Clash

In the open ground north of the village, sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, lending a touch of solemnity to this place that was about to become a battlefield. Silence surrounded them, as though even the wind had held its breath, waiting for the coming duel.

Blade stood at the center, his figure looking especially solitary yet resolute beneath the sunlight.

He casually held Shizun's Sword in both hands, its blade reflecting a dazzling gleam as if it could sever anything.

There was not a trace of expression on his face. His closed eyes made it impossible to peer into his inner world. This week of preparation had been both a wait and a process of self-adjustment for him.

Besides, he had given Tang San a week so Tang San could prepare properly. Otherwise, if he accidentally went too far and beat Tang San out of existence, that would be troublesome.

After all, his passive skill, Bury on the Other Shore, was not always under control. Or if his Konjac Jelly cravings hit in the middle of the fight and he went mad outright, Tang San would truly be in for it.

Blade had not been idle these past few days. Not only had he been adapting to this world's Soul Rings, but he had also been getting used to Blade's passive, Bury on the Other Shore. After all, his Portrayal Degree was not high yet, so he still needed to familiarize himself with these things.

Before long, Tang San's arrival broke the silence. He walked steadily toward Blade, his expression calm.

His gaze was dark, as though he had already prepared himself for every challenge. Tang San stopped over ten meters away from Blade and studied him with piercing eyes.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, the atmosphere between them tense and subtle. Finally, Tang San slowly spoke, his voice calm yet powerful. "Blade, I'm here. What do you want?"

Blade slowly opened his eyes. His blood-red gaze pierced through the air like sharp blades and locked directly onto Tang San.

The corner of his lips curled into a cold smile. In an instant, Shizun's Sword pointed at Tang San, its tip flashing with Cold Light as though foretelling the brutality of the coming battle.

"You came. Heh heh." Blade's voice carried a hint of mockery, his tone revealing his anticipation for this duel.

"What else do I want? Of course, I'll send you on your way with the sword in my hand!" Blade's words were full of provocation, his bearing arrogant and confident.

Tang San's face immediately darkened upon hearing those words. His fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, while unwillingness and fury flashed in his eyes. Gritting his teeth, he asked indignantly, "What grudge do we have against each other? Why must we fight to the death?!"

Blade chuckled, his voice low and magnetic. He slowly said, "Fight to the death? Relax, I have no intention of killing you for now. You needn't worry about your little life." His words seemed to conceal a deeper meaning, making them difficult to fathom.

Tang San sensed the mockery in Blade's words, and the fire in his heart burned hotter. He secretly made up his mind, thinking, So what if your level is a little higher than mine?! I'll let you taste the power of hidden weapons later! You say you'll spare my life? I have no intention of sparing yours!

"Fine, Blade. I'm ready. Come on." Tang San took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. His voice was firm and powerful.

Then Tang San extended a hand with great composure. His movement was elegant and unhurried, as though he were inviting his opponent to a dance. Yet this gesture signaled the beginning of the battle, and a fierce light gleamed in his eyes as he prepared to begin the coming fight.

Blade's gaze followed Tang San's gesture, and the curl of his lips became more pronounced. A hint of amusement appeared in his eyes, as though he were mocking the battle about to unfold.

A blood-red gleam suddenly flashed through his eyes, like a demon from the abyss, chilling to behold.

Without warning, Blade gripped Shizun's Sword tightly in his right hand while his bandage-wrapped left hand swept across the blade with lightning speed.

The instant the blade touched the bandages, blood splattered, staining the already crimson Shizun's Sword. An eerie bloody radiance flowed over the sword's surface.

Blade seemed to be shrouded in an invisible aura of Blood Qi, so tangible that it radiated intense killing intent.

At the same time, Blade's smile became increasingly frenzied, and his laughter echoed across the open field, sounding especially piercing.

"Heh heh! Will you bring me a surprise?" Blade's voice was filled with anticipation, as though he possessed an endless thirst for this battle.

It was Tang San's first time seeing someone injure himself before the fight had even begun. His brows furrowed involuntarily, his eyes filled with confusion.

However, the surprise on his face lasted only a moment, because he could clearly feel that oppressive killing intent. It left him not daring to let down his guard in the slightest.

Tang San drew a deep breath. At that moment, his gaze turned sharp as a blade, fixed firmly on Blade as the Mysterious Heaven Skill slowly began to circulate within him.

A warm current flowed through his meridians like a stream thawing in spring, gradually gathering in his dantian and storing energy for the power he was about to unleash.

Immediately afterward, a trace of purple light flashed through Tang San's eyes. It was the sign that Purple Demon Eye had activated.

At that moment, his vision seemed to be endowed with divine power. It could pierce through all mist and illusion, clearly capturing every tiny movement of Blade's body, even the slightest twitch of muscle.

Tang San was ready. Both his spiritual power and combat strength had risen to their peak, awaiting only the official sound of the battle horn.

At that moment, Tang San's gaze seemed to gain penetrating power. His eyes were like the most precise sights, able to see through the haze and catch every subtle movement Blade made. Even the faintest tremble of the sword tip and every contraction of muscle could not escape his eyes.

Soon, Tang San formed hand seals with both hands. Soul Power surged from his body, summoning his martial soul—Blue Silver Grass.

His diligent training and research over the past few days had given him a deeper understanding of Blue Silver Grass and allowed him to discover many of its uses. It was no longer that useless Waste Spirit.

As Blue Silver Grass appeared, a layer of blue radiance surrounded Tang San. The light was gentle yet resilient, as though it were a gift from nature.

Blue Silver Grass also rapidly sprouted from the ground, like loyal soldiers guarding Tang San.

At that moment, Tang San felt as though he had returned to his mother's embrace. The presence of Blue Silver Grass greatly enhanced his perception, allowing him to clearly sense everything around him.

Tang San secretly rejoiced. With this domain's enhancement and Purple Demon Eye's support, perhaps Blade's every move would be unable to escape his grasp.

He planned to seek an opening amid Blade's attacks and strike a fatal blow with hidden weapons. Such a combined assault would surely achieve an unexpected result.

The corner of Tang San's mouth lifted slightly, his heart full of confidence. He sneered inwardly, There is a road to heaven, yet you refuse to take it; there is no gate to hell, yet you insist on barging in! Since you intend to kill me, you must pay the price!!

Smiling, he said to Blade, "Blade, aren't you underestimating me? You cut yourself before the fight even started? Do you think that can scare me? Today, I'll show you the true power of Blue Silver Grass!" Tang San's words were full of provocation, while also revealing his firm determination for this battle.

He said this only to draw Blade's attention to the Blue Silver Grass in his right hand. His true killing move was hidden in his left hand!!

Blade remained exceptionally calm in the face of Tang San's provocation. He did not answer directly, merely casting Tang San a glance as though looking at an insignificant clown, as if Tang San's words were nothing but a farce to him.

With one hand extended, he tightly gripped the sword and pointed its tip at Tang San. The blade reflected Cold Light, mirroring the chill in his eyes. With his other hand, Blade contemptuously crooked a finger at Tang San, the gesture full of provocation and disdain.

"You go first." Blade's voice was calm, yet filled with unquestionable authority, as though he were declaring Tang San's fate.

Tang San clenched his teeth. Blade's cold mockery and contempt were like fire, instantly igniting the desire to fight deep within him. Purple Demon Eye flickered in his eyes like cold stars in the night sky, shining with unwavering resolve.

Tang San's entire body tensed, ready to erupt at any moment.

Outside Blade's line of sight, Tang San quietly concealed his left hand within his sleeve, where sharp Tang Sect Hidden Weapons lay hidden.

His fingers lightly brushed along the edges of the hidden weapons, feeling their cold metallic texture.

With Purple Demon Eye's sharp vision and the keen perception granted by Blue Silver Grass, Tang San searched for the most suitable weakness in Blade to exploit.

Tang San's breathing gradually steadied, and his heartbeat merged with his surroundings. Everything was prepared; he only awaited the perfect moment.

Determination flashed through his eyes. Like a leopard lurking in the grass, he silently waited for his prey to let down its guard before delivering a fatal strike.

Ding! The Protagonist has been enraged. Portrayal Progress increased by 0.1%.

Ding! The Protagonist's killing intent has increased. Portrayal Progress increased by 0.1%.

Current Portrayal Progress: 6.46%!

Hearing the System's voice, Blade merely found it expected.

He knew all of Tang San's Trump Cards and was deliberately exposing weaknesses to him, hoping that Tang San's mother and Purple Demon Eye would discover them sooner!!

Blade was simply waiting for him to come and offer himself up!