The Red Count's swordsmanship style remained consistent, always targeting the weakest point in his opponent's technique, aiming for maximum gain with minimal effort.
The intense battle left those watching from outside the island in awe. For many, it was their first glimpse of such a fierce and terrifying clash.
Even with telescopes, they struggled to follow the speed of Li Yuan and the Red Count. Had either chosen to attack them, they wouldn't have lasted more than a few moves before being defeated.
"So this is the captain's true strength? It's incredible!!!" Howard exclaimed, witnessing Li Yuan fully engaged in battle for the first time.
"This isn't even the captain's full strength. They're only testing swordsmanship, not even using Armament or Conqueror's Haki," Ashura Doji noted solemnly.
He knew Li Yuan well, having witnessed his battle with Sengoku. The mere impact of sword and fist not fully meeting left a deep impression.
"They haven't even gone all out yet!" Howard was astounded, seeing the kilometer-long slashes frequently cast across the island. Even a casual slash seemed beyond his ability to handle. Such power, yet not their full strength!
Li Yuan and the Red Count's swordsmanship duel extended for an entire day. By then, the Red Count's noble attire bore numerous sword marks, while Li Yuan's was relatively intact, albeit with a few tears.
"In terms of swordsmanship, I am not your equal. The title of the world's greatest swordsman rightfully belongs to you," the Red Count acknowledged.
Having challenged many of the New World's powerhouses, he prided himself on his swordsmanship, believing it unmatched, even by Roger and the Golden Lion.
Yet, upon facing Li Yuan, he had to concede that Li Yuan was superior in swordsmanship.
While Li Yuan didn't need others' recognition for his title, hearing the Red Count's acknowledgment was gratifying.
"Hahaha, Led, the warm-up is over. Let's have a real fight!" Li Yuan declared, infusing his Seven Stars Sword with Armament and Conqueror's Haki, perfectly merging them with his three sword intents, as if the five forces were naturally one.
"Hahaha, alright, let's do it!" The Red Count, feeling Li Yuan's fervent battle spirit, was eager to continue. He had come to challenge Li Yuan, hoping to reclaim his past defeat.
"Conqueror's Haki Infusion: Trinary Unification - God Slayer!!"
Li Yuan charged, his Seven Stars Sword unleashing such power that space itself rippled.
Blood-red lightning erupted from the blade, threatening to turn the island into a storm of thunder.
The overwhelming pressure was as if even a god would fall beneath this sword!
"Secret of the Sword: Piercing Clouds!!"
Facing Li Yuan's attack, the Red Count showed no fear, meeting it with his full strength.
"Boom!!!!"
The clash of the Seven Stars Sword and the umbrella-sword distorted space, the compressed air between them preventing direct contact.
The air pressure wave shattered the ground for hundreds of meters, lowering the sea level by a dozen meters.
The collision of their Conqueror's Haki infused strikes unleashed red lightning across the island, decimating everything in its path.
Even the ocean beyond the island was stirred, creating waves over a hundred meters high.
Onlookers like Barrett and others were stunned, recalling that Li Yuan's battle with Sengoku hadn't caused such devastation.
"The captain has grown stronger!" Ashura Doji, understanding Li Yuan's power had increased since the fight with Sengoku, was amazed at the Red Count's strength, able to contend with their captain.
Was the Red Count truly on par with their captain?
"Yes, the captain has grown stronger. I must become stronger too, so I can fight alongside him one day!" Barrett declared excitedly, inspired by the overwhelming power.
While such a display might demoralize weaker souls, those present were seasoned, trusted by Li Yuan. This battle only motivated them to strive harder.
"Led!!!!"
"Li Yuan!!!!"
Both Li Yuan and the Red Count poured their full strength into their swords, determined to defeat the other.
"Boom!!!"
Ultimately, Li Yuan's power prevailed, sending the Red Count flying over a thousand meters.
"Cough, cough!!!"
The Red Count stabilized himself in the air but spat blood.
"Again!!"
Without wiping the blood from his mouth, the Red Count charged at Li Yuan, shifting tactics from direct confrontation to exploiting openings for a decisive strike.
"Again!!"
Seeing the Red Count return, Li Yuan engaged once more, both now using Haki to intensify the battle.
The island quaked with each clash, as if lamenting the burden of hosting such a duel.
As the battle climaxed, both fighters remained alert, knowing control of the fight's tempo was crucial for victory.
A single mistake could lead to defeat.
"This is unreal. At this rate, the island might be destroyed," Nepal remarked, eyes wide.
"Let it be. It's just an island. What's important is how long it will take for the captain to win," Karu replied indifferently.
"I'd say five days at least," Kano guessed.
"No way, five days is too short. I think at least seven," Ashura Doji opined.
"I bet nine days!" Barrett added.
"Quiet down and watch!" Lazuli's voice silenced them, and they focused on the island.
The Red Count's power matched Li Yuan's breakthrough against Garp a year ago, but Li Yuan had since grown stronger. A year ago, the Red Count might have been a challenge, but not now.
As the fight dragged on, the Red Count was gradually suppressed by Li Yuan, hindered by the Seven Stars Sword's blood-sucking ability.
Each cut drained his blood, and without a Devil Fruit, his stamina and recovery couldn't match that of Zoan users. He had to block the sword at all costs.
Li Yuan refrained from using the sword's abilities to trade blows, focusing on skill rather than lethality.
"Hahaha, this is exhilarating!!!"
Li Yuan relished the battle, using every skill and ounce of strength.
He unleashed the Seven Stars Sword's full power, savoring the release.
Few could match him now, and seeking sparring partners was difficult due to differing allegiances and his role as captain.
But the Red Count, unaffiliated, was a perfect sparring partner!
"Conqueror's Haki Infusion: Trinary Unification - God Slayer!!"
Li Yuan's aura surged, the Seven Stars Sword's murderous intent rising.
A blood-red Asura image loomed behind him, a harbinger of divine slaughter.
As he struck, the sky turned crimson, the bloodthirsty Asura unstoppable, even for gods!
"Hahaha, bring it on!"
"Whirlwind Slash!"
The Red Count focused his power into the umbrella-sword, spinning like a torrential downpour to overwhelm any foe below!
As their ultimate moves clashed, the world seemed to explode, the ground pulverized into dust, debris scattering in all directions.
Dust clouds and lightning enveloped the island, the sea roaring with towering waves.
When the spectacle subsided, the Red Count was sent flying like a shooting star.
"That was refreshing. Let's go again!!"
Yet, his voice rang out, his figure rising from the ground to reengage Li Yuan.
"Hahaha, let's go again!!"
Li Yuan laughed, meeting the Red Count with the Seven Stars Sword, resuming their fierce clash.
The battle's intensity and their indomitable physiques extended the fight beyond the crew's expectations, lasting ten days and nights!
Here, endurance mattered. The Red Count, now slowed by fatigue, couldn't maintain his initial prowess.
Li Yuan, though also tired, remained strong, his superior physique sustaining his strength.
"Conqueror's Haki Infusion: Trinary Unification - God Slayer!!"
Reaching the Red Count, Li Yuan executed the perfected God Slayer, the Seven Stars Sword locking onto the Red Count's form!
The Red Count couldn't evade; this strike was unavoidable!
"Secret of the Sword: Piercing Clouds!!"
Raising the umbrella-sword, the Red Count poured everything into this move.
"Bang!!!"
Their Haki-infused clash resounded again, but this time, the Red Count was swiftly overwhelmed, sent flying a thousand meters.
His body crashed down, blood spilling anew.
"Led, I win!!"
Li Yuan ceased pursuit, declaring his victory calmly.
"Yes, you win, I lost again," the Red Count acknowledged, standing and wiping his mouth, forcing a smile.
Despite challenging countless strongmen and rapidly improving, he found himself outmatched by Li Yuan once more.
In the heat of battle, he realized his stamina waned too quickly, unable to keep pace with Li Yuan.
After a day, it became clear that continued fighting would only lead to defeat.
"Hahaha, Led, it's just a match. Winning or losing isn't important. Come, I'll buy you a drink!" Li Yuan laughed, inviting him.
"..."
The Red Count resisted the urge to punch him, knowing he couldn't win.
Why say winning doesn't matter after declaring victory?
His face twitched in frustration.
"Captain!!!"
As Li Yuan and the Red Count boarded the ship, Barrett and others greeted them with excitement and admiration.
"Let me introduce you. This is Red Count Ledfield, known as the Solitary Red!"
Li Yuan introduced with a smile.
"Hello, sir!!"
Barrett and the others respectfully addressed him, recognizing his strength and status at sea.
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