Chapter 19 - The Hunt is On!

Xiao LingYue gazed calmly at Zhu Yan, his eyes slowly narrowed as his demeanour changed, similar to that of when he hunted snakes in the dark recesses of the mines.

His predatory, snake-like pupils

stared intently; no longer was this a martial exam, and no longer was Zhu Yan his opponent.

He was now prey. . .

Zhu Yan noticed the immediate difference in the attitude of his young opponent as he became wary; the aura given off by this boy currently radiated immense danger.

He didn't attack immediately, he could tell that this youth wasn't as experienced as he believed.

He centred his stance as he readied himself, his claws flexed periodically while he waited for any opportunity to strike.

Zhu Yan's muscles tensed as he lowered his body slightly, his body taught as if just a single mistake could cost him his life.

This particular standoff caused the surrounding spectators to be boiling with anticipation, as the commotion began to die.

Due to being a demonic cultivator, his instinct for danger was a lot higher than a righteous path or itinerant cultivators and all his senses were screaming danger as he looked at this boy.

*************

Xiao LingYue slowly began to approach as his blade was held firmly, while his left hand formed a claw, his full repertoire of skills to be brought to the foray.

His aim was no longer to fight like a cultivator but to kill his prey as cleanly and efficiently as possible.

His breath slowed as his body became focused. . .

He tensed and his muscles tightened while the arena went quiet with bated breath.

With an ice-cold gaze, he began to slowly move step after step towards Zhu Yan.

Upon entering Zhu Yan's range of attack, Zhu Yan full of murderous intent struck out with his most powerful claw move!

[ Demon Grasping Art! 5th Movement: Plague Demon's Wrath!]

His claw tore through the void as the air reverberated around it, a liquid like Blood Qi concealing into a shadowy claw as it struck towards Xiao LingYue's face!

LingYue's cold gaze met this scene, his eyes fully focused as he observed Zhu Yan charging over, his body radiating killing intent.

The moment the claw became near, LingYue dodged like a leaf blown amongst the wind, using force, he spun around the outer side of the attack as he drew his blade.

*Shwing*

Zhu Yan's instincts rang like that of a bell as he dived and rolled on the floor like a lazy donkey, saving his life in the process!

LingYue had drawn his blade as he tried to decapitate Zhu Yan at that moment but he was able to avoid it.

Feeling somewhat disappointed, Xiao LingYue stared at this saber and then focused his attention on Zhu Yan.

LingYue was silent, and no matter what Zhu Yan said or how he tried to provoke him was able to elicit any answer.

His stance changed as he slowly lowered himself, his body slightly leaning forward as the black of the blade rested on his shoulder.

LingYue invoked his cultivation method as the Moon Lotus Mantra began to activate, no longer just using the strength of his body.

His body began to glow with a bright red sheen as a bloody, erratic and beast-like aura began to pervade the area.

His aura pressed down onto Zhu Yan as it left him somewhat breathless as he too pushed his cultivation method to its all.

The [ Demonic Heart Transformation Art] began to operate as a black aura billowed off him like smoke, his red hair billowing in the wind as his reddened grey eyes stared directly at Xiao LingYue.

*Bang!*

They both rushed each other as they fought with strength like Dragons and Tigers!

The strength given by the [ Demonic Heart Transformation Art] was by no means small, having to continuously temper the body as well as the heart with Blood Qi as well and Demonic Qi, leaving the body similar to steel at the peak of [The Body Tempering Stage]

Zhu Yan wondered how could this body fight him on even ground when he was only at the high 6th realm of [The Body Tempering Stage] what was his cultivation method?

Who was this youth?

For every level within [The Body Tempering Stage] 1 Tiger's worth of strength was given, and better techniques gave an extra Tiger when reaching the Peak 6th Realm but yet this boy who was around 12 to 13 was not only able to reach the 6th realm but also able to fight on par with him?!

He who had 7 Tigers' worth of strength?!

Ridiculous!!

Blows were constantly being exchanged as the crowd watched with bated breath.

[Beguiling Ghost Blade 3rd Movement: Hundred Phantoms Conquer The City!]

LingYue's blade fell towards Zhu Yan's head as his gaze was filled with malice!

It screeched as it tore through the air around it!

A ghastly grey blood Qi that seemed filled with death surrounded the saber as it fell like an executioner's blade.

[Demon Grasping Art 2nd Movement: Sauntering Demon!]

*Ptui!*

*Rrrippp*

Zhu Yan tried to evade but it was to no avail, losing his arm in the process!

The crowd cheered and shouted as some gasped in astonishment, noone expected this youth to be able to be so vicious!

Upon noticing that Zhu Yan was about to dodge, Xiao LingYue spat out a small needle-like object as it pierced Zhu Yan's right eye, making him pause only for a brief moment before saving himself.

"Dammit," Xiao LingYue stated as he was becoming quite annoyed with this cockroach.

They were both covered in wounds as the match was coming to a close, LingYue had wanted to end it but the man still was able to surprisingly save himself. . .

Zhu Yan, injured and almost crippled was desperate as he spoke, "You forced me to do this" as he ingested a pill, his aura rocketed as he was now hell-bent on killing Xiao LingYue.

His aura slowly peaking at the [Half Step Meridian Opening Stage] as he cursed menacingly.

"Time to fucking die you little freak."