Li Tianyuan stood still, his spear planted firmly into the ground.
Blood dripped steadily from the torn stump where his right leg had just been.
He leaned on the weapon for balance—face calm, devoid of emotion remained calm—expressionless—as he stared at the lizard before him.
Across from him not far away, Lizarius sank its fangs into the severed limb, tearing off a piece of flesh and devouring it with a sickening crunch.
Its golden eyes glowed, locked onto Tianyuan's.
Flashback—moments earlier:
A rain of golden scales tore through the air, shimmering like daggers.
Tianyuan put front his pan to block the assault, deflecting the flurry with the pan.
But Lizarius, the lizard, watched closely—his glowing gaze sharp, predatory.
He noticed it.
The pan only guarded the front.
Tianyuan's back was wide open.
In that instant, Lizarius launched a devastating strike—swift, brutal, and precise.
A single blow.
His leg was gone.
Back to the present:
Lizarius licked blood from its jaw, staring with unblinking eyes.
"As I thought," Lizarius mused. If I'd gone for the kill, it would've blocked. So I aimed lower... took It's leg instead. Take away the movement."
It bit down again, fangs tearing another strip from the severed limb.
Li Tianyuan's gaze sharpened.
"I said I wouldn't underestimate it… yet here I am—bleeding like a fool."
He exhaled slowly, breath steady.
"I was arrogant. I thought that just because my cultivation was higher, I had the right to judge its strength. Turns out... I was wrong.
Blood dripped from his leg, splattering onto the earth. The ground trembled slightly.
"Looks like it took ripping my leg off to finally wake me up."
Suddenly—his spiritual energy surged.
The Winds howled spiraling around him. The air distorted, vibrating with power.
No more arrogance.
With his left hand, he reached into a small pouch at his waist and pulled out a glowing talisman. Green runes pulsed faintly across its surface.
Lizarius narrowed his eyes, watching carefully.
Hmph.
"Talisman"
"Is it another defensive talisment.
> System Notification:
Incorrect.
Item: It Is An High-Tier Mortal Grade Wind Movement Talisman
Description:
This talisman has no defensive properties.
It allows the user to move at twice their normal speed for the duration of ten breaths.
Ideal for evasion, pursuit, or retreat.
Single-use.
Consumes upon activation.
Tianyuan pressed the talisman to his chest and poured spiritual energy into it. It burned away in an instant.
His hand moved to the floating pan beside him—grabbing it tightly.
"I'm done holding back," he said, voice low and firm.
He tightened his grip on the spear.
"Now I'll truly fight... because now, my life's on the line."
Their eyes met again.
The lizard licked the blood from its maw. Sparks of lightning raced across its scales.
A single drop of blood fell from Tianyuan's
severed leg.
And before it touched the ground—
Both of them vanished.
Appearing before each other in an instant, Li Tianyuan thrust his spear tore through the wind, aiming straight for Lizarius.
The lizard like lightning dodged, lunging forward—jaws wide open.
Fangs flashed.
CLANG!
But Li Tianyuan was faster. With a sharp twist, he raised his pan just in time, blocking the lizard's snapping maw.
Sparks flew from the clash. Gritting his teeth, he gripped the pan tightly, pivoted, and swung with all his might—sending Lizarius flying back.