Chapter 55 The Name of Eamon Strake, A Desire to Cross Swords!

Chapter 55: Chapter 56: The Name of Eamon Strake, A Desire to Cross Swords!

A few days later.

At the foot of Crownfall Mountain.

The area was bustling with activity, filled with crowds and the constant noise of conversations.

These visitors had come from various major sects and influential families, all hoping to pay a visit to the Mercer Family.

Following the destruction of the Aldercrest Order, the Mercer Family, backed by Julian Mercer, had taken its place and become the new dominant power in the surrounding region!

For the sake of their future stability, the nearby sects and families naturally understood that they needed to visit Crownfall Mountain and pay their respects.

However, Julian had issued an order prohibiting visitors from entering the mountain during his seclusion.

Consequently, even though numerous influential figures had arrived with gifts, none of them could pass through the mountain gate, let alone meet Julian personally.

As time passed, more and more factions gathered at the foot of the mountain. Gradually, many stopped rushing to leave.

Instead, representatives from different sects and families began gathering in groups, chatting with one another and using the opportunity to establish connections.

Nearby merchants soon recognized a business opportunity.

They set up temporary stalls and began selling various kinds of food and refreshments.

Before long, the foot of Crownfall Mountain had developed into a lively little marketplace.

...

At noon that day.

A man dressed in black entered the marketplace.

His appearance was rather ordinary, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp and spirited.

He stood approximately eight feet tall, with a sturdy, muscular build. His right sleeve hung empty, revealing that he had lost an arm.

His remaining left hand rested firmly on the pitch-black hilt of the sword hanging at his waist.

The moment he entered the marketplace, everyone nearby felt a faint stinging sensation against their skin, as though countless tiny needles were pressing against them.

The sensation was subtle, yet impossible to ignore.

The people gathered here were influential figures from major sects and families. They possessed considerable experience and knowledge.

After their initial surprise, several immediately recognized what they were sensing.

"T-this... Is it Sword Intent?"

"Anyone who has comprehended Sword Intent is certainly no ordinary cultivator. Who exactly is this man?"

"Black clothes, a black sword at his waist, a missing right arm, and he wields his sword with his left hand. Most importantly, he’s comprehended Sword Intent... Wait a moment! Could this be Eamon Strake?!"

"What? It’s actually him?!"

"I never expected the Mercer Family’s reputation to reach the ears of Swordmaster Strake so quickly."

"Swordmaster Strake treats the sword as his life. Now that an expert like Sword Grandmaster Julian has appeared in this region, it’s only natural that he would want to test his skills against him. Looking at his past actions, isn’t he probably here to challenge Julian to a sword exchange?"

"Now that you mention it, I remember something. Whenever a new Sword Grandmaster becomes famous, Swordmaster Strake usually visits them to exchange a few moves. I heard that several years ago, even Roland Locke of the Aldercrest Order suffered a crushing defeat at his hands!"

"Rumor has it that Swordmaster Strake belongs to no sect or faction. He relied entirely on an incomplete sword manual to reach his current cultivation. I wonder who will prove stronger when he faces Sword Grandmaster Julian?"

The onlookers discussed the matter animatedly.

They couldn’t help looking forward to the result.

Would the renowned Swordmaster Strake emerge victorious, or would the recently risen Sword Grandmaster Julian prove superior?

Under the nervous gazes of countless people, Eamon Strake walked through the marketplace and stopped before the bluestone staircase leading up Crownfall Mountain.

He raised his head slightly and gazed toward the distant summit, which was barely visible through the thick layers of mist.

A brilliant light flickered in his eyes.

"Julian Mercer... I hope you won’t disappoint me."

Over the years, Eamon had traveled throughout the surrounding region with his azure sword, challenging numerous powerful sword cultivators.

Among cultivators of the same Realm, he had never tasted defeat.

Therefore, when he heard that such a formidable sword expert had appeared on Crownfall Mountain, he could no longer contain his excitement.

He had rushed here overnight.

"I wonder how much of your strength has been exaggerated by these rumors."

As he recalled the stories circulating about Julian, an astonishing sharpness emerged from the depths of Eamon’s eyes.

In his younger years, he had also crossed swords with Roland Locke, an expert who had comprehended Sword Intent.

However, the Sword Intent Roland had comprehended was relatively weak. Eamon had defeated him in only a few exchanges.

Yet this Sword Grandmaster Julian had supposedly killed Roland with a single move.

That alone suggested that Julian’s strength was extraordinary.

Eamon simply wanted to discover how much truth these rumors contained.

After all, over the years, he had encountered far too many people who deceived the world with exaggerated reputations and empty claims.

Thinking of this, Eamon shook his head and stopped hesitating.

He immediately stepped onto the bluestone staircase.

With his formidable cultivation, he quickly ascended the mountain and reached its summit.

...

At the mountain gate, three Mercer Family disciples were standing guard. They had been chatting casually when they heard footsteps approaching and instinctively turned toward the entrance.

The moment they saw the black-clothed man approaching, they felt a terrifying aura emanating from him.

It was as though an invisible warning surrounded his entire body, telling strangers to keep their distance.

The three disciples were instinctively startled.

However, remembering the overwhelming strength of their Clan Head, they quickly regained their composure.

The leading disciple steadied himself and spoke in a respectful but firm voice.

"By the Clan Head’s decree, the Mercer Family will not receive visitors during this period. Please return for now, Your Excellency."

Eamon raised an eyebrow.

"Young man, you remain neither servile nor arrogant despite sensing my presence. You certainly have courage."

He glanced toward the mountain behind the disciples before continuing.

"However, I’m not here to establish connections with your Mercer Family. I’ve come for one reason only: to exchange sword techniques with your Clan Head."

The three disciples were momentarily stunned.

Over the past few days, many influential figures had arrived carrying gifts, hoping to establish relationships with their family.

But someone who had specifically come to challenge their Clan Head to a sword exchange?

This was the first time they had encountered such a visitor.

The leading disciple’s expression became more cautious.

"May I ask Your Excellency’s name?"

Since this man already knew about their Clan Head’s achievements yet still dared to come seeking a sword exchange, he clearly possessed considerable confidence.

He was most likely a powerful cultivator at the Origin Sea Realm or above.

Eamon’s expression remained calm as he answered with a simple name.

"Eamon Strake."

The moment they heard it, the three disciples exchanged stunned looks.

Eamon Strake?

Wasn’t that the legendary Swordmaster Strake?

He was a wandering cultivator who traveled throughout the world without belonging to any sect or faction. Over the years, he had accumulated countless stories and legends through his challenges against renowned sword cultivators.

Storytellers across the surrounding cities had turned many of his deeds into popular tales.

Naturally, the three disciples had heard of his reputation.

Understanding that this matter was far too important to handle carelessly, the leading disciple immediately cupped his fists.

"Since Swordmaster Strake has personally arrived, please allow me to report your visit to the Clan Head. Kindly wait here for a moment."

"Very well."

Eamon responded calmly, showing no impatience.

After all, he hadn’t come to cause trouble. He simply wanted a genuine exchange of sword techniques with Julian Mercer.

Waiting a little longer was hardly an inconvenience.

The leading disciple immediately turned and hurried away to report the matter.

For the moment, only Eamon Strake and the remaining two Mercer Family disciples stood at the mountain gate.

Remembering the numerous stories surrounding this legendary sword cultivator, the two disciples lowered their heads.

They felt exceptionally nervous.

Neither dared to say anything unnecessary, afraid that a careless remark might offend such an influential figure.

Under these circumstances, the atmosphere at the mountain gate became unusually solemn.

Eamon paid little attention to their nervousness.

He simply closed his eyes and waited calmly, his thoughts already drifting toward the sword exchange he had traveled so far to experience.

Neither dared to say anything unnecessary, afraid that a careless remark might offend such an influential figure.