Chapter 015
"Seeking death!"
Seeing that Kai not only showed no fear but actually swung his sword back at him, Peidaku exploded with rage. A ferocious glint flashed in his eyes. He whirled his cleaver, sweeping it horizontally toward Kai with a whistling gust!
Bam!
Their attacks collided in an instant, erupting in a deafening clash. Peidaku immediately followed up, swinging his cleaver relentlessly. Sharp sword energy wrapped around the blade, scattering sparks with every strike. Ripples distorted the air around them!
Though this was Kai's first real sword fight against someone, he showed no trace of hesitation—like a born warrior. He precisely blocked every attack and countered with sharp precision!
The more Kai fought, the more exhilarated he felt—his swings growing faster and smoother. Peidaku, on the other hand, grew increasingly shocked. He was stunned by Kai's rapid improvement—from initial clumsiness to flawlessly parrying every blow!
"How is this possible? Where does this brat get such strength?!" Peidaku roared inwardly in shock and fury!
"And his sword energy is even more refined than mine… Who the hell is this kid?!" The longer they clashed, the more horrified Peidaku became. Such a young age, such advanced swordsmanship, such condensed sword energy—the boy must have a powerful backer. By the end, Peidaku didn't dare go for the kill anymore!
"Hmph! Idiot!"
Kai sensed Peidaku's shifting emotions—worry and fear—and sneered inwardly. With a swing, Wado Ichimonji knocked aside the cleaver. In a flash, the blade sliced across Peidaku's arm!
Splat~
A spray of blood erupted. Peidaku's agonized scream filled the tavern!
"Stop!" Peidaku gritted his teeth against the pain in his arm and roared at Kai.
"What? You surrendering? Then apologize properly!"
Kai halted and looked at him coldly.
"Who… who exactly are you?" Peidaku's eyes flashed with rage, but he asked in a low, cautious voice.
"I'm just a swordsman who's just starting out." Kai replied with a cold smirk, knowing the man was probing his identity.
"Really?" Peidaku's eyes flickered as he pressed further.
"I don't need to lie to an idiot like you!" Kai thought inwardly with a sigh—the man's questioning was so crude and obvious. But aloud, he mocked him.
"Haha! Good then! Watch me chop you in half!"
Peidaku laughed wildly upon hearing the taunt. Both hands gripped his cleaver as sword energy condensed along the edge. With a furious roar, he unleashed his ultimate move!
"Cleaver Sandstorm!"
Whoosh!
As the cleaver swung down, a storm of blade shadows materialized in front of Peidaku. Winds whipped up, carrying sand and grit. The entire barrage slashed toward Kai with overwhelming force!
"A sword technique!" Kai's heart skipped a beat at the sight. His expression grew grave. He didn't know any advanced techniques yet—only basic swings like chops, sweeps, and thrusts. Facing Peidaku's special move put real pressure on him!
"Haha! Die, brat! It's your honor to fall to my ultimate technique!"
Seeing the change in Kai's eyes, Peidaku laughed maniacally. He poured everything into the attack. He had already realized Kai knew no techniques—otherwise, he would have used one by now!
Clang!
Kai's eyes flashed coldly. He swung Wado Ichimonji with full power—sharp sword energy condensing along the blade, even denser and fiercer than before. Against Peidaku's technique, Kai had no choice but to unleash his all!
The hiss of condensing sword energy was audible!
"How is this possible…?" Peidaku's heart pounded upon seeing Kai's even more refined sword energy. But it was too late to stop—he charged forward with everything he had!
Boom~
The entire tavern seemed to shake. Chairs around them flipped from the impact. The patrons had already retreated to the sides, staring in stunned silence at the explosive clash!
Boom~
In the next instant, they watched in disbelief as Peidaku—the powerful bounty hunter they knew—was blasted backward by Kai's simple slash! He crashed through several tables, his cleaver snapping in two!
"Pwah!"
Peidaku smashed into the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood. He looked up at Kai—approaching step by step—with sheer terror in his eyes!
"You… what are you doing…?"
Struggling to stand, Peidaku stammered in fear. He dreaded another strike. Regret flooded him—why had he provoked this little demon? So strong! Now, he didn't doubt Kai could take down Harley Shu anymore!
"What? Weren't you just trying to kill me?"
Kai pointed his sword at Peidaku and spoke flatly, his heart still racing. If his sword energy hadn't been so refined, he might not have won!
"Ah…!"
Realizing Kai intended to kill him, Peidaku dropped to his knees and begged, kowtowing repeatedly.
"Mercy, young master! Mercy…!"
"I'll spare you if you come with me!" Kai said coldly, then turned and walked out. Peidaku, relieved that Kai didn't seem intent on killing him, scrambled to follow.
The crowd at the door parted in fear as Kai passed—no one dared underestimate him now. Those who had mocked him earlier hid the fastest!
"That kid's incredible…" "Yeah… even Peidaku's no match…" "He said he's becoming a bounty hunter…" "Great! One more strong guy to hunt pirates!"
After Kai left with Peidaku, the tavern erupted in discussions. They stared at his retreating back with admiration. For ordinary folks like them, the more powerful bounty hunters, the better!
Kai didn't hear their chatter. He led Peidaku straight to the island's beach before stopping and turning to him.
"You're Peidaku, right?"
"Yes! I'm the bounty hunter Peidaku!" He replied quickly, emphasizing his title.
"If you want to live, pick up that stick and demonstrate your sword technique for me one more time!"
Kai said flatly, pointing to a stick on the sand.
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