Chapter 47: Desperate Situation

"Reflect!"

An intense surge of energy, pulsating with destructive dark purple flames, shot out from Feng Qin's body. It converged around his right arm like they were threads, crackling with explosive flames radiating immense heat unlike anything he's ever released.

It was to be expected, as the Flame King's Regalia had not only absorbed Cain's physical attacks but also his destruction aura as well.

And Cain's destruction aura, although its prowess was severely lacking compared to a true destruction law, it was something above the Earth Elements: Fire, Wind, Earth, Water. With it, it now temporarily raised Feng Qin's Concept of Fire prowess to the Second Level - Annihilation.

The manifestation of fire's strength. The ability to destroy all and to burn away all of existence.

"Burn to ashes!" Feng Qin shouted, his eyes gleamed with dark purple flames, as he punched forward with all his might. The surge of destructive energy exploded from Feng Qin's arm, creating a massive shockwave that tore through the air.

The impact was so powerful that it shattered the ground beneath him, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

"Oh shit–!" Cain cried out in a panic and his second ring shined with a golden glow that spread across his body.

As the attack collided with its target, the force of the explosion sent debris flying in all directions. Flames engulfed the area, licking at everything in its path. It was a devastating sight, a display of pure destruction.

"Ha...Ha..." Feng Qin heavily panted, his body trembling from the exertion. The Flame King's Regalia had absorbed a lot of the energy, but it had still taken a toll on his body and his spirit power.

'Holy shit! This might be the first time I ever feel my spirit power reserves dip so low.'

Ever since he formed a Fire Core, Feng Qin always felt like he had unlimited and inexhaustible well of power. Like he would never tire or run out of energy. But this attack had taken a lot out of him.

But as the dust settled, there was a glimmer of something else. A shimmering figure emerged from the smoke and flames, unaffected by the devastating attack. Feng Qin's eyes widened in surprise.

It was Cain, standing tall amidst the destruction, his clothes in tatters revealing his body metamorphosed with dark metal-like scales radiating with an ethereal golden glow. Several cuts and wounds crisscrossed his body, but he showed no signs of pain or fatigue.

"What...how?" Feng Qin stammered, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him.

"Impressive, Feng Qin," Cain spoke in a deep voice that echoed throughout the area. "But, unfortunately, that attack won't work on me. You see, my second ring is the Tyrannical Dragon's Armour. It grants me immunity to all elemental attacks and dissipates about 20-30% of physical attacks."

Feng Qin's heart sank as he heard the explanation. He had poured all his strength and spirit power into that attack, only for it to be completely ineffective. He gritted his teeth, feeling frustrated and angry.

Cain approached him, his eyes cold and detached. "I must admit, you are a worthy opponent. But your powers are no match for mine. Give up now, and I will only take one limb away."

Feng Qin clenched his fists, refusing to back down. "I will not surrender, Cain. I have my own reasons for winning this."

"Pity," Cain snorted, hot air blowing out of his nostrils. His lips formed a feral grin. "but I kinda expected that."

"Then why ask?" Feng Qin said, trying to stall.

"Because you earned my respect." That was what Cain replied before he shot forward like a gun.

'Shit.' Feng Qin clicked his tongue, ignoring the fatigue that was plaguing his body, he quickly pumped his legs with spirit power and retreated.

He moved like a mirage, each step back he took made him as swift and light as the wind.

'This is my first time using a movement technique, a basic one that any martial artist could easily learn in several days. I wanted to wait until after the competition to learn a powerful and compatible movement technique in the Sword Immortal's memories, but it looks like I have no choice!'

Sprinting Wind! A basic movement technique that lets the martial artist incorporate a fragment Concept of Wind into one's feet and swiftly move around like a windy breeze.

Feng Qin had underestimated his opponent's strength, thinking that the Flame King's Regalia would allow him to overpower Cain with ease. But he had been wrong. Reflecting on his mistake, Feng Qin decided to change his strategy and go on the defensive for now.

"Where are you running!?" Cain's booming voice was heard as he chased after Feng Qin's figure around the stage. But the latter would always manage to dodge his every strike, and when Cain finally got a hit on him, it was only a glancing blow.

"Come here!"

'He's gotten slower than before. My counterattack might not have defeated him, but it still severely injured him that it affected his speed.' Feng Qin narrowed his eyes in thought.

'His speed might have slowed down...but did his reflex as well?'

Feng Qin decided to test the waters and if Cain couldn't react fast enough, he'd go on the offensive.

Cain let out a small breath, a bead of sweat appeared on his forehead, finally feeling the exhaustion taking in. Taking on that reflection attack from Feng Qin might have seemed like it was easy, but it consumed almost all his spirit power.

He wanted to finish this battle as fast as possible. He didn't want a hard or desperate win, he wanted to win in a domineering fashion.

But Feng Qin just kept on dodging! That son of a bitch!

His eyes widened as a flaming kick appeared before his eyes.

'What the–!?'

His head tilted as he narrowly avoided the strike, feeling the heat of the flames on his skin. He quickly jumped back, creating distance between him and Feng Qin.

"Hmm, you're faster than I thought," Cain said, impressed. "But that won't be enough to win."

Feng Qin smirked, feeling a surge of confidence. "I never expected it to be easy. But I have a few more tricks up my sleeve." He started to channel his spirit power, the purple flames around him growing darker and hotter.

Cain's eyes narrowed, sensing the change in Feng Qin's power. He readied himself for another attack.

Swish!

Feng Qin shot towards him as a blazing dark purple fireball, the flames spread out forward in a semicircle and engulfed Cain in its fiery temperature.

'You think I'll just take that on?' Cain snorted and hurriedly jumped back, not noticing a figure appeared behind his back with his right fist raised and shot forward with a sharp aura.

"No-sword style: Phantom Blade."

!!!

"Ugh–! Y-You coward...Using a sneak attack on me..." Cain grinded his teeth, glaring angrily at the standing Feng Qin. A long cut appeared on his right shoulder side, spilling blood.

Feng Qin let out a short breath, cold sweat drenched his temples. His left hand twitched before he clenched it.

No-sword style, Phantom Blade. One of the few sword techniques he comprehended for the last week. A powerful martial skill that lets one's hand imitate a sword's sharpness and could easily cut through iron like its butter.

It's one of the strongest techniques he comprehended but also his least proficient one. Thus he couldn't really use it in a full-on battle, as he still needed to train more in its usage.

But Cain forced his hand. Feng Qin knew that he couldn't defeat him head-on, but he didn't want to lose this fight either. So he decided to take a gamble, and it paid off.

"That's on you bro. This is a fight, not a spar," Feng Qin replied, a hint of smugness in his tone.

Cain growled, his eyes filled with anger and frustration. He lunged forward with his own technique, a rippling punch that aimed to break through Feng Qin's defense.

But Feng Qin was ready for it. His eyes glinted with an orange light, and he channeled his spirit power into his right hand.

"Blazing Fist, Sixth Form: Fire Blast Palm!"

A massive wave of flames shot out from his hand, engulfing Cain's punch and blasting him away.

The force of the impact sent Cain flying through the air, crashing into the ground with a loud thud. He struggled to get up, his body shaking from the impact.

"You...you'll pay for that!" Cain growled, his eyes filled with intense rage. The golden aura around his body grew brighter and more intense, like a mini sun had exploded within his body. His first spirit ring shining brilliantly.

Feng Qin felt a chill run down his spine. He should not be hit by that. Forget about defeat or getting cripple, he'll die with one hit from Cain!

Feng Qin knew he couldn't hold on any longer. He had used up almost all of his spirit power, and he could feel the fatigue creeping into his bones.

He gritted his teeth, a determined look on his face. "I may not win this fight, but I won't give up either. I'll keep fighting until the very end."

Cain stood up, his eyes blazing with fury. "I'll give you that, Feng Qin. You're a tough bastard. But you're no match for me. Tyrant's Fury!"

With a roar, Cain charged forward, his body surrounded by a massive golden flame. He aimed a powerful punch at Feng Qin, determined to end this fight once and for all.

Feng Qin closed his eyes, took one deep breath and stood his ground. He raised the heels of his feet, a feeling of lightness spread throughout his body.

Sprinting Wind!

He shot towards Cain as he lifted his right hand, an image of a sword covered his hand releasing a sharpness that can cut through anything in his path!

'I can't let him touch me. I have to be fast and attack at his vital spots with Phantom Blade,' He raised his hand over him, beads of cold sweat rolling down his forehead. 'Easier said than done though.'

.....

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