At Death's Door

"Cut the crap! If you want to fight, then fight!"

Zhao Song panted heavily, every muscle in his body taut. The stabbing pain from burning his blood essence spread throughout his body, yet there was not the slightest hint of retreat in his eyes. The Mad Demon Mace pointed diagonally at the ground, dark red light swelling and contracting along its shaft, each pulse carrying violent power.

He knew he could not hold on for long. The power gained by burning his blood essence would last at most the time it took to burn an incense stick, after which he would enter a weakened state, helpless at others' mercy. But he did not care. As long as he could protect the teammates behind him, even throwing away his life would be worth it.

The two moved almost simultaneously.

There were no flashy Soul Skill names, no elaborate opening moves—only the purest clash of strength, a contest of laws.

Zhao Song drove the Mad Demon Mace's stacking-force technique to its limit. Every strike carried the lingering force of the previous one, layer upon layer, growing ever more terrifying. He moved so fast he left afterimages behind, mace shadows raining down on the Leo Star Dragon from every direction, each blow carrying the force to split mountains and shatter stone.

The Leo Star Dragon fused the Law of Fire into his battle axes, wielding both weapons in an impenetrable whirlwind. Wherever the axe blades passed, the air itself ignited, leaving streaks of crimson flame. His strength was vast and weighty; every chop bore crushing force as he forcibly received all of Zhao Song's accumulated power without yielding a single step.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The dense impacts merged into one continuous roar, sparks spraying everywhere like a torrential downpour.

They fought from the