Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 560 Imperial Style
"So, the skills taught by the Tower of Endings can be divided into eight categories?"

Thales squinted in confusion.

He had heard Wyman mention before that there were countless martial arts traditions passed down within the Tower of the End.

"Not really."

Marius said steadily:
"While the Eight Meridians of Termination represent eight different philosophies and styles, just like the power of termination, even practitioners of the same branch often differ greatly. Furthermore, a few elites do not limit themselves to any particular meridian, but cultivate both simultaneously, with the main and auxiliary meridians complementing each other."

Thales recalls the students of the End Tower he knew.

"Thus, for hundreds of years after the final battle, the legacy of the Tower of the End spread throughout the world through their students, who, through teaching and sparring, selected the new and discarded the old, weeding out the weak and keeping the strong."

On the training field, Neshi's sword flashed straight for vital points, forcing Toledo into a miserable state.

Marius nodded slightly at the sword strike, and the story continues:

“Neshi came from a small family in Blade's Edge Territory. During the Crimson Year, they moved to Central Territory to avoid the war, and a few years later sent Neshi to the Tower of the End for further studies.”

"As you can see, his swordsmanship is typical of the 'Flash' lineage. This branch believes that speed is the only way to win, emphasizing speed and time, swiftness and effectiveness, and often achieving a quick victory with a single strike."

The prince nodded, but something still felt off.

"By the way, a long time ago, your uncle, Prince Horace, the 'Sword of Light,' was also a student of this lineage."

Thales was startled, and then he remembered the story of his second uncle.

The former second prince, renowned for his bravery, was ultimately trapped beneath the fortress and died at the Lehman Pass.

Perhaps because he wasn't interrupted (again) by the Duke, Marius regained his usual ease, sat down comfortably, and began to comment on the battle:
“Neshi’s ultimate power is called ‘Solar Cycle’, and it is known for its speed, which is highly valued by the ‘Flash’ lineage.”

During the battle, Toledo was caught off guard and had no way to dodge, so he was forced to take the blow head-on, losing his balance and staggering backward.

Neshi did not press his advantage, but instead calmly took a step back, raised his sword again, and changed his style, as if he wanted to show off all his life's skills in front of the nobleman.

Marius gazed at Neshi, who was still quite young but possessed an imposing presence:

"He is exceptionally talented and ambitious. In addition to his main skill in the Flash Sword Style, he also studies the techniques of the 'Storm' and 'Sinful Grief' schools, taking advantage of their power and lethality."

"Thus, the Vanguard Commander Neshi has become what he is today: his sword is as fast as lightning, his moves are fluid and seamless, his power is like a cold wave and snow, and a single strike decides the outcome."

Thales frowned, and in his hellish senses, he discovered a golden light shimmering within Neshi's body, like the sun.

"In addition to her unrestrained style and occasional brilliant ideas, Neshi's offensive power is no less than that of the offensive and defensive school, her moves are as exquisite as those of the combat school, and her lethality is no less than that of the practical and trendy school. She can be called the absolute peak among the super-class, and even surpasses most of the top super-class users by a level."

"If we only consider offense, we might not be without a fighting chance against some top-level experts."

Thales was slightly surprised.

He now understood where Neshi's youthful arrogance and self-importance came from.

"It is said that before he dropped out of school and returned to China, he arrogantly defeated every one of his peers in the 'Shining' lineage and proudly gave up the recommendation spot for the seed selection - you should know that is a recognition of strength."

That is why he was exceptionally recruited by the royal guards, who had always rejected the Tower of Ending.

Marius sighed:
"If we're talking about one-on-one combat, there really aren't many people in the Mindis Hall who could handle him right now."

The Watchman shifted his arms to a different position, watching his tireless subordinates, his brows furrowing slightly:
"What's most remarkable is that Neshi also possesses an ally that many experts would covet—Time."

"He is incredibly young, still making progress, and has a limitless future."

One day, I will reach the pinnacle.

Thinking of this, Marius shook his head almost imperceptibly.

It's just a pity...

Thales stared at Neshi's youthful face and his extraordinary skills that seemed disproportionate to his age, marveling at his abilities.

Is he twenty years old?
In the blink of an eye, Neshi's offensive intensified!

Toledo dodged another seemingly dangerous sword strike with a scramble, the blade in his hand teetering precariously.

So, the disciples of the Temple in history, the final swordsmen of today...

Looking at the battle before him, Thales suddenly stopped thinking.

Finally, he realized something was wrong.

"However, if the essence of the Flash lineage is to fight quickly and decisively, achieving victory in one strike."

Thales turned his head, his face full of questions:
"Then why not until now..."

"Toledo is not defeated yet?"

Marius glanced at Thales upon hearing this, a slight smile playing on his lips.

There seemed to be a smile on his face.

But Thales, who had spent a long time with him, knew the answer from just this one detail.

“That's enough of the demonstration,” Marius turned around and ordered loudly:

Toledo!

The moment the words left his mouth, Toledo abruptly stopped in his tracks as he was retreating!
thump.

At that moment, Thales felt a surge of restlessness within the River of Hell within him.

Toledo didn't move, but his aura changed completely!
Swish!
He slashed with his knife.

An ordinary, unremarkable cut.

Their movements were elegant, and their posture solemn.

They were met head-on by Neshi's powerful and unstoppable sword strike!
At that very moment, Neshi's expression changed.

clang!
As their swords clashed, both of them staggered!
Toledo groaned as he took the full force of the blow.

This time, though he was at a disadvantage, he did not retreat.

On the contrary, Neshi's attack faltered, as if he had hit a brick wall. He had to retreat and retract his stance before he could even thrust out his next sword.

Thales was surprised and began to scrutinize Neshi's opponent again.

He knew that Toledo used to command the wing and was one of Marius's most trusted men—and he was right.
"Toledo was born in Everstar City and grew up in the Central Territory."

Marius said calmly:

"They hadn't changed their surname three generations ago. They were one of the once-illustrious Seven Stars, the second branch of the 'Blade of Elimination' Tardin family. Their ancestors even had royal princess blood, making them incredibly noble."

Tardin.

Upon hearing the familiar surname, Thales felt a jolt in his heart.

"Therefore, during his childhood, Toray had the opportunity to serve as a knight's apprentice under Lord Conrad Tony, one of the strongest warriors in the former royal guard. He was trained under him and received his guidance and instruction. Although the time was short, he benefited immensely..."

Conrad Tony, a former member of the Royal Guard.

Thales' heart skipped a beat as he recognized the name.

On the training field, Neshi, whose offensive had been interrupted, seemed a little embarrassed.

He gritted his teeth and pressed forward, his finishing power shining once more, creating a whistling sword wind in a fraction of a second, his offensive unstoppable!
Marius interjected, "...thus establishing a solid foundation, perfecting one's awareness, maintaining a steady style, and ensuring flawless defense."

But Toledo, like an iron wall, with a sweeping, deflecting strike and a few breathtaking steps, skillfully neutralized Neshi's deadly sword, turning it into a blunt force.

It also blocked the opponent's route for a second attack.

The metal clashed, and Neshi once again failed to achieve his goal.

Toledo remained steadfast in his position, rooted to the spot, and did not retaliate.

Thales observed his movements and saw his composure and calmness when faced with fast attacks, and felt he benefited greatly from it.

"If there is anyone in the Star Lake Guard who can firmly restrain Neshi with just his moves and style, it must be Toledo—before he was transferred to the Mindis Hall, he was one of the most reliable messengers in command of the Wing."

Marius remarked with a touch of emotion:
"I don't seek merit, but only to avoid defeat. Although Toledo only learned a little bit of his defensive skills and couldn't reproduce the 'Thousand Blade Knight's' bloody and fierce attacks, it was enough."

The Thousand-Blade Knight.

"Thousand Blades?"

Thales asked in confusion:

What kind of nickname is that?

Perhaps feeling she had lost face in front of the prince, Neshi was furious and drew her sword again!

But Thales noticed that his mind was unsettled, and in his anxious rush to attack, his swordplay, which pursued extreme speed, actually reduced its power.

Having overcome their initial struggles, Toledo gradually adapted to their opponents and defended flawlessly, becoming increasingly relaxed.

"Thousand Blades."

Marius spoke slowly, his tone tinged with a hint of nostalgia:

"According to Captain Adrian, a long time ago, Lord Tony escorted Prince Horace to the Tower of the End and had a brief encounter with the 'Grey Sword Guard,' who was also in his prime and later became famous."

The End Tower, Gray Sword Guard.

Thales's heart skipped a beat; he had heard Wyman mention this name before.

"How they fought, and what the outcome was, is now unknown."

The Watcher's gaze sharpened:
"But after that meeting, the Gray Sword Guard's private reflections and comments eventually leaked out of the End Tower and were transmitted back to the stars."

Thales saw that Marius, though respectful and serious, uttered a sentence that was unusual in both grammar and word choice.

"Swords and blades from ancient times have never escaped their sheaths."

"Sealing away a thousand blades, is that what they mean?"

Marius fell into deep thought after speaking, while Thales frowned.

It is impossible to escape its sheath.

Sealed Thousand Blades?

Thales made good use of the grammar knowledge of various languages ​​that he had honed over the past few months.

This should be... a metaphor for Tony being likened to a sword sheath.

Then, the martial artists of the world are compared to swords and blades?
So, does that mean Tony can be like a scabbard, sealing away a thousand blades and subduing countless masters in an incredible way?
Thales scratched his head.

Tony should be the "Sword Sheath Knight," so how did he become the "Thousand Blade Knight"?

Hey Grey Sword Guard, do you have to be so poetic when you're praising someone?
Is this causing everyone to misunderstand and giving Tony a random nickname?
Thales shook his head, trying not to think about anything else:
"So, Toledo's fighting style is characterized by defense, specifically designed to counter the 'Flash' sword technique?"

"Is it another style of ending the Eight Meridians?" At this point, Marius's eyes flickered.

On the field, Neshi, unable to break through, grew increasingly agitated and had to step back a few steps to rest, his face already covered in sweat.

Toledo, on the other hand, became increasingly indifferent, even taking the time to brandish his knife in an invitational gesture, somewhat resembling Marius's sarcastic manner.

"Since you are well-versed in classical texts, Your Highness..."

On the sidelines, the watchman kept a close eye on Thales:
"Do you know what the Knights' Temple's strongest opponent, greatest threat, and most inescapable struggle has been throughout its glorious and illustrious history of thousands of years?"

Thales stiffened slightly, not because of the question itself, but because he sensed something:

At this moment, Marius was extremely serious, his gaze intense.

He was hardly like the bodyguard captain he hated most—who was outwardly polite and innocent-looking, but inwardly disdainful, cunning, and liked to give him the cold shoulder every day.

Thales turned his head and looked at his two opponents who had temporarily separated and were taking a short rest.

The Temple's strongest opponent...

He knew that the Knights' Temple would eventually be destroyed by calamity.

but……

In the training ground, Neshi and Toledo faced off with their swords drawn, their eyes meeting. For a moment, they were only focused on their opponent, seemingly forgetting that the prince was still watching.

They regrouped and prepared for their next encounter.

Faced with Marius's solemn gaze, Thales straightened his face and slowly uttered a single word:

"empire."

The watchman's pupils contracted slightly.

At that moment, neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere fell silent because of that one word.

Until Neshi roared in anger, the attack resumed!
Amid the clanging of metal, Thales took a deep breath and continued:

"Indeed, thousands of years ago, in order to end the chaos and seek peace, many wandering knights gathered under the command of 'Emperor' Comora Calother and followed him in his campaigns to conquer new territories."

"To build the strong foundation of the ancient empire."

Thales suddenly remembered a long time ago, in the tavern of Caslan, the argument between Putilai and Cambida about the Empire and the North.

Things remain the same, but people are gone.

The prince returns to reality:

"But after the chaos was resolved and peace was restored."

"These highly skilled, flamboyant, and scattered wandering knights..."

"And the lofty temple of knights, revered by millions as their spiritual home, commanding a hundred responses, armed and existing independently..."

Thales's words were slightly chilly:
"It replaced the original enemies and rivals, becoming a discordant note in this boundless and prosperous era."

"It was seen as a glaring threat by the rulers of the ancient imperial court."

Marius looked back at the battle on the field—Nehi's strong attack failed, and Toledo did not gain the upper hand either—and his gaze gradually hardened.

Thales recalled the stories he had witnessed and felt a pang of sadness:
"Historically, the fate of the Knights' Temple has been in sync with the rise and fall of the empire."

"Under the heavy pressure of imperial power and the conquest of the legions, they suffered repeated calamities and collapsed several times."

"Yet time and again, they tenaciously preserved the flame, rebuilding and reviving the empire amidst internal strife."

Thales sighed:
"Therefore, the greatest enemy of the ancient Knights' Temple is nothing else."

He stared intently at Marius:
"It is the empire itself."

Marius also looked back at Thales, his gaze unfathomable.

After looking at him for a long time, the Watchman finally nodded.

They accepted the prince's answer.

clang!
Nech and Toledo clash once again in a desperate battle!

They both staggered, each taking a step back, panting heavily.

Neshi's eyes were filled with resentment, as if he had truly become enraged.

"But what you don't know is..."

As Marius re-examined the battle, he pondered and said:
"At the same time, under the Pegasus Throne, the Legion Knights, who were directly under the Emperor, went through a series of campaigns and endless wars to quell rebellions. They learned from the army and guards, and emphasized collectivism and discipline."

Directly under the Emperor, Legion Knights.

Thales frowned.

The watchman's eyes gradually sharpened:

"Thus, under the conditions of unwavering loyalty to the emperor, reverence and worship for the empire, and absolute obedience to the legions..."

"Furthermore, amidst the anticipation of the Pegasus Throne and the covert struggles with rivals..."

"They developed a unique style of martial arts that rivaled the Knights' Temple."

Thales was slightly taken aback.

Marius stared at the knife in Toledo's hand:

"Sometimes they are moderate and peaceful, profound and elegant. Sometimes they are proud and generous, powerful and resounding. Sometimes they are self-possessed and dignified, simple and solemn. Sometimes they are resilient and strong, tenacious and unyielding."

The Watchman's words carried an indescribable power, and even Thales unconsciously sat up straight.

"With the official recognition and support of the Empire, this school of legionary knights quickly flourished and spread far and wide, becoming a popular model for everyone."

"Ultimately, it became the legitimate successor of the empire, standing shoulder to shoulder with the once-renowned 'Disciples of the Temple' and holding its own."

It rivals the Knights' Temple...

Thales pondered the meaning of those words and re-examined the two combatants.

Neshi's eyes changed, and with a flick of his longsword, the power of termination gathered like never before, all for the next attack.

Toledo, with his scimitar held horizontally, softened his stance, becoming as imposing as a mountain, ready to withstand anything possible.

The confrontation between the two men intensified.

"And so a thousand years passed..."

Marius's words were calm, yet contained a hint of emotion that was difficult to articulate:
"The temple rises and falls, cycling between destruction and reconstruction; the empire rises and falls, constantly going back and forth between decay and revival."

He looked up at the gloomy sky, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

"The evolution of martial arts and extraordinary power is also reflected in the rise and fall of these two extremely popular schools, and in the open and covert struggles among countless talented people, warriors and swordsmen, it is a wonderful and exciting event—there are competitions and duels, as well as wars and adventures, where the clang of swords can be heard and the sound of spears clashing can be heard."

Marius said calmly:

"That was the legendary golden age of knights, the most glorious and dazzling period of their lives."

Golden years.

Thales remained silent, seemingly savoring the weight of those words.

For some reason, he recalled the wistful look on the face of Tampa, the owner of "My Home" tavern, when he talked about "the age of mercenaries" back when he was still at Baki Camp.

"Until the final battle... everything changed."

Marius closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh:

"The temple is destroyed, and the empire is destroyed."

In the arena, Neshi's accumulated offensive finally reached its peak. With a flash of afterimage, he unleashed a burst of sword light!
Toledo roared and stepped forward, ready to meet force with force!

Just now.

"enough!"

Marius shouted coldly:
"That's it!"

Ding!
Neshi's longsword and Toledo's scimitar crossed each other in mid-air.

They lost momentum at the command, both losing strength and drooping helplessly.

The two combatants stopped an arm's length apart, staring at each other.

"Go and rest."

"The watchman said calmly."

A few seconds later, obedience to orders overcame their aroused fighting spirit. The two men exhaled simultaneously, sheathed their weapons, and bowed to the prince.

Thales clapped solemnly and returned their respectful greeting.

"And so, the remnants of the Knights' Temple's teachings were all returned to the Tower of the End, enduring hardship and passing down to this day."

Marius stared at Nehi’s retreating figure, slightly lost in thought, but his gaze quickly refocused and turned to Thales.

"And the iron-blooded sword spirit of the empire, along with the banner of the King of Restoration and the descendants of the empire's lone army, is striving to be raised again in the newly born kingdom."

The watchman stared intently at Thales.

"As the most orthodox knightly martial art since the lineage of the Empire, it is passed down in the knightly traditions and court training of the Star Kingdom, telling the story of the former imperial majesty and the legion's glory."

"Toledo and the 'Thousand-Blade Knight' are prime examples."

Thales sensed the other person's seriousness and nodded slowly.

"For hundreds of years, generations of Star Masters have devoted themselves to research and teaching, so that the ancient tradition can be further developed in the hands of future generations and keep up with the pulse of the times."

"And the sword stance and sword techniques you have been practicing tirelessly over the past few months, including the demanding 'Seventeen Swords of the Knight,' are among them."

Thales recalled the training he had undergone over the past few months, which was completely different from what he had experienced in the North, and suddenly it dawned on him.

Marius exhaled, his fierce expression fading, and he slowly returned to his usual calm and collected self.

"In today's world, this martial arts school, which is equally ancient and subtly rivals the Tower of the End, is still a force to be reckoned with..."

"And in accordance with the name 'Temple,' it was named by rigorous scholars—"

At that moment, the Watcher's voice, ethereal and soft, spoke:
"Imperial Wind".

Ignoring everything else, I focused solely on writing books that torture the protagonist.

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(End of this chapter)