A chill ran through his heart, and he understood that this battle would not be easy.
He gathered a powerful surge of vital energy, forming seals with both hands. A massive halo appeared around him, protecting him within it.
This was a defensive spell he had learned from the Heavenly Yao Saint, capable of blocking attacks for a time.
Seeing this, the mysterious man sneered and attacked once more.
His longsword danced, and sword qi swept in like a raging storm, instantly weakening Dao Lord Taichu's halo by more than half.
Dao Lord Taichu gritted his teeth and maintained his defense without yielding an inch.
The battle burned fiercely, every clash between the two triggering violent waves of energy.
Dao Lord Taichu continuously unleashed all manner of spells and martial techniques in an attempt to withstand the mysterious man's assault, while the mysterious man released increasingly frenzied dark power.
Time seemed to blur amid the battle, and it was no longer possible to tell how long had passed.
Dao Lord Taichu's stamina gradually drained away, yet his heart remained resolute.
He knew he could not lose to the mysterious man, or the consequences would be unimaginable.
Suddenly, a mysterious voice echoed in Dao Lord Taichu's mind. It was the Heavenly Yao Saint's voice: "Dao Lord Taichu, you possess an unwavering heart and the power of justice.
Now, release the deepest power within your heart."
Dao Lord Taichu closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to connect with his inner self.
He sensed that powerful force deep within him. It was an innate, mysterious energy fused with the universe.
He slowly began to release that power, and the vital energy within his body instantly swelled violently.
The mysterious man's expression turned grave when he saw this. He could sense