Chapter 180: The Forge
Chapter 180: The Forge
Tan Wang dodged and weaved through the onslaught of Chen Chuan's sword attacks, noticing that while his opponent's strikes possessed both strength and speed, they lacked finesse. This allowed Tan Wang to utilize his experience to evade rather than forcefully block the attacks.
Only when he was truly unable to dodge, would he use his limbs and body to counter, relying on his vital energy to minimize the force of the sword through the writhing of his muscles and the scales that covered them.
Both men moved at incredible speeds, their attacks and blocks creating a seamless symphony of sound as they clashed, tearing through the heavy rain and creating scattered gaps in the downpour.
Sometimes, the rain blasted open in one direction hadn't even fallen back down before another explosion of water erupted nearby, leaving a trail of forced openings in its wake as they moved back and forth.
The thunder roared above, lightning flashing across the sky, briefly illuminating their figures before darkness engulfed them again, leaving only the mud and grass stems to bear witness to the battle.
After over ten minutes of this intense combat, Tan Wang began to feel the strain. He had to continuously exert his vital energy to counter the sword attacks, requiring intense focus and leaving no room for error, a tremendous test of his stamina and endurance.
This was manageable for a short time, but if it continued much longer, he knew he would falter as his energy waned.
He silently cursed his mistake; if only he had completed the gland implant surgery before coming here, he could have secreted an oil on his scales that would have effectively deflected the slashes and stabs of various weapons, even bullets.
And if he had undergone the venom gland surgery in his upper jaw beforehand, he could have ended the fight with a single burst of venom mist at the right moment, instead of enduring this prolonged struggle.
Chen Chuan's sword technique was terrifyingly consistent, showing no signs of fatigue or change from start to finish, as if he could continue this relentless assault indefinitely.
Tan Wang began to question his earlier assessment; what drug could sustain such endurance?
Or perhaps... was this his true strength?
He hadn't realized that when he started feeling anxious or doubtful, it was often a sign that his focus was slipping and his energy was beginning to wane.
Chen Chuan, on the other hand, remained focused on his opponent, and this was merely a matter of minutes for him. Previously, he had spent hours swimming through pits, battling the oppressive darkness, and this was nothing in comparison.
His recent assault mission had greatly enhanced his ability to withstand pressure, and this current battle did not shake his resolve in the slightest.
Even if his second self-overlap time ran out, he could still continue to wield his sword with unwavering determination until either his opponent fell or he himself collapsed.
After another ten minutes of intense combat, Tan Wang sensed something amiss. His body seemed to lag at times, and although he managed to compensate with his experience, he felt a problem brewing.
He knew this was likely due to the implant he was using.
Implants often caused a decrease in combat effectiveness when not properly matched to the user. The Serpent Sect had specialized implant doctors and cultivation rooms for personalized implants.
Unfortunately, most of his original implants had been destroyed by He Xiaoxing, particularly his offensive limbs. This forced him to switch to a new set.
This time, he opted for an upgraded version, but due to compatibility issues, his custom set was still in cultivation, so he was temporarily using a universal implant as a stopgap measure.
While the universal implant performed well in the short term, after prolonged combat, it began to feel sluggish.
Perhaps taking the drug now could overcome this, but even if he had it on him, he couldn't afford to make that move in the heat of battle.
Both men were in the midst of an intense exchange, acutely sensitive to every subtle movement. The moment Tan Wang's rhythm faltered, Chen Chuan immediately sensed the change, recognizing the loss of his opponent's initial fluidity.
This could only mean one thing—his opponent's state was deteriorating!
Chen Chuan realized that if he had noticed this, Tan Wang must be aware of it too, and would likely attempt to recover or break free.
The shift might come soon, perhaps in the very next moment.
He heightened his focus.
Tan Wang, however, didn't immediately change his approach. His rich combat experience taught him patience, and he chose to wait, hoping his opponent would grow impatient and reveal an opening.
But against an opponent who showed no signs of haste or recklessness, Tan Wang's patience was tested. Unable to wait any longer, he decided to make the first move.
As his arm blocked another slashing strike, he attempted to deflect the blade as he had before, using the writhing of his muscles and the hardness of his scales. But this time, something new happened.
In the instant his arm made contact with the blade, veins bulged, and his skin suddenly tore open, revealing snake-like limbs that wrapped around the blade, entangling it firmly.
Chen Chuan's expression shifted upon seeing this, but instead of trying to wrest control, he released the sword and stepped forward, closing the distance. He unleashed a barrage of attacks towards Tan Wang, who countered with a single hand.
Despite Chen Chuan's impressive strength, even slightly surpassing Tan Wang's, his highly flexible mutated muscles easily dispersed the impact of the punches and kicks, minimizing the threat. The key was to control the sword, which would make the fight much easier.
Realizing his attacks were ineffective, Chen Chuan swiftly changed tactics. After his punch towards Tan Wang's face was blocked, he transformed his fist into a palm and grabbed Tan Wang's wrist, pulling it towards him. Tan Wang felt a surge of energy penetrate his arm, causing his muscles to tense and his fingers to snap open.
In that moment, Chen Chuan's left hand dropped, and he seized the middle of the sword blade, twisting his waist and pulling it towards him while his right palm shot towards Tan Wang's face.
Tan Wang felt the sword, which he had entangled, being pulled away. Naturally, he didn't release his grip, and as Chen Chuan's palm approached at high speed, almost touching his face, he sensed danger. Tan Wang tilted his head back, his neck muscles writhing as if elongating, his entire head folding back onto his shoulders, narrowly avoiding the strike. He immediately countered with a block, deflecting Chen Chuan's palm.
A faint smile crept onto his face, visible to anyone standing behind him.
He was no longer in a rush. As soon as Chen Chuan's offensive ended, he would immediately employ the Serpent Sect's Serpent Grappling Technique, utilizing the high flexibility of his limbs and modified joints to grapple his opponent. Once he had a hold, unless his opponent possessed significantly greater strength, they would be entangled to their death.
Chen Chuan sensed that this grappling style was highly unfavorable for him. In his unarmed state, he lacked sufficient killing intent against Tan Wang.
As long as Tan Wang endured this intense pressure, he would undoubtedly counter with his experienced close-quarters combat skills. Chen Chuan would be forced into a passive position, unable to dictate the battle's course.
Instead of charging headlong, Chen Chuan swiftly adapted. He raised his knee, pushing off the ground with his foot. When Tan Wang blocked his move, Chen Chuan used the momentum to retreat, his body slightly lowered, hands reaching down, grasping the hilt of his blade. As his feet moved, his waist turned, and with a swift twist of his wrist, he executed a horizontal slash, following Tan Wang's evasive direction.
With each layer of altered tissue pushing him, the force was immense, causing the muddy ground beneath his feet to sink.
Tan Wang felt a surge of powerful energy transmitted to him, and his expression changed slightly. If he didn't release the blade, he might be lifted off the ground. Even if he managed to stay in place, the universal serpent limbs would likely be severed in the struggle.
Realizing he couldn't hold onto the blade, Tan Wang abandoned it, releasing the serpent limb. He spun in place, his body coiling like a snake, then lunged forward. With a sudden pounce, he reached Chen Chuan's proximity, arms spread wide, ready to grapple his waist and legs.
Chen Chuan raised his hands, creating an opening. There was no time to block, and if he managed to grapple and hold Chen Chuan, he could still achieve his initial goal.
Unexpectedly, Chen Chuan had more strength than anticipated. He swiftly retreated a step, his wrist flicked back, and his body lowered, aiming the slender blade downward for a precise stab. Tan Wang narrowed his eyes, sidestepping to avoid the strike. Chen Chuan's waist turned, and as his wrist rotated, following Tan Wang's evasive movement, he executed a horizontal slash.
In a flash, Tan Wang flipped sideways, evading the attack.
Chen Chuan deflected the long blade with one hand, forcing Tan Wang to retreat. He slowly retracted the blade, holding it firmly grasped with both hands, the tip pointing at his opponent.
Tan Wang's face turned slightly sour, realizing they were back to the previous rhythm. It seemed he had no choice but to resort to a method he'd rather avoid.
By stimulating his altered tissue through specific breathing techniques, he could temporarily enhance his combat prowess. However, while he could endure it, the universal implants might not.
Even without this approach, the implants wouldn't last much longer. Moreover, he believed he had already grasped Chen Chuan's limits. A slight boost in combat power would be sufficient to end the fight. With this thought, he opened his hands, and his body's energy valve suddenly opened.
Chen Chuan noticed Tan Wang's back and chest rapidly rising and falling, his eyes becoming bloodshot. He immediately understood that Tan Wang was stimulating his altered tissue.
This must be his final killing move. It was about time.
Chen Chuan took a deep breath, activating the Forge Breathing Technique. In an instant, all the energy accumulated over the past month was released through the synergy of internal and external breathing, channeled from the altered tissue into his limbs and bones.
His body instantly became scorching hot, emitting a vast amount of white Qi that mingled with the rain, swirling upwards in the wind.
Chen Chuan slightly lowered his center of gravity, then surged forward. A blade of light pierced through the rain!
Tan Wang was startled, as Chen Chuan's speed had increased even more since the previous clash. He could barely see clearly, relying on his senses to dodge and create distance.
However, the blade of light pursued him like rolling snow, forcing him to block with his arm. In that moment of contact, he felt a sudden lightness in a part of his body. His pupils constricted, and his body rapidly retreated backward.
Chen Chuan remained in place, not pursuing. He shook the blade, and a "pat" sound followed as an arm fell from the sky.
In that last slash, Chen Chuan combined the Forge Breathing Technique with a heavy blade technique he had never used before. The powerful energy, channeled into the Xuejun Blade, caused it to vibrate slightly.
Tan Wang's breathing became rapid, and his wound quickly closed due to the writhing muscles. However, losing an arm significantly reduced his combat ability and affected his balance. The implants, strained from the recent intense exertion, became increasingly incompatible.
A bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the world as bright as day. In the blurry vision, Chen Chuan, holding the blade, took a step forward. His entire body seemed enveloped in swirling white Qi, his face obscured. Countless raindrops struck the blade, shattering into tiny droplets.
At that moment, the thought of fleeing crossed Tan Wang's mind. The figure before him vanished again, and he hastily retreated, but his loss of balance and diminishing strength hindered his speed.
A "zing" sound echoed as a massive gash was sliced across his chest and abdomen. He stumbled upon landing, then bent over, and a gush of blood and tissue sprayed onto the ground.
He pushed himself up, clutching his stomach, and struggled to stand. Stumbling, he ran away.
Chen Chuan thrust the Xuejun Blade into the ground and strode forward. He grabbed Tan Wang by the collar, pulling him backward, forcing his face upward. Chen Chuan clenched his fist and slowly raised it, saying, "Teacher Tan, do you remember when you asked me if I'd be willing to follow you to Central City as a servant..."
The raised fist suddenly descended, smashing into Tan Wang's face, sending several teeth and blood flying.
"This is my answer!"
Tan Wang laughed, seemingly mocking something.
Chen Chuan's fist struck again, punch after punch, shattering Tan Wang's facial bones and teeth into a bloody mess. Only when Tan Wang lost consciousness did Chen Chuan release him, letting him fall into a puddle of mud mixed with rainwater.
Chen Chuan stood there, slowly calming his body as he exhaled a wisp of white Qi. He looked up at the sky, sensing the rain gradually weakening. The storm was almost over.
...
(End of Chapter)
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