At Qin Xiao's current level, he still could not perform a true Noble Phantasm release.
However, because he inherited the power of Enkidu, the Chains of Heaven themselves were part of his essence.
Even without fully unleashing the Noble Phantasm, Qin Xiao could still manipulate the form of the chains.
Azazel frowned.
"What is that?"
"The power of your second Sacred Gear?"
Chains rattled loudly.
Chains of Heaven appeared in every direction, sealing off all escape routes around the battlefield.
Azazel immediately realized something.
"Hmm?"
"Looks like I underestimated you."
At that moment—
The massive Chain of Heaven descended.
Azazel raised his Spear of Light to block it.
But only for a moment.
Crack!
The spear shattered instantly.
The giant chain slammed directly into Azazel.
Boom!
The impact drove him straight into the ground.
The surrounding earth trembled violently.
The Chains of Heaven were a divine restraint weapon.
In the Type-Moon mythology they functioned as a weapon of divine punishment.
When fully released, the power of Gaia or Alaya's Counter Force would flow through them, transforming the energy into a massive "stake" that pierced and restrained the target.
The more destructive the target was toward the planet or humanity—
The stronger the chains became.
Although Qin Xiao couldn't perform a true Noble Phantasm release yet—
The nature of the Chains of Heaven would never change.
"Cough… cough…"
Qin Xiao could no longer maintain Balance Breaker.
He knelt on the ground.
The crimson armor vanished.
His entire body was covered in blood.
Cracks spread across his skin.
Blood still seeped from his wounds, though the heavy bleeding had stopped.
But Qin Xiao's feet were planted firmly on the ground.
The power of the earth continuously flowed into his body.
Healing his injuries.
This was the power of Enkidu's perfect form.
As long as he stood on the earth—
He would continuously receive its power.
It granted an incredible regenerative ability.
That was the reason Qin Xiao dared to fight so recklessly.
As long as he wasn't killed instantly—
He could recover.
Chains clattered again.
From the dust ahead, a figure slowly walked out.
Azazel.
His Fallen Dragon armor was badly damaged.
His clothes were torn apart.
But he had no obvious injuries.
Azazel sighed.
"Looks like there's still a lot to improve."
He looked at Qin Xiao.
"Red Dragon Emperor… that last attack was impressive."
"The combination of your two Sacred Gears produced an attack even I must praise."
Qin Xiao smiled bitterly.
"The gap between us is still too large."
"The Boosted Gear may be a Longinus, but defeating someone above your level isn't so easy."
Azazel chuckled.
"What?"
"Did that discourage you?"
"If it did, my evaluation of you would drop."
Qin Xiao shook his head.
"Discouraged?"
"Not at all."
"You were simply born countless years before me."
"Give me time to grow."
"One day I will surpass you, Governor of the Fallen Angels."
Azazel laughed.
"That's confidence."
"No… that's arrogance."
Qin Xiao replied calmly.
"But I have the right to be arrogant."
Azazel nodded.
"You're not wrong."
As someone obsessed with Sacred Gears, Azazel understood something better than most.
Why had the Biblical God scattered Sacred Gears throughout humanity?
Because of human potential.
Even if that possibility was incredibly small—
Humans could still create miracles in desperate situations.
Sacred Gears fed on human desire and determination.
Among all races—
Only humans could truly unleash that potential.
Because humans were weak.
Because they started with nothing.
And precisely because they had nothing—
They could become anything.
Sacred Gears evolved alongside their human hosts.
Every time a user developed a new ability—
The Sacred Gear recorded it.
This was especially true for Balance Breaker.
The same Sacred Gear could develop different Balance Breakers depending on its user.
Azazel was fascinated by this endless possibility.
That was why he became so obsessed with Sacred Gears.
Qin Xiao sighed.
"The gap between us is truly huge, Governor."
Azazel smiled.
"You did well, human boy."
"So what now?"
"Are you going to finish me?"
Qin Xiao asked casually.
But secretly, he was already communicating with Ddraig.
If Azazel attacked—
He would unleash everything.
Even if it meant mutual destruction.
Azazel shook his head.
"No."
"I won't kill you."
Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"As the Red Dragon Emperor…"
"You have a destined rival."
"The White Dragon Emperor."
Qin Xiao nodded.
"So my opponent is him."
"Not you."
"Exactly."
Azazel continued.
"Your battle is with him."
"That's why I won't kill you."
Qin Xiao smiled faintly.
"I see."
"So the White Dragon Emperor belongs to the fallen angel faction."
Azazel chuckled.
"You're quite perceptive."
"Thank you."
Azazel could clearly see it.
Qin Xiao had never lowered his guard.
As the adoptive father of the White Dragon Emperor, he knew about the ultimate state of their Sacred Gears—
Juggernaut Drive.
He didn't know if Qin Xiao had reached that level.
But one thing was certain.
This human still had a final trump card.
One capable of taking them both down.
That determination in Qin Xiao's eyes was unmistakable.
Azazel suddenly looked into the distance.
"Hmm."
"Looks like the commotion attracted quite a few people."
Several powerful presences were approaching quickly.
Azazel glanced once more at Qin Xiao.
Then turned and left.
After Azazel disappeared—
Qin Xiao finally relaxed.
The feeling of having his life in someone else's hands had been unbearable.
Just moments earlier he had begun to feel safe after obtaining the Boosted Gear.
Now—
His hunger for power burned even stronger.
"Qin Xiao!"
"Are you okay?!"
Several figures rushed toward him from afar.
Leading them was Akeno Himejima.
When she saw Qin Xiao covered in blood and severely injured—
Panic filled her eyes.
She rushed to his side immediately.
Looking around at the destroyed battlefield—
Even without seeing the fight, the terrifying magical energy earlier told her everything.
Whatever had happened here—
It must have been an extremely intense battle.
And Qin Xiao had clearly paid the price.
Want More? CheckOut 65+ Advanced Chapters on Patreon
https://patreon.com/Killua_001
200PowerStones=+1Extra Chapter