Chapter 482 - Early Form of a Powerful Ancient Covert Martial Arts

Of course, compared to beauty, Cassius had always preferred "deliciousness". Any dark creature in front of him, even if it transformed into the most breathtaking and enticing woman in the world, still met the same end in his eyes. For Cassius, the urge to eat had always overshadowed any desire to procreate. Eating was the most important thing.

The air in the hall carried a faint, delicate fragrance, while the wall lamps shone with bright, fiery light.

Cassius stood chatting with a group of high nobles and council members, and one topic of their conversation was the royal family's rapier expert.

Constantine had once borne the nickname Holy Pistil Sword. His second disciple was Sachi the Silver Pistil Sword, the unfortunate fellow who had ended up in the dark creature testing grounds.

In the past, the Evil Mother had impersonated Sachi's identity and successfully lured out Xue Shi, a member of the Gate Organization, which led to subsequent incidents.

Aaron, the Number Five Shadow Hunter who wielded a silver rapier as well and was considered half a disciple of Constantine, stood beside Cassius. From that alone, it was clear that this royal master of the rapier was anything but ordinary, since he was capable of training two disciples to the level of Shadow Hunter.

According to Aaron, Constantine's power had been unfathomable, and he had forged a path that was uniquely his own. However, he had not taken any action for twenty years, so no one knew what level of strength he possessed anymore. People wondered if he could match the Radiant Hunter.

Cassius gained a fresh understanding of Constantine's sword techniques from Aaron. Constantine's rapier techniques revolved around the concept of a flower pistil in bloom. One pistil symbolized one piercing strike unleashed, while nine pistils meant nine successive strikes unleashed.

In other words, at its pinnacle, a practitioner of the Silver Pistil Swordsmanship could effectively deliver nine consecutive attacks in a single motion! They could stab the vital area of an enemy's chest and leave behind nine pistil-like wounds clustered together. The internal organs beneath those wounds would already have been churned into pulp by the sword's blade. It was, without exaggeration, a method of killing in one decisive blow.

Aaron himself could only achieve six blooms with the Silver Pistil Sword, but even that was already one of his ultimate moves. Meanwhile, his half-mentor, the rapier master Constantine, had already been able to guarantee nine blooms with every thrust twenty years ago.

After twenty more years, who could say what level he had reached? Ten times? Twenty? No one could tell for sure. Constantine had also been one of the experts continuously sponsored by the royal family, serving as their hidden trump to counterbalance the Dark Hunter Organization.

Likewise, such experts existed in the Hongli Empire's council as well. Otherwise, if the Dark Hunter Organization held all the power, it would have long since grown lawless and seized control of the entire empire.

What appeared to be a stable balance of three powers in fact concealed intricate ties and perilous confrontations in the shadows.

However, Cassius showed no interest in any of this. He harbored not the slightest attachment to money, power, or luxury. He had come into the current time-travel era solely to increase his own strength.

The only reason Cassius briefly inquired into Constantine's background was that he suspected the other man practiced some form of special art. It reminded him of Reaper Amos, the black-robed butler from the Hongli Federation era who wielded three raging storms of slicing threads. They clearly did not cultivate Covert Martial Arts, yet they possessed formidable combat power and could even tap into Qi.

This made Cassius suspect that these special arts might be the early form of some powerful ancient Covert Martial Arts from a bygone era. However, the overall framework seemed to lack certain parts, which made it unstable and prone to distinct side effects.

If he could study these special arts, he might gain insights into how the ancient sages had evolved their techniques into Covert Martial Arts. He hoped to discover the essence of Covert Martial Arts within them and deepen his own comprehension.

Cassius turned this over in his mind. It was possible that Constantine had not acted for twenty years because of adverse side effects caused by that special art. If he found the time, he might pay Constantine a visit.

Sparring with peak experts from various eras and experiencing their unique Covert Martial Arts or secret art had been one of the few pleasures Cassius found in his time-travel journey.

While he was deep in thought, a sudden commotion arose on one side of the hall, and all eyes turned in that direction.

A single man’s overwhelming presence commanded attention as he walked through the entrance. He wore a tailored coat, and both of his hands were encased in delicate down gloves. On his right thumb he wore a peculiar golden ring whose surface shone with flowing brilliance, as though a small serpent of liquid gold spun and climbed around it in a continuous loop.

It was none other than the fashionably late Chief Mechanist. He had red hair and red eyebrows, his very aura reminiscent of a slow-burning flame. The eyes of most of the guests at the duke's banquet were drawn to him.

Some showed admiration, gazing with reverence as murmurs of awe slipped from their lips. Clearly, many of these nobles and council members entirely deserving of the title "upper class" had never actually seen the Chief Mechanist before. They felt that attending Duke Augustus's banquet that evening had truly been worth it.

As the leader of the Dark Hunter Organization, the Chief Mechanist's status in Florence could not have been more exalted. He was someone who could stand on equal footing with the king and the council.

However, the Chief Mechanist was quite reserved and typically only appeared at gatherings related to supernatural events. Moreover, he was a workaholic who declined most invitations to social events. So in truth, fewer than ten of all the distinguished guests present had ever laid eyes on him and only two or three might have actually spoken with him. This would be a once in a lifetime encounter for the majority of the guests.

Duke Augustus was the first within that resplendent hall to take a step forward and lead a little circle of high council members and high nobles to greet the Chief Mechanist with a beaming smile.

This was quite unlike the way he had welcomed Cassius Aaron before. Duke Augustus behaved with utmost eagerness, centering everything on him and bringing his small social group right over. He aimed to let the other party feel his absolute sincerity and respect.

Sincerity had always been the greatest trump card. In truth, one only had to imagine the Chief Mechanist as the king of the Hongli Empire appearing at the banquet to understand the situation perfectly. Who would treat a king as a mere guest and invite him into their personal social circle for casual chatter?

It was always a case of one's own group gathering around the guest of honor shamelessly and feeling lucky not to be dismissed.

Yet because the Chief Mechanist was discreet and mysterious, his strength resided in the supernatural realm and the shadows. He was not as openly majestic as a king. Otherwise, Duke Augustus would never have dared bring his entire circle here, and would have gone alone to keep him company throughout the event.

These notable figures began to chat on the carpet at the entrance, exchanging polite greetings. In a corner, some of the younger guests whispered among themselves, repeatedly casting envious glances in that direction.

It did not look like a mere conversation but rather the interplay of tremendous power and lofty status. It was an image of masters perched atop a mountaintop, dominating with grand gestures.

Many secretly fantasized of joining that distinguished circle one day, even in the lowest, most inconspicuous capacity. Merely having the chance to speak a single sentence there would have been worth everything.

Five minutes later, the smooth orchestral music remained as elegant and enchanting as ever.

Cassius, Aaron, the Chief Mechanist, and Duke Augustus had already departed from the hall and found a balcony-like pavilion adjoining the building. From there, one could admire the moonlight and enjoy the fragrant scents drifting in from the garden.

Meanwhile, the other high nobles and council members stayed behind. Some poured themselves a glass of wine while others reached for cherries and similar fruits. The atmosphere suddenly relaxed, and several nobles and officials who had cordial relationships with them strolled over, starting conversations with them at the center.

For a while, the banquet became lively and quite harmonious. About half of their topics revolved around the Chief Mechanist's arrival. Some even asked why the Chief Mechanist had come to the duke's banquet.

A rather approachable high council member revealed that the Chief Mechanist had come to see Cassius. Furthermore, the reason that this Number Two Shadow Hunter joined the banquet was also due to the Chief Mechanist's invitation. Apparently, this newly minted Shadow Hunter was incredibly powerful but also extremely low-key.

Even though he had led the Treatment Ward to a tremendous achievement not long ago, he had kept himself tucked away at its headquarters, neither socializing nor celebrating. Hence, the Chief Mechanist had used Duke Augustus's banquet as an opportunity to invite him out for a conversation.

Once this news emerged, the distinguished guests began to buzz with discussion. Some said Cassius had a withdrawn personality and a mysterious bearing. Others remarked on how he commanded such respect that only a personal invitation from the Chief Mechanist could bring him here.

Most, however, believed that this man, who had only recently become a Shadow Hunter and was already Director of the Treatment Ward, had a boundless future ahead of him. They suspected he might soon replace the Number One Shadow Hunter, and perhaps even surpass the Radiant Hunter who was president of the Hunters' Association, or possibly become the successor to the current Chief Mechanist!

All at once, Cassius became a figure of power and mystery in the collective imagination. The eyes of several graceful noble ladies and lovely daughters of council members started to sparkle, their expressions revealing a barely contained eagerness.

Seated on a sofa, the Ninth Princess Angela felt a profound sense of crisis welling up. Though she was fair, beautiful, and her royal status conferred a certain nobility, the young ladies and socialites at this banquet were no pushovers and would not yield so easily.

If she did not take the initiative, she worried she might be left in the dust. Angela had always been clear about her role: she was a political tool for the royal family's alliances. Her destiny was to bind one of the extraordinary powerhouses to the royal family's cause.

However, Angela herself had her own considerations: if the outcome was inevitable, why not choose the most splendid and opulent "carriage" she could find?

It seemed like the best choice for her own benefit!

Originally, Angela had chosen Lion King Soss, a prodigious talent the royal family had raised from a young age to compete for a Shadow Hunter seat. Unfortunately, that seed had withered as soon as Soss failed.

Yet now, a better seed had emerged—no, it could no longer be called just a seed.

As soon as Cassius became a Shadow Hunter, his rank had soared to number two, and he had become the Director of the Treatment Ward, a position of real authority. Not long afterward, he rendered great service and gained the favor and high regard of the Chief Mechanist.

The seed had sprouted, and in a few short moments, become a towering tree whose shade could shelter many. In Angela's eyes, it was more than just a carriage fitted with a lavish compartment; it was as though an entire house had been built onto it.

"White Aster has been reclusive and mysterious. This Duke Augustus banquet might be my only chance for now. I have to seize it..." Angela pursed her red lips, her fair hands clenching slightly.

***

In a square balcony pavilion adjacent to the hall.

Duke Augustus exchanged a few pleasantries with the three of them, then tactfully took his leave when Cassius and the others began discussing internal matters of the Dark Hunter Organization. Their conversation naturally drifted toward the domain of the supernatural.

"There's a secular belief within the Eclipse Society known as the Moon God Cult, which you will do well to pay close attention to. It serves as a way of devouring humans and a way for the Eclipse Society to gradually amplify its collective strength..." Cassius said, standing at the balcony's railing as he gazed up at the starry pinpricks shimmering in the dark sky.

"The Moon God Cult..." The Chief Mechanist furrowed his fiery red brows and, after a moment of thought, said, "Understood. We will address that in due course. By the way, did you see them use any special potions during your battles with the Eclipse Society? Anything that caused a sudden surge in power...?"

Cassius slowly turned his head and locked eyes with the Chief Mechanist. "Yes, there was one called Blood Moon Serum, which dark creatures seemed to use for healing injuries and boosting their strength. Their higher-ups did use it..."

"Ugh, there are more and more of these..." The Chief Mechanist sighed. "The Gate Organization's reach keeps growing. This most dangerous group in our world has been far too active over the past ten years, especially within our Hongli Empire. The Gate Organization has conducted numerous deals with various dark creature factions and maintained connections... No one knows what they truly intend to do."

A worried look appeared in the Chief Mechanist's eyes. Even someone of his peerless strength could not help feeling concerned about what lay ahead.

He shook his head and switched to another topic. "White Aster, you led the Treatment Ward in destroying the Eclipse Society's northern first branch and accomplished a major feat. According to the internal rules of the Dark Hunter Organization, you are entitled to rewards. Tell me what you want; you can ask me for anything..."

On the balcony, Cassius rested one hand against the chilly railing, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers and greenery carried by the night air.

He spoke slowly, "I would like to enter the organization's treasury and pick out a few useful items. That should not be too difficult, right? Also, in the near future, I might be leaving Florence to coordinate all the Treatment Ward branches throughout the empire..."

A slight smile tugged at Cassius's lips, his blue eyes growing even more profound.

***

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, in the northern region of the Hongli Empire...

There was a city known as Mirror Lake City in Shire County, near the Alphama Mountains.

Silhouettes in black marched swiftly through the night on the plain close to Mirror Lake. They were clad in matching uniforms, and radiated a vicious, brutal air. Each individual possessed an imposing build, resembling towering black iron pillars and casting broad shadows.

Under the moonlight, one could see black totems crawling over their exposed skin and eyes tinged with crimson.

They evoked a sense of ominous, demonic energy.

"Stop!" At the head of the formation, a cloaked figure in black abruptly raised his arm. The men halted in unison.

The cloaked man lowered his hood, revealing a bizarre half-white, half-red face. His gaze fell upon the faint lights of Mirror Lake City in the distance. A red mist over the right half of his face suddenly started to roil like flames.

It seemed to form an exaggerated, sinister grin.

"We finally arrived... The assignment the Director entrusted to us can now begin..."