Chapter 26

  The day of the Sword Summit, many Sword Fighters from various Sword Clans gathered at the location which was revealed just a week ago. It was to take place at an island off the east coast of the mainland of the Empire which was home to the Enchanting Fan Swords Clan. Within the seven most powerful clans, they had agreed on this location because this clan was the only one of the seven free of scandal in the past three years.

  The Enchanting Fan Swords’ Clan was said to be fastidious, taking only the best in grace and looks. But because of this, some judged them internally. Due to their arrogance, they had passed up many talented sword fighters only because their looks were so-so or their grace wasn’t up to par. Yet as all the Sword Fighters gathered onto their island, and were made aware of the state of their manor, they couldn’t help but be stricken with awe.

  Yes, the Enchanting Fan Swords’ Clan was stuck up and pretentious, but because their standards were high, they would take nothing less than perfection. From the flawless flower arrangements that lined the roads with flowers budding even in the cold to the ethereal build of the manor itself, one might feel like they were approaching the Celestial palace of the immortals!

  So those Sword Fighters who might have started off judging and jeering could only shut up at the sight. Some even thought that the attitude of this Sword’s Clan was not for nothing after all!

  At the end of the long roads leading from the harbors at three of the four edges of the island, loomed tall red gates. Past these gates, was the large and majestic appearance of the Enchanting Fan Swords’ Clan manor.

  It was surrounded by a thick stone wall and beyond it lay a breath-taking view. Like the hidden beauty of a closed rose bud, one could only see the true beauty of the manor after bypassing its walls.

  Behind the stone walls was an enormous manor surrounded by trees. Unlike the flowers outside, the trees did not retain their leaves nor blooms but the Enchanting Fan Swords’ Clan had thought of this as well. Because of the cold weather, the sky was a bit dark. So, hanging from the tree branches and all around the manor were decorated lamps glowing a luminous white light. No ordinary candles gave off this kind of glow; only candles fortified with the medicinal techniques of medicine masters of the Powdered vessel Swords Clan could have this affect and with so many of these candles peppered around the manor, one could only assume that the Enchanting Fan Swords’ Clan had already invested quite a bit into the the Sword Summit.

  However, those in the know were very aware. Hosting a Sword Summit came with benefits. The clan who hosted one would gain fame and renown. If the Sword Summit was done in an exemplary manner, talks of the Swords’ Clan’s feat would pervade the streets for months and sometimes years afterwards. Neither the nobles nor the common people could ignore it and so the Sword’s Clan in question would find themselves bombarded with work requests for long after the Sword Summit was over.

  On top of this, those who heard of this Sword’s Clan and had some good foundations and talent would rush to seek a master in the Clan they had heard so much about. After all that, the Swords’ Clans left could only wait for second pickings on the remaining future disciples.

  Even better, the decoration of the manor was covered by the Sword’s Clan who hosted the event, but many others would sponsor the venue of the event itself.

  First, the Seven Swords Clans had participating clans pay a fee to chip in, then those disciples whose families came from wealth might choose to put in some fortune as well. This benefited them because there was an option to make the donations public. Donating so much wealth in the view of others would improve the standing of their family members in whatever clan they were in as well as show the Emperor that they cared about the state of the Empire by donating to it's protectors.

  Second, nobles and merchants who wished to either have a chance of gaining a good relationship with a Sword Clan or getting tax breaks for their charity would donate as well. Due to this, although it appeared that the Enchanting Fan Sword’s Clan had done a lot of work, they in fact didn’t do so much. In fact, they actually stood to gain much more than they lost.

  After some time, the sword fighters from all the clans that were to attend had gathered. Because there was a finite amount of space within the Sword Summit locations, a long time ago, they had already decided on a limit for the number of Sword Fighters allowed within the area. Only three individuals from each clan were selected to participate with two backups. Within the individual clans, small tournaments had already been held to decide who would attend. If not that, they might have reached an agreement only through observation or talks.

  In total, twenty one Swords Clans were in attendance. The members of these Swords’ Clans who were to participate in the summit were all fairly young. This is because those elders who had reached Sword Master had already made a name for themselves through previous Sword Summits, one-on-one duels, or personal achievements.

  Not wanting to steal the spotlight from the younger generation, the elders naturally did not want to attend. Besides, who had the face to fight someone clearly younger and more inexperienced than themselves?

  So, the elders could only step aside and let the young ones uplift the names of their clans.

  Usually, not many additional people would be in attendance for such an event. But surprisingly, almost all available Sword Masters had gathered. The seven clan leaders of the most powerful clans as well as all other Sword Masters save for Lior Gaunlet, Xilto Jervis, Ebinenda Itor, Taliyah Raven, and Rilian Adore were present.

  On guard and on edge, the reasons for this were discussed through the crowd of Swords’ Clan members as they stood in the hall, waiting for an announcement.

  “I heard Demon King Drakkel is going to attack today.”

  “Yes. I also heard that he might bring with him the demon lords that everyone thought were a myth. They are now believed to have been sighted not only in the capital, but in Towering Heights as well!"

  “Who would have thought? I heard about him many years ago when I was just a child! He was actually part of the inspiration as to why I decided to become a Sword Fighter. How could I admire someone so evil?”

  “Calm waves hide hidden danger beneath. How would you know the evil thoughts that lie in that man’s head? He had deceived everyone for so long! Even his master didn’t know! Did you hear how he dared to manipulate his clan with demon magic? They kept insisting he did nothing wrong! Forget, Rilian Adore, even for his own clan members, how could he do something so awful?”

  “I heard a different version of events. His clan has been working with him all this time! They were evil as well! Demon sympathizers even! And Rodius Fowl, the man known as the strongest sword fighter in the world at one point was leading it all! What was said before about him being a victim was only half the truth! When you trust a demon, of course you would get killed!”

  “If he is truly so cold-blooded. What do you think will happen to us? If he is as powerful as Demon King Fael, even all of us gathered here might not be enough to stop him!”

  Whispers of uncertainty rampaged through the crowd until Rubiella Thorne shouted, “Enough!”

  The anxious chatter stopped to a halt and all eyes shifted to her. It was not only because her demeanor was imposing but because she held an alluring beauty.

  Although not quite as special as an immortal beauty, Rubiella Thorne’s features were nothing to be scoffed at. Though it wouldn’t enchant so much that any man would give up anything for her, if she was a noble woman, she might still have a never-ending line of suitors waiting to meet her.

  However, she was a Swords’ Clan Leader and had taken a vow of chastity as part of her cultivation. Even though she had done this, it didn’t stop many in the room from giving her a hopeful glance. “I know you all have matters you worry about, but that is why we have moved up the date of the Sword Summit! After this, we can fully focus on the troubles that plague us!”

  Nods of agreement could be seen from all around. After settling the crowd and explaining how prepared they were for unforeseen attacks, the group had eventually calmed down.

  It was then that Rubiella Thorne explained the rules of the Sword Summit, allowing the leaders of the other clans to fill in any gaps she may have missed. Yet, she was meticulous in everything she did. Their explanations were not necessary and only stood to either repeat what she said or address any additional concerns.

  Many hours later, the over a hundred Sword Fighters followed Rubiella Thorne and the other Clan Leaders out of the manor and to the true venue for the event.

  Behind the Enchanting Fans Swords Clan Manor was a large flat domain.

  The area was set up with a large stone stage in the middle that was surrounded by steps made of stone where spectators could watch the fights. There was also plenty of free space around the stage itself in case some wanted to watch from the ground.

  The fighters took their spots around the stage and the clan leaders of the seven most powerful clans took their places on it. Those who looked around hoped to see one other person. Where was the one who kept track of the famed list of the strongest sword fighters?

  They looked around, but couldn’t see him. As some whispered, Rubiella Thorne explained, “The man from the Sword Archive Swords Clan, is hidden amongst you for his own safety! Do not look for him!”

  Those in the crowd were disappointed but also knew what she said made sense. Demon King Drakkel could come at any moment. In case his aim was to eliminate the Sword List and cause confusion within the Sword Fighting World as Demon King Fael had done, thereby lowering morale, the one responsible for updating it of course had to be kept safe!

  Knowing this, most dropped the matter, listening instead for what was to follow.

  The arrangement of this Sword Summit was a unique sight compared to the last. There was a new face among the usual leaders of the Summit and two missing. Although they said all would be fine, many couldn’t help but feel uneasy when they thought of the reason why.

  Two of the seven original clans were now wiped out with Clan Leaders Rodius Fowl and Risone Lione dead. The six in front were, in the current order of strength, the leaders of the Golden Peak Swords Clan, High Mountain Glaive Swords Clan, Swordsmith Villa Swords Clan, Hidden Desires Swords Clan, Enchanting Fans Swords Clan, and Sweeping Trees Swords Clan.

  Many were afraid, but also excited. The owner of the seventh spot on this list had not yet been decided and they were looking forward to taking it.

  Due to circumstances, one could say this was one of the most unprecedented Sword Summits in a long time. There was a lot on the line and a dangerous threat looming overhead. What else could awaken the fiery blood of those wishing to stand at the top of the Sword fighting World?

  However, with this excitement, some couldn’t help feeling a little hopeless, as there were a few notable faces amongst the crowd. Many had heard stories of Immortal Beauty Sonalita Pir. But seeing her in person was a whole other thing!

  She moved with grace and exuded an air of ethereal majesty, yet held the gaze of someone cold and unwelcoming. Those standing directly next to her felt their blood begin to freeze in her mere presence. Causing both fear and in awe, she definitely held the fate of an immortal!

  Along with her, there were a few new names that had come up in the stories of notable Sword Fighters leading up to the tournament. There was Jilom Toren of the High Mountain Glaive Clan, Pista Periv of the Enchanting Fans Swords Clan, Hilusa Levian of the Hidden Desires Swords’ Clan, Hilt Ivore of the Swordsmith Villa Sword’s Clan, Litoren Bovis of the Forging Rivers Swords’ Clan and Oros Fieren, first son of the clan leader of the Swordsmith Villa and brother of the missing Firo Fieren.

  There were also a couple notable names from the Golden Peak Swords Clan, including Ishim Storke and Floudris Densi.

  Each and every one of the named Sword Fighters had made it to Sword Master. Although it wasn’t impossible to defeat someone at a higher cultivation level than yourself, many were already beginning to feel disheartened at the thought of even trying.

  The Enchanting Fan Swords Clan Leader reiterated the way the tournament would unfold in a brief summary.

  The names of those in attendance had already been gathered. They were written on paper and would be mixed up in a bowl. Then, those chosen would be made to fight against each other. The matching was decided in a certain way. The people from each Swords Clan were put into teams and would be matched up with a Swords’ Clan member of another team for a fight. In this way, two Sword Fighters from the same team could not be pitted against each other.

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  Once everyone confirmed that they understood the rules, the sword fights commenced.

  The first two to fight were Firve Lamenta of the Sweeping Trees clan and Hent Kilf of the Forging Rivers clan.

  Though the Sweeping Trees clan fought with a bow and arrow, they weren't completely defenseless in close combat. The bows they held were attached to blades on both ends and could be utilized in close range. The two who showed up held feats that weren't even mentionable. In fact, the number of people in the crowd who could name them could be counted on one hand. Because of this, no one but those within the fighters own clans knew their exact sword level. However, their general level was quite easy to guess. If you weren't a sword master, who but a Sword Spirit would dare to show up to this competition? Only people with nothing better would send someone of a lower level.

  But one had to pay a fee to participate in the tournament. Doing so with nothing stronger than a Sword Sworn would really be social suicide. But, this was the Forging Rivers and Sweeping Trees clan, the thought of someone less than Sword Spirit fighting in these clans was inconceivable.

  The two fighters hopped out of their spots and glided onto the stage.

  The rules were as follows: the winner would be determined if the loser was knocked off the stage, incapacitated, or surrendered. When the disciple who was assigned to announce the matches said, “Begin!” Hent Kilf immediately shot a wave of sword energy at Firve Lamenta, then followed the sword energy with sword step, hoping to take the advantage by fighting up close.

  However, Firve Lamenta already had her bow out, conjuring arrows of sword energy. Then, she jumped in the air and released them.

  The arrows surged down like rain during a storm, causing Hent Kilf to go on the defensive. He stopped in his tracks and conjured a shield of sword energy, trying to escape the stream of arrows. However, wherever he ran, he was unable to escape. Everyone watched in awe as within a single move, the disciple of the Sweeping Trees Clan had forced her enemy back!

  Hent Kilf, though, felt her attacks lacked power. He barely drained his sword energy blocking them off. He couldn't help but internally smile.

  For someone from such a powerful swords clan, wasn’t her sword energy too weak?!

  He decided to finish her in one blow and show that his clan was capable too!

  He brought out one of the special moves of the Forging Rivers Clan: Heavenly Watergate.

  He dropped his shield, spun his whip in a circle and became like a spinning tornado of water. His powerful blue form resisted the arrows and headed straight for Firve Lamenta who had already landed on the ground after her previous attack.

  The spectators commented on such a beautiful yet powerful attack whose ripples of sword energy could be felt from outside the stage. Maybe the Forging Rivers Swords Clan had to be taken more seriously?

  However, despite standing in the face of this overwhelming power, Firve Lamenta remained calm. She pulled her bow far back and materialized a large arrow within her string. After taking a deep breath, she gathered sword energy into her hands as well and shot the arrow straight at Hent Kilf. The sight was mesmerizing, the large arrow made no sound until it landed on the spinning sword energy. When it hit, a large crack reverberated through the air and ripples of sword energy blasted out, the residual winds being felt by the spectators.

  The circle of sword energy around Hent Kilf dispersed and his figure was sent flying backwards and off the stage.

  The announcer declared Firve Lamenta the winner and she bowed before calmly returning to her clan’s waiting area. As they waited for the next fight to be announced, those who were interested, discussed the fight. Firve Lamenta should have been at a disadvantage. When Hent Kilf attempted to fight in close quarters, that should have already been a loss. But she evaded his attacks and surprisingly won. Those who didn't know thought it was luck, but those who paid attention knew what happened.

  Right before Hent Kilf’s initial attack landed, Firve Lamenta jumped into the air. However, she let her bow make small contact with the sword energy and knew then that her opponent's sword level was slightly higher than her own. Afterwards, she used only a small amount of sword energy to shoot off her attacks to confuse her opponent and drain his energy. Once her opponent got overconfident and made himself vulnerable, she showed him that difference in strength can be made up with skill. For all this to work, she must have calculated it beforehand.

  Many fighters from weaker swords clans were starting to get worried. The fighter from that clan was not even a sword master and was already so capable.

  Next to fight was Hilusa Levian of the Hidden Desires clan and a disciple of the Powdered Vessel Swords Clan Song Gen. Upon hearing it, the spectators didn't dare to watch.

  Wasn't this too unfair? A person who practiced medicine and whose name wasn't even known versus a sword master from one of the strongest seven clans? Of course the battle went as expected- Song Gen was beaten down in only a few seconds! The woman from the Hidden Desires clan even dared to use poison on him, leaving him disoriented and weak. The same thought resounded from all around, "The Hidden Desires Swords Clan is too ruthless!”

  After many other battles. It was now time for Immortal Beauty Sonalita Pir to face off against Pista Periv of the Enchanted Fans Swords Clan. The first two sword masters to go against each other.

  The crowd waited excitedly and with baited breaths as the two went to meet each other.

  “Sonalita Pir!”

  Pista Periv was a proud woman. Working hard to become one of the strongest in her Sword’s Clan and favored by her Clan Leader, she couldn’t stand those that had everything handed to them on a silver platter. Beautiful and powerful it was clear that the woman in front of her had it easy in life.

  She shouted, “You may be the head disciple of your clan and favored by many, but I’ll show you what it means to be dominated by a stronger opponent!”

  Sonalita Pir was clearly in a bad mood. Not only did she not respond, she even turned her head away from her opponent and covered her mouth as if Pista Periv’s very presence disgusted her.

  In the face of someone who should be your equal and within your own territory, who else could stand for such disrespect? Pista Periv became irritated and the second the announcer said the match began, she didn’t hold back. She took out her duel fans and controlled the blades within one of them to chase after Sonalita Pir while holding the other close.

  The Enchanting Fans Swords Clan utilized two fan styles. One was dual wielding and the other was a singular wield. At the beginning of training, a disciple would first determine which of the two styles fitted them most, then they would utilize that style as their official cultivation path.

  Most disciples were best at singular fan wielding due to the complexity of duel fan wielding. So those who were able to Master duel fan wielding were usually the strongest within the Clan. However duel wielding was a rarity and becoming good enough to even get it to the point of sword master was rarer still. So of course Pista Periv felt proud of herself.

  Upon seeing Pista Periv fight, those who were old enough recalled the strength and grace of Immortal Beauty, Shooting star, Arcadia Luma who was said to have been a prodigy long ago. But even though Pista Periv made them recall such memories, her skills could not match Arcadia Luma whose duel wielding capabilities made it as if each blade of the fan was just another one of her hands. She controlled the many pieces effortlessly and danced around the field with them like a flower goddess dancing amongst a field of flowers, the flowers moving with her will.

  In comparison, Pista Periv's fighting style was more like a flower fairy gently walking through a field with a flower in hand; the petals drifting around her with the wind's breeze.

  Yes, it was still beautiful and strong, but not quite the same.

  Sonalita Pir used her sword step to effortlessly dodge the loose blades. Every time it seemed as if they were about to touch her, she disappeared from sight, reappearing in another location. The prowess of her sword step was undeniable. Only those within a certain level of sword master could even see her move. Pista Periv was obviously not one of them.

  After a while of this, Pista Periv felt her sword energy begin to drain. She called back her blades and Sonalita Pir stopped dodging, standing in place and acting as if she wasn't at all bothered by Pista Periv's attack. This irritated Pista Periv even more.

  Knowing that her ordinary attacks wouldn't work, she decided to use her clan's other sword forms. Calling forth the blades once more, they were drawn back into the fan. Then she let them all out at once from both fans. Sonalita Pir, who had not yet even drawed her bow, finally took it out.

  Pista Periv angled the blades, then shot them all at Sonalita with sword energy.

  Sonalita Pir knocked some of them back with her bow while dodging others, but the blades followed her like bees to honey all around the field.

  After parrying and evading for a bit, she finally cleared enough space to jump into the air.

  She ascended like a Phoenix to the sky, graceful and elegant.

  Not long after, she was so high in the sky, that even looking all the way up, the spectators couldn't quite see where she went, the dark clouds hiding her figure.

  Pista Periv’s blades still followed her but she wasn't sure if they landed.

  It took all her focus to maintain this move which she had spent the last two years perfecting. But her range was still not long.

  After a minute, she was forced to recall her blades, but before they made it back to her, she was met with a blue arrow sitting only a few inches from her face.

  Extreme fear took over and she fell to the ground, her legs trembling.

  “I… surrender,” she said in defeat.

  The blades that were being recalled lifelessly fell to the floor as cheers erupted from all around and the spectators praised the Jade Blossom. She was truly as strong as they said or maybe even stronger! Who could resist a beauty with such strength? Many wondered if they had a chance with her, but then the thought of a certain someone made them give up.

  After the Sacred Sword Swords Clan was taken out, Jade Blossom Sonalita Pir became reclusive. Any who wished to ask for her hand were either refused by her clan or promptly beaten by her. The jealous sword fighters couldn't help but wonder what it was about the Sacred Sword's Clan disciple that she liked so much? Even to the point of refusing the hand of Sword Masters, wealthy Sword fighters, and high ranking nobles alike! Some looked to the Sword Master who was refused by her years ago for answers, but he had been standing quietly, not trying to garner any attention.

  This led them to think that he might have learned his lesson after what happened.

  Truly those who wondered could only lament at the loss of a pure beauty.

  Because they had gone through so many fights and nearly half the fighters were already eliminated, they decided to take a break. However, the fighters of the next battle were already determined to be Jilom Toren of the High Mountain Glaive Clan and Oros Fieren of SwordSmith Villa. Due to their reputations everyone knew that it was sure to be a fight worth seeing.

  As they chatted and talked, tables were brought out and upon them were laid refreshments. Some sword fighters went to partake while others took it as a challenge to utilize their sword energy to stave off hunger.

  The ones who did, couldn't help but silently judge the ones who didn't.

  I mean, did they think themselves the legendary Great Sage and rumored Sword God Altion Moros who went a year without eating and was said to have achieved immortality and ascended to the heavens?

  Meanwhile, the leaders of the seven strongest Swords clans were talking amongst themselves.

  Rubiella Thorne sighed. “Talents dwindle over time don't they? The Swords Fighters of today are not a match for those of the past…”

  Katar Kazilik nearly laughed. “I don't know about you, but we have no trouble procuring powerful talents. Of course our entry requirements are more than just beauty and grace!”

  Rubiella Thorne sneered at Katar Kazilik, deeply annoyed.

  Ren Fieren was strangely silent as by now, he would have normally intervened.

  But everyone knew why he was in such a dour mood. After all, his youngest son had been taken by Demon King Drakkel and he didn't know where he was or how he was doing.

  Another person who didn't speak was Pieres Reluva, clan leader of the Sweeping Trees clan.

  Istress Iluna, clan leader of the Hidden Desires clan let out a laugh. “He’s right, you know! Some of us choose our disciples for more than beauty and grace!”

  “Oh like beauty and prowess in indecent activities?” Rubiella Thorne asked.

  Istress Iluna smiled. “As long as they’re good in bed, they don't have to be the most sought after beauty.”

  The clan leaders felt disgusted at her harsh words and the fact that she would utter them so openly.

  Lorian Adore cleared his throat. “Perhaps this isn't the time to discuss such things.”

  “Oh!” Istress Iluna replied. “You seem quite calm for someone who just lost a disciple to these…’indecent activities'. Actually, speaking of it, I wonder... If a certain someone was able to attract someone like the Demon King, perhaps he was placed in the wrong clan!”

  Ripples of sword energy began to leak from Lorian Adore’s visage as he shot a hot glare at Istress Iluna, “How dare yo—!”

  The sound of laughter rang through the air, cutting into their conversation.

  Only those who had been around during the attack on the Golden Peak Swords Clan recognized it. It sent chills down their spine and caused their heartbeats to quicken as their hands tightly clenched their weapons in preparation.

  A large group of demons suddenly appeared from nowhere, surrounding the fighting area.

  Close to the swords clan leaders appeared Drakkel, who stood with a few familiar faces and many unfamiliar ones.

  Upon seeing him, the leaders instinctively backed up, placing some distance between them as the crowd could do nothing but gaze at the famed new Demon King.

  “Hmm, an interesting conversation!”

  Drakkel calmly met their gazes, his eyes flitting between them.

  “No need to get angry, Lorian Adore, she only made the comment in a jest, it doesn’t mean anything!”

  He shifted his eyes to Katar Kazilik, “And you, always making quite the ruckus, you really should learn to shut up sometimes.”

  Rubiella Thorne’s eyes shifted to the side, her forehead beading with sweat.

  “Why so nervous, Rubiella Thorne?” Drakkel asked in a mock caring tone, “Your hands are clenching your fans so hard, that your knuckles are only a step away from popping out of their sockets. Are you ok? Or maybe you’re nervous because you have something to hide?”

  “Demon King Drakkel, shut up! We know what you’re planning to do, but your evil plans will stop here!” Katar Kazilik shouted.

  Drakkel frowned.

  His eyes were so cold that those who gazed upon him could almost feel their hearts freeze in fear as some struggled to keep their weapons steady.

  Drakkel’s Sword skill was so strong even those who had weak sword sense could feel it. It was an insurmountable pressure, like a sheep facing a lion they felt that they stood no chance. Even the Clan leaders seemed a little apprehensive.

  Then, like the change in atmosphere when the clouds clear from a stormy rain to welcome a warming sun, Drakkel’s smile returned.

  He walked up to the clan leaders with Rilian Adore following closely behind him.

  As he got closer, they went on guard, but the words that escaped the lips of the infamous Demon King nearly put them in shock.

  “I don’t want to fight,” he said. “I only want to talk.”