Commander Silaini was profoundly astonished by the unexpected outcome of the confrontation between his smash and that of Prince Abalu. He hailed from the esteemed Wilberforce tribe and had undergone rigorous, specialized training. Despite this, Prince Abalu’s training is superior to that of Commander Silaini. Yet, the notion of someone at the core formation level matching the power of the fourth stage of Deva was beyond extraordinary—it was an achievement so remarkable that it seemed to belong only in the annals of legends, akin to the exploits of the great Emperor Ayrion.
The magnitude of the Prince’s feat was almost unfathomable. Ordinarily, surpassing even one level to fight someone more powerful was rare and impressive. But Prince Abalu had transcended multiple levels. Specifically, he was at the 9th stage of the core formation level. This meant he had not only surpassed the peak of the core formation level, but had also bypassed the pre-Deva level, the first stage of Deva, the second, third, and even the fourth stages of Deva. Essentially, he had skipped five stages to contend with someone at the advanced threshold of the fourth stage of Deva. Such a leap in power was so extraordinary that, if publicized, it would dominate headlines and discussions for weeks on end.
However, what preoccupied Commander Silaini was not just the Prince’s unbelievable power, but the immediate danger posed to his own life. His primary concern shifted from the astonishing display of strength to the pressing question of how he could escape. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he promptly drew his sword and harnessed the full extent of his cultivation. Initially, Silaini had been reluctant to harm the Prince, mindful of the potential repercussions from his master, Prince Armad. But the situation had escalated to a point where self-preservation took precedence over caution. He knew that if he did not unleash his full potential and mount a formidable offense against Prince Abalu, he would likely be killed.
Driven by this newfound resolve, Commander Silaini dispelled any reservations about injuring the Prince. With unwavering determination, he channeled all his cultivation into his sword. Instantly, the weapon began to emit a peculiar, luminous light. As he swung his sword towards Prince Abalu, the very air around them seemed to resonate with the force of the strike, echoing as if it had been cleaved by the blade.
Upon witnessing the attack launched by the commander, Prince Abalu frowned. His expression tightened as he instinctively drew his sword. He decided against channeling any cultivation into his blade, fully aware that a clash of cultivations would leave him at a severe disadvantage. His only viable strategy lay in leveraging his demon, which he knew surpassed the commander’s demon in strength. Almost instantly, the white fire he had become renowned for enveloped his sword, radiating an intense heat.
As sparks of fire collided with sparks of cultivation, the two attacks met with a force that seemed almost tangible. The resulting explosion was deafening, echoing through the room and up into the rafters. The sheer force of it was enough to blow the roof apart, sending debris flying. The walls began to crack and splinter under the pressure, causing alarm among the hotel’s occupants, who quickly became aware of the violent confrontation occurring within.
Minutes seemed like hours as the explosion’s aftermath settled. When the chaos finally subsided, the remnants of the ceiling revealed the open sky above. The room, once whole, was now a scene of devastation.
Despite the ferocity of the clash, neither Prince Abalu nor the commander had been pushed back, a fact that visibly surprised the latter. The commander had used the full extent of his cultivation, yet the prince had managed to hold his ground. This indicated that the disparity between their demons was significant enough to equalize the gap in their cultivation levels. But this was not the only concern weighing on the commander’s mind. He felt an unexpected heaviness in his hand as if he had been battling a foe far stronger than anticipated.
Cultivators who follow the path of bodily strengthening are known for their unique ability to transfer the power of their physical form through their weapon and into their opponent. The commander was well aware of this phenomenon, yet he had not expected it to manifest so strongly in this encounter. Prince Abalu was renowned for his exceptional physical toughness and strength, attributes that had continually grown with his cultivation. Generally, it was accepted that if one’s cultivation level surpassed that of an opponent with a strong body, their own body would naturally possess sufficient resilience and strength.
The commander had believed that his advancement to the fourth stage of Deva, compared to Prince Abalu’s position at the ninth stage, would ensure his body’s toughness was adequate to counter the prince’s physical prowess. However, this belief was now being challenged. The single exchange had left the commander feeling a noticeable heaviness in his hand, a clear sign that Prince Abalu’s physical strength was more formidable than he had anticipated.
This realization brought a new level of respect for his opponent. The commander’s assumptions about the prince’s capabilities had been shattered, leading him to reassess his strategies. The gap between their cultivation might have been significant, but the prince’s superior demon and extraordinary physical resilience had leveled the playing field.
At that moment, the commander observed that the prince was not looking at him but rather at his sword. Unconsciously, the commander’s gaze followed, drawn to his blade. It was then that he realized the light of cultivation emanating from his sword had significantly diminished. The once vibrant glow was now a faint shimmer, overshadowed by the white fire burning on the metal. This realization caused the commander to frown in frustration. He started to think that the prince didn’t even care that he was at the fourth stage of Deva and belonged to the prestigious tribe of Wilberforce.
Noticing the commander’s frown, the prince waved his hand dismissively and said, “Don’t worry. Dying by my hand is an honor. Besides, you are not the first person at the fourth stage of Deva from the tribe of Wilberforce to be killed by my sword. What are you worrying about?” As he spoke, he waved his hand as if to suggest that the commander should already understand this.
The commander was unsure if the prince was telling the truth. Even if the prince were lying, it wouldn’t be surprising, as people often use such deceptions to demoralize their opponents. However, the commander was certain the prince was not lying. Letting such information out could be a strategic move to deceive their opponents. If everyone knew the prince could kill someone at the fourth stage of Deva, they would prepare against him. However, if they did not know, he could use their ignorance to his advantage.
The commander’s thoughts raced as he analyzed the situation. He realized that if the prince’s claim was true, it meant that the prince had already faced and defeated powerful opponents like himself. This revelation was unsettling. The commander knew that prolonging the battle might deplete the prince’s cultivation, but there was no guarantee. The prince’s confidence suggested a deep reserve of power, possibly bolstered by the mysterious white fire.
The commander considered his options. Engaging in a prolonged battle was risky. How could he ensure that his cultivation wouldn’t deplete first? He did not know how much energy the white fire consumed. The prince’s unwavering confidence implied that he could continue fighting indefinitely with the white fire alone. This realization led the commander to a difficult decision.
After a tense moment of staring at each other, the commander decided that continuing to fight the young man would be fruitless. The risks were too high, and the outcome too uncertain. Perhaps if he prolonged the battle, he could deplete the prince’s cultivation and gain an advantage. However, this was a gamble he was not willing to take. The prince’s aura of invincibility was too strong, and the commander knew that retreating was the best option.
With a heavy heart and a mind filled with frustration, the commander resolved to sneak away and flee. His pride as a warrior and a member of the Wilberforce tribe was wounded, but survival and the chance to fight another day took precedence. He moved stealthily, hoping to escape the prince’s notice and live to recount this encounter, perhaps to find a way to counter the prince’s formidable power in the future.
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Now, he had wasted a significant amount of time. If those devas under his command had followed his orders immediately, they would have already fled the town. He was certain that they would have escaped by now if they hadn’t been so insistent on capturing Nura Bayajidda. However, he knew they would indeed prioritize fleeing because he had explicitly told them that reporting to Armad was more important than catching the man. The urgency of the situation demanded that they relay the information as soon as possible.
Reflecting on his decision, he realized he needed to flee as well. Time was running out, and staying any longer would only jeopardize his safety. He decided to head east, aiming for the cardinal point where he hoped to find temporary refuge. The prince’s attacks were relentless, and he knew he had to act quickly. Just as the prince prepared to launch another assault, he seized the opportunity. He soared into the sky with impressive speed, his movements swift and calculated. He exited the room through the already-destroyed roof, debris scattering in his wake.
However, his attempted flight was abruptly halted as he noticed the prince’s body materialize before him, an unexpected and unwelcome development. It became apparent that the prince was not merely endowed with a fearsome demon and a formidable physique but had also mastered a skill that enhanced his speed, complicating the commander’s escape plan.
“Do you truly believe that you can evade my grasp so effortlessly? Cease this futile endeavor,” the prince taunted, his laughter dripping with provocation. Observing the commander’s frantic contemplation of escape, the prince maintained a firm resolve, intent on thwarting any potential flight.
Enraged and resolute, the commander gritted his teeth, his eyes ablaze with a fiery intensity. With a swift motion, he unsheathed a new sword, discarding the one that had previously rested in his grasp. Launching a relentless barrage of strikes and assaults from multiple cardinal points, he attacked the prince with a fervor akin to that of a rabid beast. Acknowledging that fleeing was no longer a viable option, he resolved to exhaust all of his resources in a final, desperate attempt to challenge the dominance of the haughty prince.
In a moment of eerie anticipation, the prince seemed to anticipate the commander’s aggressive move. Suddenly enveloped in a radiant white fire that emanated from every inch of his being, he appeared as a spectral figure, his entire form obscured save for his eyes and the upper portion of his nose. Even the sword clutched in his hand was shrouded in the ethereal flames. Without hesitation, a fierce and chaotic battle erupted in the skies above, a spectacle that captivated the attention of the town’s inhabitants.
As the tumultuous clash unfolded, the townspeople could do little but watch in awe as the sky ignited with sparks of fire and peculiar lights, obscuring the combatants in a veil of mystique and danger.
If we move to the walls of the town, we will find that Nura Bayajidda has already reached them. He stands as the first among the six people who attempted to flee to reach the wall. Even though the assistant of Commander Silaini began his escape before anyone else, Nura Bayajidda managed to reach the town’s wall ahead of him.
Nura Bayajidda has firmly resolved in his mind that he will not surrender to the legion under any circumstances. He believes that the legion is targeting members of his tribe for investigation, which motivates his strong refusal to give himself up. Without wasting any time, he arrives at the town’s wall. He has no intention of leaving through the town gate; instead, he decides to soar into the air in an attempt to exit the town. From his elevated vantage point, he can see the landscape beyond the town. At high speed, he tries to escape, his eyes fixed on the horizon, disregarding everything in his immediate path.
However, before he fully realizes what is happening, he crashes into an invisible but solid barrier. Before he can comprehend the situation, a powerful, freezing cultivation propels him backward. He momentarily loses his vision, and when he regains consciousness, he finds himself over 100 meters away from where he initially struck the barrier. As he collapses to the ground, he tastes something sweet in his mouth. Glancing down, he sees blood and understands that the sweet taste is from the blood emerging from his mouth. In a state of great surprise, he lifts his head to look at the section of the wall he collided with, but he sees nothing there.
There is no time to waste, so he doesn’t even pause to examine his body for injuries. His primary concern is the rapid pounding of his heart. He contemplates whether invisible walls have been employed to seal the town and prevent anyone from leaving. This thought troubles him deeply, especially since he recently observed people entering the town without issue. Does this mean that while entry is permitted, exit is impossible?
These questions whirl through Nura Bayajidda’s mind as he tries to make sense of his predicament.
Determined not to give up, he begins to strategize his next move, he bent down and picked up a rugged stone from the earth, its weight familiar in his palm. With a swift motion, he launched the stone into the air, aiming it high above the towering wall that encircled the town.
The stone arced gracefully through the sky, its trajectory interrupted as it collided with an unseen barrier just above the wall. To his astonishment, the stone rebounded with a force stronger than the throw that had propelled it. A sense of urgency gripped Nura as the stone hurtled back towards him, a dangerous projectile seeking its mark.
Aware that the impact, even on his resilient form, would bring about pain, Nura’s instincts kicked in. Without a moment’s hesitation, he activated the latent speed within his body, evading the stone’s path with a fluid grace. The stone crashed into the ground where he had stood mere moments ago, leaving a deep indentation in its wake.
Gritting his teeth, Nura realized the grim truth – invisible barriers encased the town, a prison for him and the other devas trapped within its confines. Yet, undeterred by this revelation, a glimmer of hope sparked within him. If the earthly paths were blocked, the skies remained open, beckoning him to soar beyond the clouds and toward freedom.
In a decisive moment, Nura retrieved a vial of potent medicine from his magical bag, a remedy known to heal wounds and restore vitality. For cultivators like him, especially those of deva stature, acquiring such medicine was not a challenge, given their access to wealth and resources. Pharmacies scattered across towns, ranging from humble shops to establishments linked to major medicine producers, offered these healing elixirs without hesitation.
As the medicine worked its magic, staunching the flow of blood from his mouth and fortifying his body, Nura’s resolve solidified. With a powerful leap, he propelled himself skyward, his form ascending into the heavens with purpose. The town below dwindled into miniature structures, and its inhabitants appeared as minuscule specks from his lofty vantage point.
Pausing at the zenith of his ascent, Nura surveyed the vast expanse below, a realm of possibilities stretching out before him. Despite the allure of reaching greater heights, he understood the limitations imposed by the skies. Every cultivator, no matter their strength, faced a boundary to their aerial pursuits, a threshold beyond which the thinning air rendered further ascent perilous.
It is well known that the ability to soar to great heights in the sky is often used to categorize cultivators into different classes. The higher a cultivator can ascend, the greater their power is considered to be. For over 95 percent of the populace, the pinnacle of their cultivation is the fourth stage of Deva. However, even within the fourth stage, the strength of individuals can vary significantly. These differences in power are often measured by the varying altitudes they can achieve in flight.
Nura Bayajidda sighed deeply as he contemplated his next move. He had made a resolute decision: despite the vast and seemingly impenetrable invisible wall that enclosed the town, he was certain that it did not reach where he was. He knew that if he could surpass this barrier, evading capture would become a feasible task. His plan included the possibility of digging a hole and hiding for several months, confident that the relentless search for him would eventually wane. By then, he hoped that the king’s legion would abandon their pursuit of his tribe members.
Determined, Nura continued his ascent, flying higher and higher until he reached the periphery of the town. From his lofty vantage point, the town’s wall appeared diminutive. It required a keen eye to distinguish the faint outline of the barrier far below.
Nura sighed once more, but this time, he was wary of the risk of accelerating to high speeds. Reaching into his magical bag, he retrieved some stones, and a few cultivation artifacts that held little value. He retreated a few steps and then hurled a stone with all his might, holding his breath in anticipation. He hoped fervently that the stone would pass through the space unimpeded. Alas, his hopes were dashed. As had happened before, the stone was forcefully repelled, careening back towards him with alarming speed, as if it were an attack aimed directly at him.
Caught off guard, Nura attempted to dodge, but his surprise slowed his reflexes. The stone struck the side of his hand with brutal force, tearing away skin and muscle. Despite having activated the toughness of his body, a defense mechanism meant to protect him from such injuries, the stone still managed to inflict significant damage.
Clutching his wounded hand, Nura gritted his teeth against the pain. This unexpected turn of events left him grappling with a harsh reality. The impenetrable barrier surrounding the town seemed insurmountable. Did this mean there was no escape from the oppressive confines of the town? Nura’s mind raced as he considered his dwindling options. The path to freedom appeared increasingly elusive, and the weight of his predicament pressed heavily upon him.