Settling Old Scores

Wang Quan staggered through the dense forest, the air thick with spiritual energy surges behind him. The dim light of dusk cast an eerie silence over the woods. After a full day and night of relentless escape, he was utterly exhausted, with his spiritual energy nearly depleted. Although the Five Elements Spirit Plate within him was gradually restoring his strength, it wasn't enough to sustain him for a full-blown battle.

Suddenly, he heard light footsteps ahead. Wang Quan's heart skipped a beat as he quickly infused what little spiritual energy he had left into his sword, his gaze steeling as he looked toward the source of the sound.

Emerging from the shadows was none other than Li Cang. The two locked eyes, surprise flashing briefly between them—they hadn't expected to meet here, in the midst of a deadly forest.

Li Cang's expression shifted as a faint smile crossed his face. "Wang Quan, you're still alive? I have to say, you're tenacious," he mocked, laced with disdain.

Wang Quan's gaze turned icy, lifting his sword slightly as he replied with chilling resolve, "You managed to survive Xuanshao Sect's onslaught yourself. But Li Cang, it's time to settle the score—for crippling my meridians and for everything else."

Li Cang scoffed, a cold glint in his eyes. "Come then. I'm still regaining my power, barely at the Foundation Establishment stage. We're evenly matched."

They glared at each other with animosity, their previous forced alliance in the secret realm now meaningless. With no enemies nearby, this felt like the perfect moment for one to prevail over the other.

Wang Quan took a deep breath, forcing his restlessness down. He channeled all his focus, guiding his Five Elements energy into his blade, which began to glow with a green hue, forming a sharp, lethal aura. Drawing upon both the Five Elements techniques and the essence of the Azure Sword Art, he condensed his spiritual energy into a formidable force.

Not to be outdone, Li Cang brought his hands together, and the water energy within him coalesced into a shimmering blue aura, forming a cold, cutting water blade. It rippled like waves, carrying a weighty intensity that exuded both chill and control.

"Let's end this," Wang Quan declared, lunging forward with his sword, the condensed Five Elements energy streaking toward Li Cang's chest.

Li Cang sneered, his water blade sweeping upward, parrying much of the attack. They moved in close, and Li Cang's blade flowed with a serpentine agility, aligning precisely with Wang Quan's every strike and blocking each attack route.

Eyes narrowed, Wang Quan summoned his remaining Five Elements power, directing the gold, wood, and fire energy into his sword. With a sudden burst, his blade flared with scorching heat as he swung toward Li Cang again.

Li Cang, seeing the oncoming strike, intensified the chilling energy of his water blade, creating a frosty wave that deflected Wang Quan's searing sword aura. Their energies collided, reverberating with deep booms that sent leaves and branches scattering, the force splitting trees around them.

"Five Elements power…" Li Cang murmured, sensing the shifting energy in Wang Quan's strikes. His expression shifted as he scornfully added, "You've actually improved."

Wang Quan gave a cold smile. "The Five Elements are infinitely varied—something beyond your understanding."

He stepped forward, sword flashing with brilliant green light, sweeping the Five Elements aura into a barrier between himself and Li Cang. Seeing this, Li Cang's water blade hesitated slightly before he reinforced it, transforming it into a blue water shield that enclosed him entirely.

Undeterred, Wang Quan gathered his strength, unleashing the full power of his Azure Sword Art. His sword transformed into a blinding blue streak as it pierced through the water shield, splitting it open like melting ice.

Realizing his defenses were crumbling, Li Cang fused his energy into a protective ice shell around himself. Yet the relentless force of Wang Quan's Five Elements aura shattered the ice, finally piercing Li Cang's shoulder. Blood seeped from the wound, staining his clothes.

Staggering back with a pale face, Li Cang clenched his teeth, his gaze still fierce with killing intent. Ignoring the pain, he summoned his water energy, transforming it into a powerful current that forced Wang Quan back. Seizing the moment, Li Cang wrenched the blade from his shoulder, reforming his water blade.

Their battle resumed, the clash of sword and water blade creating shrill reverberations that ripped through the forest. The air seemed to tear under their spiritual energy, scattering dirt and shattered branches as if in a brutal storm.

But as the fight wore on, Li Cang's movements began to slow, sweat dripping from his brow, his face paling further. Wang Quan, too, was nearing his limit, with his Five Elements Spirit Plate struggling to provide sufficient energy.

Breathing heavily, Wang Quan tightened his grip on his sword, unwavering despite his exhaustion. He knew that if this battle dragged on, both of them would be utterly drained. Gritting his teeth, he poured his last reserves of energy into one final strike, his blade gleaming fiercely as he swung at Li Cang.

Li Cang, desperation flickering in his eyes, braced himself for the impact. But he could no longer fully defend; Wang Quan's blade sliced through his last water shield, grazing his chest and leaving a deep wound. Gasping in pain, Li Cang staggered back, barely able to stand.

Wang Quan, also at his limit, nearly dropped his sword. But his gaze remained resolute, fixed upon Li Cang, who was visibly wounded and on the edge of collapse.

Looking at Wang Quan, Li Cang's expression turned complex. His voice, cold and defiant, came in short gasps: "Wang Quan… today's defeat is due to my carelessness. If I get the chance, we'll finish this."

Without waiting for a response, Li Cang took a shaky step back and disappeared into the shadows of the forest, leaving only a fading silhouette. Wang Quan watched him go, his grip tightening on his sword, a quiet sigh of resignation escaping his lips.