Chapter 12
In the joy that had been declared, it did not last long. Never once did Ling Xu imagine, let alone conceive, of pioneering a turmoil that would end in mutual bloodshed.
All the more so if the final decision merely pointed toward blood being spilled, with no compensation equal to its worth.
It was far too rending, so much so that it denied the astonishment within both senses.
To think that the turmoil in form had not been initiated intentionally, yet lingered for too long, allowed to pass, consuming time and steadily reducing stamina.
Ling Xu's opponent at that moment was wrapped in injury.
A little time spent playing around would not be a problem, counted as a tiny error in accordance with the will of determination.
With one factor and another kept in mind, constantly shifting, always attacking, Ling Xu's agility remained the key to escape, shifting position from place to place, while Huan Zheng's strikes repeatedly landed only on empty wind.
Born of weaker power, dimming further into a concerning state, shock upon shock once again sank, never expecting that a comparison of one rank could be leveled even though the measure was said to be like heaven and earth.
Even knowing that at this moment Ling Xu was a diamond, the fortune of the Outcasts ever recorded, astonishment only soared higher, hammering disbelief that an Enlightened Outcast such as Ling Xu could stand equal, even slightly capable of seeking to surpass.
In every sector, and not merely in keen perception alone.
'Damn—damn it… utterly wretched! How could the score be equal, initiating a parity of mandate that signifies power not as weak as once thought? Even if the Supreme Sky truly blessed her, to emphasize such terrifying strength is impossible, violating the very authority inscribed.'
'A heavenly farce, and no matter when, the subconscious refuses, desiring instead to sever the head before this absurdity overflows further!'
'Whatever it is, I am convinced something is occurring beyond the natural order!!'
The fury haunting his face could not be dispelled, shaping curses of vexation that could no longer be restrained, no longer contained.
Rooted in the boiling agitation, harsh curses became real, manifesting the grumbling of Huan Zheng's heart as heavy decisions were taken.
Finding the planned agenda failing to align with order, the turmoil enveloping Huan Zheng's body was the reason, the very cause that gave Ling Xu room to momentarily retreat.
It was no longer mere surprise, for the abnormal sensation did not cease, compelling him to halt at that moment.
Added to this was the fierce turmoil, rising from who knows where, agitating the depths of his chest. Panic sought to be restrained, erasing the possibility of a scream as a sudden dazzling slash severed sacred strands of hair.
Though his intent was to tear her skull from its place, repeated inaccuracy raised questions, critiquing the flaw of his reactions against Ling Xu's sharpened reflexes.
With every beat, slashes thrown only grew firmer, reinforcing the grandeur of form as speed was verified in order.
Sadly, not only did the primary assault fail, but the entirety of his invasion collapsed, failing to graze even the smallest part of Ling Xu, aside from the falling of dozens of strands of hair.
Ling Xu, to be frank, was slightly nervous, nearly making a slip that would have severed more than hair.
Yet confidence was constantly forged, ensuring calm remained steadfast, a coolness soothing the conscience for long moments.
It was long known, long thought, that Ling Xu had never been meant to be faced in a one-on-one duel.
Though cultivation had improved compared to days past, the throne of Humanity could not be cast aside, for power was not meant to pioneer victory against the root of wickedness, which had overturned authority, including the mandate we once possessed.
Assuring herself with swift yet measured judgments, Ling Xu believed she could endure, circling around decisions taken again and again.
Though the gap in power was like heaven and earth, her priority remained evasion, choosing to avoid, darting here and there rather than suffering a tragic fall in a day that should have been filled with joy.
It was wholly unacceptable, yet the reality told of painful truths for Ling Xu.
"How long will you drift about?"
"As long as your actions persist."
"Enlightened fiend!"
Because the conditions of the field leaned toward giving great advantage to Ling Xu, the agendas beyond control only swelled further, overflowing into every motion, deciding to blaze openly without reflecting on consequences later.
The inability of Huan Zheng to endure truly struck, birthing failure upon failure to suppress his wrath, his body moving with great force, projecting potential that should have been reserved as energy in store.
A single desire remained—to trample upon the dignity of the woman before him.
He cared not for the consequences, recklessly unleashing his talent, maximizing force though the compensation was never equal.
Even if success here meant glory, granting him treasures and fortune, such joy was hollow. What it brought was the summoning of illness, the worst case being the destruction of reputation before all.
There was no satisfying option.
Rather than letting stamina drain, weakening with time, blue, yellow, and green lights erupted, crossing directions in sharp slashes, tightening further with every strike, accelerated by bursts of explosive momentum.
It was fierce, unleashed with grandeur, yet its meaning was far from precise.
Absurd indeed, for such thunderous power did not suit the ongoing stage, failing to align with the intended "outcome."
Dark blossoms were one thing, but sudden performance stirred a chilling intuition deep within the heart.
A grim aura spread, so oppressive that fear surfaced, raising all hair on end, whispering the instinct to flee, as though each incoming slash were death itself.
But of course Ling Xu was not foolish—she could see the line of disaster drawing near.
Though knowing that Huan Zheng was a key candidate, one of humanity's heaviest bearers, it was shocking to see such recklessness born, prioritizing danger directed at an Outcast like her.
Understanding that the sudden shield was only swallowing fragments of time, efficiency became the priority, her body deciding to move aside, shifting in line with command, discarding the immediate danger as sharpness declared itself, climbing in force.
Fortunate indeed was her intuition, praised again and again within her depths.
If not for that intelligence, no step could have been ensured, no certainty proven, save for the strands cut away as her hair tie came undone.
Sacrifice was necessary, a beautiful compensation for the trick laid before her.
Literally denying the cut, strands scattered, carried away by the wind, the severed hair falling clearly onto the ground.
Of course, the gain was not immediate, but it brought a small joy.
Only the tip of her hair, a shallow victory when compared to the ruinous arcs released.
Yet worry still struck Ling Xu, her heart silently pleading that her body remain safe, unmarred by the chaos of the strikes.
To be continued…