Chapter 205: Can You Block?
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“The sword and shield combination is impressive, but can you withstand it indefinitely?”
Blocked by a sword and shield, Zeng Zaiwen felt somewhat surprised. Based on the information he had received, Chen Fei should have been more skilled in archery. He hadn’t expected him to be proficient in sword techniques as well.
However, this was somewhat normal since the Primordial Sword Sect was founded on swordsmanship. Among its three sets of authentic techniques, two of them were focused on sword techniques.
“I believe I can withstand it,” Chen Fei said calmly as he looked at Zeng Zaiwen.
“Hmph, then I’ll have to see for myself!”
Zeng Zaiwen snorted coldly. Chen Fei’s calm demeanor was particularly frustrating, as if he had complete control over everything.
“Clang!”
Once again, the sound of metal clashing echoed as Zeng Zaiwen appeared at Chen Fei’s left side. His sword pointed toward Chen Fei’s head. Chen Fei didn’t move his feet, and another sword and shield blocked Zeng Zaiwen’s attack.
“Clang clang clang!”
The sound of gold and iron colliding was continuous. Zeng Zaiwen created countless afterimages, swirling around Chen Fei. To outsiders, Chen Fei seemed like a solitary island, at risk of being submerged by waves at any moment.
“The Starry Night Sword and the Thorn Sword, impressive!”
Yan Shijin’s eyes lit up. These were two well-known defensive sword techniques within the sect, but only a few managed to master them.
There were various reasons for this, such as the difficulty of cultivation. Many people were reluctant to practice such techniques because they were purely defensive, symbolizing a lack of offensive strength. Prolonged defense often led to defeat, making it challenging to achieve flawless defense.
However, Chen Fei’s current display of defense was approaching the concept of perfect defense.
Despite having lower cultivation than Zeng Zaiwen, Chen Fei effortlessly withstood every attack, accurately handling the force of Zeng Zaiwen’s sword techniques without yielding an inch.
Without moving his body, he managed to cover all angles. While many people saw Zeng Zaiwen’s frenzied attacks, Yan Shijin saw Chen Fei’s elegant and effortless defense.
This was partly due to Zeng Zaiwen’s profound understanding of his own Soaring Heaven Technique, allowing him to deflect the counterforce of the Thorn Sword.
Otherwise, for anyone else, the Thorn Sword’s counter-strike alone could cause injury and create vulnerabilities.
Although the Starry Night Sword and the Thorn Sword were defensive techniques, they still contained offensive moves, albeit rare ones. When used, they determined victory or defeat.
“Excellent sword techniques. 1 didn’t expect Brother Feng to be skilled in these two sword styles.”
Hundreds of meters away, Huo Zhongdao looked down at the situation in the sparring arena from a high vantage point. He then glanced at his companion, Feng Xiupu.
“He learned them well himself; 1 didn’t teach him much.”
Feng Xiupu spoke honestly. Apart from the initial guidance in swordsmanship, he hadn’t been consulted much by Chen Fei. The seamless integration of these two sword techniques was entirely a result of Chen Fei’s own comprehension.
“Stalwart defense leads to defeat in the long run. This approach might work against Zeng Zaiwen’s slightly weaker offensive abilities. However, if he were facing a disciple who practiced the Giant Spirit Sword technique, his defense would likely crumble instantly!” Huo Zhongdao said with a smile.
“Yes, it’s a pity Zeng Zaiwen didn’t practice the Giant Spirit Sword.” Feng Xiupu nodded in agreement.
Huo Zhongdao’s expression froze for a moment. He didn’t like this sentiment, but he didn’t dwell on it. He continued to observe the arena. While Chen Fei’s defense was impressive, it was impossible for him to defeat Zeng Zaiwen with just that.
Moreover, under the prolonged defense, Huo Zhongdao believed that Zeng Zaiwen would undoubtedly find a countermeasure.
Sure enough, as soon as this thought crossed Huo Zhongdao’s mind, Zeng Zaiwen in the arena moved to the side, stopping his attacks. He sheathed his sword and fixed his gaze on Chen Fei. A hint of sharpness emanated from Zeng Zaiwen’s aura.
“The turtle shell is well-crafted, but in the end, a turtle is meant to be eaten!”
Zeng Zaiwen looked at Chen Fei, his voice deep and serious. He couldn’t deny that Chen Fei’s defense made it difficult for him to find an opening. However, he quickly devised a solution.
His plan was to use power-packed attacks to break through Chen Fei’s defense limit, shattering the metaphorical turtle shell.
“Sword Drawing Technique?”
As Zeng Zaiwen assumed his stance, Chen Fei recalled a sword technique he had seen in the sect’s scriptures. It bore some resemblance to Chen Fei’s previous archery skill, Starfall, involving continuous accumulation of power to execute a move that surpassed ordinary attacks.
“If you’re up to it, then keep blocking this move of mine!”
Zeng Zaiwen sneered, and in the next instant, he was already in front of Chen Fei. A white radiance filled Chen Fei’s vision. The sword energy was far more intense than before, pressing down on all sides and sealing off the space around Chen Fei.
“Shh!”
The blade passed in front of Chen Fei, creating a harsh sound as it cut through the air. Zeng Zaiwen’s eyes widened slightly. Chen Fei had actually evaded the attack. Although his footwork wasn’t on par with Zeng Zaiwen’s, it was significantly stronger than many true disciples.
“Boom!”
Zeng Zaiwen’s Sword Drawing Technique struck the ground, causing a slight tremor in the sparring arena. Not wasting any time, Zeng Zaiwen retreated backward as a white brilliance slashed where he had stood, emitting a subtle, piercing sound.
Chen Fei’s eyebrows twitched. His Sword Eight hadn’t managed to hit Zeng Zaiwen.
After executing the charged Sword Drawing Technique, Zeng Zaiwen surprisingly hadn’t exhausted the force he had accumulated. He had effortlessly evaded Chen Fei’s counterattack.
From this, it was clear that the profound insights of the Soaring Heaven Technique’s Visceral level exceeded those of the Spatial Travel technique. In terms of leveraging accumulated and redirected power, Zeng Zaiwen had surpassed others.
In the sparring arena, a flurry of attacks and evasions unfolded as the two opponents engaged in a rapid exchange. The spectators held their breath, watching the intense battle.
Only when Chen Fei and Zeng Zaiwen separated did the onlookers finally release a collective sigh of relief.
In a scenario like the one just witnessed, if this exchange had involved slightly less skilled individuals, it would have been a one-sided onslaught. However, for Chen Fei and Zeng Zaiwen, they emerged from the ordeal unscathed.
This also showcased the exceptional footwork of both participants. Moreover, Chen Fei’s display of combat prowess had far exceeded the expectations of those watching below.
There was no immediate collapse, no being overwhelmed by Zeng Zaiwen. Instead, both sides were actively attacking and evading.
Of course, in terms of the current scene, Zeng Zaiwen still held the advantage. After all, he had taken the initiative to attack throughout, while Chen Fei seemed to be primarily on the defensive, waiting for opportunities to counter.
As is often the case, the defensive counterattack strategy is typically adopted by the weaker side.
“You’ve hidden your abilities quite well.”
Zeng Zaiwen looked at the cracks on the ground where Chen Fei’s sword had struck. If that strike had landed moments ago, even though Zeng Zaiwen could redirect the force, he would likely have sustained some injury.
Strong defense, combined with counterattacks like this, showcased a level of skill in Chen Fei that a newly advanced true disciple couldn’t match.
“Brother Zeng’s footwork is truly unparalleled,” Chen Fei said with a smile.
This was the truth. Chen Fei rarely encountered someone within the same tier whose footwork surpassed his own. Witnessing Zeng Zaiwen’s capabilities now was truly eye-opening. The mastery of the Soaring Heaven Technique was undoubtedly exceptional, and once Zeng Zaiwen achieved a breakthrough to the Aperture Tempering realm he should not be underestimated.
“You are a worthy opponent!”
Zeng Zaiwen slightly lowered his body. His aura began to become ethereal as he fully engaged the Soaring Heaven Technique. The previous exchanges had mostly been probes.
Because of this, Zeng Zaiwen had preserved enough energy to dodge Chen Fei’s attacks after each exchange. The display of Chen Fei’s combat strength made Zeng Zaiwen realize that he couldn’t underestimate him. Without giving his all, Zeng Zaiwen likely wouldn’t be able to break through Chen Fei’s defense.
“Zeng Zaiwen is going all out!”
Yan Shijin’s eyes were locked onto the scene, as were the others. Zeng Zaiwen’s strength displayed earlier had already surpassed what they had previously seen.
Now going all out, Zeng Zaiwen wasn’t sure to what extent he could unleash the Soaring Heaven Technique.
Hundreds of meters away, Feng Xiupu’s expression was solemn. As one of the top ten true disciples, his strength far surpassed that of ordinary Visceral Tempering practitioners. He only learned about Chen Fei’s challenge to Zeng Zaiwen after the fact.
Upon hearing the news, he was somewhat surprised. However, Feng Xiupu knew that Chen Fei wouldn’t undertake something without being certain. If he dared to challenge, he must have been thoroughly prepared.
Seeing Zeng Zaiwen’s performance today still raised some concerns in Feng Xiupu’s mind.
Based on what Zeng Zaiwen had just demonstrated, his grasp of the Soaring Heaven Technique was much stronger than rumored. He seemed to have a much better understanding of it. Even though they were both wielding martial knives, just as a child might struggle to use one properly, let alone focus on details, an adult would excel.
At this moment, Zeng Zaiwen gave Feng Xiupu the impression that he had mastered the subtleties of the technique exceptionally well.
“Shh!”
Inside the sparring arena, Zeng Zaiwen stepped back with his right foot, disappearing from his original position.
In the next instant, three figures appeared simultaneously around Chen Fei. Still employing the Sword Drawing Technique, but now putting his full strength into it, Zeng Zaiwen was able to accumulate power and execute his sword technique while on the move.
Chen Fei didn’t attempt to evade. In terms of footwork, he was indeed slightly inferior. Instead of dodging, he opted to use his sword and shield to force Zeng Zaiwen into exposing a weakness.
Tremendous Strength, Iron Bones, Suppressing Dragon Elephant!
Chen Fei’s figure rose slightly. While Zeng Zaiwen possessed Tremendous Strength and Iron Bones, the additional strength provided by Suppressing Dragon Elephant far exceeded Zeng Zaiwen’s capabilities.
Although the Sword Drawing Technique was potent, when combined with the additional power of the Suppressing Dragon Elephant, not only was Chen Fei’s sword and shield not shattered, but the counterforce contained within it was even more formidable than before.
Zeng Zaiwen’s expression turned grim as waves of force pounded against his arms. Despite his constant discharge of energy using the Soaring Heaven Technique, the numbing sensation was still accumulating.
“Release!”
Zeng Zaiwen shouted, and his already swift figure further accelerated. The three illusions that had been surrounding Chen Fei transformed into five. The pressure exerted on Chen Fei by the Sword Drawing Technique suddenly skyrocketed.
In the past, Zeng Zaiwen wouldn’t have been capable of this feat. Simultaneously attacking with three illusions had already been his limit. However, after ingesting the Tempering Yin Fruit, his mental power had increased, allowing him to achieve greater control over the Soaring Heaven Technique.
Several disciples, including Yan Shijin, watched Zeng Zaiwen’s performance and were slightly shaken. Especially those who were ranked ahead of Zeng Zaiwen among the true disciples suddenly realized that, based on his current display of strength, they might not be able to defeat him.
In other words, in a few months’ time when the true disciple rankings were updated, they might find themselves surpassed by Zeng Zaiwen.
It was astonishing that in just a few months, Zeng Zaiwen had progressed so remarkably.
“Crack, crack, crack!”
Faint sounds of metal distortion echoed in the arena. Chen Fei’s expression twitched as he sensed the condition of his long sword. He realized that it was now covered in numerous scars, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly when it had suffered so much damage..