Chapter 9 Sword Token Contest
Words : 2598
Updated : Oct 9th, 2023
"Young friend, here are the Acura Soul Gathering Pills you requested," Hogan said, handing a delicate jade box to Owen. Owen opened it, briefly inspected the pills, then closed the box with a nod of satisfaction.
"Thank you," Owen expressed his gratitude and prepared to leave.
As he departed, the vast crowd of warriors gathered outside the True Martial Attic watched him with awe and respect.
"Master, should we have someone follow him to learn more about his identity?" the black-clad steward asked.
"No need," Hogan shook his head. "He used an alias because he wished to keep his identity secret. Our role at the Chilong Building is to forge relationships with top talents like him, so they might one day serve the empire. If we were to pursue his identity aggressively or send someone to shadow him, it could backfire and alienate him."
"Besides, a superlative talent who can pass the fourteenth floor of the True Martial Attic at the Eighth Grade True Martial Realm won't stay anonymous forever. Sooner or later, his name will become known across the Skyblaze Empire. For now, we just need to observe."
...
Owen carefully made his way back to the Su family estate, ensuring no one followed him. Once secure in his room, he opened the jade box, revealing twenty fragrant, milky-white pills. He smiled, pleased with his acquisition.
"Acura Soul Gathering Pills are dozens of times more effective than regular ones. With fifteen days until the Sword Token contest, I can take one pill each day. Coupled with my inherited cultivation technique's speed, I should be able to reach the Ninth Grade True Martial Realm, maybe even the Tenth," Owen mused, smiling.
From that day, Owen focused intensely on his cultivation, using the Acura Soul Gathering Pills to accelerate his progress. His cultivation level increased rapidly.
During these days of intense training, the Su family was abuzz with activity. Notable members of the younger generation, including Charles and Pace, returned home after periods of rigorous training. They had been honing their skills in preparation for the Sword Token contest, eager to challenge Jackson.
Rumors circulated that Charles had reached the peak of the Tenth Grade True Martial Realm, potentially on par with Jackson. This news gave the Su family hope, believing that Charles could potentially defeat Jackson in the upcoming contest.
However, Jackson soon returned and immediately went to the Chilong Building, where he passed the eleventh floor of the True Martial Attic. This feat caused a stir within the Su family.
Although there were rumors about an Eighth Grade True Martial Realm individual named Hiram passing the fourteenth floor, Jackson's achievement resonated more within the family, especially since he was a known entity. The news left many in the Su family, particularly those who had placed their hopes in Charles, feeling disheartened. The significant gap in martial prowess between Jackson and the family's young talents was apparent.
As the day of the Sword Token contest arrived, the tension within the Su family was palpable.
...
Squeak!
Owen opened his door and stepped out.
"Master," Sherry greeted, having waited outside.
"The Sword Token contest is today," Owen said, looking toward the distance.
"You seem to have made progress in your cultivation," Sherry observed.
"Progress? Yes, though not quite to the extent I hoped," Owen smiled. Despite his rapid advancement, he had not reached the Tenth Grade True Martial Realm as he had aimed. Instead, he stopped at the peak of the Ninth Grade, just a step away from his goal.
Had he a few more days, Owen felt confident he could break through to the Tenth Grade. However, the Sword Token contest was upon them. Nonetheless, Owen felt confident. "Even at the peak of the Ninth Grade, my inherited technique greatly enhances my power, making me as strong as most in the Tenth Grade. Plus, my Blood Power, when fully unleashed, could surpass the peak Tenth Grade."
Owen clenched his fists, eyes filled with determination. "Jackson... an outsider dares covet our Su family's Sword Token? Unforgivable!"
"I've been away for three years, and the Su family no longer holds me in proper regard. Today, I'll use him to reassert my position!"
...
At the Su family's Martial Art Hall, a large arena at its center, usually quiet, was now filled with people. The family gathered here each year for competitions among its members, but today's event was especially significant, deciding the holder of the Sword Token.
The garden was packed with core members, followers, and numerous servants, totaling over a thousand people. Three seats were set on the main platform, with two already occupied by the family's elders.
The Su family had three elders under the head, with Blake Su, a Void Breaking Realm expert, stationed elsewhere. Currently seated were Lester Su and Perry Su, both Misthaven Realm peak experts. Perry was also the younger brother of the family head and Owen's uncle.
Standing before the elders were the Su family's four strongest young members, all at the Tenth Grade True Martial Realm, including Charles and Pace.
"Letting an outsider compete for our family's Sword Token is a disgrace!" Lester, a burly man with eyes like copper bells, roared in anger. "If an outsider wins the token, it will be a humiliation for our family!"
"You four are our last hope to defeat Jackson and restore our family's honor. Remember, do whatever it takes to bring him down. Even if you have to risk your lives, you must succeed!"
"Yes!" Charles and the others nodded firmly, understanding the gravity of the situation.
The Su family, once a powerful faction within the Skyblaze Empire, held pride and dignity as its core values. The thought of an outsider claiming the Sword Token was unbearable for many, who saw it as a threat to their honor and heritage.
On the other side of the arena, members of the faction led by the followers had gathered, with Jackson, a man carrying a war blade, standing prominently among them. His cultivation had reached the peak of the Tenth Grade True Martial Realm, and he had recently passed the eleventh floor of the True Martial Attic, marking him as an extraordinary talent.
"Jackson, look around; everyone's eyes are on you," commented Vic, standing beside Jackson. "Especially the young Su family members; they seem ready to devour you."
"Hmph, let them be. After today, you will hold the Sword Token of the Su family. From now on, the younger generation will look up to you, and perhaps one day, you could even become the head of the family," Jackson added with a smirk.
Jackson smiled. "It's unfortunate that my father couldn't be here to see me surpass the Su family's younger generation. He's currently locked in a crucial battle with Blake in Skymist City."
Vic nodded, "Yes, being the leader of the faction, Reg has been preoccupied with that matter."
"By the way, about Owen..." Vic began.
"Enough, VIc," Jackson interrupted, frowning. "I've told you before, focus on more significant matters. Owen was a notable figure three years ago, but he's irrelevant now. He's not worth our concern."
"Understood," Vic replied, lowering his head.
Jackson glanced at him, then added, "Still, since Owen hit you and spoke arrogantly, I'll deal with him if the opportunity arises during the contest."
"Thank you, Jackson," Vic said, relieved. He knew Jackson still cared for him.
At that moment...
Two figures descended onto the viewing platform, drawing the attention of everyone present.
"It's the family head!"
"The family head is here!"
The Su family members became excited.
"Dad..." Owen muttered, looking up at the platform from his spot in the crowd.
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