Chapter 98: Burning (Fourth Update)
For some reason, Dragon-Slaying Flash's thrust was ineffective against Huang Fen, but the Azure Steel Shadow energy had definitely injured him.
Su Xiao didn't want to maintain his current stance, but he was caught in a dilemma. A faint sense of danger came from behind, so he couldn't retreat. As for continuing to attack Huang Fen, that was also impossible. He had a feeling that Huang Fen could "explode" at any moment right where he stood, and the opponent was simply waiting for him to strike.
Huang Fen, whose chest had been pierced, wasn't having an easy time either. He could ignore physical attacks, but the Azure Steel Shadow energy caused unbearable pain within his body.
At the start of the battle, the situation had fallen into a stalemate. Both sides were looking for an opportunity, waiting for the other to reveal a flaw.
Su Xiao wanted to defeat Huang Fen for two reasons: first, to obtain the exclusive title from the arena, and second, because of the Paradise Coins and Soul Crystals they had wagered.
Huang Fen, on the other hand, didn't want Su Xiao to take second place. He knew how special the arena's title was, and as mortal enemies, he certainly wouldn't let Su Xiao have his way.
Two seconds, three seconds.
Seven seconds passed, and the stalemate continued, but this was advantageous for Huang Fen. The blade of Dragon-Slaying Flash had turned red-hot, and the high temperature was conducting through the sword to Su Xiao's palm.
Continuing this stalemate was absolutely not an option. Huang Fen was like a powder keg; before finding the opponent's weakness, Su Xiao had to maintain some distance.
Su Xiao didn't believe in such an ability that was nearly immune to physical attacks. Even with a Logia-type Demon Fruit, there were methods like Armament Haki to counter it.
A Counter Shield appeared around Su Xiao. He gripped Dragon-Slaying Flash tightly and leaped backward.
As the long blade withdrew from Huang Fen's chest, Huang Fen's eyes narrowed. The ball of flame in his palm dissipated—this flame required ten seconds of preparation time and possessed terrifying close-combat power.
Just as Su Xiao was mid-leap, Huang Fen snapped his fingers.
Boom!
A pillar of fire erupted from the ground, engulfing Su Xiao.
Crack, crack, crack...
The Counter Shield around Su Xiao fractured. It wasn't that the shield was fragile, but that it was using its energy to withstand the high temperature.
With a shattering sound, the Counter Shield broke apart. Su Xiao emerged from the pillar of fire, having felt no heat whatsoever throughout the ordeal—the heat had all been absorbed by the shield.
Su Xiao landed, and wisps of white steam rose from Dragon-Slaying Flash in his hand. The red-hot blade quickly faded in color. This temperature wasn't enough to melt Dragon-Slaying Flash; the blade remained gleaming and bright.