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"Peak Level Sword Intent...heh, you have hidden your real strength very well...Invincible."
Startell was not Gregor's biological elder brother but became his elder brother due to a past relationship of their parents.
Startells father who is now late was the sworn brother of Gregor's father, and now he naturally became Gregor's Senior Brother.
And he was quite fond of this junior brother is his, even though they were not related by blood.
After he commented on Arthur's sword intent, most revealed shock and let out gasps of surprise at the sudden revelation.
"He is stronger than expected, but still not strong enough."
The one who said this was a newcomer who arrived at the scene with three other Elite Disciples.
The four of them were dressed in the same robe as Startell signifying their status.
There were only nine elite disciples in the Heavenly Sword Sect, and it is always nine.
If a core disciple defeats an elite disciple, he takes his place while the defeated one is immediately demoted to a core disciple.
Although at that point he would be the strongest core disciple, taking the place of the number one core disciple, it can not compare to the prestige and resources that an elite disciple has access to.
These four new arrivals were having tea with Startell when they received news f the duel.
One of Gregor's keen lackeys immediately sent word when he saw that the battle was not going as planned.
And with Startell's care for his brother immediately left their gathering without a word and rushed to the scene.
Arthur decided to respond at this point, "Whether or not this is my true strength, we will know if we fight, right? Or isn't that why you are here?"
Arthur had already seen through Startell's real intentions which surprised the latter a bit, causing him to smile.
"No, no...let me correct something. It can not be called a battle but a spar. Because it would be bullying if we battle and besides, I only battle with my sword and if I do, blood must be drawn."
Startell's gaze became cold there for a moment and almost no one noticed the veiled killent intent in his eyes except for Arthur, the elder, and Kira who had a kind of unique perception.
"I agree with, the sword is meant for killing but I also believe it is meant to protect also and not just kill. If you only focus on the extreme part of the offense, I don't see you becoming skilled in defending with your sword," Arthur commented.
Startell's eyes narrowed at that, 'Is he guessing or...did someone say something?'
Startell was a bit taken aback at that because what he just said was exactly what his master has been telling him recently.
But he didn't reveal his thoughts in his expression and just scoffed.
"Well, I just need to slay my opponent before he can breach my defense. And in doing that, I am pretty confident."
Arthur just shrugged, "So what now? You want to 'spar' as you said or what?"
Startell was about to nod when he suddenly received a transmission.
One of the Great Elders just communicated something to him which made him pause.
'Fine...but only this once!'
Arthur noticed his distracted look and guessed that someone might be communicating with him.
"Well, that would be good as I would give you some pointers on your sword dao as you can be said to be just one step away from reaching the Sword Concept Realm."
Arthur sneered, "And what realm are you at in the Sword Dao to give me pointers?"
Startell saw the disdain on Arthur's face as he didn't care to hide it.
"Let me give you a glimpse!"
*Shring!"
The sound of a sword being drawn echoed loudly in the arena and the swords of everyone sword practitioner present began to tremble and everyone at the scene felt the presence of the sword just in front of them.
To many, it felt like they were just a breath away from being slayed by this intent.
Arthur saw it too and calculated in his heart, 'Fourth Rank Sword Concept...hmm, but I sense him holding back... a lot.'
Suddenly the deadly intent disappeared, which resulted in the palpitating hearts of many regaining a bit of calmness.
"Enjoy your stay amongst the core disciples, Invincible. The elites are still too far from you now... Hmph!" Startell left with a snort.
He flew on his sword and the other elite disciples that came with him joined him one after the other, with one female looking at Arthur a bit longer before turning to leave too.
'I have found an interesting one mother.' She hid a grin as she left.
'Hm? What was that?' Arthur wondered as he sensed a predatory gaze on him for a split second before disappearing into thin air.
'Whatever...haters be hating.' He said.
"Everyone disperse, this gathering has come to an end!" Announced the elder when he saw that many were still slow on the uptake as it felt like everything was moving too fast.
With his reminder, people began to leave albeit slowly as they animatedly discussed the event that just played out and the unexpected conclusion.
No one saw this coming...except Arthur.
At this point, Kira walked up to him and said, "Congratulations...and thank you. But you still owe me though."
Her expression revealed no emotion as she spoke but Arthur could now sense a strong curiosity from her towards him with his empath ability.
"I know, don't worry. I will make it up to you and you will not be disappointed...I promise," Arthur smiled.
Kira nodded, "Someone will take care of your stay here. I will be going now. See you soon."
"Okay."
With that, Kira turned and left with the leaders of the Sword Alliance that came with her.
Arthur noticed that they seem much more interested in talking to him than leaving but a look from Kira dispelled that and waved, smiling at him before leaving.
"See you later brother! You were awesome back there!"
"Yeah, you were so cool!"
The other guys commented with a grin.
"See you around new guy."
With that, they all left and soon it was just Arthur and the old man who looked like he wanted to say something other than the perks of his new status.
"Let's go somewhere else." He said.
Arthur nodded and followed him.
As they left, a Raven circled the sky above them before leaving.
"Caw!"
But as soon as it did, Arthur turned to look at the spot where it was, wondering, 'Who would that be?'
Meanwhile, the Elder didn't sense anything and led Arthur to a Mountain.
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