The Cunning Treasure Hunter

Chapter 45 Clash Beneath the Heavenly Blade's Shadow

Atop Suncrest Mountain, there it stood—the place where the "True Plaque" hung. The structure at the base of the mountain was merely an entrance. Magnus waited there for Aria and Caleb to arrive.

"Caleb, huh..."

Renowned as the Sword That Splits Skulls, his precision was unmatched. In a single strike, he could cleave through a person's crown and split their philtrum. Such skill required immense speed, strength, and accuracy—a feat achievable only by a true master.

Moreover, he was an elite warrior, one of those who had consumed rare elixirs and ascended to supreme heights under the tutelage of this prestigious sect. How many such elites had emerged from this righteous faction? At least two hundred, if not more. But to claim that such prowess was achieved single-handedly? That would be absurd.

Traditional sect martial arts thrived on inherited knowledge. Masters taught disciples, senior brothers mentored juniors, and wisdom from the elders often led to enlightenment. But solitary martial arts? They lacked these advantages. Even if one did not follow the teachings of Taoism, achieving supreme mastery on one's own was a monumental accomplishment.

The ferocity and practicality of such skills were unmatched. Even his nickname, "the Sword That Splits Skulls," was a poetic way to describe his lethal reputation.

'I mustn't exude any killing intent. Nor should I raise any suspicion,' Magnus thought, steadying his heart. This was a time for a calm and focused mind.

Footsteps echoed from the distance. Aria and Caleb had arrived.

"Was your ascent uncomfortable?" Magnus asked.

Unlikely. No matter how weak the martial arts of the Everstone Clan might be, they wouldn't lack knowledge of light-foot techniques. Even if Aria hadn't learned a single martial art, Caleb would have carried her rather than let her walk.

"Thank you for your consideration. It wasn't unpleasant," Aria replied.

"Indeed, Suncrest is as rugged as it is majestic. The name 'Sword Peak' suits it well," Caleb added.

"Haha, to hear such words from you, the great warrior Caleb, is an honor."

Caleb was a seasoned warrior in his fifties, bearing a title widely recognized in the martial world. Even though Magnus was the next Head of Suncrest and a member of the One Sovereign, Three Lords, and Seven Warlords, addressing Caleb as a great warrior felt appropriate.

"great warrior? I'm nothing more than a middle-aged man carrying a sword, living a quiet life now."

His modest words belied his demeanor. His tightly closed lips and sharp eyes sent an unspoken message: stop drawing attention to me. He didn't want the spotlight shifted away from his master and the one he escorted, the head of Internal Affairs, Aria.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"The head of Internal Affairs, we've prepared a tent right beside the pavilion for you, as a distinguished guest of the Everstone Clan."

"Thank you. I'm eager to observe the promising talents who will shape Suncrest's future."

"This way, please."

Something peculiar caught Magnus's eye. Aria carried two swords. One was her usual short sword, known to all, always by her side. The other, however, was a longer blade—a sleek and polished weapon with a black, glossy sheath, its hilt finished with oiled black wood. The lack of ornamentation spoke to its practical design.

'...An unfamiliar longsword,' he mused.

All eyes shifted to Vera. Despite her petite and fragile-looking frame, she carried herself with poise, her shoulders and back perfectly straight, as though unburdened by the countless gazes.

"The one who gifted us the delicate yet bittersweet fragrance of the Black Cherry Blossom! Vera, the Black Cherry Blossom!"

The name Black Cherry Blossom wasn't an official title, but it was inevitable that the young Vera would come to be known by this moniker. No one in Suncrest had ever seen Cherry blossoms so deeply red they bordered on black.

"Before they draw their swords!" the announcer's voice stopped the rising cheers, drawing everyone's attention.

The crowd's gaze followed the announcer's hand as it pointed toward the tent of the Everstone Clan.

"The head of Internal Affairs from the Everstone Clan has announced a prize for the winner!"

The Everstone Clan was the most renowned clan of strategists. Their expertise wasn't limited to warfare—it extended to commerce as well. The Heavenly Trading Company, operated by the Everstone Clan, was one of the most influential merchant guilds in the martial world.

"The prize is none other than... a sword forged from pure black steel!"

The head of Internal Affairs, Aria, stepped forward, unfastened the sword from her waist, and raised it for all to see.

With a soft hiss, the blade slid from its scabbard, its matte black surface absorbing the light around it. The sheer craftsmanship of the blade made the crowd swallow their greed, their eyes glinting with desire.

"Consider this a small token of apology for missing the last Peak Assembly without prior notice," Aria said with a gentle bow to the assembled audience. Then, she ascended the pavilion and handed the sword to Gideon with both hands.

"You've gone above and beyond. Thank you," Gideon said.

"It's nothing. We are grateful you've accepted our gesture," Aria replied.

"Truly, thank you," Gideon said with a hearty laugh, his face alight with a friendly smile. Yet beneath the surface, he felt a sting of resentment.

No matter who won, the sword would now have to be given away. How could he not feel bitter? On one side was a troublesome girl; on the other, the one who had colluded with his master and fled in disgrace. For two years, he had endured countless frustrations, including monthly losses of valuable resources.

Still, Gideon hid his feelings. Letting such emotions show in front of the crowd was not an option. The black steel sword was a rare treasure, but the sect's vaults were filled with such weapons. Most importantly, the secret weapon sealed beneath Southern Peak—a legendary swordsman confined for fifty years—was far more critical. If Gideon could awaken that power, the tides of fortune would turn in their favor.

Taking a deep breath, Gideon calmed himself. His brief lapse in composure went unnoticed, even by Aria, who was right in front of him.

"As you've heard, the Black Steel Sword will be awarded to the winner. Both of you, give it your all," Gideon declared, his voice infused with inner strength.

The crowd's attention returned to the announcer.

"Now then, let the duel begin!"

At the signal, Vera and Jace drew their swords. Without hesitation, they launched themselves toward each other, their blades gleaming as they clashed in midair.