——Damn it! Damn it!

Niitsuma Kan’s jaw had unconsciously clenched just now.

Emotions like confusion and indignation surged from Niitsuma Kan’s cheeks.

He didn’t understand...

He was frustrated...

To defeat Tachibana Aoto, he didn’t hesitate to consume a strange drug even without knowing its name.

Until just now, he thought he had a chance to defeat Aoto.

However... in less than just three minutes, Aoto shattered that dream with overwhelming talent...

Even if I adopt dishonorable means, I still can’t beat this Tachibana Aoto?!

The cheers from some spectators for Aoto, who now had him suppressed, occasionally reached Niitsuma Kan’s ears, making him feel even more indignant and furious.

——Impossible!

Niitsuma Kan poured all his indignation into his throat, letting out an extremely piercing Qi Union due to unstable breathing, then retreated several steps before raising his bamboo sword high, assuming an Upper Stance.

Niitsuma Kan is not a fool either.

He knew that if he continued like this, it would only allow Aoto to keep advancing, and under such circumstances, he would be undoubtedly defeated.

So he dared not hesitate any longer and decisively opted for a quick resolution.

He entrusted everything... to the next strike!

Aoto initially wanted to pursue the retreating Niitsuma Kan, but upon seeing Niitsuma Kan’s fierce gaze, feet firmly planted on the ground, with sword raised high, he paused immediately.

Aoto pursed his lips, realizing Niitsuma Kan intended to decide the outcome with the next move. After brief contemplation, Aoto stepped back two steps, then spread his feet apart, assuming the Kasumi Stance, pointing the sword tip directly at Niitsuma Kan’s chest.

The arena, once filled with constant clashing sounds of bamboo swords, suddenly fell silent.

The sudden silence of the arena also quieted down the surrounding spectators.

Most spectators... whether they understood swordsmanship or not, now watched with unblinking eyes at the two in the arena, locked in opposing stances, with their breathing unconsciously slowed.

Those who didn’t understand swordsmanship only felt the atmosphere in the arena heavy, as if Aoto and Niitsuma Kan were about to make a big move.

And those who understood swordsmanship, upon seeing Aoto and Niitsuma Kan’s current postures, instantly felt a chill: these two are aiming to decide victory or defeat in one strike!

In the arena, the heavy and tense atmosphere between Aoto and Niitsuma Kan gradually spread to the spectators, making many hearts race, and hot sweat break out on their palms.

Although Niitsuma Kan had just been intensely suppressed by Aoto, it didn’t necessarily mean he would be undoubtedly defeated now.

Aoto also knew this, so he dared not be careless; his sword tip firmly aimed at Niitsuma Kan’s chest, with unwavering attention.

How would he attack... One conjecture after another regarding Niitsuma Kan’s sword path flashed through Aoto’s mind.

Having made it to the finals, Aoto certainly didn’t want to suffer defeat just when he was one step away from the championship.

(At any moment, hold onto the belief to win, no matter what) — For some reason, Zhouzhu’s teachings from the previous night flashed through Aoto’s mind.

After quickly savoring Zhouzhu’s teachings, which suddenly flashed through his mind, Aoto wordlessly narrowed his eyes slightly, gripping his bamboo sword more tightly.

His brows were marked with a desire and determination for victory.

The two of them remained in their stances — staring at each other since the sun had ascended to its highest point.

Even though they hadn’t moved since just now, the immense psychological pressure from confronting Aoto still made Niitsuma Kan feel as if he had just fought through several intense battles.

A drop of sweat rolled from his eyelashes to his eyes; he frowned forcefully, blinked, and then widened his eyes again.

His lips strove to stay calm with his breathing, though he felt like a burning furnace inside.

At the moment he sensed his spirit merging in perfect unity, Niitsuma Kan’s abdomen gave a mighty push, releasing the loudest Qi Union he could muster, and charged straight at Aoto!

And at the same moment, Aoto moved as well!

His bamboo sword followed his body, rushing straight towards Niitsuma Kan like an arrow released from a bow!

Just when their shadows, under the sunlight, were about to merge together, Aoto’s pupils suddenly contracted.

Because at that moment, he suddenly saw "Qi Streams" emerging from Niitsuma Kan’s body.

These "Qi Streams"... Aoto was all too familiar with them.

Three months ago, during the "Snowy Night Chaos," it was these "Qi Streams" that guided him to defeat the Anti-foreigner Group!

At this moment, upon seeing these "Qi Streams" suddenly emerge from Niitsuma Kan, a thought flashed through Aoto’s mind — I should raise the sword higher...

Aoto’s intention quickly transmitted to the sword tip, causing the bamboo sword to rise slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Aoto did not notice at this moment — his opponent, Niitsuma Kan, was now showing an expression of horror.

Unsure of how to describe it... Just now, Niitsuma Kan had a sudden feeling... The impression Aoto gave... changed!

Niitsuma Kan felt as if a massive mountain were about to crush down upon him!

And just as Niitsuma Kan felt Aoto had changed, their swords collided.

Bang!

Aoto’s bamboo sword, in mid-air, struck Niitsuma Kan’s bamboo sword at a deft angle.

With a crisp "bang," Niitsuma Kan’s sword path was skewed by the attack, sweeping over Aoto’s head.

And Aoto’s sword — continued its trajectory unabated, slashing straight at Niitsuma Kan’s head.

Bang—!

The sword struck Niitsuma Kan’s head squarely.

Niitsuma Kan let out a painful shout, staggered back several steps, and fell to the ground...

*******

*******

Fulfilled yesterday’s promise! Explosive update of 10,000 words today!

Today’s explosive update is to repay the owed Chapter to the fourth Alliance Leader: [Home Has Little Quilted Jacket].

This reader rewarded the book with two Alliance Leaders, and now I’ve fully repaid the owed two Chapters with this explosive update~

The author still owes 13 more Chapters of 10,000 words for the explosive update.

Asking for monthly tickets! Asking for recommendation tickets! Asking for collections! (Leopard head crying.jpg)