The expansive vertical elevator descended like a lowering floor, and one by one, the 'Godly Generals' filed out. They lined up on both sides, forming a crescent, gradually encircling Hexia and the other 'Sword Guardians.'
The current ruler of Jielou City, who was also the elder brother of Gu Yongrong, Gu Qianlou, stepped out slowly. He was draped in a cloak with a black base and golden edges, resembling an ancient, solitary ruler, while the metallic mask on his face was similar to some species of bird, giving off an image of austere majesty.
Beneath the mask, the black pupils slowly swept across the crowd. He showed complete disdain for these frail 'Sword Guardians' and only wanted to see who had been so audacious.
In the end, his gaze rested on the black-haired girl in the snow-white dress in the center. Seeing her face, similar to that of his once sister Gu Yongrong, his expression changed several times.
"Take her down," he ordered.
Hundreds of colorfully-armored 'Godly Generals' charged towards the Sword Guardians beside the girl, while thirty black-faced, black-armored 'Godly Generals' with four flags flying behind them methodically encircled Hexia.
Each of them possessed the strength of Dragon Sequence 5. Their presence was profound, with magic power reined in but untriggered, giving off a mysterious and dangerous aura.
The so-called 'Godly Generals' were originally official soldiers of ancient dynasties, but as humanity entered the Interstellar Era and the form of monarchies gradually faded into history, some of the inherited practices and secret techniques were adapted into the study of Transcendent Sequences by various factions, leading to the establishment of the precursor to the 'Hall of Divine Generals.'
Hexia felt that the auras of the thirty black-faced Godly Generals standing before her seemed subtly connected. Their movements were like a wave of dark clouds bearing down, even causing the surrounding Aijieka Particles to slow down, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression.
Resonance secret technique?
Although in the past, only those of the War Sequence could resonate broadly and form an invincible military formation, the power of such a secret technique was always envied by other Sequences. Eventually, each Sequence developed similar techniques, though their scope and the number of participants couldn't compare with the War Sequence.
The ancient dynasties and the Upper Gate had long studied this, and it was likely that this black dragon formation in front of her stemmed from such research.
Hexia pondered if she didn't reveal her special Talent Ability and relied solely on the Ability brought by her Azure Bird Severing Twigs designation, she would be at a significant disadvantage against such a force and might even get trapped and captured.
Should she use her Talent Ability?
If she were in the far ancient environment, Hexia might take flight like a true Azure Bird, allowing her Talent's Ability to unfurl fully, to change this dire situation.
However, this was the Rose Federation, a powerful nation with countless star systems, numerous species, and a population reaching trillions. The force of civilization could even tear apart star systems and annihilate entire small worlds.
She wasn't ready to open up and face this vast world, knowing that once her Songstress Talent was revealed, she could gain the support of countless prominent figures and even giant corporations. But Hexia still didn't want to do that.
The path of life should be one of self-exploration and experience. She wanted to see all the colors of life, whether they include tears and crying, or helplessness and sorrow.
Happiness should be the tranquility that persists through storms, not naïve purity carefully nurtured in a greenhouse.
The world isn't just rainbows; it is also filled with baseness and filth. If you don't want others to ridicule your ideals, either keep them well hidden, or stand up and prove their wrong and ridiculousness with a fierce counterstrike.
Having ideals does not guarantee success, but the will to adhere to them can help an ordinary person through the darkest and most difficult times, gradually forging abilities far beyond the average person. This is the most precious aspect.
If she relied solely on her Songstress Ability, Hexia could indeed win and change the situation before her, but if she did so too often and for too long, she might lose the courage to wield a sword ever again.
If one always chooses the comfortable shortcut, they may never be able to trek again on the rugged, pebbled mountain paths. The forces of inertia and laziness are so great that they can gradually lead to a downward spiral, becoming weaker and weaker.
Since the advent of the Interstellar Era, the development of various technologies has made people's lives increasingly comfortable, and the multitude of shortcuts is gradually eroding human will. Entertainment is so cheap and easy, while studying is so uncomfortable. Tapping on a keyboard and spraying words at people feels so satisfying, but diving into practice is tedious and mundane. The repeated deconstruction and rebuilding of cognition are always excruciating.
Her eyes slowly opened, and as Hexia watched the black-faced Godly Generals surge towards her and close in, she leapt up, her hair and dress swirling together. Her silver sword danced among the long knives and halberds flying towards her, emitting a continuous clashing sound. Sparks scattered, and crystalline fragments shattered, falling through the air.
After a few moments, the Sword Edge broke, dissolving into fine silver sparkles that drifted down. Then, Hexia turned in the air like a swallow, soaring directly upwards, as another ancient sword with green tassels and a silver blade formed in front of her.
The sword light whirled chaotically, with silver arcs like swallows streaking through the air, penetrating into the ranks below, breaking through the Transcendent long weapons, tearing apart the black flags, and shredding the Armor.
But the counterattack came swiftly. The black-clothed 'Godly Generals' changed their formation again; their presence intensified, and the sword arcs that had charged into their ranks dissipated in the oppressive aura, weakened and unable to sever the weapon shafts.
Then the thirty black-clothed 'Godly Generals' stared directly at the girl in the sky. The black hues of their faces leached out colors that marked Hexia, causing her body to stiffen, as if struck by a heavy blow, and she spat blood from her chest.