After shaking off Zhuo Xueer, Fang Yu exchanged a few moves with He Bashan, with both subsequently retreating to maintain distance.
Neither of them seemed in a rush to engage again.
"It seems this is the limit of my current state."
Fang Yu spoke slowly.
Despite the vigor Fang Yu had shown earlier, he had not yet utilized the Bone Armor, so his threat to He Bashan was very limited.
Had Zhuo Xueer not been restraining him at the side, he might not have been a match for He Bashan.
Calculating it over, without using the Bone Armor, he was only somewhat stronger than the average 1500 Blood Warriors and still somewhat lacking compared to a new Monster like He Bashan, who had made a name for himself.
"Current state? Meaning you still have a hidden hand? Indeed, one who could instantly slay Stone Elder wouldnât be mediocre."
Managing to fend off three warriors, and repelling two despite taking some damage, He Bashanâs feat was still sufficiently impressive to stand above the rest.
But he still didnât underestimate his opponent.
Because this manâs feats were no less inferior to his own.
Moreover, previously where they stood on top of the high building, distanced, he hadnât quite seen this personâs features clearly.
Now, up close, staring intently...
"Have we met before?"
"..."
No response from the other party.
However, He Bashan continued to scrutinize Fang Yu, his brows slowly furrowing as if he was searching his memories.
Fang Yuâs heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Had He Bashan recognized him?
Indeed, last night, he had utilized some of the Bone Armorâs power, a unique method that He Bashan must have noticed.
Narrowing his eyes, Fang Yu no longer held back.
Having tested it out, engaging with this kind of adversary without using the Bone Armor, there was no chance of victory.
So...
No more acting, time to lay the cards on the table.
I am Red Bull! One of the top ten executives of the Bonfire Gathering!
"Armor... Transform!!!"
Boom!!!
Dispensing with the formalities and going straight into action, Bone Powder erupted from his body.
Just a glance, and He Bashanâs eyes widened markedly.
Almost at the moment when the Bone Armor covered Fang Yuâs body, he recognized him.
"So it was you?! Red... Bull!!!"
Memories of last night surged forth!
Several individuals had caught He Bashanâs attention last night.
Among them was Red Bull!
And in combat, Red Bull had used a similar white powder technique.
He hadnât thought much about it before; after all, Red Bull was just one of the protectors ranked below him, one of the decent performers among many arena contestants last night.
And the performance of slaying Stone Elder today wasnât on the same level as those performers; how could they be linked together.
Moreover, given the distance before which made his view unclear, it was even harder to judge clearly.
Now, so close, with his technique clearly visible, He Bashan instantly recognized him.
It couldnât be wrong, it was the same technique!
Yet He Bashan still had doubts.
Was it really Red Bull?
Or maybe a higher ranking master from Red Bullâs same sect?
After all, Red Bull looked so young, could he really have killed Stone Elder?
If it was indeed him, then last night, was he playing dumb and catching the tiger?
Thinking of this possibility, He Bashanâs face darkened.
To think he was still complacent, thinking he was ranked higher, with an air of hubris...
This guy, he probably mocked me in secret last night!
A fury surged in his heart, murderous intent flickering in He Bashanâs eyes.
"What Red Bull, I donât understand what youâre saying."
With his body covered in Bone Armor, and his sword integrated into the Bone Armor, Fang Yu displayed a slight smile.
Recognizing or not is your concern, admitting or not is mine.
"No need to pretend, after last night, they reported your disappearance. I thought we would no longer have any interactions, but to my surprise, we meet again today, sword against sword."
While his words sounded regretful and reminiscent, He Bashanâs expression was overflowing with murderous intent, even slightly excited.
"It seems this is indeed fate, last night we didnât clash, today letâs really go at it! I hope you wonât disappoint me!!"
He Bashan was ready to make a move.
His words had just come out signaling he would strike first.
But unexpectedly, Fang Yu was even quicker!
Almost the instant he finished speaking, Fang Yu rushed forward!
This guy?!
Watching the swiftly approaching white blur, He Bashan was taken aback.
So fast!!
If previously Fang Yu was as slippery as an eel, now he was as fierce as lightning.
The speed of that charge, compared to the earlier onslaught, was simply worlds apart!
This is... his true strength?!
That rapidly closing oppression immediately ignited the fire in He Bashanâs heart.
A combatantâs fire!
"Well done!!"
The opponentâs rapid sprint kicked up dust on the road, partially obscuring the view.
But He Bashan didnât care.
A low-level blinding tactic.
Even as a boom sounded, with more white powder bursting from the opponentâs moving figure attempting to enhance this concealment, it remained futile.
Not having clashed last night was a regret.
Meeting again today was fate.
Between us, a victor must emerge.
Irrelevant to the position within Bonfire Gathering, unrelated to the tense relationship between local and foreign Martial Artists of Tianyuan Town, it is purely... a deep mutual respect between high-level fighters craving a peak duel!!
He Bashan felt a fire burning within him.
The long-absent thrilling emotion surged in his heart, that intense oppression and urgency were so familiar.
It was through such crises and pressures that he broke through and grew.