Seeing Miles sprang into action, two burly men jumped out from behind the bearded-burly man. They brandished their machetes, which carried a distinct scent of blood and an intangible air, a result of years of bloodshed.They called this practice "nurturing the weapon" in the martial world. Sadly, the machetes wielded by these burly men were still in their early stages, lacking the commanding presence.Miles took the lead with his sword, facing off against the two burly men. Their machete swings were forceful but lacked finesse, appearing somewhat clumsy.In contrast, Miles displayed a refined skill set, clearly benefiting from mentorship and substantial practical experience. His speed, strength, and technique proficiency showcased a comprehensive and advanced development.In the three-way clash, it was evident that Miles outclassed the two burly men. With just ten moves, Miles defeated them, leaving them sprawled on the ground. Miles also punished them by stabbing each of the
"Ah!" Miles clenched his teeth and growled, veins popping on his face.He tried hard to push the machete away from his shoulder by pressing both hands against his sword. Despite his efforts, the machete stayed in place, and the pressure on it kept growing. This unyielding force was so powerful that it caused his knees to create cracks in the floor directly beneath them.The bearded-burly man sneered. "Hmph! Do you think you're skilled enough to challenge the Butcher Guild? You're overestimating yourself!" "Chief is great!""Chief is strong!"The other burly men couldn't help but cheer at the situation. The Butcher Guild was a respectable faction in the North, not to be messed with by someone insignificant."You, punk! Trying to act like a hero in front of me is the dumbest thing you've ever done. Today, I'll teach you a lesson by breaking your wrist!" The bearded-burly man grinned wickedly. He swung his machete toward Miles' wrist.Just as Miles was about to lose his wrist,
Every time Crystal swung her sword, it left a bleeding gash on the bearded-burly man. Within moments, he had been stabbed over a dozen times, left without any means of defense.Despite his strength, she outclassed him entirely in skill. The spectators were amazed and impressed as her advanced swordsmanship shone brightly."Ah!" the bearded-burly man cried in agony. With his tendons severed, he collapsed onto the ground. He was now crippled, covered in blood and numerous wounds, though they were not fatal."Chief!" The Butcher Guild disciples were shocked and enraged to witness their typically imposing and unstoppable chief suffering in such a manner."Damn it! How dare you hurt our chief? You're pushing your luck!""Everyone! Let's teach this bitch a lesson!"The Butcher Guild disciples roared, brandishing their machetes and charging at Crystal with anger.She snorted coldly and mercilessly thrust her sword into the attacking crowd. "Ember Strike!"In less than a moment, the
"W-What!" Dalen's words surprised the few people standing there. It took them a moment to process the unexpected revelation.Miles, who had been expressing his feelings, stood still with an awkward smile. His eyes widened, hands hovering in confusion.How could that happen? Could it be that his daring rescue mission, intended for a damsel, was actually for a man?"A man? You're... kidding, right?" The girl in red scrutinized Dalen with disbelief on her face. How could someone with such an attractive face be a man?Crystal hesitated, mouth slightly agape, unsure of how to react.So, the troublemakers from the Butcher Guild, who had caused a ruckus earlier, weren't harassing a woman but a man? This unexpected turn of events was truly one of a kind."I'm not kidding. I'm a real gentleman," Dalen affirmed with a nod. Mistaking his identity wasn't new for him when he ventured outside.The girl in red hesitated before stating, "But your appearance...""I've got a male body with a f
After a few drinks, everyone loosened up and started chatting.Dalen asked, "Ms. Wesley, I've heard you're the Sword Union disciples. Are you here for the Combat Tournament at the Sacred Wrym Summit?"Crystal nodded. "Yes, that's right." She was reserved and not much of a talker. Ruby, the lively one, chimed in with a smile. "Dalen, truth be told, we're here because our guildmaster told us to."The Ancient Sage is hosting the Combat Tournament at the Sacred Wrym Summit this time. It's creating quite a buzz."Not only Sword Union, but other guilds like the Celestial Alliance and the Mystics Arts Order are sending their top disciples to participate.""Ruby, did the Sword Union only send the three of you?" Dalen asked curiously."Not really," Ruby shook her head. "We're here just for fun. The real Sword Union contestants are someone else."Ruby and Miles were only at the later stages of being divine-level martial artists. Crystal, while strong, was only halfway to becoming a gran
Dustin glanced at Dalen. No matter how gorgeous Dalen was, Dustin couldn't imagine himself liking another guy.Dalen coughed uncomfortably as he sipped his drink, his face contorted in discomfort. He grinned wryly and remarked, "Ms. Wesley, I can't tell if you're praising me or teasing me with that remark.""It's a compliment! Your gorgeous face could win over any man," Crystal said with a straight face."Oh, well..." Dalen was momentarily speechless. Did she have to say that to his face? Something didn't feel right."If you don't believe me, just ask Miles," Crystal said.At that moment, Miles was staring right at Dalen. When Crystal mentioned his name, he slightly tensed, swiftly shifting his gaze away with a nervous and guilty expression."W-What? Me?" Miles awkwardly responded. "Quit joking around, Crystal. What does this have to do with me?""You seem a bit off, Miles." Ruby raised an eyebrow. She looked around mischievously and smirked. "You're not bewitched by Dalen, ar
"Isn't that the case?" Ruby asked, tilting her head in confusion."Sacred Wrym Summit has been around for years without getting involved in martial world matters. "Now, they're suddenly organizing the Combat Tournament. There must be a hidden reason," Miles explained.Organizing talent recruitment to bring honor to the nation might have been fitting for the Martial Arts Union. But with the Sacred Wyrm Summit as the host, it seemed implausible."So, tell me, what's the hidden reason?" she asked."How would I know? I'm just a bystander." He shrugged, well aware of his role."Dalen, since you raised this question, you must have some insider information, right?" Crystal asked.Dalen replied, "I don't have any insider information, but I did manage to gather some news."He added cryptically, "Word is, there's a rare treasure appearing in the forbidden area behind Sacred Wrym Summit. "This treasure doesn't just impact the destiny of the martial world in the next century. It is also
In the center square of the ancient town, a crowd of onlookers, primarily martial artists, had gathered. All eyes were on a young man in warrior gear, rocking wooden sandals and a bun hairdo. He chilled on a bench with only a bottle of wine and a sword on the table.The man sipped his drink casually, not bothering about the talks around him. Behind him stood a middle-aged man in a suit and white gloves, dressed like a butler.Though the butler seemed meek around the young man, his eyes scanned the crowd with a snobby air.The butler spoke loudly to the gathering crowd, "Listen up, people from Dragonmarsh!"Meet our young master, Marco Alessandro! We're from Kimboku and came to Sacred Wyrm Summit to challenge the best fighters from Dragonmarsh."We're having a three-day tournament. If anyone can beat Mr. Alessandro, they'll get the 'Demon Sword,' one of Kimboku's top ten swords! "But if you're not up for it, you'll have to cancel the tournament and accept that you're just a bun