Chapter 45: The Ten Great Swordmasters of the Continent
The Ivory Empire has three cities close to the Everlasting Silent Forest, with Balin being the closest. Balin has always been a destination for people from other empires who wish to enjoy the entertainment in Elven territory, conduct trade, or simply take a break from their journey along the Great Belt Road. Following the events of a month ago, Balin's attraction has only grown. While the initial frenzy has died down, the aftermath of the battle still draws many to witness it.
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At the site where Aldrian battled the devils and the Hydra, the Hydra's corpse is no longer present. The elves have already moved it to a secure location in the capital city of Evergreen, where it is being studied. Its various body parts can be dissected for numerous purposes, including the creation of useful artifacts and medicinal pills. For example, the Hydra's claws can be crafted into weapons like arrows or swords, its skin into armor or shields, and its meat can be used to enhance vitality.
Although the Hydra is gone, this spot has become a new attraction for cultivators. The lingering remnants of Aldrian's sword will can still be felt, even a month after he unleashed the 'Slash of the End'. What Aldrian doesn't know is that when he unleashed the 'Slash of the End', every sword on the continent trembled for a split second, except in Balin of course. Sword cultivators from across the continent have come to this place to experience the lingering sword will and try to comprehend it. Many find that it increases their understanding and advances their sword mastery.
Currently, many sword cultivators are meditating around the devastated ground, especially near the spot where Aldrian unleashed his technique. They can't get too close because the remnants of the sword will are still too strong for them. The sword will itself gives them the sensation of being slashed if they get too near, and lower-level cultivators might even injure themselves because they can't withstand the powerful sword will.
However, the closer one is to the source where the technique was unleashed, the more insight they can gain from it. This is the case for a few people present. Some individuals meditate very close to the source, within just two meters of ground zero. Onlookers are not surprised by their presence and can only sigh in admiration.
"As expected of those who are members of the Ten Great Swordmasters of the Continent—they can get closer to the source."
"They're the Ten Great Swordmasters?" a passerby asked the sword cultivator who just made the remark.
"Yes, haven't you seen any of them before?"
"Never."
The swordmaster looked at the man with astonishment. "Which part of the continent are you from, bumpkin? Alright, listen up. The one with black hair and two swords at his waist is Bourdin Smith, famous for his dual sword technique. The man with the longsword is Adel Schwertwächter, his sword can even split the sea. The blonde over there is Gideon Tsavaris from the Tsavaris family of sword cultivators, his sword technique combined with his illusion laws is a nightmare for his opponents. The one with the headband is Kenshi Yamada, his sword technique is fast and precise. And the last one is Gin Wolfram, his sword movements are unpredictable and difficult to counter."