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Chapter 329: The Aftermath
"Well, maybe he just considers me trustworthy, so he wants me to be his bridge in connecting our family to him. Besides, he still wants to keep his anonymity, as he does not want too many people to know his appearance," Aldrey said under his father’s stare. He was really nervous, but he tried his best to hide it.
As an emperor-stage cultivator, his father was highly perceptive and would detect any signs of dishonesty.
"Please move on and stop asking questions about Aldrian!" Aldrey thought to himself. But then, he remembered something and smiled at his father.
"Oh, and that mysterious swordsman said you can meet him soon after this event, Father. He mentioned that after today, news from Larson City will spread, and you can meet him if the time and place are right."
Grand Duke Flamecrest, who was watching his son intently, raised an eyebrow in wonder.
"Is that so? That is good. I am truly curious about this person. I might even learn something from him myself. Also, what was he doing in Larson City at this time? He said to us to strike this place today while he was in Larson City. Do you know anything about it?"
Aldrey shook his head.
"No, Father. He only told me that today was the best day to attack the Larson family’s territory in this place and that he would do something in Larson City to ensure they have no chance of retaliation."
Aldrey himself was actually quite curious about what his son would do in Larson City. He knew he could trust his son’s strength, given all the evidence of his achievements thus far, but as a father, he still worried for him. He did not want his son to make an enemy of an entire empire by provoking the imperial family because of the Larson family.
Aldrey and Grand Duke Flamecrest then saw a peak Marquess-stage cultivator from their family rushing toward them. Upon reaching them, he straightened his body and said,
"My lord, I have important news."
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For the next few hours, the entire empire was in an uproar over the events that had just taken place in Larson City—an event that once again elevated the figure of the mysterious swordsman, adding to his list of achievements.
This incident also made the Larson family the target of condemnation across the entire empire.
For weeks, their reputation had already suffered due to the widespread news, backed by irrefutable proof, that their territory had become a nest for devils. The Larson family had tried to deflect blame, claiming that the remnants of the Duclan family were responsible for it all. However, today’s event was the final blow, solidifying their status as the enemy of the entire populace.
The central figure of this event, the mysterious swordsman, had once again made a great contribution to the continent. Since his first appearance in Balin City, he had already amassed many achievements in battles against the devils—from slaying the Hydra in Balin City to participating in the war between the Doria Empire and the devils, bringing down Sazim Fortress, and now defeating a monster unlike anything they had ever seen or known.
Many claimed that the monster was the strongest they had ever witnessed, so powerful that even the existence of emperor-stage cultivators seemed trivial in comparison. Its size was like that of a small hill, and its aura was said to make the entire city tremble. Some believed the reports were exaggerated, prompting people to flock to Larson City to see the aftermath for themselves. Besides that, many hoped to catch a glimpse of the mysterious swordsman and perhaps establish a connection with him.
Once people from various locations across the empire arrived in Larson City, they were convinced that the news had not been exaggerated. In fact, it might have been even worse than what the witnesses had described. The slashed, giant body of the Cerberus remained intimidating even in death. The lingering death aura from its corpse was so terrifying that no one dared to approach it.
The dense remnants of devilish energy in the Larson family mansion’s surroundings further confirmed that the family had indeed been hiding this monster as their secret weapon. Summoning such a creature would have required an enormous area and an immense amount of energy, making it impossible for the Larson family to be unaware of its existence. Additionally, the corpse of a devil lay nearby, further reinforcing people’s assumptions and judgments.
Traces of the mysterious swordsman were evident in the battlefield—the giant body of the Cerberus had been cleanly cut in half, and his unique aura lingered in the air, powerful yet strangely comforting. Many wondered whether that figure was still in the city.
The Blue Dragon Battalion of the imperial family had already established a perimeter around the Cerberus’s corpse and the entire battlefield, preventing the populace from getting too close. They were uncertain what dangers might still lurk within the creature’s remains, as the traces of its deathly aura were still quite terrifying. Though it was not as overwhelming as when the beast had been alive, it was still strong enough to send chills down their spines.
Among those present was the leader of the Blue Dragon Battalion, Commander Shang.
"What kind of energy does this creature have? It’s so terrifying and ominous. Necromancers also exude almost similar aura, but it’s not like this. It feels like the energy they possess is just a weaker version of this one." Commander Shang thought.
As the strongest cultivator present, Commander Shang steeled himself to approach the corpse and examine the remnants of the battle. Though the battle had ended hours ago—no, he couldn’t call it a battle. The mysterious swordsman had defeated the monster with a single slash, and it seemed he had done so effortlessly.
That sword strike was simple yet beautiful and powerful, its golden energy commanding reverence from anyone who witnessed it. Commander Shang wondered where the mysterious swordsman had gone. The only thing he had seen was the figure’s back before it disappeared. Unfortunately, he hadn’t had the time to see his face or speak with him.
While many were still speculating about the whereabouts of the mysterious swordsman, the very figure in question was in the same place where he had met Prince Claude. Aldrian sipped his tea as Prince Claude looked at him, his expression much different from when they had last met just a few days ago.
He had been in the city when Aldrian slew the Cerberus, and at that moment, he instantly recognized him. He was positioned on the opposite side of the battle area, where he had a clear view of Aldrian’s face. Although the presence of the Cerberus was terrifying, he didn’t flee like the others. Instead, he stayed, eager to understand what made Aldrian so calm in the face of such a monstrous terror.
Once Aldrian had finished defeating the Cerberus, Claude finally learned the true identity—or rather, the other identity—of Aldrian. His expression now was filled with respect and awe, his eyes shining as if he had encountered a living legend. The mysterious figure who had caused a sensation across the continent since his first appearance.
"So, what is it, Your Highness? That you called me here for?" Aldrian’s voice broke through his reverie. Prince Claude sighed, looking at Aldrian again with renewed respect.
"Young Master Aldrian is truly a man worthy of respect and full of surprises. I never thought that I’d be saved by the mysterious swordsman that day, and now I have the chance to speak face to face with him. It’s an honor for me, truly," Claude said.
"Well, people tend to give anything or anyone a lot of attention or titles when they believe it can accomplish something beyond their own abilities. For me, killing those devils is just part of my duty as a cultivator, and I don’t think I deserve that much respect. Many others have already slain devils long before me, and in greater numbers," Aldrian replied with a smile.
"That is true, but no one has done it as spectacularly as you, Young Master. You don’t need to be so humble. What you’ve done is worthy of being written in the history of this continent. No, your strength alone is enough to place you among the most powerful figures in its history."
Aldrian didn’t refute Prince Claude this time. If that’s what the prince believed, then he wouldn’t argue against it.
"So, Your Highness, I know you didn’t call me here just to praise my achievements, right? I can sense there’s something weighing on your mind," Aldrian said.
Prince Claude was momentarily stunned, but then sighed.
"You’re truly sharp, Young Master. Yes, I asked to meet with you to discuss something else." When Claude spoke, there was an unusual sadness and weariness in his eyes. He lowered his gaze slightly, trying to hide it, but how could Aldrian miss it?
Claude then looked at Aldrian again.
"It’s about my little sister, Loraine."
