Wind-Speed Lightning-Bolt, the fiercest thrust in Clear Wind Swordplay.
In an instant, Gao Xian unleashed Lightning Dragon Hand and activated the Sharp Metal Rune on the Stone-Slicing Sword, gathering every ounce of strength in his muscles and bones into the sword tip.
The Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger had spotted Gao Xian, but his sword was too fast. The timing of that thrust was especially perfect, leaving it no time to dodge.
With a sharp sword cry, the swift Stone-Slicing Sword parted its iron-blue scales, tore through its tough flesh, and plunged straight into the Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger's neck.
Gao Xian could clearly feel the Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger contracting its muscles and scales. The Stone-Slicing Sword's progress grew more and more sluggish, and after penetrating barely a foot and a half, it could go no farther.
He had expected the sword to pierce straight through the Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger's neck. He hadn't anticipated that its muscles and scales would be so tough that their contraction could clamp the blade fast.
Fortunately, the thrust had gone deep, and the neck was a vital spot. Even if it didn't kill the Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger, it was enough to grievously wound it.
Gao Xian had chosen a thrust instead of a slash because a thrust was stronger and faster.
A slashing strike could at most break through the Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger's scales. It would be difficult to truly injure it.
As soon as Gao Xian landed his strike, he let go and retreated. A grievously wounded Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger was too dangerous; he had to put enough distance between them.
The Iron-Scaled Demon Tiger reacted even faster than Gao Xian. Its long tail lashed at him like an iron whip.
The tiger's tail split the air with a sharp, forceful crack. Gao Xian felt as