"Small fry?"
The smile vanished completely from Cien's face.
What he could least tolerate was anyone denying his existence. Whether they called him Szayelaporro Granz or a failed copy, those names reminded him of the body he had possessed at birth, which could have collapsed at any moment.
"A mere Soul Reaper dares speak to me in that tone?"
Cien spread his arms, and the tentacles behind him suddenly swelled, occupying the space above the warehouse in an instant. His immense Reiatsu pressed against the walls, cracking them continuously. Kannonji's legs buckled, and he nearly sank to the ground.
Yoriichi did not look back.
"Take her farther away."
"Leave it to this superstar!"
Enduring his injuries, Kannonji pulled Luo Jia toward the outside of the warehouse.
Seeing this, the murderous intent in Cien's eyes intensified.
"Did I give you permission to leave?"
Dozens of tentacles descended at once, their tips opening into hideous maws as they frantically absorbed the surrounding Reishi along their path. But the moment they drew near, Yoriichi raised Hekyō.
"Third Form, Blazing Sun Scatter."
A crimson ring of light spread out instantly.
Every tentacle was severed at once, and golden-orange flames spread back along the wounds. Cien immediately cut off the tentacles, shock and fury appearing on his face for the first time.
"Why won't they regenerate?"
"Your Reishi Circuits have already been burned away."
Yoriichi said calmly, "Continuing to regenerate will only hasten your spiritual body's collapse."
"Don't put on airs in front of me!"
Cien raised his palm, frantically compressing deep crimson Reiatsu.
A shrill vibration rang through the air.
An enormous sphere of light, far surpassing an ordinary Cero, rapidly formed in his palm. The Reiatsu tore the warehouse roof away, bathing the entire abandoned industrial district in blood-red light.
"Gran Rey Cero!"