Chapter 1025 - 1021: A Man of Insight and Ability
Otherwise, even if one can temporarily resolve the current predicament, there will still be internal dilemmas awaiting. Without addressing the root of the problem, it is like cutting grass without removing the roots; with the breeze of spring, it will grow back, requiring more effort again.
The long-haired elder didn’t seem too surprised by this. If Xiao Tian didn’t desperately attack, that would be the real oddity.
While deflecting Xiao Tian’s fierce fist attacks, the long-haired elder glanced at his skilled allies nearby. Seeing them begin to act according to his instructions, he was finally reassured and focused entirely on countering the lightning-fast punches before him.
But the more he fought, the more the long-haired elder couldn’t help but secretly marvel at Xiao Tian’s abilities, even feeling a bit fearful!
The reason for his awe wasn’t Xiao Tian’s power per se but his capabilities. Anyone could see that Xiao Tian’s current strength wasn’t his own but rather enhanced by some unknown external force, which elevated his power to a terrifying level—truly opportunistic conduct.
However, the long-haired elder didn’t view Xiao Tian’s actions as mere opportunism; rather, he saw it as part of his strength.
The reason is simple: hard strength is, of course, part of assessing someone’s overall strength, but factors like Divine Weapons, top Cultivation Techniques, Body Technique and Heart Method, and even luck, shouldn’t they also count as part of one’s strength?
The key lies in one’s mastery and application. In the hands of someone knowledgeable and capable, even waste can be turned into a treasure; conversely, even treasures can become worthless in the hands of the incompetent.
In the eyes of the long-haired elder, Xiao Tian was undoubtedly such a knowledgeable and capable person. It wasn’t just his application of medical skills; even his luck was enviable.
It’s well known that moments of enlightenment can’t be achieved just through effort, yet Xiao Tian experienced this invaluable moment right in public, jokingly, and stayed in that state for quite a while. Such luck truly commands admiration!
Thinking of this, the long-haired elder suddenly felt a wave of inexplicable fear. If Xiao Tian successfully escaped today, would he be the one to die in the future?
At the thought of spending the rest of his life in fear, the long-haired elder’s spirit suddenly surged, and the killing intent in his eyes rose swiftly... For his own sake, he could not let this man go today!
Having made up his mind, the elder defended even more vigorously, layering his lifesaving items cherished for years over himself like they cost nothing, turning him into a turtle retracting into its shell, with no weaknesses exposed.
Feeling his strikes either having no effect in the void or landing on iron as tough as a rock, Xiao Tian cursed quietly. This old bastard was indeed shameless; if he had used all this earlier, would Xiao Tian have been pushed to this extent?
After several attempts failed to break through the elder’s defense, Xiao Tian realized the opponent was resolute in playing defensive. Facing an expert hovering between a Super Top Expert and a top expert, who was entirely focused on defense, even he couldn’t think of a better solution.
Suddenly, Xiao Tian sensed a subtle anomaly behind him, knowing that those Mizuno Clan experts couldn’t hold back from attacking. He immediately slowed the operation of his Body Technique, then made a sharp turn to face the incoming attack from behind directly.
The expert wielding a short sword never expected Xiao Tian to suddenly turn around, scaring him into a shiver, almost dropping the knife. Fortunately, he managed to stabilize the trajectory of the short sword with his exceptional qualities, averting a tragedy.
Seeing the distance to Xiao Tian being just a few body lengths, and knowing that retreat was clearly too late, he quickly decided to use the short sword as a decoy, throwing it before retreating.
If he succeeded in hitting and harming Xiao Tian, that would be ideal; if not, it would still stall Xiao Tian for a moment. Either way, it was a sure gain with no loss.
Moreover, the long-haired elder had explicitly instructed them to engage in maneuver warfare rather than a life-or-death fight, making his approach beyond reproach.
With that in mind, the expert slightly slowed the operation of his Body Technique, preparing for a beautiful sharp turn the moment the short sword left his hand, fleeing away.
Seeing this, Xiao Tian immediately discerned the expert’s plan. Having just used the same strategy himself, how could he not understand the intent?
Additionally, judging by the change in the enemy’s sword-holding posture, it seemed like he intended to attack Xiao Tian by throwing. Even if it didn’t hit, the enemy could escape.
Xiao Tian nodded inwardly, seeing through the expert’s plan from subtle details in no time, and sneered internally: "The plan’s sound, but you’ve picked the wrong target!"
As predicted, the expert with the short sword turned his wrist, then hurled the short sword toward Xiao Tian while swiftly spinning on his heels to flee, matching prior judgment precisely.
Xiao Tian’s pupils constricted instantly, then casually raised his arm, tilting his head sharply toward his left shoulder, surprisingly catching the soaring short sword steadily.
The instant he caught the short sword, Xiao Tian almost without pause, flipped his hand and swung it back, hurling it toward the fleeing expert...
The expert running with a single-minded focus on escape dared not be distracted to check if his throw landed, although perplexingly, his comrades nearby widened their eyes in shock, as if witnessing something incredible.
The running expert paused in confusion... Did his throw actually succeed?
It must be so!
Otherwise, those guys wouldn’t look at him with such eyes.
For a moment, the expert’s spirits soared, and the thought of ensuing wealth and glory made him uncontrollably excited.
However, just as he was fantasizing about future benefits, a piercing pain erupted from his back, and a warm flow surged up through his chest, instantly crossing his throat...
"Poof!"
After spewing a mouthful of blood, the expert briefly felt disoriented. Could he have overeaten this morning, causing this reaction from strenuous exercise?
No!
Perceiving the sweet metallic taste, the expert realized something amiss, hurriedly looking down... only to see half of a gleaming blade. As for why only half, it didn’t take much imagination to figure out.
The expert’s steps abruptly halted, revealing a smile of unknown meaning, before rolling his eyes and collapsing among the other fallen experts.
At this moment, the remaining Mizuno Clan experts had a changed expression in their eyes...