Laughing Eight Blast; The Monarch's Sword! . . .
Intrigued by Cha Eun Xiao's actions, Nan Tianxing couldn't help but observe the unfolding spectacle. His expression brimmed with disdain as he remarked, "Impressive display, snatching a sword from thin air. Quite the spectacle, I must admit. Yet, it's a pity that it's all showmanship. You might deceive the uninitiated, but it holds no significance for someone like me, who stands far above your level."
Unfazed by Nan Tianxing's belittling words, Cha Eun Xiao retorted with a cold tone, his relief concealed behind a veneer of confidence. He mused internally, pondering Nan Tianxing's arrogance, unaware of the true power he now held in his grasp. "This man believes himself to be vastly superior to me, patiently awaiting the culmination of my swordcraft. Little does he know the profound implications of my wielding this sword. If he did, he'd be filled with regret at this very moment."
Suddenly, an unexpected surge of spiritual power coursed through Cha Eun Xiao. His body radiated not only a brilliant azure glow but also a shimmering golden one, akin to the starry heavens descending upon the mortal realm.
Witnessing this astonishing transformation, Nan Tianxing couldn't help but harbor doubts and apprehension. He sensed the urgency of the situation and made his move towards Cha Eun Xiao, reaching out to seize him, no longer willing to wait idly.
Cha Eun Xiao responded swiftly, shifting his stance with a mere step, exuding an indescribable, awe-inspiring energy—a charismatic presence that would make him stand out even in a crowd of millions. This was his signature technique, the Laughing Eight Blast.
With a barely perceptible shift of his feet, Cha Eun Xiao confidently advanced, his attire billowing in the wind. His movements were reminiscent of the flowing waters of a mountain spring, the relentless tide of the ocean, the gentle breeze rustling through a bamboo forest, and a stroll above the ethereal clouds.
As he executed this mesmerizing technique, memories flooded his mind, particularly the remarks of Jun Yinglian regarding this very skill.
Jun Yinglian had once commented, "This technique is truly magnificent, evoking a sense of relaxation and comfort. Cha Eun Xiao, the name you previously bestowed upon it doesn't do it justice."
Curious, Cha Eun Xiao had inquired, "Then, what should I call it?"
In deep contemplation, Jun Yinglian's delicate features reflected her thoughts, and she responded with a soft voice, "Though I am but a youth in this vast world, I find it all but a cause for laughter; my sleeves flutter, and I shall chuckle at the entire world!"
Returning to the present confrontation, Cha Eun Xiao's gaze radiated profound longing as he gracefully swayed his longsword. He softly recited, "Though I am young, the world means nothing but a laugh to me; my sleeve flies, and I will laugh at the whole world."
In his grasp, the sword grew colder, taking on a deep emerald hue. The transformation was complete; it was the Ice Soul Sword. Its blade was as sharp as it was frigid, carrying an aura of solemnity, dignity, and honor.
This was none other than the Monarch's Sword of the Xiao Monarch, a technique known as "Monarch's Sword: Here Comes The Monarch."
Suddenly, a peculiar sensation washed over Nan Tianxing. It was as if an all-powerful sovereign, a ruler of the entire world, stood before him exuding an overwhelming and disdainful presence. It felt as though this sovereign's sword would determine his very fate, hanging in the balance.
He was obviously much stronger, much more powerful than the man in front of him, but at this moment, his mind was totally under his opponent's control!
He knew things weren't right, yet he didn't come up with any thoughts to resist at all!
Instead, he felt that he deserved to die. It felt like he deserved to show his neck to his opponent and ask for death!
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't deny the wrongness of his feelings. Even more unsettling was the fact that he found himself entirely ensnared in his opponent's mental grip. In a desperate bid to regain control, he hastily bit down on his own tongue, causing blood to spurt from his mouth. With determination, he spat out the crimson fluid and promptly retreated.
Before him, a chilling and shining spectacle unfolded. The tip of a longsword hung just half an inch from his vulnerable eyes, descending upon him like a waterfall rushing down a mountainside.
The sheer terror of the situation drenched his clothes in sweat. Any delay in his reaction would surely have resulted in the permanent loss of his eye. Despite his near invincibility, his eyes remained a weak point. It wasn't just his eye in danger; if the sword had penetrated it and continued unabated, it would have eventually reached his brain, leading to instant death.
"That was an incredibly close call! So close!" Trembling with fear and soaked in sweat, he shouted in anger, "What kind of sword art is this?"
However, Cha Eun Xiao remained silent, merely shifting his foot once more. A seemingly casual step forward paradoxically felt like he was simultaneously retreating, sidestepping, and ascending to ethereal heights. His movements appeared effortless, yet it was as if he occupied every conceivable position at once.
Even with Nan Tianxing's seasoned eyes, he couldn't pinpoint Cha Eun Xiao's exact location. His elusive maneuvers confounded him, rendering any attempt to anticipate Cha Eun Xiao's movements futile.
Amidst the radiant glow, another sword strike descended upon him. The ice sword exuded a frigid aura, chilling the very air around it. The sword's movements seemed guided by divine will, and its irresistible nature sent shivers down Nan Tianxing's spine.
Nan Tianxing realized he could not simply defend against this attack, prompting him to retreat further. Suddenly, his eyes widened with enlightenment, and he exclaimed, "Could it be... the Sword of Soul, as foretold in myth? To wield the sword with one's soul, to draw it forth with the essence of a saintly spirit, to be the unparalleled master of the world?"
Yet, Cha Eun Xiao remained unresponsive. His gaze remained calm, and his expression bore only indifference. The longsword gleamed, emitting glowing specks reminiscent of falling flowers—a display of the Monarch's Sword: God's Will.
Nan Tianxing knew he was in grave danger. Desperately, he sought to evade the relentless assaults. However, after just two rounds of combat, he found himself wounded, blood spewing into the air. Under the relentless attacks of the Xiao Monarch, Nan Tianxing's physical defenses finally crumbled.
Cha Eun Xiao had succeeded in injuring his formidable opponent with his sword, and he pressed his advantage with increased speed. The blade descended upon Nan Tianxing, its sharpness and weight reminiscent of millions of mountains crashing down from the heavens—a testament to the power of the Monarch's Sword: Mountains On Top.
In the midst of battle, streams of purple energy danced in the air, a testament to Cha Eun Xiao's deep connection with the sword. He blended the Laughing Eight Blast footwork with the Monarch's Sword technique, fueling it with the East-rising Purple Qi and controlling the blade with his very soul. His saintly spirit infused the sword, locked in place by his spiritual mind. He maintained an unwavering focus.
At this moment, Cha Eun Xiao's battle prowess exceeded his usual capabilities by at least tenfold, if not more. As he executed this skill, he keenly sensed his dwindling reserves of spiritual qi. He could not sustain the Monarch's Sword technique for an extended period due to his relatively low cultivation foundation.
The one saving grace was that he had successfully unleashed the sword attack. The killing blow was imminent.
Nan Tianxing cried out in despair. He dared not even attempt to defend against the impending strike, instead desperately retreating while releasing torrents of blue energy as a top-level Sky Origin Stage cultivator, frantically pushing his palms forward in a desperate bid for survival.