“Now it is time to settle this old score.” Daron’s powerful frame slowly rose, and he stepped down from the war chariot! The other Orc generals beside him wisely kept their distance!
“Fine, just kill you,” I said in a low voice, “and all our problems will be solved.”
“Hahahaha.” Daron let out another boisterous laugh, “I won’t deny you are strong, but you are still no match for this Emperor.”
“Is that so?” I remained unmoved, “Then allow me to broaden my horizons.”
“You will see,” Daron declared!
Killing intent surged like a tidal wave! Just by sensing the aura, I knew clearly that Daron’s cultivation was absolutely the strongest enemy I had ever encountered! This heavy, formless killing intent pressed down, making it difficult to breathe, and even caused a cold sweat to break out on my palms! My heart pounded inexplicably hard.
Trying to crush me with sheer presence!
Not so easy!
One must remember that I am, after all, a seasoned veteran, and I immediately saw through Daron’s intention.
In a duel between masters, momentum is paramount; once one’s presence is suppressed, it is tantamount to losing half the battle. Sitting idly by in the current situation was not a good idea!
Without further yielding, the Nine Dragons Protection within my body sensed this immense pressure and immediately rebounded, beginning to circulate!
“Crack, snap…” A series of crisp sounds erupted from my bones and joints due to the circulation of battle qi!
My entire body seemed to be suddenly enveloped in a faint layer of seven-colored flames! This was the Nine Dragons Lake Protection, pushed to its limit, merging with the Phoenix Heaven Protection from the Phoenix Heaven Demon Armor, resulting in a strange transformation!
The Phoenix Wings behind me flared open without warning! With a swoosh, they unfurled like a soaring fire phoenix! At this moment, the momentum I had deliberately gathered quickly accumulated to its peak!
Even confronting Daron head-on, I showed no sign of weakness!
“Good kid, you really have some skill.” Daron’s gloomy eyes showed a rare flicker of surprise as he moved to charge forward!
However, a powerful figure stepped in front of Daron first: “Your Majesty’s status is too noble; why should this person require your personal intervention? Let Dawang handle him.”
“Who is this guy!” I stared at the suddenly appearing Ape-man warrior with some impatience. This fellow was slightly smaller than Daron, but his presence was equally imposing: “Big fellow, you aren't afraid, are you, and just found a scapegoat?”
Daron seemed slightly surprised by the interruption, but he did not show anger; instead, he leisurely said, “You are right; it truly doesn't require this Emperor’s personal effort to deal with you.” He then looked toward the Ape-man warrior, “Teach this presumptuous little brat a lesson for me.”
“What little brat?” My nose nearly twitched with anger!
“Not satisfied?” Daron chuckled lightly, “If you want to fight this Emperor, you must first pass his test.”
“Damn it.” I was furious, “How dare he underestimate me.” But when I saw the fleeting cunning look in Daron’s eyes, I suddenly realized: this fellow was clearly trying to provoke me!
I hadn’t expected these simple-minded Orcs to learn such sneaky tricks: “Clever ones, you almost tricked me.”
“Why would I need schemes to deal with you?” The Ape-man warrior scoffed, “I, Dawang, am enough to send you to hell.”
I carefully examined the Ape-man warrior before me, cautiously sensing his aura.
His build seemed a size smaller than Daron’s, but his presence was fiercely powerful. Clearly, this fellow’s martial arts followed a path of rigid, overbearing force.
And compared to Tuman, whom I had killed earlier, this guy was definitely more terrifying! My intuition told me dealing with this one would not be easy!
Even if I could take him down, it would certainly deplete my combat strength. Clearly, this was Daron’s other intention—a battle of attrition!
“Big talk!” Just as I was preparing to fight with all my might, several auras suddenly arrived—it was Xingye, Youquan, Youyue, and the others, who had suddenly appeared.
“Why are you back?” I was greatly puzzled. I had risked exposure precisely to allow them to escape safely; I never expected them to return after leaving.
“Hmph,” Youquan snorted coldly, “My Hanling Tribe does not wish to be indebted to the Prince. Even if we leave, we leave together.”
“Hehe, Father, don’t worry, our reinforcements are almost here.” Xingye, however, looked excited, “It’s they who should be leaving, not us.” Xingye stared intently at the Ape-man warrior with complete confidence!
“Reinforcements?” I was quite surprised, “Could it be Jidu and the others?”
“It’s people from White Mist and Blood Mist,” Youyue said, “They will be arriving here very soon.”
“I see.” Only then did I understand why Youyue and the others were so fearless!
“Father can stand guard on the side,” Xingye said, “Leave this long-haired monkey to us.” Xingye stepped forward to stand in front of me, looking immensely proud: “If you want to fight my father, you’ll have to get past us first.” Behind him stood a grim-faced Youyue.
Clearly, the two intended to join forces against Dawang!
“Oh?” Dawang was slightly surprised but also greatly intrigued: “It seems you are very confident, but since even Tuman couldn't handle you, coming here is just sending yourselves to die.”
“Kid, this isn't the time to show off,” I said, becoming a bit anxious.
“Don't worry, Father!” Xingye exclaimed, “Just wait and see my performance.” Xingye then looked at Youyue, “It’s starting.”
“Brat, if we survive this time, all past grievances are canceled,” Youyue drew his sword, positioning himself to Xingye’s right.
“Let’s be clear first, I’m not giving that ring back to you,” Xingye said with a strange look.
“Hmph,” Youquan said grimly, “You’ll need to be alive first to take advantage of anything. Let’s be serious now.”
I couldn't understand what they were saying, but I was certain that Xingye and Youyue had some unspoken history between them. Nor could I stop them from stepping forward!
The situation required me to watch and wait, hoping their supposed rescuers would arrive in time!
Xingye and Youyue were full of confidence, while I stood ready with my sword, prepared to offer support at any moment!
“Time to show off.” Xingye playfully drew the Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword from his back and taunted, “Long-haired monkey, bring it on.”
“Insolent little brat.” Dawang’s verbal sparring was equally sharp. He held his massive battle-axe slightly before his chest, but his eyes were fixed on the greatsword in Xingye’s hand: “Boy, the weapon you hold is a Divine Weapon of Mafa, the Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword.”
“Long-haired monkey, you have some knowledge!” Xingye laughed, “You want it badly, don’t you? Come and take it if you have the guts!”
“Hahahaha!” Dawang let out a loud laugh, “As you wish, I’ll take this sword.” Without any apparent motion, his towering figure vanished on the spot as if he were air!
But it was only for an instant! A blurry streak of movement suddenly appeared before Xingye, swirling like dark clouds churned by a gale.
“You block first.” Facing Dawang’s ferocious attack, Xingye did not retreat an inch. Instead, he sank his waist and bent his stance, stepping forward with one foot while gripping the sword with both hands. He swung the dark Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword in a rotation, stirring up a dazzling long dragon of sword energy that cut a mesmerizing arc through the void!
It must be admitted that the posture for this strike was cool and impressive, but the timing was completely off. I was certain that before Xingye’s greatsword could connect, Dawang’s battle-axe could have sliced him into pieces!
“Be careful!” This time, cold sweat drenched me with fright!
But before I could move!
In front of Xingye, a streak of light flashed—it was Youyue’s spectral figure suddenly appearing, his potent crescent-shaped sword energy flashing out like lightning! It slammed into the swirling vortex.
This strike was purely head-on, with absolutely no technique involved!
However, Dawang’s power was not easily countered!
“Ah!” In just one exchange, Youyue was knocked back without suspense! Yet, Dawang’s violent offensive revealed a tiny flaw due to Youyue’s desperate block!
Almost the moment Youyue was thrown back!
“Nice work, now watch me.” Xingye’s sword strike, imbued with momentum, perfectly struck the gap in the dark cloud vortex—a simple, singular move! It was the most common stance in the Hundred Battles Saber Technique: the Bow Stance Vertical Chop, relying on fierce instantaneous explosive power to directly shatter the opponent’s attack.
Clang! Boom!
The thick, dazzling long dragon of sword energy fiercely collided with the dark cloud vortex!
Then, it exploded into a dazzling, brilliant sheet of light!
Everyone was stunned by the shockwave of the astonishing sword energy!
As the light dispersed and battle qi raged, everything in its path—boulders and trees alike—was shredded into dust, leveling the surroundings with crushing force!
Good heavens, it was a calculated move all along! I worried for nothing!
It seemed Youyue and Xingye’s coordination was quite tacit! Youyue had desperately taken the brunt of Dawang’s first furious assault, creating that momentary opening,
which bought Xingye the precious opportunity to strike. This powerful, heavy blow completely disrupted Dawang’s offense!
However, the disparity in their strength was still significant!
At the moment of collision, Xingye was shaken so hard he was forced to retreat several steps!
But Dawang, like a reef in a stormy sea, could not be moved by the impact of the explosion, not in the slightest!
And at the moment the sword and axe met, Dawang roared loudly!
“Take this, Blood Blade Bat.”
The massive battle-axe instantly spun into countless blurry afterimages, like countless blood-colored bats swooping in, making it impossible to discern the exact location of the axe’s attack!
What made matters worse was that Xingye had lost his balance and could not possibly block the rain of blood-blade bats swooping in!
“Help me!” Xingye shouted as he retreated, looking quite flustered!
“Idiot.” Almost as soon as Xingye cried for help, Youyue, who had just been thrown back, unbelievably flashed in front of him to block: “Couldn't you hold on a little longer?”
As he spoke, another crescent sweep emerged!
Clang! Rumbles! This crescent was unimpressive in style; it was simply a character—a gigantic one, incredibly large. In the blink of an eye, it smashed the incoming Blood Blade Bats into pieces!
But unleashing this extraordinarily large crescent consumed a considerable amount of Youyue’s battle qi, leaving him nearly half-exhausted!
“Take this next move, One Cut, Two Halves.” The Orc Dawang naturally saw that Youyue was already running on fumes. He lunged forward like lightning, his massive battle-axe cleaving down from above with the force of thunder!
The speed and ferocity were astonishing. In Youyue’s current state, he didn't even have time to dodge!
“Damn, I’m dead.” Youyue’s face changed drastically as he stared fixedly at the great-axe chopping down toward him!
Just as the great-axe was about to split Youyue in two!
“Hehehe.” But then a malicious chuckle came from Xingye: “Watch my move, Sweeping Through a Thousand Armies.” He spun and lunged forward, taking advantage of Youyue’s desperate cover to adjust his stance, and immediately launched his attack!
A giant long dragon of sword energy instantly swept out horizontally!
However, Xingye was behind Youyue, forming a direct, overlapping line with Dawang’s position. While the power of this Sweeping Through a Thousand Armies was formidable, the trajectory of its flight was highly problematic—it was actually flying toward Youyue’s lower back! Even if it hit Dawang, it would split Youyue in half beforehand!
The giant crescent was astonishingly strong and frighteningly fast!
Ah! Everyone was shocked! Even Dawang seemed startled by Xingye’s ruthlessness—was he willing to sacrifice his own man to kill him?
“Stop!” I couldn’t help but roar!
But just as the crescent was about to hit Youyue, Youyue’s standing posture suddenly lunged forward without warning! He pressed himself almost instantaneously against the ground, darting forward like an arrowfish breaching the waves! He cleverly hid beneath the crescent sword energy, closing in on Dawang!
Swoosh! The huge crescent sliced past Youyue’s spine, almost skimming it!
And the target was the somewhat stunned Dawang!
A great move! I couldn’t help but cheer.
This sudden turn of events caught Dawang off guard, but he reacted quickly!
His great battle-axe spun back rapidly, sweeping out a crescent of its own!
Clang! Another muffled explosion of clashing battle qi boomed!
Only now did I begin to see the pattern: Youyue and Xingye’s cooperation was unexpectedly tacit. They were fully leveraging their respective strengths to engage Dawang in a head-on tactical exchange!
Xingye’s current fighting style was completely that of a power-type warrior! He fully utilized the weight and thickness of the Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword, so his swordsmanship followed a path of rigid, overbearing force!
Especially the technique of gripping the blade with both hands from the Hundred Battles Saber Technique; modified by him, it showed even greater power in actual combat! His footwork, stance, and the direction of his blade were all executed to perfection!
Even a casual swing of his sword could unleash his strongest attack!
This wasn't mere arm strength; it was the maximum explosive power derived from the coordination of stance, footwork, and the momentum of the charge!
Rigid and overbearing, yet quick and agile! It could be called the perfect combination of strength and skill! This was the true essence of the Hundred Battles Saber Technique!
Thirty years ago, due to my insufficient innate strength, I couldn't fully unleash the maximum power of the Hundred Battles Saber Technique. I never expected to see this technique shine so brilliantly through Xingye today!
What surprised me even more was how thoroughly this kid Xingye understood the essence of this technique. Although the Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword he was using wasn't shaped like a Hundred Battles Saber, Xingye’s formidable physique was enough to bring out all the characteristics of the Hundred Battles Saber!
The force of his current strike was powerful, his speed blindingly fast, and the angle wickedly tricky. Combined with the Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword’s edge, sharp enough to destroy anything, Dawang was certainly in for a tough time!
When it came to material hardness!
The Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword was undoubtedly the crown jewel of all blades; even the Dragon Shadow Sword lacked the astonishing hardness and strength of the Heaven-Cleaving Greatsword! This was Xingye’s greatest barrier!
However, the gap between Xingye and Dawang was still significant; he couldn't fight him head-on. To defeat Dawang, he would inevitably require more time and space to accumulate battle qi energy—this was arguably the only predicament Xingye currently faced.
But this became trivial due to Youyue’s cover!
Youyue’s two desperate corrective blocks successfully protected Xingye from harm, allowing Xingye to unleash his most lethal killing moves without restraint! Just like this moment!
Even Dawang, whose strength far surpassed Xingye’s, couldn’t withstand Xingye’s sudden, fully charged killing move that erupted without warning!
“Boom…”
Another violent impact! Although he blocked this crescent, Dawang was shaken so forcefully by the massive impact that he was involuntarily forced back several steps!
And almost as he knocked Dawang back, Youyue, who had advanced like a fish in the water under the cover of the crescent battle qi, suddenly exploded forward with electric steps, flashing like a shadow, closing in directly on the retreating Dawang!
Swish swish swish! He immediately launched a rapid-fire series of quick sword strikes!
Giving Dawang absolutely no chance to catch his breath!
Completely opposite to Xingye’s rigid power, Youyue’s sword!
Was incredibly fast, precise, and wickedly angled; every move was lethal! This was very similar to my Lightning Sword Technique!
Now, Dawang, who had lost his balance from Xingye’s crescent blow, was in deep trouble!
Forcing the opponent off-balance before striking lethally was my most frequently used trick, and it never failed!
Youyue was using the same tactic now, and he was in no way inferior!
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Sword qi like a tide! Raging wildly!
All around Dawang were blurry afterimages of sword qi!
One miscalculation and he was cornered by his opponents! Dawang roared in anger, forced to wildly swing his massive battle-axe just to defend himself!
It must be said that Dawang was indeed powerful; every single sword strike unleashed by Youyue was blocked by him without any fancy maneuvers!
It was just that, having lost the initiative to Youyue, he couldn’t find a single chance to counterattack.
“Damn it, I’ll risk it all.” Since the offensive stalled, Youyue also went all out, his sword momentum surging, his speed increasing even further! This wave of fierce attack was ceaseless, every strike as fast as lightning, coupled with bizarrely tricky attack angles and elusive trajectories!
This made every sword strike impossible to defend against!
In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged no less than a hundred blows, yet Dawang hadn't managed a single counterattack!
What made him look even more wretched was his armor—it was unrecognizable after Youyue’s continuous flurry of fast sword attacks. If not for his strong protective battle qi holding things together, his body would likely have been pierced by hundreds of large holes!
It seemed the combined efforts of Xingye and Youyue were enough to deal with Dawang!