "Sul" above silently transformed into a puppet backdrop.

He looked at the two heirs, expecting a competition like breeding insects, but this time, fate had guided the most suitable people from the very beginning.

One was the same Blind Justice; he only hoped she would not fall into complete madness due to blind rage.

He hoped her oath would protect her from losing her original heart.

One was a confused yet orderly Justice; he was an excellent sword-bearer, very suitable for carrying on the legacy of the Sword of Law.

He hoped this tool would help her grasp the scale of her own justice and cross the self-imposed limitations of her confusion.

His Dragon Eye looked at Di Meng again; something was quietly changing.

【Heir of the Soul of Blind Justice: Di Meng. Creature Grade: Raw Stone. Status: Strength 6, Constitution 6, Agility 4, Compatibility 30%. Profession: Tier 1 Free Paladin, Tier 1 Classical Oath Knight.】

【Soul Technique: Born as a Human, I Am Honored (Mutated Raw Stone): Shout out the obsession and rage of your heart, fully strengthening your body. Your roar and your body will possess the possibility of tearing through all defenses.】

【Note: Your roar covers an area; those who agree with your ideals will receive a certain degree of enhancement.】

【Note: After your roar is infused with a specific will, it will possess extreme aggression; please use it with caution.】

With his progress, this Soul power will also become stronger, and Sul's "Holy Sword" system may also be learned and mastered by him.

It remains only a possibility; how far he can go depends on Di Meng's own ability.

Li En shook his head; he had already fulfilled Brother Sul's request, and the rest of the path was for them to walk themselves.

Now was the opportunity to clear his identity and integrate.

"Perhaps we should discuss the Tail-Cutting Case. I will state the upcoming plan directly: I can provide the Blood of Heroes; I need your help and cooperation..."

Since it was time to draw the sword, hiding any longer was meaningless; Li En did not intend to hide in the background.

"... The scheduled time for the operation is the day after tomorrow." Li En, with a smile, had waited far too long for the moment he drew his sword.

Even the longest night must end.

When dawn approached, the Hall of Heroic Souls was already empty.

Only the illusory figure on the stage, about to vanish, was still happily grilling meat.

Suddenly, he spoke.

"I thought you truly would not come."

"Hmph, I want to eat meat... This is a rare opportunity to eat without worrying about getting fat!"

The girl bounced in, looking very displeased.

She snatched the skewer from "Sul's" hand and began to devour it heartily again.

"Sul" was not annoyed either; he just watched her with a smile, silently grilling for her.

Skewer after skewer, the little one ate until her mouth was covered in oil, and the man even helped wipe it off.

The big one and the small one began chatting intermittently again.

Chatting about the past, the future, life, and daily routines.

But outside, dawn seemed to have arrived; light had already shone in. Perhaps even the longest dream had reached its end.

"Little girl, thank you for sending me off."

"Hmph, don't be narcissistic. I just came to see if I could salvage some of the old man's legacy. Hmph, you really are a penniless Holy Knight with nothing."

"... Your eyes are red."

Damn, no, angry.

"What?! You're bluffing me again." The girl was truly furious.

"Uh, this time, it's really here." The old man smiled very happily.

"Nonsense." The girl's voice held some sobbing, perhaps from anger.

"I understand very well. I have several adopted daughters. You wouldn't really have a bit of a father complex, would you?"

"Get lost! You shameless old man!"

Under the sunlight, amidst the laughter and scolding, the phantom of the Heroic Soul gradually turned into an illusion.

But he carried a smile.

She who sent him off did too.

Very good, isn't it?

—

【Detected appearance of a Heroic Soul successor. Successor's soul fluctuation locked. Personality model locked.】

【Individual name: Demon. Soul name: "I am honored to be born human."】

【Heroic Soul Codex V2 recording complete. Data uploaded to Hall of Heroic Souls V1.】

【Hall of Heroic Souls V1 check passed. Potential assessment passed. After this successor's death, their soul and achievements will be evaluated to determine if they qualify for an invitation to enter the Hall of Heroic Souls V1.】

(End of this chapter)