Xiao Jin pulled himself free of the hollow in the cliff face. Loose stones slid from his shoulders and armor.
He wiped the gray-white rock dust from his face, revealing a face streaked with dark red killing intent and blood.
The Nine Nether Baleful Suppression Demon Blade began to tremble on the ground ten yards away. Its dark red blood markings flashed.
Then the blade flew up, spun through the air, and landed back in his palm.
The moment he gripped it, the dark red killing intent around him, most of which had dissipated, gathered again.
It was much thinner than before, but its savage pressure still left the air stagnant for dozens of yards around him.
Blade in hand, he walked back to the center of the narrow passage. His steps were heavy but steady, each one leaving a shallow print in the rubble.
"Wang Yuan."
"I admit your talent is monstrous. You're the greatest genius I've ever faced."
Xiao Jin spoke slowly, his voice low and hoarse. As his mouth moved, a fresh trickle of blood seeped from the cut at its corner.
He seemed not to notice. He merely raised his blade toward the cracked Chiyan Coiled Dragon Armor on Wang Yuan's body. Dark red light churned in his eyes.
"But that demonic armor of yours is broken now."
"And the True Essence and Vital Blood inside you are in chaos."
Xiao Jin's gaze moved from the cracks in the armor to the wound on Wang Yuan's left shoulder, which was still bleeding.
Then it shifted to Wang Yuan's slightly pale face, and a cold smile spread across his own.
"That strike broke through the defense of your Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Divine Skill."
"I doubt your body can survive my next strike."
"It's time to end this!"