An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2299
“That’s true. With your big ambitions, why would you care about a few struggling disciples?” Alloy said with a hint of sarcasm.
He continued, “But those disciples have shown great improvement since joining the Celestial Alliance. Maybe they’re just having a hard time adjusting to the Sword Union’s ways?”
“Mr. Marshall, you talk a lot, but it doesn’t mean much when it comes to real skill,” Cyrus replied coldly.
He added, “Since this is a Combat Tournament, why don’t we take it to the stage? Are you ready to show these young ones what real skill looks like?”
“If you’re so eager, I’d be happy to oblige,” Alloy said with a casual smile. “I’m curious to see if your swordsmanship matches the rumors.”
Alloy was ranked second on the Champ-Tier List, while Cyrus was ranked third. Their strengths were quite similar, so it was hard to predict who would win if they faced off.
“Please calm down.” Kaden, who was sitting between them, quickly stepped in with a smile to ease the tension.
He said, “Today’s tournament is for the younger generation. As guild leaders, it wouldn’t be fair for us to steal their spotlight. Let’s think this through and avoid making rash decisions.”
“You’re right,” Alloy nodded. “Let’s set aside our old rivalries for today. If Mr. Hadley wants a challenge, let our disciples handle it.”
“Fine,” Cyrus replied coldly. “But if we’re going to compete, let’s raise the stakes.”
“Oh? What do you have in mind?” Alloy raised an eyebrow.
“It’s simple,” Cyrus said. “If we win, all the swords in your armory will be ours.”
“Deal,” Alloy smirked. “But if we win, you’ll need to hand over the Phantom Sword Technique.”
The Phantom Sword Technique was the Sword Union’s most closely guarded secret.
The secret was known only to a few top disciples. It was the core of their guild.
If the Celestial Alliance got their hands on it, they could use their many resources to train a new group of elite swordmasters.
“Hmph! You have some nerve trying to claim our Phantom Sword Technique!” Cyrus narrowed his eyes at Alloy.
“What’s wrong? Scared you’ll lose, Mr. Hadley?” Alloy replied with a grin.
He continued, “If you’re too afraid to make a bet, just admit it. We don’t want anyone thinking the Celestial Alliance is just using its power.”
“Don’t try to provoke me,” Cyrus shot back coldly. “I’m open to a deal, but I won’t agree to anything that puts me at a disadvantage. If you want my Phantom Sword Technique, you’ll have to trade it for your Four Elements of God’s Technique.”
Cyrus knew Alloy was trying to get under his skin, but he didn’t care. He was confident he would win. After all, his best disciple, Glenn, was even better than he had been in his prime.
At such a young age, Glenn had already reached the rank of ultimate grandmaster. Cyrus believed taking on someone like Fenley would be easy for Glenn.
“Deal!” Alloy said firmly.
He thought trading a few valuable swords and the Four Elements of God’s Technique for the Phantom Sword Technique was a great deal.
“Okay, it’s settled then!” Cyrus looked at Glenn, who just nodded in agreement.
Even though Glenn found the bet trivial, he was ready to participate if it brought honor to the Sword Union. It was a perfect chance to take down the Celestial Alliance’s pride.
As these two powerful guilds quietly competed, a commotion broke out from the southwest.
The crowd turned to see a group of mysterious figures approaching.
Figures dressed in white robes and masks moved slowly, carrying a black sedan chair. These mysterious figures were Grandmasters, gliding effortlessly above the ground.
“It’s the leader of the Mystic Arts Order! Everyone, clear the way!” a voice shouted.
The sight of the sedan chair, marked with the emblem of the Mystic Arts Order, filled the crowd with fear. People hurried to get out of the way, avoiding it as if it were a danger.
Among the three major guilds, the Celestial Alliance was the most powerful, the Sword Union was the strongest in battle, and the Mystic Arts Order was the most mysterious and feared. This order was known for its unclear morality, often walking the line between good and evil.
While forming an alliance with them might be acceptable, crossing them could lead to death or even the destruction of one’s entire family. Some victims faced endless torment from poisonous insects, suffering so much that it was worse than death itself.
The Mystic Arts Order’s cruel reputation instilled a deep fear in everyone. So, when their leader appeared, a tense silence fell over the area.
The once-crowded path was now empty. People scattered in every direction, desperate to avoid any encounter with the order, knowing that their methods were shrouded in mystery and dread.
Their reputation for killing without leaving a trace was well-known. The mere thought of being targeted by their poisons made everyone uneasy.
“It’s surprising to see the old witch, who’s been in hiding for years, come out,” Cyrus said, squinting at the scene.
“Mr. Hadley, I suggest you lower your voice,” Alloy replied with a sly grin. “If Madam Penelope hears you calling her an old witch, you might get into real trouble.”
He raised his voice, almost like he wanted Penelope to hear him. It felt like a friendly warning.