Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao (76)

This can't go on. Su Han's thoughts raced. Competing with a Sword Puppet in endurance was the most foolish choice. It had no limits to its stamina and knew no fatigue, while although his star power recovered quickly, his mind had its limits. More importantly, prolonged defense would inevitably lead to a mistake. He had to break the deadlock.

A fierce glint flashed through his eyes. As he deflected a slashing strike, he formed a sword with the fingers of his left hand, starlight gathering at his fingertips before he suddenly jabbed at an ordinary-looking spot beneath Yin Kui's left ribs.

"Star Tribulation Finger!"

The strike was swift as lightning, its finger force razor-sharp as it targeted a node in the flow of spiritual power within Yin Kui's body. This was a minor divine art Su Han had comprehended from the Primordial Star Codex, specifically meant to pierce protective qi and spiritual power defenses.

"Pfft!"

The finger force landed solidly beneath Yin Kui's ribs. Yin Kui's body shuddered, and his movements stalled for an instant. A small hole tore open in the robe at his left side, revealing grayish-white skin beneath—and embedded in that skin was a dark-golden metal plate. A faint white mark had appeared on it, but it had not been pierced.

Su Han's pupils contracted. As expected, this Sword Puppet had been implanted with something to strengthen it!

In the instant Yin Kui's movements stalled, Su Han seized the opportunity. Starlight surged from the Starfire Sword as its Sword Momentum suddenly changed, shifting from agile and ethereal to heavy and fierce. He swept his sword horizontally, wielding an unstoppable force as he viciously struck Yin Kui's hastily raised black longsword.

"Clang—!"

An even louder impact rang out. Yin Kui was sent sliding several steps backward by the