Li Yue's seemingly simple strike carried immense power, causing significant damage to the ground beneath them from their initial clash. However, defeating Thanos with a single blow was unrealistic despite his strength, as Thanos's strength was also formidable.
At this moment, Thanos' legs were deeply embedded in the ground. He had recovered from the surprise of Li Yue's speed, having been forced into a defensive stance by the sudden attack.
Thanos' resilient body withstood the powerful impact, although the ground beneath him was shattered. Holding his double-edged sword with one hand wasn't enough to withstand Li Yue's attack, so he quickly supported the weapon with his other hand, countering the overwhelming force.
The two were locked in a stalemate, their strength evenly matched.
...
Li Yue floated in the air, gripping his weapon with both hands. Sparks flew where their weapons clashed, evidence of the immense power at play.
"Heh, let's see how long you can last!"
Li Yue hadn't used his full strength, only about eighty percent, but even this was enough to suppress Thanos. Despite Thanos using both hands, Li Yue's trident halberd gradually pushed his sword down, the blade inching closer to Thanos' unprotected neck.
Realizing that his flesh might not withstand Li Yue's weapon, Thanos roared angrily, unleashing his full strength to push Li Yue back a short distance.
Sensing Thanos' desperation, Li Yue didn't continue the power struggle but used the momentum to land gracefully.
"How's that? Isn't my strength sufficient for a one-on-one?"
Standing firmly, Li Yue didn't attack but spoke casually to Thanos.
...
After forcing Li Yue back, Thanos pulled his legs from the ground and looked down at Li Yue. His expression was no longer calm but filled with seriousness.
"I underestimated you, but this battle has just begun!"
Thanos charged at Li Yue, this time initiating the attack.
...
Mid-charge, Thanos hurled his double-edged sword at Li Yue. The spinning weapon cut through the air like a helicopter's blades, kicking up debris and creating a deep trench as it sped toward Li Yue.
Thanos followed closely behind the sword.
As the spinning weapon approached, Li Yue stood his ground. Instead of using his superpowers to dodge, he swung his trident halberd like a sledgehammer, knocking the sword off its trajectory. The blade whistled past Li Yue, missing him entirely.
Thanos, however, was right behind, his massive fist aimed directly at Li Yue's head with deadly force.
Li Yue met Thanos' punch with his left fist, showing no intention of dodging.
...
Boom!
The collision of their fists created a massive shockwave as if the very space around them might shatter from the force. The invisible wave carried debris outward, accompanied by the larger figure of Thanos being pushed back.
Thanos was thrown back, leaving a deep trench in the ground, while Li Yue remained unmoved.
The stark contrast between Li Yue's small stature and Thanos' massive frame was striking, creating a scene of an ant challenging an elephant.
Even Thanos, shocked by the force that pushed him back, couldn't believe he was repelled despite his all-out attack.
But his shock didn't halt his assault. Thanos charged again, his sword returning like a boomerang. Though it flew past Li Yue harmlessly, Thanos grabbed it with precision.
"Wow, you caught that? That's against all physics!"
Li Yue couldn't help but comment, watching Thanos catch the spinning blade effortlessly.
L oblivious to Li Yue's thoughts, Thanos leaped at him, using the same overhead chop move Li Yue had used earlier.
...
"You're copying my move!"
Amused, Li Yue raised his trident halberd to block the incoming attack.
Clang!
The impact echoed like a thunderclap. Despite Thanos' furious strength, the clash only resulted in further destruction of the surroundings, leaving Li Yue unharmed.
He saw Li Yue block his attack, which easily enraged Thanos further. He lifted his sword and swung down with all his might.
Clang, clang, clang...
Thanos struck at Li Yue repeatedly in a rage, each blow carrying his full strength. The relentless metallic clashing formed shockwaves that rippled outward.
Neither Li Yue nor Thanos seemed skilled in sophisticated weapon techniques. Thanos, a battlefield veteran, relied on brute strength, attacking Li Yue with straightforward but powerful strikes.
"You think this is endless? You must think I'm Captain America!"
Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Li Yue couldn't help but think. Thanos treated him like Captain America, attacking relentlessly. But Li Yue's weapon wasn't a vibranium shield, and Thanos' sword couldn't break it.