Chapter 491: Demonstration
Chapter 491: Demonstration
With a crisp clanging sound, Xue Jun's sword was fully unsheathed, its blade glinting with a chilling radiance beneath the cold sky.
Chen Chuan rotated his longsword and strode forward with steady steps.
Compared to two months ago, he had made noticeable progress, not only starting his spiritual power cultivation but also significantly improving his physical foundation, which was crucial.
Furthermore, during these days at the academy, he could practice with Hong Fu, allowing the power accumulated within his body to perfectly merge with his own.
Moreover, through constant sparring with strong opponents, his resonance with the Second Self had deepened, gradually approaching the Third Limit.
At this moment, he was seeking a sufficiently powerful opponent, and this Devoted Samurai seemed to be a perfect match.
As he approached, the Devoted Samurai leaped down from above, and despite his full armor, he landed without making much noise, absorbing the impact with a slight dip.
Chen Chuan noticed the clear wear and tear on the Samurai's armor and the marks of weapon clashes, all meticulously simulated.
However, he surmised that these simulations might not be as versatile as Hong Fu's, who could freely execute various martial arts techniques, and were possibly reconstructed based on Chen Bitong's memories and experiences.
The Devoted Samurai's bloodshot eyes fixed on him, and he thrust his long spear into the ground, drawing the longsword by his side. With the clanking of armor plates, he strode towards Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan met him head-on, but before they got close, the Samurai suddenly flickered, appearing at his side in the blink of an eye, his longsword already swinging towards him. The speed didn't seem exceptionally fast, but it was seamless and left no openings, giving a sense of unavoidable attack.
Yet, Chen Chuan didn't need to dodge.
He countered with a swift slash, and the Samurai could have changed his move, but through observing Chen Chuan, he was confident in his strength, so he not only maintained his sword stance but also accelerated his speed.
Chen Chuan's eyes deepened, and as the two swords clashed, the Second Self instantly merged with him, channeling a powerful force onto the blade, forcing the Samurai's sword upward.
The Devoted Samurai intended to suppress Chen Chuan's strength completely, but he misjudged the force on Chen Chuan's sword, leading to a mistake that disrupted all his prepared moves.
Sensing the discrepancy, the Samurai immediately tried to adjust for Chen Chuan's possible next move, but despite his quick actions, there was a brief disconnection from his original sequence, creating an opening.
This gap was a clear weakness against an equally skilled opponent.
Chen Chuan intentionally exploited this opening to change the situation, so he wouldn't give the Samurai a chance to recover. At that moment, he slashed horizontally, quickly closing in.
The Devoted Samurai suddenly raised his elbow, using the armor on his arm to block. Even if his entire arm was severed, he could still use this opportunity to delay for an instant.
In that brief moment, he could adjust and also buy time for the Alienated Organization on his arm to fully transform, and once the transformation was complete, his strength would surge, giving him an overwhelming advantage over Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan clearly understood the Samurai's actions and intentions. At this point, if he didn't strike the Samurai's arm and instead chose to change his move, he would give the Samurai an opportunity, which didn't align with his initial intent. The advantage he had gained at the start wouldn't achieve the desired outcome, so he flashed his eyes, maintaining his original sword stance.
However, when this slash landed on the Samurai's raised arm, it didn't have the expected cutting effect. Instead, a powerful force surged forward, pushing the Samurai back.
As their forces clashed, the Devoted Samurai involuntarily leaned backward.
He instantly realized the predicament. Earlier, when his sword was thrust back, he left himself wide open, and if he didn't want to be killed by a single slash, his only option was to block with his hand. To ensure the block could delay the sword, the Alienated Organization on his arm was fully tensed, and his strength and some essence blood were channeled there.
Chen Chuan exploited this, causing the Samurai's center of gravity to shift momentarily. The Samurai knew he was completely at a disadvantage, and his only chance was to complete the transformation promptly.
But Chen Chuan didn't give him that chance. By seizing the initiative and not changing his move, he was destined to be a step ahead in rhythm. At that moment, the third slash came like a lightning bolt, and the Samurai's head flew off.
The sword continued its trajectory, swinging back to sever the Samurai's waist, instantly dividing him into three segments on the ground.
Chen Chuan spun his longsword in his hand, quickly stepping forward a few paces, and stomped on the head, cracking it with a crisp sound, bursting the brain and its Activated Brain Tissue.
This time, Chen Chuan only needed three slashes to kill a formidable opponent, possibly even stronger than an Iron Demon. The entire process was swift and decisive, without any unnecessary delays.
The difference wasn't just due to his progress over the past two months but also to the Samurai's misjudgment due to the Second Self, and from the start, the Samurai was at a disadvantage after losing the first exchange.
The battle between experts is often decided by a single misjudgment, which can lead to vastly different outcomes.
The devoted samurai's transformation was far from complete, and the power he displayed was even inferior to the strength exhibited by the Iron Demon in its final stage.
Chen Bitong, who had witnessed the entire process, commented, "Not bad."
Chen Chuan returned and asked, "Mr. Chen, how long did it take for you to deal with this person back then?"
Chen Bitong replied, "That was ten years ago. I hadn't reached my current level then, and I recall it took me half an hour. Judging by my past self, it seems I underestimated Captain Chen."
He looked ahead, walked forward, and took out a small oil can from his pocket, pouring its contents onto the devoted samurai's body. He then produced a lighter and set the samurai's body ablaze, engulfing it in raging flames.
"People like this have a high potential for activation in their bodies, aside from their heads. It's best to dispose of the body with fire oil; it's the simplest way."
He gestured to the small box in his hand, "You can get this type of oil can from the Supply Department; it's meant for starting fires in the wilderness. One can last for several days. Bring one with you on future missions; it's convenient for disposal."
Chen Chuan nodded; such small knowledge was useful. He would be leading a team in the fusion territory, and understanding these details was essential for supporting his teammates.
Chen Bitong added, "Captain Chen, do you think you could have killed him in an even shorter time if you had improved your methods?"
Chen Chuan pondered. If he could unleash all his power in an instant, perhaps, but if he started with the Furnace Breathing Technique, he would lose his stealth.
The opponent might also activate and transform immediately, so it was hard to say.
He candidly admitted, "I can't be sure."
In the 1619 book, there's no mistake!
Chen Bitong explained, "You showed weakness to lure the enemy, and then struck before their transformation was complete. That was the right approach.
But it's a one-time strategy. The remnants of the old imperial family have well-developed information channels, and there are insiders within our ranks. Once they confirm your danger, similar opponents will undergo transformation upon encountering you.
After you killed the Iron Demon, they won't give you another chance when they confirm it's you next time. However, there's still a way."
Chen Chuan immediately asked for guidance, "Please, Mr. Chen, show me."
Chen Bitong said, "First, understand that the entity inhabiting these people has its own consciousness. Under the old imperial family's technology, it usually remains dormant, with the devoted samurai's will taking the lead.
But during activation and transformation, the inhabitant takes control. Although they are symbionts, during transformation, both consciousnesses communicate and hand over control. However, this psychic transition has a gap, even if the fusion is perfect; some time is needed for adjustment.
This gap is our opportunity.
We only need to clash psychically, just a momentary restraint, to create a disconnect between their body and spirit. It doesn't require elaborate psychic techniques or overwhelming the opponent; a small collision is enough, but timing is crucial.
Watch."
He tapped his Interdimensional Eroding Worm, and another devoted samurai appeared, identical to the previous one. Chen Bitong approached, casually pulling out the long spear the samurai had planted in the ground.
Perhaps due to his overwhelming presence, the new devoted samurai almost instantly initiated self-transformation. Alienated tissue emerged from its body, filling the gaps in the armor.
Chen Bitong waited for the transformation to complete before stepping forward. At the right distance, he raised his hand and thrust his spear.
The devoted samurai lifted its spear to block, but something seemed off, making its movement slightly slower. It tried to dodge by shifting its body.
Chen Bitong, as if anticipating the move, twisted the spearhead, stabbing it into the samurai's face. The force followed, and the head exploded inside the helmet.
After killing the devoted samurai with a single spear thrust, Chen Bitong showed no sign of stopping. He looked to the side, where another identical devoted samurai emerged.
He waited for its transformation, then approached and thrust his spear again.
It was the same motion as before, but the devoted samurai couldn't resist. With a hiss, the spear easily pierced through the faceguard, and as the sound of bursting flesh filled the air, the helmet rolled to the ground, leaving a trail of shattered flesh and bones.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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