Again at a Disadvantage

Even though he was grievously wounded, Jin An's steps did not slow in the slightest.

With almost lightfooted movements, he quickly widened the distance between himself and Blackbeard, his gaze blazing as if to tell him:

"No matter what you do, I can handle it."

He took a deep breath, raising the longsword in his hand slightly as his body's potential quietly erupted.

Blackbeard's pupils contracted, and unease rose within him.

Never before had his judgment of Jin An been so wrong.

All along, he had thought Jin An was merely an opponent whose luck and strength happened to complement each other. But now, he realized Jin An was far harder to deal with than he had imagined.

Jin An suddenly flashed to the side and charged swiftly toward Blackbeard's flank.

Blackbeard hurriedly released a vortex of darkness from both hands, sucking in the surrounding air and creating a powerful gravitational force in an attempt to drag Jin An inside.

But Jin An had anticipated this move long ago. He instantly crouched, and his blade swept horizontally like Thunderbolt.

Blackbeard only had time to raise his sword in defense, but Jin An's strength far exceeded his expectations. The fierce collision made Blackbeard strain slightly.

"You brat..."

Blackbeard roared furiously, increasing the force of the pull from his hands. The power within the darkness that devoured everything became even more terrifying.

Jin An's steps were visibly slowed, but he did not panic. Drawn by the force, he leaped slightly into the air, gripped his longsword tightly in his right hand, and slashed at Blackbeard's chest.

The strike was vicious and swift, as though the blade had gathered every ounce of fury.

A flicker of surprise crossed Blackbeard's eyes. He reacted quickly, instantly turning the power of darkness into a hard shield