Jiang Ping'an wasted no words. His charge at Qi Tianxin suddenly accelerated, tearing through the void. In the next instant, he appeared behind Qi Tianxin and thrust his sword at the latter's back. He was truly as elusive as a ghost.
Gan Jiang Sword's power to Sever Cause and Effect could only be unleashed while the sword was held in hand. Moreover, clad in the Profound Emperor Armor, he had never feared close combat. On the contrary, it allowed him to bring his advantage in strength into full play.
Qi Tianxin reacted with equal speed. With a furious roar, his withered palm took on the metallic sheen of bronze. His nails shot out three feet, like five poisoned daggers, carrying decay laws condensed to their utmost limit as they met the Gan Jiang Sword head-on.
He was, after all, a veteran Saint with incomparably rich combat experience. Though startled, he did not panic.
Clang!
The clash of metal rang through the heavens, sparks flying in every direction as violent ripples spread across space. Qi Tianxin felt an incomparably sharp force pierce through him. Two of his nails, imbued with decay laws, had been severed, while a tearing pain shot through his palm. An even stranger power attempted to spread from the point of contact, seeking to sever his connection to his own divine abilities—and even part of his connection to this world!
I cannot take this sword head-on! Qi Tianxin retreated explosively, spitting out a mouthful of his vital essence. The blood mist instantly transformed into countless ghostly faces wailing in agony, forming a barrier of resentful souls that temporarily blocked Jiang Ping'an's pursuit.
He panted, the madness in his eyes deepening, as did his wariness. Gan Jiang Sword's "Sever Cause and Effect" was far too bizarre, nearly countering every