Elliott had heard the clash of steel before the "Sword-Breaking Technique" was unleashed. The moment his blade met Gabriel's, a rapid flurry of strikes followed, driving straight toward Gabriel's sword hand.
Gabriel swiftly abandoned his weapon and sneered, "Brat, your swordsmanship is impressive. So, what do you say? Will you join us?"
"You are unworthy of wielding a sword!" Elliott answered by snatching Gabriel's blade with his left hand.
Enraged, Gabriel snarled, "You're courting death, brat!" In an instant, his lightness skill propelled him behind Elliott, striking hard at his back.
Elliott hadn't anticipated Gabriel's lightness skill to be so profound. The brutal impact forced blood from his lips.
Amelia paled at the sight. "Elliott! Are you hurt?"
Even Henry and Sophia tensed—if Elliott fell, they would be left defenseless.
Elliott's mind flashed to a memory—a page describing the battle at Ju Xian Manor, where Lucas had failed to capture Gabriel with his Dragon-Subduing Skill, even as Gabriel carried another.
If even Lucas couldn't pin him down, his lightness skill must be extraordinary. I underestimated him. Losing by a hair's breadth against Lucas made me arrogant.
Shifting his stance, Elliott dispersed the force of the blow. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Relief washed over Amelia and Henry.
Frustration gnawed at Elliott—his only movement technique, the Lingbo Weibu, was for evasion. Still, he remained standing.
Gabriel taunted, "Can't even see me, yet you still act tough? Take another hit. Soon, I'll show you how I'll cherish your precious Amelia!"
Fury ignited in Elliott. In his past life, he had despised such predators—allowing his men to play, but never to force the unwilling.
I paid for my sins once. Now, I loathe those who prey on the innocent.
Channeling his energy, Elliott's sword hummed with a deep, draconic resonance—the full might of his Nine Yin Manual unleashed.
Gabriel grew wary, drawing a claw-like weapon tethered by a chain.
Amelia gasped. It's like Gabriel was made to counter Elliott! How can he defend against that chain?
Clang— The rattling links disrupted Elliott's hearing, masking Gabriel's position.
Swish! The claw shot toward Elliott's torso. He twisted aside—
Rip! His robes tore.
"Behind you!" Amelia warned as the claw whirled back. Elliott barely dodged.
Gabriel sneered, "Amelia, speak again, and I'll silence you first."
"Don't!" Elliott snapped. "Henry, protect her."
"Unless I die first," Henry vowed.
Elliott smirked. Still trying to impress her, even now.
Amelia blinked in surprise, glancing between Henry and Elliott—touched, yet still fearful.