Chapter 52: Fierce Battle

“Wandering Guest of Misty Waves?”

“Wasn’t there a rumor that the Wandering Guest of Misty Waves had retired from the martial world? Now it seems his disappearance is closely tied to Xiang Yingtian.”

“Don’t spread baseless rumors without proof. Who is Crane Among the Clouds, really? His words aren’t worth a fart.”

“Exactly, Hero Xiang’s deeds are known and praised by all. Don’t let a villain sow discord.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, convinced that Xiang Yingtian, with his character, would never commit such a monstrous act as betraying his master or ancestors.

“Crane Among the Clouds, you villain, your crimes are many. Hero Xiang gave you a chance to atone, but instead you slander him.”

“You deserve a thousand deaths!”

“Kill him, kill him!”

…

Listening to the uproar below, Xiang Yingtian closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

So what if Crane Among the Clouds knows? The events of those years were shrouded in secrecy; there was never any evidence left behind.

Besides, those present still trust me in the end.

He opened his eyes, casting a cold, piercing gaze at Crane Among the Clouds, and said icily, “Since you persist in your delusions, I have no choice but to end you and appease the people's anger.”

With those words, an overwhelming aura erupted from Xiang Yingtian, surging toward Crane Among the Clouds like a tidal wave.

Under such pressure, the crowd instinctively held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

Crane Among the Clouds, feeling the tremendous force pressing down on him, showed no fear. He summoned all his inner strength, his own aura flaring up, equally formidable.

Before everyone’s eyes, he stepped forward.

Then, before anyone could react, the two figures collided with the speed of lightning.

They moved so swiftly that only blurred forms could be seen.

Their swords and fists clashed; every move was a deadly strike, a single mistake spelling utter doom.

Bang!

Another fierce collision sent both figures sliding across the stage, leaving long tracks in their wake.

—

Blood spurted from Crane Among the Clouds’ mouth as he stabilized himself, unable to suppress the turmoil in his chest.

Xiang Yingtian, meanwhile, only staggered slightly before recovering.

Seeing this, Xiang Yingtian gave Crane Among the Clouds no respite. With a step that seemed almost spectral, he closed the distance in a flash, coming within striking range.

He raised his palm, aiming for Crane Among the Clouds’ head.

Crane Among the Clouds’ pupils shrank; he quickly raised his sword in defense.

A surge of force exploded; the sword bent dangerously under the pressure as he was forced to retreat.

“Stubborn fool!” The force from Xiang Yingtian’s palm channeled into Crane Among the Clouds, raging through his body and racing toward his heart.

At that critical moment, Crane Among the Clouds’ inner energy sensed the threat and automatically surged to defend against the Heart-Shattering Palm.

If that force reached his heart, not even a celestial immortal could save him.

Two opposing energies battled within his meridians, causing excruciating pain; veins bulged at his temple, writhing like a sinister creature beneath the skin.

Xiang Yingtian was twenty years his senior, with two extra decades of cultivation. Even with the Northern Darkness Divine Art to aid him, Crane Among the Clouds would need time to fully neutralize the attack.

Below the stage, Zi watched Crane Among the Clouds falter, her heart clenched with worry. But her own skills were too meager; to intervene rashly would only hinder him.

Just then, Crane Among the Clouds fully absorbed the force of the Heart-Shattering Palm.

He stamped his foot, halting his retreat just before falling off the stage. Glancing back, he realized one more step would have sent him tumbling down.

With all his inner strength mobilized, the tide of the battle slowly shifted back in his favor.

A look of shock appeared on Xiang Yingtian’s face.

Impossible.

How could Crane Among the Clouds possibly withstand the Heart-Shattering Palm?

Reading Xiang Yingtian’s thoughts, Crane Among the Clouds sneered, “There are many things in this world you never expected.”

Xiang Yingtian’s eyes darkened. He exchanged no more words; after several rounds, he realized his opponent was full of uncanny tricks. He could not afford to drag this out—he had to finish it swiftly.

—

With this resolve, Xiang Yingtian’s attacks grew fiercer, his techniques more sinister and unpredictable.

But Crane Among the Clouds stood like an iron tower, his sword dancing with impenetrable precision, fending off every assault.

His stance was as steady as ancient roots, utterly unshakable.

Bang!

Their palms met, sending an invisible shockwave rippling outward from their clash.

This time, Xiang Yingtian was forced back three whole steps before he could steady himself.

Crane Among the Clouds, by contrast, remained motionless.

The onlookers could hardly believe their eyes.

For the first time in the duel, Crane Among the Clouds had gained the upper hand.

“Did you notice? The more Crane Among the Clouds fights, the stronger he gets, while Xiang Yingtian’s aura grows weaker.”

Someone’s gaze flickered between the two combatants, finally voicing this realization.

The crowd looked again and saw it was true.

Such a lengthy battle had drained the energy of both men, yet Crane Among the Clouds appeared vigorous as ever, showing not a hint of fatigue.

Could he be some kind of monster?

On stage, after steadying himself, Xiang Yingtian noticed something was wrong.

His internal strength was quietly slipping away, and the lost energy seemed to be flowing into Crane Among the Clouds.

He’s draining my power.

Meeting Xiang Yingtian’s stunned gaze, Crane Among the Clouds’ eyes flickered with disappointment.

If he’d had just a bit more time, he could have completely drained Xiang Yingtian’s energy, then delivered him, crippled, to Fu Hongxue, earning himself some favor in the process.

But though things had not gone perfectly, it did not affect the overall outcome.