"Boom!"
Another explosion.
Uzui Tengen's Nichirin Blade must have been a special ninja tool passed down in his family. It was filled with a specialized gunpowder in the blade itself, which then flowed into the tiny gap between the blade and the handle. When the blade rubbed, it would produce an explosion and a thunderous roar.
Moreover, some metallic compounds were added to this gunpowder, creating colorful lights when it exploded. This not only suited Uzui Tengen's flamboyant personality but also helped obscure his opponent's vision and hearing in conjunction with the explosions.
"Separation Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Separation Whirlwind!"
In an instant, dust swirled, and fine lightning merged with a whirlwind, emanating from the spinning Nichirin Blade. It transformed into a blue vortex that enveloped Uzui Tengen.
The principle behind this technique was very similar to the First Form of Wind Breathing, Violent Wind Slash; the Flourishing Flame Whirlwind of Flame Breathing; and Dead Calm of Water Breathing. All of them originated from Sun Breathing's Scorching Bone Flame Sun, making them techniques that excelled in both offense and defense.
However, Qingshui's technique, while possessing decent defensive capabilities, was more offensively oriented.
The forward-moving plasma vortex was powerful enough to easily twist steel into high-temperature pretzels.
"Clang!"
The chains at the tails of the golden Nichirin twin blades hooked together in front of Uzui Tengen. Using inertia, he rapidly slashed repeatedly.
"Sound Breathing, Fourth Form: Constant Resounding Slashes!"
In that instant, it was as if a rock concert had begun. With the sound and light effects accompanying the two Breathing Styles, it looked less like a battle and more like a stage light show.
The fight continued, and in the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged dozens of blows.
"Sound Breathing, First Form: Roar!"
"Separation Breathing, Fourth Form: Separation Rain Fall!"
"Separation Breathing, Second Form: Separation Flow Dance!"
Facing Qingshui's fierce assault, Uzui Tengen had to change tactics again to regain the upper hand. He forcefully unleashed a full-power attack, breaking through Qingshui's technique, and quickly retreated.
Qingshui, on the other hand, switched to the Fourth Form, unleashing high-temperature ionized wind blades that rained down on Uzui Tengen. Then he switched to the Second Form, lunging towards Uzui Tengen.
However, to Qingshui's surprise, Uzui Tengen seemed to have anticipated his moves. After dodging and deflecting the high-temperature ionized wind blades, he almost simultaneously countered. He turned forward, gripping his golden Nichirin twin blades in a reverse grip, crossing his arms, and using the connecting chain to trap Qingshui's Nichirin Blade.
In terms of base stats like strength and physical prowess, Uzui Tengen was one of the top Hashira of this generation.
"Heh heh, Score complete!"
Uzui Tengen grinned, revealing his white teeth.
Qingshui frowned, sidestepping and delivering a right roundhouse kick towards Uzui Tengen's chest. At the same time, he twisted his Nichirin Blade with all his might, trying to pull it out.
However, Uzui Tengen turned to dodge Qingshui's kick, and as he released his Nichirin Blade, he returned a kick to Qingshui.
"Bang!"
The air exploded. Qingshui drew his blade with his left hand, while his Chakra-infused right hand guarded his front, blocking Uzui Tengen's kick. He then quickly retreated.
But Uzui Tengen was relentless, closing in.
"Sound Breathing, Fifth Form: String Performance!"
Uzui Tengen swung his spinning twin blades, creating sparks and lightning as he slashed at Qingshui.
The tide of battle had turned.
To be honest, Qingshui had never fought such an uncomfortable battle.
Uzui Tengen seemed to predict every one of his moves and could perfectly launch attacks from Qingshui's blind spots, putting Qingshui in a difficult position.
This was the Score!
Qingshui struggled to parry while thinking of a countermeasure.
Should he use Ninjutsu?
With Qingshui's current abilities, he could condense many Wind Release Ninjutsu and Lightning Release Ninjutsu into a few hand seals, or even a single one.
Qingshui wasn't sure if Uzui Tengen's Score could break Ninjutsu, but after thinking for a few seconds, he abandoned the idea.
His fight with Uzui Tengen was meant to test his Separation Breathing.
Although he had only created four sword forms so far, the fifth sword form was gradually taking shape in Qingshui's mind.
The Score was powerful, but if his attack range was wide enough, with no blind spots, and his attack speed was fast enough that even if detected, there wasn't enough time to dodge, could the Score still be effective?
"Hiss…"
A wisp of white mist drifted from Qingshui's mouth.
Uzui Tengen, in his Score state, keenly sensed the change. He retreated, holding his golden Nichirin twin blades horizontally in front of him, adopting a defensive stance.
However, in the next instant, fine plasma blades flew out, accompanied by a whirlwind like a super typhoon, rapidly spinning and surging, mercilessly cutting down everything in their path like a saw.
"Separation Breathing, Fifth Form: Wind and Thunder Separation Storm!"
Uzui Tengen gritted his teeth, relying on the perception boost from his Score state to precisely swing his twin blades, parrying every slash in front of him and temporarily forming a spherical defensive barrier.
The roar of the explosions attracted Tanjiro, who was training nearby, and some other Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen who were resting in the vicinity.
"Is that… really something a human can do?"
Tanjiro, seeing a Hashira fight at full power for the first time, was dumbfounded.
"This... this is the power of a Hashira! Only with such immense power can we eradicate the strongest Demons!"
Murata, with his parted hair, stood not far from Tanjiro, watching the scene unfold.
Further away, a boy with a scar on his face looked on, his eyes filled with envy.
"Namu Amida Butsu... The purpose of this battle has been achieved; there's no meaning in continuing further."
Himejima Gyomei recited a Buddhist prayer, then swung the chains in both hands, bringing the heavy axe and flail with him as he leaped into the air.
"Stone Breathing, Fifth Form: Wheels of Karma!"
The heavy axe and flail sliced through the air, hurtling towards Qingshui and Uzui Tengen respectively.
In an instant, Qingshui felt as if a meteor had forcefully destroyed all obstacles in its path and crashed right in front of him.
"Clang~!"
"Boom—!"
A piercing metallic clang and an explosion sounded simultaneously. After fending off Himejima Gyomei's attack, Qingshui and Uzui Tengen tacitly ceased their fight.
The full power of Separation Breathing had been demonstrated, and the outcome of this battle exceeded Qingshui's expectations.
Under the pressure of Uzui Tengen's Score, Qingshui was able to develop the fifth sword form of Separation Breathing, which displayed impressive power.
"Hoo..."
Qingshui gently exhaled a breath, then looked at Uzui Tengen across from him.
The latter was clearly exhausted as well, breathing heavily.
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