Orion instructed Ying Mo to bring Yao Qianming and the elders from Yao Wang Valley before him.
"Prince Orion..." Yao Qianming's once arrogant demeanor had vanished. His voice quivered as his eyes darted to Emperor Qingyun, who stood calmly beside Orion. The fear was evident in his trembling posture. Yao Qianming licked his dry lips nervously, knowing full well the reputation of Emperor Qingyun, a legendary figure capable of crushing lightning tribulations with a single strike.
Without even acknowledging Yao Qianming's groveling, Orion turned to Emperor Qingyun. "Qingyun, it's your turn. Show us what the sword seal can do."
Emperor Qingyun stepped forward with a respectful nod. "Yes, my lord."
His demeanor shifted immediately, his calm features replaced with a fierce concentration. With a swift movement, a sharp sword intent surged around him, manifesting a glowing, ethereal sword of light. The air seemed to crackle with energy.
Yao Qianming sensed the danger and took a step back, his voice shaking. "W-What are you doing?"
No one answered him. The atmosphere thickened, and all eyes were on Emperor Qingyun as he began chanting. "Heaven and earth are boundless, swordsmanship is eternal, the order of amnesty is granted! Qingyun Sword Seal, bind!"
In an instant, the sword of light shot toward Yao Qianming's forehead. His eyes widened in terror, his body froze. "No! Don't—"
The light pierced through Yao Qianming's head before he could finish his plea. There was no physical wound, but internally, it felt like the world had collapsed. Yao Qianming's mind exploded with agony, his body convulsed uncontrollably. Foaming at the mouth, he collapsed to the ground, shaking violently.
Orion raised an eyebrow. "Is he... okay?" He asked, backing away slightly from the twitching figure.
Emperor Qingyun, breathing heavily from the effort, reassured him. "Do not worry, my lord. The process is complete."
Time passed, and Yao Qianming's spasms gradually ceased. His body lay still, eyes staring blankly into the sky. Orion turned to Xu Chu and ordered him to check on the fallen alchemist. Reluctantly, Xu Chu grabbed a stick, cautiously prodding Yao Qianming.
Suddenly, Yao Qianming jerked upright, moving like a reanimated corpse. His pupils were lifeless, and his face showed no sign of the sharp intelligence he once possessed. He looked more like a marionette, controlled by invisible strings.
Emperor Qingyun smiled. "It's done. The sword seal is fully in place."
Orion, curious, edged closer. "He really is under your control now, huh?"
"Yes, my lord. He is now a sword slave, bound to obey all commands without question."
Orion breathed a sigh of relief, but also shuddered at the sheer power of the sword seal. "Good. Now, let's test his abilities." He waved his hand, summoning a mountain of rare medicinal ingredients. "Let's see if he can still make elixirs."
Emperor Qingyun commanded Yao Qianming to begin refining. Yao Qianming, now devoid of independent thought, moved in a jerky, mechanical manner. His movements were slow and awkward, but he obeyed the order, gathering ingredients with precision. He prepared the furnace, lighting it with spiritual energy, and started the alchemy process.
Despite his lifeless state, Yao Qianming worked with the same expertise as before. In no time, he had crafted a flawless fourth-grade elixir. He placed it in a jade box and returned to his vacant, standby state.
Orion was impressed. "He's slower... but the skill is still there." He grinned. "Perfect. We can use him to refine elixirs, and when we're done, well... we dispose of him."
Emperor Qingyun nodded, satisfied. "Indeed, my lord. He will serve you until the very end."
With that, Orion knew his decision had paid off. Yao Qianming's talents were now entirely his to command.