Understanding the Gap
A solemn expression settled on Bu Shiyi's face as she stood across from Old Bai. Despite the arena's equalized power levels, the pressure she felt was immense.
Bu Shiyi launched another wave of attacks, but Old Bai remained in a purely defensive stance. The more she pressed, the more frustrated she became.
No matter how fierce or precise her strikes were, Old Bai seemed to absorb them effortlessly, like attacking a ball of soft cotton. Her moves, powerful as they seemed, had no impact.
Worse still, as time passed, Bu Shiyi realized something terrifying—her rhythm was no longer her own. Old Bai had subtly taken control of the battle. Every move she made was guided and countered, leaving her unable to retreat or even stop. She was being led to exhaustion.
"When is Old Bai going to attack? Why is he only defending?" Bu Lige asked as he watched the screen, his confusion evident.
Jiang Shengjun was equally puzzled. To them, it appeared as if Old Bai was being overwhelmed by Bu Shiyi's relentless assault.
But both knew that wasn't possible. Old Bai was a ninth rank of Pathseeker, while Bu Shiyi was still in the Soul Dominion realm. Even though their cultivation levels had been equalized by the arena, Old Bai's experience, precision, and awareness were leagues beyond hers.
Ji Wuhui chuckled softly at their confusion. "Your understanding is limited, so it's natural you can't see what's really happening. From the very beginning, Old Bai has controlled the entire flow of this fight.
"Bu Shiyi's attacks may seem aggressive, but she's already trapped in his rhythm. She's on a path she can't escape from. The battle is nearing its conclusion."
As if on cue, Old Bai finally made his move.
A simple dead branch had appeared in his hand at some point. He stepped forward and thrust it gently toward Bu Shiyi.
---
In that moment, Bu Shiyi felt as though the entire world was collapsing toward her. The overwhelming pressure was suffocating, and though their cultivation levels were the same, Old Bai's mastery of spiritual power was incomparable.
Her long sword shattered under the force of his single thrust. Her body dissolved into a cascade of shimmering light, signifying her defeat.
"One move… It only took one move!" Bu Lige exclaimed, his disbelief evident.
---
Bu Shiyi removed her helmet and spoke softly, "I lost."
Old Bai's warm smile greeted her. "Well, girl, now you see the gap, don't you?"
Bu Shiyi nodded solemnly. The fight had been an eye-opener. She had identified her weaknesses—not just a lack of combat experience but also her rigidity in using techniques.
In contrast, Old Bai's every action was fluid and instinctive, without the slightest waste of effort. His combat awareness and mastery were like a perfectly polished gem, refined through countless battles. It wasn't something that could be learned overnight.
But in Origin Mall, such limitations didn't necessarily apply.
The battles in the Tower of Trials were indistinguishable from real combat. It provided the perfect environment to train and develop combat instincts.
---
Bu Shiyi wasted no time. She entered the Challenge Mode of the Tower of Trials, determined to sharpen her skills.
Why not Arena Mode? Simple—there were no suitable sparring partners.
Bu Lige and Jiang Shengjun were too inexperienced to offer a meaningful challenge, while Old Bai and Ji Wuhui were far too advanced. As for Luo Chuan or Yao Ziyan… she didn't even consider asking.
Meanwhile, Old Bai and Ji Wuhui also entered Challenge Mode. Ji Wuhui, experiencing the thrill of fighting realistic monster beasts for the first time, found himself both exhilarated and slightly disoriented as he adapted to his simulated mortal body.
Bu Lige and Jiang Shengjun, on the other hand, opted for Arena Mode. Their power levels were similar, both within the Fatebound Ascension realm, making them ideal opponents for each other.
Of course, before diving into the trials, the trio made a quick stop for instant noodles. After all, the 18-times cultivation boost per hour was not something they could afford to miss.