Chen Chuan's Spirit Manifestation was driven backward, while waves of Spiritual Fire surged from the spearhead. Its armor groaned under the strain.
He reached out and seized the shaft, cutting off the flow of Spiritual Fire before it could penetrate any farther.
But his long saber was embedded in his opponent's thick armor, and he could not readily pull it free to attack while retreating. The Long Jian he had dropped earlier stood embedded in the ground behind him, so he simply let go of the saber. As he retreated to that spot, he snatched up the Long Jian and swung it upward to block.
With a bang, he knocked the spear aside. But Xiang Boqing's Spirit Manifestation had seen his move and was ready. It let the shaft follow the deflection, then twisted at the waist and struck toward his shoulder.
The advantage of stronger Spiritual Fire became apparent at that moment. The spearhead struck his shoulder armor, scattering fire and light, and the impact seemed to shove his Spirit Manifestation several steps sideways with tremendous force. In the process, however, it pulled its long saber free from the opponent's body.
Xiang Boqing's Spirit Manifestation drew its spear back with a flick and thrust again. Saber and jian rose to parry, but propelled by powerful Spiritual Fire, the thrust came too fast. It pierced straight through the blur of the two weapons and struck the breastplate once more. A burst of fiery radiance exploded with a bang, sending the enormous figure staggering backward.
This time, even the Bright Light Armor developed a fine crack, and a stream of Spiritual Fire seeped inside.
Chen Chuan had already circled back from the outside. Sensing the strength of his opponent's Spirit Manifestation, he prepared to lend support. A flash of light came