In other words, the skills taught by the Tower of Eradication can be divided into eight types? "
Thales narrowed his eyes in confusion.
He had heard from Wya that there were countless martial arts inheritances in the Tower of Eradication.
"Not exactly."
Mallos said steadily,
"The Eight Meridians of Eradication represent eight different philosophies and styles, but just like the Power of Eradication, even practitioners of the same branch often differ greatly. There are even a small number of elites who do not limit themselves to the different branches and practice interchangeably, complementing each other."
Thales recalled the students of the Tower of Eradication he knew.
"Just like that, in the hundreds of years after the Battle of Eradication, the legacy of the Tower of Eradication spread throughout the world through their students. Through teaching and sparring, the new were eliminated, and the strong were retained."
On the training field, Ness' sword was aimed straight at Toledo's vitals, forcing him into a corner.
Mallos nodded slightly at this strike. The story continued.
"Ness came from a small family in Blade Edge Hill. During the Bloody Year, they moved to Central Territory to avoid war, and sent Ness to the Tower of Eradication for further training a few years later.
"As you can see, his swordsmanship is the typical style of the 'Flash' branch. This branch believes that speed is the only thing that can't be defeated. They pay particular attention to speed and time, agility and effectiveness. They usually end the battle quickly and finish it with one strike."
The prince nodded, but still felt that something was not quite right.
"By the way, a long time ago, your uncle, the 'Sword of Reversing Light' Prince Horace, was also a student of this branch."
Thales was shocked, and immediately remembered the story of his second uncle.
The former second prince who was known for his bravery, but was eventually trapped under the fortress and died at Rayman Pass.
Perhaps because he was no longer interrupted by the duke, Mallos returned to his usual relaxed self. He sat down leisurely and commented on the duel in the field.
"Ness's Power of Eradication is called 'Reincarnation of the Sun'. It is known for speed, which the 'Flash' branch values the most."
In front of him, Toledo could not dodge in time. In the end, he could not avoid his opponent's domineering strike. He lost his balance and retreated.
Ness did not follow up with another attack. Instead, he took a step back unhurriedly and raised his sword again. His style changed, as if he was going to display everything he had learned in front of a noble.
Mallos gazed at Ness, who was still young and immature but full of vigor.
"His talent was great, and he was full of spirit. Aside from focusing on the Flashing Sword Style, he also cultivated the skills of the Storm and Death of Sin series, gaining strength and lethality."
"That's how the Vanguard Ness of today came to be: His sword moves as fast as lightning, his moves are executed in one go, his power is like a cold wave descending from the heavens, victory is decided in a single strike."
Thales frowned. With hell's senses, he discovered that Ness' body was shining with a golden light, like the sun.
"Coupled with his unconstrained style and occasional creativity, Ness' offensive strength is no less than that of the Offense and Defense Faction. His moves are no less exquisite than those of the Martial Arts Faction, and his lethality is no less than that of the Martial Arts Faction. He can be said to be at the pinnacle of the supra class, and is even better than most of the top supra classes."
"If we only compete in terms of offense, I might be able to put up a fight against some supreme realm experts."
Thales was slightly taken aback.
He finally understood where Ness's youthful arrogance and arrogance came from.
"It's said that before he dropped out of school and returned to the country, he arrogantly defeated every member of the 'Flash' branch in the same batch, and arrogantly gave up his recommendation for the Battle of Seeds — you know, that's a recognition of strength."
And because of this, he was recruited by the royal guards, who had always been averse to the Tower of Eradication, as an exception.
Mallos sighed.
"If it's a one-on-one fight, there aren't many in Mindis Hall who can take him on."
The watchman crossed his arms and watched his subordinate fight relentlessly, but his brows were slightly furrowed.
"What's rarer is that Ness has an ally that many elites can only dream of — time.
"He's incredibly young, and still improving. His future is limitless."
One day, he'll become a supreme realm.
At this thought, Mallos shook his head almost imperceptibly.
'But, what a pity …'
Thales stared at Ness' youthful face, and his superb skills that did not match his age. In his amazement, he clicked his tongue in wonder.
'Is he even twenty years old?'
In front of him, Ness' attacks intensified again!
Toledo awkwardly dodged another dangerous-looking strike, the blade in his hand wobbling.
'So, the historical Temple Disciple, the current Swordsmen of Eradication …'
Watching the battle in front of him, Thales' train of thought suddenly stopped.
Finally, he realized that something was wrong.
"But, if the Flash branch's main point is to end the battle quickly and finish it off with one strike."
Thales turned his head, his face full of questions.
"Then why is it only now …
"Toledo hasn't been defeated yet?"
Mallos glanced at Thales, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
There seemed to be a smile.
But Thales, who had been with him for a long time, knew the answer just by seeing this detail.
"That's enough of a demonstration." Mallos turned around and ordered loudly,
"Toledo!"
The moment his voice trailed off, Toledo's retreating footsteps came to an abrupt halt!
Thud.
At that moment, Thales felt the Sin of Hell's River in his body stirring restlessly.
Toledo's figure did not move, but his aura changed!
Swoosh!
He slashed with his saber.
It was an ordinary saber strike.
His movements were elegant, his posture solemn.
It met head-on with Ness's unstoppable strike!
At the same moment, Ness' expression changed.
Clang!
The sword and the blade clashed, and both of them swayed!
Toledo, who had taken the full brunt of the blow, grunted.
But this time, although he was at a disadvantage, he did not retreat.
Instead, Ness's attack faltered, as if he had hit an iron plate. He needed to withdraw and retract his next strike before he could stab forward.
Thales was surprised and began to size up Ness' opponent again.
He knew that Toledo used to be in the Command Division and was Mallos' most trusted person — so it was true?
"Toledo was born in Eternal Star City and grew up in Central Territory."
Mallos said calmly,
"They haven't changed their surname three generations ago. They are one of the famous Seven Jadestar Attendants, the second son branch of the 'Blade of Elimination' Tardin family. Their ancestors even have the blood of a royal princess.
Tardin.
Hearing the familiar surname, Thales' heart skipped a beat.
"When Toledo was young, he had the opportunity to serve one of the strongest former royal guards as a knight apprentice — Lord Conrad Tony. He trained under him and listened to his teachings. It wasn't a long time, but he learned a lot …"
Former royal guard, Conrad Tony.
Thales' heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of this familiar name.
On the training field, Ness, whose attack had been interrupted, seemed to be a little embarrassed.
He gritted his teeth and advanced. His Power of Eradication shone again, and in 0.1 seconds, his sword whistled as he advanced with an unstoppable attack!
Mallos' words were interspersed, "… From then on, his foundation is solid, his consciousness is complete, his moves steady, and his defense flawless."
But Toledo was like an iron wall. With a horizontal slash that seemed to be both pushing and blocking, and a few shocking steps, he turned Ness' fatal slash into a blunt force and cleverly deflected it.
He even blocked the path of his opponent's second attack.
Metals clashed, and Ness once again returned empty-handed.
But Toledo remained in his position, rooted to the ground, and did not counterattack.
Thales observed his steps, saw his steadiness and calmness in the face of a swift attack, and felt that he had learned a lot.
"If there's anyone in the Star Lake Guards who can firmly restrain Ness with just his moves and style, it has to be Toledo — before he was transferred to Mindis Hall, he was one of the most reliable messengers in the Command Division."
Mallos was a little emotional.
"He doesn't seek to be meritorious, but to not be defeated. Although Toledo has only scratched the surface of his defense and can't recreate the Knight of a Thousand Blades' blood-soaked attack, it's enough."
The Knight of a Thousand Blades.
"Thousand Blades?"
Thales was puzzled.
"What kind of nickname is that?"
Perhaps because he felt embarrassed in front of the prince, Ness was annoyed and struck again!
But Thales could see that he was in a state of unease. Under his anxious attack, his sword style pursued extreme speed, and its power was reduced.
And Toledo, who had gotten over the initial difficulty and gradually got used to his opponent, had an impenetrable defense and became more relaxed.
"Thousand Blades."
Mallos said slowly, with a hint of nostalgia in his tone.
"According to Captain Adrian, a long time ago, when Lord Tony escorted Prince Horace to the Tower of Eradication, he once met the Gray Sword Guard, who was also in his prime, and later became famous."
Tower of Eradication, Gray Sword Guard.
Thales' heart skipped a beat. He had heard Wya mention this name before.
"No one knows how they fought, and who won or lost."
The watchman's gaze sharpened.
"But after that meeting, the Gray Sword Guard's private lament and comments eventually leaked out of the Tower of Eradication and back to Constellation."
Thales saw that Mallos' attitude was respectful and serious, but he uttered a sentence that was unusual in both grammar and wording.
"Since ancient times, swords cannot escape their scabbards.
"Sealed with a thousand blades, what is evil?"
Mallos fell into deep thought as he spoke. Thales frowned.
'Cannot escape their scabbards.'
'Sealed with a thousand blades?'
Thales tried hard to make use of the grammar knowledge of various languages that he had refined over the past few months.
'This should be … comparing Tony to a scabbard.
'And then comparing the martial artists of the world to swords?
'So Tony can be like a scabbard, using an unimaginable method to seal a thousand blades and subdue countless masters?'
Thales scratched his head.
'Then Tony should also be a "Scabbard Knight", why is he a "Knight of a Thousand Blades"?
'What Gray Sword Guard, do you have to be so artistic when you praise someone?
You made everyone confused and gave Tony a random nickname? '
Thales shook his head and stopped thinking about other things.
"So, Toledo's style is known for defense, and specializes in countering the 'Flash' sword style?
"Is it another style of the Eight Branches of Eradication?"
At this point, Mallos' gaze shifted.
In the field, Ness was getting more and more anxious after failing to take down the opponent. He had to take a few steps back to rest, his face already drenched in sweat.
Toledo, on the other hand, was getting more and more indifferent. He even had the time to wave his sword and make an inviting gesture, somewhat like Mallos' sarcasm.
"Since you are familiar with the classics, Your Highness."
At the side, the watchman stared at Thales.
"Then do you know, in the thousands of years of glorious history, what is the Temple of Knights' strongest opponent, the greatest threat, and the most inescapable struggle?"
Thales shuddered slightly, not because of this question, but because he felt:
At this moment, Mallos was extremely serious, his eyes burning.
He was almost unlike that courteous, indifferent and innocent person on the surface, but actually disdainful, black-bellied, and fond of giving him soft rebukes every day, the personal guard captain he hated the most.
Thales turned his head and looked at the two opponents who were temporarily separated and taking a short break.
The Temple's strongest opponent …
He knew that the Temple of Knights was eventually destroyed by the calamity.
But …
In the training field, Ness and Toledo faced each other with their swords. When their gazes met, there was only their opponent in their eyes, and they seemed to have forgotten that the prince was still watching the battle.
They regained their momentum for the duel, and prepared for the next lesson.
In the face of Mallos' solemn gaze, Thales put on a straight face and slowly uttered a word.
"The Empire."
The watchman's pupils contracted slightly.
At that moment, neither of them spoke. The atmosphere quieted down because of this word.
Until Ness roared angrily and attacked again!
Amidst the sound of metal clashing, Thales took a deep breath and continued.
"Indeed, thousands of years ago, in order to end the chaos and seek peace, many ranger knights once gathered under 'Great Emperor' Camelot Carlose, and followed him on expeditions to the North and South, to expand the territory.
"To forge the strong foundation of the Ancient Empire."
Thales suddenly remembered a long time ago, in Kaslan's tavern, Putray and Kentvida's argument about the Empire and Northland.
Things remained the same, but people changed.
The prince returned to reality.
"But after the chaotic world is unified and peace has arrived,
"These ranger knights with superb martial arts skills and flamboyant personalities were scattered all over the world …
"And the noble Temple of Knights that was regarded as the spiritual homeland by millions of people, armed and independent …"
Thales' voice was slightly cold.
"They replaced the original enemies and opponents, and became a discordant voice in the boundless and prosperous world.
"They were seen as a glaring threat by the rulers of the Ancient Empire's court."
Mallos looked at the battle in the field again — Ness could not take him down, and Toledo did not gain the upper hand either. But his gaze gradually froze.
Thales recalled the stories he had read and sighed.
"Historically, the fate of the Temple of Knights was in sync with the rise and fall of the Empire.
"Under the heavy pressure of imperial power and the army's conquest, they suffered repeated misfortunes and collapsed several times.
"But they also stubbornly left behind a spark, and rebuilt the Empire in times of internal strife."
Thales sighed.
"So, the greatest enemy of the ancient Temple of Knights was nothing else."
He fixed his gaze on Mallos.
"It was the Empire itself."
Mallos also looked back at Thales, his gaze unreadable.
After looking at him for a long time, the watchman finally nodded.
He approved of the prince's answer.
Clang!
Ness and Toledo collided with each other again!
They both swayed, each taking a step back, panting.
Ness's eyes were filled with resentment, as if he was really angry.
"But what you don't know is …"
As Mallos observed the battle again, he muttered to himself, "That's right.
"At the same time, under the Pegasus Throne, the knights of the legion directly under the Emperor have experienced continuous expeditions to suppress rebellions. Following the example of the army and guards, they stress unity and discipline."
Knights directly under the Emperor.
Thales furrowed his brows.
The watchman's gaze sharpened.
"So, under their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, their reverence for the Empire, and their absolute obedience to the legion …
"And under the expectations of the Pegasus Throne and the secret struggle with their competitors …
"They concluded and trained a style of martial arts that was far from the Temple of Knights."
Thales was slightly taken aback.
Mallos stared at the blade in Toledo's hand.
"Some were upright and peaceful, dignified and elegant. Some were upright and generous, sonorous and powerful. Some were self-contained, simple and solemn. Some were tenacious and unyielding. "
The watchman's words carried with them an indescribable power. Even Thales subconsciously sat up straight.
"With the official recognition and support of the Empire, the school of this group of knights quickly flourished. For a time, everyone imitated them and they spread throughout the world.
"In the end, they became the Empire's orthodoxy, and stood on equal footing with the famous' Temple Disciples'."
Stood on equal footing with the Temple of Knights …
Thales pondered the meaning of these words as he sized up the two dueling men again.
The look in Ness' eyes changed. He swung his longsword and gathered his Power of Eradication like never before, just for the next attack.
Toledo, on the other hand, held his machete horizontally and retracted his aura. He was as awe-inspiring as a mountain, ready to block all possibilities.
The momentum of the two men's standoff grew.
"So, a thousand years passed …"
Mallos' words were very calm, but there were some inexplicable emotions in them.
"The rise and fall of the Temple, a cycle of destruction and reconstruction. The rise and fall of the Empire, a cycle of decay and rejuvenation."
He raised his head and looked at the gloomy sky. There was a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
"And the changes in martial arts and supernatural powers were also caused by the rise and fall of these two flourishing schools of thought. In the open and covert battles between countless capable warriors and swordsmen, it was exciting. There were competitions and duels, and there was no lack of war adventures. Sometimes, one could hear the clanging of swords and spears."
Mallos said calmly.
"That was the legendary most glorious and dazzling golden age of knights."
Golden age.
Thales did not speak, as if he was also savoring the weight of these words.
For some reason, he remembered when he was still in Blade Fangs Camp, Tampa, the owner of My Home Tavern, when he talked about the Age of Mercenaries.
"Until the Battle of Eradication … changed everything."
Mallos closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.
"The destruction of the Temple, the fall of the Empire."
In the field, Ness' accumulated offensive finally reached its peak. As he advanced with a flash of afterimages, he slashed out with a flash of his sword!
Toledo, on the other hand, let out an angry roar and stepped forward as well, ready to meet force with force!
At this moment.
"Enough!"
Mallos shouted coldly.
"That's enough!"
Clang!
Ness' longsword and Toledo's machete, the two weapons crossed each other in the air.
With this command, they lost their momentum and fell weakly to the ground.
The two dueling men stopped at an arm's length apart and looked at each other.
"Go and rest."
The watchman said calmly.
A few seconds later, their obedience to the order overcame their aroused fighting spirit. Both of them exhaled in unison, put away their weapons, and bowed to the prince.
Thales clapped his hands solemnly and respectfully returned their salute.
"And so, the remnants of the Kindling left behind by the Temple of Knights belong to the Tower of Eradication, and have been passed down ever since."
Mallos stared at Ness' back in a daze, but his gaze quickly refocused and turned to Thales.
"And the Empire's iron-blooded swordsmanship, along with the King of Renaissance's banner, along with the descendants of the Empire's lone army, strives to spread again in the new kingdom."
The watchman fixed his gaze on Thales.
"As the most orthodox martial art of knights since the Empire, it has been passed down through Constellation's knight inheritance and court training, recounting the former majesty of the throne and the glory of the army.
"Toledo and the 'Knight of a Thousand Blades' are its representatives."
Thales felt the other man's seriousness and nodded slowly.
"For centuries, generations of Constellation's masters have been painstakingly studying and teaching, in hopes that the ancient inheritance will be further advanced in the hands of their descendants, and keep up with the pulse of the times.
"And the sword stances and styles you've been practicing incessantly for the past few months, including the demanding 'Seventeen Swords of the Knights', are among them."
Thales recalled the training that was completely different from Northland's over the past few months, and suddenly understood.
Mallos exhaled, his stern expression faded, and he slowly returned to his calm self.
"Today, this martial art school with a similarly long history, but vaguely opposed to the Tower of Eradication, is on par with it …
"Corresponding to the 'Temple', it was named by the rigorous scholars —"
At that moment, the watchman's voice was ethereal as he spoke softly.
"Imperial style."
Two ears oblivious to the outside world, only focused on writing books to torture the master.
(End of this chapter)
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