214: Chapter 214 The Sword Qi Endures

Han Jingyang maintained a calm and indifferent expression from beginning to end, showing no signs of nervousness or anxiety.

It was as if he were not facing a dangerous man like Tian Chunming, but rather out for a spring outing.

In reality, however, his back was already soaked with sweat.

His hands, clasped behind his back, were so tense that he could barely clench his fists.

If not for his decent composure, his legs would have already been shaking too much to stand.

This Tian Chunming was truly formidable.

Not only was the Qi within his body stronger than Bai Sixing's, but his aura was exceptionally eerie, concealing a ferocious beast with a tiger's face and two horns.

There was much more to him than when they last met.

What did that mean?

It meant Tian Chunming had been hiding his strength; whether intentional or not, it was enough to prove his power.

Faced with such an experienced, powerful, and versatile villain, who wouldn't be afraid?

However, Han Jingyang understood even more clearly that he could not show any fear at this moment, no matter what.

Not even a little bit.

If he showed fear, Tian Chunming would surely seize the opportunity.

Conversely, the calmer he appeared, the more hesitant Tian Chunming would be.

Just like the Empty Fort Strategy, this was an open ploy specifically designed to deal with smart people who overthink; the more they thought, the more effective it became.

This was the reason Tian Chunming had yet to make a move.

If he had shown even a hint of fear, given Tian Chunming's style, he would have attacked immediately.

Because normal people know not to fight battles they aren't sure of winning.

However, Han Jingyang knew better that the Empty Fort Strategy was not a long-term solution, especially against someone like Tian Chunming. At most, it would buy him a few minutes; Tian Chunming would absolutely not be like Sima Yi, scared away by Zhuge Liang's Empty Fort Strategy.

Therefore, Han Jingyang took a deep breath, pinched three incense sticks, lit them, and inserted them into the incense burner. He smiled at Tian Chunming, "Mr. Tian, would you like to see my methods?"

Tian Chunming nodded with a smile, "Sure."

Before the words had even faded, he rushed toward Han Jingyang like lightning, while simultaneously sweeping his foot to kick a pebble that struck the table leg like a bolt.

The altar that had just been set up slowly toppled over.

Tian Chunming laughed loudly, "Without an altar, let's see how you cast your spells!"

As soon as Tian Chunming moved, Shi Xiaoya instantly drew her blade and slashed toward him.

Draw-and-Slash.

Although it was a small technique Shi Xiaoya had devised herself, it was extremely fast. The draw and slash were performed in one fluid motion, and the moment a faint humming sound rang out, the gleaming katana had already struck Tian Chunming.

Tian Chunming extended his arm to block.

"Clang!"

A crisp sound rang out, and sparks flew.

Tian Chunming's clothes tore open, revealing a black metal bracer.

Tian Chunming laughed heartily and knocked his arms together, producing a heavy, muffled sound. "Hahaha, these bracers are made of tungsten steel. With them on, no blade is anything more than a back-scratcher to me—not even good enough for that."

Before he finished speaking, he turned and lunged at Shi Xiaoya, throwing punches with an unstoppable momentum, pursuing and striking fiercely.

Seeing this, Han Jingyang was alarmed and waved his hand to summon Chaotian Temple.

As soon as Chaotian Temple appeared, it lunged toward Tian Chunming.

Tian Chunming punched Shi Xiaoya back twice, then turned to face Chaotian Temple with fiery eyes, as if he were looking at a stunning, unclothed beauty. "What a treasure. It's wasted in your hands. Give it to me, and I will cultivate it into the most powerful deity in this world."

As he spoke, he rushed toward Chaotian Temple. "With it, I will become the most powerful person in the world!"

"Bang!"

He punched Chaotian Temple.

Chaotian Temple, which was originally in an ethereal state, actually staggered back several steps, its nearly solidified body even showing signs of dissolving into Qi.

Tian Chunming pressed his advantage, continuing to punch as he rushed toward Chaotian Temple.

Seeing this, Shi Xiaoya hurriedly brandished her katana and rushed up.

Tian Chunming, however, was not afraid at all. He threw punches left and right, his offensive momentum undiminished. He was single-handedly suppressing both a person and a deity, and even had the energy to flash a grim smile at Han Jingyang. "Kid, you've got something there, being able to cultivate such a fine thing. It's a pity that it's far from forming any real combat power right now; it poses no threat to me at all."

As he finished speaking, he suddenly abandoned his suppression of Chaotian Temple, letting it land a punch on his back, while he turned and lunged at Shi Xiaoya. He violently swung his left arm to deflect the katana and slammed his right fist solidly into Shi Xiaoya's chest.

Shi Xiaoya's chest immediately caved in.

As she was sent flying backward, she spat out a mouthful of blood in mid-air, and when she landed on the ground, broken internal organs were clearly visible.

A fatal blow!

With such injuries, there would be no chance even if she were sent to the hospital immediately.

Tian Chunming was too strong.

Han Jingyang's hair stood on end. He screamed, "Xiaoya!" as he drew his gold-inlaid bronze sword and charged at Tian Chunming.

Lip-Gun and Tongue-Sword!

Swift Charge!

Invulnerability!

Critical Strike!

Everlasting Sword Qi × 3!

Seven skills were activated in an instant.

In that instant, a giant short sword formed from thick green energy appeared in the sky, further enhanced by a layer of blue light.

That was the effect of the "Critical Strike" skill, which could enhance the weapon's accuracy.

The moment the short sword took form, it thrust toward Tian Chunming like a shooting star.

The excitement in Tian Chunming's eyes grew even more intense. He looked up at the sky and violently shook his arms. The tiger-faced, two-horned beast inside him suddenly let out a roar and rushed toward the short sword. It swiped with its claw, and the blue-light-enhanced short sword instantly shattered into Qi, losing all its power.

Then, Tian Chunming raised his hand in surprise to block Han Jingyang's charge. "Huh? What kind of dharma instrument is this? It actually allows you to unleash such impressive impact force. This power and speed are quite decent; it really exceeded my expectations. However, to deal with me, you're still far from it, hehe."

As he finished speaking, he threw a heavy punch.

It landed solidly on Han Jingyang's chest.

"Crack!"

Han Jingyang heard something shatter.

But he didn't feel a shred of pain throughout his entire body; he was completely unharmed.

Yet, he was sent flying backward involuntarily.

He flew a full ten meters before crashing onto the rough asphalt road.

There was not a hint of joy on Tian Chunming's face; instead, he wore an expression of existential doubt. He looked at his fist, then at the completely unharmed Han Jingyang. "How can such a thing happen?"

As he finished speaking, he strode toward Han Jingyang. "A protective amulet? Hehehe, trash is just trash. No matter how many protective amulets you have, it's all in vain. Now, they are all mine."

Han Jingyang looked at the rushing Tian Chunming and suddenly chuckled. "You old bastard surnamed Tian, you're happy too soon. Kill!"

Tian Chunming was startled.

There's more?

How does this kid surnamed Han have so many strange dharma instruments?

What is it this time?

The next second, three sword auras seemed to shoot out from a rift in time and space.

Three blinding white sword beams pierced toward Tian Chunming in a triangular formation.

The speed was extreme, like a white rainbow piercing the sun!

Tian Chunming couldn't dodge in time and could only muster all his blood energy and Qi to withstand it head-on.

The three white beams struck Tian Chunming's chest silently.

Tian Chunming staggered back two steps, looked down at his chest, let out a long breath, and sneered, "You've got something, but it's still not enough. Han Jingyang, if this is all you've got, then go to hell. You have made me angry!"

As he spoke, he strode toward Han Jingyang.

Han Jingyang didn't even look back as he rushed toward Shi Xiaoya, who was lying motionless on the ground. "Xiaoya, don't die! If you die, what will I do? Xiaoya, Xiaoya..."