Chapter 81: Scarred Aba, Part 3
"What the hell?!" Huo Quan shouted inwardly as he was sent flying, startled that a Soul Elder could unleash such power worthy of a Soul Master, even. The class level suppression was enough to prevent serious injury, but the blow sent him back more than ten meters, nearly knocking him out of the ring. Huo Quan hurriedly released the strain on his legs and shifted his stance, deflecting the giant crimson slash into the air just in time. He steadied himself at the edge of the ring as the blade wave rocketed upward, crashing into the spirit arena's barrier and drawing gasps from the audience.
What was supposed to be an easy match had turned into an all out brawl.
"First Spirit Skill: Thunder Blade!
Second Spirit Skill: Thunder Movement!"
Scar wasted no time. He lunged after Huo Quan, summoning his jagged blade once more with lightning snaking along its edge, slashing in a relentless frenzy. Now adjusted to Scar's high speed attacks, Huo Quan focused on agile footwork, weaving through the strikes rather than meeting them head on.
"Quit running! Fight me!" Scar shouted, his eyes ablaze with fury. His entire body bore gruesome scars, testament to a life of brutal, single minded battle.
But Huo Quan ignored him. As Ye Wen's disciple, he knew better than to charge headfirst. The initial bout had been a calculated decision to gather information on his opponent's skill set.
"Though his chipped blade spirit is usually a weak weapon, somehow he's refined it with shocking combat prowess. For him to achieve near Soul Master strength at this age... he'd be a talent in any spirit academy. Likely, his weapon spirit is a mutation, enhanced through a mix of instinctive drive and sheer ferocity." Huo Quan pondered this as he dodged Scar's relentless assault. "His unrestrained fighting style is almost reminiscent of a fallen Spirit Master, but he lacks the corrupt aura. It's true commitment to combat, as if he's trying to hone his spirit weapon purely through willpower."
What Huo Quan observed was indeed the first steps of weapon spirit refinement, the ancient path of forging a martial spirit through will and instinct alone. But he noticed a glaring flaw: Scar's ferocious style burned through his energy reserves and weakened his body. If he continued down this path without proper guidance, he'd exhaust his potential within the next two decades.
But Scar's attacks only intensified. Huo Quan's calculated dodges seemed to spur him to even greater heights, his blade slashing through the air in a seemingly impenetrable web.
"Fight me like a man, you coward!" Scar roared. "Aren't you Ye Wen's disciple? Show some backbone! Face me like you did before, when we clashed head to head!"
As Scar's sword aura began to saturate the ring, Huo Quan remained cool, observing his pattern. Every strike and movement had a discernible rhythm; with his refined body control, Huo Quan could avoid every blow with precision.
"It's over." Huo Quan spoke softly.
Scar's movements grew slower and more labored. His body glistened with sweat, each breath coming out as a ragged gasp, yet his eyes remained fierce, refusing to yield.
"C Coward…" Scar spat, even as his strength waned.
Huo Quan's expression was unyielding. He spotted an opening and, with swift precision, struck Scar's chest. A harsh cough and spatters of blood escaped Scar's lips, his breath hitching as his spirit power momentarily froze.
Yet Scar's endurance defied reason. His body trembled violently, but his determination kept him upright, barely standing. Unwavering, he raised his chipped blade for another swing.
"My master taught me to never leave an opponent with the strength to retaliate," Huo Quan whispered into Scar's ear before unleashing a calculated flurry of blows. Each strike landed with pinpoint accuracy, targeting Scar's pressure points, effectively immobilizing him.
A dull thud marked Scar's fall as he collapsed unconscious onto the ring floor.
"The match is over! The winner is the undefeated Spirit Arena champion, Tianxing's Second Brother! Let's give him a round of applause!"
What was expected to be a one sided victory had turned into a stunning match, and the spectators erupted into wild cheers, chanting Huo Quan's name.
Huo Quan, however, watched the fallen Scar with admiration. "They're cheering for the wrong fighter," he thought. "To push me this far while being a full class below… this guy's a true genius among commoners. He deserves their praise, even if he lost."
He noticed Scar's battered appearance and realized he likely had no one to care for him. Huo Quan was about to carry him off when a young girl ran onto the platform. She knelt by Scar, gently shaking him.
"Brother Ba! Brother Ba! Wake up, please!"
Huo Quan explained, "Don't worry, I went easy on him. He just needed to be stopped from going overboard."
The girl, visibly relieved, nodded gratefully at Huo Quan. She seemed familiar with Scar's reckless behavior and was evidently a Spirit Master herself, displaying the stamina to lift Scar and carry him off.
"Ugh… loud… Leave me alone I can walk by myself!" Scar muttered, attempting to stand. But Huo Quan's pressure point technique had effectively paralyzed him, leaving him unable to move. Huo Quan calmly hoisted Scar onto his shoulder.
"Quit being stubborn. A hot headed attitude won't carry you through every fight in this world." Huo Quan advised as he beckoned to the girl, "Follow me, miss."
In the rest area, Huo Quan skillfully manipulated Scar's pressure points, gradually restoring his mobility. As Scar began to stir, he shot Huo Quan a sullen glare.
With a calm smile, Huo Quan introduced himself. "My name's Huo Quan. Mind telling me your names?"
Scar merely grunted, looking away in irritation. However, the girl replied politely, "I'm Chen Youyu, and this is my brother, Aba."
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