Chapter 80: The Sword Prodigy of the Salvatore Family
The Sword Prodigy of the Salvatore Family
Scene: A Sword That Shook the Proud
BOOM!!
An incomparably sharp Sword Intent erupted into existence.
It was like the unsheathing of a peerless divine sword.
The air trembled.
Invisible ripples spread through the hall as the Sword Intent tore apart everything in its path.
The immense pressure released by the black-robed elder shattered instantly.
The oppressive tide of True Spiritual Power that had forced every member of the Salvatore Family to bow disappeared without a trace, as though an invisible blade had cut the heavens themselves.
Fresh air rushed back into the hall.
Many disciples gasped heavily, greedily drawing breath into their aching lungs.
Several elders collapsed onto the floor, drenched in cold sweat.
Others stared ahead with disbelief written across their faces.
Someone...
Had dispersed the attack of a Great Perfection Celestial Gate Realm expert with Sword Intent alone.
"Sword Intent..."
The black-robed elder’s pupils contracted violently.
For the first time since stepping into the Salvatore Estate...
His expression changed.
"How does the Salvatore Family have connections to someone like this?!"
His voice no longer carried the arrogance from moments ago.
Instead...
It held unmistakable caution.
He himself stood at the Great Perfection of the Celestial Gate Realm.
Within the Crimson Abyss Sect, he wasn’t merely another elder.
He was one of the sect’s honored guest elders.
His status was respected.
His strength acknowledged.
The reason he had accompanied Nellie Whitecliff today had been simple.
One reason was to carry out a simple task on behalf of the Sect Master.
The other...
Elder Wang’s gaze drifted toward Nellie Whitecliff, and a knowing smirk spread across his face.
Nellie had long since abandoned any sense of pride or dignity. To climb higher within the Crimson Abyss Sect, she would willingly exploit anyone who could benefit her. Whether it was an elder, a core disciple, or even someone in a position of greater authority, she never hesitated to use her beauty and false affection as bargaining chips.
To her, people were merely stepping stones. If surrendering her body or feigning devotion earned her more power, higher status, or greater influence, she would do so without the slightest remorse.
That was precisely how she had risen so quickly within the Crimson Abyss Sect.
In Elder Wang’s eyes, accompanying her to Blackstone City had been an unexpectedly pleasant journey. He had assumed today’s task would be nothing more than crushing an insignificant family before returning to enjoy the rewards that awaited him afterward.
Instead...
A Sword Intent master had appeared.
And judging from that youthful voice...
This mysterious swordsman wasn’t an outsider.
He belonged to the Salvatore Family.
Suppressing the unease rising inside him, the elder slowly cupped his fists.
"May I ask..."
"...who you are?"
Gone was the condescending tone from before.
Even Austin Salvatore looked toward the entrance in surprise.
The surrounding clansmen held their breath.
Footsteps echoed softly.
Tap...
Tap...
Tap...
A slender figure slowly walked through the shattered doorway.
Golden sunlight streamed in behind him.
His appearance gradually became clear.
Silence filled the hall.
Every face froze.
The source of that overwhelming Sword Intent...
Wasn’t an ancient Sword Emperor.
Wasn’t some secluded monster who had cultivated for centuries.
Instead—
It was merely a young boy.
He looked no older than thirteen.
His features were delicate, almost flawless.
His shoulder-length black hair swayed gently with every step.
His black eyes were calm and unwavering.
A simple longsword rested loosely in his right hand.
Despite his youthful appearance...
The Sword Intent surrounding him was so pure that it seemed capable of severing heaven and earth alike.
Many of the Whitecliff Family servants instinctively took several steps backward.
Even the black-robed elder subconsciously tightened his grip.
His instincts screamed danger.
Damien Salvatore slowly lifted his gaze.
His youthful face carried neither arrogance nor excitement.
Only calm confidence.
An icy Sword Intent radiated from his body.
Every strand of Sword Intent seemed alive.
It flowed around him like invisible rivers before converging into an incomparably sharp aura.
After receiving Victor’s guidance...
After comprehending the inheritance his Patriarch had bestowed upon him...
Damien’s Sword Intent had transformed completely.
The Heartless Sword Intent from his previous life...
Was gone.
In its place...
A far more profound Sword Principle had been born.
Heavenly Sword Intent.
A Sword Intent that sought neither mercy nor hatred.
It followed only the natural order.
It judged all things equally beneath heaven.
Even the remnant soul inside Austin’s ring fell silent.
Akeno’s beautiful purple eyes widened.
Although only a soul remained...
Her perception far exceeded everyone present.
"What terrifying Sword Intent..."
she whispered softly.
"It has already surpassed ordinary Sword Intent..."
"This child..."
"...is unbelievable."
Her gaze lingered on Damien.
Then...
For some inexplicable reason...
Another face surfaced within her memories.
A man wearing black robes embroidered with golden dragons.
Golden eyes.
Long black hair.
A face that seemed capable of making heaven itself lose color.
Victor.
Her soul trembled slightly.
"Why..."
"Why does this child’s Sword Intent carry a trace of... his aura?"
Her heartbeat quickened.
She couldn’t explain it.
Yet merely sensing that familiar presence caused countless forgotten emotions buried deep within her soul to awaken once more.
Meanwhile...
Damien remained completely unaware.
Ever since the day his Sword Intent illuminated the heavens...
There had been no longer any point in hiding.
His talent had already been exposed.
Countless sword sects throughout the Celestial Dawn Empire now knew his name.
Then why continue pretending?
His previous life’s memories had taught him caution.
Keeping a low profile.
Never revealing one’s full strength.
Never attracting unnecessary enemies.
But...
Things were different now.
This life...
He had someone standing behind him.
Someone whose strength couldn’t even be measured by ordinary standards.
Victor Salvatore.
His Patriarch.
The man Damien believed had already stepped beyond the limits of ordinary cultivation.
Perhaps...
Beyond even the Eternal Emperor Realm itself.
Perhaps...
Closer to that mythical existence known only as...
The One.
With someone like Victor supporting the Salvatore Family...
Why should he fear anyone?
More importantly...
This mission had been entrusted to him personally.
His Patriarch had ordered him to accompany Magnus Salvatore back to Blackstone City.
Victor had trusted him.
Therefore...