Chapter 431: Fierce Battle with Shi Yong (Three)

Clang!

When the steel rod struck the shield, a loud sound like a prolonged bell echoed throughout the entire venue.

Under Ling Chen’s forceful attack, Shi Yong’s arms and knees showed a distinct sinking movement, indicating that Ling Chen’s attack exceeded the range he could withstand.

Although Shi Yong’s movement was subtle, the sharp-eyed Ling Chen still noticed it and could not help but feel pleased.

Success!

This method was indeed effective.

Ling Chen knew clearly that he couldn’t match Shi Yong in sheer strength, so he had to find another way to enhance his power.

Launching an attack from mid-air was different from attacking on the ground; leveraging the body’s inertia and the impact of the fall, combined with his own strength and Inner Strength, was enough to bring his power to its utmost limit.

It’s like throwing a shot put; if you stand in one spot, motionless, and throw the shot put, it certainly won’t go very far. However, if you take a run-up, the distance the shot put travels will be much farther.

The situations are different, but the principle is the same.

Having found the method to defeat the enemy, Ling Chen’s tense face relaxed considerably, continuously using the same method to put pressure on Shi Yong.

Although Shi Yong was stable enough, and each of his movements precise, his footwork could not be called agile, just average. Moreover, facing Ling Chen’s attack, he had to lift the shield above his head. Consequently, the area of shield blocked his line of sight, preventing him from pinpointing Ling Chen’s exact position and forcing him to rely on the range of the shield to defend against Ling Chen’s steel rod.

In less than half a minute under Ling Chen’s powerful assault, the shield in Shi Yong’s hand was increasingly lowered, as if the arm holding it was growing tired.

Excellent opportunity!

Noticing the change in Shi Yong, Ling Chen’s eyes brightened, recognizing that his attacks were effective. At that moment, he leaped high, accompanied by a whistling wind, and again fiercely struck the shield with his steel rod.

Clang!

The powerful force spread across the surface of the shield. Shi Yong’s arm shrank back as if unable to bear it, and he quickly retreated, only stabilizing his footsteps five meters away, slowly lowering the shield he held up high.

Ling Chen slightly curved the corners of his mouth, ready to overpower Shi Yong in one go. But just then, a movement from Shi Yong made Ling Chen halt and look at him curiously.

Shi Yong threw down the shield he was holding and took off the armor from his body, leaving only the Horse-slaying Saber in his hand.

Ling Chen was puzzled. Was Shi Yong planning to give up his defense and attack with all his might?

While he was thinking, Shi Yong silently raised the Horse-slaying Saber, blade facing outward, standing as straight as a rigid javelin, with a formidable aura.

Suddenly, Shi Yong shouted loudly, his morale soaring. With an unstoppable momentum, he quickly ran towards Ling Chen, slightly tilting the Horse-slaying Saber back, poised in a chopping stance.

Watching Shi Yong charging towards him, Ling Chen was momentarily stunned, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

At this moment, Shi Yong, who had discarded his armor and shield, moved swiftly and with sharp movements, looking entirely different from before. Without a moment to spare as Shi Yong closed in, the broad Horse-slaying Saber chopped straight towards the top of his head, full of force.

Without a word, Ling Chen immediately raised his steel rod, holding it above himself. In an instant, only a crisp clang was heard as Ling Chen’s knees bent, his shoulders and elbows moving in concert with his torso to sink down, dissolving that fierce power.

Not landing a successful hit, Shi Yong quickly retracted the Horse-slaying Saber, his footsteps as swift as the wind, and in an instant he moved to Ling Chen’s right side, the Horse-slaying Saber slashing down again with a mighty aura.

So fast!

Seeing the flickering figure before him, Ling Chen couldn’t help but be greatly alarmed. Shi Yong’s speed was at least twice as fast as before.

Could it be that this fellow has been hiding his strength all along?

In a flash of thought, Ling Chen seemed to realize something, his eyes swiftly glancing at the discarded shield and armor on the ground, his eyes filled with undisguised shock.

At this moment, with the whistle of the saber wind by his ear, and the oppressive power closing in, Ling Chen hurriedly discarded all distractions, focusing on countering Shi Yong’s attacks.

Clang! Clang!

In just a moment, Shi Yong had already unleashed four or five slashes in succession, the power contained in the blade not only showing no sign of weakening but instead growing stronger as if Shi Yong possessed an inexhaustible strength, his offensive relentless, leaving Ling Chen struggling to defend.

At that moment, as Ling Chen once again swung the steel rod, hard-connecting with Shi Yong’s fierce attack, a sudden change occurred on the platform. Facing Shi Yong’s aggressive assault, Ling Chen suddenly found his feet giving way, his legs seemingly unable to support his body, staggering backward, nearly falling to the ground. Fortunately, he reacted promptly, using the steel rod to prop himself up.

Feeling the pain in his waist, Ling Chen’s expression changed, inwardly cursing, not expecting his waist injury to flare up at this time. Probably the high-intensity battle had triggered the injury once more.

What now?

Ling Chen frowned deeply, reaching to touch his lower back, feeling a piercing pain.

Seeing Ling Chen holding his spine, his eyebrows tightly furrowed, and a fleeting expression of pain across his face, Zhu Xiaozhu on the stands couldn’t help but worry. That day, because of her, Ling Chen had accidentally hurt his spine. Since Ling Chen had repeatedly insisted he was fine, she hadn’t taken it too seriously.

But now, it seemed that Ling Chen was not only not fine, but his injury was also very serious. He had deliberately hidden his injury in front of her, probably not wanting to make her feel guilty. Thinking of this, Zhu Xiaozhu’s eyes started to moisten, shimmering faintly.

On the platform, Shi Yong, seeing Ling Chen’s actions, put away the Horse-slaying Saber and asked, "Are you injured?"

"It’s nothing." Ling Chen shook his head, mustering his spirits, gripping the steel rod in his hand, signaling to Shi Yong, "Continue!"

"You’re a decent opponent, but in your current state, it isn’t suitable to continue. Admit defeat, to avoid aggravating your injury."

"Ling Chen, come down," Qiu Yong spoke from the seats.

They were all aware of Ling Chen’s injury, which was their biggest concern. With the injury flaring up now, it undoubtedly would greatly impact Ling Chen. For the sake of his health, Qiu Yong could only urge him to admit defeat.

"Big brother, I’m fine, no need to worry." Ling Chen forced a smile, his gaze fixed on Shi Yong across from him, nodding, "Let’s go."

Shi Yong said seriously, "Since you insist, I respect your decision, but I must remind you, I won’t go easy."

"That’s best. I don’t want an unearned victory."

As he spoke, Shi Yong once again raised the Horse-slaying Saber, his waist sinking down, steady as a rock, his eyes blazing with a sharp light.

"Take this!"

With a loud shout, Shi Yong tapped the ground with one foot, taking large strides, advancing like a flying arrow, charging at Ling Chen with soaring momentum.

Seeing the opponent approach, Ling Chen took a deep breath, his teeth tightly clenched, enduring the pain in his spine, he swung the steel rod horizontally, an unstoppable force.