Enlightenment

Just as Gu Chu was about to launch his attack, Bianka, who had been cowering slightly, suddenly raised her hands and clutched her head in pain.

Gu Chu froze, his gaze snapping to the edge of the arena.

In that instant, Himeko felt the hair on her neck stand on end. She knew full well that compared to Fu Hua, who wielded a Divine Key, and Bianka, who was in a strange state, she wouldn't even last a single exchange against Gu Chu.

She had received Otto's orders and snuck over alone, leaving her Titan mech behind, to try and retrieve Fu Hua.

Fortunately, Gu Chu only frowned at her for a moment. That was all the time he had before Bianka let out a ferocious, ear-splitting shriek.

She spun around and charged straight for Himeko, without a shred of hesitation. A full-power [Sky-Render] barreled toward both Himeko and Fu Hua.

Gu Chu's figure blurred, appearing in front of Himeko faster than Bianka could reach her.

Initiating Form - Sea-Splitter!

No longer on the defensive, Gu Chu's counterattack sent Bianka reeling back along her original path.

The next second, Bianka righted herself and lunged again, unleashing the exact same attack. It was Crescent Moon!

An excited grin spread across Gu Chu's lips. Compared to her previous beast-like state, Bianka now seemed more like a demon on an indiscriminate killing spree, desperately trying to get past him to attack the two people behind him.

So they're not on the same side?

No, that's not it... there's something wrong with this one's condition.

Seizing a small opening while restraining Bianka, Gu Chu glanced back at Himeko and Fu Hua. An idea formed in his mind.

He had been worried that his own power would frighten Bianka away, but now, things were simple...

Unleashing Form - Thunderbolt!

A brand-new attack sent Bianka flying once more. Gu Chu shook his hand and, without looking back, said, "Hey, you'd better not move from there. Otherwise, I guarantee I'll kill her before you get yourself killed."

Himeko, who had been about to lift Fu Hua and flee, froze. Her amber eyes darkened.

Fu Hua's wounds were severe. Though she had brought emergency medical supplies, they were nowhere near enough to treat her injuries. She didn't even know if they would be enough to keep Fu Hua alive.

Gu Chu's words were just that—words. Killing Himeko would have been far easier than saying them. If she truly disobeyed, he wouldn't hesitate.

So what if he killed her? He'd just have to give up this opportunity. There were other Herrschers in the world who could pose a threat. He was just intrigued by Bianka's astonishing potential.

But now, it seemed she had some serious flaws. Gu Chu couldn't even tell if the consciousness controlling that body was human or a Honkai Beast.

Perhaps... two consciousnesses are fighting for control? And right now, the Honkai Beast's is winning?

Such a chaotic mind would probably have trouble grasping many martial arts techniques...

The next moment, as if to prove his theory, Bianka, who was about to launch a third attack, adopted the opening stance for [Thunderbolt]... only to trip over her own feet and fall flat on her face.

She clutched her head, rolled on the ground several times, then struggled to her feet and tried to run away.

Her tail, however, seemed to disagree with her decision. It stabbed into the ground, yanking the bolting Bianka back to her spot.

Gu Chu narrowed his eyes.

"I need medical supplies. That is the only reason I am staying here," Himeko's firm voice came from behind him during the brief lull.

"Oh?" Gu Chu turned, casting a cold gaze her way.

"I can cooperate with you, act as bait, or as a factor to enrage Bianka. I can guarantee you'll get what you want," Himeko said, taking a deep breath and standing up.

"But I need her to live."

Gu Chu didn't answer. He looked at Himeko, then back at Bianka, who was still struggling with herself.

"So that thing's name is Bianka, huh..." Gu Chu said thoughtfully.

If the beast triumphs over the human, then this woman is more valuable alive. If the human triumphs over the beast, then if I kill this woman in front of her...

She'll hunt me to the ends of the earth, won't she?

The smile on Gu Chu's face widened.

A worthwhile trade.

"You are not to leave this spot. Do whatever else you want," Gu Chu replied, then turned his attention back to Bianka's internal struggle with renewed interest.

Himeko sighed, looking sadly at Bianka, who was now fighting with her own tail.

"I'm sorry... Bianka..." After a low whisper, Himeko pressed her earpiece.

"Bring the medical supplies, get Fu Hua out of here, and then... return to base. I'm staying here." Without waiting for a response, Himeko cut the communication and sat down cross-legged on the ground.

With a cruel, bloodthirsty shriek, Bianka's attention snapped back to Gu Chu, and to Himeko behind him.

Looks like the Honkai Beast won... for now, at least.

The unfinished sword forms were finally completed. Gu Chu blocked the attack with one hand. He no longer needed to suppress his strength like he did against Fu Hua. All he needed to do was demonstrate all of his techniques to Bianka in their entirety!

As for Himeko?

She could just serve as a target behind him!

Gu Chu laughed, unleashing a flurry of techniques as if they were free. A dazzling array of skills rained down upon Bianka.

Despite the relentless barrage, Bianka was able to use his previous move to counter his next. At times, she even used the exact same move to clash with him head-on.

Relying on his vastly superior physical abilities, Gu Chu kept Bianka suppressed. Although he was holding back, the feeling of fighting without restraint was far more exhilarating than his duel with Fu Hua.

"I'm starting to regret the thought of killing you!" Gu Chu's smile grew more and more frenzied.

He could feel it! Bianka was improving, and so was he!

That final move of Taixu Sword Qi... was it Heaven-Opener?

No... absolutely not! That move was the pinnacle of technique, but not the pinnacle of martial arts!

The true pinnacle is...

A sliver of dawn-white appeared on the edge of the black night sky. The sun, carrying with it a glimmer of hope, began its slow ascent.

Gu Chu suddenly felt his mind become crystal clear, as calm as still water. The ripples subsided, leaving a surface as smooth as a mirror. He wiped the dust from the mirror and saw his true, unadorned self.

He saw it, he understood it. The final sword...

Gu Chu raised his hand. This time, it wasn't shaped into sword-fingers, but an empty grasp.

It was as if he had seized something from the very fabric of the world, something that erupted with a sharp, brilliant light.

"This is the final sword..." Gu Chu looked up, aiming the tip of the phantom blade at Bianka.

"—Taixu Sword God."