Chapter 318: Killing Zephyr Instantly with Observation Disruption
"Life Return!"
Zephyr activated Life Return to its fullest potential. White steam emanated from his body as his muscles bulged. While his technique was similar to Li Yuan's, there were stark differences.
Li Yuan's Life Return focused on reinforcing his limbs, utilizing his body's incredible regenerative abilities. As long as it wasn't used for extended periods, it carried no negative side effects.
In contrast, Zephyr's Life Return forcibly pushed his entire body to its limits, enhancing every muscle and fiber. However, this extreme amplification placed immense strain on his cells, and without timely recovery, it could cause permanent damage.
Despite the risks, Zephyr had no choice. Li Yuan had activated his Life Return, and if Zephyr didn't do the same, this would be his last battle.
Li Yuan's murderous intent was unmistakable—he was here to kill. But as a former admiral, Zephyr wasn't about to surrender without a fight.
"Arm Fist: Dual Six King Gun!"
Dark Armament Haki enveloped Zephyr's fists as he unleashed his most powerful attack, channeling all his strength into a devastating double punch.
However, just as he launched his attack, the oppressive ultrasonic waves assaulting his body shifted into a hypnotic melody. The extreme auditory manipulation infiltrated his mind, dredging up the most painful memory buried in his heart—watching helplessly as pirates murdered his wife and child.
"No!!"
The horrific vision consumed Zephyr's thoughts, leaving him momentarily dazed.
In a high-stakes battle, even a split-second lapse could decide everything.
When Zephyr snapped back to reality, the blood-red streak of Li Yuan's attack had vanished. His ultimate move struck nothing but air.
Even more terrifying, his Observation Haki could no longer detect Li Yuan. The admiral's instincts screamed that Li Yuan was nearby, but his eyes and Haki failed to pinpoint him.
Panic set in as Zephyr's mind raced.
What was that strange power that caused him to lose focus? Why couldn't he sense Li Yuan's presence now?
Before he could process his thoughts, Li Yuan materialized behind him.
The Seven-Star Sword radiated an overwhelming aura, crackling with blood-red lightning. Ultrasonic waves merged with Conqueror's Haki, amplifying the blade's destructive force.
Li Yuan's entire form seemed to blur with blood-colored energy, and the phantom of a sword deity briefly manifested behind him. As he slashed forward, the phantom merged into his body, unleashing a strike that transcended his limits.
"Triple Essence Ultimate Art: Conqueror's Slash—God Slayer!"
The world around them turned crimson as Li Yuan's sword unleashed an earth-shattering force. Zephyr finally sensed the attack's trajectory, but it was too late.
The blade was already at his neck, grazing his skin. Though Zephyr instinctively reinforced his neck with Armament Haki, the defense was laughable against the Seven-Star Sword. The blade cleaved through effortlessly, as if slicing paper.
Zephyr's vision blurred as a crimson slash extended across the horizon. The attack didn't just stop at him; it carved through the entire island, splitting it in two. The force continued into the ocean, exposing the seafloor thousands of meters deep and penetrating the rock bed beneath.
"Boom!!!"
The earth trembled as the ocean surged back into the newly formed chasm. The island teetered, on the verge of collapsing into the sea.
"I…"
Zephyr tried to speak but found himself unable to form words. His consciousness faded as his body refused to obey.
He wanted to resist, to deny his death, but his strength ebbed away. His tall, proud figure toppled to the ground, his severed head rolling several times before coming to a stop. His lifeless eyes remained wide open, locked in an eternal stare at Li Yuan.
"If you have regrets, blame yourself for daring to harm my daughter," Li Yuan said coldly, his gaze as unyielding as steel.
With Zephyr's death, the fury in Li Yuan's heart over Esdeath's injury finally subsided.
"Observation Disruption, a technique utilizing Conqueror's Haki to mask one's presence and confuse the opponent's Observation Haki. It's truly a devastating move, perfect for catching even top-tier opponents off guard," Li Yuan mused.
"The ultrasonic waves worked beautifully, not only enhancing my blade but also creating mental openings in the enemy. Combining it with Conqueror's Haki creates an unparalleled weapon."
As Li Yuan released his enhanced form, he reflected on the techniques he had just employed.
To ensure Zephyr's defeat, he had pushed himself to his absolute peak, unleashing every technique at maximum power.
Although Zephyr's strength had declined over the years, the difference wasn't insurmountable. At most, he was 20-30% weaker than his prime. Killing him in a single strike was a monumental task, but Li Yuan had succeeded.
"Now my strength is nearing its peak. My mastery over the three Haki types is top-tier, but further progress will require time and refinement.
"My swordsmanship, especially my mastery of sword intent, still has room for growth.
"My body enhancement through Haki is incomplete—I've only fortified my meridians. Next, I'll work on my bones and internal organs.
"And my Vampire Devil Fruit hasn't reached its awakened state. There's plenty of potential to unlock there."
Li Yuan outlined his future training goals, focusing on areas where he could continue to improve.
"Congratulations, my love, on slaying Admiral Zephyr!"
Shakky approached, her admiration evident. To her, Li Yuan was the strongest man in the world, and defeating Zephyr was just another example of his overwhelming power.
"Haha, it's nothing. Let's head back," Li Yuan replied, his confidence evident as he basked in Shakky's adoration.
After storing Zephyr's body in his castle bracelet, Li Yuan and Shakky left the ruined island.
---
When the Marines on the island regained consciousness, they found themselves amidst chaos.
"The island is collapsing! Where's Admiral Zephyr?!"
"Run! The island is sinking into the sea!"
"Get to the ships, quickly!"
Panic spread as the Marines scrambled to escape the disintegrating island. Zephyr's absence was keenly felt, and many feared the worst.
The next day, while the Marines searched for Zephyr, the *World Economic News* delivered the grim answer.
The front page displayed an image of Li Yuan standing over Zephyr's decapitated body, the Seven-Star Sword in hand. Zephyr's severed head lay on the ground, his lifeless eyes glaring at Li Yuan.
"World's Strongest Swordsman Li Yuan slays Admiral Zephyr! The Navy's decline continues as pirates reign supreme!"
"My god, another admiral has fallen to a pirate! Is the Navy's fate to be crushed by pirates, even at the highest ranks?"
"The captain of the Infinite Pirates, the World's Strongest Swordsman, and the world's strongest man—it's all him!"
"Li Yuan declares boldly: 'An admiral dares harm my daughter? I'll take your life in return!'"
The report shook the world, spreading fear, admiration, and chaos.
At Marineford, Garp and Sengoku returned after escorting John to Impel Down, only to be greeted by the devastating news.
Garp clenched the newspaper, his Conqueror's Haki exploding uncontrollably. Marines around him collapsed under the pressure.
"Damn you, Li Yuan! I'll kill you and avenge Zephyr!" Garp roared, crushing the newspaper as he stormed toward the harbor.
"Garp, stop right there!"
Sengoku intercepted him, slamming Garp's head into the ground to calm him.
"You fool! What can we do? Even with our entire Navy, we can't defeat the Infinite Pirates. We'd be annihilated!"
"You think Zephyr would want his trainees to die in vain, chasing revenge?"
Sengoku's words brought Garp back to reason, though his anger simmered beneath the surface.
"Then what do we do? Just let this go?" Garp asked bitterly.
"We wait. If Li Yuan dared to enter the Four Seas once, he'll come again. That will be our chance," Sengoku said decisively.
For now, they had no choice but to endure.
(End of Chapter)