Chapter 32: Remnants of the Past (4)
Klang! - Klang!
As Baek Yisoo and Poison Shadow rushed towards each other, the dagger and spear clashed repeatedly. The advantage that Baek Yisoo had at first quickly shifted to Poison Shadow. When Poison Shadow swung his dagger at a ninety-degree angle, Baek Yisoo dodged it using Flow Like Water.
Swish! - Swish!
Poison Shadow's dagger filled the room with the sound of the air being cut off. It was moving so fast that Baek Yisoo could do nothing but defend. Like a snake, Poison Shadow was confusing Baek Yisoo with cunning moves.
Swish!
Baek Yisoo's hands trembled as the dagger and spear clashed again. He almost dropped the spear.
"Iron Claw!"
Poison Shadow swung his fist as he got underneath Baek Yisoo. A pale silvery color covered the area around his hand. Like a meteor, it was heading for Baek Yisoo's skinless chest.
Baek Yisoo could feel the power behind this fist. If he took this punch, he would definitely die! He was sure of it.
So he responded to the attack with an attack.
"Basic Punch!"
As soon as the two fists made contact with each other, a muffled sound was heard.
THUD!
Immediately after, Baek Yisoo swung his spear and opened the distance between him and the Poison Shadow. He used Flow Like Water again.
Bam!
Poison Shadow parried the attack with his dagger, but there was trouble.
Crack!
There was a small crack in the dagger.
"You should use better weapons," Baek Yisoo said as he shouldered his spear and stepped in front of Minji.
"Your spear looks good. How about giving it to me?" replied Poison Shadow.
He was a notch above Baek Yisoo in terms of level. He was a second-rate martial artist. He was also much faster, stronger and healthier than him. Baek Yisoo, besides being level three, was also badly injured.
And his martial arts knowledge was very limited.
Yet for some reason, not a single one of his attacks had hit.
"Actually, there was no need for that." said Baek Yisoo, gathering his inner energy at his feet and using Flow Like Water.
Holding his spear horizontally, he tried to restrict Poison Shadow's range of motion. Unfortunately, Poison Shadow was experienced and did not fall for his trap. Thanks to his quick reaction, he was able to escape Baek Yisoo's space and get behind him.
Klang!
Baek Yisoo uses Stream to disperse Poison Shadow's moves. He directed it to a corner of the room, limiting its mobility as much as possible.
Swish!
"Shadow Dance!"
Poison Shadow, who seemed to be cornered, suddenly disappeared from Baek Yisoo's sight. Baek Yisoo was surprised by this sudden movement and tried to step back and widen his field of vision. This instinctive move had saved his life.
Swish!
Poison Shadow's dagger opened a deep cut on Baek Yisoo's shoulder.
"Basic Punch!"
Bam!
Poison Shadow flew into the wall with a punch to the center of his stomach. The mask on his face snapped open, revealing the eyes beneath. He swung his hand forward before crashing into the wall.
"Whisper of Silent!"
Swoosh, swoosh!
Several long needles flew towards Baek Yisoo's body, but Baek Yisoo could only dodge two of them. One of the needles was stuck in his abdomen and the other just above his kneecap. Sensing the danger, Baek Yisoo's expression changed.
"Hahaha, did you notice?"
Poison Shadow spat out the blood that had accumulated in his mouth. Standing up with a ferocious expression, he walked confidently towards Baek Yisoo. The punch to his stomach had destroyed his organs. He didn't even have the strength to take a step.
"Silent Whisper of Death, not without steel needles laced with paralysis poison. One of the few secret weapon techniques I have. I didn't think I'd need to use it on you," Poison Shadow said as he looked at Baek Yisoo's frozen expression.
Stomp, stomp!
He was approaching with firm steps to slit his throat when he suddenly had a bad feeling. When the distance between them was down to a few meters, he jumped back and threw another poison needle.
Klang!
Just as he thought, Baek Yisoo deflected the needle with his spear.
"Son of a bitch, you were faking it!"
"Tsk," Baek Yisoo clicked his tongue. "You didn't fall for my trick. I'll cry when I get home."
Klang, klang!
Baek Yisoo made two moves with explosive power, showing all the fruits of his plyometric training. If Poison Shadow had not used a defensive technique that pushed his dagger to its limits, he would have had to continue the fight with two deep wounds to his chest.
Slash!
Baek Yisoo ducked slightly and continued to attack Poison Shadow. His moves were tactical, as if he was following a strategy. The fight between the two had recently changed from a power struggle to a tactical battle.
Poison Shadow was one of the most cunning people Baek Yisoo had ever encountered. He understood the logic behind Baek Yisoo's every move and made moves that would render the tactics useless. Fortunately, Baek Yisoo was skilled at parrying.
"How about letting me come closer?"
"No."
"That was a bit harsh," Poison Shadow said as he dodged Baek Yisoo's spear piercing his abdomen. He was unable to counter-move, only avoid moves. This was mostly because Baek Yisoo was using his spear advantage to the fullest.
He used the length of his spear to his advantage, creating as much room to move as possible. He was also not leaving the center of the room, reducing Poison Shadow's close-range advantage to zero. This was not a sparring match, but a game of tag.
It had been almost five minutes, but not even Baek Yisoo's breathing had changed. Unlike him, Poison Shadow was drenched in sweat. His inner energy was also slowly draining away. Baek Yisoo was reaping the benefits of his Spring Qi. With the great advantages of Revitalization and Energy Cost, he could easily withstand prolonged battles.
In addition, his complete mastery of the skills he used minimized the amount of internal energy consumed by the skills.
Swosh!
Poison Shadow closed the distance through an opening he found as the spear changed its trajectory. Furious, he unleashed his emotions as he swung his dagger.
"Now, i'll just eat up you!"
"Think again!"
Boom!
Baek Yisoo strengthened his move by bending his waist at an impossible angle and struck Poison Shadow's head with the shaft of his spear.
Although Poison Shadow's dagger pierced Baek Yisoo's shoulder, he himself crashed into the wall to the side at great speed. His body trembled, and he looked at Baek Yisoo with pensive eyes. He was about to support himself with his hands and stand up when his eyes opened wide.
Splatter!
Blood soaked the floor.
Poison Shadow looked at Baek Yisoo, then looked at the Storm Ruler who had pierced his stomach. Once he lowered his head, it was impossible to raise it again.
Baek Yisoo looked at Poison Shadow's corpse with empty eyes.
And he pulled out his spear.
Splash!
And stabbed.
Splash!
And stabbed again...
Splash!
Again...
Splash!
Again...
[Mission completed!]