Fear, a sensation that Nyx's previous master would never expect to feel from a core foundation expert, an existence that he could kill with a mere flick of his wrist, bubbled up from the depths of his soul as Nyx's abyss-like, dark blue eyes stared hauntingly into his own.
The unsettling sensation only lasted a fraction of a second before the man released a hearty chuckle, shaking his head and dispelled the notion as he looked at Nyx with renewed interest. He couldn't help but marvel at the weapon he had created.
Now Nyx's bloodlust and killing intent were directed at him, he could fully appreciate just how much of a mental impact, even on the verge of defeat, Nyx could have on her opponents. Especially when they knew that she could not die and would return, again and again, until she had taken their lives.
He knew, without a doubt, that this is what his forces had been missing. It wasn't like he hadn't tried to create another Nyx. It was just that they all ended up breaking, often never returning, even if a soul crystal bound them.
At the exact same moment the man shook his head, without warning, Nyx's body suddenly flashed forward at an incredible speed. The chipped dagger in her hand seemed to split the air as it slashed towards the man's right eye, the one consistent weak spot on all cultivators.
Shock filled the man's eyes while a smile bloomed on his face.
It wasn't Nyx's speed or even the fact she had decided to attack when the difference in their cultivation made it impossible for her to gain anything from the exchange, but the black, shadow-like mist that was trailing her movements, subtly making it difficult to track her figure.
Something no core foundation cultivator should have been possible of.
Without much thought or effort, the man caught the blade between the tips of his two fingers, locking it in place.
Typically, this would be an end to the confrontation, the attacker realising their surprise attack had failed and retreating. However, much to the man's delight, instead, his eyes locked onto a demonic-like, black claw, it fingers pulled together in a spear-like posture, continuing onward towards his unprotected face.
Knowing Nyx so well, he already knew from the start that the dagger was a faint yet, even with Nyx's extraordinary affinity to darkness, he would never have expected that she could achieve so much while just at the core foundation level.
Nodding his head in approval, the man flicked his wrist and knocked Nyx's arm away without effort. Yet, instead of falling back or regaining her stance, Nyx's other hand grasped onto his wrist, using the momentum of the hit to start twisting her body as she was lifted off the ground.
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Lifting his head back slightly, pushing his arm out to take Nyx's body farther away, the man's eyes started to twinkle as he saw her foot, also covered in dark, sinister shadows resembling that of a demon's, whistle past his face. "Oh Nyx, this is why you are the best."
If it weren't for the current situation, it would seem like the man was about to declare his undying love for Nyx and try and whisk her away. "First stages of Shadow Step, partial physical essence manifestation, elemental substitution and soul attacks at only the core foundation rank. What else are you hiding? I know you still have some tricks and skills up your sleeve."
Nyx didn't respond, her emotionless mask once again fully in place, yet this only caused the man's smile to grow as the two started what, to any passing observer, would look like an incredibly deadly, yet majestic dance.
On one side, a tall, masculine male, dressed in golden robes, appearing to be an angel with his white, noble-looking wings while the other, shrouded in shadows that matched the colour of her hair and wearing a tattered dress covered in blood, a demoness.
Nyx's feet, elbows, legs and fists clashed with the man's hands and forearms, while his lazy, obviously held back, attacks caused her to twist and turn in bizarre, unnatural ways, her body seeming to flow like smoke.
As they fought, a black mist was slowly surrounding Nyx's body causing the few berserkers who were brave enough to watch the fight out of the corner of their eye, to see deceptive flickers and mirages.
The exchange continued for no more than thirty seconds, yet Nyx had already struck over fifty times, all of her attacks seemingly easily blocked by the man. He hadn't even moved from his spot. However, somewhat shockingly, the man had been forced to use both hands to prevent Nyx's attacks.
This wasn't because his body, with his current strength, would be injured by Nyx's attacks, but that no cultivator, no matter the opponent, would risk a hit. There were too many secret weapons, treasures and abilities that could transcend the ranking levels and cause one to lose their life or become critically injured.
The fact that Nyx was the one attacking, renowned for her often unorthodox methods, only furthered this point, causing the man to actually feel somewhat pressured. Especially after he had changed his plans after witnessing Nyx's connection with her new body and had held back, attempting not to injure.
A rumbling thunder emanated from the sky above as a biting wind started to blow down the war-torn street, causing the nearby fires to glow brighter as the smoke they emitted changed direction.
This caused the man to display a reluctant, almost disappointed, expression as he shrugged his shoulders. "Looks like our time is up, my little Nyx. Its a shame that we can't do this the easy way but worry not, I have changed my mind somewhat."
A sudden, terrifying pressure, slammed into Nyx and instantly dispersed the shadows that had been gradually building around her.
After being pushed back for over a meter, her feet back peddling so she wouldn't fall over, a faint line of red blood trickled from Nyx's nose. Yet, with a fluidity that would cause one to believe it had been her intent all along, Nyx naturally fell into an offensive stance as she glared at the man in front of her.