The Impact Of Breakthrough . . .
In essence, their confrontation was akin to a controlled scrimmage within a secure arena. No matter how intense their battle became, safety was assured, and the combatants would ultimately emerge unscathed. Bing Xin-Yue was well aware of Cha-Eun Xiao's intentions, and she was inclined to assist him by granting him this opportunity. In truth, this practice was a common method employed by major sects in the Qing-Yun Realm to nurture their disciples, allowing the younger generation to engage in unhindered combat for their personal growth.
However, in this particular instance, there was a significant issue at hand. Cha-Eun Xiao was deliberately pushing the boundaries, dangerously flirting with the brink of death, while Bing Xin-Yue's aim was to prevent any life-threatening circumstances from materializing.
This predicament posed a substantial challenge.
Cha-Eun Xiao was determined not to squander this rare opportunity. Finding an opponent as formidable as Wen-Ren Chu-Chu was an exceptional stroke of luck, and he had no desire to engage in battle with inferior adversaries. Unfortunately, the Land of Han-Yang lacked a plethora of exceptional cultivators. As such, he made a resolute decision and clenched his teeth, employing the Enormous Absorbing Art to draw all the surging energies toward himself.
This was a deliberate, calculated choice.
[Undoubtedly, Bing Xin-Yue possesses immense power. She can effortlessly resolve any perils that arise from our battle. However, if I take matters into my own hands and imperil myself, she may find herself ill-equipped to mitigate the consequences.]
Considering the turbulent state of Chen-Xing City, where powerful factions converged, the intricate web of relationships between these entities posed a genuine threat. Cha-Eun Xiao could ill-afford reckless errors that might result in his untimely demise. Consequently, he was willing to gamble, leveraging the unexpected development during their battle to enhance his own capabilities.
Even a modest improvement might significantly bolster his chances of surviving the forthcoming uncertainties. The prospect of ascending to the Grade of Tianyuan was too enticing to disregard. Hence, he decided to risk it all during the battle, retracting all the energies, which exceeded his usual limits threefold, into his dantian, with the intent of forcefully shattering the bottleneck and achieving the Grade of Tianyuan.
To any observer, Cha-Eun Xiao's actions appeared to be a blatant death wish. If the bottleneck had broken even slightly later, it might have led to the destruction of his dantian, Jing and Mai, or even his physical body, each outcome spelling failure and, ultimately, death.
After experiencing a momentary sensation of disorientation, Cha-Eun Xiao found the world around him transformed. Every facet of existence seemed bathed in a vibrant, radiant glow, suffusing everything with life and vitality.
Every living thing seemed to be in ecstatic harmony with Cha-Eun Xiao's newfound power. His dantian felt as though it had erupted like a dormant volcano, surging with boundless spiritual energy that flooded his Jing and Mai, saturating him with a sense of abundance. This sensation escalated to the point of an ecstatic explosion, and Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't contain his exuberant laughter as he moved swiftly towards Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, fueled by this newfound power.
This attack was markedly distinct from their previous clashes. In their prior engagement, Cha-Eun Xiao had been on the defensive, struggling to withstand Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's relentless assaults. However, this time, he fought back with remarkable ferocity. Though it wasn't a lethal blow, it was fast and exceptionally challenging to defend against. Their spar had transformed into a fierce and exhilarating contest, with Cha-Eun Xiao finding that the energy within his dantian was surging out at an unprecedented pace, seemingly boundless in its supply.
With each subsequent strike, the yellow glow that had previously accompanied his movements gradually faded, supplanted by a vibrant blue radiance that traced the trajectory of his every move. This azure luminescence enveloped his entire being, infusing his actions with its profound brilliance. It was as if a vast, cerulean ocean was unfurling, with countless waves rolling in from the distance, gradually enveloping the entire space and creating an immersive blue world.
In that moment, Cha-Eun Xiao's gaze held an unshakable resolve. His strikes were sharp and decisive, each one punctuated by the radiant blue glow that surrounded him. Even in this intense battle, there was a certain elegance to his movements, transforming the ordinary countenance of Feng Zhi-Ling into something quite remarkable.
As Cha-Eun Xiao unleashed his newfound power, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu found herself compelled to join the fray. She had initially lost the will to fight after witnessing Cha-Eun Xiao's near-suicidal feat, but circumstances had forced her hand. She was a discerning young woman, quick to grasp the underlying motive behind Cha-Eun Xiao's actions. His shocking and perilous gambit had, against all odds, proven effective. Now, he sought to consolidate his newly acquired Grade of Tianyuan by engaging her in combat.
With this realization, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's anxiety waned, replaced by a growing sense of joy and surprise. She shed her initial restraint and embraced the battle with renewed vigor. In this moment, she felt a sense of pride and gratification. [What an incredible opportunity he's seized. Despite the harrowing ordeal he endured, he emerged stronger and more determined than ever. Why shouldn't I assist him in solidifying his newfound power?]
As she calmed herself, her anxiety gave way to a burgeoning sense of anticipation. [After all, how many people in the world could achieve a breakthrough during a battle as intense as this?]
As Wen-Ren Chu-Chu engaged in combat, her thoughts were far from the battlefield, and she found herself inexplicably captivated by the intensity of the moment. She couldn't help but steal a glance at Cha-Eun Xiao's earnest expression. The allure of his seriousness and the intensity in his eyes sent ripples through her heart.
Amidst her contemplation, Bing Xin-Yue's voice suddenly cut through the air, breaking her reverie. "Watch out!" Bing Xin-Yue's warning came just in time as a gilded gust of wind raced dangerously close to her face. Cha-Eun Xiao had leaped into the air, embarking on an astonishing aerial display of 99 rolls, with each roll delivering a peculiar burst of wind towards the ground.
Wen-Ren Chu-Chu was left astounded by the peculiar and unpredictable movements of Cha-Eun Xiao. His strikes seemed to come from every conceivable direction, making evasion nearly impossible. Frustrated, she cried out and transformed into a dozen ethereal figures. A cascade of icy coldness manifested, resembling a celestial constellation shimmering in the azure expanse.
Once again, the Ling Xiao Ice Art came to life in Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's hands. She couldn't help but feel surprised by her own abilities. Despite being at the sixth level of the Grade of Tianyuan, her energy was of a different caliber than others at the same level. Unlike mortal realm cultivators of her grade, her energy was exceptionally pure, a testament to the power of the Ling Xiao Ice Art. This purity set her apart from her peers, positioning her far above even the most formidable Tianyuan cultivators in the mortal world.
Though she had yet to fully unleash the potential of the Ling Xiao Ice Art, it was astounding that Cha-Eun Xiao had managed to compel her to employ it. This unconventional turn of events defied explanation.