He poured every ounce of his will into breaking free, qi surging like a crimson storm beneath his skin.
He activated the second step of the Crimson Firmament, Crimson Glide, while still riding the speed boost from the first.
The technique allowed an abrupt, violent change of direction mid-motion.
Combined with his already multiplied velocity, Xu Tialan became a blazing scarlet streak, appearing behind Chen Mo in the blink of an eye, momentum fully preserved.
"Fourth Form!" he snarled coldly, blade whistling toward Chen Mo's neck.
The sword technique condensed his qi into a single, razor-thin slash capable of severing space itself.
"Abyssal Soul Stride," Chen Mo called out, invoking the second step of his own footwork with casual ease.
A translucent soul projection separated from his body, gliding past Xu Tialan and materializing behind him.
The phantom looked identical, same black robes, same calm expression.
