616 The Secret Behind Sword Saint Stage

*Gasp!*

After realizing his technique, Alex realized how it would impact every action he had in the future if he truly reached Sword Saint Stage. People could easily recognize a Sword Saint with their actions alone. The Sword Intent itself would be screaming, 'Look at me.'

Apparently, Sword Saint Stage was the peak in this world. In other words, if he, a Martial Emperor, learned it this early, the others would recognize him and might even target him whether it was for his talent or to kill him. The situation would be different if he learned this technique. Concealing the Sword Intent, so the others would think he was still a mere Sword Emperor.

It might not only be useful in hiding his strength as he could also use it as a trump card by making others underestimate him. 

Knowing how useful the technique was for him, Alex said politely. "Please teach me this technique."

Alex could copy this technique with his Sword Mastery, but the other party already offered to teach him one. Rather than a sneaky way that would take a longer time, it would be better to learn it in a faster way.

"Sure. It is only a simple trick though. Originally, I used my Beastly Aura to cover the aura. However, my father actually found a way to solve this problem." Igor paused for a moment. "Remember about all the stages before Sword Saint?"

Alex nodded. 

"Don't you feel they are linked with each other?"

"Absolutely," Alex answered without hesitation.

"You condense your own Sword Intent when you reach Sword Master. And that Sword Intent evolves into Sword Domain the moment you enter Sword Grandmaster. After learning the outside way, you will find the inside way to use Sword by treating everything around you, including your body, as a sword. Thus resulting in the Sword Body, which is the requirement to be a Sword King. After learning these three, you have mastered the sword's inner and outer path, and it is the time to learn your own way."

"That is Original Sword Skill…" Alex furrowed his eyebrows while replying to his explanation. "This is my realm now after creating my Original Sword Skill."

"Indeed." Igor nodded with a smile. "This is the first time you learn how to use your own skill. However, the Sword Saint Stage actually makes you learn the basics again."

"My basics again?" Astonishment flashed on his face.

"Yes. Do you think which one is the first: a kid learns how to speak or read and learns the meaning?" 

"It's the former. A kid learns how to speak first as they learn it by observing them." Alex answered. 

"That's the answer." Igor nodded. "We are learning how to use them first before learning what is the real meaning behind those words. In other words, the Martial Saint Stage wants you to go back to the basics and ask you. What is your Sword?"

"Your example sucks." Atlas let out a hollow laugh. 

"Then why don't you come up with a good example? You are good at theory, but not good at explaining. This is why even though you know many things, only a few could understand your thinking." Igor snorted.

Atlas looked away and said. "Anyway, the trick about Sword Saint Stage is Sword Path. Just like how you created Original Sword Skill, you needed to create your own Sword Path, that only you can have it. Heart, experiences, hand, height, and so on. All of the practitioners were different from each other. With those unique qualities, you shall create your own Sword Path."

"So, is that the reason why the Sword Intent from earlier has a beastly aura?" Alex asked.

"Yeah. This is my Sword Path, Beastly Sword Path." Igor nodded. "If you are asking me about your quality and what kind of Sword Path you actually can create, I won't be able to answer you… No, no one can answer that question other than you."

"My unique Sword Path…" Alex looked down, falling into deep thought.

"This is something you need to understand. You have created and used your own Original Sword Skill. This is the time to go back to the essence of your Original Sword Skill and the secret behind it. Why would you create such a Sword Skill?" Igor added. 

Alex closed his eyes. The only reason he would create Triple Draws and Mythical Spear Cannon was because of how useful it was in his current situation. However, he knew… or his Sword Mastery was telling him not to look at the reason in his logic. Instead, he needed to feel it by his heart and learn what the actual reason was. 

'What is the real reason buried in the deepest of my heart?' Alex questioned himself but found no answer.

"You don't need to overthink it. Sometimes, it is right beside you." Igor stated while watching his expression. 

"Besides me?" Alex frowned but still found no answer.

"You might not find it right now. But seeing how you are a Sword Emperor even though you are only a Martial Emperor, I believe you can reach the stage sooner or later." Igor smiled, assuring him. 

"That's right. I have seen both of your Original Skills, and I can see something inside you that far surpasses normal people." Atlas nodded before correcting his intention. "That is a compliment, but I wish you are not overconfident and don't wish to learn from others."

"Don't worry." Alex nodded with a smile. He thought, 'I have no teacher that would guide me in this path. The only thing I can come this far is by observing others and learning from others. How can I stop because of my ego?'

Igor nodded.

Atlas interjected, "In any case, we need to solve our current problem first, which is the blood. He is the only 10-Star Martial Saint among us, and his power is… Ugh, you already know since it's your grandfather."

"I understand. He might be formidable, but I believe both of us can fight him." Igor nodded. "After losing his soul, my grandfather could only use his physical ability. Unfortunately, my father lost to that physical ability alone. He was like me, a 7-Star Martial Saint. However, if I have your support, I will be alright."

"I can only provide some support and enhance your equipment with a rune. That's all." Atlas sighed. "I'm not really good at fighting. In fact, I might get some distance after providing enough support."

"Don't worry. It will be enough." Igor nodded. "I will cut his limbs before letting you put him into slumber." 

Atlas looked at his expression carefully. He thought it must be hard to kill his own grandfather.

"Haha… I have lost my grandfather for a few thousand years. The one we will fight is just an empty shell. You don't need to worry about me." Igor laughed. 

"Well… If you said so." Atlas nodded. 

Alex was in confusion. At first, he thought that Igor should be able to kill him as long as he used his Spiritual Energy and Martial Arts. However, Igor appeared to be convinced that he would lose if he fought his grandfather alone.

Noticing the severe confusion, Igor laughed. "Our tribe is known for our physical prowess. If I am truly serious, I will turn into a full lion. I won't have this muscle and other things, but my strength will be far higher. You should know that the man who sent you here was a half-dragon half-phoenix, right?"

"Yes," Alex affirmed. 

"His strength was one of a kind. He came to this place when he was a 5-Star Martial Saint, and my grandfather couldn't beat him in strength alone. The first reason would be the technique you have right now, while the other one was his transformation. The moment he turned into a dragon, my grandfather lost."

"I witnessed that battle as well. It was spectacular. Even though your grandfather was only a 7-Star Martial Saint back then, it was still a huge gap." Atlas confirmed and reminisced together. 

"If he didn't have a transformation like that, my grandfather would win." Igor shrugged.

Atlas laughed. "Sore loser. Though I can't say it because that loss made him get another goal." 

"Yeah. Other than dispelling the realm, he wanted to have another match with him after reaching God Stage." Igor nodded before letting a long sigh.

"Unfortunately, all of it failed, and you needed to put an end to your grandfather's suffering." Atlas patted Igor's shoulder. 

"I know. I will do this as a Chieftain and a grandson." Igor nodded as determination filled his eyes. Igor clenched his palm, looking very nervous. He kept telling himself to reduce that. "Anyway, I will use everything I have. My strength, my Sword Path… everything."

Alex could relate how he felt. Usually, he himself wouldn't pick a fight he couldn't win unless he was forced to. Of course, that moment had yet to come because he always prepared before someone forced something like that.

Suddenly, Igor turned around and looked at him. "I will bring the blood to you. I don't have a big request, but I hope you can keep this secret if you go to the outside world."

"What do you mean?" Alex was confused. "I would never do that."

"Then, I don't have any more requests." Igor nodded. "We are sick of being in this place after getting trapped for three generations. As long as you can let us out, I will do anything for you as long as I can do it and don't cross with my tribe rule and tradition."

Alex nodded. "I'm not someone who will break his promise. As long as I have promised you something, I will fulfill that promise."

"Much obliged." Igor slightly bowed his head to Alex. Even though he didn't need to be polite to Alex, he felt an aura similar to him… the aura of a ruler. That aura made him humbler like this. 

"Alright. Since we have discussed it, let's go there immediately and settle it." Igor stated while pumping his fists.

"Indeed. Let me enhance your sword and your armor once more." Atlas nodded.

"Sure. I will leave them to you." Igor nodded. "If that Zekhram can fight, this will be easier." 

"He can only use his hammer to create weapons and armors, not fighting. In fact, I'm only a supporter while you are the main fighter." Atlas nodded before leaving the room to enhance Igor's sword and armor. 

On the other hand, Igor talked with Alex about the Sword Path again, answering every doubt he had. Until one hour later, Atlas came back with his wand in tow. 

"We can go right now."

Igor nodded as he walked first toward his armor and weapon, putting them on. The armor looked like full body armor, but a few parts were removed to make sure it didn't hinder his movement. It was a black armor with some purple-colored flash when it reflected the light.

Although the colors made it weird, Igor never cared as long as he could use it without an issue.

"By the way, where is he?" Atlas asked.

"Two days from here in that direction." Igor pointed his finger to the north. "Unfortunately, you don't have that teleportation stone around that area."

Atlas paused for a moment and turned around, looking at Alex.

Without even hearing the question, Alex already knew he wanted him to teleport them. "I want it done as soon as possible, so I will help you."

"Thank you." Atlas slightly bowed his head.

Igor tilted his head in confusion.

Alex rose from his seat and glanced at Nelson, who nodded at him. After that, he snapped his finger and created a Teleportation Array.

"This…" A surprised expression appeared on Igor's face, but they already disappeared from the house before he could say anything.