Chapter 839 - 194: Decay
Zhou An’s strength was very formidable, to the point of being ridiculously strong. Among these otherworldly challengers, in terms of raw combat power, none could match him.
Each of these challengers had a more resounding reputation than the last, their fame spanning across the World of Heaven, and yet, one by one, they fell under his sword.
Being called a demon was not without reason. More importantly, he was not limited by the Blue Star’s rules; he could unleash his full Power to its utmost.
As for how strong he really was, he himself didn’t quite know. Reaching this point was somewhat muddled and confusing.
After Zhu Wenwu’s disappearance, he felt that there was no one he could rely on, leaving him no choice but to depend on himself. Not only himself, but the entire Team 17 relied on him. So, he could only push forward, striving desperately onward, continually wielding his sword and killing incessantly.
He had neither the time nor the energy to think about anything else. Naturally, it was as if he gained some kind of blessing, unknowingly becoming stronger and stronger.
This was perhaps courage, a trait, and also an Ability.
Nonetheless, he felt that his talent was indeed notable, having received praise from others before.
The person who praised him seemed to be a true Sword Immortal.
Thinking this, he swung his sword again. His longsword, marred with mottled rust, cut a long arc through the sky, slashing toward the multitude of sword blades.
The blades struck became decayed and fragile, seeming to shatter easily, falling from the sky in fragments.
This strike appeared to be effective, but in truth, it did not shake the vast Sword Array significantly.
The Eight-direction Wind and Rain Sword Array was perpetual and uninterrupted. To break it, one had to destroy it entirely in a single moment.
Zhou An shouted loudly, increasing the speed of his sword strikes, one following another.
He could only keep attacking relentlessly; otherwise, he would be engulfed by the Sword Array. However, at this rate, he couldn’t hold out much longer; eventually, he would be exhausted, facing a dead end all the same.
The white-bearded old man watched the scene, the smile on his face growing wider, as he slowly said, "It’s remarkable that he lasted until now, but it probably ends here."
"The Decaying Sword Heart he wields is a gift from heaven and earth, with immense power. Even you might not be his match, which is why I didn’t let you make a move."
"That thing is fatal upon contact; there’s really no need."
The young man in blue clothes was the senior disciple of the Upper Church, Yan Wenqing, his strength being self-evident.
However.
Hearing the ancestor’s words, he naturally felt indignant inside, harboring a pride that feared no one.
"I have confidence that I can defeat him!" Yan Wenqing still said.
The white-bearded old man chuckled, saying meaningfully, "Do you know why he reached this point in such a short time, while it took you nearly a century?"
Yan Wenqing fell silent; it was an undisputed fact, leaving no room for refutation: "Why?"
The white-bearded old man showed a hint of seriousness: "These people are jackals, evil ghosts, appearing human but essentially different from us."
"As for the rest, it’s about this land, which is also why we must return."
At this moment, Zhou An’s sword strike speed slowed down, the Power having its limits, especially for humans.
This is a human’s shortcoming.
Blood splattered, and Zhou An was pierced through the chest by a sword blade, yet he managed to regain his footing, striking back against the Sword Array.
As he launched sword strikes one after another, blood gushed from the wound in his chest, his body beginning to tremble incessantly.
He still had some strength left, but his body had reached its limit, unable to support further sword swings.
A sword light flashed before him, piercing his chest once more, followed by hundreds of sword blades closing in.
...
"You’re quite impressive."
"Oh."
"Receiving my compliment, shouldn’t you be happier?"
"But I don’t know you."
"Does that matter?"
"It matters!"
Zhou An said solemnly, looking towards the clear sky, as a gentle breeze blew by.
This was a world bathed in sunshine.
He found it quite nice here; at least here, people didn’t live just to survive, unlike how they used to.
A man with long black hair tied back, sporting a short beard and appearing very spirited, stood with his hands on his hips, curiously observing Zhou An, "You seem unhappy."
Zhou An looked around nervously, appearing somewhat timid, yet this demeanor oddly intrigued the man.
"I’m afraid of death," Zhou An said bluntly, knowing that this person before him was very powerful, at least able to kill him with ease, so he simply gave up and didn’t bother hiding anything.
The man stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Your strength isn’t weak."
"Does that matter?"
"Seems like it doesn’t really matter." The man nodded, agreeing with last night’s statement, pointing toward the mountain ahead, advising:
"If you’re afraid of death, then don’t go any further, head somewhere else."
Zhou An widened his eyes, looking ahead, indeed having no intention of advancing further, planning to just stay put.
From his experience, staying in one place was the safest, otherwise, he might end up like last time, nearly getting killed.
This was an extremely dangerous world!
"Where should I go?" Zhou An countered.
"Go back where you came from."
"I’m not from here."
"I can tell. Kid, you keep playing around here; I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving." The man turned and left, transforming into a shadow, stepping into the depths of the mountain.
Zhou An wanted to call after him, but the man was already gone, exhaling a breath, relaxing slightly:
"Turns out he’s an Immortal."
Looking down, he suddenly noticed a Sword Talisman had appeared in his hand, a green Sword Talisman, exquisite in appearance.
"Is this meant for me?"
"Like a souvenir bought on a trip..."
"But what’s the use, feels like a scam, just like overpriced travel souvenirs."
"But he didn’t ask me to pay for it."
...
The Sword Talisman exploded at his waist, as if something gushed forth, distorting the surrounding space, revealing cracks.
Zhou An’s eyes widened, seeing a green sword light flash before him, easily piercing through what seemed like a vast Sword Array.
That seemed to be just a single Sword Energy.
"He really is a Sword Immortal!" Zhou An’s eyes shot open in realization.
He noticed a fissure opened in the Sword Array.
This was an opportunity.
Zhou An launched three more sword strikes, the Decaying Sword Intent covering the sky, utterly destroying the massive Sword Array.
The sixteen individuals wielding dark green longswords were now in chaos, the leader being beheaded, and another four or five injured.
Zhou An clutched his chest, advancing with sword strikes while retreating, knowing that although he barely broke the Sword Array, he lacked the capacity for further battle, leaving escape as his only option, whether successful or not remained uncertain.
The Sixteen Swordsmen seeing Zhou An flee naturally wouldn’t let the demon go; this was the perfect chance to kill him.
"You all want to die, huh? Then none of you will live!" Zhou An shouted fiercely, exuding a ferocious aura that caused the pursuing sword disciples to waver, their hearts trembling.
As he prepared to attack, however, he froze, seeing a shadow dart past him, colliding with the sky full of sword blades.
"Isn’t that courting death?"
He believed no one could withstand such an attack unarmed; to face weapons, one should use a weapon to counter.