Chapter 1259 Great Progress (Part 2): Polishing the Ever-Changing Fighting Style
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Shin stared at the clones for a couple of moments before deciding to take the initiative this time. Since they did not want to make their moves, he might as well initiate the battle since he was quite itching to test everything that was running inside his head.
lightsnοvεl.cοm Bang!
With a strong stomp on the ground, he left a deep footprint as he disappeared along with a strong sonic boom.
He then appeared right in front of the Elemental Clone while raising the greatsword in the air and was about to smash it down.
He had chosen this clone as his first target since from what he had observed up until now, this clone was strong in frontal confrontations due to its unique style of fighting where it could constantly change its sword that would fit any situation. It could also reinforce each of its attacks with the corresponding elemental mana that would complement the skills that it used.
The unification of 'Mondi's Style' and 'Regan's Method' legacy skills along with the other in-game skills under his arsenal could be found in this clone.
But despite it being a powerful technique, it was still far from being perfect. Shin could still spot some glaring mistakes from it after clashing against them multiple times.
The most obvious flaw that he could see from the fighting style of the Elemental Clone was the little gaps that it had when transitioning between each sword transformation.
So long as Shin was able to time it perfectly and seize that moment properly, then he could beat this clone one-sidedly.
It took Shin quite some time to be able to properly read the timing and get used to it. But given his Battle Genius Talent, he was still able to adjust himself and seize the opportunity when it presented itself.
He still could not do this before since he was also facing the same problem as the Elemental Clone. Moreover, the gap that he had when transitioning from each form of 'Mondi's Style' was much more obvious than the clone, so he would only be looking for trouble if he challenged the Elemental Clone on this style.
But after being enlightened earlier, Shin found a way how to cover these flaws.
The answer that he had gotten was the combination of the three special breathing techniques and the circulation methods of the 'Perfected Four Symbol Scripture.'
So long as he was able to apply the necessary elements for each transformation and sword technique during the transition between the sword forms, then he would be able to gain a decent advantage in this kind of confrontation against the Elemental Clone.
Swoosh!
Seeing that Shin shot straight to it and swung that massive greatsword, the Elemental Clone quickly pulled back while trying to raise its own greatsword, trying to block the incoming attack.
Bang!
Due to its lack of proper footing, the Elemental Clone was forced to kneel on the ground once again after receiving the attack from Shin.
Shin quickly retracted the greatsword after forcing the Elemental Clone. He then released the 'Judgement Form' and turned the sword back into its sheath form while putting the [Yamato] inside it.
He took a step back and assumed a sword-drawing stance as his breathing rhythm changed once again. The 'Solar Breathing Technique' and 'Golden Immortality Technique' worked together once again while channeling the elemental mana toward the sheathed sword.
Hu~!
After exhaling loudly, a blazing stream came out of his mouth as he pulled the [Yamato] out of its sheath and horizontally swung the sword, drawing a full circle in the air.
Shing!
'Jade Kirin Scripture: Quick Draw (Fire and Metal Form): Sunlight Cleaver'
Swoosh!
This was yet another Skill that he had created for his Class-Fighting Style Series. Applying its principles in his sword techniques and combining it with the Jade Kirin Scripture, he produced a much better result.
Bang! Bang!
The blazing ring that he had created extended outward and swept through everything before clashing against the Sword Phantom and the Eclipse Clone that charged at him intending to save their comrade.
The blazing ring barely missed the Elemental Clone due to it kneeling on the ground. It did not hesitate to quickly lower its head further down when it saw Shin's actions.
It was able to save its head from being severed by that attack!
Shin shifted his stance and raised the [Yamato] in the air while maintaining his breathing. But this time, the 'Golden Immortality Technique' had priority compared to the 'Solar Breathing Technique'.
The Metal Element had the dominant position while the Fire Element supported it.
Then Shin drew a straight line in the air, stroking the sword in a strong and domineering manner.
The sword slashed down, threatening to cleave the Elemental Clone in halves, which was still kneeling in front of him.
'Four Symbol Scripture: Sacred White Tiger Method (Fire Reinforced): White Fang'
Swoosh!
As the sword struck down, the Doppel Phantom suddenly materialized in front of Shin and pulled out a sword to block the strike.
The sword was shrouded with dark and shadowy aura. It looked like a black miasma that had multiple forms and transitioning from one to another.
Bang!
Crack! Crack!
The collision between the two sides resulted in a strong impact. The huge cracks appeared on the white floor of the Trial Grounds and spread in every direction as both sides refused to back down.
Shin slightly frowned his brows as he found the actions of the Doppel Phantom were much different from what he could remember. This clone was supposedly fighting like an assassin that would constantly ambush him whenever he left an opening, yet here it was fighting very differently.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
While Shin was thinking about what had happened, he suddenly heard a series of swooshing sounds and was forced to retreat.
He then saw the flying daggers and paralyzing needles heading toward him while being shrouded by the dark and shadowy aura of the Doppel Phantom.
Shin adjusted his breathing and transformed the sheath on his left hand into a transparent long sword.
'Legacy Skill: Mondi's Style – Meteor Form'
Fiery flames and metallic luster covered the swords on each of his hands as he repeatedly swung them to block the incoming daggers and needles.
Swoosh!
While he was busy dealing with those, the Doppel Phantom suddenly disappeared and revealed the Elemental Clone that just recovered behind it.
Looking over, Shin saw the Elemental Clone suddenly charge at him thrusting its version of a transparent longsword forward. This sword was covered with a similar fiery flame and metallic luster that Shin's swords had.
Staring at the incoming Elemental Clone, Shin was able to instantly deduce which in-game skills this clone had combined while executing this move – the 'Sword Rush' and 'Sunlight Movement'.
Shin braced himself and was about to face the incoming opponent when he noticed the sneaky movements of the Sword Phantom.
From the corner of his eyes, he could see that the Sword Phantom assumed a familiar sword-drawing stance while channeling its mana on the sheathed sword. Then it strongly stomped on the ground and propelled itself toward him like a bullet.
During its flight, the Sword Phantom unsheathed the sword and swung it forward while leaving a trail of light in the air.
This was yet another familiar skill that Shin loved to use as his signature move before – 'Moonlight Splitter!'
And as if it was not enough, he also caught a glimpse of the Eclipse Clone making its move from the opposite direction.
The Eclipse Clone also charged at him while dragging its pair of swords behind it. Those words released a pair of opposing mana, leaving a trailing of black and white light in the air.
Then it threw a cross slash at Shin when it reached the ideal distance to attack.
"Tsk!" Shin clicked his thought as he made some adjustments to his stance.
His breathing technique changed once again.
Removing the 'Solar Breathing Technique', the 'Golden Immortality' and 'Great Dominator' Techniques united once again.
The 'Meteor Form' disappeared and was swapped with the 'Judgement Form'.
But instead of holding the greatsword and using it for his next attack, he stabbed it onto the ground while channeling the earth and metal elemental mana.
Shin then activated his in-game skills to reinforce himself and act as a model for his next technique. These skills were the 'Eclipse Pulse', the 'Metal Synergy' Elemental Skill, and the 'Pulse of Earth.'
Runes appeared on the ground underneath his feet and formed a magical formation.
Swoosh!
A transparent barrier quickly appeared hiding Shin within. This barrier was releasing the combined metallic luster and earthen glow of metal and earth elements.
It was a different version of the 'Eclipse Pulse' compared to when he was using it with the 'Solar Breathing Technique' and fire element.
'Four Symbol Scripture: Divine Yellow Dragon Method – Immovable Mountain'
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The three attacks landed on the barrier simultaneously and created a huge explosion upon collision. But despite how strong those attacks were, they sill not able to break through such a sturdy defense.
Aside from making it shake intensely, their attacks did not do much. Not even a scratch was present.
But Shin was not done yet as he snapped his fingers and detonated the barrier right before the three clones sensed the danger.
It was the 'Eclipse Counter' infused with a different element.
Boom!
Shin was about to continue pressing the three clones with more aggressive attacks, planning to suppress them before they could even adjust to his current self.
But before he could even make his move, he suddenly frowned deeply as he could not feel their presence nearby.
He was sure that the previous explosion was not enough to kill any of them, which was why he wanted to quickly follow it up. But since he could not find them anywhere near him, this could only mean that they were no longer within his 'Sensing Circle.'
We were able to escape in time despite how unexpected his move was.
He somewhat expecting that to happen. But the question remained the same. How did they escape within that brief moment?
The answer was immediately revealed when he saw the three clones standing in the distance while their bodies were currently covered with a cloud of black smoke.
"The Doppel Phantom?" muttered Shin with a hint of uncertainty despite fully knowing the answer.
He knew that the Doppel Phantom had done it, but he did not know how and when it happened.
Regardless, he did not dwell too much on it as he would know the answer eventually as he continued to fight them. As the battle progressed, he would gain more experience of their respective styles and understand them more.
It would not take that much time for him to realize their weakness and beat them in the process.
Having that in mind, Shin pulled the greatsword up from the ground and reverted it to its sheath form before putting the [Yamato] in it once again.
He did not wait even for an instant as he quickly charged forward. He sprinted at full speed and left a series of afterimages behind as he kept on changing his direction with a certain rhythm.
Seeing his actions, the four clones also took their respective stances before charging at him with the same level of aggressiveness.
Shin smirked when he saw their 'welcoming' gestures. He then accelerated his speed even further and transformed into a streak of light that cut through the air.
The air behind him was also lit ablaze as he adjusted his breathing. The 'Solar Breathing' and 'Golden Immortality' Techniques were utilized once again, making the fire meet metal for another time.
Swoosh!
Unsheathing the sword, he suddenly swung it forward and threw a straight stab.
Shing!
The raging flame flowed from the tip of the sword and spread through its blade, creating spiraling movements as he advanced and cut through the formation of the four clones.
'Jade Kirin Scripture: Quick Draw (Fire and Metal Form) – Blazing Final'
Swoosh!
The four clones quickly scattered in different directions, avoiding the path that Shin was taking.
After separating them from one another and standing in the middle of their ranks, Shin quickly initiated another attack. He picked a random target and charged at Eclipse Clone, which was the nearest.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Intense exchanges immediately took place as the Eclipse Clone tried to fight back.
The sheath on Shin's left hand had taken the 'Meteor Form' once again and become a transparent long sword as he attacked.
Naturally, the other clones would not stay in their respective positions and watch Shin overwhelm the Eclipse Clone one-sidedly.
Making their moves, they charged at Shin from different directions and threw their respective attacks.
Clang! Clang!
Cling!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Despite being surrounded by the close from every direction, Shin remained calm and cool-headed. He kept on responding to each of their attacks, not leaving a single opening.
What was surprising about this was not how he was able to hold himself against them alone without being at any disadvantage. But it was the fact that he kept on transitioning between different breathing techniques and used the corresponding fighting style in the middle of this chaotic battle.
He would always pick the best technique that would fit the situation and act according to this. It could either be a movement technique, a defensive technique, or even an offensive technique – any choice that he made would perfectly fit that situation and help him escape any difficult predicament.
Aside from this, the sheath on his left hand would constantly change its form during the battle.
Sometimes, it was in its original form when he was using those sword-drawing attacks and sword techniques under the 'Jade Kirin Scripture.'
At times, it was taking the form of a greatsword when he was utilizing the 'Divine Yellow Dragon' and 'Sacred White Tiger' Methods of the 'Four Symbol Scripture.'
There were also some instances when it transformed into a longsword or a rapier when he was applying the techniques from the 'Celestial Vermilion Bird Method.'
When he was using these techniques and sword forms, the three special breathing techniques – 'Solar Breathing,' 'Golden Immortality,' and 'Great Dominator' – would always be utilized accordingly.
This fighting style might still be far from being perfect because of the few missing pieces. But Shin was already satisfied with his current progress.
The 'Holy Azure Dragon' and 'Heavenly Black Tortoise' Methods would find their way into the system when the time was right, forming the perfect fighting style for his Mentalism and Swordsmanship.
Moreover, his Battle Genuis Talent along with the Natural State fitted for it were constantly adjusting and growing alongside him. It would not take that long for him to reach the height that he was aiming for and perfected this fighting style.
And that time might arrive sooner than what he had expected.
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