Creeeak! ! Screechâ!
The rumbling noise and turbulent energy grew more intense.
As I listened, countless thoughts raced through my mind.
The vortex created by the clash was massive.
âWhooshâ!â
A sword aura burst out of the storm, hurtling toward a martial artist.
Without hesitation, I reached out and yanked the man away.
Whoosh!
A deep sword mark was left in the spot where he had barely dodged. The man, now safe, panted heavily.
âT-Thank you⦠Thank you so much.â
I didnât bother replying to his gratitude. Instead, I focused on reinforcing my energy barrier.
Uuuuuungâ!!
Whooooshâ!
Heat erupted alongside the vibrations, engulfing the area.
Others had already moved to block the gusts from escaping, but their efforts were insufficient.
I had to use more energy to reinforce the barrier before the vibrations finally subsided slightly.
But while the outward ripples had been contained, the pressure inside remained just as fierce.
Shatterâ! Screechâ!!
The ground cracked and trembled, and waves of energy scattered in all directions.
It was a chaotic sight, violent beyond reason.
It was too intense to be called a sparring match.
Yet, it wasnât quite a life-or-death battle either.
There was no killing intent, but the sheer ferocity of the clash was overwhelming.
And the energyâ
ââ¦Tsk.â
I could feel the barrier Iâd barely erected trembling violently.
At this rate, it wouldnât even last for 30 minutes.
Ssssssâ!
The Qi I poured into maintaining the barrier was depleting far too quickly.
I immediately added more energy to reinforce it and turned my gaze to the side.
Standing there with a dumbfounded expression was the Fiery Battle Sword, watching the scene unfold in disbelief.
Frowning, I snapped at him.
âWhat are you doing? Explain already!â
âA-Ah! T-That, uhâ¦â
Startled by my demand, the Fiery Battle Sword hurriedly began his explanation.
And his explanation was thisâ