The spacious training ground in the Li Mansion's backyard was bathed in pale gold by the morning sun, the air filled with the fresh scent of earth and vegetation. At the edge of the field, Ye Lingling, Qiu Yao, Osler, and Mother Ye had already gathered, their gazes fixed intently on the center of the arena, faces etched with a mixture of anticipation and tension. Even the usually authoritative Li Zhaoyan stood quietly at the sidelines, his expression seemingly calm, yet with a scrutinizing and barely perceptible expectation deep in his eyes, personally serving as the referee for this fierce contest.
In the center of the field, two figures stood in confrontation, the air seeming to freeze around them, with only the gentle breeze causing their clothes to flutter slightly.
On the eastern side, Marco stood tall and straight like a pine tree, dressed in sleek black martial attire. His expression was composed, black hair stirring lightly in the wind, but within his profound Double Pupils, faint azure flames flickered—a sign of his Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit ready to unleash. His aura was steady and restrained, yet resembled a volcano on the verge of eruption, containing astonishingly intense energy.
On the western side, Lu Zhou stood as still as an abyss, his solitary figure barely contained by his blue robes. The cross long blade named "Night" was fully revealed on his back, its ancient blade reflecting a cold, sharp gleam, while the cross-shaped hilt added an air of mystery and lethality. His right hand rested lightly on the hilt, his eyes icy and indifferent, as if he had merged completely with "Night." A pure, overwhelming Blade Intent spread out, seeming capable of severing all obstacles in the world, causing Osler and the others at the edge of the field to feel a subtle pressure.
Li Zhaoyan's gaze swept across the field like lightning as he spoke in a deep, resonant voice that reached everyone clearly: "The spar begins! Exercise restraint!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he shifted slightly and retreated to the optimal viewing position at the edge of the field, his presence completely withdrawn as if blending into the environment, yet ready to intervene at any moment.
Before the echo of "begins" had faded, Lu Zhou had already launched his attack!
Without the slightest warning, his figure blurred abruptly, and in the next instant, he advanced like a phantom to within five meters of Marco! His speed far surpassed that of other agility-type Soul Masters of the same rank! This was his first Spirit Ability—"Swift"! It increased his blade drawing speed and movement speed by fifty percent!
"Clang—!"
A clear, melodious ring, like the cry of a dragon, resounded through the skies! "Night" was drawn fiercely, tracing an exquisitely cold arc aimed directly at Marco's shoulder and neck! Before the blade even reached him, its sharp, soul-piercing Blade Intent already made Marco's skin tighten slightly.
"So fast!" Marco inwardly praised, but he didn't panic. His footwork shifted as if foreseeing the attack, his body swaying lightly like a willow catkin—this was the essence of the Six Styles' "Paper Drawing," narrowly avoiding the blade as it grazed past his clothes. Simultaneously, he brought his index and middle fingers together, Armament Haki instantly covering them in a jet-black hue, striking like a venomous snake toward Lu Zhou's wrist holding the blade—the Six Styles' "Finger Gun"!
This counterattack was cunning and ruthless, its timing impeccable, aimed at forcing his opponent to defend.
A faint trace of surprise flickered in Lu Zhou's ice-lake-like eyes, seemingly caught off guard by Marco's swift and precise reaction and counterattack. However, he adapted with remarkable speed, twisting his wrist to bring the hilt of "Night" downward to meet Marco's Finger Gun. Simultaneously, his left palm silently struck toward Marco's ribs, the palm wind sharp and fierce.
Thud!
The Finger Gun collided with the sword hilt, producing a dull sound. Marco felt a sharp, rebounding force at his fingertips, while Lu Zhou sensed a slight numbness in his wrist. The two separated instantly, each sliding back several steps, leaving shallow marks on the ground.
The first exchange was over in a flash, seemingly a draw, yet it left the onlookers holding their breath.
"So fast!" Osler couldn't help but exclaim softly. "I almost missed Brother Lu's sudden advance!"
Ye Lingling also nodded slightly, her cool eyes filled with gravity. "Their reactions and combat skills far surpass others of their level."
On the field, Lu Zhou steadied himself, his gaze growing sharper. He realized that ordinary swift attacks would likely be ineffective against Marco. Gripping "Night" with both hands and holding it vertically before him, the fluctuations of Soul Power around him suddenly became heavy and concentrated. The next moment, he launched another assault, but this time, his blade technique was no longer purely about speed—a faint glow shimmered along the edge, slicing through the air with a sharper hiss! He had activated his first Spirit Ability—"Edge"! Sharpness increased by thirty percent! Combined with the speed of "Swift," the blade light dazzled, its power doubling as it enveloped all of Marco's vital points.
Marco no longer relied solely on evasion; his Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit was fully unleashed! Two yellow, one purple, and one black Soul Rings rose beneath his feet. He shouted, "Azure Flame Ignition!" Instantly, a layer of agile, leaping azure flames erupted around him with a hum, significantly boosting his attack, defense, and speed (up to 30%). He employed Martial Arts and the Six Styles, sometimes using "Iron Block" to forcefully parry the blade, sending sparks flying; other times using "Shave" to instantly create distance and evade heavy slashes; and occasionally seizing openings to counterattack with fists and feet coated in Armament Haki. The azure flames and icy blade light continuously clashed, emitting a relentless series of clanging sounds, with Soul Power surging and energy scattering, creating an intensely fierce scene.
"Defend!" Lu Zhou coldly shouted after blocking Marco's whip-like kick. The blade of "Night" swept through the air in front of him, and a condensed, arc-shaped Blade Aura Barrier, glowing with a faint white light, instantly materialized! Marco's follow-up "Devil Wind Leg" slash struck the barrier, visibly weakened by nearly thirty percent! Moreover, after successfully blocking, Lu Zhou's aura surged, and his blade speed noticeably increased, as "Night" retaliated like a persistent affliction!
"What a peculiar defensive Spirit Ability! It can weaken attacks and replenish the user!" Marco thought in astonishment. With a whoosh, a pair of magnificent wings, entirely composed of azure flames, unfurled behind him! The blazing flames roared, allowing him to effortlessly elevate and quickly escape Lu Zhou's counterattack range with his flight capability.
Lu Zhou looked up, a sharp glint in his eyes, his offensive momentum slightly slowing.
On the sidelines, Li Zhaoyan nodded slightly, silently assessing, "This lad Lu Zhou has exquisitely paired Spirit Abilities, integrating offense and defense seamlessly—his use of the Blade Aura Barrier is perfectly timed. Ke'er's azure flames are majestic, his Martial Arts superb, and his flight ability grants him aerial superiority. Both are truly outstanding among their peers."
The battle intensified as both combatants continuously raised the stakes, their Spirit Abilities clashing with increasing ferocity.
"Azure Flame Fire Feather!" Marco spun rapidly in mid-air, unleashing countless sharp fire feathers formed from highly condensed azure flames that poured down like arrow rain, covering a vast area with terrifying power.
Lu Zhou's expression remained unchanged as he weaved through the fiery downpour. His blade "Night" whirled like a wheel, deflecting or extinguishing most of the fire feathers. The occasional ones that slipped through were easily blocked after being weakened by his "Defend" barrier. His blade techniques grew faster and more ruthless.
"Azure Flame Guard!" Seeing Lu Zhou break through the fire rain and thrust his blade forward with deadly precision, Marco immediately activated his defensive Spirit Ability. A solid azure light barrier enveloped his entire body. Lu Zhou's "Night" struck the barrier with a piercing screech, causing violent fluctuations in the shield, but it successfully blocked what would have been a crippling blow to an ordinary Soul Ancestor. The moment the barrier shattered, Marco indeed felt a surge of power, his attack speed increasing as his flaming wings beat fiercely, boosting his velocity and making his counterattacks even more ferocious.
The battle reached its climax, with both sides exchanging blows and unleashing Spirit Abilities in rapid succession, leaving the spectators dazzled and exclaiming in amazement. Qiu Yao nervously clenched her small fists, while Ye Lingling and Osler watched with rapt attention, attempting to glean insights from this high-level duel.
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