Chapter 70: Clash of Titans (Rui vs Fenrir) (Part 2)
Rui's silver eyes gleamed with unwavering focus as he faced Fenrir in the arena. The two were locked in a dance of combat, their blows a blur of precision and power. Fenrir's speed was unmatched, his technique flawless, every strike a calculated effort to probe Rui's defenses, test his limits. Rui responded in kind, his own strength and speed enhanced by months of grueling training and physical fortification.
Each exchange was a clash of titans. Fenrir's aura was like an unrelenting wave, pushing Rui back with its power, while Rui's raw strength and refined control over his mana and aura were just as formidable. For every blow Fenrir landed, Rui absorbed the impact with his hardened bones and redirected his energy into counterattacks. The two forces collided with a series of thunderous impacts, the arena walls trembling from the sheer force of their powers.
For the most part, the fight remained even. Fenrir's technique and experience allowed him to keep pace with Rui, but Rui's raw strength—fueled by both his aura and dense mana—wasn't something Fenrir had expected. Though he had been watching closely, Fenrir could sense the power within Rui that was still being held back, like an unspoken promise of something greater. It intrigued him.
Rui, on the other hand, felt the tension growing. He was holding back. Not because he didn't have the strength, but because he knew that unleashing everything would risk losing control once again. The fusion of his aura and mana had worked before in small bursts, but combining them in this battle felt different. There was still a hint of chaos in the mix—a reminder of how unpredictable it could be.
But as Fenrir's strikes continued, Rui felt something stir within him. His muscles burned with the effort of maintaining his control, and the pressure of fighting against someone as powerful as Fenrir was starting to push him to his limits, even with his new transformation. The arena, the audience—all faded in his mind. His focus shifted inward.
It was time to end this. Time to finally combine the two.
The thought surged through him, and without hesitation, Rui allowed his aura to flare open like a dam opening its gates, drawing in the mana that had been coiled tightly inside him. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath as Rui focused every ounce of his being on the fusion of his powers. It was instinctual, this combination—something that came from the depths of his training, mind and soul.
Fenrir, sensing the shift, immediately adjusted his stance, his eyes narrowing as he observed the subtle change in Rui. "He's... combining his mana and aura?" he muttered under his breath, disbelief flickering across his features. The combination of mana and aura wasn't something seen often—even in legends. It was thought to be impossible to control them both so perfectly. But here, right in front of him, Rui was doing just that, and Fenrir couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting significantly.
Rui felt the rush of energy as the two forces within him finally merged—his aura and mana intertwined into one cohesive unit. It was still slightly unstable, still a chaotic storm that he struggled to control, but now it was his. With one final, conscious decision, he forced it into harmony, channeling the raw power into his body and mind with combination of his willpower.
The effect was immediate. Rui's body seemed to glow with energy, his form surrounded by a shimmering aura, his silver eyes flashing brighter than ever. The change was subtle at first—a shift in the air, a palpable energy crackling around him—but it was undeniable. Rui was stronger now, far stronger than before. Fenrir took a step back, surprised by the sudden surge of power. He could feel the intensity of the energy radiating from Rui like a force of nature.
Rui's muscles tensed like steel cables as the energy surged through him, the combined mana and aura coursing like a lightning storm contained within his body. His feet dug into the arena's ground, the force of his power reverberating through the earth beneath him. Fenrir's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his normally stoic face. He had felt the shift in the air, the subtle but unmistakable change as Rui drew the two forces together into one. He could sense that this wasn't a simple display of power—it was something deeper, yet unpredictable.
The arena seemed to pulse with energy, the air thick with an electric charge. Rui's eyes gleamed as his senses heightened, feeling every movement around him with excruciating clarity. His body, fortified by bone hardening and strengthened through months of training, was a perfect vessel for the immense power now flowing through him. For the first time in the fight, Rui felt completely grounded, his movements steady and calculated. The chaotic storm inside him had settled—replaced with an intense focus that allowed him to control the combined energy.
"You've just made this interesting," Fenrir muttered, his expression shifting. He raised his sword, the aura around him flaring up in response to the energy Rui had unleashed. The tension in the air was palpable.
Rui's lips curled into a faint smile. His voice was calm, almost serene, as he spoke, "I don't plan on losing."
Then, with a single thought, Rui focused the energy in his legs, willing his combined power into his calves and feet. The next moment, he was beside Fenrir, moving faster than the eye could track, even his. It was as if he had teleported, the ground beneath him cracking under the force of his speed.
Fenrir didn't have time to react. Rui's fist collided with his side with a force that shook the air. The shockwave sent Fenrir crashing to the ground, his body skidding across the arena floor. The sound of impact was deafening, and the crowd erupted in gasps, the sheer intensity of the strike almost too much to comprehend.
While getting up, "I have only seen master move like that, but this is different" Fenrir muttered under his breath as he regained his footing, his eyes now focused and filled with a mix of respect and wariness.
Rui stood, his silver eyes unwavering, still glowing with the intensity of his power. The last strike had left the arena trembling, but his stance was calm, controlled—no longer the chaotic force that had once surged uncontrollably within him. His combined aura and mana were now flowing smoothly, and the temporary instability he had once struggled with seemed like a distant memory.
Fenrir, though still recovering from the impact, was clearly taken aback. The speed, precision, and overwhelming force of Rui's last move had shaken him more than he would admit. He had underestimated the young cultivator's control, but that had been a mistake. This was no longer a simple battle of raw strength; it was a test of mastery over forces few could comprehend.
"You've improved, wasn't expecting to win anyways." Fenrir said, his voice steadying as he stepped back, taking a moment to gather himself. "But still, I wasn't expecting that level of control, speed... or power either."
Rui's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "You weren't the only one surprised."
The audience around them was still silent, captivated by the intensity of the duel. Many had expected a showdown between two forces, but they hadn't expected the overwhelming surge of power from Rui, who had seemingly transcended the expectations of even the Central Continent emissaries. The power radiating from him felt almost tangible now, and the crowd was beginning to sense that they had witnessed something extraordinary.
Fenrir looked toward his companions, then back at Rui. The two exchanged a glance—an unspoken understanding passing between them. This was not just a battle anymore. It was a lesson.
"You're dangerous," Fenrir remarked. "And you're not even close to your full potential. The power you've just shown isn't something that can be contained by traditional means. But don't mistake this for me holding back. I've seen the level of control you have now, but if you continue like this, you'll draw the attention of forces far greater than I can even fathom. Power like yours can't go unnoticed for long."
Rui didn't flinch at his words. "I know. And I'm not interested in hiding my power. I'll face whatever comes."