Taking Them All In

Chen Chuan fixed his gaze on the figure charging toward him. He made no move to dodge. Their Bio-Fields collided first.

Zalnik's thin Bio-Field was no match for his. It shattered with a crack, but the Spiritual Fire surrounding Zalnik tore through the outer barrier and forced its way in.

Zalnik thrust both hands forward in a grabbing motion, like a Ferocious Beast pouncing on prey. The muscles of his withered body suddenly rippled. Waves of force surged forward and converged, while the blood-red glow of his Spiritual Fire gathered in his outstretched hands.

He had abandoned all defense. Extreme as the attack was, it concentrated every bit of his strength into the most powerful blow he could deliver.

Chen Chuan judged his tactics sound and his timing decisive. But...

He extended a hand, white light flickering across his palm, and swatted Zalnik aside. Bang! The blood-red glow burst apart. An irresistible force sent Zalnik veering away. He struck the ground seven or eight meters off, spraying dirt and gravel, then bounced and tumbled until he slammed into a tree.

The crown shook so violently it seemed ready to snap. Unmelted snow poured down from its branches, nearly burying him.

Even then, Zalnik seemed to want to struggle. But a force from Chen Chuan's strike had penetrated his body, leaving him numb and unable to move. He lay there twitching and gasping. Chen Chuan walked over. The gulf in strength was too wide for any trick to matter.

Standing before him, Chen Chuan looked down. "You're too weak. You barely have the strength to throw a punch."

Both his Bio-Field and his Spiritual Fire had dwindled to almost nothing. Chen Chuan could have stood still and worn him to death with Spiritual Fire alone.

Zalnik glared at Chen Chuan, plainly