Page 448

As soon as their swords clashed, Chen Xuanfeng immediately noticed the unique ingenuity of her sword technique—a special combat style unlike any other, best described as "guidance."

The "Stellar Chess Sword," a heritage technique of Moonlight Tower, originated from the martial wisdom left by Leinster, the Ancestor of Sword Saints, within the "Nameless Heavenly Sword." Initially, it was formless, but as the Moonlight Tower lineage grew, it was gradually refined into a structured sword art to allow more disciples to master advanced swordsmanship.

This sword technique not only encapsulated over two centuries of Leinster's combat experience and martial wisdom but also integrated part of the insights the Ancestor of Sword Saints gained in his later years while delving into the Sword God Realm. After centuries of refinement by generations of female swordsmen of Moonlight Tower, it became the most renowned sword technique across the continent and the only martial art capable of challenging higher-level opponents purely through its techniques.

Chen Xuanfeng's own cultivation of the Nine Yin Profound Art, the "Eight Celestial Vistas Sword Technique," was a sword art focused on dismantling opponents' moves. Through countless repetitions of breaking techniques, the practitioner could instinctively grasp the flow of an opponent's attacks, dismantle their moves, and counterattack, even against unfamiliar techniques.

In contrast, the "Stellar Chess Sword" operated differently. Named after "stars" and "chess," this sword technique gave Chen Xuanfeng the sensation that his opponent stood on a chessboard based on the stars. Each move they made was like placing a piece on this celestial board. Tan Yueer's swordsmanship wasn't focused on winning individual exchanges but on guiding the rhythm of the battle, accumulating advantages like a chess master orchestrating the board to secure victory in the endgame.

Chen Xuanfeng's hair-sword and Tan Yueer's water-sword flickered like illusory lights, continuously clashing on the sea surface, creating a surreal scene. With each strike Tan Yueer made, she was forced to alter her move prematurely because Chen Xuanfeng's hair-sword always preemptively blocked her attacks. If she hadn't altered her moves swiftly, she would have been pierced by that silver strand. Yet, Chen Xuanfeng couldn't gain the upper hand either, as his attacks would inexplicably slow down after a few moves, sometimes even allowing Tan Yueer to counterattack. Chen Xuanfeng knew this was the essence of the "Stellar Chess Sword"—each of Tan Yueer's moves contained intricate calculations. Even when Chen Xuanfeng dismantled her techniques, they still exerted various influences, such as posture, position, rhythm, and energy flow, continuously disrupting his swordplay and preventing him from fully unleashing his power.

Chen Xuanfeng wasn't overly surprised by this, as the "Stellar Chess Sword" was renowned for enabling cross-level challenges, even allowing Sword Emperor-level experts to contend with Sword Saints. If he waited for the final killing move, he might be overwhelmed by his opponent's absolute advantage before then.

Since their duel was focused on comparing sword techniques, neither used any abilities beyond necessary combat energy. Thus, while Chen Xuanfeng knew he was being drawn into Tan Yueer's designed outcome, he couldn't immediately break her sword momentum. He could only intensify his attacks, trying to prevent her from accumulating too much advantage. However, being deeply entangled in the situation, Chen Xuanfeng gained a clearer understanding of the "Stellar Chess Sword's" brilliance—a combat philosophy that transcended ordinary martial arts, focusing on the overall situation. Such a novel martial art was doubly precious to Chen Xuanfeng. By using it as a foundation, he could elevate his own sword technique to greater heights and unleash even more formidable power.

As the two clashed on the sea, Morova and Carol watched intently.

"Morova, you've fought this werewolf before. Do you think Tan Yueer can win?" After watching for a while, Carol, standing on a flying carpet, turned to his companion and asked.

Morova's expression was impassive, but his eyes were grave. "I haven't seen the full extent of that werewolf's sword technique, but it seems his skills are no less than the 'Stellar Chess Sword.'"

Carol understood his companion's meaning. Since the sword techniques of both sides were comparable, the outcome would depend on the users' talent, experience, and mastery. In these aspects, Tan Yueer, who had yet to fully establish herself as a "Sword Refiner" to bring the "Stellar Chess Sword" to its peak, would likely struggle to surpass the battle-hardened Chen Xuanfeng.

Indeed, the battle on the field had taken a dramatic turn. As Chen Xuanfeng gradually adapted to the power of the "Stellar Chess Sword," his counterattacks became smoother. Tan Yueer, as the one setting the board, naturally knew that if things continued, she would inevitably be outmaneuvered. Thus, she exerted her full strength, unleashing the secret lethal techniques of Moonlight Tower to desperately turn the tide. Most of these moves were developed after Moonlight Tower's disciples lost in sword duels to Griffith, the "Eagle of Light," who was of human descent. Realizing there were sword geniuses who could rival them, they painstakingly created these techniques to avoid future defeats. For over two centuries, these moves had rarely been seen, and today marked their first official unveiling.

However, it still wasn't enough.

Chen Xuanfeng's "Eight Celestial Vistas Sword Technique" was designed to dismantle all techniques in the world. Except for martial arts like the "Stellar Chess Sword," which transcended mere techniques, other lethal techniques had little effect on him. Instead, he became more relentless in battle, sneering, "Hmph, the moves are indeed impressive, but the only thing I truly fear is your overall sword trajectory. No matter how exquisite individual moves are, they pose no threat to me. It seems your 'Stellar Chess Sword' is far from perfect, preventing me from witnessing the true grandeur of this sword art. So, let's end this duel here! Hah—"

Before his words faded, Chen Xuanfeng's hair-sword surged with silver light, flooding toward Tan Yueer like quicksilver. Tan Yueer, undeterred, forcefully activated all the advantages and hidden forces she had accumulated, bringing the endgame forward. In an instant, their surroundings were filled with silver and blue lights, interweaving and transforming endlessly.

"Puff— Crack—"

Both sword techniques followed a swift and agile path. Though many moves were exchanged, the clash lasted only a moment. With two light sounds, the two combatants separated far apart.