Long Chen pushed it down ruthlessly. Anger was a distraction he couldn't afford right now.
The wolf was the immediate threat, the man could wait.
He engaged with everything he had. Heavenrend to create openings, Void-Splitting Strike to exploit them and Sword Aura reinforcing every movement. He even attempted spatial compression on his faster attacks, trying to close distance before the wolf could react.
But the wolf was learning, adapting. Its dodges became more precise, its counterattacks more targeted.
The beast was wearing him down deliberately, like a wolf pack exhausting prey before the final kill.
*This beast is stronger than it should be, isn't it?* Azazel said suddenly, breaking his usual silence during combat.
"What—do you—mean—" Long Chen gasped between exchanges, blocking a bite aimed at his throat.
The wolf lunged again. Long Chen brought Demon Dweller up to meet it. Their forces collided—fangs against blade, both pushing with maximum strength.
