I have an Apocalypse City

Chapter 584: Chapter 584: Challenge

During the sacrificial ceremony, challenging other racial elites who were invited was a tradition of the Blackhoof Tribe, as well as a means for the tribe to showcase its strength to the outside world.

Elites from other races could refuse the challenge, but by refusing, they would automatically lose the qualification to participate in the upcoming ceremony.

Facing Xerxes’ challenge, Song Jian stepped forward and shouted loudly, “I accept the challenge!”

In response to Xerxes’ challenge and Song Jian’s acceptance, all members of the Blackhoof Tribe let out a unanimous cheer—a show of appreciation and support for both Xerxes and Song Jian.

Xerxes pulled out a pair of metal gauntlets from his chest and wore them on his hands. The gauntlets’ surface was built from countless metal scales, resembling snake scales. On the knuckles of the gauntlets, there were wild beast fangs inlaid and protruding outward, looking extra ferocious.

Song Jian squinted. The surface of Xerxes’ gauntlets emitted a dark gold glow, indicating they were Dark Gold Quality weapons. In terms of grade, they were not much different from his Crimson Fire Heart Ape Sword.

With a thought, Song Jian’s Crimson Fire Heart Ape Sword appeared in his palm. The two of them faced each other, their auras constantly building and the battle ready to ignite.

“Be careful!” Xerxes shouted in a low voice, his gauntlet-covered fist striking down towards Song Jian. The fangs on his gauntlet shimmered with cold light, closing in on Song Jian’s face in an instant.

“So fast!” Song Jian was startled. Even though Xerxes was a few levels lower than him, only level 26, he felt Xerxes was even stronger than a level 30 elite.

Song Jian brandished his Crimson Fire Heart Ape Sword to block Xerxes’ punch, then took the opportunity to thrust his sword forward at Xerxes’ neck.

Xerxes’ body was like a python, swaying gently, barely dodging yet giving Song Jian an intense sense of danger. The sword in his hand was less than three centimeters away from Xerxes’ neck. With a slight extension, it could penetrate through his throat.

However, Song Jian retreated hastily with a look of surprise on his face, as if he wasn’t about to pierce Xerxes but rather Xerxes was stabbing towards his throat.

In the blink of an eye, Xerxes let out a growl, and a strong surge of energy suddenly erupted from his body. The surrounding air burst into a thunderous roar, and the solid rocks beneath their feet trembled violently. Many places cracked open, revealing finger-width fissures.

Seeing Song Jian evade in time, Xerxes also revealed a moment of surprise in his eyes. Song Jian’s sensitivity to danger had exceeded Xerxes’ expectations.

With a twist of his body, Xerxes leaped into the air. The momentum between his fists was like a hurricane, emitting a piercing scream.

A tremendous force burst out from Xerxes’ fists, like a mountain pressing down, rushing towards Song Jian.

Broken Wing Dance!

A dazzling Sword Qi blossomed from the Crimson Fire Heart Ape Sword. Facing Xerxes, Song Jian fiercely slashed towards the sky.

For a moment, the two of them exchanged blows, the sound of intense clashes occasionally erupting like thunder on the peak of Mount Dagoa.

It didn’t take long for them to exchange dozens of moves, with the battle reaching its boiling point. The unrestrained Sword Qi and surging fist force forced the onlookers to retreat three or four meters away.

The fierce battle between the two men stirred the blood of the young minotaurs all around, who couldn’t help but cheer excitedly, clapping their hands. Kalu was left dumbfounded.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Xerxes unleash his full strength…” Kalu stared intently at the battling duo, his eyes filled with admiration for Song Jian.

Xerxes was the most formidable among the young minotaurs and was heralded as the Blackhoof Tribe’s most promising young warrior. Minotaur warriors of his age could hardly put up a fight against him. Kalu hadn’t seen Xerxes unleash his full power in a long time.

“To be able to fight like this with Xerxes, the strength of this human is not to be underestimated!” An elderly minotaur next to Kane, leaning on a cane, remarked solemnly.

The old minotaur was an elder of the Blackhoof Tribe who had been strongly opposed to Song Jian participating in the sacrificial ceremony. Now that he had seen Song Jian’s strength, he had come to acknowledge and accept Song Jian’s abilities.

Kane remained silent, enjoying the show of the two warriors. Although they seemed to be fighting fiercely, Song Jian had not yet unleashed his full strength. At least, he had not used the power that could double his abilities and directly compete with the Shadow Giant Dragon.

If Song Jian were to unleash his full power, Xerxes would not stand a chance against him.

After another exchange, Song Jian and Xerxes were separated by a distance of three to four meters, standing face to face.

“I can feel that you’re still holding back. Next, I will unleash my strongest move. If you can withstand it, I will admit that you have the qualification to participate in the upcoming sacrificial ceremony!” Xerxes stared into Song Jian’s eyes, speaking word by word.

Xerxes could clearly sense that Song Jian had not given it his all, which was something he found hard to accept. While Song Jian’s strength was indeed high, the gap between them should not be so vast.

Song Jian smiled slightly and held his sword across his chest, saying to Xerxes, “Come on.”

Xerxes’ hands spread open in front of him like claws, ready to pounce like a ferocious beast. His lower body stood firm, his upper body leaned forward, and his waist slightly swaying, exuding a violent, bloodthirsty air.

“Tiger Demon Fist!” Xerxes let out a roar akin to a tiger’s growl, the air trembling in response. In an instant, he transformed into a terrifying whirlwind, swirling around his body.

Song Jian suddenly saw a blur before his eyes. The next moment, he felt a violent pain in his abdomen. As the pang of pain crept up his chest, it felt as if he had been bitten by a wild beast.

Xerxes’ figure turned into a terrifying tornado, and Song Jian’s eyes couldn’t even capture his movements. He could only passively endure the onslaught of attacks.

One punch, two punches, three punches… Song Jian was battered around like a human punching bag, without any room for retaliation. The young minotaur observers erupted in exultant roars, their excitement palpable.

Song Jian was hit by several heavy punches, his Vitality Points dropping by a third. Xerxes’ speed was too fast for the naked eye to catch, making it seemingly impossible for a level 26 Minotaur warrior to bear.

“He won’t be able to hold on for much longer!” Song Jian’s eyes narrowed, and his sword started to move automatically in his hand.

Tai Chi Sword Skill!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

A series of crisp collision sounds rang out as countless sparks exploded around Song Jian’s body. Each burst of sparks was the result of a collision between Xerxes’ metal gauntlets and the sword.

With the seemingly slow yet swift Tai Chi Sword Skill, Song Jian blocked almost all of Xerxes’ attacks. Despite a few punches slipping through, their damage had been reduced by 92%, preventing Xerxes from causing any further harm to Song Jian.

…