The world did not stay silent.
Phillip descended the white marble steps of the White Clan's main gate and left on the chariot.
Within an hour, the winds had carried the story far.
"The timid boy from the Salt clan, Phillip, has claimed the Heavenly Sword!"
"He tore through the White Flame's deception, exposed their schemes, and left with the true sword of fire!"
"The White Matriarch herself handed it over… willingly!"
By sundown, the entire Central Sea Realm buzzed.
Crowds gathered in tea houses, whispering around steaming kettles. Street performers turned the tale into impromptu plays. Talismans flew through the sky, carrying jade-transmissions to the major sects. Sword scholars and flame-forgers paused their cultivation, stunned.
"Who is this Phillip Salt?!"
"He was a joke, wasn't he? Just a shadow in the background."
"Not anymore…"
---
At the Salt Clan
