I barely had time to brace myself as Warren's crimson blades sliced through the air toward me. With my newly awakened power, I channeled golden energy to form a protective barrier around my body. The blades struck with devastating force, each impact sending shockwaves through my defenses.
Several blades shattered against my golden shield, but others penetrated, cutting into my flesh. Pain lanced through my body as blood seeped from multiple wounds. Still, I remained standing, my eyes locked on Warren's surprised face.
"Impressive," Warren admitted, his cold eyes narrowing. "Most cultivators would be dead already."
I spat blood onto the stone floor. "I'm not most cultivators."
