No wonder Uncle Li would think that way. In the eyes of ordinary people, Drake Yu of the Southriver Sword Sect is a transcendent prodigy—someone completely out of reach.
Even Zack Zhao doesn’t amount to much in front of Drake Yu.
As soon as Bob Moore appeared, everyone instinctively quieted down, their gazes all locking onto him.
Bob Moore’s whole life is like a legend. The Moore family’s dominance in Graceford City owes much to his efforts.
Standing at the front of the crowd, Bob Moore swept his gaze around and laughed heartily: “It’s a rare honor to have everyone here for my granddaughter Melissa Mu’s spouse-selection event. Thank you all for giving face to the Moore family today.”
“Next, after eight days of matches, we’ve finally picked out four ‘dragons and phoenixes among men’!”
Bob Moore paused for a moment, his face full of smiles as he looked at the arrogant Drake Yu and said with a chuckle, “These past few days, Drake Yu of the Southriver Sword Sect has really stood out. He truly deserves the title of a once-in-a-century prodigy for the sect. I’m sure in a few years, he’ll achieve even greater things.”
Drake Yu showed no reaction at all.
But Bob Moore didn’t seem the least bit upset. He then spoke loudly: “Today is the ninth day of the tournament, and the outcome will decide both my granddaughter’s future and the fate of the Moore Family Sword.”
Finally getting down to business, Drake Yu, who had seemed a bit indifferent, now shifted his gaze to Bob Moore, waiting for what came next.
“Where are we supposed to fight, in the forest or something?” Warren Wang glanced around, not seeing any arena, and looked pretty annoyed.
Zack Guang stayed silent.
The spectators below looked even more curious and confused.
“Today, on the ninth day, the contest isn’t about martial arts or fighting.”
Bob Moore glanced around as he spoke, and the crowd erupted in chatter.
Then Bob Moore turned to look at the forest behind him and said, “Inside this forest lies the Mu Family Ancient Sword. Just follow this path all the way to the end, and you’ll see a sword platform. The sword you’ve all been dreaming about stands chained to that platform.”
“The Ancient Sword has slept within the Moore Family Manor for many years. Since we’re seeking a good match for Melissa, it shouldn’t just be about current strength. Over the years, many have tried to take the sword, but no one has ever succeeded. So, on this ninth day, the four finalists will enter the forest in turn. Whoever can pull the Ancient Sword from the platform will be the winner!”
After speaking, Bob Moore looked one by one at Warren Wang, Zack Guang, and Drake Yu.
Soon, his expression shifted slightly. He frowned and looked at Martin Mu. “Where’s the fourth person?”
“Uh... Maybe he hasn’t arrived yet, or maybe...” Martin Mu glanced around but didn’t see anyone. As he spoke, he looked like he wanted to say more but held back.
The fourth person who won yesterday’s match personally injured Zack Zhao and broke a Misty Rain Sword from the Southriver Sword Sect. That basically put him at odds with the whole sect.
So if he’s too scared to show up in Graceford City today, it’s understandable.
Bob Moore nodded. “Since the fourth person isn’t here yet, you three can go ahead and start.”
“But let me be clear: the area around the Ancient Sword is strange. If you get hurt trying to take it, it’s not worth it, so please, everyone, act within your limits.”
As he said this, Bob Moore’s eyes flashed.
The sword has stood on its platform for years. The Southriver Sword Sect has put in plenty of effort to take it, but they’ve never succeeded.
But Bob Moore wasn’t really worried about that.
When the crowd heard Bob Moore explain the rules, they all nodded, instantly becoming even more curious about the Ancient Sword.
“Why make it so mysterious? Which of you two wants to go first? If neither of you will, then I’ll do it!” Warren Wang shot a sideways glance at Drake Yu and Zack Guang.
He actually liked Zack Guang’s style—he seemed pretty iron-blooded, like a soldier. But Drake Yu was so soft and refined that it irritated Warren Wang to no end.
There’s only one sword. If the person ahead manages to take it, the ones after don’t get a chance.
Everyone present understood that.
“You go first.”
Drake Yu stared straight ahead and spoke calmly.
He knew a thing or two about the Moore Family Sword, and didn’t believe Zack Guang or Warren Wang could take it. Let them test the way first.
“I’ll go first.”
Zack Guang hesitated for a moment, then strode forward.
If he could get this sword, the Grant family’s strength would rise a lot. Worst case, they could trade it to the Southriver Sword Sect.
“Go get ‘em, bro!”
Brian Guang was visibly excited. As everyone watched Zack Guang walk into the woods, their eyes were full of anticipation.
“Zack Guang. He’s young, but he beat Hank Yue from the Southriver Sword Sect. Pretty talented—wonder if he’ll succeed.”
The spectators watched Zack Guang’s back, whispering among themselves.
“Just go all the way to the end and you’ll see the Ancient Sword. If there’s any danger, get out fast,” Martin Mu reminded.
Zack Guang nodded and walked in.
Once Zack Guang’s figure vanished from sight, everyone held their breath, waiting for any sign of movement inside, afraid to miss anything.
Brian Guang stood there, fists clenched tight. He took pride in Zack Guang; if Zack succeeded, Brian would act even more recklessly in the future.
Victor Moore glanced at the elegantly dressed, faintly melancholy Melissa Mu beside him and sneered, “What’s wrong, Melissa? Not happy?”
“Grandpa went all out to find you a good match. Just look at these guys—aren’t they all geniuses? If you marry into the Southriver Sword Sect, maybe you’ll get some pills to keep you young and beautiful. What’s there to be unhappy about?”
Victor Moore’s tone turned scornful. “Don’t tell me you’re still hoping that kid who tried to trade a single pill for our Moore Family Sword will show up for you? Dream on! You’re obsessed, your soul’s been snatched!”
Victor Moore’s voice was cold. Melissa Mu lowered her head, biting her lip, looking sad.
Yesterday, she’d heard from Uncle Li that he’d seen that boy. Melissa had still held out some hope, but now, with no sign of him, she felt especially disappointed.
Just then, Brian Guang’s gaze shifted and he spotted a teenager approaching from not far away, hands in his pockets.
Brian Guang’s face changed instantly. He cursed, “Well, look who’s here! You little punk, you really dare show up, huh? Guess you must be tired of living!”