Chapter 2323: Meylin vs Atena
More and more wounds appeared across the body of the Enlightened One as the battle carried on. He had already abandoned the idea of escaping purely through speed; the woman was not only faster but stronger, so she could catch up to him and stop his advance with ease.
The only chance he had was to find a brief opening, wound her, and then flee before she recovered. Unfortunately, things were not going well.
His staff moved in irregular, unpredictable patterns—extending, enlarging, and twisting with each thought—but the woman’s arm had turned completely obsidian, allowing her to block the staff with nothing but her bare hand. Whenever she struck him in return, he suffered serious internal injuries.
Another palm strike landed against his chest, sending the Enlightened One crashing through several trees. He slammed into the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
"Answer my question, and I will show you mercy," the violet-eyed woman said. "I promise it in my name—Atena."
She paused her relentless assault to offer that sentence, but the Enlightened One forced himself upright, using his staff to stabilize his staggering body. He shot her a blood-tinged glare. His eyes held nothing but determination, fearlessness, and killing intent.
Atena sighed softly. "Fine, then."
She nodded once—an acknowledgment of his resolve—but the respect in her gaze did not translate into clemency. She flashed forward, her obsidian arm aiming to crush his internal organs in the next blow.
Yet just as their attacks were about to clash again, the killing intent of the Enlightened One suddenly acted like a gate. Starlight seemed to tear open the air, and a young woman with shimmering hair appeared. With both swords, the True Depravita unleashed a torrent of razor-sharp force that engulfed Atena and blasted her backward.
The Enlightened One allowed himself a brief smile at the sight of Meylin beside him, though he didn’t dare lower his guard.