Chapter 58 Mercer Family Guest Elder, Eamon Strake

Chapter 58: Chapter 59: Mercer Family Guest Elder, Eamon Strake

Although Julian’s offer was tempting, Eamon Strake did not answer immediately.

He had spent most of his life alone.

Joining a family meant accepting rules, responsibilities, and ties that he had always avoided. More importantly, Eamon disliked the thought of placing his future in someone else’s hands.

After a moment of silence, he gritted his teeth and raised his head, ready to refuse.

But Julian seemed to have already seen through his thoughts.

"If you become a Guest Elder of the Mercer Family, you only need to remain on Crownfall Mountain for three years."

Julian’s voice was calm.

"When those three years are over, whether you stay or leave will be entirely your choice."

Eamon’s expression shifted slightly.

Julian continued.

"Also, I noticed something during our exchange."

His gaze fell on the sword at Eamon’s waist.

"You rely on an incomplete sword manual. Your attacks are powerful enough, but your technique lacks continuity. Once your first burst of strength fades, your follow-up becomes weaker."

Eamon’s pupils narrowed.

Julian had discovered the weakness in his swordsmanship after only a brief exchange.

"The technique I used against you is called the Returning Origin Sword Art," Julian said. "It is an Earth-rank, Peak-Grade sword technique. If you master it, it can help you correct those weaknesses and take your swordsmanship further."

Silence fell between them.

Eamon stared at Julian.

He had already guessed that the technique was extraordinary, but hearing its actual rank still sent a shock through him.

An Earth-rank, Peak-Grade sword technique.

The incomplete sword manual he had relied upon for years was only Earth-rank, Low-Grade even in its complete form.

And Julian was willing to give him something far more valuable.

For only three years of service.

Eamon’s heart began to race.

He had traveled alone for many years and understood better than most how rare such an opportunity was.

An Earth-rank, Peak-Grade sword technique was not something an ordinary cultivator could obtain through wealth alone. Even across the wider Heavenly Capital Prefecture, such techniques were treasures guarded by powerful factions.

After considering the matter for a long time, Eamon finally made his decision.

He raised his head.

His sharp eyes met Julian’s.

For the first time since arriving at Crownfall Mountain, the proud swordsman lowered his head.

"Eamon Strake greets the Clan Head."

A faint smile appeared on Julian’s face.

Without another word, he retrieved a copied manual from his storage space and handed it to Eamon.

"Use those you trust, and do not trust those you choose to use."

Julian looked at him calmly.

"Since you have already agreed to join the Mercer Family, there is no need for unnecessary tests. Take it and begin studying it."

Eamon was genuinely surprised.

He had expected Julian to make him wait.

Perhaps he would have needed to prove his loyalty or complete several tasks before receiving the sword technique.

Yet Julian had simply handed it over.

Eamon looked down at the manual in his hand.

For a brief moment, something unfamiliar stirred within him.

Trust.

He slowly accepted the manual with his left hand.

"Thank you, Clan Head."

Julian nodded.

While Eamon’s attention remained on the Returning Origin Sword Art, Julian quietly recorded his aura into the whitelist of the Spirit Binding Grand Formation.

With that done, he turned toward the mountain.

"Come. Let’s head back."

Eamon sheathed his sword and followed.

The two passed through the mountain gate and made their way deeper into Crownfall Mountain.

As they continued forward, Eamon gradually noticed something strange.

The Spiritual Qi around him was becoming denser.

At first, he thought it was merely his imagination.

But after taking several more steps, his expression changed.

Wisps of Spiritual Qi drifted through the air like a faint mist.

His pores opened instinctively, and his body eagerly absorbed the rich energy around him.

Eamon stopped walking.

"This..."

Even with his years of experience traveling across different regions, he could not hide his shock.

The Spiritual Qi on Crownfall Mountain was unbelievably dense.

It far surpassed the cultivation environments of many powerful sects protected by Moon Wheel Realm experts.

Eamon silently looked at Julian’s back.

The longer he remained near this man, the more mysteries he discovered.

A sword cultivator who had reached Perfected Sword Intent while only standing at the Fifth Level of the Profound Sea Realm.

A mountain protected by a powerful formation.

Spiritual Qi so rich that it had transformed the entire mountain into a true cultivation ground.

And now, an Earth-rank, Peak-Grade sword technique placed directly into his hands without hesitation.

A strange thought appeared in Eamon’s mind.

Perhaps staying here for three years would not be a burden at all.

In fact, Crownfall Mountain might be the perfect place for him to pursue the Dao of the Sword.

Here, he could cultivate in an environment filled with abundant Spiritual Qi.

He could study the Returning Origin Sword Art.

And, if the opportunity arose, he could exchange insights with Julian and improve his own understanding of the sword.

With these thoughts in mind, the resistance in Eamon’s heart slowly faded.

Not long afterward, Julian led him into the Mercer Family’s settlement.

The appearance of the unfamiliar swordsman quickly attracted attention.

Before long, many members of the Mercer Family had gathered nearby.

Julian looked at them and spoke.

"From today onward, Eamon Strake will serve as a Guest Elder of the Mercer Family."

The crowd immediately erupted into discussion.

"Eamon Strake? Is that the swordsman people have been talking about?"

"Look at him. Black clothes, a black sword, and only one arm. It has to be him."

"I heard stories about him only yesterday. They said he once destroyed an entire bandit stronghold by himself. And now he’s become a Guest Elder of our family?"

"Do you think he’ll teach us swordsmanship?"

A young Mercer disciple’s eyes brightened.

"If that’s possible, wouldn’t it be much easier for those of us who follow the Dao of the Sword to improve?"

Laughter and excited voices spread through the crowd.

The arrival of another powerful cultivator was more than enough to excite the members of the Mercer Family.

Their family had changed rapidly in recent days.

First, Julian had destroyed the Thousand Mountains Sect.

Then Crownfall Mountain had become a true Spiritual Mountain.

Now, even a renowned swordsman like Eamon Strake had joined them as a Guest Elder.

The future of the Mercer Family seemed brighter with every passing day.

After making the announcement, Julian did not remain any longer.

He left the settlement and returned to his own residence.

Meanwhile, news of Eamon’s arrival spread quickly across Crownfall Mountain.

Many Mercer Family members who practiced swordsmanship soon sought him out.

They hoped to receive guidance from the newly appointed Guest Elder.

Eamon could have refused.

After all, teaching the younger generation was not part of the agreement he had made with Julian.

But after seeing the excitement and expectation in their eyes, he chose not to turn them away.

Instead, he began pointing out flaws in their sword techniques and correcting their movements.

His words were direct.

Sometimes even harsh.

But every piece of advice came from years of real battles.

The young disciples soon discovered that the wandering swordsman was a far better teacher than they had expected.

And from that day onward, Eamon Strake gained an unexpected second role within the Mercer Family.

He was not only their Guest Elder.

He also became the family’s first dedicated instructor of the Dao of the Sword.