At the moment the flying swords rose around Liang Tian, a crushing wave of pressure swept over Rayan, as if the very air had turned into a weapon tightening around him from all sides. This wasn't just a display of power—it was a clear declaration that his opponent was no ordinary enemy.
"Show me if you're worthy of the Heavenly Sect's legacy!"
As his words ended, the flying swords shot forth at incredible speed, leaving behind sharp lines of light that sliced through the air with a terrifying sound. Rayan moved swiftly, using the Phantom Wind Step technique he had obtained from the system. His body became a pale blur, narrowly dodging the swords before spinning around and launching a quick strike at his opponent with his sword.
But Liang Tian was no ordinary opponent.
At the very moment Rayan attacked, the heavenly elder vanished like smoke, reappearing behind him in the blink of an eye.
"Too slow!"
Before Rayan could react, Liang Tian's palm struck his back like a hammer, sending him flying across the heavenly hall at terrifying speed. He crashed into a barrier of energy with such force that he coughed up blood, pain shooting through his body. The ground beneath him cracked, and the entire hall trembled from the impact. His ribs felt like they were about to break—but the pain wasn't what frightened him. It was his opponent's terrifying speed.
"This is bad… He's way faster than me!"
But before he could worry further, a new notification appeared in front of him:
🔹 [Analyzing battle...] 🔹 [Liang Tian's technique detected: Heavenly Wind Sword] 🔹 [Tactical adaptation option unlocked!]
Rayan struggled to his feet, wiping the blood from his lips. But instead of anger, a sharp grin appeared on his face.
"So the system can analyze his techniques too..."
Gathering his strength, he focused all his energy into his sword, making it glow with a deep blue light. Then, using the Phantom Wind Step again, he vanished suddenly from his spot, and three identical images of him appeared, moving rapidly around the heavenly elder, leaving behind confusing trails of light.
Liang Tian narrowed his eyes. "Cheap trick!"
In a flash, he unleashed his flying swords again—but this time, Rayan was ready.
"Now!"
Just as the swords rushed toward him, the system issued a new warning:
🔹 [New skill activated: Heavenly Wind Manipulation!]
A powerful storm burst around Rayan, deflecting the incoming swords and allowing him to charge straight toward his opponent. In a flash, he spun through the air and unleashed a sword strike glowing with radiant energy, slicing through space itself and releasing a destructive blue wave toward Liang Tian.
But what happened next was unexpected.
Before the strike could hit, Liang Tian raised two fingers. In an instant, the sword in his hand vanished, replaced by a pure energy aura—like a compressed sun within his palm.
"Void Blade Technique..."
Rayan's eyes widened, but there was no time for awe.
With a flick of his fingers, a terrifying wave of energy exploded from his body, making the entire place shake violently. It was like a miniature star had just gone supernova! Parts of the hall shattered from the immense pressure, and the air itself seemed on the verge of ripping apart.
"Damn it!"
Rayan barely managed to block the strike, but he was forced to retreat. His hand trembled from the force of the collision, and his heart pounded wildly. Everything in his body screamed in pain—but he refused to give in.
"Even when restrained to my level… his power is unnatural!"
But instead of despair, excitement began to burn in his eyes. This was the kind of fight he lived for—the kind where the line between life and death was razor-thin!
He took a deep breath and felt the celestial energy flow through his body, fueling his muscles and spirit with renewed vitality.
Then, a new notification appeared:
🔹 [Void Blade Technique analyzed: 40%...] 🔹 [Continue fighting to complete the analysis!]
Rayan laughed, despite the blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "So I can steal your techniques while fighting? Good… let's keep going!"
But before he could attack again, Liang Tian slowly raised his hand. Suddenly, his eyes opened wide, and a golden gleam appeared within them.
"Think you're the only one who can adapt? Let me show you what a real expert's battle looks like!"
In an instant, his body shot forward, leaving a fading shadow behind him—and reappeared in front of Rayan at an incomprehensible speed!
"What?!"
Before Rayan could lift his sword, he felt Liang Tian's palm nearing his chest. But this time, it wasn't just an ordinary strike—it was charged with terrifying energy, as if it could tear through mountains!
In that moment, Rayan's mind raced. He knew this blow would kill him if he didn't find a way to counter it.
"I can't just rely on the system… I need to think differently!"
He realized Liang Tian's style wasn't about direct attacks—but overwhelming compressed energy! If he could exploit that… maybe he had a chance!
A grim warning flashed before him:
🔴 [Warning: Lethal strike incoming! Survival chance: 15%!]
Rayan felt it in his bones—this strike… he couldn't block it easily!
But… can he survive it?
—End of Chapter—
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