Bai Jian steadied his breath, feeling the potent energy coursing through him like a raging river, sharper and more refined than ever before. He didn't respond to the taunt but instead raised Cloudsong, the blade gleaming faintly in his grasp as he settled into a stance, his gaze fixed on his opponent.
The Ironwood Sect leader's sneer deepened, and he summoned his qi, the air around him distorting from the raw power radiating off him.
"If you're so eager to die, I'll grant you that wish!" He lunged forward, his spear thrusting with fierce momentum, aiming directly for Bai Jian's heart.
But Bai Jian's newfound strength brought with it heightened reflexes and clarity. He activated the White Mist Step, his movements fluid as he sidestepped the leader's strike with precision, slipping past the spear's deadly point by the narrowest margin.
As he moved, he felt the surrounding air currents, the subtle shifts that guided his positioning, enhancing the reach and precision of his dodges.
With an intense focus, Bai Jian swung Cloudsong in a sweeping arc, channeling the energy of Cloudrend Strike. A faint mist swirled around the blade, and the strike extended beyond its usual reach, the ethereal energy forming a cutting wind that surged toward the Ironwood Sect leader.
The leader staggered back, coughing as blood dripped from his mouth. His eyes blazed with anger and disbelief.
"This... impossible. How could a weakling like you…"
With a final roar of defiance, he steadied his stance, raising his spear high as a last surge of qi crackled around him. The energy pulsed, thick with killing intent, as he prepared to launch a decisive charge at Bai Jian.
In one swift movement, he lunged forward, his spear hurtling toward Bai Jian with deadly precision.
But Bai Jian was ready.
At the last possible moment, he activated White Mist Step, his form blurring as he sidestepped with fluid ease, letting the spear's deadly point pass by harmlessly.
In the same instant, Bai Jian pivoted, his body low as he directed his qi into his fist, bringing forth the Heaven-Shattering Fist.
His strike connected squarely with the ground beneath the leader's feet, the sheer force reverberating through the earth and causing the leader to stumble, his balance faltering.
Seizing the moment, Bai Jian closed his eyes, centering himself and drawing upon every reserve of qi within him. He felt Cloudsong hum in response, the blade becoming an extension of his spirit, a vessel for his intent.
Channeling the Cloudrend Strike, he infused the sword with a surge of ethereal energy, mist swirling around the blade as it gathered power.
With a calm inhale, Bai Jian opened his eyes, his gaze steady and unyielding. In a single, fluid motion, he unleashed the strike. A burst of energy erupted from Cloudsong, the blade slicing through the air with a resonant force as the cloud-like energy extended outward, closing the distance between him and the Ironwood leader.
The leader's eyes widened as the strike hit him, a final look of shock frozen on his face. The ethereal energy tore through his defenses, shattering his last reserves of qi, and in that instant, his body collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
A tense silence filled the air as the remaining Ironwood disciples looked on, stunned by the scene. Wang Shao, seeing the opportunity, launched himself at one of the remaining disciples, his blade flashing in a series of rapid strikes.
The Ironwood Sect disciple stumbled back, his defenses breaking under the assault, and Wang Shao managed to drive his weapon into the disciple's shoulder, forcing him to the ground.
Bai Jian took a step toward the fallen Ironwood Sect leader, his gaze cold and unyielding. He reached down, calmly rifling through the leader's belongings, collecting a pouch filled with qi-enhancing pills, a few cultivation scrolls.
He straightened, his eyes turning to the remaining Ironwood disciples, who were watching him with a mixture of fear and uncertainty.
"If you value your lives," Bai Jian said, his voice steady but commanding, "leave now. Take your leader's body with you, but leave behind any valuables. Consider it payment for your trespass."
The disciples hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances, but as Bai Jian's gaze bore into them, they began hastily emptying their pouches, leaving behind whatever valuables they had on them.
Without another word, they hurried to retrieve their fallen leader, before scurrying out of sight.
As the last of them disappeared into the trees, Wang Shao let out a breath, a relieved grin spreading across his face.
"Well, I'd say that went better than expected," he said, giving Bai Jian an approving nod.
Bai Jian merely nodded in response, feeling drained after the battle.