NOVEL NEXT Chapter 143: Baihui Point
Julia trusted Van's ability ever since he had assisted her with the Spell Infusion in the Mana Crystal. It was something that she could only learn in the Academy, but with Van's knowledge and guidance, she was able to end up doing it.
Then, during their Aura Resistance Training, where Van had to defend against her Mana Bullets, he was actually able to do it surprisingly well.
She would actually run out of Mana before she could defeat Van.
"You can do it…" Julia said. Even if Van was smaller and looked weaker, she knew that she would earn those 20 High-Grade Mana Crystals.
Butler Judge could not stop it anymore. In any case, the young lady herself wouldn't fight, and they would be using their slaves.
Soon, a circle formed in the courtyard as servants and nobles alike gathered, murmuring in anticipation. They knew about the Neville and Farrell families, so it easily attracted their attention.
The Town's Guard Captain had even arrived, and as soon as he realized that it was a nobles' matter, he decided to become the judge of this battle instead.
Just like that, Van found himself standing in front of Tiger while holding a black sword. It was still the same black sword that he had, since the Obsidian Tower didn't want them to change their sword techniques.
On the other hand, Tiger drew two daggers from his sleeves.
Perhaps, if they had delayed the fight a bit more, there would be some betting happening already. However,
"Begin." The Guard Captain said.
Tiger moved first as soon as the signal was given…
He charged forward, aiming for Van's thighs with a kick. It was certainly not a bad tactic considering Tiger had a longer rich…
However, since Van was using a sword, he should be careful using such a move…
'A bait?' Van noticed that his Ocularis Lens also noticed the dagger's movement. It was a reckless move, but if he decided to block the kick with his sword, the daggers might stab him.
'Fine…'
Van then jumped back to avoid the clash and decided to sheathe his sword…
"Are you giving up?" Tiger and the others were confused.
This includes Judge and Julia, who were also unaware of Van's plan.
"I'm good. I just realized that I don't need a weapon to win." Van said, infuriating not just Tiger but also Lucian.
Indeed, Lucian shouted as he ordered Tiger to kill Van.
"I will, Master!" Tiger answered as he charged once again, but Van was too fast. He avoided the dagger aimed at his face at hair's breadth and countered with a palm strike to Tiger's wrist.
CRACK.
Tiger didn't flinch. He turned with his second dagger, slicing upward.
Whoosh~
Van barely dodged, almost nicking his chin… However, it was all well-calculated with his Ocularis Lens despite being in such a dangerous position…
This continued for a few more times as Van seemed like he was struggling to dodge… He was always 'almost' cut or stabbed by the dagger!
Lucian laughed, seeing how his slave was suppressing Julia's Slave. Although the battle hadn't ended yet, he was already taunting Julia to pay up.
However, it was at this time that Van's lips curled.
'Too easy.'
Tiger pressed his 'advantage', striking at unpredictable angles—but Van let him come.
At this point, even the crowd noticed something.
As the fight stretched on, their initial amusement shifted to seriousness.
Why wasn't the smaller slave falling?
Nonetheless, Van didn't mind the onlookers as his Ocularis Lens tracked every twitch, every shift in weight, and soon, he already had a full grasp of the man's fighting pattern…
[ Combat Pattern Analyzed: 97% Synchronization.
Weakness Detected: Overextension on Right Swing ( 0.8-second recovery lag ).
Recommended Counter: Acupoint Strike Sequence—Zhongfu Point, Jianjing Point, Chengshan Point. ]
Just like that, Van found an opportunity to counter...
Tiger attacked again by leading his right dagger—a feint to disguise the left's sweep toward Van's ribs.
Predictable.
Van sidestepped as his fingers curled into a rigid spear-hand.
As Tiger's momentum carried him forward, Van struck—
"Zhongfu."
A precise jab beneath Tiger's collarbone, where nerve and muscle converged.
TWITCH.
Tiger's right arm locked up, and his fingers spasmed open.
Just like that, his dagger clattered to the cobblestones.
The crowd gasped, seeing such a movement. Lucian's taunts, on the other hand, died in his throat.
Tiger snarled, switching to a one-handed grip—but Van was already moving.
"Jianjing."
A chop to the trapezius muscle, just above the shoulder blade.
Thud…
Tiger's left arm numbed, and his dagger swing slowed. Anyone could dodge his swing at this point.
Van then turned and swept Tiger's legs with a kick… Before he targeted the last acupuncture point…
"Chengshan."
He drove a knee into the back of the Tiger's calf, crushing the muscle bundle there.
THUD.
Tiger crashed to one knee and gasped… He couldn't even properly express the pain he was feeling.
Just like that, the winner was already decided. Although Van targeted Tiger's old injury as well, a win was still a win.
Unfortunately, Tiger's master hadn't seen enough.
"You'll die if you lose!" Lucian shouted in anger.
Tiger's eyes burned with humiliation.
With a roar, he gathered all his energy, ignoring the paralyzed limbs, and headbutted Van square in the chest.
Thud!
It happened too fast, and Van was hit…
However, he managed to use his Aura in time to block the attack, so he wasn't injured. Furthermore, his Lens had also given him a quick warning as soon as Tiger gathered his Aura.
[ Impact Absorbed: 83%. No Fracture Detected. Pain Suppression Activated. ]
Tiger was strong. But strength without control…
Was useless.
Van mused…
Tiger then grabbed his dagger tightly, charged again, but his strikes were already losing finesse. Van let him come—then ducked under a wide slash…
Then, his palm struck out in a series of rapid strikes…
Hegu Point was hit using a thumb-driven press between thumb and forefinger, softening Tiger's grip.
Quchi Point followed with an elbow strike to the tendon, locking his joint.
Finally, Van targeted the Zusanli Point with a kick to the shin's pressure point, collapsing Tiger's stance.
At this point, his Lens suggests hitting Tiger's Baihui Point on top of his head…