Chapter 86: Defeated Foes, Part 1
Chapter 86: Defeated Foes, Part 1 (Support New Serializations, Vote for Monthly Picks)
Lin Qi's arms bulged with power, veins protruding like steel cables as adrenaline surged through his body. His eyes blazed with intensity as he gripped his long spear, vibrating the shaft at incredible speed to unleash his ultimate technique.
"Starry Skies Pierced!"
The battlefield erupted in a storm of motion. Two blurs clashed in midair, their spears weaving a dense net of afterimages.
Faster! Faster!
Yu Jing drove forward like a madman, his face contorted with obsession. More strikes mean victory! he thought, his spear a silver whirlwind.
"Clang! Clang!"
In the chaos, only one true strike mattered - the decisive blow hidden within countless illusions. Both warriors relied on instinct to strike at the perfect moment.
Yu Jing locked eyes on his target. Amidst the storm of spear tips, he lunged for Lin Qi's throat.
Then - Lin Qi shifted. His body tilted effortlessly to the right.
Yu Jing's pupils contracted in horror.
No!!
Lin Qi's spear arm exploded into motion, his black long spear shooting forward like a viper. The weapon tore through space, cleaving the air with a shrill whine.
Yu Jing watched helplessly as steel pierced his neck.
"Guuh!" Blood sprayed. His limbs went numb, the spear slipping from his grasp as he collapsed to his knees. Words died in his bloody throat, his body dissolving into nothingness.
[Swift Hawk, you have died.]
Back in his private space, Yu Jing clutched his throat, eyes hollow and unfocused.
"How... was it luck?" He spat blood. "I lost so completely!"
They'd used the same Dripping Water Spear Art, yet Lin Qi's technique hadn't seemed superior. That final dodge and counter - how?
Why does everyone target me? Yu Jing gnashed his teeth.
...
[Yang Jian, victory achieved!]
[Proficiency Points +3]
Lin Qi stared at his status panel, face unreadable. Beating Yu Jing meant nothing. Once an idol, now just another fallen rival. More would follow.
He studied his long spear. The Dripping Water technique felt surprisingly natural. Mastering its third killing move alongside Rock Solid's techniques would give him three distinct ultimate attacks - enough to challenge even top experts.
...
Five hours later...
"Got you!" The spear flashed, piercing a beautiful opponent's chest. Blood arced across the arena.
[Combat Proficiency Upgraded: Spear Techniques +1%]
[Physical Training Upgraded: Body Techniques +1%]
[Spear Techniques: Second Stage 13% → 14%]
[Body Techniques: Second Stage 2% → 3%]
Back in his chamber, Lin Qi exhaled slowly as notifications updated.
800 points breached, opponents strengthened. Multiple losses evened his 93% win rate. Moon Rank qualification loomed as a brutal trial.
Disengaging the Neural Pod left him reeling - three sleepless nights felt less draining.
"Brother Qi, take an energy shot", Qiu Siying offered, holding out a revitalizing elixir.
Declining, Lin Qi produced his own. Siying huffed, eyes lingering. The elixir's coolness eased his exhaustion.
"Still grinding winter break?" Jiang Tao ambled in, sipping tea. "Five-hour sessions nonstop?"
Lin Qi took a swig. "Moon Rank won't wait."
Wu Feng nodded grimly. "Three hours, multiple losses. Social martial artists are brutal. I couldn't beat one." Lü Xiang and Guo Heng exchanged worried glances.
After chatting, they dispersed. Back at his training hall...
"Xiaochan, order two nutritional meals."
"Affirmative, Master." The blue-clad projection summoned a screen, placing the order through the Crimson Vault app.
Minutes later, a cylindrical drone delivered their meals. Lin Qi tore into the generous portions.
"Employee meals outclass academy portions. Four school meals equal two here."
Post-meal stretching revived him. Training stance first - winter break offered twenty uninterrupted days.
A ping interrupted his focus.
[Icbc Account *7: Income of 2,000,000 Xia Kingdom Yuan received. Balance: 30,885,000 Yuan.]
The A-Rank contract payment? Faster than expected - signed that morning, funds already cleared.
This sum covered his mother Fang Huiyi's surgery. Post-operation, finances would tighten. Stamina elixirs, meals, training - all drained resources. The upcoming Hao Yue Festival's 3,000,000 Yuan prize became crucial.
Lin Qi expelled stale air, welcomed the familiar burn of circulating vital energy. Habit now.
Back into training, body alight with martial intent.
......(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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