Chapter 18: One-Sided Battle, Spider Emperor Sense (II)

Five figures gleaming with radiant lightning formed a circle, constantly shifting positions to trap Ling Bai in the center. Bundles of lightning arrows forged from spirit power coalesced and shot toward him from all directions!

Golden light comparable to the lightning itself burst forth in Ling Bai's pupils as he watched the chaotic lightning clones and arrows.

One Sword, Seven Slashes!

Each of the seven swords formed a unique stance, different yet precisely arranged according to the seven-pointed star array!

First Spirit Skill, Advanced Version!

Radiant Spirit Array: Guard!

The seven-pointed star array unfolded, spreading into the shape of the Big Dipper constellation, perfectly intercepting every arrow that Chu Qingtian had shot!

The Big Dipper formation reversed and enveloped!

The constellation then reversed and wrapped around, forcibly compressing the lightning into a thicker, more dazzling golden arrow aimed at one of the constantly shifting lightning clones!

'How does he know?!'

Chu Qingtian's face was filled with horror. The golden arrow was locked onto his true body!

A one-in-five chance—how could Ling Bai find him?

Luck?

Or skill?

"Go!"

Ling Bai shouted coldly, and the golden arrow reflected back at an even faster speed, blossoming into a dazzling light in the dark sky!

Boom—

The golden arrow traced a beautiful arc, and, unsurprisingly, Chu Qingtian was directly blown away!

Of course, at the critical moment, he swapped positions with one of his Lightning Clones, which took the damage in his place.

"You have three more chances."

Ling Bai smiled at Chu Qingtian and held up three fingers. To Chu Qingtian, this scene was like the devil's countdown—as if, when time ran out, he'd be chopped up and turned into dumplings!

Cold sweat poured down, gathering on his chin before finally dripping to the ground. Chu Qingtian and his three remaining lightning clones stood there stiffly.

Attack? Couldn't overpower him!

Defend? Couldn't withstand!

Escape? Not a chance!

Monster!

The word 'monster' was all that remained in Chu Qingtian's mind. In the past, this was the term others had used to describe him.

Every Shrek student had been a monster in someone else's story, but in this gathering of monsters, only the monster among monsters was worthy of being called one!

Second Spirit Skill, Evil-Banishing Slash.

Regardless of what Chu Qingtian was thinking, Ling Bai's attacks did not cease. A brilliant golden sword energy slashed down, directly targeting Chu Qingtian's true body!

'Again!'

This time, Chu Qingtian was finally certain that Ling Bai wasn't relying on luck. He truly had the ability to see through the lightning clones!

He swapped positions again!

Boom!

Of the four lightning clones, only two remained, plus Chu Qingtian himself. To the onlookers, the three identical figures looked like chickens awaiting slaughter, waiting for the butcher's bloody knife to fall!

Boom—

The same sword energy, the same explosion!

Chu Qingtian had only one lightning clone left!

Du Weilun, who had been watching from the sidelines, suddenly turned to Zhang Lexuan beside him and said, "Lexuan, don't you think Ling Bai's perception seems unusually strong?"

"Mm, it's exceptionally strong."

Zhang Lexuan concurred with Du Weilun's observation. Chu Qingtian was known as the fastest in the Outer Courtyard, his speed among the top at the Spirit Ancestor realm. However, no matter which direction or position he moved to, Ling Bai always anticipated it in advance.

In fact, 'anticipate' wasn't quite accurate; Ling Bai was directly locking onto Chu Qingtian. The so-called lightning clones were nothing but clowns jumping around in his eyes!

Zhang Lexuan continued, "If one's spiritual power is deep enough, one wouldn't be confused by the lightning clones. But even though the Seraphim is powerful, its strength lies in its holy attribute rather than spiritual power. Ling Bai's spiritual cultivation shouldn't be enough to see through the lightning clones... Could it be some secret technique of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"

"That seems likely."

Du Weilun thought it over and realized that Zhang Lexuan's guess was probably the most plausible.

It wouldn't be surprising for an ancient clan with a legacy spanning ten thousand years to have all sorts of profound secret techniques.

Since he was in the midst of battle, Ling Bai didn't hear their conversation. In fact, Zhang Lexuan and Du Weilun were both wrong. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had no such secret techniques. This was one of his innate talents, originating from his second Martial Spirit—the Death Abyss Spider Emperor!

The Seraphim was incredibly formidable as a God-level Martial Spirit, but the Death Abyss Spider Emperor that could rival it and even faintly surpass it was naturally far from simple.

Not only did it contain the Divine Power of the Rakshasa God, but by fusing the two top-level spirit beasts, the Death Spider Emperor and the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor, the Death Prison Spider Emperor had reached the pinnacle of the death attribute:

Ultimate Death!

One of the three ultimate innate talents of the Death Abyss Spider Emperor: Spider Emperor Sense!

Spider webs could generate micro-frequency vibrations when struck by an external force. As a spider-type spirit beast, the Death Prison Spider Emperor could sense danger in advance. And Ling Bai, as the possessor of this Martial Spirit, basically became a human radar, able to sense the exact location of any existence within a certain range that harbored killing intent or hostility toward him!

Whether it was the Blazing Bone Dragon Vulture attempting a sneak attack in the Star Dou Forest, or now Chu Qingtian using lightning clones to confuse him, both had long been exposed by the Spider Emperor Sense.

Spider Emperor Sense was Ling Bai's passive talent. Even without releasing his Death Abyss Spider Emperor Martial Spirit, he could detect a circular area with a diameter of one hundred meters centered on his body. Any creature attempting a sneak attack would find themselves in despair before the Spider Emperor Sense.

'One real and one fake, huh? Let's settle this in one go.'

Ling Bai's eyes reflected Chu Qingtian and the last struggling lightning clone; he had roughly gauged Chu Qingtian's level.

There was some skill there, though not much.

Since Chu Qingtian posed almost no threat, Ling Bai lost interest in continuing the battle.

His second spirit ring shone brightly!

Evil-Banishing Slash!

"What's going on?"

Chu Qingtian had been prepared for a final desperate struggle, but upon seeing the direction of the Evil-Banishing Slash, he couldn't help but hesitate.

The golden sword energy wasn't directed at his real body, nor at the remaining lightning clone. It actually slashed toward the empty ground between the two!

An opportunity!

A sharp light flashed in Chu Qingtian's eyes. The greatest advantages of an Agility Attack System Spirit Master were speed and explosive power, aiming for a one-hit kill! He didn't know whether Ling Bai had made a mistake or an accident, but he knew his chance to turn the tables had come!

He activated his first spirit skill, Lightning Rush, and his speed skyrocketed as lightning formed under his feet.

At the same time, the fourth spirit ring that he had been holding back finally burst into light!

"Fourth Spirit Skill: Thunderstorm!"

Chu Qingtian let out a roar, venting all the frustration and resentment accumulated during this battle. Massive amounts of golden lightning converged onto him, his once handsome face somewhat distorted. His speed, strength, and physical endurance all elevated to a new level. He now resembled a Berserk Lightning Leopard wildly charging through the wilderness!

"Go, Brother Chu! Take him down!"

The Inner Courtyard freshmen who had known him for years shouted in support. Even Bei Bei and Tang Ya couldn't help but clasp each other's hands tightly. They could all see that the outcome hinged on this moment!

'A bit hasty.'

The experienced Zhang Lexuan and Du Weilun shook their heads as they watched Chu Qingtian's desperate attack.

Chu Qingtian overlooked a simple truth. With the abilities Ling Bai had displayed, how could he make such an outrageous mistake as missing his target with a spirit skill!

Sure enough, just as Chu Qingtian charged forward with all his might, lightning flashing and thunder rumbling around him, that golden sword energy suddenly split into two. One attacked the lightning clone that was coordinating with him, while the other went straight for his true body!

Second Spirit Skill, Advanced Version: Evil-Banishing Twin Blade Slash!

The lightning clone was instantly annihilated!

The Evil-Banishing Slash effortlessly pierced the lightning surrounding Chu Qingtian. His body flew sideways, landing on the ground and rolling several times.

"I haven't lost yet!"

Chu Qingtian climbed to his feet, eyes bloodshot. The holy sword energy had left a bloody gash on his shoulder, soaking his clothes in red.

Ling Bai frowned slightly. He had already held back; otherwise, with the combined attack power of the Seraphim and the Angel Sword, Chu Qingtian's entire arm would have been severed instantly.

It was just an examination; he didn't want to cripple anyone. He hadn't expected Chu Qingtian to have such tenacity.

"Radiant Holy Array: Storm."

As those indifferent words fell, the holy power condensed into a brilliant golden tornado reaching the sky, roaring as it charged toward the exhausted Chu Qingtian!

"Arghhhhhh!"

Chu Qingtian's miserable screams echoed from within the tornado!

Immediately afterward, silvery moonlight cascaded from the sky, forcefully tearing apart the holy tornado and gently placing Chu Qingtian on the ground.

Chu Qingtian slowly opened his tightly closed eyes and patted himself all over.

Arms? Check!

Legs? Check!

Little brother…? Still there!

He was completely unharmed?!

Chu Qingtian realized that only his clothes were torn; his earlier screams had been purely psychological.

Ling Bai stepped forward, extended his hand to Chu Qingtian, and said with a smile:

"Thank you for the match, Brother Chu."