Numb and Numbers

Cui Fang closed his eyes, anticipating the final sound of the sword slicing through flesh to signal the end of this whole incident. 

But instead, he heard the sickening sound a sword piercing flesh, followed by a burning sensation spreading through his own stomach.

When he understood what was happening, his eyes widened in shock at the sight of Tao Bai's bloodied mouth and contorted face.

They leaped back in unison, but unfortunately, they realized the danger too late. The damage had already been done.

Tao Bai staggered, his expression one of disbelief as he clutched his stomach, blood seeping between his fingers. 

Cui Fang's face on the other hand turned pale. He clutched his own stomach, where blood flowed freely, staining his clothes.

His mouth opened in a silent gasp, his usual stern demeanor replaced by sheer shock and anger. 

"Tao Bai, circulate your Qi through your body!" Cui Fang ordered, his voice urgent. He sensed something was terribly wrong with their wounds. 

Their Qi should have been able to stopped the bleeding, but instead, the flow of blood showed no sign of slowing.

Barely conscious before, Fang Xuan now stood between the two cultivators. His entire body had turned jet black, his robe melding with him into a form-fitting, dark armor.

The armor's surface was segmented into various textures. The chest and abdomen had a ribbed pattern, resembling muscles, yet it seemed both lightweight and very tough.

Muscle fiber patterns flowed seamlessly over his body, giving the armor a smooth, continuous look. It covered him from neck to mouth, creating an intimidating appearance.

[Auto Pilot Activated] Fang Xuan's voice echoed, sounding as if it came from a mechanical device, with a strange, chattering quality.

Tao Bai's eyes widened in shock at the eerie, mechanical voice.

"What is this transformation? Is this some forbidden technique?" he demanded, his voice tense with confusion and annoyance. 

[Two Enemy Detected: Beginning Analysis] Fang Xuan announced while he raised his dagger.

The weapon morphed into a black sword, mirroring the shape of Tao Bai's own weapon.

SWOOOSH!

Fang Xuan charged at Tao Bai, wielding the black sword with brute force. He swung down heavily, his attacks wild and unrefined.

Tao Bai quickly raised his weapon with his free hand to block the strike.

CLANG!

But Fang Xuan was persistent .

CLANG!

CLANG!

CLANG!

The clash of steel echoed continuously as Fang Xuan swung his sword wildly.

Tao Bai expertly blocked each attack, exploiting the lack of technique of his opponent. 

Spotting an opening, Tao Bai drove his sword into Fang Xuan's stomach. But to his shock, the blade bounced off as if striking a solid metal. 

Despite the setback, Tao Bai maintained his composure, recognizing that his opponent was inexperienced in battle.

He braced for Fang Xuan's next attack, only to find the black sword changing direction unexpectedly.

As Tao Bai adjusted his weapon , Fang Xuan's attack shifted again, forcing Tao Bai to jumped back several steps.

'Did he just copy my sword style?' Tao Bai thought in shock.