It did not matter that flame attacks were ineffective. Fire Phantom Shadow Escape was originally an exquisitely subtle blinding art that combined offense and defense. One could use its illusions as cover, then, while the opponent could not distinguish truth from falsehood, launch the truly fatal blow amid the chaos.
But Niu Youdao stood with his sword planted before him, eyes closed and utterly still, as composed as if unmoved by winds from every direction. This made Kun Linshu deeply wary. Moreover, Niu Youdao's earlier words had exerted some pressure on him, leaving him hesitant to act rashly.
While directing fireballs to attack Niu Youdao without pause, Kun Linshu, concealed among the rapidly darting fireballs, was also attempting to draw near to Niu Youdao, waiting for a chance to unleash the decisive strike.
Amid the booming attacks, when Kun Linshu approached Niu Youdao for the first time, Niu Youdao still showed no reaction.
The second time he approached Niu Youdao, Niu Youdao still did not react.
The third time he approached Niu Youdao, he was already extremely close, yet Niu Youdao still showed no reaction.
He made several more close approaches in succession, but still failed to provoke any response from Niu Youdao. His opponent simply kept his eyes closed and allowed it.
This distance was close enough to pose a fatal threat to Niu Youdao, close enough to force Niu Youdao into counterattacking.
After probing again and again, Kun Linshu finally became certain that Niu Youdao could not detect him. At last, he launched his decisive assault.
Amid the continuously exploding fireballs, one fireball rushed at Niu Youdao from behind. The instant it struck Niu Youdao's back, Kun Linshu revealed himself from within it and unleashed a vicious strike.
At that very moment, Niu Youdao, who had remained calm