Imperial Throne

Chapter 122: Communication Between Father and Son

"Do you mean... you received... an enlightenment from the Demonic Sword?"

Ion furrowed his brows, somewhat perplexed at how to describe what Yam had explained earlier.

He and Akar had just returned yesterday.

Previously, upon hearing the news of Yam's injury from Baroness Anna, Akar had set off immediately; Baroness Anna had also promptly sent someone to locate Ion and informed him of what had happened in the White Mountain Territory, so the two returned one after the other.

Upon their return, they learned that Yam’s injuries had already fully healed with the help of the Kasein Family, and he had resumed his training.

After that, naturally, they heard from Yam about the full picture of the Forest Witches and the conspiracy, as well as about Cindy.

According to Yam’s account, Cindy had formed some kind of unexpected resonance with the Demonic Sword—more so than any of the three of them, Cindy seemed to be more like the true master of the Demonic Sword.

It was only after Cindy came into contact with the Demonic Sword that Yam obtained further understanding from it.

For instance, apart from [Nirvana], the two original abilities the Demonic Sword possessed were [Absorb] and [Purification].

And the effect of [Absorb] was not what Ion had initially thought—a flawed ability. In truth, this ability was the purest form of aptitude assessment, because only those who truly possessed bloodline aptitude could awaken the bloodline power completely. Otherwise, just like those thirteen veteran soldiers, they would only awaken half or at most seventy percent of their power.

As for the second ability, [Purification], its effect was also not as they had first assumed—not about condensation or compression.

The true function of this ability was to mutate and amplify the bloodline blended in the bloodline formula, thereby creating even stronger bloodline power.

For example, the otherwise unremarkable [Flame Hound] could be amplified and enhanced into a [Flame Demon Hound].

However, compared to the first ability, the second one had an obvious usage limitation—so far, the only methods Yam’s family had discovered to increase the usage count of [Purification] were to retrieve the missing components of the Demonic Sword, or to "recycle" the bloodline power after a Bloodline User who had used the [Purification] ability died.

There were no other methods.

It was precisely because of Yam’s explanation that Ion and Akar found it hard to believe.

So, had they never been recognized by the Demonic Sword all along?

"To be more precise, it should be called ‘acknowledgment.’" Yam sighed lightly. "The Demonic Sword formed some kind of resonance with Cindy that we cannot understand. It was only after that it was truly unsealed, which is why I was able to obtain this information from the sword."

"Before that, we were basically just... kids swinging a weapon? Not truly in possession of the Demonic Sword."

Hearing Yam’s words, Akar and Ion couldn’t help but turn their heads to look at the black longsword "hanging" on the wall.

In fact, because the blade of the Demonic Sword was too sharp—even Rare Iron would be sliced cleanly by it—it couldn’t be mounted like other weapons. A wooden frame had to be built on the wall, and the longsword placed on it like a decorative piece. Fortunately, no one besides Yam ever entered this room. He didn’t even allow servants to come in and clean, so there was no need to worry about the sword being lost.

"Though the news saddens me somewhat... the fact that Cindy could be acknowledged by the Demonic Sword is still good news." Ion sighed. "Too bad Akar’s child is still in the Gem Territory. Otherwise, we could have brought him back to test if he could also be acknowledged by the Demonic Sword."

"The Demonic Sword probably only acknowledges one bearer at a time, right?" Akar couldn’t help but voice his thought.

"How can we be certain there’s only one bearer without trying?" Ion held the opposite view. "Even if your child doesn’t get acknowledged, that doesn’t mean the sword only accepts one person. It might just mean he didn’t meet the sword’s standards. …After all, before the resonance between the Demonic Sword and Cindy, I also thought its [Absorb] ability could only produce a batch of flawed Bloodline Users."

"Strictly speaking, they can’t be called flawed," Yam added. "They just can’t fully harness their bloodline power. But unlike those Bloodline Users who consumed Bloodline Potions, they don’t accumulate residual toxins in their bodies. …So even if Sien and the others fail to advance, at most they just won’t have the potential to progress further. It wouldn’t result in their deaths."

"Even so, we can’t possibly mass-produce Bloodline Knights," Ion shook his head. "It’s partly because our two territories can’t afford it. But another reason is that their awakened power isn’t strong enough. If we had too many such Bloodline Knights under our command, it would surely draw unnecessary attention, possibly even attracting the Forest Witches. …As you heard from Monica’s intel, the Forest Witches seem to be hunting down the bearer of the Demonic Sword."

Yam and Akar understood what their father meant.

If they had too many Bloodline Knights whose power levels were clearly inconsistent with ordinary Bloodline Users, it would naturally spark others’ curiosity. Ordinary people might not understand what was going on, but the Forest Witches—who had been hunting the Demonic Sword’s bearer—would definitely know. Once they were drawn to them, it would almost certainly mean doom for their whole family.

Therefore, this ability was likely no longer usable on anyone else in their family.

Unless that person could fully unleash the bloodline power of [Absorb], achieving a one hundred percent awakening.

"Bring Liam back in a couple of years," Ion turned to Akar and said, "Let’s see how talented that child really is."

Akar nodded.

"But..." Ion slightly furrowed his brows. "If that child Liam doesn't have the aptitude to gain the recognition of the Demonic Sword, then we’ll likely need to establish a rule within the family in the future. Otherwise, our descendants might trigger unnecessary internal conflict in their competition for the ownership of the Demonic Sword. This is something we must prevent in advance."

Hearing Ion’s words, both Yam and Akar’s expressions turned solemn.

Both Akar and Yam were well aware that they themselves would not compete for it, because no matter who held the Demonic Sword, it made no difference to them. Akar didn’t even think it would matter if his own child failed to gain the sword’s recognition.

But they also understood clearly that the reason they didn't care about the ownership of the Demonic Sword was because they had grown up together and were willing to give their lives for each other. However, for future descendants who might not live together, the hidden danger their father mentioned could indeed become a reality. After all, no one could resist the temptation of gaining power.

"We can establish a family rule: only those who are recognized by the Demonic Sword can wield it," Akar proposed.

"Then what if two, or even three people, are recognized at the same time?" Yam countered. "That approach isn’t suitable either, and it might even lead to the sword being monopolized by one bloodline, which wouldn’t be good for the future development of our family."

"What’s your idea, Yam?" Hearing Yam’s response, Ion realized that his second son likely already had a plan.

"All children must be tested by the Demonic Sword before the age of three. If anyone is recognized, that person will be trained as the future head of the Soderbell Family. The previous head must pass down all secrets about the Demonic Sword before death to ensure the continuation of both the family and the sword," Yam said seriously. "If the family produces multiple children recognized by the sword, then we’ll follow the cultivation method used by other Bloodline Nobles to train heirs and select the most outstanding one to inherit the family."

"In addition, all children must grow up together. Even if there’s competition among heirs, they must develop a habit of healthy rivalry."

"They can be ruthless, cunning, and merciless to outsiders—but never to their own kin."

Ion was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Until we find a better solution, let’s go with this for now. What seems appropriate now might no longer be suitable in the future."

At this point, Ion slightly shifted the topic and asked Yam, "Since Cindy’s future is basically decided, have you made up your mind? Will she awaken her bloodline through [Absorb] or through [Purification]? And, have you chosen a bloodline yet? Is it still the [Flame Demon Hound]?"

"I’m not planning to let Cindy awaken the [Flame Demon Hound] bloodline anymore," Yam shook his head and said slowly. "The Kasein Family targeted me clearly because of that bloodline... Right now, it’s just the Kasein Family. But in the future, if we accidentally attract the attention of other Bloodline Nobles, or even the Southern Duke, not to mention the Tyrella Royal Family, then Cindy—who has the same bloodline as me—will likely face a very difficult life."

At this, Yam turned to Akar. "Your third-tier bloodline also needs to change. You can’t be the same as me, or something will eventually happen."

Akar's expression turned somber.

After a moment, he finally said, "I heard from Baroness Anna that Marquis Visen’s injuries are serious. He seems to be searching for the Bourbon Family’s 'Flame Pearl,' because only that item might be able to heal him. So... he may have mistaken us for members of the Bourbon Family, believing we might know the whereabouts of that treasure."

"Heh." Yam gave a bitter smile. "Now we pretty much have to be. If I went out now and said we weren’t from the Bourbon Family, Marquis Visen wouldn’t believe me. He’d just think we didn’t want to give him the 'Flame Pearl,' and the first to die would be either Father or you... We don’t have a choice anymore. So I can only grit my teeth and continue with the bloodline formula Monica sent."

After Yam’s words, the small study instantly fell into a quiet and heavy atmosphere.

Eventually, seeing the mood was turning bad, Yam quickly spoke to shift the topic.

"Father, during your time in the Gem Territory, did you discover anything?"

Hearing Yam’s question, Ion understood that his son was trying to change the subject to avoid making himself and Akar feel more guilty, so he cooperated and said, "Before I came back, I actually did find a clue. But after hearing about your injury, I didn’t get the chance to investigate further... Once I return this time, I plan to verify the authenticity of that clue. If luck is on our side, maybe I’ll even find that bastard Raven’s trail."