Chapter 603: A Single Blade Slash

A giant Universe Power fireball with a diameter of seven or eight meters descended from the sky, smashing toward Kuta; Kuta kicked his short legs and vanished in an instant.

Arcane Art—Space Movement.

Escaping the fireball's attack range, Kuta appeared more than ten meters away, but with a flick of Li Hao's finger, the fireball traced a drifting arc and crashed toward Kuta; in that second, Kuta used all his might and roared, "Stop~~~~"

Li Hao flicked his hand again, and the fireball flew past, almost grazing Kuta's Universe Force Shield, Boom...

With a loud explosion, flames filled the sky; Kuta ran wildly without even looking back to dodge, but being short-legged, he was directly blown away by the heat wave. Gaia and Gasimi's situation was no better; although both had defended, they were still sent flying by the terrifying Universe Power. Only Li Hao stood tall and unmoving in the world of flames.

As the flames dissipated, the three of them widened their eyes, gasping for air. Having survived a disaster, they clearly realized at this moment that the person before them was not just a little bit stronger. As for Kuta, he thoroughly felt that he had just kissed the Grim Reaper; if he hadn't been clever enough, he would have been finished.

Li Hao did not move immediately, looking at Kuta, "Do you want to rest for a while before continuing?"

Hearing this, the three of them shivered. Was he trying to kill them in the name of sparring?

Kuta widened his cute eyes, "What rest, it's over, Li Ge, Big Brother, I was wrong. I will never challenge you one-on-one again. From now on, you are my own big brother. You almost killed me just now; we are on the same side!"

"Ah, really? You have an Imperial Artifact for protection; I calculated that you should have been able to defend against that hit?" Li Hao was stunned, looking a bit aggrieved, "It shouldn't have been an issue, should we try again?"

Li Hao's moves were all based on his own understanding. He really wanted to spar with an Arcane Art expert. Humans seemed to have room for development in Arcane Arts as well, it was just that they hadn't been subdivided. During the S Tournament, everyone's battle techniques already carried Arcane Art additions.

"No, no, no, we are not on the same level; there is no need to spar anymore," Kuta wasn't a fool. The Imperial Artifact had stronger protection, but it still hurt, and his small frame couldn't take that kind of suffering. "Li Ge, what exactly are you? How do you even know high-level Fire Arcane Arts?"

The soot-covered Gaia and Gasimi also moved closer.

"What high-level Fire Arcane Art? I just learned it at Judgment. Great Fireball, just condensing Universe Power into a flame form and releasing it."

"Haha, Li Ge, we are good friends, we are brothers, how can you treat us like fools? I am a genius after all... forget it, I am an Arcane Art user at least. The power and technique contained in that strike of yours, although I don't quite understand it, I have seen it at my sister's place..." Kuta looked at Li Hao with resentment, envious. Is this a Heavenly Martial Warrior or an Arcane Art user? How does he know everything, and why is everything so fierce?

"Li Ge, this move of yours is very similar to Judgment's high-level Fire Arcane Art, Earth Explosion Heavenly Star," Gaia also said gloomily.

"Is the Sea Race's Arcane Art stronger, or the Celestial's Arcane Art stronger?" Li Hao asked curiously.

"Arcane Art originated from the Sea Race, but the Sea Race does not distinguish by attributes. Spirit fluctuations are a characteristic of the Celestials. Later, after the Celestials' modification, it was divided into three Arcane Art forms: Thunder, Fire, and Ice. We of the Sea Race also have to learn them," Kuta said.

"It counts as mutual learning. By now, there are no secrets; it just depends on individual comprehension and talent," Gaia said. His attacks would also carry some attribute damage, but something like Li Hao's was unheard of... though that couldn't be said for sure. According to the clan elders, during the era of the Galaxy War, such terrifying talents did indeed exist.

"Where can one learn more powerful ones?"

The three looked at each other—a Celestial, a Sea Person, and an Insectoid—looking at a Human, feeling miserable.

"Heavenly Martial requires thousands of refinements, while Arcane Art requires talent and imagination. Our Sea Race's understanding of Arcane Art is that everything is possible; shaping all things, all laws returning to one source. The form is just a necessity," Kuta explained. This was definitely authentic Arcane Art doctrine.

Li Hao nodded repeatedly. He wasn't too hung up on form; it was just that his own understanding helped others' understanding.

These three were truly stunned by Li Hao, especially Gaia, who even doubted whether the person before him was a human or a descendant of the Celestials from the Galaxy Era.

"Kuta, has your attribute not been determined yet?" Li Hao asked curiously. Kuta's combat used pure Universe Power and did not add battle attributes.

"There's no rush to determine that. I want a composite ability. After all, I am a Celestial... forget it. I have the gift of time and can be compatible with multiple powers, so Aoliweina told me to spend a year settling down first."

When in Helavis, Kuta was taught the foundation and the myriad variations of Arcane Arts, so his Arcane Art form was very spirited, and his basic skills were solid. Regarding attribute understanding, although Judgment was primarily Fire-based, there were other forms, and Kuta was trying them one by one. Of course, he would still focus on Fire; this was also the tradition of the Jincancan Family.

The fighting was over. Kuta instantly became Li Hao's little fanboy. He felt that his good fortune as the future big boss of the Jincancan Family, the Son of Destiny, had arrived. Heaven had sent him Li Ge. He wanted to learn something different from Li Ge and then make Aoliweina die of envy. If he could become his brother-in-law, that would be even better; he would have someone to cover for him in the future.

"Li Ge, can you teach me? I am so miserable. I've been called a genius since I was a child, but how could others know my pressure? The huge pressure caused my development to be slow, and my talent couldn't be fully excavated. I think it was Heaven that let us meet again. Separated by thousands of light-years and countless stars, the glory of God shines upon us. Can you really stand by and watch me die?" Kuta was very clear about his opportunity to rise. Li Hao must have mastered some secret to rapid Arcane Art success; he certainly wouldn't believe that Li Hao knew this when he was in the Solar System.

The opportunity to step on Aoliweina was right before his eyes.

Gaia licked his lips dryly. How inhumane; he had stolen his lines.

"Sure, I only have some superficial understanding. If you want to learn, we can exchange ideas." Li Hao really didn't take it seriously; if they wanted to learn, he would teach. Whether they could learn it was another matter.

"Cough, cough, Li Ge, is there any Heavenly Human Battle Technique you can teach? Oh, no, Human battle technique. Why do I feel yours is more powerful!" Gaia had no Celestial temper at all; whoever was strong was the boss.

"Gaia, your strength is quite impressive. Shall we try it out too? I am very interested in Heavenly Martial battle techniques. The classes are all quite basic. As a descendant of Lastaya, you must have some unique skills, right?" Li Hao said with a half-smile.

Gaia was stunned, "Me? No way, my little tricks..."

Kuta's big eyes rolled around, "Damn, Gaia, you guy are not being a friend. What is there to hide from us? What are you afraid of? Oh, is it because of Haosen?"

Gaia shrugged helplessly, "It is a little bit, but not much."

"Come, let me experience the swordsmanship from the Ozil Empire!" Li Hao became interested. He was sick of the basic theories; those beginners couldn't form any desire to fight. He had long passed the stage of bullying the weak to show off, but Gaia was different.

Back when the four of them were avoiding Helena's pursuit, Gaia's movements were the quickest. At that time, he knew Gaia had some level of skill, but Li Hao's evaluation standards were never accurate. It was like that on Earth, and he didn't expect it to be the same after coming to Judgment and Anthem.

"Li Ge, I have to use Heavenly Martial to enjoy it fully." The Celestial body was better than the Sea Race, but not as durable as the Insectoid. Without using Celestial Armament, he might collapse after a few rounds.

"Either don't fight, or fight to your heart's content. Go ahead and increase the intensity; I've wanted to see it for a long time. Don't worry about me, Gasimi might not be as durable as I am," Li Hao laughed.

If it were in the past with only Primary Tyrant Body, he might only be slightly better than a Celestial, and his body definitely wouldn't hold up in long-term combat. But under the blessing of the Golden Cell, this little consumption was nothing.

Gaia didn't stand on ceremony either. He began to release his long-suppressed aura and took out his Celestial Armament. Although it wasn't an Imperial Artifact, it was still a high-quality product of the Ozil Empire.

Conqueror

Origin: Ozil Empire · Celestial Armament (Fire Type) Offensive, Great Sword form

Zouli Scanning Conversion System, Fire Crystal Core, Particle Shield, Shoulder Particle Cannon.

Li Hao took his precious Heavenly Martial Box out of the Star Swift and took out his long sword. He didn't perform any covering; this level was enough.

Li Hao had always cherished his first Heavenly Martial, and he was extra careful not to get it dirty while reaping the harvest.

Knowing Li Hao's strength, Gaia swung his long sword, and with a hum, the Heavenly Martial spread. The fiery red liquid extended along his right arm and spread to his whole body. At the last moment, a helmet formed, the armor covered him, and a pair of eyes like rubies flashed with light.

Boom...

Universe Flame rose, clearly stronger than Gasimi and Kuta. Kuta understood this level quite well; this old fox Gaia had a pretty good level of Universe Power, and it felt like he was about to Open Heavenly Eye.

The path to promotion was truly difficult. Having strength alone wasn't enough; one had to get suitable high-reward missions. The path of conquest was one way, but the water was too deep, and it was difficult without absolute strength.

Looking at the great sword in his hand, Gaia's eyes gradually became sharp. Lastaya was a famous sword-wielding family.

The blood-red great sword rose, and his fighting spirit burned. After fully releasing it, Gaia had no more scruples. He held the great sword high, Man-Sword Unity, and rolling Red Flame enveloped the Heavenly Martial. The scorching heat wave permeated the entire Boundary Stone Space.

Gaia's Universe Power carried a strong scorching effect, which was also a type of ability that would continuously burn the opponent's Spirit. At this moment, Gaia finally possessed the fierce might of the Lastaya ancestors.

Li Hao also saw some interest. His long sword vibrated, a golden light covered it, and he pointed it at Gaia.

Boom... Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap...

Gaia lunged forward in an instant, rushing toward Li Hao with a very rhythmic pace. He didn't know where Li Hao's strength was strong; he had never seen someone whose depth and characteristics of soul power could not be felt even during a battle. But once he entered the combat state, these distracting thoughts were instantly cleared.

Zing...

A high-speed low-altitude Jump Slash, the greatsword suddenly accelerated as it slashed down, clang...

The two longswords collided with a roar, flames exploded, Li Hao clearly felt some weight, clang clang clang clang clang...

Gaia used the flaming greatsword with great proficiency; the force and rhythm were quite good, which must have come from long-term training, with details hidden within the wide-open strikes, this was definitely the result of hard work, though that bit of Spirit burning could be ignored.

Boom~~~

Universe Power Thunder!

Gaia pinched a gesture with his left hand, and a bolt of thunder force struck true, giving Li Hao a start; he only felt relieved after seeing that the Heavenly Martial in his hand was fine. It was a strike without warning, and Gaia drove straight in, enveloping Li Hao with the greatsword, pressing Li Hao into a Passive defense. The powerful and heavy sword moves were continuous, not giving Li Hao a chance to break free. There were details in this; his sense for combat was a level higher than Kuta and Gasimi, knowing how to control the rhythm of the battle, drawing the opponent into his own rhythm, and waiting for the opponent to show a flaw, rather than the kind of wild flailing of a novice.

Every move and stance was quite methodical, boom!

Every now and then, a Universe Power Thunder would catch Li Hao off guard and make him stagger; this thing felt numb when it hit the body. Li Hao was still contemplating it when, in a moment of distraction, Gaia disappeared. Gaia, who had appeared on the side, had already swept over with a kick. With a muffled sound, Li Hao was kicked flying. In that instant, Gaia touched the tip of his sword to the ground, Universe Flame mixed with the roar of thunder.

Dual cultivation of Thunder and Fire—Rastaya Heavenly Fire Thunder Slash!

Almost instantly, he arrived above Li Hao, the patterns on the fiery red Heavenly Martial greatsword were completely activated, and the sword body was entwined with thunder, forming a thunder-flame over a meter wide.

Li Hao hurriedly retracted his sword, stretched out his hand, and a golden Universe Force Shield appeared, boom...

The force hit squarely, and Li Hao flew out while savoring the taste of it. At this moment, Gaia followed like a shadow, took a step, and instantly vanished. Celestial Space Ability combat technique—Shrink Ground; the moment he appeared, the greatsword was already before his eyes.

Hum~~~

Li Hao's left hand pinched the tip of the greatsword, and Gaia's eyeballs almost fell out. He knew very well how much strength he possessed; two fingers catching a blade???

What the hell is this!?

Li Hao countered with a sword, and a huge force struck. Gaia was knocked flying more than ten meters before standing firm. Gaia knew the opponent had used a clever force; these details could only be understood by high-level Celestial warriors. For a moment, Gaia was even a bit dazed; are all Humans this powerful?

"Gaia, use your full defensive power to take this sword strike of mine," Li Hao said with a smile.

Gaia, who was preparing to continue attacking, was stunned. What did that mean? He was still planning to continue the offensive.

Suddenly, his pupils contracted violently, and his entire body's muscles tightened. What the hell kind of power is this? His hand actually started to tremble...

The antennae on Gasimi's head knotted; a dangerous aura. This was the talent of an Insectoid—danger. And this was a threat deliberately released by a powerful creature; one had to be at least two levels higher to be able to do this.

Gaia immediately raised his Universe Force Shield, while Kuta and Gasimi quickly moved away from the battlefield; even if they were stupid, they could feel the danger.

Li Hao's sword slowly pulled back. This was a very slow process and didn't need to be too fast; he just wanted Gaia to see it clearly. Watching this scene, Gaia felt as if his own Spirit was being dragged out of his body along with the swing of the sword—painful, tearing, oppressive, as if an invisible giant hand were about to crush him to death.

With a muffled roar, Gaia gritted his teeth hard, the Universe Flame on his body burning fiercely, unexpectedly increasing by another notch. His forehead lit up; he was actually forced by Li Hao to open his Heavenly Eye. He gripped the greatsword tightly with both hands, his eyes fixed on Li Hao.

—Drawing Blade Slash

Hum~~~

A sword strike was unleashed, a golden light source exploded at a single point, instantly changing from a point to a plane. In just the moment of a thought, a sonic boom reached his ears, hum~~~~~

Gaia roared, the greatsword in his hand frantically thrust into the ground, his hair flying, "For the glory of Rastaya—Steadfast Demeanor!"

The next moment, there was no demeanor left; he and the sword were blown away. The golden energy storm caused the entire space to shake, and the space showed signs of shattering.

Boom...

The Boundary Stone shattered, and the four of them fell out of the Boundary Stone Space. The residual energy still leaked out; Gaia was pinned to the ceiling, Kuta and Gasimi were rolling under the table, the walls cracked, and the special glass shattered into powder.

???

Li Hao looked at all this, dumbfounded. Damn, the Boundary Stone can break? Wasn't it said to be of very good quality?

(End of this chapter)