Chapter 388: Breaking Through the Force
Chapter 388: Breaking Through the Force
As Chen Chuan's blade descended, he felt as if he had struck a highly resilient and solid object.
Looking at the scales on his body, his gaze intensified.
He had read the Serpent Sect's documents on kinetic energy, which mentioned that when the Mystic Snake Technique was practiced to an extreme level, fighters could cause altered organisms to surface, forming sturdy scales that made it difficult for sharp blades to penetrate.
However, Xu Xianwen clearly hadn't reached that level, as evidenced by the wound he had inflicted earlier. But now, it seemed like he had somehow entered that state.
His assumption was correct; Xu Xianwen had released the accumulated medicinal power within his body all at once, triggering a pre-prepared ritual. This allowed his kinetic energy to surge to a higher level temporarily, during which his sturdy scales could withstand the sharpest of blades.
After blocking the saber, Xu Xianwen dispersed the incoming force and twisted his arms, attempting to grasp the blade.
This was because even though he could withstand the slashing, the length of the weapon still dictated that only Chen Chuan could strike him, while he couldn't reach Chen Chuan. This put him at a disadvantage, so securing the weapon was his top priority.
Chen Chuan didn't give him that chance and swiftly withdrew his saber for another strike.
Xu Xianwen didn't give up either. With a ferocious expression, he aggressively surged into the saber's path, and each time he blocked the saber, his muscles trembled, forcing the blade to shake off.
Chen Chuan now felt the difference in his opponent's kinetic energy compared to before. Each time the saber slashed his body or arm muscles, it seemed to have a slippery force that was difficult to fully withstand.
Moreover, a trembling force was transmitted back to him, which, if not endured by the second self, would disrupt the seamless connection of his saber technique, requiring readjustment after each move.
Xu Xianwen kept searching for an opportunity to get closer, his arms moving like snakes, probing and attempting to engage Chen Chuan in close combat.
After blocking several moves, Chen Chuan felt that his opponent had indeed become more challenging after the kinetic energy boost. However, without a weapon, his opponent still needed to get close to pose a threat, so Chen Chuan immediately made the necessary adjustments.
He consciously increased his speed and expanded his movement space, creating distance before using his body's momentum to drive the power of the saber for slashing.
With this strategy, Xu Xianwen suddenly found himself at a disadvantage.
The kinetic energy boost hadn't made his speed surpass Chen Chuan's, so while he had desperately tried to enter the inner circle earlier, he now found himself in an awkward situation of being unable to catch up.
Each of Chen Chuan's rapid slashes, delivered through quick movements, were powerful and heavy. Although Xu Xianwen could withstand them, he was forced to retreat backward or sideways after each strike.
Under such impactful attacks, he couldn't organize an effective offense, so he had to abandon the idea of getting close to Chen Chuan for the moment. Instead, he focused on quick movements and dodges, looking for an opportunity.
The two of them chased and collided by the lakeside, like two magnets attracting each other. After separating, they would quickly approach again, and each collision would create a loud noise, startling the birds nearby. The area where they fought was left with a series of pits from the force of their steps.
After several minutes of this intense exchange, Xu Xianwen began to feel overwhelmed.
While his scales could block ordinary slashes, engaging in hand-to-hand combat was extremely disadvantageous. Each time, he had to expend more stamina and kinetic energy to dissipate the power of the saber.
After a while, the heightened emotions caused by the rapid growth of the altered organism began to subside, and his mind gradually regained its calmness.
He realized that even with his heightened kinetic energy, he couldn't make up for the loss of his weapon, and this space was also unfavorable for his performance, instead facilitating Chen Chuan's saber technique.
So, after blocking another slash, he used the force to retreat and turned to run again. This time, he headed straight for the lake."
Chen Chuan wasn't about to let him escape so easily. He swung his saber and leaped into the water, instantly adjusting his internal breathing. With a slight flick of his limbs, he created a trail of water, swiftly pursuing Xu Xianwen along the path he had left behind.
Initially, Xu Xianwen wasn't too concerned about Chen Chuan's pursuit, as a member of the Serpent Sect, he was an excellent swimmer. But after swimming for a few miles, he was surprised to find that Chen Chuan was catching up, just like on land.
As his gaze turned fierce, he swiftly spun and circled around Chen Chuan, positioning himself to the left. With a surge of momentum, he unleashed a powerful punch.
At this moment, not only could he move freely underwater for extended periods, but his kinetic energy was even more potent in this environment.
Chen Chuan didn't dodge; instead, he crossed his left hand with the knife, clenched his fist, and sidestepped, meeting the incoming punch head-on! In an instant, their fists collided.
It was like the underwater clash between the martial artists from the Wild Plains and the Implanted Sect, the immense destructive force of their blows was absorbed by their own bodies.
Xu Xianwen's muscles and scales rippled, causing the surrounding water to ripple outwards. Chen Chuan's second self appeared to dissipate, and the spot where their fists met erupted with a shockwave of water.
Both men were pushed back by the force, but they quickly dug their legs into the water, spinning rapidly with the current before surging forward again, colliding with even greater force! This time, the impact was more intense, and the resulting shockwaves killed some small aquatic creatures nearby.
They didn't stop; instead, they continued to clash, repeatedly testing each other's strength. Each time, they gathered all their kinetic energy and unleashed it upon their opponent.
Inevitably, the battle entered a stage of attrition, testing their endurance and willpower.
This was unavoidable because Chen Chuan's superior speed ensured that Xu Xianwen would always be caught. To escape unscathed, Xu Xianwen had to defeat Chen Chuan first.
Xu Xianwen had already reached his maximum capacity underwater, and he had to endure.
Chen Chuan, on the other hand, had no reason to retreat. With his second self, he could transfer damage, unafraid of injury or prolonged battles. He was ready to keep fighting.
After colliding with Chen Chuan ten more times, Xu Xianwen felt his altered body tiring. The constant exertion of all his strength in these clashes was exhausting.
Moreover, the ritual-enhanced kinetic energy in his body was fading, but with the battle momentum, he couldn't stop.
Desperately, he couldn't think of a better strategy, so he gritted his teeth and persisted, hoping Chen Chuan would succumb first.
He continuously drew essence blood from his heart to replenish his stamina and maintain the high-energy consumption of his kinetic energy.
After countless clashes, they charged at each other once more. This time, Xu Xianwen felt a sense of emptiness as he summoned his kinetic energy, and when their fists collided, his bones shattered audibly, spreading from his arm to his torso. His flesh and scales exploded, spraying blood everywhere.
He didn't retreat; instead, he endured the massive impact and charged towards Chen Chuan with a hideous expression.
If he could get close, he might still have a chance to turn the tide with the Mystic Snake Technique's capture move.
Chen Chuan, seeing his approach, flashed a determined look. He didn't back down; instead, he spun in place, using the momentum to whip out the Snow Lady Saber like a lash! Due to his kinetic energy, a shockwave even formed along the cutting edge!
Xu Xianwen, startled, tried to dodge, but he was still grazed, and a spray of blood gushed out, carried away by the current. The gash extended to his chest, nearly severing his shoulder.
This strike ended any chance of retaliation.
Knowing he couldn't escape, Xu Xianwen didn't retreat. Instead, he seized the moment when the blade passed to lunge forward, hoping to grasp at a slim chance. But as he moved, a punch struck his face, knocking him into a daze, and his body went limp.
In his hazy consciousness, he suddenly felt a hand reaching for his head. With a jolt, he realized the danger and unleashed his kinetic energy to push the hand away.
Chen Chuan, seeing this, sheathed the Snow Lady Saber at his waist and grabbed Xu Xianwen's hair with one hand while drawing a short knife with the other. He thrust it into Xu Xianwen's throat, piercing it clean through! Xu Xianwen's eyes widened in shock, and he mustered a final burst of strength to grab Chen Chuan's arm, struggling.
But although Chen Chuan had removed Xu Xianwen's protective mask, his combat suit remained, and the ritual within immediately began absorbing Xu Xianwen's life force and blood.
In just a moment, Xu Xianwen's hand went limp.
Chen Chuan casually brushed aside Xu Xianwen's hand, grabbed his hair, and withdrew the knife. He then gently circled the blade around Xu Xianwen's neck before pulling, beheading him. The headless body finally stopped struggling, its limbs floating lifelessly in the water.
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(End of Chapter)
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