So it was the divine realm's doing! Zhao Lun felt reassured.
Ever since the divine realm absorbed what seemed to be heavenly light, it had become quite demanding regarding foreign energy.
The Buddha statue and the coffin contained two different kinds of energy, one positive and one negative. The energy from the statue was positive, while that from the coffin was negative. Despite their extremes, these two energies seemed to share a common characteristic that could remedy a flaw within the divine realm.
In the sky, amidst the golden clouds, not only were there heavenly melodies, but also a hint of Zen tranquility.
Below, in one corner, the black smoke had thickened to an inky darkness, constantly expanding and contracting. When it expanded, it blended into the earth, disappearing without a trace; when it contracted, it resembled a drop of ink, almost inconspicuous.
Zhao Lun felt that this transformation was a positive change.
Returning to the moment, he noticed several pairs of questioning eyes on him. He waved his hand helplessly, "Unfortunately! I accidentally dispelled the energy from above!"
They all shushed him: "The boss is being wasteful again!"
"Brother, what a big fool!" Maria stuck her tongue out at him and continued to examine other antiques.
The others seemed unconcerned about the statue and the coffin; if they were broken, they were broken.
After some light-hearted banter, they noticed Mulan was holding the previously rusty sword. Without a scabbard, the sword was covered in rust, making it hard to see any remarkable qualities.
"Haha," Zhao Lun chuckled, allowing them to speak freely.
"Hey? Sister Mulan, is this the sword the brother mentioned?"
"It really looks quite worn out…"
Buzz!—
As Maria was about to say something else, a faint glimmer appeared in Mulan's hand, merging into the sword. The sword buzzed, emitting a burst of energy that struck the floor.
Sizzle! The floor, like cheese, got a small ten-centimeter hole blasted into it.
This wasn't the end. The rust on the sword began to flake off like dust, falling away.
The basement fell silent as everyone stared in disbelief at the hole in the ground, then back to the sword in Mulan's hand, still struggling to believe that a rusty sword could transform so dramatically.
Hum!
The rust completely vanished, revealing a sharp blade that emitted a soft melody without needing to be struck.
The blade shimmered with a natural luster, adorned with elegant patterns, exuding an ancient aura that was both dignified and noble, akin to a regal sovereign, mesmerizing everyone present.
"What a sword!"
Zhao Lun couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, quickly approaching Mulan to examine the transformed sword closely.
"It's a fine sword; be sure to use it well."
Mulan returned the sword to Zhao Lun, but as it entered his grasp, he felt a heavy resistance emanating from the hilt. Zhao Lun exerted more force to avoid dropping the sword.
The sword seemed to resist, its radiant blade dimming rapidly, returning to an ordinary appearance.
Zhao Lun swung it, finding it somewhat awkward and unwieldy.
After carefully sensing its energy, he handed the sword back to Mulan: "This divine weapon has become sentient; it has chosen you."
Mulan looked at Zhao Lun in confusion as she received the sword, which let out a joyful chime in her grasp.
"The divine weapon chooses its master; it doesn't suit me, so it's yours!" Zhao Lun stated.
Mulan hesitated, refusing, "No! It's too precious!"
This was not just any sentient divine weapon; it was the sword of a legendary emperor, its value immeasurable and sought after worldwide. Even having seen such a divine weapon, she couldn't help but want to grasp it, and having returned it to Zhao Lun earlier had taken considerable resolve. Now, with the offer again, Mulan felt conflicted about accepting it.
Zhao Lun pressed the sword into her hands: "A fine sword for a fine hero! Mulan, you are indeed a heroine! This sword is perfect for you!"
At that moment, Maria and Penelope were also drawn to the sword, eager to take hold of it. However, when they reached for it, they found they could barely lift it with one hand; it required both hands to manage.
Buzz!—
The sword hummed, releasing a force that pushed their hands away. It slipped from their grasp and embedded itself into the ground without resistance.
"What sharpness!"
In that instant, both women truly understood the sword's extraordinary edge.
This sword was far more than what they had initially perceived.
Seeing the worried and reproachful gazes from those around them, they exchanged sheepish looks.
"Sister Mulan, please just accept it."
"Yeah, Mulan, this sword has chosen you; you are its rightful master!"
"Others might not even be able to wield it."
Having experienced the selection of wands, both Maria and Penelope agreed with Zhao Lun; Mulan was indeed the sword's chosen one, and they urged her to accept it.
"Mulan, the boss has given it to you; just take it!"
"Alan, accept it! If you feel guilty, you can cook for us or teach us some skills instead."
Since the boss had spoken, Monica and the others encouraged her to accept the gift.
Mulan, not one to be overly sentimental, saw their genuine intention in gifting her the sword and no longer hesitated. She solemnly accepted the sword: "I will take the sword."
Mulan was not one to make grand promises. The others understood that despite her seemingly cold demeanor, she was deeply emotional, just not good at expressing it. Seeing her accept the sword filled them with joy.
Hum!—
The sword let out a gentle hum, jubilant in its response. As Mulan held the sword, a regal aura began to emanate from her.
To those watching, Mulan's demeanor transformed; she seemed to embody the spirit of a formidable empress, commanding respect and awe, making it hard for anyone to meet her gaze.
As the humming faded, everyone returned to normal.
"How amazing!"
Leading the group, Maria and the others gazed at Mulan's sword with childlike wonder, envy illuminating their faces.
In this moment, Mulan appeared incredibly striking, captivating even the women. Nicole, with her queenly demeanor, seemed to find a new purpose in Mulan's presence.
For a moment, Zhao Lun was also captivated, unable to tear his eyes away from her.
...
After spending over half an hour in the basement, they had almost examined all the antiques, leaving only the coffin.
Maria approached the coffin, scrutinizing it from every angle before, unable to resist, she reached out and gave it a strong push.
Poof!—
The coffin opened, releasing a wave of rancid, decaying stench.
"Ugh! What a foul smell!"
"Yuck!—"
Except for the adept Mulan, the other women, led by Angela, were caught off guard, their stomachs churning from the noxious odor. Even Maria, who had instigated this, staggered back, her eyes rolling back in shock.