Isshiki was the first to spring into action.
Straight black markings spread across his entire body.
His gentle, composed demeanor underwent a complete transformation, becoming as cold and aloof as a god looking down upon all living things, yet as aggressive as an apex predator.
Ōtsutsuki Isshiki had inhabited Jigen's body for a thousand years. No matter how dissatisfied he was with this vessel, these were the conditions, this was the situation—he still had to find ways to strengthen himself.
And thus, he assumed his current form:
"Kāma: State One."
In human form, he could initially wield Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's power.
"Do you really think I stayed out of the war and didn't attack you because I was afraid of you?!"
"Lin Qing! Don't get cocky!"
Isshiki fixed his gaze on Lin Qing.
"If I wanted to kill you, right now I—"
Time stopped.
Lin Qing shoved away the dining table. Amid flying steak and spilling red wine, he and Star Platinum arrived before Isshiki.
"As expected of a lonely old man betrayed by his companions and left to live alone for a thousand years."
Lin Qing stared at Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
"You sure do talk a lot."
Star Platinum took a deep breath.
"Ora Ora Ora Ora!"
While Star Platinum unleashed its strength, Lin Qing naturally could not remain idle.
He spread open his palm.
Strands of golden ripples gathered before Lin Qing, forming thick, dazzling chunks of Ripple Crystal.
Bzzz!!!
The time-frozen world began to tremble faintly.
The Ripple Crystals continuously churned, condensed, and compressed. Throughout the process, the time stop space itself was gradually dyed pale gold around the crystals.
"Whew—"
Lin Qing let out a soft breath.
This was Fourth Stage: Ripple Qigong.
The ripples had broken free of plasma forms such as lightning and flame, undergone sublimation