Isn't this Tanjiro's Sun Breathing from that incredibly popular anime in my previous life? Su Ming thought, recognizing the technique immediately.
He vividly remembered the hype surrounding that series when it aired, the explosive popularity but also the deep sorrows in that tragic world. Now, to his surprise, Qian Renxue was using techniques he was so familiar with. Her substitution of the Angelic Sword for the Nichirin Blade was surprisingly effective, too.
Of course, the power structures of these two worlds were vastly different. While Douluo was a little low in the power rankings of its fantasy world, it still outmatched the Demon Slayer universe. Naturally, Qian Renxue's Sun Breathing techniques also gained a notable power boost.
That damn system, what can it possibly say for itself now?
"System, Qian Renxue's Sun Breathing is one of your little gifts, isn't it? Care to spin me a story while I fight her?" Su Ming asked silently.
The system, hesitantly: Ahem… well, host, perhaps it's just a coincidence?
Su Ming: Heh!
Still somewhat taken aback by her first strike, Su Ming blocked Qian Renxue's blow with his Wood Golem's right hand. But before he could react, Qian Renxue struck again!
"Sun Breathing: Second Form, Clear Blue Sky!"
Her Angelic Sword swept upward in a circular slash aimed at his Wood Golem, and with two swift attacks, she sliced through its forearm. The wood's resistance to the Angelic Flame was lacking—a rare vulnerability for Su Ming's defenses. However, after putting some distance between himself and Qian Renxue, Su Ming's Golem quickly regenerated the severed limb.
"Did you see that? Qian Renxue just went all out, using two unheard-of techniques to slice through Su Ming's Wood Golem's arm!"
"Yeah, pretty incredible… but did you see Su Ming's expression? He barely looked surprised; he probably has more up his sleeve."
Su Ming feigned nonchalance, calling over to Qian Renxue, "Qian Renxue, are these moves something you came up with yourself? What are they called?"
He carefully observed her response. Without hesitation, she replied, "Yes, I created these techniques myself. The first is called 'Circular Dance,' and the second is 'Clear Blue Sky.' I still have ten more of them—think you can handle that?"
Despite her confident tone, Qian Renxue felt a bit nervous. After all, the system provided her with these techniques, so they were basically hers to name as she pleased, right?
Su Ming: You didn't even bother to change the names… way too obvious!
System: She's usually clever—why pick now to lose her wits? It's over… maybe I should just come clean.
Looking from the Wood Golem's hand to Qian Renxue's Angelic Sword, Su Ming understood that Sun Breathing not only amplified the fire attribute of the Six-Winged Angel but also concentrated it on her blade. No wonder his Wood Golem's arm had been sliced off so easily.
He then recalled Qian Renxue's reputed attraction to strength, wondering if dominating her in combat might inspire other, more personal feelings. Though he'd declared he saw her as a sister and friend, who wouldn't dream of having a close bond with a strong, beautiful woman, especially one without any blood relation? The notion was tempting.
After all, once he joined Spirit Hall, he could relocate Grandpa Jack and his loved ones there, ensuring their safety. There'd be no reason to hold back his power anymore—he could finally unleash it fully.
Qian Renxue sensed the shift in Su Ming's aura as though he'd shed a restraint, and the air around them grew palpably tense. Her gaze settled on his eyes—his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
Those eyes, radiating an oppressive force, made her heart race uncontrollably, a feeling of fear creeping into her chest.
Watching Su Ming open his eyes, Dugu Bo sensed something was amiss. Didn't he say he wouldn't use his eye abilities during this fight? But then he realized that, given Qian Renxue's unique strengths, Su Ming was probably compelled to use his Sharingan.
However, Dugu Bo didn't know that while Qian Renxue's power did pose a challenge, it wasn't so overwhelming that Su Ming needed his Mangekyo. He simply wanted to rattle her a bit. Relying solely on Wood Release wouldn't suffice—summoning his Great Buddha would be overkill for the cramped arena space, after all.
Majestic Armor: Wood Golem!
Su Ming's eyes flashed, and a layer of translucent blue armor appeared over the Wood Golem's body—an application of Susanoo to enhance the Wood Golem's defenses. Qian Renxue's Angelic Flames now had almost no effect against it.
The spectators were still processing their shock when they saw a blue longsword form in the Wood Golem's right hand. The blade, while massive, didn't look like a traditional sword, having a shape closer to a katana. Su Ming thought it resembled a Tang Sword from his past life, perhaps even reminiscent of a Nichirin Blade, though much larger.
Everyone present was speechless at Su Ming's transformation; his entire aura had changed. He now exuded a stifling pressure, a sense of foreboding that hadn't been there before.
Dugu Bo groaned. Although this was his first time seeing Su Ming's Majestic Armor, that blue energy unmistakably resembled the Susanoo he'd witnessed previously. The memory of that battle was still fresh in his mind. Was Su Ming about to cut down Qian Renxue?
The hidden Tang Hao, observing the clash from afar, also sensed something ominous. His suspicions of Yu Yuanzhen's possible demise only grew as he watched Su Ming's Susanoo form. If Yu Yuanzhen did encounter Su Ming and Dugu Bo, perhaps he didn't survive.
In his heart, Tang Hao had always scorned Yu Yuanzhen for leaving Su Ming and Dugu Bo alive after obtaining a skill, but now he wondered if Yu Yuanzhen had even had a choice.