Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 698 Comprehension

"Rebel!"

In the study, the father's roar was deafening.

The last time Tormund had seen his father so furious was when he was six years old.

At that time, he was running wildly in the fields with the daughter of the farm manager, laughing, throwing mud, rolling around in dirty clothes, having a great time, when his father and great-uncle came home and saw them.

He still remembered his father's ashen face and the faint sneer between his great-uncle's brows.

Now, many years later, his father is trembling all over, pointing at him and gritting his teeth:
"Razor Marius, a legacy of a thousand years, now you have destroyed it all!"

A thousand-year-old heritage, destroyed by my own hands?
what.

Tormund wanted to laugh.

laughing out loud.

“If the Marius family is so easily destroyed,” he said expressionlessly, “then perhaps its fate was already sealed?”

The father grew increasingly angry, rose to draw his sword, but was grabbed and held down by the shoulder.

"Don't panic."

My great-uncle sat to my father's left, as calm as ever. For many years, he had been advising my father and the family, and he was resourceful and dedicated.

But was that why he joined the Penal Wing? Was he calm enough when skinning the prisoners?
Or perhaps it's because my great-uncle was also adept at devising strategies for tormenting people?
“We have one last chance,” my great-uncle said calmly.

“You have no chance,” Tormund said coldly. “It’s only a matter of time before the Black Prophet and his Kingdom’s secret police track you down to this place for the heinous crime of treason.”

"I'll kill you before that happens!" the father roared.

Why, why do they all like to use this to intimidate others?

Even if it has no effect?

"Why, Xiao Tuo?" came the voice of his great-uncle, his words filled with weariness that he tried his best to hide.

"Why did you do this? Why did you betray us?"

Tormund fell silent.

why?
He parted his lips: "Because..."

because……

Because all of this was destined long ago.

He looked at his angry father and his composed great-uncle, and spoke softly:
"Because none of this is true."

That's right.

Tormund Marius, the watchman of the guard, stood in his study, gazing at the crimson fire behind his father and great-uncle, his eyes calm and his mind clear as a mirror.
This is not reality.

Because this place is so beautiful.

Too gentle.

Because my father's study was brightly colored and magnificent.

And the world, the real world, the world now, his world should be...

Deathly silence and desolation.

“Father, Uncle, you and everything here is fake, just the killer’s superpower,” Marius said softly.

"You unfilial son!" the father roared, causing the fire in the stove behind him to flicker.

My great-uncle took a deep breath.

“Since things have come to this, there’s nothing we can do,” the aged great-uncle said sharply, as if he hadn’t heard his reply. “I’m going to see Big Barney right now: we’ll make our move tonight.”

"Uncle?" The father turned around, his face pale with shock.

Just as I remember.

The great-uncle ignored his father.

“And you, little Tuo,” his great-uncle looked at him, a smile playing on his lips, “you think this is all?”

At that moment, everything before Marius's eyes burst into flames!

The flames burned through the study, corridors, and halls, and even through the Marius family's estate and fields. Patches of color peeled away, turning charred and pale, revealing a desolate landscape.

The world should be like this.

In this desolate wasteland, a deadly glint of light appeared—Lossan II's sword blade sliced ​​through the air and hurtled towards them!

Once he regained his senses, Marius mustered all his strength, rolling towards the sword on the ground and turning around to parry.

boom!
The metal clashed, producing a piercing sound.

The opponent had the advantage in both angle and timing of his attack, and Marius, who was making a hasty block, couldn't withstand the force and staggered back several steps.

"You think I don't know?"

Losang spoke rapidly, yet his steps were steady as he approached step by step.

"I don't know what kind of person Joaquin is. I don't know what Joaquin has done for me, for his students and servants?"

Seeing Lausanne's expression, Marius retreated step by step.

"It seems I was only distracted for a moment," Marius thought to himself.

And this King Lausanne II was not even aware that he had activated his supernatural power.

Strange, how could a seasoned expert like him, who has fought countless battles, not be able to use his special ability skillfully?
"But what did he gain?"

Losang's voice was cold and sharp, and his longsword suddenly flashed out!
Damn it!

The Watcher cursed inwardly, but ultimately had nowhere to retreat and was forced to fight back.

Ding!
Marius parried the thrust, but Lausanne flicked his wrist, and the sword flashed again!

Is this... rapier technique?

The Watcher recognized that the opponent was using a rapier technique that was widely circulated in the southwest and popularized by Kuradel, the "Thorn Sword" of the Tower of Ending. It was unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

This guy knows so many things!
“Nine squires, nine knights—no, eight knights,” Losanglu’s eyes, hidden behind his mask, were dark and silent, like the eyes of a dead man, yet they were constantly searching for Marius’s weaknesses. “They all carried hopes and were trained by him, but each of them had a different personality and held their own beliefs.”

Swish!
As the metal scraped against the metal, Marius launched a second attack, but he was disheveled and swayed precariously.

"And so, in the bloody year, four served the royal family, two sided with the rebels, and two followed different lords... As for Joaquin, he could only watch helplessly as the knights he had trained turned against each other, using the various martial arts he had carefully taught them to kill one another," Losang's voice continued, "one student beheaded another, then had his throat slit by a third, and then a fourth went to seek revenge... and so on, endlessly, until eight knights..."

"Not a single one survived."

A third thrust came.

Marius laboriously pulled back, adopting the best defensive stance against the rapier technique—wait a minute?

At that moment, King Lobsang II turned around, clasped his hands together, and his original thrust instantly transformed into a fierce downward slash!
The watchman was suddenly startled:
This is the main offensive move of "Forged Blade Weapon Striking Technique"—a martial art that is the most basic and ordinary among all "Imperial Wind" styles, but has been honed into an ultimate skill in the hands of the Thousand Blade Knights, the Steel Cross.

but……

Unable to react in time, he could only hastily change his move and take the full force of the "Iron Cross"!
clang!
With a loud crash, Marius's hands jolted, his longsword slipped from his grasp, and he lost his balance, falling heavily to the ground.

The battle ended in the blink of an eye, and silence returned to the arena.

“And poor Joaquin was powerless to do anything about it—this time, he had no hands left to smash,” Losang said quietly.

Marius clutched the blood seeping from his chest, coughing painfully, and a bloody mark appeared on his face.

The outcome has been decided.

He looked at the weapon that had flown ten feet away and sighed inwardly.

No, or rather, the outcome was decided early on.

Lausanne II wiped the blood off his sword with his sleeve and walked toward Marius.

"He died in despair not because of me, not because he lost his swordsmanship, and not because he was poor and destitute."

The assassin in black stared coldly at his defeated opponent, wary of the short weapon hidden in his arms:
"And it was all because of him."

There was a moment of silence in the room.

Marius struggled to sit up, inwardly marveling at his opponent's skill.

Losang had just used two sword techniques in a single move: the Thorn Rapier and the Forged Blade Strikes, or rather, parts of both.

Okay, maybe the other person has studied both, even if their styles are completely opposite, that's fine, but...

"How did you manage to do that move just now?"

Marius stared intently at his opponent.

This guy disassembled and broke down the complete swordsmanship into pieces, separating them from their respective systems, and then remodeled and recombined these disparate fragments, perfectly integrating them into a single move in actual combat, creating a new move that is most suitable for the current battle situation... It's as if, after the elegant and smooth first half of the rapier move, the second half should naturally connect to the solemn and fierce steel cross, seamless and without any hesitation.

This requires unparalleled mastery of existing sword techniques, a profound understanding of their principles and methods, and a thorough grasp of the essence of different sword techniques...

No, the difficulty of this task is no less than creating a new martial art from scratch after drawing on the strengths of many masters, surpassing the original.

Moreover, in the midst of a tense and fierce battle where every second counts.
Such skills were unheard of and unseen even by the most knowledgeable watchmen.

"Thanks to you."

But Lausanne II seemed to know what he was wondering about:
"I couldn't have done it a long time ago, at least not so smoothly."

Marius was taken aback by what he heard.

Losang watched the Watchman silently.

"You have seventeen skilled fighters under your command, many of whom can even wield techniques at the extreme level. They have different styles and specialties: some are unpredictable and unpredictable, some are swift and fierce, some are balanced and peaceful, some are resilient and energetic, some are well-coordinated, and some are rhythmic and orderly... You have divided them into teams, made the most of their strengths and avoided their weaknesses, and added bows and crossbows to create a high-pressure formation and complex battlefield that can suppress or even kill extreme level experts."

Not surprising at all—Losang thought to himself, the origin of the Imperial Wind Sword Technique, wasn't it the ancient empire's legion knights who came all this way, relying on numbers and cooperation, discipline and formation, to firmly suppress the temple disciples who brought their individual martial prowess to the limit, and under the imperial decree a thousand years ago, they besieged and killed peak experts one by one, and destroyed the knight temple time and time again?

"And do you know how many years it has been since I had the chance to face an opponent of this caliber head-on, to go all out, to hone my swordsmanship in the face of life and death, and to prove my skills under extreme pressure?"

Losang raised his nicked sword and sighed deeply:

"So, thanks to you for giving me this opportunity and this occasion."

Perhaps it's also thanks to "it".

This allowed him to go further.

That felt so good!

Marius instantly understood and sighed inwardly.

It turned out to be the case.

It wasn't just Miranda Aarond who got a boost tonight.

The enemy before him was already a top-notch expert, without needing any special abilities.

But Lobsang II stared at his weapon, lost in thought.

"You know, Joaquin's ideal and ambition in the martial arts path is to integrate different schools, master all kinds of martial arts, and bridge the differences between those of the Imperial and the Temple."

This is also why he teaches according to students' aptitude, encourages students to pursue their individuality, and embraces diverse perspectives.

Unfortunately, even someone as skilled in swordsmanship as Hua Jin could never win over those who used them, even his own servants and students.

Because the noble code of chivalry is long gone.

Because the rules of this world have their own preferences.

Lausanne slowly approached Marius.

Marius stared at his blood-soaked hands, the light in his eyes gradually dimming.

hateful.

I won't be able to lift a sword for at least a month.

They might not even be able to lift that little teddy bear anymore.

If he still has a chance to win.

He closed his eyes.

Pick up your sword—or dagger.

Marius opened his eyes.

“The commander who covered the rear for his men,” Losang looked down at him, his eyes dark, “should not have died with his bare hands.”

Marius paused for a moment, then smiled.

"When the body of the standard-bearer Aknet was found, he was lying on a high platform that was inaccessible to ordinary people, dressed in his armor, with a peaceful expression, his sword tucked into his hand, and two gold coins placed over his eyes as a funeral gift."

Losang did not speak.

Marius sighed, but did not reach for his sword:

"Master Joaquin, he did leave you something, more or less, right?"

Losang's eyes flickered.

“No,” Lausanne said, her fingers tracing the notch on the sword, her gaze fixed on Marius’s hands, “at least not as much as he thinks.”

“And this?” Marius pointed to Lausanne’s feet.

Lausanne looked down in confusion: "What?" The next second, Marius suddenly sprang to his feet, a flash of silver light appearing in his hand!
But Lausanne, who had been on guard, had anticipated this. With a flick of his longsword, he parried the thrusts of the two daggers, and then quickly retreated to prevent Marius from getting close and repeating the same trick.

Just then, a rustling sound came from the sky!
Losang's expression changed, and just as he raised his head, a huge black shadow came rushing towards him!

call--

It was a caravan laden with goods.

It fell from the sky, landing right where Lausanne II was standing.

"Clap!"

With a loud bang, the covered wagon landed heavily, kicking up clouds of dust!
Marius, clutching his injured arm, staggered backward, glancing at the bridge pier above him and shaking his head slightly.
"This is it."

He picked up his sword with some difficulty, looked at the deformed wagon in the dust, and smiled.

Project Z is complete.

What a pity, such a skilled swordsman.

But right now.

"Your subordinates have used this tactic once before."

The Watcher, who was about to turn and leave, paused.

A few seconds later, the outline of the covered wagon appeared in the billowing smoke and dust:

The massive impact twisted its frame, shattered its wheels, and warped its signboard and ribbons.

King Lausanne II knelt on the roof of the wagon, covered in dust and looking disheveled.

"Can't you come up with something new?"

But he was in good physical condition.

There were no broken hands or feet, and no fractures or cracks.

Marius closed his eyes sadly.

It's really difficult.

Ok.

"What did you just say, something new?"

Losang on the roof of the car snorted coldly, but his expression suddenly changed.

Boom!
With a muffled thud, a crossbow bolt was embedded deep in the roof of the wagon, just a few steps away from Lausanne.

But before he could wonder why the arrow had missed, he heard a mechanical sound and a dozen slender, swift figures shot out from the roof of the wagon, rushing toward King Losang II!

Lausanne reacted extremely quickly, her sword flashing repeatedly, repelling nearly half of the shadowy figures. However, several shadowy figures still flew back and forth, pouncing on Lausanne II's legs!

Snapped!
When the last dark figure came to a stop, King Lausanne II on the roof of the wagon could see clearly what was in front of him: these dark figures were sturdy ropes, six in total, tightly binding his waist and legs to the four corners of the wagon.

This is……

“The Guardian Wing’s finely crafted rope trap mechanism is designed to restrict and hinder the enemy’s movement,” Marius chuckled.

It takes some time to set up in advance, and you have to use the force of a crossbow bolt to fire it.

Losang frowned.

Marius smiled slightly, dragged his heavily wounded body, and swung his sword overhead.

The principle behind traps is actually surprisingly simple, much like mousetraps.

But there's no need to say that.

After all, the guard wings also need to apply for a budget.

"that's it?"

The next second, Losang raised his sword and brought it down, severing one of the ropes with incredible speed!
Marius frowned.

Oops.

Couldn't the restraint ropes be any stronger?

Ah, forget it.

After all, the guard wings also need to apply for a budget.

Losang swung his sword again and cut another rope.

What's the point of doing this?

"Lossan II said coldly, and with a flash of his sword, he severed the third rope."

Marius's brow furrowed more and more.

Damn.

Couldn't they have replaced the rope with thin steel wire, or at least a sharp blade? Something lethal?
But it's best if he doesn't say those words.

After all, the guard wings also need to be included, so a budget application is required.

The next second, Losang's expression changed, and he slumped his shoulders and turned his head to the side!

Whoosh—boom!

An arrow falling from the sky grazed Losang's ear and embedded itself firmly in the wagon!

Looking at the arrow, Marius frowned deeply again:
Could they have shot a little more off target?

call out!
Another arrow fell.

As he wished, this time the arrow went even further astray: it fell straight behind Marius and stuck at his feet.

But unlike before, this crossbow bolt had a long rope tied to its fletching, which was lowered down from the bridge overhead.

at last.

Marius breathed a sigh of relief.

King Lobsang II's eyes flickered, and he severed the fourth rope:
"So they're going to run away?"

Marius gripped the noose on the arrow, looped it around his arm, and uttered a nonsensical remark: "Twenty for one, sixty for five."

Losang's brow furrowed.

"Ten shots for a hundred, buy more and get more free." Marius tightened the rope in his hands and nodded.

Losang was confused: "What?"

call out!
Another arrow—a rocket—came from above!

It struck the car window precisely, piercing the passenger compartment, the arrowhead still crackling and burning.

On the valuable arrowhead protruding from the window, a black lion is carved.

This is……

Looking at the rocket in front of him, Losang's expression changed.

He struggled to cut the fifth rope obstructing his view, finally making out the banners and signs on the side of the covered wagon:

[Exclusive for Jade Celebrations - Suleiman Brand Crystal Fireworks - Ten Years of Reputation - Exquisite Handcrafting - Generous Quantity - Powerful Effect]

[Clearance sale due to business change, massive loss-leader clearance sale, last day!]

[WARNING: Open flames are strictly prohibited near this stall!]

Looking at the huge covered wagon, Losang's pupils froze.

Marius sighed deeply, suppressing the weakness in his body, and waved his hand forcefully above his head.

No.

As he watched Marius's actions, the thought flashed through Lausanne II's mind.

The flames inside the carriage burned brighter and brighter, emitting an ominous hissing sound.

The next second, Losang unleashed his full power, roaring as he slashed at the last rope binding him:
"Do not--"

boom!
A deafening roar!

The unremarkable covered wagon instantly fell apart, one after another, transforming into countless rays of light!
boom!boom!
Amidst the dazzling light erupting beneath him and Lausanne II's furious roar of defiance, Marius pulled himself up on the rope and soared toward the top of the bridge!

boom! boom! boom!
The open space under the bridge was instantly enveloped by a curtain of fire and light, obscuring everything.

Only the sparkling fireworks that shot up in all directions were colorful and incredibly beautiful.

boom!boom!
Under the blinding light, Marius, gripping the rope that pulled him up, stepped diagonally onto the bridge pier and leaped straight up!
“A cluster attack,” Marius, covered in blood, coughed as he looked at the dazzling scene below. “Would be even more effective.”

A wave of dizziness washed over him, and Marius shook his head.

Amidst the bursts of fireworks, he found it increasingly difficult to step onto the bridge piers, forcing him to put most of his weight on the ropes, which slowed his ascent.

Oh no, the wound is deeper than I thought.

Marius took a deep breath, feeling the explosions below growing fainter and fainter.

And you, Little Tuo, you think this is the end?

The voice of his great-uncle rang out, filled with unimaginable mockery.

You'll pay the price, little Tom.

Marius frowned deeply, trying hard not to lose himself in the pain and dizziness.

There's much more than you can imagine.

In a daze, Marius felt his steps becoming increasingly unsteady and his body becoming heavier and heavier.

The sling wrapped around his arm was getting looser and looser.

【More.】

High in the air, his great-uncle's voice repeated itself over and over, and Marius felt dizzy and disoriented.

A thousand-year-old tradition, now utterly destroyed by your own hands!

He slowly closed his eyes, his body involuntarily leaning back.

Pity.

[I will destroy you with my own hands!]

Beneath him, the earth-shattering fireworks gradually disappeared, replaced by his father's study.

The lights are bright.

The fire in the stove was warm.

Solemn and dignified.

The next second, a hand reached down from above and tightly gripped his loosened hand!

boom!
A firework exploded behind him, and Marius jolted awake, his eyes snapping open!

The father's study has disappeared, and the cold wind howls high in the sky.

What appeared before him was a hand wearing a black glove.

"how……"

Marius weakly raised his head: "How come it's you?"

Above the Watchman's head, Miranda Aarond, suspended upside down in mid-air by a rope tied around one leg, tossed her drooping braids aside and sneered, "Because I'm the lightest."

As she spoke, Miranda deftly swung out another rope, which wrapped around Marius's arm.

Marius coughed painfully and frowned: he held Miranda's hand, and the two of them, one upright and one upside down, looked at each other, dangling under the North Gate Bridge by a rope.

boom! Bang bang bang!
The celebratory fireworks below—enough to fill an entire truck—grew increasingly magnificent, eliciting gasps of amazement from many citizens in the distance.

“By the way, although it was only for a short while, I saw it. You are indeed skilled in close combat,” Miranda said, tightening the new rope with difficulty. “A terrifying blade.”

Marius's eyebrows twitched.

"Do me a favor, Ms. Miranda."

"uh-huh?"

"Don't be like a little kid and give out random nicknames."

The two were silent for a while.

"of course not."

Miranda, hanging upside down, blinked, tied the last knot, and pulled hard on the rope:
"Mr. Sharp Blade".

As soon as he finished speaking, the rope tightened again, slowly but powerfully pulling the two of them upwards.

Damn.

Amid Miranda's gasp, Marius, having exhausted his last bit of energy, sighed and completely fainted.

(End of this chapter)