Chapter 350 The Abyssal GodbladeLeander walked over step by step. Claire's eyes stayed fixed on him, her expression shifting constantly as she watched him approach.Ever since Daphne first mentioned Leander, Claire had been curious to see what kind of person could keep Daphne's heart for nine years straight.She never would have guessed that the person Daphne always talked about was Leander.The moment she saw him, she froze. Her mind flashed back to nine months ago, when the Laughing Monk of West Ridge single-handedly caused chaos at Silvermoon Sect.Back then, neither her mentor Elena nor the head of the Judies could stand against the Laughing Monk of West Ridge. In their darkest moment, it was Leander who pulled them out of despair.By now, Leander had joined them. Daphne didn't notice the look on Claire's face and simply introduced them with a smile. “Claire, let me introduce you. This is Leander!""Ander, this is my good friend Claire! She's Silvermoon Sect's star swordswoman- and her martial skills are on par with mine!"Leander glanced at Claire, his face calm. Before he could say anything, she spoke first. "Mr. Ashcroft, I never thought that after nine months, we'd meet again on an occasion like this!"There was a glimmer in her eyes, and a mysterious smile tugged at her lips.Daphne stared in surprise, unable to contain her curiosity. "Claire, do you and Ander know each other?"Claire nodded. "Nine months ago, I had the chance to meet Mr. Ashcroft at Silvermoon Sect. I really owe him for what he did back then."Daphne looked suspiciously at Leander.She knew Leander had shown up at Silvermoon Sect before, so it made sense he'd met Claire. What she couldn't figure out was why someone as cool and distant as Claire would suddenly seem so friendly with Leander,Usually, she hardly spared a word for any man, but with Leander, it felt like they were old friends.She couldn't understand why Claire was so warm toward Leander. And more than that, Claire was calling him "Mr. Ashcroft"-such a formal title from a genius swordswoman like her was anything but ordinary.Daphne could sense that Claire actually had a bit of awe for Leander.However, for Claire to truly respect someone, they'd have to be on her father's level-or the level of her mentor, Elena. So, why would she treat Leander with such respect?Leander smiled calmly. “Where's that girl Serena? I don't see her anywhere."He was asking about Claire's junior, Serena-the girl who always acted tough, but was actually soft-hearted. He remembered her well.Claire replied immediately, “Serena has been training nonstop at Silvermoon Abode ever since that day. She hasn't left the sect since."Leander nodded knowingly. Serena had plenty of talent in martial arts, maybe even on par with Claire, but she loved to have fun and started her training late, so her cultivation was behind.But now, she was determined to work hard. He figured that by the time she finished her secluded training, she'd be totally changed.Daphne couldn't follow the conversation, but she still motioned for Claire and Leander to sit by the Florian family's box.With two incredible beauties like Daphne and Claire sitting beside Leander, all eyes were drawn their way. Lots of the young male martial artists present felt it was unfair.They were supposed to be Highcliffe's top young martial artists, yet none of them could get close to these two stunning beauties. Meanwhile, Leander, who didn't even have any cultivation, was sitting with them like it was the most natural thing in the world. It didn't seem fair at all.A short distance away, someone in the O'Brien family's box was staring intently at Leander, unable to look away, their face a mix of emotions.Tycen, standing next to her, noticed and followed her gaze, Spotting Leander, he asked, “Ms. Reyne, what's going on? Do you know him?"Emma snapped out of it and shook her head, sighing heavily.Elsewhere, in the Valence family box, Eira's eyes darted over to Leander, then backto Daphne and Claire, and she clicked her tongue."This jerk-he's always surrounded by beautiful women!"noveldramaAt this point, three of Highcliffe's four elite families had arrived. All that was left wasthe Ashcrofts. Just then, a commotion signaled their arrival.Gareth led the group, trailed by a crowd of talented young martial artists who watched him with admiration.Though Gareth had lost his top place in the Astria Power Index to Leander, he was still a formidable martial arts expert in Astria—an undisputed legend.Ethan walked confidently behind Gareth, with more than 20 Ashcroft retainers following in a grand procession.Now that all four elite families had arrived, it meant all the best young talents in Astria's martial world had gathered. Gareth glanced briefly at Leander with a complicated expression before greeting the other three family heads."Gentlemen, now that we're all here and the sun is setting, and all the young assembled, shall we begin?"Wesley, Tycen, and Jack Valence all stood and returned Gareth's greeting. "Since Gareth has arrived, let's take the stage together."talents areWith a nod, all four jumped onto the iron platform set up on the Southern Ocean's sandy beach.Wesley, Tycen, and Jack landed on the platform in a few light steps, but Gareth soared more than 30 feet in a single bound, landing at the very top.Everyone watching was reminded just why Gareth was second on Astria's Power Index. That move alone made it clear his cultivation was far above the other three family heads.The four family heads sat atop the platform in the seats reserved for them.Then, Gareth furned to address the crowd, his voice ringing out over the beach. "Fellow martial artists, todaymarks the martial assembly of Highcliffe's four elite families. This event is held only once every 18 years. Thank you all for joining us..." Most of his speech was just formalities.Meanwhile, in the Florians' box, Daphne and Claire were deep in conversation. When Claire found out that Daphne's father wouldn't allow her to be with Leander unless he won the assembly, her expression turned strange."Your dad wants him to win the martial assembly?"Daphne only nodded.Claire glanced at Leander, noticing his calm demeanor as he sipped his drink, and she couldn't help but laugh quietly. "Daphne, all I can say is that the challenge is way too easy for him!"Daphne didn't understand what she was saying. She was about to ask when Gareth suddenly sent a palm strike across the platform, shattering a stone pedestal and sending out a flash of blue light.The blue light eventually faded, and all eyes turned to the pedestal, their faces full of shock. Even Ethan, Daphne, Claire, Tycen, and Eira-some of the strongest martial artists of the younger generation-looked utterly shocked.Inside the stone, a long sword was embedded. Only the hilt was visible, giving off a blue glow. Even those who knew nothing about swords could tell this was no ordinary weapon.Daphne and Claire exchanged a look of shock."So that's the legendary Abyssal Godblade-the sword that protected the SouthernOcean and slew countless invaders?"Daphne whispered, her face showing wave after wave of emotion.Ethan, Tycen, and many other young experts stared at the hilt, unable to look away.Gareth stood tall and spoke again, his voice carrying across the beach."Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Abyssal Godblade, which the four major elite families have guarded together for 50 years. This sword is said to be the legendary weapon fought over by the ancient gods history goes back thousands of years! "The Abyssal Godblade can only bedrawn by someone it chooses-only the true ruler of this era can wield it Eighteen years ago, all of the family heads tried, but none of us succeeded! Today, I want all the young talents of Astria's martial world to try your luck. Let's see ifany of you can pull the Abyssal Godblade out! "Whoever draws it out will be its true master!"As his words ended, the whole crowd erupted. Sword experts like Claire could hardly hide their excitement.Ethan, Tycen, Eira, and many others all looked ready to try. Even Daphne was eager to give it a shot.Everyone's focus was on the Abyssal Godblade-except Leander. He just kept sipping his drink, as if none of this concerned him at all.