Li Shen advanced in the next instant.
The blue sword traced a wide arc through the air and, instead of cutting directly toward Kyrian, released the accumulated energy.
Crescent moons of sharp Qi shot forward.
They were not simple disordered waves. Each cut had a calculated angle, trajectory, and overlap. Some came high, others low, two crossed at the center, forcing a specific evasion.
The air whistled.
The arena floor was torn apart even before the attacks reached their target.
Kyrian did not move immediately. His green eyes gleamed. The sword-shaped pupils rotated slightly.
He saw.
He saw the density of each crescent. He saw the weakest points. He saw the possible paths before the attack had completed half its course.
His Qi flowed into the sword. The sword's intent expanded.
He slashed the air.
Once. Twice. Three times.
Green crescents emerged, no less numerous than Li Shen's. They formed with frightening precision, each one aligned to intercept a specific attack.
